tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64987645081824051662024-03-22T00:41:30.383-07:00The Frog BagMostly animals and comics. Coffee too.TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-16244292638082766872014-08-27T22:18:00.000-07:002014-08-27T22:18:08.469-07:00Meet Valentina<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgAfetvMeIQ/U_5_KQxUpxI/AAAAAAAACSc/7KXyW-GCYWY/s1600/Valentina_KB_8_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgAfetvMeIQ/U_5_KQxUpxI/AAAAAAAACSc/7KXyW-GCYWY/s1600/Valentina_KB_8_2014.jpg" height="400" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentina the curious</td></tr>
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At <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kittybungalowcharmschool/timeline">Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats</a> in Los Angeles, where I volunteer, we take our responsibilities to our "students" seriously. That means not only getting them off the street, cleaned up, healthy, and spayed or neutered, but teaching them all about how to be the very best, most companionable lap cats they can possibly be.<br />
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But all that hard work can't pay off until these felines find homes of their own, so that's why I recently signed up to be a "school councilor." That means that I'll be posting photos and networking deserving cats who are ready to graduate into loving families.<br />
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So, here's <b>Valentina</b>! Even though she was born in a rich neighborhood, her mom was feral and she had a bit of a rough start. It took a little while for her to learn that people are okay, but now she loves them. Other cats are pretty okay in her book too. I don't know about dogs, but chances are, she'd be just a relaxed around them as she is around everybody else. You say you'd like more photos? You're in luck!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFYX_jnsJcM/U_65yDtOkPI/AAAAAAAACSs/FczhkKJbwpY/s1600/Valentina2_KB_8_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFYX_jnsJcM/U_65yDtOkPI/AAAAAAAACSs/FczhkKJbwpY/s1600/Valentina2_KB_8_2014.jpg" height="400" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentina is self-cleaning!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYRItHMDFxM/U_651uEzIWI/AAAAAAAACS0/9SScqcY89kw/s1600/Valentina3_KB_8_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYRItHMDFxM/U_651uEzIWI/AAAAAAAACS0/9SScqcY89kw/s1600/Valentina3_KB_8_2014.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will have to imagine the Valentian purrs that go with this photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77on1SE61co/U_65301OMoI/AAAAAAAACS8/V-aJzVzRLYI/s1600/Valentina4_KB_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77on1SE61co/U_65301OMoI/AAAAAAAACS8/V-aJzVzRLYI/s1600/Valentina4_KB_2014.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentina relaxing with a friend</td></tr>
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If you happen to be looking for a feline companion, you really can't go wrong with this sweet girl. If you'd like to meet her you can pop a note to kittybungalow@gmail.com . And if you happen to end up adopting her, please let me know. I'll send you a welcome basket of handmade cat toys! After all, I want to make sure that the first student I "counsel" gets started right in life!<br /><br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-15894555961913479822014-06-04T18:37:00.001-07:002014-06-04T18:37:37.486-07:00PetroglyphsEven after visiting Santa Fe many, many times I always find new things. Who knew there were ancient petroglyphs just a short drive and hike out of town? I mean, yeah, that hike does involve a very steep, rocky climb, but it's well worth it. Just look what you discover at the <a href="http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/taos/la_cieneguilla.html">La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site</a>! Apparently these were made between the 13th and the 17th centuries, so some of them date from before contact with the Spanish. They are sort of above a river, marking out what was once a trail along a mesa, but I don't think anyone knows what they mean. They are definitely cool to see though! <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BpAQeerfGg/U4-_wkn6gqI/AAAAAAAACNU/6ozh-bCUCoo/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BpAQeerfGg/U4-_wkn6gqI/AAAAAAAACNU/6ozh-bCUCoo/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beasts! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYBWlDI_q1k/U4-_trXzOGI/AAAAAAAACNE/RwG4dGL9gOY/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYBWlDI_q1k/U4-_trXzOGI/AAAAAAAACNE/RwG4dGL9gOY/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and dad examine some kokopellies.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjdzVDOl5W0/U4_AM55dC8I/AAAAAAAACNo/eJ_c4gNj5g4/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjdzVDOl5W0/U4_AM55dC8I/AAAAAAAACNo/eJ_c4gNj5g4/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands! Stars! Um... stuff?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAlRfhx3az8/U4-_tzQiQ1I/AAAAAAAACNI/Xmm8nbAzmW8/s1600/IMG_1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAlRfhx3az8/U4-_tzQiQ1I/AAAAAAAACNI/Xmm8nbAzmW8/s1600/IMG_1808.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer on the star and guy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RE5kd434ATA/U4_AMfphYDI/AAAAAAAACNk/8iXw0ApUN_8/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RE5kd434ATA/U4_AMfphYDI/AAAAAAAACNk/8iXw0ApUN_8/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole lot going on all over this boulder.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Re-ZnLb3xxA/U4_AL8veyuI/AAAAAAAACNc/5uIEISYEL78/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Re-ZnLb3xxA/U4_AL8veyuI/AAAAAAAACNc/5uIEISYEL78/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um, an upside down guy?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw0sbGUJUfU/U4_AWHyfu-I/AAAAAAAACN0/r5ewsVrjn4g/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw0sbGUJUfU/U4_AWHyfu-I/AAAAAAAACN0/r5ewsVrjn4g/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ring tailed cat?</td></tr>
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TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-29645163574903534322014-05-16T16:02:00.000-07:002014-05-16T16:02:04.884-07:00June Conventions!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqMft67fB78/U3aTyj77EvI/AAAAAAAACMQ/d9AKGH0-wtk/s1600/BjhouseofmvcJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqMft67fB78/U3aTyj77EvI/AAAAAAAACMQ/d9AKGH0-wtk/s1600/BjhouseofmvcJ.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
