ss_blog_claim=6d33ca14a37c4e1e7881115ece628706
This is Tony Collett's weblog dedicated to my thoughts on the happenings in the world, comic books, anime, science fiction, DVDs, and anything else I encounter. I'm forty-something, male, and married (sorry, ladies)
Year Archive
Login
User name:
Password:
Remember me 
View Article  All Star Batman
Shaenon K. Garrity wrestles through the same things I did with Apocalypse Nerd. Also, how All Star Batman should be appreciated for the fanboy wet dream as it is, as it gives them exactly what they wanted. And gives the naysayers something to appreciate (or at least laugh at) as well. Which, if you think about it, is like the Batman TV show of the 60s.
View Article  Concrete Garages
Note: The following post is sponsored.
Lidget Concrete Garages have over 30 years of experience in providing Sectional Garages and other concrete garages in the UK. They offer quality concrete garages to suit your needs, created in their factory, delivered to your home, and set up by quality fitters (not like some companies). And their customer service is top notch, with staff available to answer any queries you might have and a price guarantee that assures they won't be beaten on price. You can request a brochure or download one direct from their website. Or you can explore their website and check out what's out there, and call or e-mail if you have any questions.
View Article  Quiz
Here's a quiz: Fox News anchor or porn star? I only got 2 out of 10. But I don't think I'll take the quiz' advice and stop watching CNBC. I don't even watch CNBC. As Homer Simpson says "yeah, what are you gonna do?"
View Article  Product Configurator Software
Note: The following post is sponsored.
There are a lot of times in business where a cookie cutter approach isn't going to work, that you need something more customizable to do the job. That's where Configure One's product configuration software comes in. It allows for the change and customization that some clients demand from their manufacturers. Utilization of the software and the program allow for quick cost-justifications. Implementations normally result in 100% return on investment within eighteen months. The software can also be utilized in other departments, allowing you to translate customers’ unique product requests into quotations, sales drawings, bills of material, routings, and more.
View Article  Meeting Rosie
Kathleen David writes about taking step daughter Ariel to meet Rosie O'Donnell. I was surprised to read that Rosie seemed as personable to the people in line as she was on her old talk show, which I had heard the opposite. Now if she'd go back to her stand up, or at the very least that personna, as it would defray the public personna that has grown around her, a lot of it undeserved. I just think that a lot of times celebrities have this perception that has grown or mutated to the point that it isn't them at all, but it has grown to the point that they don't seem to do anything about it.
View Article  Sales Training
Note: The following post is sponsored.
For over 3 years now, Avand has been offering plumbing courses to allow plumbers to become certified in their field. As they've started out in the business they've asked about Sales Training so that they can increase their business and improve their skills in dealing with the public. After some checking, they've found that sales training is a field that was very popular and not just for plumbers. So now they're expanding into the sales training field to not only help their plumber clients, but anyone else needing to learn something that is pertaining to the field of sales.
View Article  Fake FEMA Press Conference
So whaddaya do if you call a press conference and no one can be there in 15 minutes. Do you schedule it for later, maybe a better time, or do you do a fake one with staff members playing reporters? But as Mike Norton noted how do you tell the fake reporters from the real ones? By how they lob softballs?
View Article  Las Vegas Hotel Reservations
Note: many people going to Las Vegas want to get the best hotel at the lowest price so they can have money for other things to do. With Las Vegas hotel reservations, you can browse the different accomodations and get the best deal without having to drop a fortune in a casino to get "comped" into one. And they have a toll-free number to call from 6am to midnight 7 days a week if you need assistance, which sounds like the same hours the Las Vegas airport is open.
View Article  MINT Credit Cards
Note: The following post is sponsored.
