And here I sit languishing, Vexxless, while another godless QuickTime renders for another godless client. Such is the life of a freelance video professional.
While I'm venting otherwise unblemished spleen for the benefit of those few readers who have not yet turned away in disgust at my tardiness...let's talk Macs again, shall we?
Those of you who read this comic (and the subset of you who scroll down to discover that there is actually a BLOG attached to it) will know by now how I feel about Macs. I can sum up the breadth and depth of my emotional totality with regards to the Macintosh computer in one sentence: They are computers.
They hold no special magic, they perform no special tasks. In a world of silicone thralls each bound to our every whim regardless of how vile or base. Macs rate a perfect 5 on a cosmic scale of 1 to 10. That is to say they exist.
To further bring this implacable truth to blinding light of public consciousness I wish to relate my afternoon's experience.
Now, if I were to bring you a woe-laden tale of sudden hardware failure what word would first leap to mind? PC? Dell? Windows? And if I also mentioned that my computer had been running fine when suddenly is simply froze and refused to reboot what would your impression be? If I added the fact that after that crash and reboot, my computer was unable to see the MONITORS - the stinking monitors! Instead, all my files, drives and documents were clumped together on the NTSC monitor to the right of my setup. Visiting the settings showed that my computer not only had forgotten that it was attached to two perfectly good flat-screen LCD's but had in fact FORGOTTEN WHAT THEY WERE? What would you think? An HP pavilion running Windows M E?
No, if you hadn't realized by now, I was using my Mac dual 2.5 ghz monster G5 with 2gigs of RAM. I started the day with several sequential lock-ups resulting in a persistent boot condition which left the VGA monitors dark and wanting. Solution? Well, this is a Mac we're talking about. As with most problems, there is no fix. Mac simply won't give you access to the tools you need to address the problem. The button USUALLY found on the settings windows, "detect displays" was mysteriously missing. Unplugging the Blackmagic capture card did nothing to help. In the end, I reached into the off-monitor void with my mouse and was eventually able to retrieve my finder. With that, I was able to open my Preferences folder and start trashing my Mac system preferences until my computer eventually forgot that it had forgotten it had two LCD VGA monitors. On THAT reboot, I got my monitors back.
Now let's be clear here - I never solved the issue. I never even understood what the issue WAS apart from wanting to kick my Mac. So I want all those Mac and OSX apologists out there to take note - to date all of my PC bug experiences ended with a long learning curve, a deeper understanding of the operating system and ultimately a fixed computer. All my Mac bug experiences ended either with trashed preferences or the guy at the Mac store telling me the motherboard had died and charging me $800. Yet I bought one of these beasts for my very own and watched it repay my offer of home and family with pain and mental torture.
That guy at Cult Of The Mac is welcome to keep drinking his iCoolaid. Me, I'm still waiting for machine that runs as well as it's slavish proponents wish it did...
Friday, August 25, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Friday update
Vexxarr will likely post a tad late Friday...although you never know. I was really impressed that I got two comics up Tuesday for this week. I'm on location with a job right now and I'll be getting back home just about the time Friday's comic should post. I'm not making any predictions...but I bet I choose sleep over a Friday update when I get back. Vexxarr will post later this Friday afternoon but for those of you who know me...that is no surprise.
Still, I bet I post before Gabe and Tycho...which is a bit like betting on the house in Vegas.
Still, I bet I post before Gabe and Tycho...which is a bit like betting on the house in Vegas.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Late...again...sorry.
I'm running to Atlanta to shoot a car dealer. Regretably, I'll be using a camera.
With Beta SP - the dead format that wouldn't die.
[See, Sony decided that it was time to end the dominance of the Beta SP format - partly due to it's attempt to promote the vastly superior and vastly more expensive Digibeta and partly due to the fact that Sony was no longer the largest manufacturer of SP cameras and tape stock. So Sony declaired Beta SP dead and they announced the end of support for SP products. This lasted about six months. Today Beta SP remains one of the most common video formats for commercials and long format video world-wide. Digibeta died a lingering and expensive death - despite the fact that it really was all that and a bag of uncompressed 10 bit full component chips.]
By The way...I just moved my last anti-Sony rant to the rants section. I think I'll just delete the above...
Where was I?
Oh yes. Vexxarr will post in the evening tomorrow. Fear not, it is written and inked already. I just need time to scan, color and post it. And a new Vexx ontime Friday.
Huzza!
With Beta SP - the dead format that wouldn't die.
[See, Sony decided that it was time to end the dominance of the Beta SP format - partly due to it's attempt to promote the vastly superior and vastly more expensive Digibeta and partly due to the fact that Sony was no longer the largest manufacturer of SP cameras and tape stock. So Sony declaired Beta SP dead and they announced the end of support for SP products. This lasted about six months. Today Beta SP remains one of the most common video formats for commercials and long format video world-wide. Digibeta died a lingering and expensive death - despite the fact that it really was all that and a bag of uncompressed 10 bit full component chips.]
By The way...I just moved my last anti-Sony rant to the rants section. I think I'll just delete the above...
Where was I?
Oh yes. Vexxarr will post in the evening tomorrow. Fear not, it is written and inked already. I just need time to scan, color and post it. And a new Vexx ontime Friday.
Huzza!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
On time...who knew?
Yes, behold Friday's strip delivered at the very stroke of midnight Friday...or would that still be Thursday?
Whatever. As far as I am concerned, it's still lunch if it's the second meal you eat no matter what time of day that meal gets eaten.
So here it is the beginning of the end of the Tac-To-Bot storyline. I have to say, I've enjoyed this little arc even if it has seemed a tad trite at times. I like the idea of robots building robots to defend their masters only to have THOSE robots turn on their masters and eventually...them. I also liked the idea that building a new race of robots was pretty much the only solution to any given problem that these machines could imagine. I also enjoyed the carnivore teething on Vexxarr as a running gag. I'm a sucker for a good running gag...if such a thing even exists. I Dunno, it doesn't take much to amuse me.
I'd like to give a belated thanks to Doc and the mammals over at The White Board a superlative in the annals of paintball humor. He was kind enough to link me and give me an honest and friendly review. I can say that no one in my limited experience draws a polar bear as well as Doc. Few men have tried. Catch his comic if you can. Be sure to read the making of page.
Whatever. As far as I am concerned, it's still lunch if it's the second meal you eat no matter what time of day that meal gets eaten.
So here it is the beginning of the end of the Tac-To-Bot storyline. I have to say, I've enjoyed this little arc even if it has seemed a tad trite at times. I like the idea of robots building robots to defend their masters only to have THOSE robots turn on their masters and eventually...them. I also liked the idea that building a new race of robots was pretty much the only solution to any given problem that these machines could imagine. I also enjoyed the carnivore teething on Vexxarr as a running gag. I'm a sucker for a good running gag...if such a thing even exists. I Dunno, it doesn't take much to amuse me.
I'd like to give a belated thanks to Doc and the mammals over at The White Board a superlative in the annals of paintball humor. He was kind enough to link me and give me an honest and friendly review. I can say that no one in my limited experience draws a polar bear as well as Doc. Few men have tried. Catch his comic if you can. Be sure to read the making of page.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Late Monday Update but Monday will Update!
Having computer issues that will necessitate a late Monday update (4pm US Central Time).
For the benefit of my new readers, I'll repeat the Vexxarr Policy:
Three Updates a week. Always. Even if that means three strips on Friday.
Since Vexxarr launched, I have added three new strips a week - almost always on Mon, Wed and Fri. As long as I am alive, Vexxarr will update three times a week and I'll let you know if I plan to be late (now if I DON'T plan to be late...).
Anyway, you get the picture. I'm not going to start updating sporadically then seldom then not at all. Vexxarr is a fixture and will have a new comic up usually before Scott Kurtz and almost always before Penny Arcade. Not bragging, just quoting past performance.
Thank you for choosing Vexxarr and please tell your friends!
For the benefit of my new readers, I'll repeat the Vexxarr Policy:
Three Updates a week. Always. Even if that means three strips on Friday.
Since Vexxarr launched, I have added three new strips a week - almost always on Mon, Wed and Fri. As long as I am alive, Vexxarr will update three times a week and I'll let you know if I plan to be late (now if I DON'T plan to be late...).
Anyway, you get the picture. I'm not going to start updating sporadically then seldom then not at all. Vexxarr is a fixture and will have a new comic up usually before Scott Kurtz and almost always before Penny Arcade. Not bragging, just quoting past performance.
Thank you for choosing Vexxarr and please tell your friends!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Friday! New Comic! New Questions!
Wow! I asked for feedback on my thewebcomicslist account and boy you guys fell over yourselves making me look like an actual artist!
SO I look at my stats for the day and see another 7000 new hits of mystery traffic. Maybe Penny Arcade had an erroneous link to me in their 'extras' area
I have no idea.
So to fix this sad state of affairs...I have another request of you. Please tell me how the heck you found my modest webcomic and why you persist in reading my dronings day after day after day...
It would certainly end my idle speculation that I am the definitive herald of the end of Western Civilization.
SO I look at my stats for the day and see another 7000 new hits of mystery traffic. Maybe Penny Arcade had an erroneous link to me in their 'extras' area
I have no idea.
So to fix this sad state of affairs...I have another request of you. Please tell me how the heck you found my modest webcomic and why you persist in reading my dronings day after day after day...
It would certainly end my idle speculation that I am the definitive herald of the end of Western Civilization.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Feedback Needed!
Over at The WebComicsKnittingCirleAndWeeklyRotaryMeetingAndList I have a profile. That profile offers a pithy synopsis and some sample strips. It also has a place for comments/reviews. An empty space for comments and reviews. A very, very empty space. A void. A void you have not bothered to fill.
So.
Go fill it. I don't care what you say. But in case you haven't taken the hint. Click this link.
So.
Go fill it. I don't care what you say. But in case you haven't taken the hint. Click this link.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Early update!
Due to being out late tonight, I will update Friday's strip before midnight. I know that this doesn't make up for all the times I've made you wait for a fresh Vexxarr but at least it's something.
And for those of you who sit at your computer hitting the refresh bar until a new comic pops up...seek help.
And for those of you who sit at your computer hitting the refresh bar until a new comic pops up...seek help.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Clarifications.
No, not about Macs... Their ads are misleading and as a whole, false.
My clarification lies in the fact that I when I meant a new comic for the 4th of July, I meant that while'st my friends would be exploding ordnance and eating pork, I would be crafting a fresh, new Vexxarr...which - YES - would actually post on Wednesday, the 5th. As for something special, wait just another day or two. I dare say that the special thing is for ME but it is on the way...have no doubt.
My clarification lies in the fact that I when I meant a new comic for the 4th of July, I meant that while'st my friends would be exploding ordnance and eating pork, I would be crafting a fresh, new Vexxarr...which - YES - would actually post on Wednesday, the 5th. As for something special, wait just another day or two. I dare say that the special thing is for ME but it is on the way...have no doubt.
Monday, July 03, 2006
New comic for Monday!
And there will be a comic on/for the 4th of July. For those of you playing at home, the forth is a holiday of some note in the States.
OK, I am being asked about my position on the "new" Mac spots running here in the states. I did send Apple an email saying that their current campaign made them and all Mac users (myself included) look like arrogant pricks and it made me want to lie to people when they asked what I edit on.
I will say that these ads are so out of date that they border on slander. Let's address them shall we?
PC: "I have a ton of manuals to read..."
Are you using a PC Jr??? The last time ANY PC came with so much as a pamphlet, I had just purchased my 100MHz desktop from Gateway. These days all you get is one DVD. No manual, no software disks, nothing. God I wish they came with some kind of documentation - there are times when I truly need it. But now, most PC's ship with a single restore DVD and that's it.
My Mac came with exactly fifteen pounds of user manual. In the interests of full disclosure, I also purchased the full production suite with Final Cut and DVD Studio pro. Fifteen pounds!!!
Mac: "I even talk to that new Japanese camera"
Really? REALLY? You mean you can find a camera from Japan that is compatible with a Mac??? Look, I'm exaggerating here a BIT, but PC computability is no longer an issue. With China bootlegging millions of copies of Microsoft XP, ALL (as in every single one) of the cameras produced in China are PC compatible. Nearly all of the cameras produced in Japan are PC friendly first then Mac friendly second, if ever. I'm not knocking the Mac in this regard but the fact is that Windows - for better or for worse has 90% market penetration worldwide and as such very few digital camera manufacturers are non-Microsoft compliant.