Just one month from now my co-creator/husband Gabriel Hardman and I will be in <a href="http://www.specialeditionnyc.com/Creators/Creator-List/">New York for Special Edition: NYC</a>. Like NYCC it's being held at the Javits Center, but will be much more comics-focused. We'll be there June 14th and 15th.<br />
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The next weekend we're heading down to Charlotte, NC for <a href="http://www.heroesonline.com/heroescon/">HeroesCon</a>, where we'll be holding down a table in Artist Alley from the 20th to the 22.<br />
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We'll have books, art, and prints, but if you'd like to get a sketch from Gabriel get on his list soon! You can get all the details <a href="http://www.heroesonline.com/heroescon/">here</a>.<br />
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He's also continuing his Convention Portrait Project. He's already done portraits at Emerald City and WonderCon but these will be his first from the East Coast. You can find out more about that <u><a href="http://www.gabrielhardman.com/2014/03/the-convention-portrait-project-eccc.html">here</a>.</u> <br />
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Hope to see you at a con this summer! We've got a couple more coming up in the fall, but until then, see you back east!TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-43205658830011094082014-04-28T11:08:00.000-07:002014-04-28T11:08:28.081-07:00Rainforest of the Americas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdyfTu9doMI/U16TBE1TpUI/AAAAAAAACKw/0UrUTDAj9w8/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdyfTu9doMI/U16TBE1TpUI/AAAAAAAACKw/0UrUTDAj9w8/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oo, new digs"</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TvhyZZ1FDE/U16TC82kdGI/AAAAAAAACK4/EV9hNglAB_0/s1600/LAZoo_Rainforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TvhyZZ1FDE/U16TC82kdGI/AAAAAAAACK4/EV9hNglAB_0/s1600/LAZoo_Rainforest.jpg" height="116" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Hooray! The last piece to Phase I of the LA Zoo's Master Plan is finally complete. The new (and lovely) </span><a href="http://www.lazoo.org/rainforest/" style="text-align: start;">Rainforest of the Americas</a><span style="text-align: start;"> is now open to the public. I still remember the first part of the puzzle, the Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, opening in 1998. I was employed by the zoo at the time, working in the Behavioral Research Division, studying how the chimps could best make use of their new space. That was the zoo's first step into a new century of exhibit technology. I sincerely hope this new space won't be the last, despite the City of LA's steadily declining support. But for now, let's celebrate the new space, and what it can mean for the conservation of its rare denizens in the wild!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9GoGSQUpPE/U16Ssj_DnlI/AAAAAAAACKY/zShCZHU-e0Q/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9GoGSQUpPE/U16Ssj_DnlI/AAAAAAAACKY/zShCZHU-e0Q/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baird's Tapir!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEjlWDQe8q8/U16WW7MGTEI/AAAAAAAACLU/xxnuDcqsXXE/s1600/Tapir_Feet_LAZ_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEjlWDQe8q8/U16WW7MGTEI/AAAAAAAACLU/xxnuDcqsXXE/s1600/Tapir_Feet_LAZ_2014.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tapir Feet! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhG0N6QyJuE/U16ShR-uU-I/AAAAAAAACKM/sk31zxghklM/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhG0N6QyJuE/U16ShR-uU-I/AAAAAAAACKM/sk31zxghklM/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cotton-top Tamarin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qx27geS_OA/U16SsTf3J-I/AAAAAAAACKU/IMR3HfA4uE8/s1600/IMG_1749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qx27geS_OA/U16SsTf3J-I/AAAAAAAACKU/IMR3HfA4uE8/s1600/IMG_1749.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant River Otter - and hapless fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSYCDEElw00/U16S1UudgnI/AAAAAAAACKk/voadkmJIEYM/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSYCDEElw00/U16S1UudgnI/AAAAAAAACKk/voadkmJIEYM/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently fish are tasty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L0SS1b-pTc/U16TCD2ndcI/AAAAAAAACK8/Yb15GRy75is/s1600/IMG_1754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L0SS1b-pTc/U16TCD2ndcI/AAAAAAAACK8/Yb15GRy75is/s1600/IMG_1754.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald Tree Boa - added to his new home while we watched</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQhW8X7AcgE/U16TF0obKCI/AAAAAAAACLE/tzT4nihAdbw/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQhW8X7AcgE/U16TF0obKCI/AAAAAAAACLE/tzT4nihAdbw/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald Tree Boa</td></tr>
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<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-69804774274410559682014-04-21T12:03:00.000-07:002014-04-21T12:03:47.502-07:00Stuff - New and Upcoming! It's almost the end of April which means Con Season is in full swing. Gabriel and I just attended Wondercon this weekend and are preparing for several more over the summer. Of course we'll have books and art, but Gabriel's doing something new this year: <b>The Convention Portrait Project.</b> Here's the deal, as stated on his <a href="http://www.gabrielhardman.com/">blog</a>:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>If you're willing to sit for 20-30 minutes, I'll draw a naturalistic portrait of you in my convention sketchbook. I won't be selling these sketches (or giving them away for that matter), they're staying in my sketchbook. I'll happily send you a scan if you give me your contact information. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These are naturalistic drawings, not charactertures. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cosplayers are welcome but be aware, these drawing will not be idealized superhero style sketches. </span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If I end up with enough interesting convention portraits, I may collect them in a book at some future date. </span></span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>So please, If you'd like to take a break from the con and can sit still for 30 minutes, come by our table and ask about the CONVENTION PORTRAIT PROJECT.</i> "</span></span><div>