No, credit cards don't come in different flavors now. The MINT credit cards have some interesting offers to their customers. Things like 0% on balance transfers (2.5% fee) until 1 December 2008, 0% on purchases until 1 May 2008, and a bonus offer until 1 August 2009 on balance transfers debited to your account during February 2009 (2.5% fee). Not only that, but they offer up to a 56 day grace period on purchases, a typical 14.9% rate (variable, check on application), worldwide acceptance at over 24 million locations wherever you see the MasterCard sign, up to £7,500 credit limit, free online account management where you can download statements and receive email and text alerts, online fraud protection no annual fee 24 hour MINT customer service, and MINT+ offers on wine, prize draws, travel and leisure services. As with all credit card offers, the terms are subject to change or additions, so please check upon applying.
View Article  I Saw It On TV
You ever notice those commercials where they sell all those cool products on TV? They have such interesting product as Floam, exercise products, and the CD sets? If you missed something and want a chance to get it again, check out the as seen on tv site where they offer all of these products, and more. And all products come with a 30 day money back guarantee.
View Article  Justice League Movie Opening
UGO has the information on the first 14 pages of the Justice League movie, with no spoilers. And Ain't It Cool News has more info on the movie with invisotext spoilers. But heads up, the background gets a little darker at the end of the piece, and you can kind of make out the answers to the last four questions, including who's funeral it is at the beginning. And some info on who may be playing Wonder Woman, which is still in the same area that "Jessica Biel is playing Wonder Woman" news was, and the article even mentions their own scoop about who was playing Superman being wrong, so until there's confirmation, take with the proverbial grain of salt.
View Article  Vertical Blinds
Note: The following post is sponsored.
One good alternative to drapes for windows is Vertical Blinds. And unlike other blinds that most people think of, they're vertical as opposed to horizontal. You can choose from different styles such as faux wood vertical blinds. They're the kind that are featured on ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. They're very stylish and can tie in to any home decor. And since they're vinyl, they're warp and fade resistant, so you know they'll be in your residence for some time and you don't have to worry about replacing them very soon. Plus, they cost less than real wood blinds so you save even more money. And they're available in different sizes to choose from, just browse the different styles, and make a selection. Plus, for a limited time, they offer a 25% coupon that's good for a limited time.
View Article  Another Shipping Final
I finally got the book that I've been talking about here, here, here, here, here, and here. To summarize, it's the one I bought back on September 29th by checking the link before he announced it was for sale, paid $5 shipping, and was told it was going to be sent out on October 3rd, and that it's been taking a week. When I didn't get it after two weeks, I e-mailed him and was told it's taking some people a couple of weeks and once he mails it out it's out of his hands. According to the Post Office, they were told to expect shipment on October 3rd, with no change of status until October 22nd, when they said it left the Indianapolis office. Also, according to the Post Office, sending an 8 ounce package Media Mail is $2.13, and at that size, First Class is $2.39, and Priority Mail is $4.60. And if you pay and print for the postage at home (as he did) delivery confirmation is free. I can't look up the rates for Pitney Bowes, but I assume it's not much more, but at least precludes Priority Mail. And he complains about the problems with printing shipping and mailing labels for a limited edition hardcover he wants to offer and said PayPal told him basically that they didn't know why it doesn't work, they'll look into it, but don't know when it'll be solved. And he complained about PP not helping. I can't help but think about chickens coming home to roost and what goes around comes comes around.
On an unrelated note, Wil Wheaton wants people to spread the word of his new book "The Happiest Days Of Our Lives" as he feels word of mouth is what'll help the book.
View Article  Delta Faucets
Note: The following post is sponsored.
When a lot of people think of faucets, usually at the top of the list is Delta faucet. And no wonder. They've had a tradition lasting longer than 50 years now of providing top quality faucets and bathroom accessories that are beautiful and practical inside and out. Today’s most popular designs include kitchen faucets, bath sink faucets, shower faucets and whirlpool faucets designed in coordinated families and finishes that range from chrome to stainless steel to Venetian Bronze. Not only that, but they offer a variety of warranties on their faucets and finish to ensure that the best selected stays the best in your home.
View Article  Animated Adventures
Mark Evanier has been busy this week writing about the animated versions of live action comedy teams. First with the story behind Abbott and Costello. Then there was a follow up about the Laurel And Hardy cartoon that preceeded it. And because he also mentioned it in the previous entries, he talks about the attempts to bring the Marx Brothers to animation. The latter ends with a story that sums up Hollywood's reasoning and why some projects never get off the ground.
