Now This is Pretty Nice, Especially for $15.

DC will be presenting a trade paperback collection of every Batman adventure, in color, in chronological order!

BATMAN CHRONICLES VOL. 1 reprints Batman stories from DETECTIVE COMICS #27-37 and BATMAN #1, featuring the earliest adventures of the Dark Knight by Batman creator Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Gardner Fox, Jerry Robinson and Sheldon Moldoff. Future volumes in this series reprint stories from DETECTIVE COMICS, BATMAN, WORLD'S FINEST and other titles throughout the character's history, all presented chronologically based on publication date!

Old Friends, New Spaces

Readers of this site should note that 2 new entries have been listed under the LINKS banner on the right side of your screen. Several of our great friends (and Mississippi State Alumni) have set up their own digs.

First there's Vindauga Gallery which is a collection of work, thought, and words from 2 artists (wah & jah) here in Jackson and their contributor from out in the hinterlands...Dr. Wagner.

Next is Pretty Fakes from Gorj. (see the Bill Clinton, Kid President toon below). I hear there may be posts by axxion makeout girl-reporter, Hot jaxxie on this site. we'll see.

check them out often!

Where Have All the Comics Gone?....Long Time Passing.

Once upon a time there was a blog called Catoptric, and on that blog was a writer named Gorj. He used to draw some of the best cartoons, often getting his most clever thoughts out through images rather than just plain ole text. He came up with an ongoing series, loosely referred to as "Bill Clinton, Kid President". I have one of his original sketches, which i post for you here today. maybe ONE DAY Captoptric will have awesome cartoons again, and maybe one day Gorj. will draw for us again. 'Til then, nobody's gonna be all up ons.

Dirty Doctors

In a deposition today i had a doctor say he didn't like his patient picking a doctor by name because he assumed the client's attorney (guess who) would be picking doctors that skew their results to favor plaintiffs. he said that was a problem (in Mississippi).

I asked that asshole to list for me the name of EVERY doctor he's EVER seen in ANY field that shaped his records to favor plaintiffs and lawsuits.

he couldn't name one person.

I then asked him if he'd ever heard of doctors slanting their views for DEFENDANTS. he said he'd NEVER HEARD of such a thing.

of course.

Who Coulda MADE This!

Good lord! who designed this thing! look what you press to make him squirt! now look where you fill the water gun! NO WAY this was an accidental concept.

See Something You Don't Like? Ignore it!

Pollution is FINE...as long as they donated to the Republicans. Don't believe me? see the Post.

"When the Environmental Protection Agency unveiled a rule last week to limit mercury emissions from U.S. power plants, officials emphasized that the controls could not be more aggressive because the cost to industry already far exceeded the public health payoff.

What they did not reveal is that a Harvard University study paid for by the EPA, co-authored by an EPA scientist and peer-reviewed by two other EPA scientists, had reached the opposite conclusion."

When public opinion doesn't matter

I've been greatly disturbed by the Terri Schiavo situation down in Florida. i'm bothered that her wishes are being ignored. i'm bothered that the Anti-Abortion movement has hijacked her life to use for their own ends...namely to tie a tenuous cord between those who want to die and abortion. It should be noted that most do NOT extend this to the logical connection to ban the death penalty. I'm bothered by the Republican in congress is using this issue, not in the interests of this woman, but in the promotion of their own political fortunes with a section of evangelical christians. i'm bothered by the GOP willingness to ignore their own 'values' about Federalism when it suits their (or their donor's) whim.

That being said, I'm sorta happy that these Jackasses got it wrong. ABC news commissioned a poll that shows the nation nearly 70% in AGAINST the GOP on this one. further, those identifying themselves as "conservative Republicans" are 58% against it, and 67% of the public sees this as a political stunt for the GOP.

Despite the public being against it in THESE numbers, the Networks barely mention the public opinion numbers. Some say it's because they have a tendency against aggression with the GOP on hot-button issues for the party.

...Maybe. I think they hope for better ratings w/ a controversy and presenting it as a lopsided issue of public opinion wouldn't pull that off. The real debate is between the GOP and the public that doesn't want their meddling in private lives. now THAT is the story the press is afraid to touch.