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If you'd like to participate, stay tuned! We have at least three more cons coming up, so lots more portraits will be drawn. </div>
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In other news, how about some new trades? First up is the final volume of our <b>Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm</b> run. I'm really proud of how this third book turned out, and I'm thrilled that it can now sit on the shelf with the other two volumes as well as the two miniseries which came before it. If you'd like to check it out, here's the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18143852-planet-of-the-apes">Goodreads</a> listing. And if you'd like to order it, here's a link to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Apes-Cataclysm-Vol-3/dp/1608863646/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398105685&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=planet+of+the+apes%3A+cataclysm+volume+3">Amazon.</a> </div>
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Meanwhile, in a completely different fictional universe, our run on <b>Star Wars: Legacy</b> continues with issue #14 appearing this week. But if trades appeal to you more than floppies, you're in luck here too. Volume two, Outcasts of the Broken Ring, is set to appear in a little over a month. You can preorder it already on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Star-Legacy-Volume-Outcasts-Broken/dp/1616553103/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1398105985&sr=8-2&keywords=star+wars%3A+legacy+bechko">Amazon</a>, and it's even on sale right now. </div>
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And if that's not enough sci-fi for you, then we also have a new miniseries appearing July 30 from Dark Horse. Scripted by Gabriel and me from a story by Mike Richardson, <b>Deep Gravity </b>will run for four issues and includes plenty of exo-biology and deep-space-faring vessel action. Not to mention several characters that I'm quite fond of. </div>
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So that's the update. Hope to see you at a con this summer! </div>
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TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-47340250277539594792014-04-08T19:08:00.000-07:002014-04-08T19:08:49.412-07:00Kitten of the Week - Magritte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">Margritte is the funniest kid I've seen in a long time, and I see a lot of feline kids.</span></div>
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He'd like a home of his own though, so if you want an entertaining friend contact Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats.<br />
<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-61476329669540748862014-04-03T16:47:00.000-07:002014-04-03T16:47:42.883-07:00Emerald City Wrap-Up<div style="text-align: center;">
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We're back from Emerald City Comicon and you won't be surprised to hear that it was a terrific show. I love having the chance to spend some time in Seattle. And the show itself is so smoothly run that it's an absolute joy to start off "con season" there. As is always the case, the weekend went by in a blur, but fortunately I took a few photos of the highlights. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3iqkzDlN-Q/Uz3eBMKUtJI/AAAAAAAACGQ/VYxVNh87bV8/s1600/HTW_Panel_ECCC2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3iqkzDlN-Q/Uz3eBMKUtJI/AAAAAAAACGQ/VYxVNh87bV8/s1600/HTW_Panel_ECCC2014.jpg" height="141" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hire This Woman panel in action</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I'm the shortest one of the group. Again. Even in heels.</td></tr>
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On Saturday I sat on a panel hosted by Janelle Asselin that captured her column "Hire This Woman" live. It was the first time I'd met Amy Chu, Heather Nuhfer, or Robin Robinson. Mairghread Scott is a SoCal writer like me, so it was nice that we were seated next to each other, representing the fact that all comics don't happen in Portland or the east coast. It was a real honor to share the stage with such talented women, so a big thank you is in order to Janelle for inviting me. If you'd like to see my print interview, you can find that <a href="http://comicsalliance.com/hire-this-woman-writer-corinna-bechko/?trackback=twitter_top">here</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabriel draws Rachel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rachel R"</td></tr>
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Throughout the weekend Gabriel continued his Convention Portrait Project, drawing con-goers, pros, friends, and fans. You can see all of them <a href="http://www.gabrielhardman.com/2014/03/the-convention-portrait-project-eccc.html">here</a>, and read a bit about it <a href="http://comicsalliance.com/gabriel-hardman-emerald-city-comicon-2014-convention-portrait-project-art/?trackback=fbshare">here</a>. We're currently planning other cons, so if you want to be the subject for one of his drawings, stay tuned and get in touch. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm kind of proud of how I managed to capture a fictional photobomber here.</td></tr>
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I didn't get as much time as I would have liked to walk around and see the rest of the con, but happily <a href="https://twitter.com/Drew_Rausch">Drew Rausch</a>, <a href="http://calefaction.tumblr.com/">Jocelyn Gageway</a>, and <a href="http://aaronalexovich.tumblr.com/">Aaron Alexovich </a>had a table right around the corner from ours. If you don't already know about it, you should check out Drew and Jocelyn's terrific webcomic <a href="http://www.drewrausch.com/comic/its-alive/">My Blacks Don't Match.</a> It's even free! I also got a peek at Aaron's Serenity Rose: 10 Awkward Years, and man does it look gorgeous! I can't wait to get my copy. It's one of the nicest things I've ever seen emerge from a Kickstarter.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike Norton photographing Gabriel in the hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that's a hat! </td></tr>