PC: "I had to restart. You know what it's like"
Mac: "No, actually I don't..."
Since the release of XP and OSX, neither system has issues with freezes or restarts. Macs are somewhat less reliable than they used to be with the inclusion of third-party internal components such as graphics cards and Windows boxes are now every bit as robust as Mac's running OSX. Sorry - this is an old claim and happily no longer true. Now if you want to talk about applications "quitting unexpectedly"...
PC: "Actually, the rest of me is in some other boxes..."
My G5 came in six boxes. What the hell is Apple saying here? Buy a laptop?
PC: "We network now - we're friends!"
No. You are most assuredly not friends. I network my Macs and PC's but they are not friends. They talk cordially. Macs will share files. But every Mac will not always see or move files to or from from every other machine on that network. Macs are at best finicky on a network. Ever try to share a Mac internal hard drive to a Windows OS or Unix?
Every claim that Apple has made in these spots is true about PC's running Windows 98. Every one. But in the interest of intellectual honesty, I have to conclude that Apple has finally "stooped" to "lying" in order to appeal to new consumers. At least with Windows, you already know that the product is essentially evil.
OK, I am being asked about my position on the "new" Mac spots running here in the states. I did send Apple an email saying that their current campaign made them and all Mac users (myself included) look like arrogant pricks and it made me want to lie to people when they asked what I edit on.
I will say that these ads are so out of date that they border on slander. Let's address them shall we?
PC: "I have a ton of manuals to read..."
Are you using a PC Jr??? The last time ANY PC came with so much as a pamphlet, I had just purchased my 100MHz desktop from Gateway. These days all you get is one DVD. No manual, no software disks, nothing. God I wish they came with some kind of documentation - there are times when I truly need it. But now, most PC's ship with a single restore DVD and that's it.
My Mac came with exactly fifteen pounds of user manual. In the interests of full disclosure, I also purchased the full production suite with Final Cut and DVD Studio pro. Fifteen pounds!!!
Mac: "I even talk to that new Japanese camera"
Really? REALLY? You mean you can find a camera from Japan that is compatible with a Mac??? Look, I'm exaggerating here a BIT, but PC computability is no longer an issue. With China bootlegging millions of copies of Microsoft XP, ALL (as in every single one) of the cameras produced in China are PC compatible. Nearly all of the cameras produced in Japan are PC friendly first then Mac friendly second, if ever. I'm not knocking the Mac in this regard but the fact is that Windows - for better or for worse has 90% market penetration worldwide and as such very few digital camera manufacturers are non-Microsoft compliant.
PC: "I had to restart. You know what it's like"
Mac: "No, actually I don't..."
Since the release of XP and OSX, neither system has issues with freezes or restarts. Macs are somewhat less reliable than they used to be with the inclusion of third-party internal components such as graphics cards and Windows boxes are now every bit as robust as Mac's running OSX. Sorry - this is an old claim and happily no longer true. Now if you want to talk about applications "quitting unexpectedly"...
PC: "Actually, the rest of me is in some other boxes..."
My G5 came in six boxes. What the hell is Apple saying here? Buy a laptop?
PC: "We network now - we're friends!"
No. You are most assuredly not friends. I network my Macs and PC's but they are not friends. They talk cordially. Macs will share files. But every Mac will not always see or move files to or from from every other machine on that network. Macs are at best finicky on a network. Ever try to share a Mac internal hard drive to a Windows OS or Unix?
Every claim that Apple has made in these spots is true about PC's running Windows 98. Every one. But in the interest of intellectual honesty, I have to conclude that Apple has finally "stooped" to "lying" in order to appeal to new consumers. At least with Windows, you already know that the product is essentially evil.
Friday, June 30, 2006
More Excuses
A new fresh hell has descended upon me. I'll be up at 6:00 am (yeah, I know...cushy life I lead when I complain about 6:00 am being early) for a shoot. Today, my green screen shoot went five hours long due to a toilet paper fire in Nashville. You may read that last line again. Every word is true. At any rate, the time scheduled for Vexxarr never happened.
So, after my shoot tomorrow, I have just enough time to post the next installment of Sploorfix: Tasty Snack before I leave town for a location shoot. Then, normal update for Sunday.
...and I'll throw in a little something nice for your patience...
Promise!
So, after my shoot tomorrow, I have just enough time to post the next installment of Sploorfix: Tasty Snack before I leave town for a location shoot. Then, normal update for Sunday.
...and I'll throw in a little something nice for your patience...
Promise!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Working as we speak on your tastey, new comics!
Vexxarr will continue so long as I breathe. I'm going to the auto hospital to have them look at my car's CFC's and make them cool my meat pod at the expense of the poor flightless birds located on the Earth's poles. Whilst there, I shall draw two strips. Then, I think, a nap... Know what? I like this post so much I'm going to plunk it into Blogger and share it with the other meat pods.
I'm extremely punchy...can you tell?
I'm extremely punchy...can you tell?
It's 2am Tuesday morning...
I have a meeting in eight hours whereupon I present a DVD to my benefactors (those who provide cash for my soul). After that, I make TWO comics: one for Monday, the 26th and one for Wednesday the 28th. Late, I know but three a week. That's the deal. Soon, I'll get a week ahead. Soon, monkeys will...well...you know.
So hang in there for just a few more hours and I'll keep the divine covenant. An alien trinity, if you will.
thanks for your patients and see ya after a few hours sleep!
So hang in there for just a few more hours and I'll keep the divine covenant. An alien trinity, if you will.
thanks for your patients and see ya after a few hours sleep!
Monday, June 26, 2006
One Of Those Mondays...
I have a big project due Tuesday so:
1) I haven't and won't sleep until it is handed over.
2) My Diet Code Red consumption has tripled.
3) Vexxarr will update either this afternoon (Monday) or tonight (Monday)
Sorry for the lame last minute warning but I had hoped that I would be done by now. Alas, no. I have a Mac and as such, IT CRASHES! Those of you who know me know my position on this. Those of you who actually know who I am know WHY I have a position on Mac stability at all. And for those of you brainwashed by Apple propaganda let me stop your letters of outrage cold in their tracks. I offer you the following:
"The application Final Cut Pro has unexpectedly quit. Relaunch Yes/No?"
"File Error: Unknown File OK?" (clicking ok will delete the source file from the hard drive while simultaneously crashing the running application)
or my personal favorite
"General Error -39"
Folks, these are, in fact, crashes. They are common and frequent (depending on the version of OS X you are running) and unlike Windows XP, Apple actually takes time out of their busy day to lie to you about the cause and severity of these issues (Microsoft, by comparison, simply refuses to talk to you). And before you Mac Zombies chime in, My liquid cooled dual 2.5 Mac G5 is running to Apple spec. It's front end bus is fine. I have no pirated software installed. Apple built it in house to order. And not only can I duplicate my crashes on every G5 I have ever used, I can come to your house and re-create them there too if you wish.
Granted I'd rather purge my eyes with hot pokers than try to do my job with XP running Premiere Pro - but Mac instability is the actual reason it's taking so long to finish this job. I don't hate Macs, I've just gotten to the point where - for what I do - they are no more and no less stable than Windows 2000. I don't edit video on Windows and I don't transcode video formats on a Mac.
Now I need to get back to my Mac and lay down more voiceover.
Bleh.
See you guys later today!
1) I haven't and won't sleep until it is handed over.
2) My Diet Code Red consumption has tripled.
3) Vexxarr will update either this afternoon (Monday) or tonight (Monday)
Sorry for the lame last minute warning but I had hoped that I would be done by now. Alas, no. I have a Mac and as such, IT CRASHES! Those of you who know me know my position on this. Those of you who actually know who I am know WHY I have a position on Mac stability at all. And for those of you brainwashed by Apple propaganda let me stop your letters of outrage cold in their tracks. I offer you the following:
"The application Final Cut Pro has unexpectedly quit. Relaunch Yes/No?"
"File Error: Unknown File OK?" (clicking ok will delete the source file from the hard drive while simultaneously crashing the running application)
or my personal favorite
"General Error -39"
Folks, these are, in fact, crashes. They are common and frequent (depending on the version of OS X you are running) and unlike Windows XP, Apple actually takes time out of their busy day to lie to you about the cause and severity of these issues (Microsoft, by comparison, simply refuses to talk to you). And before you Mac Zombies chime in, My liquid cooled dual 2.5 Mac G5 is running to Apple spec. It's front end bus is fine. I have no pirated software installed. Apple built it in house to order. And not only can I duplicate my crashes on every G5 I have ever used, I can come to your house and re-create them there too if you wish.
Granted I'd rather purge my eyes with hot pokers than try to do my job with XP running Premiere Pro - but Mac instability is the actual reason it's taking so long to finish this job. I don't hate Macs, I've just gotten to the point where - for what I do - they are no more and no less stable than Windows 2000. I don't edit video on Windows and I don't transcode video formats on a Mac.
Now I need to get back to my Mac and lay down more voiceover.
Bleh.
See you guys later today!
Monday, June 19, 2006
New Comic Monday!
Only one this time. I don't owe you any.
I'm about to put up a link through which you will be able to purchase your very own glossy copy of any Vexxarr strip of your choice.
When you click the link, you'll be prompted to fill out a form with the date and name of the strip in question. You will even have the option of having me color (colour) the black and white strips for a modest fee. The result will be printed on 8" by 11" glossy card stock, gamma irradiated and blessed by a priest before being mailed to your dwelling.
The cost has yet to be set but I bet that - as my first commercial offering - it will be affordable to all. Even those of you who purchase pen and paper roll playing games (you think Xbox 360 games are expensive?) will have enough liquid funds to buy one of these.
Now whether the comic will be worth the price only history can decide.
I'm about to put up a link through which you will be able to purchase your very own glossy copy of any Vexxarr strip of your choice.
When you click the link, you'll be prompted to fill out a form with the date and name of the strip in question. You will even have the option of having me color (colour) the black and white strips for a modest fee. The result will be printed on 8" by 11" glossy card stock, gamma irradiated and blessed by a priest before being mailed to your dwelling.
The cost has yet to be set but I bet that - as my first commercial offering - it will be affordable to all. Even those of you who purchase pen and paper roll playing games (you think Xbox 360 games are expensive?) will have enough liquid funds to buy one of these.
Now whether the comic will be worth the price only history can decide.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
A minor goof...
Friday's comic was mistakenly labeled Comic For Wed the 14th... Honestly, it was indeed the comic for Friday the 16th.
So far I'm on schedule again.
For my New readers, I want to stress that this comic will always update three times a week. If it's late, I'll double up my postings but the total of the postings will always be five (three, sir!). Right. Three!
This comic won't go Mr. Chuck on you guys...I swear!
So once again, Vexxarr updates three times weekly. I only miss when I have projects dropped in my lap suddenly and even then, I get three strips posted a week EVERY WEEK (check my archives if you don't believe me). The down side is that Wednesday's strip may not post - strictly speaking - ON WEDNESDAY. The upside is that unlike some folks I know (with a slightly higher readership), there will be a comic up for every single Monday, Wednesday and Friday until I die. Or the world ends.
Whichever.
So far I'm on schedule again.
For my New readers, I want to stress that this comic will always update three times a week. If it's late, I'll double up my postings but the total of the postings will always be five (three, sir!). Right. Three!
This comic won't go Mr. Chuck on you guys...I swear!
So once again, Vexxarr updates three times weekly. I only miss when I have projects dropped in my lap suddenly and even then, I get three strips posted a week EVERY WEEK (check my archives if you don't believe me). The down side is that Wednesday's strip may not post - strictly speaking - ON WEDNESDAY. The upside is that unlike some folks I know (with a slightly higher readership), there will be a comic up for every single Monday, Wednesday and Friday until I die. Or the world ends.
Whichever.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
More reliable schedule...
Or so I hope. I'm going to actually update M W and F instead of T Th and Sa as has been the recent trend. I guess if these new guys are going to "read" me I should at least "deliver" "content" "on time"...
Is the actual biblical definition of sloth having a webcomic and then not updating it?
What would Job's webcomic been like anyway? Probably a lot like Real Life actually... I mean Greg Dean is likely the only web cartoonist out there with a more hateful schedule than mine.
