Well thats the end of my travels, I returned to the Island on Weds very tired.
A huge thanks to everyone who I have met on my trip from the friends I finally got to meet at comicon, the comic pros and new friends from the hostels etc
Also a big thanks to the relatives who put up with me.
So, thats it for this blog, I will leave it up for a short time and will look forward to the next one.
R
Friday, 17 August 2007
Sunday, 12 August 2007
Chasin' beer, Drinkin' guns and Shootin' wimmin'...
So here I am in Titusville home of Gina (sister) and Kent (her husband).
Been a cracking couple of days, been on a train ride to see the first oil find in the world, met kent's family who are all fantastic, Gina and Kent's work mates (hello Wingnut) and been a shootin' at the range.
Been a cracking couple of days, been on a train ride to see the first oil find in the world, met kent's family who are all fantastic, Gina and Kent's work mates (hello Wingnut) and been a shootin' at the range.
Friday, 10 August 2007
It was all going so well until.....
More tomorrow but after all the travelling was going without a hitch today it had to happen. A security alert at Charlotte Airfield ****ed everything up. Typical.
Still, here now, great to see Gina and Kent, already been to Walmart, is there no end to the wonder that is Walmart...did you know they sell ammunition??
Still, here now, great to see Gina and Kent, already been to Walmart, is there no end to the wonder that is Walmart...did you know they sell ammunition??
Thursday, 9 August 2007
Random Photo's from along the trip.
Some more random images from various points on the trip, mostly taken via the magic of the camera phone. G'day to Aussie Chris and Top O' tha' morning' to Irish Kev, comrades from Ocean Beach or THE O.B.
Alyssa from Top Cow and the Russmeister.
An unaware barmaid from the irish bar at Ocean Beach.
Another unsuspecting barmaid from Ocean Beach, this one was actually Irish.
A cool Camper.
Universal Studios, LA.
One of the huge screens at the Lucasfilm Comic-Con stand, it was amazing how the place seemed to stop still around this stand as people watched segments from Episode 3. Folk love the stories from A Galaxy Far, Far away....
Ice Sculpture at Lucasfilm etc Comic-Con party.
Pacific Coast beach.
A Lordi goes for the grope " oh sorry, I didn't meant to grab you there" states an unconvincing Scandinavian.
Alyssa from Top Cow and the Russmeister.
An unaware barmaid from the irish bar at Ocean Beach.
Another unsuspecting barmaid from Ocean Beach, this one was actually Irish.
A cool Camper.
Universal Studios, LA.
One of the huge screens at the Lucasfilm Comic-Con stand, it was amazing how the place seemed to stop still around this stand as people watched segments from Episode 3. Folk love the stories from A Galaxy Far, Far away....
Ice Sculpture at Lucasfilm etc Comic-Con party.
Pacific Coast beach.
A Lordi goes for the grope " oh sorry, I didn't meant to grab you there" states an unconvincing Scandinavian.
Sheath and Rudder meet LORDI!!!
I don't think I have posted this before....
Oh my....Lordi, here we are with weirdo nordic rock gods and winners of the Eurovison a couple of years back.
Scary.
Oh my....Lordi, here we are with weirdo nordic rock gods and winners of the Eurovison a couple of years back.
Scary.
Tomorrow...
Tomorrow (Friday) I leave Memphis and head north to Pittsburgh and then Titusville taking in some of the USA's finest regional airports on the way, 3 changes and stops to be exact.
Really looking forward to seeing Gina, Kent etc for a few days and then back to the sunshine Isle on 15th.
Been a cracking trip so far and met so many nice people but am tired (and running out of dosh) so will be good to get back and I haven't been to the Island for almost a year so looking forward to seeing people there too.
Flight at 9.25 in the morning tomorrow so I leave you with these images of the Misissipi(sorry for spelling)and Memphis.
Really looking forward to seeing Gina, Kent etc for a few days and then back to the sunshine Isle on 15th.
Been a cracking trip so far and met so many nice people but am tired (and running out of dosh) so will be good to get back and I haven't been to the Island for almost a year so looking forward to seeing people there too.
Flight at 9.25 in the morning tomorrow so I leave you with these images of the Misissipi(sorry for spelling)and Memphis.