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Apparently the Pacific northwest is good for more than comics... Great hats can be found there too. <a href="https://twitter.com/themikenorton">Mike Norton </a>had a table down the row from us and at some point during the weekend he bought a hat. A terrific hat, a hat that looks good on everyone. To test out the terrificness of the hat he took many pictures of many people in the hat. Sure enough, everyone looked great. You can see more of those <a href="http://conbowler.tumblr.com/">here</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aww, Star Wars, I'm gonna miss you!</td></tr>
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As Sunday wound down Gabriel and I were gifted with this swell poster as a thank you for creating a little chunk of the Star Wars universe. I was so touched! Sometimes when you work at home you forget that anyone will ever read what you've written. Getting this delivered to our table just about made my day.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep Gravity #1 </td></tr>
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So after that whirlwind we are back home and back to work, because one more thing happened at ECCC. Our latest work-for-hire project with Dark Horse was announced: <a href="http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/1654/eccc-dark-horse-debuts-deep-gravity">Deep Gravity</a>! It's being scripted by Gabriel and me from a story by Mike Richardson, with art by Fernando Baldo. Look for it later this summer. <div>
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TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-86876934066461093642014-03-24T19:17:00.000-07:002014-03-24T19:17:31.115-07:00Emerald City Schedule<div style="text-align: left;">
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In just a few days Gabriel and I will be in Seattle, attending <b><a href="http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/">Emerald City Comicon</a> </b>at the Washington State Convention Center. For most of the weekend<br />
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you can find us at <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>Table A-08</b></span> in Artist Alley, but we've got a few other things planned too.<br />
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<b>I'll be on the Hire This Woman panel in Hall D on Saturday starting at 1:40 </b>with Janelle Asselin, Mairghread Scott, Amy Chu, Heather Nuhfer, and Robin Robinson.<br />
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On Sunday, <b>both of us will be signing at the Dark Horse booth (#206) from 2 to 2:50. </b><br />
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Of course, Gabriel will be doing sketching at our table throughout the weekend. You can find all the details on his <b><a href="http://www.gabrielhardman.com/2014/03/emerald-city-comic-con-2014.html">blog</a>.</b> We'll also have books and art to sell.<br />
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Hope to see you there! </div>
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<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-49651702727695348422014-03-17T10:56:00.001-07:002014-03-17T10:56:47.707-07:00Madam Satan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend we actually saw two films in the theater, a rarity with two freelancers in the same household. Yesterday was Wes Anderson's THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. Everyone's talking about that one, so I'm going to talk about MADAM SATAN instead.<br />
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Pre-code films are often gloriously outrageous in one way or another, and this is no exception. Made in 1930 and directed by Cecile B. DeMille, its an early and truly uneven musical. The characters are all pretty odious too, from the cheating cad of a husband Bob to the maid who advises her employer Angela to do everything she can to make her husband happy. Surely whatever he does is Angela's fault, the film (written by a trio of women, amazingly) suggests. If you aren't familiar with this era of filmmaking, please don't think that they're all like that! Both IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT and TWENTIETH CENTURY are from 1934 and both are sharp and smart. Anyway, I don't think anyone would ever watch MADAM SATAN for the plot. Instead, it's more than worth seeing for the sheer amount of crazy that appears on the screen once the mistaken identity plot gets going. And the beautiful Deco designs!<br />
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Poor Angela. Bob says she's cold next to showgirl Trixie. So Angela decides that she'll be so hot that "it'll take a whole fire station to put me out!" She crashes a swinging costume party aboard a zeppelin (!) just as the "most beautiful women" are being auctioned off (!) to the highest bidder. Is this a charity function of some sort? Why no, it's to advertise an oil company apparently. There are a ton of insane costumes, an ode to electricity, women serving drinks while pedaling around in little model dirigibles, and, of course, the devil herself. Angela, in her amazing costume, is unrecognizable to everyone, including her husband. She puts on an accent and coyly asks "who wants to come to <i>hell</i> with <i>Madam Satan</i>?" There's a crazy dance-off and then a lightning storm, followed by a mass bail-out as party-goers dressed as golden pheasants, clouds, and Hindu gods parachute through the sky. Baz Luhrmann's THE GREAT GATSBY had nothing on this!<br />
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I mean, check these out:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A musical ode to... Time?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angela (Kay Johnson) costumed as Madam Satan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's dressed as the "spirit of rain"</td></tr>
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I'm glad I saw this at the Egyptian in Hollywood, threadbare around the edges as it is now, instead of at home or at some newer theater. It was easy to imagine seeing it in 1930 as a first run picture, marveling at the sets and complaining about the clunky direction. But if you get the chance to see it, no matter the venue, don't hesitate. I promise the absurdity will not disappoint. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbb7spuVBoE/Uyc2VXa4oaI/AAAAAAAACEg/pdskDJKQcxU/s1600/T-018-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbb7spuVBoE/Uyc2VXa4oaI/AAAAAAAACEg/pdskDJKQcxU/s1600/T-018-6.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Egyptian doesn't look quite like this anymore, but close enough.</td></tr>
