Virginia

Third Best Comic Book Store Ever
While I was visiting Washington D.C. last week, my sister and I wandered around Georgetown a bit. In so doing one of the places we went was a place my sister had never been—Big Planet Comics. Now, I’ve lived all over. And I’ve been to a lot of comic book stores. My compliment that it is the third best is not a small one.

Big Planet is very clearly laid out. They actually store comic collections and graphic novels by author in many cases, very handy if you’re looking for say, works by Frank Miller or Alan Moore. They also have an extensive independent comics section of comics and collections that’s logically laid out. Most surprisingly, they have a great deal of foreign comics – French, German, Spanish. They also had a nice selection of new comics.

But they had more than “fancy” comics. They also had an extensive section of superhero graphic novels. I picked up two things (I can’t resist supporting a good store!)—The collected Earth X and Conversations with Charles Schulz. Both were worth the purchase. Earth X is beautifully done – but a bit heavy-handed and self-important. But it’s a fun read. The Schulz book is a collection of interviews with the Peanuts creator. The conversations span decades, and it’s a good read so far.

Now, about #1 and #2 in my “list” of Best Comic Book Stores. The best comic book store I’ve ever been to is Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles/Hollywood. They’re on Melrose Avenue, and have a tremendous selection of comics and magazines and toys and oddities. It’s also well laid out, and has lots of events with artists. A great store.

The second best store on my list would be Comic Kingdom, which was on University Avenue here in San Diego. I used to go to that one when I was younger (say, 17 to 25 years old?). The problem is, several years ago they went out of business. But they were great. Massive numbers of back issues, all the most current comics, books, collectibles. It was a great messy goulash of a store. Then one year, in my periodic trips to San Diego from Virginia while I was in RT school and working as an RT, I drove to the store and poof! No more store. That was a heartbreaker.

Lines & Grauman’s & Unintended Consequences
They’re lining up at Grauman’s Chinese For Star Wars 5, Er… Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Which reminds me of my Super Simple Countdown in PHP and of course my ancient R2.

Fun fact: I was living in Alhambra California in 1977 with my parents. My Mom was pregnant with my sister. My Dad took me to see it when Star Wars first came out, at Grauman’s Chinese. That was definitely one of the experiences that drove me back to California from Virginia to be a part of the movies. I inadvertently got sucked into a passion for all things internet and web, and, here I am.

Ramble about Vince
Tomorrow morning my friend Vince will go in for surgery to address a tumor in his head near his pituitary gland. Vince is the fellow on the right in this picture. Vince was a big mentor to me in Respiratory School, and in some ways I was to him too. We have had many very good times, including a great time in San Francisco. Vince came out from Virginia for a conference at Stanford on Sleep Studies. I flew up and we hung out. He let me drive the rental car because I’m the City Mouse who can drive in cities. He’s the country mouse who can four-wheel drive in snow and in dirt roads. I can’t hope to capture all this man means to me in a single blog entry. I’m so proud of Vince, and all he’s done in his life. He went from being just a fun-time guy, and has become one of the most serious and dedicated Respiratory Therapists I’ve ever met. Trust me, I’ve met many. Plus, he married one of the cooler and smarter women I’ve ever met, and they have a wonderful son, Jared together. Here’s a news item about him from 1992, from a teeny tiny paper in Virginia. And here’s a great picture of Vince and Jared. Vincenzo, I’m thinking about you.

I have a Bacon number of 3.

I checked it with The Oracle of Bacon at Virginia.

I was an extra in Up From the Depths (1979) with Sam Bottoms
Sam Bottoms was in Gardens of Stone (1987) with Elias Koteas
Elias Koteas was in Novocaine (2001) with Kevin Bacon
Therefore, my Bacon number is 3.

What’s this about?

Additionally, my mother is in town from Virginia. And last week, Jenny’s mom was in town from Miami.

Watched parts 1 and 2 of Band of Brothers [ based on the book of the same name ] last night. My father is in town from Virginia, and he was a veteran of Vietnam and served in the 101st Airborne Division. My father is a history buff, and has read on the history of the 101st extensively. He has attended some of the reunions of the Screaming Eagle Association. The series is good, and worth a look.