Is the actual biblical definition of sloth having a webcomic and then not updating it?
What would Job's webcomic been like anyway? Probably a lot like Real Life actually... I mean Greg Dean is likely the only web cartoonist out there with a more hateful schedule than mine.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Welcome New Visitors - please come again!
All ELEVEN THOUSAND OF YOU.
I love you. I hate you. I don't want to see my bill this month. But whatever you do/say/think/feel/read/eat/masticate...do NOT go away. Vexxarr has been around about two years-ish and while I might be a tad late on my postin' I've never missed my three-a-week quota.
Never.
Never-ever.
When my computer and scanner died, I went to my office and use PC paint and Internet Exploder (v6) to download old comics, and manipulate them into brilliant new comics. That shall never happen again of course - partly because I have redundant PC's and scanners now (like six of each) ...and partly because it seemed readers like my cut and paste comics BETTER.
GRRR...
But I digress...
So if you like Vexxarr, I guarantee you will get three servings of green, alien goodness a week in perpetuity...or until I die.
Whichever comes first.
Notice I didn't say three funny servings a week. You hardly get that now.
My thanks out to A Miracle Of Science who seems to be the source of my new eyeball wealth. God GOD guys. Where do you keep 'em???
I love you. I hate you. I don't want to see my bill this month. But whatever you do/say/think/feel/read/eat/masticate...do NOT go away. Vexxarr has been around about two years-ish and while I might be a tad late on my postin' I've never missed my three-a-week quota.
Never.
Never-ever.
When my computer and scanner died, I went to my office and use PC paint and Internet Exploder (v6) to download old comics, and manipulate them into brilliant new comics. That shall never happen again of course - partly because I have redundant PC's and scanners now (like six of each) ...and partly because it seemed readers like my cut and paste comics BETTER.
GRRR...
But I digress...
So if you like Vexxarr, I guarantee you will get three servings of green, alien goodness a week in perpetuity...or until I die.
Whichever comes first.
Notice I didn't say three funny servings a week. You hardly get that now.
My thanks out to A Miracle Of Science who seems to be the source of my new eyeball wealth. God GOD guys. Where do you keep 'em???
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Two Strip Monday!
I picked up sudden and demanding work this week and was not in town to update Vexxarr.
Sorry...
But as per my promise so many months ago - there will be three strips for every week. So Sunday's strip will post Monday with (hold your breath) Monday's!
And...
Something extra...
(I hope I was able to make that 'extra' ooze the sort of sex and appeal it was meant to convey)
Sorry...
But as per my promise so many months ago - there will be three strips for every week. So Sunday's strip will post Monday with (hold your breath) Monday's!
And...
Something extra...
(I hope I was able to make that 'extra' ooze the sort of sex and appeal it was meant to convey)
Friday, June 02, 2006
Is This The New Schedule?
It seems that I have become a Tu Th Sat comic recently. I assure you that this is not going to be the case. As is often the case, this has been a busy week. I have only managed to accomplish about a third of what I needed to accomplish and the week is suddenly over...
New Vexxarr tonight if I can squeeze any more blood from this turnip and I promise more Earth shattering revelations. Well, at least revelations that might cause a teacup to rattle...if you in fact rattled it.
Vigorously.
The sad thing is...I'm really enjoying this storyline. I like the Locutron especially.
New Vexxarr tonight if I can squeeze any more blood from this turnip and I promise more Earth shattering revelations. Well, at least revelations that might cause a teacup to rattle...if you in fact rattled it.
Vigorously.
The sad thing is...I'm really enjoying this storyline. I like the Locutron especially.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
New comic! Soon!
Just need to find three stinking seconds to get it uploaded! Everyone wants a piece of me!
AAARG!
It's ok...I just need another ten hours tacked onto my day.
Know anyone with a Tardis?
AAARG!
It's ok...I just need another ten hours tacked onto my day.
Know anyone with a Tardis?
Friday, May 26, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
No New Comic!
But it is on the way! (promise)
Some of you have noticed that I am pruning the site a bit. Well, back when this comic was slow to load...it was being hosted by a friend...in his basement...literally. Yes it was slow but it was free and I had unlimited bandwidth. Now I'm paying my way... One positive side effect is that Vexxarr loads very quickly now. The negative side effect is that you guys are shooting through my bandwidth like gangbusters.
So who's at fault?
Me.
Yes, me. Because I didn't previously have bandwidth restrictions my original design was rather 'top heavy'. So what can I do? Well I can start by shrinking the file size of every element of this site. I sure as heck don't want you guys page loading Vexxarr any less often. The goal would be to rebuild a site which can be loaded three times as often at half the bandwidth. Scott Kurtz predicted this very trap - your online success could be your downfall.
So I've pruned for the moment all my 'excess reload areas' and I'll bring them all back online one at a time as I get a sense of where my bandwidth is leaking. In the mean time, expect three comics a week. At least one additional snarky comment from me and a totally new design this Summer (or winter for you dudes down under). If you miss being able to get my goat...why not EMAIL me. That link isn't up there for my health, you know!
So bare with me and I'll keep the comic moving along...on a shoestring...
Some of you have noticed that I am pruning the site a bit. Well, back when this comic was slow to load...it was being hosted by a friend...in his basement...literally. Yes it was slow but it was free and I had unlimited bandwidth. Now I'm paying my way... One positive side effect is that Vexxarr loads very quickly now. The negative side effect is that you guys are shooting through my bandwidth like gangbusters.
So who's at fault?
Me.
Yes, me. Because I didn't previously have bandwidth restrictions my original design was rather 'top heavy'. So what can I do? Well I can start by shrinking the file size of every element of this site. I sure as heck don't want you guys page loading Vexxarr any less often. The goal would be to rebuild a site which can be loaded three times as often at half the bandwidth. Scott Kurtz predicted this very trap - your online success could be your downfall.
So I've pruned for the moment all my 'excess reload areas' and I'll bring them all back online one at a time as I get a sense of where my bandwidth is leaking. In the mean time, expect three comics a week. At least one additional snarky comment from me and a totally new design this Summer (or winter for you dudes down under). If you miss being able to get my goat...why not EMAIL me. That link isn't up there for my health, you know!
So bare with me and I'll keep the comic moving along...on a shoestring...
Friday, May 19, 2006
New Comic - New Cause!
Not that I want to let up the pressure on Pepsi or anything but I have a good cause for you.
Like the internet? Want to see it around in five years...at least as we know it and love it today..?
Then read this. Read this as well but don't believe a word of it. It seems that big business wants to charge duties in addition to existing online fees to on line vendors like (just by way of example) Amazon or Walmart or Apple iTunes. What's the big deal? Anyone who doesn't pay these ad hock fees may not show up in your google searches. In fact, you may not be able to get to them at all. Eventually, new legislation could allow service providers the ability to control who you visit online and which vendors can sell to you. Sound like a nightmare scenario? It is. Read on...
At the very least call Bell South (404-249-2000) and tell them what Bastards you think that they are. Well, tell them that they are, in fact, Bastards AND that you are aware of this fact.
I did.
I got a call from a legal representative who wanted to state their case in Net Neutrality.
HA!
I told him that I'd love to talk but 8:15am was way to damn early to discuss the subject with any clarity. I'll talk to him next week. He said he'd call back. I'll keep you posted.
Oh, and write your congressman or representative or whatever.
Like the internet? Want to see it around in five years...at least as we know it and love it today..?
Then read this. Read this as well but don't believe a word of it. It seems that big business wants to charge duties in addition to existing online fees to on line vendors like (just by way of example) Amazon or Walmart or Apple iTunes. What's the big deal? Anyone who doesn't pay these ad hock fees may not show up in your google searches. In fact, you may not be able to get to them at all. Eventually, new legislation could allow service providers the ability to control who you visit online and which vendors can sell to you. Sound like a nightmare scenario? It is. Read on...
At the very least call Bell South (404-249-2000) and tell them what Bastards you think that they are. Well, tell them that they are, in fact, Bastards AND that you are aware of this fact.
I did.
I got a call from a legal representative who wanted to state their case in Net Neutrality.
HA!
I told him that I'd love to talk but 8:15am was way to damn early to discuss the subject with any clarity. I'll talk to him next week. He said he'd call back. I'll keep you posted.
Oh, and write your congressman or representative or whatever.
Monday, May 08, 2006
New comic!
...and this may or may not exist, as it were, in the realm of canon.
But enjoy it none the less.
Have you bought your last case of Diet Code Red?
Have you written and asked for more?
WHY NOT?!
But enjoy it none the less.
Have you bought your last case of Diet Code Red?
Have you written and asked for more?
WHY NOT?!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Old Star Wars out on New DVD!
The original Star Wars Trilogy - unaltered - will be out on DVD!
And Scott Kurtz is just sick of it. Who can blame him? He feels like Lucasfilm slowly leaks these products out to the market in an effort to grab all the cash that they can. He is right. Everyone does. How many versions of The Lord Of The Rings do you own? I have three versions of the Fellowship Of The Ring alone.
But this time I think it's different. This time I think Lucas miscalculated. This time I think George may have actually gone back on a promise he made to himself. We clamored for this release and he fought us every step of the way. Whether his motivations were ultimately greed or concession, it doesn't matter. This time I think that George Lucas changed his mind...
The email I sent Scott Kurtz at PVP in my rants section. You may read it if you wish. Or you can hold out for the original when it comes out on DVD too...
And Scott Kurtz is just sick of it. Who can blame him? He feels like Lucasfilm slowly leaks these products out to the market in an effort to grab all the cash that they can. He is right. Everyone does. How many versions of The Lord Of The Rings do you own? I have three versions of the Fellowship Of The Ring alone.
But this time I think it's different. This time I think Lucas miscalculated. This time I think George may have actually gone back on a promise he made to himself. We clamored for this release and he fought us every step of the way. Whether his motivations were ultimately greed or concession, it doesn't matter. This time I think that George Lucas changed his mind...
The email I sent Scott Kurtz at PVP in my rants section. You may read it if you wish. Or you can hold out for the original when it comes out on DVD too...
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Welcome to RocketHost.Net
My previous host ran into some family issues and it became necessary to move to a new host. The only visible change should be the new if somewhat lackluster splash page. If you have gotten to my main page this means that the splash page was not much of an obstacle.
What's going on is that I have to use an "index.html" as my index file so my usual "index.php" is linked directly from the index.html. If I can get the code for a simple redirect, the splash page will shortly go away.
Anyone know of a good auto redirect that works in html?
And as noted above...this is MONDAY'S comic. WEDNESDAY'S will be posted after I get a little sleep. ...And possibly cake.
What's going on is that I have to use an "index.html" as my index file so my usual "index.php" is linked directly from the index.html. If I can get the code for a simple redirect, the splash page will shortly go away.
Anyone know of a good auto redirect that works in html?
And as noted above...this is MONDAY'S comic. WEDNESDAY'S will be posted after I get a little sleep. ...And possibly cake.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Computer Issues
Due to computer issues last night, I will have to post Vexxarr tonight...
I'm sorry. It is funny and continues along the cake theme...sort of.
Anyway, I'm off to another freelance experience and will post the completed comic upon my return this evening.
In the mean time, I have the process used to create helium for your edification and reading pleasure...
Yes, an act of utter desperation.
I'm sorry. It is funny and continues along the cake theme...sort of.
Anyway, I'm off to another freelance experience and will post the completed comic upon my return this evening.
In the mean time, I have the process used to create helium for your edification and reading pleasure...
Yes, an act of utter desperation.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
The Mighty 200 !
Yes, today marks, by my counting, the 200th strip. Many of you may go back through the archives and point out that this is actually the 202nd or the 199th or even the 10^104th or some nonsense but it's my strip and as I number the text files that mark the dialog, I'm up to 200.
So this marks the official 200th strip of Vexxarr!
A celebration is in order. So in celebration, please contact Buffalo Rock and tell them that my supply of Diet Code Red is running low. As I calculate my stockpile, I have one month of life left on this plane of reality.
But seriously.
To celebrate, I have scheduled a two month hiatus - so you guys can take a break from my terrible, terrible comic...
...no...
But REALLY seriously.