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TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-90671820971819084082014-03-13T22:15:00.001-07:002014-03-13T22:15:14.570-07:00Ghosts of the Desert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To me, nothing is more relaxing than spending time around animals. So sometimes we head to the LA Zoo in the afternoon when we need a break. I occasionally write for their magazine Zoo View so it's almost like working...<br />
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The last time we went the peninsular pronghorns were very energetic, play fighting and carousing.<br />
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I'm really proud of our zoo's involvement with the Peninsular Pronghorn Recovery Project in Mexico, so it's a treat to see these guys up close. Only about 250 members of this subspecies survive in the wild, down from the thousands that used to roam the deserts. That means the breeding herd at LAZ comprises a significant percentage of all individuals alive today. It's really a shame they're endangered, since they're quite unusual. Not only are they the fastest hoofed mammals on Earth, but pronghorns are also the only extant member of their entire family (<i>Antilocapridae</i>). They're weird too, falling somewhere between goats and deer, with odd branching horns instead of antlers, unlike any other creature alive today.<br />
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In their home range the peninsular subspecies is called <i>los fantasmas del desierto</i>, the ghosts of the desert, because of their cryptic coloration and great speed that allows them to disappear from view with almost supernatural quickness. Indeed, they can cruise at nearly 60 mph, tongues hanging out and mouths agape to admit copious amounts of air, for an hour at a time. That's one thing you won't see in a zoo though, since these pronghorns are far too relaxed to consider fleeing. Like me, after an afternoon spent watching them.TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-44783695453097896082014-03-04T11:23:00.002-08:002014-03-04T11:23:24.285-08:00Emerald City Update<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sore-1l3hwE/UxYli77nSpI/AAAAAAAACCg/TGfdQds99xQ/s1600/EmeraldCityMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sore-1l3hwE/UxYli77nSpI/AAAAAAAACCg/TGfdQds99xQ/s1600/EmeraldCityMap.jpg" height="640" width="342" /></a></div>
We've had a great time at <a href="http://emeraldcitycomicon.com/">Emerald City Comicon </a>for several years running now so I'm really looking forward to returning at the end of this month. The show runs from the 28th to the 30th at the Washington State Convention Center. Look for Gabriel Hardman and me at table <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>A-08</b></span> in <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>Artist Alley</b></span>.<br />
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We'll have lots of books for sale as well as original art. ECCC is always a fun show so I hope we see you there!<br />
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In addition to doing signings at the table, I'm going to be on at least one panel. Details will be posted shortly...TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-65350082965200868472014-02-26T12:17:00.001-08:002014-02-26T12:17:27.646-08:00Wordless Wednesday featuring a Skeptical Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPzubZ66NLg/Uw5K5ltkrCI/AAAAAAAACB8/fi7uKQkKwOg/s1600/SkepticalTakin_LAZ_21414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPzubZ66NLg/Uw5K5ltkrCI/AAAAAAAACB8/fi7uKQkKwOg/s1600/SkepticalTakin_LAZ_21414.JPG" height="400" width="380" /></a></div>
<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-19934940309369382182014-02-20T20:09:00.002-08:002014-02-20T20:09:51.458-08:00Kitten of the Week - Marvel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Looking for a kitten with a lot of personality, the ability to play for hours on end, and the desire to curl up in your lap afterwards? Look no further - Marvel is the cat for you! </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJOI2nJqtGg/UwbPhA2hhPI/AAAAAAAACBg/LvS2M6fwoXM/s1600/Bg7sDsACcAAyR0e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJOI2nJqtGg/UwbPhA2hhPI/AAAAAAAACBg/LvS2M6fwoXM/s1600/Bg7sDsACcAAyR0e.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div>
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You can also visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kittybungalowcharmschool?fref=ts">Kitty Bungalow's Facebook page </a>to keep up with the whole super litter...</div>
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Friday was Valentine's Day so Gabriel and I took the afternoon off and headed to the LA Zoo. There we were lucky enough to catch Reggie the alligator sunning himself right up near the public walkway.<br />
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Reggie is a bit of a local celebrity. He was apparently dumped at Harbor Regional Park sometime in 2005, reportedly by a former police officer (!) and stayed there for two years, eluding every attempt at capture. It probably goes without saying, but it's illegal to keep an alligator as a pet, as well as being a very, very stupid idea.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji8lAZrc5PM/UwKXmE52SWI/AAAAAAAACBA/MFrTorV7uPc/s1600/Gator2_LAZ_2_14_14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji8lAZrc5PM/UwKXmE52SWI/AAAAAAAACBA/MFrTorV7uPc/s1600/Gator2_LAZ_2_14_14.JPG" height="242" width="400" /></a>Finally the zoo got involved and elaborate plans were put in place to wrangle the 6.5 foot reptile. He was caught without incident and even got a police escort to his new home. Apparently some officers are better friends to gators than others...<br />
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When we visited him there weren't too many people around, so we rated a half-opened eye for a few seconds. It didn't take long for him to figure out that we aren't quite on his level, fame-wise, so back to sleep he went. Who can blame him? This is LA, after all.TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-65755714242813834742014-02-13T17:11:00.000-08:002014-02-13T17:11:52.602-08:00Kitten of the Week - Sochi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sochi is a brand new recruit to the Bungalow. One look at that fluffiness and you know this is a kitten who could deal with the Winter Olympics! Instead, it's hot, hot, hot in Southern California today, so a new home (preferably with a fan and central air conditioning) would be most welcome. You can meet Sochi and other cute kittens by contacting <a href="http://www.kittybungalow.org/">Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats</a> where hissy street kids are taught about the good life. </div>
TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-89615925547310052972014-02-12T11:35:00.003-08:002014-02-12T11:35:51.675-08:00Wordless Wednesday featuring a Rock Skull<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Toi172_AlTo/UvvMroqbPjI/AAAAAAAAB_0/hvTqHINKhWM/s1600/SaltPoint_SkullRock_2_5_14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Toi172_AlTo/UvvMroqbPjI/AAAAAAAAB_0/hvTqHINKhWM/s1600/SaltPoint_SkullRock_2_5_14.JPG" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-82542690898737909072014-02-11T12:42:00.000-08:002014-02-11T12:42:51.365-08:00Harbor Seals!What's the best thing about the California coast? That's easy. Marine mammals! We saw a ton on a recent foray up above San Francisco. The area there is beautiful anyway, but it's even better when you notice all the seals.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">SALT POINT </span><span style="font-size: large;">- </span>So called because people used to come here to harvest salt from the fissures in the rocks. It was practically deserted when we visited, cold and misty, and absolutely perfect for spotting seals.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: blue;">GOAT ROCK BEACH </b>- </span>What a crazy place! This is supposedly the "deadliest beach in California." There are signs everywhere that tell you "don't turn your back on the ocean" and advise "how to survive this beach." You aren't supposed to go near the tideline, the rocks, or the cliffs. No wonder the seals and sea lions like it so much! When we drove by we saw several sea lions playing in the surf and even in the Russian River, but when we went back to get photos only harbor seals remained on the sand. It was bitterly cold, windy and raining, and the seals didn't much like us being there. That's okay, because I got a lovely new camera lens for my birthday so we still got some nice shots without having to get too close. </div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-39319298067934970442014-01-27T22:47:00.000-08:002014-01-27T22:47:35.192-08:00Species Survival Plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I spent the afternoon interviewing chimpanzee keepers at the Los Angeles Zoo about the newest generation of chimps born at the Mahale Mountains exhibit there. A lot of what we talked about centered around the fact that these chimps are part a Species Survival Plan, or SSP, that regulates the captive breeding of animals at accredited American zoos and aquariums.<br />
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I think it's safe to say that most people don't consider how important the individual animals they're seeing at zoos can be to their species as a whole. Once upon a time zoos were little more than freak shows, exhibiting the strange and exotic to a fascinated public. That is long past, however, and good zoos are now very concerned about the conservation of their charges, both in the wild and in captivity. That's why it's so important to have a plan for the breeding of animals, especially among endangered populations<br />
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That's where SSPs come in. They make sure that certain individuals don't become over-represented in the gene pool. It wouldn't do, for instance, to have every Komodo dragon in America be the offspring of just one pair. This is imperative since most animals aren't (nor should they be) taken from the wild any more. These days, it's much more likely that animals will have lived in captivity for generations, like the 4th generation LAZ chimpanzees I visited today. Obviously someone had better keep track of who's breeding with whom.<br />
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So what is an SSP? Basically, it's a cooperative plan for managing individuals to make certain that the species as a whole can thrive. There are currently more than 500 species with plans, each managed by a Taxon Advisory Group. Each has its own studbook, breeding schedule, and transfer plan. In addition, the SSPs identify goals for managing the species, keeping them genetically diverse, and ensuring their continued survival in captivity and the wild. Problems and challenges are identified too. For chimps these range from the bushmeat crisis and deforestation in their native habitat to the keeping of apes as pets and as performers in captivity. Sometimes SSPs even coordinate veterinary care and disease abatement in wild populations.<br />
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So keep an eye out for symbols like the one at the top of this post if you happen to visit a zoo or aquarium. You'll know that you're in the company of some very important individuals.<br />
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<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-76724658016557387582014-01-23T21:53:00.000-08:002014-01-23T21:53:16.946-08:00Florida Gators<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After spending a few days in Florida last week I realized what I miss most about living there. The beaches are nice, the sky is pretty amazing compared to California's, but nothing beats the huge reptiles that are capable of eating you whole.<br />
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When I was a kid we actually had drills teaching you what to do if you happened to get chased by one. I remember learning that you should run in a zigzag pattern and not trust in your climbing abilities. We told each other that gators could outrun humans on level ground (not true - the big ones can only achieve about 11 miles an hour, tops) and that they could scale chain link fences and park benches (that part is true, they really can climb if motivated, they're just not motivated very often).<br />
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In truth, gators don't really eat people. I never knew anyone who got even a nip, and I knew an awful lot of foolhardy people. Every once in a while a small dog would get consumed, but even that was rare enough that it made the papers. Mostly you heard about tourists feeding them marshmallows and living to tell the tale. I never did figure out why marshmallows were considered gator treats, but it seems to be an idea that pervades the South. The last time I was in Louisiana I heard about people there doing the same thing.<br />