MISSISSIPPI STATE KILLS STANFORD!!!

93 to 70. not bad at ALL!

HOLY CRAP!

NEW YORK (AP) - Bernard Ebbers, who built WorldCom from a humble Mississippi long-distance firm into a telecommunications titan, was convicted Tuesday of engineering the colossal accounting fraud that sank the company.

A federal jury in Manhattan deliberated eight days before returning guilty verdicts on all charges including one count of conspiracy, one count of securities fraud and seven counts of false regulatory filings - crimes carrying up to 85 years in prison.

I wasn't expecting this. MCI Worldcom was one of Mississippi's biggest employers. for a while, anytime i spoke w/ someone, they seemed to be working there. Now they are substantially gone. It seems the guy that brought the business here also brought the company down. I wonder if he'll do any real time? My bet is that this guy, orchestrating the largest instance of fraud in the history of the WORLD won't serve the same time as a guy convicted of armed robbery.

In Happier News

Edgar Killen, the Baptist minister and Klansman on trial for the 1964 murder of 3 civil rights workers had his legs crushed by a falling tree. Mr. Killen, where ever you are, I hope the pain is unbearable and that you soon find your way to a fresh new hell (thanks Ms. Parker) that you so richly deserve.

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Evidently there's going to be a new cartoon coming out in April about Ace the Bat-Hound, Krypto the Superdog and Streaky the Supercat. Hmm...

My Eyes Are Wide Open, by Patricia Mack Newton

A memorial/Installation for the 1500+ who've died so far. Somehow seems more meaning ful than a yellow ribbon bumper sticker. and that's another thing. the tying of the ribbon is to signify rememberance of those who are away...so why doesn't anyone actually use a ribbon instead of buying a sticker that looks like one? And you manufactures of these stickers...how about a little less war profiteering? ...please?

Comics Out of Context

again from the archives of DC Comics and snipped for you by Warren Ellis. This time, like the last, Superman finds 'strange love'.

Forgotten Academy Award FOUND!!!

Most Surreal Use Of Homophobic Propaganda:

USA Next!

These are the same guys that brought you the SwiftBoat Veterans for 'Truth' back in the election last year. this time, they're aiming at their new foe...THE ELDERLY!!! Seems they have an online ad targeting the AARP for choosing not to LUUUV the President's retirement account plan (HEY, conservatives! YOU know, the one that costs the TRILLIONS we don't have!?! yeah, THAT one! good thing you conservatives are in charge of the country's wallet! ...jackasses)

Anyway, USA Next's add lets us know about the REAL AARP: hate the military and support queer marriage! YEAH, you know the AARP...always hating the soldiers and loving the gays! I'm beginning to get tired of Republicans talking about gay love. gay people don't talk about gay love as much as Republicans. You'd think that 'morality' begins and ends with what Penis's and Vagina's do...well, i guess it does...for them.

So THAT's What's Going On...

Bush explains why we haven't found Osama Bin Laden:

"We're keeping the pressure on him, keeping him in hiding."

OH! NOW i get it.

No New Taxes...well, except for the soldiers--tax them!

Leave it to the Republicans in congress for the freshest hypocrisy...picked for you, fresh from the vine. Seems tax cuts aren't necessarily the order of the day...at least if you're a soldier. Bush proposed and GOP congress/senate approved, this would put an annual 'enrollment fee' on soldiers eligible for Veterans Administration healthcare. Bush was also trying to 'support our troops' by raising their co-pay. that one failed.

Trailers

Damn. pretty nice. It comes out 6-17-05.

Tom the Dancing Bug

Another GREAT Judge Scalia cartoon.

Firefox - Rediscover the web

Firefox is a Mozilla based web browser. I encourage everyone to STOP using internet explorer and go to THIS browser instead. it integrates the best of IE and Netscape. it has an email program like Outlook. It is LESS receptive to spyware. It's faster. it's a smaller program.

GET THIS PROGRAM! you'll never use Explorer again.