I have prints in the works. Two miniposter sized prints (approximately 12" x 24" glossy color) are in the works. One is a cutaway view of Vexxarr's ship and hyperdrive sabot. The other is Bleen anatomy. That's right, soon you will learn to know your flam.
I'll make quantities and prices available soon. And don't give up on those T's yet...
So this marks the official 200th strip of Vexxarr!
A celebration is in order. So in celebration, please contact Buffalo Rock and tell them that my supply of Diet Code Red is running low. As I calculate my stockpile, I have one month of life left on this plane of reality.
But seriously.
To celebrate, I have scheduled a two month hiatus - so you guys can take a break from my terrible, terrible comic...
...no...
But REALLY seriously.
I have prints in the works. Two miniposter sized prints (approximately 12" x 24" glossy color) are in the works. One is a cutaway view of Vexxarr's ship and hyperdrive sabot. The other is Bleen anatomy. That's right, soon you will learn to know your flam.
I'll make quantities and prices available soon. And don't give up on those T's yet...
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Delays Excuses and one measly comic...
Sorry for the late post...but procrastination, a delayed shoot and a nasty computer virus conspired against me.
First of all Media Motor - they claim to be an internet advertising entity. They are criminals. These people have a DirectX drive-by that is unremovable. Fortunately it only infects Internet Explorer while I use Firefox. Still the only solution that I can find is a full and absolute hard drive wipe and Windows reinstall.
But for more important matters: Diet Code Red
What have you done for me today?
Buffalo Rock Sales of Birmingham, Alabama: (205) 940 9799
And how to reach them:
First of all Media Motor - they claim to be an internet advertising entity. They are criminals. These people have a DirectX drive-by that is unremovable. Fortunately it only infects Internet Explorer while I use Firefox. Still the only solution that I can find is a full and absolute hard drive wipe and Windows reinstall.
But for more important matters: Diet Code Red
What have you done for me today?
Buffalo Rock Sales of Birmingham, Alabama: (205) 940 9799
And how to reach them:
Physical Address
111 Oxmoor Road
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Need Directions? Click here!
Mailing Address
Or as a last resort...Buffalo Rock Company
P.O. Box 10048
Birmingham, Alabama 35202
Friday, April 14, 2006
Red Alert!
Diet Code Red has been discontinued by the Buffalo Rock Bottling company!
You know what this means...
My life is now only as good as the number of cans of this life-giving elixir left in the state of Alabama.
So.
IF you want more Vexxarr.
And...
IF you want ME to draw THEM.
YOU...
...must beg, cajole, force, convince, trick or otherwise influence Buffalo Rock to continue producing my brain fuel.
Some of you may consider this to be an unfair ultimatum for my readers and fans but...as I see it...if you can't abuse your position of influence...why get up in the morning?
Here's how to help:
Buffalo Rock Sales of Birmingham, Alabama: (205) 940 9799
A list of their management and Robber Baron executives
And how to reach them:
What are you staring at this text box for?
RUN!
You know what this means...
My life is now only as good as the number of cans of this life-giving elixir left in the state of Alabama.
So.
IF you want more Vexxarr.
And...
IF you want ME to draw THEM.
YOU...
...must beg, cajole, force, convince, trick or otherwise influence Buffalo Rock to continue producing my brain fuel.
Some of you may consider this to be an unfair ultimatum for my readers and fans but...as I see it...if you can't abuse your position of influence...why get up in the morning?
Here's how to help:
Buffalo Rock Sales of Birmingham, Alabama: (205) 940 9799
A list of their management and Robber Baron executives
And how to reach them:
Physical Address
111 Oxmoor Road
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Need Directions? Click here!
Mailing Address
Or as a last resort...Buffalo Rock Company
P.O. Box 10048
Birmingham, Alabama 35202
What are you staring at this text box for?
RUN!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Double Wednesday!
Half the fun!!!
Thought I'd build a little perspective into the noodley psych of our beloved Sploorfix (the eye-stalk-thingy). His motivation has been somewhat a source of frustration for me. I figure he (it) has a mixture of Stockholm syndrome and hero worship. Not that Sploorfix is a hostage...he's (it's)...actually more of a political refugee. He and Vexxarr are both pawns of their respective higher authorities (higher being an extremely relative value). That commonality will be expanded upon in the near future.
Until then, silliness.
And possibly even after...
Thought I'd build a little perspective into the noodley psych of our beloved Sploorfix (the eye-stalk-thingy). His motivation has been somewhat a source of frustration for me. I figure he (it) has a mixture of Stockholm syndrome and hero worship. Not that Sploorfix is a hostage...he's (it's)...actually more of a political refugee. He and Vexxarr are both pawns of their respective higher authorities (higher being an extremely relative value). That commonality will be expanded upon in the near future.
Until then, silliness.
And possibly even after...
Sunday, April 09, 2006
No Update for Monday.
Vexxarr will be back Tuesday evening with two strips for Wednesday!
I wound up working all weekend (and I mean ALL weekend) hence, Monday's strip will be late. But rest assured that when Wednesday rolls around the front page will have two strips as is becoming my habit.
I'd try to ply your sad hearts with promises of color...but I think that they will all be in color from now on.
I like seeing the green in Vexxarr's complexion...it makes me giddy with joy.
I wound up working all weekend (and I mean ALL weekend) hence, Monday's strip will be late. But rest assured that when Wednesday rolls around the front page will have two strips as is becoming my habit.
I'd try to ply your sad hearts with promises of color...but I think that they will all be in color from now on.
I like seeing the green in Vexxarr's complexion...it makes me giddy with joy.
Monday, April 03, 2006
NEW VEXXARR !
And it's still MONDAY!
Imagine that...
Also, I've run into the Dihydrogen Monoxide hoax again. It purports to show that Americans are so woefully ignorant of their basic chemistry education that they don't even know the name for water when they hear it (or read it as is the case for the internet hoax). Who can blame them...since Dihydrogen Monoxide isn't really the common scientific name for water. I was always partial to hydrogen hydroxide in chemistry but there are others.
So...color from now on??? Hmmm...?
Imagine that...
Also, I've run into the Dihydrogen Monoxide hoax again. It purports to show that Americans are so woefully ignorant of their basic chemistry education that they don't even know the name for water when they hear it (or read it as is the case for the internet hoax). Who can blame them...since Dihydrogen Monoxide isn't really the common scientific name for water. I was always partial to hydrogen hydroxide in chemistry but there are others.
So...color from now on??? Hmmm...?
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Monday Early Sunday!
I'm off to a shoot!
So Monday is early early early! See it here tonight on Sunday!
You know, I may just keep things in color as the coloring of the strip is no longer the time intensive part of the process. Oddly, it's the writing part that takes hours and hours.
Let me know what you guys think about staying in color...or colour if you prefer...
And lest we forget...
So Monday is early early early! See it here tonight on Sunday!
You know, I may just keep things in color as the coloring of the strip is no longer the time intensive part of the process. Oddly, it's the writing part that takes hours and hours.
Let me know what you guys think about staying in color...or colour if you prefer...
And lest we forget...
Friday, March 24, 2006
Let's see how long THIS lasts...
OK, new comic. I have a gig this Monday so it is possible that Monday's strip will be delayed... But I have a strip in mind already.
AT SOME POINT...
...I will build up a buffer of three to four weeks. Just not this week. But if I am to survive this must take place.
Oh and just so that you can't say that I didn't...
AT SOME POINT...
...I will build up a buffer of three to four weeks. Just not this week. But if I am to survive this must take place.
Oh and just so that you can't say that I didn't...
Monday, March 20, 2006
Monday and a new week!
I have two new Vexxarr's ready for the offering. I'll post them this morning and hopefully, stay on schedule from here forward. I finished the project of doom (thank you all for your kind words) and I managed to get some sleep too. I gotta tell ya, I went 72 hours on less than 5 hours sleep total. My mind was in a truly funky place for awhile there.
After about nine hours of solid sleep last night, I feel like myself again...which is to say paranoid, neurotic and generally irrational.
So look forward to two strips today and two more this week.
I'm back!
After about nine hours of solid sleep last night, I feel like myself again...which is to say paranoid, neurotic and generally irrational.
So look forward to two strips today and two more this week.
I'm back!
Friday, March 17, 2006
Hybernating...
A new Vexx the very moment I awaken. I have suffered through my paying projects and emerged if not victorious, at least very, very sleepy. So even as you read this...I am asleep...dreaming of Friday's strip...which will be late...of course.
So I give you this...
So I give you this...
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Wednesday!
I'll have both Monday and Wednesday's comic posted by Noon. This will bring me up to date. Both will be in color. One will be funny.
Hey, it's 3:30am here and I've been working at this edit suite since 11:00am!
Don't make me bring out the weasels!
Hey, it's 3:30am here and I've been working at this edit suite since 11:00am!
Don't make me bring out the weasels!
Monday, March 13, 2006
Monday's is on the way IN COLOR!
Above find a chromatically enhanced strip for both Wednesday and Friday...
Note that the Archives already have pages for those days as well. Monday's is written...always a good start...and will be up some time...well...Monday.
Although which Monday I cannot say.
What? Grumbling? Be glad I offer only this and do not compound thine insult with hedgehogs!
Note that the Archives already have pages for those days as well. Monday's is written...always a good start...and will be up some time...well...Monday.
Although which Monday I cannot say.
What? Grumbling? Be glad I offer only this and do not compound thine insult with hedgehogs!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Where is Vexxarr?
Vexxarr is safe and written three days in advance now. I've been finishing a series of videos for Auntie Litter (it's a pun) which are due Monday. Due in this case means in the duplicator's hands somewhere in Tennessee. Today I'm with family and this evening - if I'm lucky - I'll get back and get to post new Vexxarr's for everyone (yes - even you).
I won't miss a post because I'm 'tired'. I've been tired for three weeks now and that hasn't kept me out of the gym or away from my edit suite. After this, I look forward to getting the Vexx back on schedule and back online. I'm sorry about the delays but I assure you the comics do exist and they will be funny. If not, I refund all your money.
All of it.
I won't miss a post because I'm 'tired'. I've been tired for three weeks now and that hasn't kept me out of the gym or away from my edit suite. After this, I look forward to getting the Vexx back on schedule and back online. I'm sorry about the delays but I assure you the comics do exist and they will be funny. If not, I refund all your money.
All of it.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Too Good To Last!
NO Vexxarr for Wednesday...
Sorry...
I'll post it Friday, most likely, with Friday's as well. I have two written - which as you know is rare - but I'm under a work deadline that will not allow me to post tonight. Please accept my apology and as is the custom...that means both strips will be in color!
For now, take a look at some thumbnail sketches I did for Vexxarr's Hyperdrive Sabot. The final design is also there - slightly immature.
Rest assured that all three of this week's strips will be posted by Friday!
Thanks!
Sorry...
I'll post it Friday, most likely, with Friday's as well. I have two written - which as you know is rare - but I'm under a work deadline that will not allow me to post tonight. Please accept my apology and as is the custom...that means both strips will be in color!
For now, take a look at some thumbnail sketches I did for Vexxarr's Hyperdrive Sabot. The final design is also there - slightly immature.
Rest assured that all three of this week's strips will be posted by Friday!
Thanks!
Monday, March 06, 2006
It's been awhile...
But the past two strips have been on time. I have already said far too much about my schedule, the woes of being freelance and my persistent rash. Wait, I never mentioned the persistent rash did I?
Let's just pretend that never happened...
Anyway. New Vexxarr in the offering. I hope you like the Marconians. Twenty brownie points to the first person who can tell me why they are called Marconians.
100 brownie points to the person that can then tell me if I've spelled it right.
10,000 brownie points to the person who sends me actual BROWNIES (the food - not the proto Girl Scout).
So you have your homework. Get to it!
Let's just pretend that never happened...
Anyway. New Vexxarr in the offering. I hope you like the Marconians. Twenty brownie points to the first person who can tell me why they are called Marconians.
100 brownie points to the person that can then tell me if I've spelled it right.
10,000 brownie points to the person who sends me actual BROWNIES (the food - not the proto Girl Scout).
So you have your homework. Get to it!
Monday, February 20, 2006
New Comic and it's Late!
I have today's comic! You, however, do not. I'll update after today's shoot.
I promise.
I promise.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
New comic! AND it's EARLY!