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So if they don't eat people, and marshmallows aren't allowed any more, what <i>do</i> they eat? Mostly small fish. Well, small compared to them, anyway. And the occasional bird, small mammal, or frog. Sometimes they even eat invasive fish that shouldn't be anywhere near Florida, as captured in the image below. In my book that's more than enough reason to hug the next gator you see.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBHn908i4kc/UuH6zNBnK4I/AAAAAAAAB9g/-8RnOKbUpw4/s1600/Bd4-sVXCMAAgcbX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBHn908i4kc/UuH6zNBnK4I/AAAAAAAAB9g/-8RnOKbUpw4/s1600/Bd4-sVXCMAAgcbX.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-6788357752783979632014-01-19T13:14:00.000-08:002014-01-19T13:14:05.149-08:00Kitten of the Week - Bow Wow <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBRumbzXDdE/Utw9474ofjI/AAAAAAAAB88/veN1DfsO_uw/s1600/BdjvzacCAAARpht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBRumbzXDdE/Utw9474ofjI/AAAAAAAAB88/veN1DfsO_uw/s1600/BdjvzacCAAARpht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBRumbzXDdE/Utw9474ofjI/AAAAAAAAB88/veN1DfsO_uw/s1600/BdjvzacCAAARpht.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bow Wow has a ton of attitude as well as a love of toys, toys, toys, and shoes. He's at Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats in Los Angeles along with his siblings and lots of friends. Give them a call if you're looking for a black kitten with an independent streak.</div>
TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-33344631060005412892014-01-08T17:17:00.000-08:002014-01-08T17:17:07.648-08:00More Beautiful Cataclysm Apes!Wow! Look what Planet of the Apes aficionado Michael Kostka made this time... Vitus and Valentina's infant child! I have to say that's one cute orangutan kid. And you can believe me, because I've seen quite a few in real life. You can tell just by their expressions that Vitus is a loving dad, despite the tragic loss of his wife Valentina during the first arc of Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm. Anyway, don't take my word for it, see for yourself!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Nvc6bMXM5Y/Us3xzopsDlI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/RPQzsNUwtdI/s1600/1533193_10201344336153029_1799820781_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Nvc6bMXM5Y/Us3xzopsDlI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/RPQzsNUwtdI/s1600/1533193_10201344336153029_1799820781_n.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZAfbKZLH_4/Us3yEnb_YmI/AAAAAAAAB7o/C2jfHpJIgdM/s1600/1552949_10201344336073027_684107185_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZAfbKZLH_4/Us3yEnb_YmI/AAAAAAAAB7o/C2jfHpJIgdM/s1600/1552949_10201344336073027_684107185_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a>Here's what Vitus looked liked while holding his new child in the comic (beautifully drawn by Damian Couceiro).<br />
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And here he is as rendered by Michael in the same pose.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROipmQlbkls/Us3yDa8d6VI/AAAAAAAAB7g/2tpb2f_0b28/s1600/1608663_10201344336113028_579000722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROipmQlbkls/Us3yDa8d6VI/AAAAAAAAB7g/2tpb2f_0b28/s1600/1608663_10201344336113028_579000722_n.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a><i>Awww.</i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZXsm-N-STs/Us3zEwTpxhI/AAAAAAAAB7w/p7TCicVuNdk/s1600/1544121_10201344337313058_64591675_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZXsm-N-STs/Us3zEwTpxhI/AAAAAAAAB7w/p7TCicVuNdk/s1600/1544121_10201344337313058_64591675_n.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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Wow, look at the group together!</div>
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Here's a couple more of Vitus...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgulqhOANcg/Us3zGp_FmuI/AAAAAAAAB74/G_UcxsjrjTI/s1600/1512347_10201345641705667_1780798999_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgulqhOANcg/Us3zGp_FmuI/AAAAAAAAB74/G_UcxsjrjTI/s1600/1512347_10201345641705667_1780798999_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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Dosen't he look noble and a little long-suffering?</div>
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And here's a slightly disturbing process shot. I just love seeing what goes into these custom figures. They're not easy to do well but Michael nails them!</div>
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Many thanks to Michael for sending me these images and giving me permission to share them here. They remind me of how much affection I have for all of the characters we wrote for during our Planet of the Apes run. I'm happy to see them live on beyond the comics!</div>
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<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-92102745532954516902013-12-31T13:06:00.000-08:002013-12-31T13:06:25.634-08:00The Year in BooksThis year, according to what I've recorded on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a> at least, I've read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/616657">54 books</a>. I was going for an even 60 but those pesky deadlines kept getting in the way. My plan for this post was to pick out my five favorites, but it's way too difficult. There are a lot of good books in the world, and not nearly enough time.<br />
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I will say that if you are a person and you like reading, definitely check out Nick Hornby's collections of "Stuff I've Been Reading." MORE BATHS, LESS TALKING is the 4th one, but they are all wonderful. On the other end of the spectrum, THE CROWNING had some really scary, poetic moments in it for those who like their horror dark, Lovecraftian, and kind of romantic. Speaking of Lovecraftian, I.N.J. Culbard's graphic adaptations of Lovecraft's work are terrific. AT THE MOUNTAINS of MADNESS is my favorite Lovecraft story and Culbard really did it right. If you've ever met me you know that I don't say that lightly. WILLY was an unexpected surprise that I wouldn't have found if it wasn't for Goodreads. Spooky, dark, and almost a love story, it is well worth the price of admission. And of course, RASL and THE CREEP are two more that shouldn't be passed up if you like romance mixed with your tragedy. If you want to read some interesting physics, on the other hand, THE PARTICLE AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE by Sean Carroll is a good place to start. I loved it almost as much as his former book FROM ETERNITY TO HERE.