Terrible.

A Fulton County Superior Court judge was killed and three other people were wounded Friday when a defendant grabbed a gun from a deputy sheriff and opened fire, officials said.

Yahoo! News - DeLay Treated for Heart Condition

not to be too harsh, but i hope he dies and rots in hell.

The Demon: BLOOD OF THE DEMON #1

Normally I'd welcome a comic with a character I've liked for years. However, it seems that John Byrne is writing it and drawing it. As good as he was in the past, he's just been awful in the last 5-10 years. I have no expectations here.

Ex-Marine Says Public Version of Saddam Capture Was Fiction

A former U.S. Marine who participated in capturing ousted Iraqi President Saddam
Hussein said the public version of his capture was fabricated. Ex-Sgt. Nadim Abou Rabeh, of Lebanese descent, was quoted in the Saudi daily al-Medina Wednesday as saying Saddam was actually captured Friday, Dec. 12, 2003, and not the day after, as announced by the U.S. Army.

“I was among the 20-man unit, including eight of Arab descent, who searched for Saddam for three days in the area of Dour near Tikrit, and we found him in a modest home in a small village and not in a hole as announced,” Abou Rabeh said.

“We captured him after fierce resistance during which a Marine of Sudanese origin was killed,” he said.

He said Saddam himself fired at them with a gun from the window of a room on the second floor. Then they shouted at him in Arabic: “You have to surrender. … There is no point in resisting.”

“Later on, a military production team fabricated the film of Saddam’s capture in a hole, which was in fact a deserted well,” Abou Rabeh said.

I guess this version would be a little more inspiring to the insurgents...shockingly, the trumped up version gives bush better PR. too bad that one was made up. (thanks to span for the Link).

Will Eisner, RIP

Will Eisner died. The giant still casts a long shadow.

The Seattle Times: Couple's final photos "an echo from the grave"

This is pretty sad. A camera was found documenting a families final days before the Tsunami, including shots taken on the beach of the water coming in. The clearly had no idea what was about to happen to them.

Bringing Up Baby (1938)

One of my favorite Hollywood Classics is FINALLY on DVD, and a Special Edition to boot! It stars Cary Grant, Kathrine Hepburn, and is directed by (perhaps) the Greatest Director of all time: HOWARD HAWKS!

if you don't buy it, at least RENT it!

Comics Out of Context

*Ahem*

If You Were Wondering What to Get Me for Christmas...

I'd like this. I predict this to be the 'must have' gift for the season.

*ahem*

A Rainy Night in Georgia -- Or, Why I Won't Live or Practice Law in Georgia

Georgia has just passed new "Tort Reform" legislation which is probably the most restrictive anywhere in the nation. A verdict must now be 25% more than the offer of judgment (the defense's last offer to settle). If not the Plaintiff pays all of the defense costs. All ER and OB-GYN Doctors are now immune from lawsuits UNLESS Plaintiff can show wilful and wanton negligence (an incredibly tough burden of proof).

Currently, if you get an attorney to handle your case, they weigh its merits to see if it is worth footing the bill up front for you and spending years handling your case before they take it. Now the risk isn't just that the attorney is out time and cash if they lose, they (and you) will have to foot the bill of the defesne attorney's firm if they lose.

Now, any corporation can hire a room full of $500/hour lawyers from the outset and stack the deck against you so badly that you will not be able to find counsel in any but the most attrocious matters. Citizens of Georgia, you have now effectively been barred from the courthouse. i hope you enjoy your republican leaders. they have taken your rights away.

Remarks from a Georgia attorney:

Just a few days ago Ga. passed the toughest, most sweeping tort reform bill in America. I have been studying it for days now. The GTLA had a meeting/seminar on SB3 yesterday. It is not bad----it is an outrage to Americans and Lawyers everywhere!! Our REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED (makes you think of Washington,
DC, Huh?) GA. legislature declared war on all plaintiff's lawyers and even shot down the defense firms in the process. The "loser pays" rule applies to ALL TORT ACTIONS, not just med mal! It is devastating to all of us who have spent our careers learning to beat Goliah. Goliah, in the form of control-addict Republicans, have killed the GA. civil litigator! If you voted Republican----your day is at hand in Ga. And your day is at hand in Washington as I write this.