Yes - early. You read right. I'll be on a shoot so I'm uploading this strip early for YOU! Things are back to gray now with some changes. I do shadowing to make my art look cooler. Thank you all for the support. And thank you all for the kind reception I've gotten over the past few strips. You seem to like what I am doing and I do as well!
Also...
I will be putting hand-drawn art on eBay this coming week. If you would be interested in bidding, let me know! If you would be interested in buying original artwork, tell me!
Thank you all and please - get some sleep for me.
Also...
I will be putting hand-drawn art on eBay this coming week. If you would be interested in bidding, let me know! If you would be interested in buying original artwork, tell me!
Thank you all and please - get some sleep for me.
Friday, February 10, 2006
End Of Storyline
And I edited the comic a bit. I didn't like my background work so I went back this morning and made some elaborations in the scenery. I do this for you. Because my love for you is so strong...
So, next week, new story. Seems like Vexxarr is picking up quite the menagerie. I promise it won't become Yogi's ark or something stupid. I will say that there is yet another character in the works. I'll spoil nothing but I'll give you a hint: sesquicentennial...
Read on dear readers and I'll see you Monday!
Please contact/annoy/ chastise me in our resplendent FORUMS...
So, next week, new story. Seems like Vexxarr is picking up quite the menagerie. I promise it won't become Yogi's ark or something stupid. I will say that there is yet another character in the works. I'll spoil nothing but I'll give you a hint: sesquicentennial...
Read on dear readers and I'll see you Monday!
Please contact/annoy/ chastise me in our resplendent FORUMS...
Sunday, February 05, 2006
It's Always Something!
This is the comic for Monday the 6th of February. I'm at the Bonaventure in Weston Florida and they have some form of evil firewall that prevents me from uploading the comic for today with any speed or reliability. I can see the FTP site. I just can't upload or list.... or I couldn't...until I found a hack for recalcitrant firewalls...
So here is Vexxarr for Monday the 6th. I'll try to get the archives up too...but the way the firewall is acting, don't hold your breath.
So here is Vexxarr for Monday the 6th. I'll try to get the archives up too...but the way the firewall is acting, don't hold your breath.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Human Sleep Deprivation experiment Continues...AGAIN!
Ok, the deal:
I'm doing three videos for three separate clients. I have a lot of work to do and barely have enough time to squeeze in Vexxarr. You hear me? I barely have time but I DO have time.
So.
Vexxarr will be late but in color (as is the habit now) and you will get your thrice weekly dose of alien goodness.
My solemn vow: So long as Vexxarr is in publication, you WILL get three strips a week. When you look at the archives, there will be a strip there for every M W and F of the calendar year. If they are late, my sincere apologies but they will be there.
My goal on this project was to take on a graphic challenge that had me updating consistently three days a week in perpetuity. This will always be true. As I become more accustomed to the time it takes to post a strip, I promise they will start updating closer to the time they are supposed to update - as soon as I get to the end of the current (oh so appreciated) freelance projects.
Vexxarr forever!
...or until I die.
I'm doing three videos for three separate clients. I have a lot of work to do and barely have enough time to squeeze in Vexxarr. You hear me? I barely have time but I DO have time.
So.
Vexxarr will be late but in color (as is the habit now) and you will get your thrice weekly dose of alien goodness.
My solemn vow: So long as Vexxarr is in publication, you WILL get three strips a week. When you look at the archives, there will be a strip there for every M W and F of the calendar year. If they are late, my sincere apologies but they will be there.
My goal on this project was to take on a graphic challenge that had me updating consistently three days a week in perpetuity. This will always be true. As I become more accustomed to the time it takes to post a strip, I promise they will start updating closer to the time they are supposed to update - as soon as I get to the end of the current (oh so appreciated) freelance projects.
Vexxarr forever!
...or until I die.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Human Sleep Deprivation experiment Concludes!
After two weeks of less than five hours of sleep, I finally have time off.
Vexxarr is up only a DAY late which is above par for the past several strips. He's still color and I may just keep it that way...
As for my mental health I have found that I no longer need sleep and am now embarking upon a program of late night exercise. Often kangaroo Arizona cellphone to turquoise when mice explode. They moot council hamster radio Einstein to Florida. Popsicle credit card baboon?
Vexxarr is up only a DAY late which is above par for the past several strips. He's still color and I may just keep it that way...
As for my mental health I have found that I no longer need sleep and am now embarking upon a program of late night exercise. Often kangaroo Arizona cellphone to turquoise when mice explode. They moot council hamster radio Einstein to Florida. Popsicle credit card baboon?
Friday, January 27, 2006
Human Sleep Deprivation experiment Continues
New Vexxarr just as soon as I get home and shower...or sleep. I'm working on a Awards video for medical professionals. I have been here for two days.
Kill me...
Kill me...
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Updated!
Here, for your reading pleasure, are Monday's and Tuesday's Vexxarrs. Note the color. This may be a thing - as it were.
But you tell me.
Now off to sleep for nearly four, entire, uninterrupted hours. Oh the luxury. Oh the bohemian lifestyle...
But you tell me.
Now off to sleep for nearly four, entire, uninterrupted hours. Oh the luxury. Oh the bohemian lifestyle...
Deertick Apocalypse
I have missed my update. I have been editing a series of PSA's for an environmental group for two days straight now. I'll be done by 12:00 noon Tuesday and THEN will get a chance to update Vexxarr. I'll have Wednesdays done by Tuesday night and I'll think of some way to make it up to you all!
Blood perhaps...
In color...
Blood perhaps...
In color...
Monday, January 23, 2006
Monday's Vexxarr
As I was out of town this weekend, Vexxarr will be late but up Monday. I'm revising a video project (yet again) at the right and propper hour of 3:00am. If I survive, Vexxarr will be in color...again.
Blarg.
Blarg.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
Making It Up To You!
Color, yes color!
Color again. Even Colour for those across the Atlantic. I'm not ready to switch to full color yet as it takes twice as long to finish a strip...but in time, who knows?
So enjoy the fall of Shlumpy and look forward to Wednesday's strip!
Color again. Even Colour for those across the Atlantic. I'm not ready to switch to full color yet as it takes twice as long to finish a strip...but in time, who knows?
So enjoy the fall of Shlumpy and look forward to Wednesday's strip!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Expect a Late Friday Post.
Work has reared it's ugly head again. I am off to Atlanta this very morning and will be back long in the day. I will do my best to get the strip drawn and posted - for you see, I already have it written. Writing takes me hours and drawing and scanning only an hour or so. This time my offering shall be color.
I decree it.
I decree it.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Color, scratch and sniff, etc...
I honestly keep intending to do a strip in color for you...but I keep forgetting just as quickly. Please do not take my adherence to the gray scale as some form of slight. Behold - I even added shading to today's strip...
I'll see about dropping some chroma on you Friday...
Stay tuned.
I'll see about dropping some chroma on you Friday...
Stay tuned.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Monday Delay!
Not illness, not Halo, not family but work - Godless, unyielding, uncaring work dictates that Vexxarr come to you on Monday...but slightly delayed.
To make it up to you, I'll do it in color...or texture...or catsup or something.
To make it up to you, I'll do it in color...or texture...or catsup or something.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Health
I am doing as well as can be expected considering my work, sleep and stress schedules (I find it convenient to schedule stress so that it does not take over my day).
Thank you ALL for your kind words of concern and well wishes..and erm...Halo... I cannot describe how they made me feel. I can. Noticed. You all made me feel noticed. I say that not out of irony but all good human faith. Thank you all.
Now as a token of my returned friendship to you. A special Vexxarr. This strip is presented in scratch and sniff for scratch-and-sniff equipped Lynix users...on Mars.
...wearing wool...
...tuxedos.
Thank you ALL for your kind words of concern and well wishes..and erm...Halo... I cannot describe how they made me feel. I can. Noticed. You all made me feel noticed. I say that not out of irony but all good human faith. Thank you all.
Now as a token of my returned friendship to you. A special Vexxarr. This strip is presented in scratch and sniff for scratch-and-sniff equipped Lynix users...on Mars.
...wearing wool...
...tuxedos.
Illin'
I'm taken ill (stomache troubles). Vexxarr is written (no small struggle) and will be posted early (ish) Friday. Expect more on the Shlumpy storyline... Expect less solid food.
Friday, December 30, 2005
New Vex!
And it's a little large...And my Host is a little slow...So bear with.
And don't forget - there will be a special Vexx tomorrow for New Years!
Stay tuned!
And don't forget - there will be a special Vexx tomorrow for New Years!
Stay tuned!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Macon Georgia Shoot Delays Comic!
Due to a shoot in Macon Georgia, Vexxarr will update on Friday. I'll be back and ready to scan this year's penultimate Vexxarr! That's right...penultimate...as in next-to-last! Stay tuned for a very special Vexxarr Saturday, December 31, 2005 AD.
It will be extra long...and in color...and scratch and sniff...and stuff.
It will be extra long...and in color...and scratch and sniff...and stuff.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas!
And it is...if a bid damp and rainy here on the East Coast. Narrowly averting a molten chocolate disaster, I was able to present my family with plump, chocolatey stockings. One wonders who thought of hanging combustible garments over a FIRE and who would further suggest the storage of volatile confectionery therein. Anyway, all is well if a bit SOFT.
I'm hoping that all (both of) my readers enjoy my special Holiday Greeting Card. It is not to alienate my dearest and closest friends who celebrate Hanuka or Agnostica or even Diet Mountain Dew Code Red... It is just to remind readers that this is a Holiday and that Vexxarr is himself green and red.
So a Merry Feasting to all and to all a good Holiday. Take cheer. Take Heart. Take an aspirin before the festivities. I am told that it helps.
I'm hoping that all (both of) my readers enjoy my special Holiday Greeting Card. It is not to alienate my dearest and closest friends who celebrate Hanuka or Agnostica or even Diet Mountain Dew Code Red... It is just to remind readers that this is a Holiday and that Vexxarr is himself green and red.
So a Merry Feasting to all and to all a good Holiday. Take cheer. Take Heart. Take an aspirin before the festivities. I am told that it helps.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Three Minutes To Spare
Some poor resident of Deertick Wyoming was issued a reprieve at exactly 11:57pm Friday, December 23rd. Vexxarr is up and Monday's is preloaded in advance. You'll have your Xmas Vexxarr up and exactly on time. I'll be working Thursday, December 29th so Fridays will either be up Thursday night or Late Friday night. It will be up.
The storyline will be wrapping up by new years so expect some actual plot. Perhaps a thread or two.
I was heartened when NPR finally covered the Sony DRM XCP2 debacle. I was sickened, however when I realized that NPR entirely missed the point, the threat and the whole concept of the problem. Their take was that the XCP2 software interfered with the way Windows users were able to use or listen to the music on the infected CD's. They missed entirely that the XCP2 software opened a security hole that invited concealed trojans and that the removal tool opened a permanent and possibly irreversible security hole.
Way to go NPR. Consider completing that GED and pursuing a career in auto detailing.
The storyline will be wrapping up by new years so expect some actual plot. Perhaps a thread or two.
I was heartened when NPR finally covered the Sony DRM XCP2 debacle. I was sickened, however when I realized that NPR entirely missed the point, the threat and the whole concept of the problem. Their take was that the XCP2 software interfered with the way Windows users were able to use or listen to the music on the infected CD's. They missed entirely that the XCP2 software opened a security hole that invited concealed trojans and that the removal tool opened a permanent and possibly irreversible security hole.
Way to go NPR. Consider completing that GED and pursuing a career in auto detailing.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
This Weekend's Schedule
Friday's Vexxarr is ready! But...I packed my computer.
So.
Friday's will be up late Friday. It's funny...I promise. Monday's will be up Monday. On time. Really. It's one of my favorite strips for many months now.
Also.
I'll be preparing this year's storyline for The Vexxarr Book. Which will be available in early 2006. The working title for which is "Vexxarr Kills Some Trees". It is highly unlikely that the first Vexxarr book will actually be published under this title but...hell, you never know.
And to the family and friends of whichever poor bastard is currently on the hook in Deertick Wyoming. I'll do my best to update Tomorrow before midnight. If I fail, I'll be sure to send a fruitcake. Maybe two.
So.
Friday's will be up late Friday. It's funny...I promise. Monday's will be up Monday. On time. Really. It's one of my favorite strips for many months now.
Also.