Coyote Ugly
Despite being one of those movies that all girls seem to own (along with Dirty Dancing) there is actually a few Coyote Ugly bars dotted about and in the spirit of investigation to better understand the fairer sex I decided to go in, have a few drinks, play Jenga with the girls (seriously) and have food.
This young lady begged me to release her from her life of dancing on bars to awful Leanne Rymes songs, alas I have no space in my rucksack so she will, along with all the others will have to stay in the land of the free.
Officially my new favourite place and beats Hooters hands down!
Notice my somewhat limp camp pose? Well that's because the young lady asked me to act gay, saying that there was more testosterone in the room since I walked in than in the entire US Marine Corps and could I tone it down a bit, hence my best Mika / Singer from the Scissor Sisters impression....honest!
Memphis and...THE KING!
Sooooooo.......
After a 14 hour bus ride I arrive in Memphis which is hotter than hell and very humid.
I am staying accomodation that is attached to a church and I did think, for a moment I may have to go sing songs etc, luckily its not like that and very chilled out.
So I got into Memphis at about 0830 on Weds and thought I would be tired but must have fought through it as I found the hostel, dropped my kit, showered and headed out in search of Elvis.
Graceland is pretty cool. Obviously its very commercial and there is a hint of bitterness that, other than the blues, the town seems to only be known for The King.
The actual house is located on one side of the road and all the shops, museums etc are on the other.
The house is pretty covered by security very tightly and there are places you cannot go, like upstairs in the house. You have these little headsets that narrate your way around the house so you can go at your own pace.
Elvis Karate Suit.
Elvis clicks with ALL the chicks.
There is an entire museum dedicated to Elvis many jump suits, it takes a special person to be able to pull off a jumpsuit especially when combined with a cape!
Special.
There were people crying at this point.
Elvis Bling.
Elvis shooters.....bling and shooters, maybe he was Fifty Cent's inspiration!
After a 14 hour bus ride I arrive in Memphis which is hotter than hell and very humid.
I am staying accomodation that is attached to a church and I did think, for a moment I may have to go sing songs etc, luckily its not like that and very chilled out.
So I got into Memphis at about 0830 on Weds and thought I would be tired but must have fought through it as I found the hostel, dropped my kit, showered and headed out in search of Elvis.
Graceland is pretty cool. Obviously its very commercial and there is a hint of bitterness that, other than the blues, the town seems to only be known for The King.
The actual house is located on one side of the road and all the shops, museums etc are on the other.
The house is pretty covered by security very tightly and there are places you cannot go, like upstairs in the house. You have these little headsets that narrate your way around the house so you can go at your own pace.
Elvis Karate Suit.
Elvis clicks with ALL the chicks.
There is an entire museum dedicated to Elvis many jump suits, it takes a special person to be able to pull off a jumpsuit especially when combined with a cape!
Special.
There were people crying at this point.
Elvis Bling.
Elvis shooters.....bling and shooters, maybe he was Fifty Cent's inspiration!
Monday, 6 August 2007
Russell.......Texas Ranger or Uncle Rusty?
Ahoy, So, San Antonio. First night was Ozzfest so my hearing has just about recovered from that. Then its been a case of my gracious hosts Step Bro Paul, his wife April and their Daughter Lauren showing me around and looking after me and what a great job they have done.
We have been to the cinema, looked around San Antonio, been on a boat ride, eaten well and generally had a good time catching up, its also been nice staying in a proper bed after a few weeks of hostel life and bunkbeds.I have been sleeping a lot.
Today I belive a voyage of geekdom is in order so comic shops and the obligatory Hooters visit, if we are allowed!!!
Lauren who is 4 has taken to calling me Uncle Rusty which is kinda cool.
Not many photos other than Ozzy on this leg of the trip, so will see what I can come up with.
One more day here and then......GRACELAND!
We have been to the cinema, looked around San Antonio, been on a boat ride, eaten well and generally had a good time catching up, its also been nice staying in a proper bed after a few weeks of hostel life and bunkbeds.I have been sleeping a lot.
Today I belive a voyage of geekdom is in order so comic shops and the obligatory Hooters visit, if we are allowed!!!
Lauren who is 4 has taken to calling me Uncle Rusty which is kinda cool.
