(Wishing For) Peace on Earth...

We've been enjoying our visit with family in Rochester, but were saddened by the news yesterday of yet another senseless tragedy... this time in Webster, New York, the very next town over from where I grew up. The site where two first responders were killed and two others injured after arriving at the scene of an early morning fire, is actually right near one of my parents' favorite restaurants... What makes this even more sickening is that the fire was an apparent ambush by yet another crazed gunman. 

These men died as heroes, no doubt about it... but following the tragic school shooting in Connecticut two weeks ago, and happening on Christmas Eve... it's all so terribly sad. This is far from what I expected to hear about during my return home... reminding how precious life is. My heart goes out to the victims' friends and families during this Christmastime.

Related Link:

"4 Firefighters Shot, 2 Killed at Webster, N.Y., Fire," Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, December 24, 2012

The Justice League

Superman is my co-pilot.

Work on the Alex Ross exhibit continues... I'm trying to finish my video transcription (ugh), and Sarah and I stopped by the great Earthworld Comics in Albany last night to pick up a 6' Superman stand-up (featuring art by Ross) that they have loaned us for the duration of the show. Oh hell, it was also a great excuse to stop by the store again and peruse their latest books. Sarah is a big fan of artist/creator Terry Moore (who I interviewed back in 2007), and has been sinking her teeth into his latest book, Rachel Rising--she actually read a few issues right there in the store while I was busy looking around... ha ha... she never ceases to amaze me. 

My co-workers and I have also been looking into costumes for the exhibit opening and upcoming programs. Of course I made it clear that I have dibs on Spidey... but it can't be just any old costume. I have a proud tradition, initiated by my mother's amazing web-slinger costume that she designed for me so many Halloweens ago. Sarah is looking into Supergirl (one of her old favorites). My co-worker Sarah (who, coincidentally, is married to another Jeremy) surprised us all at work yesterday when she came through the offices dressed like Wonder Woman. I think she did a good job of pulling it off (here's a photo I took, as proof).

Alex Ross, "Mythology: Wonder Woman,"
2005, courtesy of the artist, ™ & ©
DC Comics. Used with permission.

Wonder Woman has an interesting history, which I was not aware of until I read the text for the exhibition. Apparently she was created back in 1941 by psychologist William Moulton Marston, who also happened to develop the lie detector (I guess that explains his character's golden lasso!). Utilizing equal parts physical strength, intelligence and kindness, Wonder Woman was created to serve as a positive role model for girls, and wound up becoming a feminist icon (pictured on the first issue of Ms. magazine, and their recent 40th anniversary issue, with a cover by the great Mike Allred). Many of us fellas also fell in love with the character, especially after seeing the beautiful Lynda Carter on the 1970s TV show. But looks aside, I also appreciate the concept of a strong, female hero... it's no stretch... many of the most influential people in my life have been women, and I am forever grateful.




I just got back from an awards dinner that was held by the Albany chapter of Veterans for Peace. My mother-in-law, Elaine, was honored as one of this year's Thomas Paine Winter Soldier Peace and Justice Awards. Coined during the Revolutionary War era, a winter solider is "any man or woman who stands firm in the face of extreme adversity and works towards a peaceful and civil society, respecting the inalienable rights provided for in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights." That's super-heroic, right?

Involved in peace efforts since the late 1960s, Elaine has joined anti-war groups, and is the coordinator for Schenectady Neighbors for Peace. She is also on the steering committee for Upper Hudson Peace Action; serves as the Secretary for Peace Action, New York State; and is active in J Street Albany Capital District. I appreciate her belief in the possibility of a more peaceful world... yes, this looks like a job for... us!

Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

How Soon Is... Now!

Spent the day working from home, doing more transcribing and formatting an article about Alex Ross, and waiting for the cable guy to hook us up. Pretty solitary day...

Tonight we're heading out on the town to see Morrissey in concert! Definitely one of my late high school/college favorites--especially the music he did with the Smiths. Looking forward to it... especially since we won second row seats last week from the great station WEQX-- an upgrade from tickets that were already pretty good! 

I won the tickets by guessing the DJ's favorite Moz track--it was "Ask" by the Smiths. Here's the song I think is my favorite by the gloomster... "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" (even considered having this played at our reception... heh, heh...):

Hero-isms

Spent the day at work preparing for our upcoming exhibition, Heroes and Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross. The artwork looks great, and it sounds like Ross had the same comic book cornerstones as I did growing up: creating his own books, being glued to the TV to the animated and live action superhero shows (no better Hulk!). I think it explains something of the realistic approach he has taken with his art. Here is a clip I found of the artist talking about his work:

The rest of the day was spent setting things up for a radio segment about our upcoming Girl Scouts Festival Day. The more I learn about the organization, I can see why it is responsible for influencing many of our real-life heroes. "Once a girl scout, always a girl scout..." one of the council representatives tells me. Yeah, I can see it with my wife-- shazam!