I'll be preparing this year's storyline for The Vexxarr Book. Which will be available in early 2006. The working title for which is "Vexxarr Kills Some Trees". It is highly unlikely that the first Vexxarr book will actually be published under this title but...hell, you never know.
And to the family and friends of whichever poor bastard is currently on the hook in Deertick Wyoming. I'll do my best to update Tomorrow before midnight. If I fail, I'll be sure to send a fruitcake. Maybe two.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
I'm Not Borrowing From Scott Kurtz...
I'm stealing from him. PVP and all his efforts represent, in my opinion, the very best of what web comics are and can be. I'm an avid fan of Scott and I've always stood by his polish, his writing (which is what really makes a cartoonist stand out) and his style. Scott Kurtz is a class act. And I'm not just saying that because I stole his punchline. But I did steal his punchline...
Anyway.
Good artists borrow. Great ones steal.
Well, I'll get there...some day...
By the way, the TITLE of today's strip is "SERENITY"
Anyway.
Good artists borrow. Great ones steal.
Well, I'll get there...some day...
By the way, the TITLE of today's strip is "SERENITY"
Monday, December 19, 2005
The Greater Threat
Let's be clear here.
I own and shop Sony products all the time. I watch Sony movies (which I purchase on DVD despite some very dishonest tactics to encourage just this kind of behavior) and I use Sony products professionally...that is I did until recently. Yes, my Tivo-esque machine in my livingroom - little more than a PC with tuner capability - has been root hacked! The culprit? The CD Switchfoot published by Sony Music. What this means is that I cannot install other audio players (the fact that the DRM will prevent installation of iTunes 6 is well documented) and I have no control over who remotely can access my machine. In short, I have to reformat, scrub and reinstall Windows.
This is unquestionably Sony's fault.
The kicker? I don't OWN Switchfoot. My friend did. He placed it in the CD tray when I was away from the PC. The DRM scheme installed itself (without - by the way - the promised popup and EULA which Sony claims appears with the installation). So I have been hit by the Sony DRM virus and I didn't even buy a Sony Music CD. Worse still, because I don't own the CD, I can't even join the various class actions being levied for just this behavior.
Look, it's time we show the media industries that we too have a say in what is legal and illegal. We too can say how media is used and shared. The United States legal system at least is still a two way street. They can take actions, we can take actions. Legal ones.
What I suggest is simple and it will take very little time. First, read bout what is happening with this recent debacle. Second, find out how it has affected you. Third, contact both Sony and First 4 Internet and tell them how you feel. Do so in writing or call their corporate offices. Lastly, shop alternatives.
Sony makes a good product. Sony used to make a great product. It is a happy coincidence that right now, Sony has been thoroughly trumped in the HD television, DV video, HDV video and professional video markets. If you shop and feel that Sony is the only true solution for your needs, then I have no argument. You at least weighed your options. I insist, however that if you look, you will find that other manufacturers have done their homework and offer superior products to Sony in every product line.
Just make sure that you talk about how you feel. Make sure Sony hears you. If this isn't addressed now, the message will be that we accept this kind of behavior and that message will be to loud to shout down.
The Sony Corporation of America offices are located at 550 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
I own and shop Sony products all the time. I watch Sony movies (which I purchase on DVD despite some very dishonest tactics to encourage just this kind of behavior) and I use Sony products professionally...that is I did until recently. Yes, my Tivo-esque machine in my livingroom - little more than a PC with tuner capability - has been root hacked! The culprit? The CD Switchfoot published by Sony Music. What this means is that I cannot install other audio players (the fact that the DRM will prevent installation of iTunes 6 is well documented) and I have no control over who remotely can access my machine. In short, I have to reformat, scrub and reinstall Windows.
This is unquestionably Sony's fault.
The kicker? I don't OWN Switchfoot. My friend did. He placed it in the CD tray when I was away from the PC. The DRM scheme installed itself (without - by the way - the promised popup and EULA which Sony claims appears with the installation). So I have been hit by the Sony DRM virus and I didn't even buy a Sony Music CD. Worse still, because I don't own the CD, I can't even join the various class actions being levied for just this behavior.
Look, it's time we show the media industries that we too have a say in what is legal and illegal. We too can say how media is used and shared. The United States legal system at least is still a two way street. They can take actions, we can take actions. Legal ones.
What I suggest is simple and it will take very little time. First, read bout what is happening with this recent debacle. Second, find out how it has affected you. Third, contact both Sony and First 4 Internet and tell them how you feel. Do so in writing or call their corporate offices. Lastly, shop alternatives.
Sony makes a good product. Sony used to make a great product. It is a happy coincidence that right now, Sony has been thoroughly trumped in the HD television, DV video, HDV video and professional video markets. If you shop and feel that Sony is the only true solution for your needs, then I have no argument. You at least weighed your options. I insist, however that if you look, you will find that other manufacturers have done their homework and offer superior products to Sony in every product line.
Just make sure that you talk about how you feel. Make sure Sony hears you. If this isn't addressed now, the message will be that we accept this kind of behavior and that message will be to loud to shout down.
The Sony Corporation of America offices are located at 550 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
Monday, December 12, 2005
The Great Deertick Massacre Continues...
Once again, I have lost connectivity to my server. Vexxarr will be up a bit late but up nonetheless. Vexxarr was down this weekend. For that I apologize. My host who treats me like his only customer was prompt and communicative about the problem and had things aright in no time. The delay in his reaction was entirely my fault and not representative of the care and attention I get from him.
Thanks, Ian.
And while I do my best to manage the Deertick Wyoming population explosion, I do my last minute shopping and gifting online.
The holidays are upon us!
Yay.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Back on schedule
Everything seems to be ticking away. I'll have something new for you Monday barring catastrophe. Of course this depends on your definition OF catastrophe. Vexxarr could arguably be considered a catastrophe.
Friday, December 02, 2005
FTP failure! Comic to follow!
It's 2am. Friday's Vexxarr is ready...I just can't upload now. I'll go to bed and just assume the problem will clear up by morning.
Thanks for waiting and as always, my apologies to the folk in Deertick.
...Like lambs to the slaughter, I swear.
Thanks for waiting and as always, my apologies to the folk in Deertick.
...Like lambs to the slaughter, I swear.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Wed's Vexxarr is up.
Friday's later tonight.
And a correction. My case mod Dell XPS D333 is actually named Event Horizon (hard drives named: Black Hole, Point Mass and Singularity). I changed the name after I reinstalled the OS and changed mo boards...
I'm such a geek.
And a correction. My case mod Dell XPS D333 is actually named Event Horizon (hard drives named: Black Hole, Point Mass and Singularity). I changed the name after I reinstalled the OS and changed mo boards...
I'm such a geek.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
New Vexxarr Thursday!
Vexxarr is on paper and ready to scan! You see, I don't own a notebook PC...or a notebook Mac (the very idea!). What I have is a growing family of desktops.
I have the TiVo-like PC in my livingroom named Vexxarr. No I don't do the strip there, I use Vexxarr for digital recording and playback of movies, television shows and - well - browsing the internet with friends on a Sony Wega 36" television (Red vs Blue looks AWESOME on a Wega and you haven't lived until you've seen Strongbad Email on a 36" screen).
Next to Vexxarr sits Big Mac my Dual 2.5 G5 with Final Cut Pro 4.5 HD. It is On Big Mac (hard drive Fries and Fire Wire Drive Shake) that I earn my living...when it isn't freezing or spontaneously deleting files (error: unknown file - click OK to continue?). Big Mac is used exclusively for editing HD NTSC and DV NTSC video. Nothing else...lest it become testy...er.
Downstairs I have Elder God - my single processor 3.1ghz monster in a tower case (he's an all front case mod - everything: VGA, DVI USB, Firewire, Ethernet, Printer, DVD drives...everything is on the front - only the power cable comes out of the back). Elder God is my gaming/graphics/video encoding and conversion box.
Next to Elder God is Singularity, my Windows 98 box and life support system for my apparently immortal Umax Vista S8. Singularity started life as a Dell Dimension XPS D333 with an Intel P2 processor. When the motherboard died, I made another case mod (of course) and now Singularity is an AMD 1Ghz with an MSI motherboard and a hacked power switch and hard drive light circuit board (not surprisingly, I found the wiring diagram on the internet).
And on top of Singularity sits Pilfered. Pilfered is an old AMD 660mhz with PCI VGA graphics output. It has my old rolodex from work on it and all of my client contact information. Recently, I pulled the chassis of an old Vectorscope from my parts library and built a compact case for Pilfered. Pilfered is now a small rectangle, roughly 18"x8"x6" and is all side...well...mostly side. Anyway, it's as small as I could make an ATX standard computer and it sits under its monitor. It is Pilfered that I have in my hotel room and it is pilfered that I am updating Vexxarr's blog with right now.
While none of these computers has the polish and sophistication of a laptop, none of them cost me more than $400 either. And since I'm taking my Xbox with me anyway, I might as well throw in a PC the size of a loaf of bread (see, most hotel rooms prevent you from connecting your game system to their TV so I always bring a modest Batesias LCD monitor with s-video inputs).
And there you have it. A glimpse into the ugly world of Hunter's casemods.
And Vexxarr will be updated tomorrow around 6pm EST (3pm Pacific). Friday's will update at 2am EST as usual.
I have the TiVo-like PC in my livingroom named Vexxarr. No I don't do the strip there, I use Vexxarr for digital recording and playback of movies, television shows and - well - browsing the internet with friends on a Sony Wega 36" television (Red vs Blue looks AWESOME on a Wega and you haven't lived until you've seen Strongbad Email on a 36" screen).
Next to Vexxarr sits Big Mac my Dual 2.5 G5 with Final Cut Pro 4.5 HD. It is On Big Mac (hard drive Fries and Fire Wire Drive Shake) that I earn my living...when it isn't freezing or spontaneously deleting files (error: unknown file - click OK to continue?). Big Mac is used exclusively for editing HD NTSC and DV NTSC video. Nothing else...lest it become testy...er.
Downstairs I have Elder God - my single processor 3.1ghz monster in a tower case (he's an all front case mod - everything: VGA, DVI USB, Firewire, Ethernet, Printer, DVD drives...everything is on the front - only the power cable comes out of the back). Elder God is my gaming/graphics/video encoding and conversion box.
Next to Elder God is Singularity, my Windows 98 box and life support system for my apparently immortal Umax Vista S8. Singularity started life as a Dell Dimension XPS D333 with an Intel P2 processor. When the motherboard died, I made another case mod (of course) and now Singularity is an AMD 1Ghz with an MSI motherboard and a hacked power switch and hard drive light circuit board (not surprisingly, I found the wiring diagram on the internet).
And on top of Singularity sits Pilfered. Pilfered is an old AMD 660mhz with PCI VGA graphics output. It has my old rolodex from work on it and all of my client contact information. Recently, I pulled the chassis of an old Vectorscope from my parts library and built a compact case for Pilfered. Pilfered is now a small rectangle, roughly 18"x8"x6" and is all side...well...mostly side. Anyway, it's as small as I could make an ATX standard computer and it sits under its monitor. It is Pilfered that I have in my hotel room and it is pilfered that I am updating Vexxarr's blog with right now.
While none of these computers has the polish and sophistication of a laptop, none of them cost me more than $400 either. And since I'm taking my Xbox with me anyway, I might as well throw in a PC the size of a loaf of bread (see, most hotel rooms prevent you from connecting your game system to their TV so I always bring a modest Batesias LCD monitor with s-video inputs).
And there you have it. A glimpse into the ugly world of Hunter's casemods.
And Vexxarr will be updated tomorrow around 6pm EST (3pm Pacific). Friday's will update at 2am EST as usual.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Wednesday to post Thursday!
I'm in Utah. That's the beginning and end of it folks. I'm in Utah and no matter how hard I whine, I'm still about 1500 miles from my scanner. Oh the Wednesday Vexxarr will be done. I have five hours on an airplane to make sure that happens. But it won't be laid betwixt the scanning plates of my Venerable Umax Vista S8 until Thursday at 4:30pm. But when that happens - look out!
Oh and my apologies in advance to that poor, poor bastard in Deertick Wyoming. It has to be like some kind of lottery of the damned over there - waiting for my update.
Oh well, Wyoming. It's not like anybody actually LIVES there, right?