Not many photos other than Ozzy on this leg of the trip, so will see what I can come up with.
One more day here and then......GRACELAND!
Sunday, 5 August 2007
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
Travels and SEALS
Off to Ocean Beach, because we all know how Gingers and the beach get on so well.
Should be interesting.
Here are some pics from the last day or so.
On 3rd, off to Texas, yeeehaw!
Thats a pic of NAVY SEALS training dolphins to hunt enemy divers. Seriously.
Should be interesting.
Here are some pics from the last day or so.
On 3rd, off to Texas, yeeehaw!
Thats a pic of NAVY SEALS training dolphins to hunt enemy divers. Seriously.
More Comic-Con pics.
Tim Sale draws.
Emma Frost doesnt draw.
J. Scott Campbell also draws.
Clone Troopers with weapons drawn.
A drawing of a lego Indy.
A lego Batman...ok I'm easily impressed but it was cool.
Surely they could have found someone who looks a 'bit' like Luke?
Joe Benitez and Marcia Chen.
Travis Charest draws.
This made me cringe a bit.
Todd McFarlane talks.......and talks and talks..
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Water or Water.
The biggest problem I have had here (and lets face it I am not in Japan or similar) is the word water, yes, Water!
You see I say water WAR-TER which I think is fair enough. Our american cousins say water WHAT-ER. It is bloody tough to get a drink here without sounding like I am taking the piss as I cannot say WHAT-ER without putting on a silly accent.
Arse!
You see I say water WAR-TER which I think is fair enough. Our american cousins say water WHAT-ER. It is bloody tough to get a drink here without sounding like I am taking the piss as I cannot say WHAT-ER without putting on a silly accent.
Arse!
Monday, 30 July 2007
Honorable Mentions
Well it has to be said there are a few folk who deserve an honorable mention during my time in San Diego.
Firstly Mr Joe Benitez who invited me out to dinner with his friends and made me feel welcome and got me along to some good drink ups. A top guy, very generous and as Mr Liefield said, DC's hidden secret, a great artist.
Thanks Joe, I owe you one.
Also were Dave and Meredith Finch, Marcia Chen, Clarance Lansing, Billy Tan and family, Liniel Yu and family and everyone else who were very cool over dinner as I geeked out a lot. Cheers guys.
The Top Cow guys who I guess after a litte scepticism about the 'journalist' were very cool and open. Cheers especially to the interns and Alyssa and her pals from LA for the entertainment in the Bar.
Last but not least, JSC for the great DG piece. Pride of place on the wall when I get home.
Firstly Mr Joe Benitez who invited me out to dinner with his friends and made me feel welcome and got me along to some good drink ups. A top guy, very generous and as Mr Liefield said, DC's hidden secret, a great artist.
Thanks Joe, I owe you one.
Also were Dave and Meredith Finch, Marcia Chen, Clarance Lansing, Billy Tan and family, Liniel Yu and family and everyone else who were very cool over dinner as I geeked out a lot. Cheers guys.
The Top Cow guys who I guess after a litte scepticism about the 'journalist' were very cool and open. Cheers especially to the interns and Alyssa and her pals from LA for the entertainment in the Bar.
Last but not least, JSC for the great DG piece. Pride of place on the wall when I get home.
Movies
Have seen Die Hard and the Simpsons this week, both great fun.
Die Hard was an echo back to the kind of action movie we haven't really seen since True Lies and was kinda refreshing although rediculously over the top.
The Simpsons was just laugh out loud funny, very good.
Die Hard was an echo back to the kind of action movie we haven't really seen since True Lies and was kinda refreshing although rediculously over the top.
The Simpsons was just laugh out loud funny, very good.
What have I been up too..
So Comic Con is over, for those of you who are wondering "what do you do for five days at a convention, surely once you have seen everything on offer once, you dont need to see more" let me tell you, everytime I walked around that place I saw more and more.
Other than the main exhibition floor which you have to see to belive the size of, there were panels, presentations and events going on, so it wasnt just a case of walking around looking at stuff. Its also not just comics, a lot of big movies get promoted here as well as games, TV shows and the like. The size of the show is impossible to describe and the visitors just go nuts for the most rediculous things like these cardboard '300' shields, you would think they were giving out money.
