Batman was in Candy Land. No, really.

Babysitting can have some fun occurrences. For instance, Batman and Spiderman took over Candy Land.

(L to R) Kelsie, Christopher, and Sean

Aren't baby dolls the best?

Bats and Me

Erin coloring the prince

Christopher with posed Spidey

Yeah, superheroes, coloring, Candy Land, and babysitting. A good evening.

"Looke Looke, Senator"

Ah. I <3 superheros. Bring on 2012.

The Last Son of Krypton

Four years ago, one of my favorite superheroes was in his first feature film in two decades. Unfortunately, this film largely failed in the eyes of critics and fans alike. Perhaps director Bryan Singer should have taken the franchise in a new direction rather than resume the Christopher Reeve storyline. Or perhaps Superman needed to be involved in an epic battle -- rather than lift the mountain of kryptonite. Or maybe Lex Luthor should have been replaced with Doomsday or Bizzaro. Or still yet, perhaps Superman should never have conceived a child. Whatever the reason, the film failed.

But, sitting here tonight watching a Superhero that I adore, I really hope he gets another chance. Despite all its flaws, I love this movie. Brandon Routh *is* Superman. He pulls off the role with remarkable strength. The audience can see his pain and struggle as Clark - and his depth of character as Superman. And while Kate Bosworth is not my favorite Lois Lane, she and Routh have great chemistry. Superman is a great hero. He is what all the other superheroes aspire to be...

So my question is: Where has he gone? Please come back, Superman. We're ready for another go.

A Feminine Detail

Inspired by AmandaBeth online, I decided to post some lovely feminine pieces from various television or silver screen ladies -- hopefully culminating in an in-depth discussion in Beth's wardrobe from Moonlight. While waiting for the time to work on Beth's fashion series, I stumbled upon some of Chloe's adorable clothes from Smallville season 9.

Isn't this jacket gorgeous?
Structured, neutral, and feminine details...
Look at the pin tucks!

And her cute pink shirt.
Maybe her curls are a tribute to her wedding day?

Never underestimate the power of a jacket. It may be just the perfect addition to complete a feminine outfit!

Bring on the Superheroes!

Chris, Dee, and I all wore superhero clothing to the last dance practice... Perfect time for a photo op!

Smallville Season 9

YAY! Only 1 1/2 weeks to go.

Ironing Man

~The Morton's shared this on their blog. :P It's too funny.

Summer Reading - Part 2

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ~C.S. Lewis

“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” ~ Paul Sweeney

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” ~Groucho Mark

“If a book is really good, it deserves to be read again, and if it's great, it should be read at least three times.” ~Anatole Broyard

“A lot of people ask me if I were shipwrecked, and could only have one book, what would it be? I always say 'How to Build a Boat'.” ~Stephen Wright

“Beware the person of one book.” ~Latin Proverb

What I've been working on

Daniel's high school graduation is tomorrow evening. With such a momentous occasion comes lots of hard work; there are clothes to iron, pictures to takes, diplomas to print, and announcements to mail...

My biggest task was the announcements... So for several afternoons and evenings, I curled up with some of my favorite superheroes to finish the work.

The graduate wasn't ignoring the work, however... He folded announcements diligently despite being laid up...

We can't wait for tomorrow!

Summer Reading - Part 1

No more pencils!
No more books!
No more teacher's dirty looks!

Um... on second thought... scratch the second one.

I love to read. Unfortunately, because of my college reading and responsibilities, I often neglect my own reading. Often when summer time arrives, I cannot stand the thought or sight of a book! However, Providence this year has decreed that I should once again pick up some good ol' friends...

Some Graphic Novels... And the DC Universe

Comics, more graphic novels, and the Marvel Universe

Fantasy, historical fiction w/a twist, and another graphic novel

concerning the Holocaust

Yes. It's lovely to read again.

Lab before Spring Break

The Friday before Spring Break, my good friend Bissi had the clever plan to watch a movie... Especially since there were no students around. Huzzah! Being a kind fellow, he brought several films for me to choose from.

With The Dark Knight as one of the selections, it's not hard to guess what I chose. Putting the movie up on the projector screens, we settled down to enjoy a few hours with Gotham's anti-hero.

I do love comic book lore. In many ways, it is the mythology of modern times.

It's also a great way to spend a lazy, open lab Friday with a friend.

Curiosity Concerning Consonance

Why is it that many of the famous superheroes have first and last names that begin with the same letter? Consonance is an interesting literary device, and maybe DC and Marvel thought their readers would remember the names more easily. In any case, I was trying to remember all the superheroes that have this characteristic and here is my list:

Clark Kent
Peter Parker
Bruce Banner
Reed Richards
Sue Storm
Matt Murdock
Scott Summers

Or their girlfriends:
Lois Lane
Lana Lang
Betty Brant
Pepper Potts
Vicki Vale

Or Enemies:
Lex Luthor
Green Goblin
Victor Von Doom

Curious, isn't it?

Marvel vs. DC

Parody of I'm a Mac & I'm a PC

Songs about Superheroes

I wonder what its like to be a super hero
I wonder where Id go if I could fly around downtown
From some other planet, I get this funky high on yellow sun
Boy I bet my friends will all be...stunned, theyre stunned
- Matchbox 20 "Real World"

It may sound absurd...but dont be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed...but wont you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
Its not easy to be me...

Im only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me.
- Five for Fighting "Superman"


Doc Bruce Banner,
Pelted by gamma rays,
Turned into the Hulk.
(Ain’t he unglamorous!)

Wreckin’ the town with
The power of a bull!
(Ain’t no monster clown
who is as loveable!)
As ever-lovin’ Hulk!
Hulk! Hulk!
- Theme song to "The Incredible Hulk"


-Weird Al "Ode to a Superhero"

Superheroes

Superheroes. They come in black, red, blue, and green. Some are huge and muscular; others are average height and weight. Some have superpowers beyond belief: they have regenerative capabilities, the ability to fly, see through walls, shoot webs, use telekinesis, communicate telepathically, transform into a giant superhuman, and that’s just to name a few. Others are ordinary men; they used their wealth to make themselves heroes that evil-doers fear. With great gadgets and armor, they don’t need the powers that other superheroes were blessed with.

Given gifts of power (or mutation) to protect others: one defends a city, even when that means his job, relationship, and schooling will suffer… another cannot live a normal life; his friends see him only as a nerdy reporter, but adore his alter ego… many protect and would die for those who hate, even persecute them for their gifts... one man will forgo his love to protect the world from a power-hunger man bent on destruction…

These ones sometimes struggle with the heroic deeds they have been chosen for… But ultimately, any of them would sacrifice everything to do the right thing. Others chose to be the one who would sacrifice: one tries to live up to the legacy his father left under the cover of darkness… Without a secret identity, another tries to change the legacy his father created.
Maybe all you recognize the superheroes I am taking about: Spiderman, Superman, The X-Men, The Hulk, Batman, and Iron Man. Why do we love them so much? Nobility, justice, sacrifice, responsibility, and morality are all qualities that superheroes personify. (Even while wearing great costumes!)

This month and perhaps even continuing into September, I plan to post several superhero themed posts… I hope you enjoy random trivia and thoughts on superheroes.