Oh and my apologies in advance to that poor, poor bastard in Deertick Wyoming. It has to be like some kind of lottery of the damned over there - waiting for my update.
Oh well, Wyoming. It's not like anybody actually LIVES there, right?
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Back!
And a late Vexxarr for the 25th... To the family of that poor guy in Deertick Wyoming - I'm sorry. It wasn't my fault. As you see, I have a comic up now ostensibly for the 25th. If you guys in the Midwest want to jump the gun every time I have to push the strip a day, don't come crying to me.
Now next week, I have a job in Utah. I don't know why. This means that I will do two strips for Monday. Either I will post them both or find someone to upload Wednesdays strip on time. Either way, I'll be back in town Thursday so Vexxarr will continue it's three strip a week reign of terror.
The Turkey was good, by the way. The gym was brutal and unforgiving. It may be the only place on earth grown men are allowed to cry openly.
I did.
Now next week, I have a job in Utah. I don't know why. This means that I will do two strips for Monday. Either I will post them both or find someone to upload Wednesdays strip on time. Either way, I'll be back in town Thursday so Vexxarr will continue it's three strip a week reign of terror.
The Turkey was good, by the way. The gym was brutal and unforgiving. It may be the only place on earth grown men are allowed to cry openly.
I did.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Travel Day!
Today I hit the road to visit my parents in North Carolina. The best part is driving for hours with no apparent destination. Wait... Ok, there is no best part. There are only lots of smaller not quite so bad parts.
Anyway.
The point is: read Vexxarr and enjoy. Friday may be late but it will be posted. Do you hear me? IT WILL BE POSTED.
I will have some form of comic up for every day this strip is officially running or someone from Deertick Wyoming will die. Such is the gravity of my dedication.
Also, I need more feedback. I write and draw a screwed up strip like today and no one tells me "Dude, you are sick...seek help." These are things I need to hear. If you like a strip, please let me know. I need to understand the rarity of my success so that I may treasure the moments when I bring a tiny spark of joy into somebody's life. Also, I get lonely here in my basement.
Now, I'm off to the gym for a pre-emptive but ultimately futile battle with assorted 45 pound plates in an effort to stave off THANKSGIVING: THE BLOATING. See, it's a little known fact that a brutal and relentless chest day before any major holiday negates any and all calories eaten for the next 48-hour period. Don't look at me like this - it's true.
And for those of you unfamiliar with obscure American traditional holidays, Chest Day is the day when American males celebrate the bench press as the answer to all their other physical shortcomings. It is traditionally on a Monday or any day immediately before an all-you-can-eat buffet. True adherents to the religion also include Leg Day as the termination of festivities known collectively as "The week of futile exercise in an effort to impress girlfriends past". This is followed by a wake and an entire day of walking like you have weasels in your shoes.
Anyway.
The point is: read Vexxarr and enjoy. Friday may be late but it will be posted. Do you hear me? IT WILL BE POSTED.
I will have some form of comic up for every day this strip is officially running or someone from Deertick Wyoming will die. Such is the gravity of my dedication.
Also, I need more feedback. I write and draw a screwed up strip like today and no one tells me "Dude, you are sick...seek help." These are things I need to hear. If you like a strip, please let me know. I need to understand the rarity of my success so that I may treasure the moments when I bring a tiny spark of joy into somebody's life. Also, I get lonely here in my basement.
Now, I'm off to the gym for a pre-emptive but ultimately futile battle with assorted 45 pound plates in an effort to stave off THANKSGIVING: THE BLOATING. See, it's a little known fact that a brutal and relentless chest day before any major holiday negates any and all calories eaten for the next 48-hour period. Don't look at me like this - it's true.
And for those of you unfamiliar with obscure American traditional holidays, Chest Day is the day when American males celebrate the bench press as the answer to all their other physical shortcomings. It is traditionally on a Monday or any day immediately before an all-you-can-eat buffet. True adherents to the religion also include Leg Day as the termination of festivities known collectively as "The week of futile exercise in an effort to impress girlfriends past". This is followed by a wake and an entire day of walking like you have weasels in your shoes.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
The 16th is posted! The 18th will be on schedule...
Ok, Got this one up and it actually makes me giggle. Maybe that's because I can hear the delivery in my head. I always imagine a sort of New York minimalist delivery on my one line gags.
"Now?"
"Better."
In other newts, I have gotten the distinct feeling that you guys really, really want shirts. Now you know how I feel about cafepress.com... So I'm being serious about giving a shout out to a more reputable shirt printer. I've contacted people here and am currently working the problem. Nudity, as they say, is not an option.
...on second thought... But I digress.
I'm going to put a topic in the forum for you guys to sound off. I want sizes, cuts and if possible what you'd like to see as a price. Mark that, what your tolerate as a price as I won't be able to get shirts in such a small order as cheap as I'd like.
"Now?"
"Better."
In other newts, I have gotten the distinct feeling that you guys really, really want shirts. Now you know how I feel about cafepress.com... So I'm being serious about giving a shout out to a more reputable shirt printer. I've contacted people here and am currently working the problem. Nudity, as they say, is not an option.
...on second thought... But I digress.
I'm going to put a topic in the forum for you guys to sound off. I want sizes, cuts and if possible what you'd like to see as a price. Mark that, what your tolerate as a price as I won't be able to get shirts in such a small order as cheap as I'd like.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
As usual, a late Vexxarr for Wednesday...
I'm working on three separate long-format videos at the moment. Deadlines Thursday and Monday. Worse yet, I had to visit a friend's facility to gain access to his digibeta deck for a couple of shots...and brought the wrong tape. I made two trips.
So...
It's 4:00am and I'll Vexx you guys up in the morning. For those of you in Australia or somesuch, this means nothing. Vexxarr will be there when you get up just as always.
See you after four hours of sleep!
Yay.
So...
It's 4:00am and I'll Vexx you guys up in the morning. For those of you in Australia or somesuch, this means nothing. Vexxarr will be there when you get up just as always.
See you after four hours of sleep!
Yay.
Monday, November 14, 2005
T-Shirts and books
I know I've made a lot of noise about T-shirtery around these posts. The truth is that given my current readership (and I'm sure that every one of you would buy Vexxarr wearables) T-shirt printing requires a respectable capital outlay. This takes into account many factors including but not limited to: using actual silk screen printers, three color design, high quality black shirts, various sizes... The list goes on.
So I leave this in your hands. If any one of you can get me a shirt printer who works in quantities of under, say, 200 and is affordable at that rate, please let me know. I'll drop the cash and get these things to you faster than you can make me the new beneficiary to your collective insurance policies.
Books, however... Well, books are another matter altogether. Thanks to a little service known as Lulu.com I will be able to get printed versions of the Vexter not long after I hit strip number 200 (today's was number 140 for those of you keeping score at home).
Lulu scores over other online printing entities on several levels: they are affordable, they accept .doc .pdf and other text formats, they are NOT cafepress.com, they don't want to "help me market and distribute" my works. Seems to good to be true. But they seem to offer a quality product at a price you can afford and with which I can actually supplement this site.
So the status is currently: T-shirts pending. Books imminent.
Let me know what you think.
So I leave this in your hands. If any one of you can get me a shirt printer who works in quantities of under, say, 200 and is affordable at that rate, please let me know. I'll drop the cash and get these things to you faster than you can make me the new beneficiary to your collective insurance policies.
Books, however... Well, books are another matter altogether. Thanks to a little service known as Lulu.com I will be able to get printed versions of the Vexter not long after I hit strip number 200 (today's was number 140 for those of you keeping score at home).
Lulu scores over other online printing entities on several levels: they are affordable, they accept .doc .pdf and other text formats, they are NOT cafepress.com, they don't want to "help me market and distribute" my works. Seems to good to be true. But they seem to offer a quality product at a price you can afford and with which I can actually supplement this site.
So the status is currently: T-shirts pending. Books imminent.
Let me know what you think.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Sony Aids and Abets Virus Authors
Yep. The first Virus to use Sony BMG's RootKit exploit is if full swing. While Sony maintains that "the [rootkit] component is not malicious and does not compromise security..." virus authors had no trouble applying a thick layer of egg over Sony's face. The Stinx-E trojan hit British email address yesterday proving that Sony was either lying or being an idiot. Honestly, which is worse?
American Taliban!
Pat Robertson is the the head cleric of the American Taliban, I swear. First he claims that secularism and homosexuality brought down the twin towers in the September Eleventh terrorist attack, then he thinks enough of himself to dictate US foreign policy with regard to Venezuela. Now he is warning the residents of the good state Pennsylvania that they were no longer in the protective light of God for voting out their corrupt school board.
We need to be careful of these fundamentalist religious progressives euphemistically referred to as 'Christian Conservatives'. They are not technically true political conservatives because actual Conservatives stand for a limited government which keeps out of the private affairs of its citizens. Remember that - that's a key point. Robertson and his cohorts on the other hand want to build an intrusive religious oligarchy where their religious doctrine control matters of law and liberty. Worse still, Robertson feels good enough about his in with God to place himself at the top of the fundimentalist dog-plie.
Still, is Taliban too strong a term for Robertson and his fundimentalist lackies? Consider: he's already calling for religious assassination of his enemies. How long before he starts promising the favor of God in return for overt works in service to Robertson's own political goals?
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
We need to be careful of these fundamentalist religious progressives euphemistically referred to as 'Christian Conservatives'. They are not technically true political conservatives because actual Conservatives stand for a limited government which keeps out of the private affairs of its citizens. Remember that - that's a key point. Robertson and his cohorts on the other hand want to build an intrusive religious oligarchy where their religious doctrine control matters of law and liberty. Worse still, Robertson feels good enough about his in with God to place himself at the top of the fundimentalist dog-plie.
Still, is Taliban too strong a term for Robertson and his fundimentalist lackies? Consider: he's already calling for religious assassination of his enemies. How long before he starts promising the favor of God in return for overt works in service to Robertson's own political goals?
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Freelancing and Planning Ahead
Ok, Got you Monday's strip. Now Wednesdays strip has to be done before dawn Wednesday. Today's strip - for those paying attention in the dead of the night was posted AT DAWN. This cannot continue. The problem is that I freelance and as such, I have to do the work I am handed whenever it is handed to me. So, why not do Vexxarr in advance during my free time? Well, the answer of course is that I have no free time. Imagine looking down a calendar and knowing that you know where you will be and what you will be doing every minute of every day for twenty-one days. It's like the army without all that snappy dressing.
My streak of work is at an end so after this week, I get some slack. It's feast or famine ladies and gents...
My streak of work is at an end so after this week, I get some slack. It's feast or famine ladies and gents...
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Late update for November 7th...
Due to layovers, and computer stuff, I'll be a bit late with the Vexin' this Monday. So check back in the PM (my time) and I'll have your expected alien goodness...
Sorry and bless you all for checking in on me!
Hee!
Sorry and bless you all for checking in on me!
Hee!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Early Update for November 4th
I'm out of town for the weekend so...here you go!
I'll be back Sunday for our normal malaise...
See you then!
I'll be back Sunday for our normal malaise...
See you then!
Intellectual Honesty
Truth is, Sony has been on my bad side for a long time. First, their premier HD field monitor was a turd. I apologize for that blunt description but when you have a smelly useless bundle of waste material, I call it what it is.
Again, let me clarify: the Sony BVM D9H5U is the worlds greatest paperweight. It has poor clarity, the SDI input card costs just about what the whole monitor sells for and its battery interface is like some kind of sick joke. This was Sony saying 'we don't actually know what an HD field monitor looks like but someone once described one to us in a bar...while intoxicated...both of us intoxicated...and one of us was speaking Flemish.'
Ad this to the fact that their entre' to the HDV market was intentionally crippled so as 'not to undermine their professional HD market'. And you have a company which, after YEARS of respect, I have just started to feel 'icky' about.
So when I threaten to stop dealing with Sony on a professional level, I may be stretching a point. For the moment, Sony is losing the consumer, prosumer and professional HD war. I fully expect them to rally within the next 5-10 years and regain their leader status but for now, they aspire to underwhelm.
Remember SONY: Soon Only Not Yet
Again, let me clarify: the Sony BVM D9H5U is the worlds greatest paperweight. It has poor clarity, the SDI input card costs just about what the whole monitor sells for and its battery interface is like some kind of sick joke. This was Sony saying 'we don't actually know what an HD field monitor looks like but someone once described one to us in a bar...while intoxicated...both of us intoxicated...and one of us was speaking Flemish.'
