Yes, it's not sleep in your eyes or last night's drinking binge making you see things - the Oddservations Oddservatory is oddperational again after a brief stint when closed for renovations. The telescopic eye, which focuses on all things horror/sci-fi/fantasy related is once again pointed at the night sky, with the same rabid attitude that seeps "If it 'aint the '20s, '30s, '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s or early '80s, it's shit!".
As not to be cryptic or dodgy, truth be told that Nolan and I did indeed have a "tussle" (then again, with Nole, who doesn't?!?) which we have since ironed out the day of St. Ed Tucker's visit to Tampa last Friday. Let me say that it's good we each put our explanations and feelings on the table, and I feel we have reestablished our relationship as friends and fanboy brothers-in-arms. I've always considered Nolan a great friend and a heckuva guy, and I'm mighty glad to be back on board Crazed Fanboy (TM)/Nolan's Pop Culture Review.
One thing that was immediately evident when issues began, is the fact that we are all bonded by our horror hero, Dr. Paul Bearer, aka Mr. Dick Bennick. Though occasionally we have our differences, ultimately it's his memory that we all feel bound to preserve, nearly at whatever cost. If one of us falls by the wayside, it effects us all, in a lot of ways we may never know.
I'd also like to say hello again to the PCR staff: Will Moriaty, Mike Smith, Brandon Jones, John Lewis, Terence Nuzum, Matt Drinnenberg, Vinnie Blesi (who I'm sure still hasn't forgiven me for being a Republican), as well as special contributors Ed Tucker, Chris Woods, and Drew Reiber and the rest of the crazy gang. Back in April when Oddservations disappeared off the radar, I'm sure left you all kind of scratching your heads. I apologize for any confusion I may have caused, and I hope it never happens again. Please send hate mail courtesy of Nolan Canova at Crazed Fanboy (TM).
I have a lot of catching up to do in terms of sifting through several lost months of Crazed Fanboys, so if you guys wrote anything evil about me, Nole, better delete it now! (heh-heh). In addition, I know there are Crazed Fanboy (TM) readers who are on both sides of the aisle regarding "Revenge of the Sith". I personally am an arch enemy of the new Star Wars films, so if you're a fan of the new entries, prepare to be pissed off at my upcoming opinions!
Con-Gort-ulations to Will Moriaty - "Will Moriaty's Florida" Tome
It was a delight to reunite with Will Moriaty, as well as Nole and Ed Tucker, at Durango's last Friday. To my utter surprise, Will handed me his hot-off-the-press "Will Moriaty's Florida" book, and allowed me to thumb through it. I was literally awestruck. If you had the good fortune of growing up in the Sunshine State, especially if you're from the Tampa Bay area, Will's book is, quite simply, a must-own.
Derived largely from his musings on Nolan's site, "Will Moriaty's Florida" is an uber-fascinating reference on all things Florida and beyond - way beyond! It has an innate appeal to our surreal side of us, covering topics such as Florida U.F.O.'s, ghosts, odd roadside attractions (some long gone), and even the great Dr. Paul Bearer himself. I noted that many PCR contributors, including yours truly were referenced, and let me tell you it's an honor!
As of this writing, Will's book has been out for three weeks now. Without hesitation, pick up a copy today. It would make a great gift for any Floridian. "Will Moriaty's Florida" is available at CafePress. Look for Will while on a book signing tour around Florida promoting his new book.
Oh, and this segment of Oddservations was not sponsored by "Will Moriaty's Florida" in any way! Just the ravings of a Will Moriaty fan.
Dungeons & Dragons Illustrator Dies
I was taken aback when I thumbed through the (national/international) obituary section in the St. Petersburg Times on Sunday, due to the fact that they actually mentioned the passing of a fantasy illustrator whose work had become a fond part of my childhood. Back in the late '70s and early '80s, I was an avid Dungeons & Dragons participant, along with my good friend Kevin Bailey (the Production Designer of "Filthy"). I can't tell you how many hours we spent playing the addictive role playing game. Over the course of a few years, we sadly lost interest (and were heading into adulthood), occasionally striking up a brief adventure. Those later ventures would prove to be not nearly as wondrous as the ones from '80/'81. With D&D, you'd typically use your mind to imagine the fierce monsters and otherworldly denizens of the campaign, but it was always a thrill to churn through one of the five original D&D tomes (DM's Guide, Player's Handbook, Monster Manual among them) and modules to see the interpretations of the various illustrators that TSR (the gaming company formed by D&D originator Gary Gygax; now Wizards of the Coast owns the brand) hired to give fans a visual.
David Sutherland, 56, illustrated many of the drawings/paintings featured in TSR's D&D material. Over the course of our play, his simple illustrative work served to give a "look" to the fantasy role playing game, and most of his pen and ink drawings have since been committed to my lifelong memory. I was very saddened to hear about his passing. He died in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
"Oddservations" is ©2005 by Andy Lalino. The Oddservations banner is a creation of Andy Lalino. All other graphics are creations of Nolan B. Canova. All contents of Nolan's Pop Culture Review are ©2005 by Nolan B. Canova.