Its great and a lot of artists from the comic industry do signings and draw for people. Some charge and some do it for free and I have to say some fans are really, really rude and demanding. It amazed me how professional the comic industry folk were when faced with these idiots.
Other than the main exhibition floor which you have to see to belive the size of, there were panels, presentations and events going on, so it wasnt just a case of walking around looking at stuff. Its also not just comics, a lot of big movies get promoted here as well as games, TV shows and the like. The size of the show is impossible to describe and the visitors just go nuts for the most rediculous things like these cardboard '300' shields, you would think they were giving out money.
Its great and a lot of artists from the comic industry do signings and draw for people. Some charge and some do it for free and I have to say some fans are really, really rude and demanding. It amazed me how professional the comic industry folk were when faced with these idiots.
San Digo Update
Ok, its been a while and now that Comic_Con is over (and I have recovered, Its time for the photos.
The Convention Centre in San Diego. Its waaay bigger than in the pic.
Mr J. Scott Campbell with the fantastic Baroness piece he drew for me, thanks Jeff.
The Indiana Jones stand.
Tim Sale.
Jim Lee has a life changing experience as he meets Russell Sheath.
"Russ you are my inspiration in all that I do" declares an excited Lee. I look like I am getting ready to pounce for some reason....like Spider-Man!
The Batman piece by Tim Sale. "I would only be half the artist I am today were it not for the Ginger God" declares an Awestruck Sale.
Alyssa, Rick and Phil from Top Cow, Cheers for looking after me guys!
Frank Cho
Dave Finch
Elvis and Star Wars, two great things combine to create....The Elvis Trooper.
Post your comments to the Caption competition.....
Leia looks a lot happier with what was behind the door number 2. Anyone says a word about 'The Ginger Jabba' and there will be trouble.
The Image Comics founders, a big geek out moment.
Padme and Leia, KEPT hounding me for a photo and being the kind soul that I am, obliged. Bless them.
Sgt Slaughter signs at the GI Joe Booth. I think he retired from active service........long ago.
Bendis and Quesada. Iron Man looks like he is about to punch Bendis in the head.
For Mr Clarke, the new Indy figures.
The story behind this is that Top Cow who I spent most of the week hanging with were having a 'win the t-shirt from the top girls back' competition. When Brandon came around with her I thought he was joking so I said, yeh I'd pay $15 and before you you know it the shirt was off and the camera was clicking. I'm innocent....honest.
Henry Rollins, not so angry as normal.
Kevin Bacon gets excited when he hears the name....Sheath!
The Lucasfilm booth.
The Convention Centre in San Diego. Its waaay bigger than in the pic.
Mr J. Scott Campbell with the fantastic Baroness piece he drew for me, thanks Jeff.
The Indiana Jones stand.
Tim Sale.
Jim Lee has a life changing experience as he meets Russell Sheath.
"Russ you are my inspiration in all that I do" declares an excited Lee. I look like I am getting ready to pounce for some reason....like Spider-Man!
The Batman piece by Tim Sale. "I would only be half the artist I am today were it not for the Ginger God" declares an Awestruck Sale.
Alyssa, Rick and Phil from Top Cow, Cheers for looking after me guys!
Frank Cho
Dave Finch
Elvis and Star Wars, two great things combine to create....The Elvis Trooper.
Post your comments to the Caption competition.....
Leia looks a lot happier with what was behind the door number 2. Anyone says a word about 'The Ginger Jabba' and there will be trouble.
The Image Comics founders, a big geek out moment.
Padme and Leia, KEPT hounding me for a photo and being the kind soul that I am, obliged. Bless them.
Sgt Slaughter signs at the GI Joe Booth. I think he retired from active service........long ago.
Bendis and Quesada. Iron Man looks like he is about to punch Bendis in the head.
For Mr Clarke, the new Indy figures.
The story behind this is that Top Cow who I spent most of the week hanging with were having a 'win the t-shirt from the top girls back' competition. When Brandon came around with her I thought he was joking so I said, yeh I'd pay $15 and before you you know it the shirt was off and the camera was clicking. I'm innocent....honest.
Henry Rollins, not so angry as normal.
Kevin Bacon gets excited when he hears the name....Sheath!
The Lucasfilm booth.
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