And all of these projects were first brought up in the wake of the Flintstones' success in prime time. Remember, as was once said, imitation is the sincerest form of television.
View Article  Business Suites Rental
Note: The following post is sponsored.
With the dynamic of many businesses changing in the last few years, there are a lot of businesses that for one reason or another don't have actual physical facilities, or some that don't project the proper impression of their business. Fortunately, BusinesSuites offers Conference Room Rental for those who need that space for a lot less than renting office space that won't be used a vast majority of the time.
View Article  Free Taco On Tuesday
Apparently Taco Bell is offering a free taco if a player steals a base in the World Series. Apparently that's what Jacoby Ellsbury did (sorry, I haven't watched the games). So now on Tuesday October 30th between 2 and 5pm you can go to your participating Taco Bell and request a free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco. I won't be able to make it, so I'm passing this along to you.
View Article  Florida Real Estate
Note: The following post is sponsored.
Whether this cold weather has you thinking about moving to Florida, or you're thinking about making an investment on a rental property for vacationers and snowbirds, Bardell Real Estate can help you out. They offer villas in Florida for sale. Even though there's talk about the current real estate market, Florida is an area that will continue to draw interest in it's real estate. With the warm climate and plenty of entertainment options it has seen growth over it's history, with no signs of stopping. In addition to viewing the houses and villas for sale, they offer information and tips on buying and selling real estate.
View Article  Shipping Update Finale
Well, the US mail ran, and the Weasley book didn't come in. Guess he's too busy running the Numbers to care now. And UPS brought the Barnes & Noble shipment as expected. As far as the book, I'm in a bit of bind now, having to depend on the mercies of the Post Office. If it was still at notified to be shipped, I could say that according to them, it hasn't shipped yet. But since they're now saying it left the Indianapolis facility Monday night, it's en route and coming here slowly. I'm less than 50 miles from Indy, how long does it take to get here?
View Article  South Carolina Florist
Note: The following post is sponsored.
A Arrangement Florist (wonder if it's spelled that way to get one of the first listings in the Yellow Pages?) is a Greer South Carolina florist that offers all sorts of flower arrangements for all sorts of occasions. You'd never think of Halloween as a floral arrangement and if you did you're probably like me thinking of cliches like trick or treat, costumes, scary creatures or something like that. Right now on their homepage they have some tasteful arrangements in fall colors.

View Article  Rare Bill Watterson Art
The Beat has a link to what they say is Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson's college art. Actually, the link itself goes to all sorts of art that has rarely been seen before. As The Beat said, I imagine Watterson must be thrilled to know these are out there and accessible. Actually, it is kind of interesting. I went to college a little later than he did and can conjure up nostalgia at the thought of showing old movies on the weekends in the days before VCRs. As I said before, our family got one just before I left, but IU still had the showings. I first saw the original Night of the Living Dead and Fantasia that way. I even did an illustration for a showing of the Buster Krabbe Flash Gordon serials for the flyers.
View Article  Insurance Bond
Note: The following post is sponsored.
I can remember when I first went out on the job hunt. Sometimes on the applications it would ask if I was bonded. I put down "no" as I wasn't, but I was always curious about that having never heard of it before. I was wondering what being bonded had to do with working as a checkout clerk in a store. I was wondering if the company had just got a standard application and asking about being bonded was part of the application that they picked up at an office supply store, and it was something that wasn't applicable to the position.
Sometimes when a business advertises that they are licensed and bonded, that is because they want to get an edge over the competition, by guaranteeing their business and what they offer. Sometimes a business is required by the government to obtain a bond to comply with regulation. These businesses usually contract with bonding companies to obtain the bond. What it is is a guarantee of what they offer will fufill the requirements set forth, and should they fail to do so, the party requiring the bond can file for reimbursement. However, it is not insurance, and the company obtaining the bond would be responsible for any claims filed on it. Companies such as auto dealer bond, mortgage dealers, financial institutions, contractors, and others are ones that usually obtain these bonds.