My practice, which WAS primarily med mal, PI, and criminal is NOW criminal! The law was applied retoactively to all pending cases and signed into law instanter. The people of Ga. have lost their constitutional right to litigate when harmed. I have lost two-thirds of my 27 year law practice effective immediately. Pretty tough to take.

Let me warn those of you who don't believe the Republicans are serious in their sick hatred of attorneys---THEY ARE!!! Fight back NOW or they may bankrupt you. If you voted for these people---Please wake up! Call a Ga. lawyer! We know what THEY will do to you!

This is one of my toughest days ever and I have known some tough days.

These tactics might soon come to haunt the insurance industry. In Texas the 'tort reform' system has become so protective of Doctors, they have stopped buying INSURANCE. they just pay into an insurance pool, as they have no risk of loss if they commit mal practice.

An Unpleasant Milestone

When a roadside bomb exploded today, our troop deaths topped 1500.

Appearing out of the Swirl

A good friend sent me this from The Daily Show

Jon Stewart:

"While hope still reigns following last months successful elections, the violence in Iraq shows no signs of stopping. Last week a car bombing killed over 100 people in Mosul. And last night on NBC 'Nightly News,' Brian Williams led his newscast with this disturbing story. [clip of Williams: 'The presiding judge in the trial of Saddam Hussein has been assassinated.'] The presiding judge in the trial of Saddam Hussein's death would be a crushing blow to Iraq, had it been true. But apparently it wasn't. Which apparently NBC didn't know. ... Wow, Brian Williams ran a story he said was confirmed that turned out to be false. Welcome to network news baby! But, really, is this error noteworthy? After all, someone was assassinated it just wasn't the lead judge. No harm, no foul, right? ... Yeah see here's where the foul part comes in. We're showing you the judge with his face blurred. But NBC thinking he was dead, they no-blurred him. So anyone who watched NBC last night now knows what the man who is responsible for determining Saddam Hussein's fate looks like. Ooops" ("Daily Show," Comedy Central, 3/2).

U.S. Cites Array of Rights Abuses

The State Department put out its annual report on human rights abuses. Oddly enough, its cites many forms of torture that the U.S. currently uses under the Bush administration.

*ahem*

No More State Killings of Minors.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the Constitution forbids the execution of killers who were under 18 when they committed their crimes, ending a practice used in 19 states.

The 5-4 decision throws out the death sentences of about 70 juvenile murderers and bars states from seeking to execute minors for future crimes. The executions, the court said, were unconstitutionally cruel.

It was the second major defeat at the high court in three years for supporters of the death penalty. Justices in 2002 banned the execution of the mentally retarded, also citing the Constitution's Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishments.
The court had already outlawed executions for those who were 15 and younger when they committed their crimes.

Tuesday's ruling prevents states from making 16- and 17-year-olds eligible for execution. Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority, noted that most states don't allow the execution of juvenile killers and those that do use the penalty infrequently. The trend, he noted, was to abolish the practice. 'Our society views juveniles ... as categorically less culpable than the average criminal,' Kennedy wrote.

I think this is long overdue. I have a problem with the idea that people under 18 aren't responsible enough for decisions like drinking and voting, but somehow they are responsible enough to make decisions that result in their execution. you can't have it both ways. In this world, only a few nations have (in recent years) executed their young: Iran, Pakistan, China and Saudi Arabia. Yeah, what a stellar list! once more ALL of those countries have now gone on record against executing minors.

I believe that at 18 you should become a citizen in full. That means you can do anything allowable under law. Get married, run for President, go to a bar, go to war,...or be executed. we're moving there.

Note: I'm not against the death penalty. That being said, i think it is sinful for Christians to support the death penalty and I'm a Christian. ultimately I support the death penalty because i know i am a vengeful person and I don't mind it. At least I admit it, and I don't pretend to pervert the bible to justify my beliefs here.