Ad this to the fact that their entre' to the HDV market was intentionally crippled so as 'not to undermine their professional HD market'. And you have a company which, after YEARS of respect, I have just started to feel 'icky' about.
So when I threaten to stop dealing with Sony on a professional level, I may be stretching a point. For the moment, Sony is losing the consumer, prosumer and professional HD war. I fully expect them to rally within the next 5-10 years and regain their leader status but for now, they aspire to underwhelm.
Remember SONY: Soon Only Not Yet
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
SONY GUILTY OF WRITING A MALICIOUS TROJAN!
You heard right! Sony is guilty of writing and distribution a Trojan that may constitute a violation of the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Sony has secretly installed a form of malware, known as a 'rootkit', on any PC that loaded a music CD infected with First 4's new DRM scheme.
A criminal act under this US law is defined as any code which: "knowingly causes the transmission of a program ... and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causes damage, without authorization, to a protected computer." This rootkit, which indiscriminately hides the contents of a private hard drive from its owner, clearly violates this statute.
The new First 4 cloaking function is a type of DRM designed to hide anything saved with a file name beginning with $sys$. Try this with a copy of a small program - notepad for example - and if the new file vanishes from your directory...you are infected.
You can get this Trojan root from the Sony BMG CD Get Right With the Man by the Van Zant brothers. There are doubtless other infected CD's. My advice is that no SONY CD is safe.
Sony claims that it will discontinue use of this rootkit in future releases. For my part, until Sony either puts a warning in bold print on any CD label containing this malware or publishes and maintains a comprehensive list of the media containing this Trojan in a public forum, I am done with Sony.
My camera of choice is the Panasonic DVX100a. My next camera purchase will be the Panasonic HVX200 and I shoot professionally with the Panasonic AJHD 27f so I can say with all honesty that this is no hollow threat. Sony, you are off my vendor's list. Goodbye.
A criminal act under this US law is defined as any code which: "knowingly causes the transmission of a program ... and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causes damage, without authorization, to a protected computer." This rootkit, which indiscriminately hides the contents of a private hard drive from its owner, clearly violates this statute.
The new First 4 cloaking function is a type of DRM designed to hide anything saved with a file name beginning with $sys$. Try this with a copy of a small program - notepad for example - and if the new file vanishes from your directory...you are infected.
You can get this Trojan root from the Sony BMG CD Get Right With the Man by the Van Zant brothers. There are doubtless other infected CD's. My advice is that no SONY CD is safe.
Sony claims that it will discontinue use of this rootkit in future releases. For my part, until Sony either puts a warning in bold print on any CD label containing this malware or publishes and maintains a comprehensive list of the media containing this Trojan in a public forum, I am done with Sony.
My camera of choice is the Panasonic DVX100a. My next camera purchase will be the Panasonic HVX200 and I shoot professionally with the Panasonic AJHD 27f so I can say with all honesty that this is no hollow threat. Sony, you are off my vendor's list. Goodbye.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Friday, September 30, 2005
Serenity
Rocks.
Forget the anemic Return OF The Sith. THIS is the Summer movie you have been waiting all year to see. Acting, story, pacing, dialogue...I can sum it all up in one word. Wow. Just, wow.
We laughed, we cried, we held our breath and we stood and cheered on our feet at times. Serenity is the movie that reminds you why you pay $8.00 US and up to sit in crowded houses with crying children.
Best of all, Joss Wedon brought us the magic of Firefly, magnified several times for the big screen. We weren't forced to endure spurious "big name" walk-ons or additional characters brought in by the studios to "add box office cred"... We got Firefly, big and with both barrels...
So go see this film. Now! This very moment! Leave work. Better yet, call in sick. RSVP that funeral. Tell your fiance that you'll have to reschedule. It's JUST THAT GOOD.
So Let's tell the Fox Network to gun HOE-tze bee DIO-se... We all know Fox is the moron of all programming morons. But if they can't take advantage of an obvious revenue stream like Firefly, then the shareholders need to send the suits packing. Fire those myopic bedwetters and hire some grown-ups willing to actually run a company. Someone willing to sit at the grown-up's table, as it were.
So let's recap... Serenity is the movie you've wanted to see for years. Fox Network is criminally stupid. Jane may be my favorite Joss Wedon character EVER.
Forget the anemic Return OF The Sith. THIS is the Summer movie you have been waiting all year to see. Acting, story, pacing, dialogue...I can sum it all up in one word. Wow. Just, wow.
We laughed, we cried, we held our breath and we stood and cheered on our feet at times. Serenity is the movie that reminds you why you pay $8.00 US and up to sit in crowded houses with crying children.
Best of all, Joss Wedon brought us the magic of Firefly, magnified several times for the big screen. We weren't forced to endure spurious "big name" walk-ons or additional characters brought in by the studios to "add box office cred"... We got Firefly, big and with both barrels...
So go see this film. Now! This very moment! Leave work. Better yet, call in sick. RSVP that funeral. Tell your fiance that you'll have to reschedule. It's JUST THAT GOOD.
So Let's tell the Fox Network to gun HOE-tze bee DIO-se... We all know Fox is the moron of all programming morons. But if they can't take advantage of an obvious revenue stream like Firefly, then the shareholders need to send the suits packing. Fire those myopic bedwetters and hire some grown-ups willing to actually run a company. Someone willing to sit at the grown-up's table, as it were.
So let's recap... Serenity is the movie you've wanted to see for years. Fox Network is criminally stupid. Jane may be my favorite Joss Wedon character EVER.
** WARNING - SPOILERS **
...Dumbledore dies...
...Dumbledore dies...
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
THE DEVIL
Is in the details. I made a number of corrections to a number of careless errors on today's strip. Who else gives you such service? Kurtz? McDonald's? The Pentagon?
I'm not a cartoonist by trade (can you tell) but I am a comedy writer. So enjoy my offerings within that singular context. I thank those that happened on my flyer and joined me this week. I promise that there are many wonderful things in the works. Not all of them dealing with last night's pizza. Stay tuned.
I'm not a cartoonist by trade (can you tell) but I am a comedy writer. So enjoy my offerings within that singular context. I thank those that happened on my flyer and joined me this week. I promise that there are many wonderful things in the works. Not all of them dealing with last night's pizza. Stay tuned.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Welcome new readers!
This is Vexxarr, a thrice weekly, comedy strip spinning a yarn of galactic conquest of inept proportions. I update every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and if you stick around, you'll see that the story is actually going somewhere. As such, on rare occasion, you will have to read back a few strips to collect the context of a given punchline, such as they are. In general, we are following Vexxarr and his mislaid plans to conquer the Earth for the honor and glory of Bleen and the Mighty Bleen Empire. Suffice to say, Bleen may have sent the wrong, er, man for the job. Or maybe...not.
At any rate, thank you for stopping by. Read on and please drop me a line or visit the forum to speak your mind!
At any rate, thank you for stopping by. Read on and please drop me a line or visit the forum to speak your mind!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Nintendevolution
The Nintendo rant has been moved to - where else? - RANTS!
The comments bandied back and forth, remain below for your amusement.
The comments bandied back and forth, remain below for your amusement.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Computer Issues...
Vexxarr 105 is on the way! Sorry, an unrelated meltdown on my Mac G5 (so, so reliable) lead to a crisis involving my home network. As soon as I get my machines talking to each other again, NEW VEXXARR!
Sorry for the delay. Bear with me.
Thanks,
The Management
Sorry for the delay. Bear with me.
Thanks,
The Management
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Scammed!
I had a wonderful time at Dragon Con and got to actually hang out and drink with persons of television notoriety. This all but makes up for the fact that we were 1) Booted 2) Robbed and 3) Falsely Threatened with Imprisonment.
Let me be more specific:
It is my opinion based on information gathered by A) Atlanta Law Enforcement B) the surrounding Hotels C) the person subcontracted to place and remove wheel boots and D) the man on the street that Central Parking - specifically in the lot on 126 Baker Street, Downtown Atlanta - is booting cars with out-of-state-tags and in effect holding them hostage for money.
The facts are as follows:
We arrived and parked at the lot on 126 Baker Street in Atlanta at 4:20pm Friday the 2nd of September.
Two witnesses saw me place our cash in the slot for our spot - #12
A note with the lot number was place around the money with our space number (again, #12)
I used the little 'rammer key' to 'ram' the money into the slot.
I checked to make sure said monies had disappeared behind the metal flange (I always do)
According to the booting subcontractor, the boot was placed at or around 4:30pm THAT DAY.
I will add here that the hotels were suspicious. The police were suspicious. When questioned, the dude who worked at the bar next door said they were crooks.
Currently, I am working with the police, the BBB and the Department of Licensing and Permits to see what's up. There are a million reasons why this could all be an innocent misunderstanding. Yet I feel that something here is amiss.
In either case, I was told that removing a privately owned boot was a felony. I believe that this refers to removing and keeping the boot, which would constitute grand theft and indeed a felony. My legal advice team (neighbors) assured me that simply removing the boot would only carry whatever penalties were associated with parking and not paying for my time on the lot. Civilians cannot charge you with a felony.
Bottom line. I'll keep everyone updated. And don't use Central Parking in Atlanta - especially on 126 Baker Street.
Let me be more specific:
It is my opinion based on information gathered by A) Atlanta Law Enforcement B) the surrounding Hotels C) the person subcontracted to place and remove wheel boots and D) the man on the street that Central Parking - specifically in the lot on 126 Baker Street, Downtown Atlanta - is booting cars with out-of-state-tags and in effect holding them hostage for money.
The facts are as follows:
We arrived and parked at the lot on 126 Baker Street in Atlanta at 4:20pm Friday the 2nd of September.
Two witnesses saw me place our cash in the slot for our spot - #12
A note with the lot number was place around the money with our space number (again, #12)
I used the little 'rammer key' to 'ram' the money into the slot.
I checked to make sure said monies had disappeared behind the metal flange (I always do)
According to the booting subcontractor, the boot was placed at or around 4:30pm THAT DAY.
I will add here that the hotels were suspicious. The police were suspicious. When questioned, the dude who worked at the bar next door said they were crooks.
Currently, I am working with the police, the BBB and the Department of Licensing and Permits to see what's up. There are a million reasons why this could all be an innocent misunderstanding. Yet I feel that something here is amiss.
In either case, I was told that removing a privately owned boot was a felony. I believe that this refers to removing and keeping the boot, which would constitute grand theft and indeed a felony. My legal advice team (neighbors) assured me that simply removing the boot would only carry whatever penalties were associated with parking and not paying for my time on the lot. Civilians cannot charge you with a felony.
Bottom line. I'll keep everyone updated. And don't use Central Parking in Atlanta - especially on 126 Baker Street.
Presents!
For those of you clever enough to decrypt my previous posts, you know I was at Dragon Con. There, I was given a special gift by a good friend. I don't want to give away details but I will say that picture are forthcoming.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
101 On The Way...
I had a slight computer hiccup. The strip is done. I'll post before noon. Thanks for understanding! Except you. Yes, you! I see you! What was that? I saw that! COME BACK HERE!
Monday, September 05, 2005
100 !
One-hundred strips! Who knew such a thing was possible? And it feels like only yesterday that I was getting regular sleep. To commemorate this occasion, I have brought color to your favorite strip...and this one too. Don't get used to it. I plan to go right back to good old B&W tomorrow. Consider this my gift to you. I sure do...
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Labor Day Lateness!
There will be a Vexx on Labor day... It may just be a little late. Like Midnight late. I'll be at Dragon Con till Monday around 6pm, then I'll drive back to Alabama. Then I'll make your Vexxarr for you. Labor Day will mark my 100th strip. This is a milestone of sorts. I will oficially have done 95 more strips than everyone told me I would do. Look kids, when I finally decide to do something, I'm in for the duration. While I can look forward and see a day when I no longer write and draw Vexxarr, I can tell you that day will only come after a long and rather involved story has been brought to you in its entirity. Vexxarr is going places. There is more to the defeat of the Bleen fleet above Earth than just a minor setback for the Emperor. Oh the stories I will tell. Oh the bad punchlines you will endure.
Glorious...truly glorious...
Glorious...truly glorious...
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