View Article  Amazing Race
Because of the cancellation of Viva Laughlin, they're rushing the next series of The Amazing Race to air. I don't really watch either series, so I'm not sure why I'm mentioning it here. Oh yeah, because Ain't It Cool News is hyping that one of the teams is a goth couple from Louisville. With a picture of the couple in question.
View Article  Apartment Finder
Note: The following post is sponsored.
As I mentioned before, this week's storyline in Real Life Comics are the characters planning a move to Texas to try to save money. The strip is semi-autobiographical and the couple behind it say they are indeed planning a move for several reasons, one of which is that the cost of living in their neck of the woods is so high. I don't know what help it would've been to check out this link for San Francisco Apartments, but Apartment Finder .com allows you to search for apartments across the country. And they've already lined up a place in Texas (they're moving from an apartment to a home), but you can look for homes for rent as well. And if you're going away to school, you can also search for student housing. You can also send away for an apartment magazine. But don't tell my wife. She loves going over that sort of thing, seeing what's out there, how much it is, and loves the floor plans (that some apartment ads have) the most.
View Article  Shipping Update #4
The Barnes & Noble order is showing as arriving in Indianapolis last night. It has one more UPS stop before being out for delivery, but still showing as on track for delivery tomorrow. Meanwhile, the author's book is still showing having left the Post Office Indianapolis area on the 22nd. But I usually get the mail before the UPS comes by, so there's still a chance at a suspensful ending to this race. Tune in tomorrow for the home stretch.
View Article  Car Alarms
Note: The following post is sponsored.
I tell you it sucks having your car broken into twice. Each time before I get out of the car, I have to go through and make sure I take my stereo face plate and any other valuables so they're not sticking out there and enticing the criminal element. It's such a big hassle to do each and every time that sometimes I just leave it at home and do without. What I really need to do is look into some discount car alarms where I can save money to get it, and not have to go through these shenannigans each time I step out of the vehicle.
View Article  Thought It Was Cool
While I was out and about today, I passed a Pizza Hut that had an afternoon special of a one topping Personal Pan Pizza for $1. Thing was, it took 20 minutes. When I ran another errand and came back, I thought I heard some music on the outside speakers, I had to strain to hear it, and it sounded like Luke Ski's song "Holding Out For Hiro". I thought it was good that someone in the geek circles made good. But on my way out, I found out my PSP came on and was playing music I put in. Good thing I didn't compliment them on their taste in music.
View Article  Decorative Pools
Note: The following post is sponsored.
While I was reading about the people from Real Life Comics moving to Texas I read a list somebody posted that was a guide to living in Texas. It pointed out that they do indeed have 4 seasons: December, January, February and Summer. Having that kind of weather helps out the pool builders League City TX to build their decorative pools all year around. On their home page they have a picture of one that looks like a waterfall over some rocks that isn't what one has in mind when they think of swimming pools. They do more than just dig and plop down a pool, they can help you create a private refuge for relaxation.

View Article  Fall Weather
I thought Fall was supposed to be sunny and colorful. Lately, it's just been gray and cold. We're going to get more than enough of that in Winter, why do we have to get so much of it now? Plus, I've got some congestion that I need to get rid of. I'll pick up some more Robitussin while I'm out today.
View Article  MP3 And Cellphone Accessories
Note: The following post is sponsored.
SF Planet has accessories for your digital products, including over 30 different brands of cell phones, the major brands of MP3 players including iPod, cameras, GPS and more. And for help they offer live chat to speak with a representative who will be happy to help you with your purchase. You can track your shipping through your account and are informed of the shipping charge before you purchase. And if you're looking for a bargain, they have a clearance section. So if you're looking for cell phone accessories or other digital accessories for yourself or someone else for the holidays, SF Planet has what you're looking for.
Blog Disclosure Policy

www.flickr.com
tonywcollett's photos More of tonywcollett's photos