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ax4xJfQZdkw/UsMnjG6SopI/AAAAAAAAB6w/8_ABhtqiY8g/s1600/oQbao20nzwYFp7pfO8LCca5P_2Y-mmqeDUXIzHeIgY0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ax4xJfQZdkw/UsMnjG6SopI/AAAAAAAAB6w/8_ABhtqiY8g/s400/oQbao20nzwYFp7pfO8LCca5P_2Y-mmqeDUXIzHeIgY0.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Moving on through the year, DARWIN'S LOST WORLD was a fascinating look at the roots of the Cambrian Explosion. What the heck is up with those weird, ancient fossils that look like pizzas, anyway? I still don't know, but at least now I have some idea. HORSESHOE CRABS AND VELVET WORMS attacked much the same problem from a different perspective: looking at existing examples of ancient lifeforms to decode what may have gone before. It's fascinating, as all of Richard Fortey's books are, and a real romp as well. Paleontology not your thing? David Byrne does the same sort of thing with music in HOW MUSIC WORKS.</div>
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As the year drew to a close, I spent some time among London's dead while plowing through NECROPOLIS, which is absolutely fascinating if you've ever visited that city, and a good companion to THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. And finally reading CORPSE ON THE IMJIN!, Fantagraphic's collection of Harvey Kurtzman's war comics, was eye-opening. I'm rounding out the year by reading REBECCA, something that I've somehow never gotten around to before now. I have to say, it's not quite what I was expecting. </div>
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Next year? Hard to say, except that my TBR pile weighs more than I do I really wish there was a national holiday where it was expected that you did nothing all day but catch up on pleasure reading. Maybe then I'd be able to get through 60 books!</div>
<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-27076240882061866682013-12-28T22:58:00.000-08:002013-12-28T22:58:08.212-08:00Five Films Worth Seeing - 2013 EditionThe new year is almost here and that means it's the season of lists. I can't possibly make a definitive top ten since I haven't seen nearly enough of this year's films (I'm going to watch 12 YEARS A SLAVE soon, I swear!) But I am at least qualified to offer up five movies that I really enjoyed during 2013.<br />
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And so, in no particular order, here are my five favorite films from the last 12 months...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHFGnXPaIzc/Ur-NT5e-XOI/AAAAAAAAB4s/9z2dxGfL7ro/s1600/Europa_Report_Official_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHFGnXPaIzc/Ur-NT5e-XOI/AAAAAAAAB4s/9z2dxGfL7ro/s320/Europa_Report_Official_Poster.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/europa_report/">EUROPA REPORT</a></b><br />
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Oh man, I want to see more science fiction like this! Yes, it's a fake documentary and we've all seen a lot of those at this point, but that didn't keep me from loving it. The characters seem like real people who are brave, loyal, sometimes frightened, sometimes lonely and bored, but above all absolutely committed to what they're doing. And what they're doing is science!<br />
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Sent to Jupiter's moon Europa to look for life under the ice, the multinational crew risks everything to send back a report of what they've found and expand the frontiers of human knowledge. I dare anyone with even a drop of biophilia (hopefully that's everyone) to watch this movie and not be enthralled.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/all_is_lost_2013/">ALL IS LOST</a></b><br />
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Hmm, there seems to be a preponderance of "people adrift" films this year. CAPTAIN PHILLIPS is another example, and a good one, but not as good as this. Robert Redford gives an amazing performance in a film that has almost no dialogue but plenty of action and pathos. May play as extra scary if you're terrified of big waves, as I am. Extra points to screenwriter (and director) J.C. Chandor too, for pulling off such a daring script.<br />
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What an incredibly odd movie. Set just 30 years ago but during an era that seems increasingly ancient when viewed through the lens of modern technology, this story feels less like a film and more like some little con that you may have once attended. There are great character moments, rampant social anxiety and awkward interactions, and even some bizarre speculative fiction dealing with artificial intelligence thrown in. And all those cats! What was that all about? I could make a guess, but I was too busy wondering if Michael Papageorge would end finding a place to spend the night. In short, don't try to figure out what this film is about. Just watch it and worry about that later.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/her/">HER</a></b><br />
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Another film about artificial intelligence? Goodness, this year is full of themes! I really didn't expect to like this one. Yeah, yeah, a guy is disconnected from his fellow humans and falls for the disembodied voice of his computer. Yawn. But... It wasn't like that at all. I mean, yes, that was basically the plot, but the story didn't ever go where I expected it to go. It was actually romantic, and sad, and funny. Not to mention the fact that it had great art direction. Now that's a version of Los Angeles that maybe I'd like to live in, despite the high-waisted pants that seem to be all the rage in the near-future. Also, I really hope we all get to have tiny wallet-sized computers some day that don't even pretend to be phones. Isn't it time for that revolution?<br />
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Hands down, my favorite of the year. I was a total sucker for PRIMER, Shane Carruth's previous twisty, engrossing film. This one though, this is something else. Sad, beautiful, and almost hopeful, it's like nothing else I've seen. I won't even try to describe the plot, which involves some sort of parasitic, will-sapping organism, a desperate romance, and a lot of pigs. It's dreamy, creepy, lovely, and made me cry. Just take my word for it, see it if you haven't.TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-81659342749717218512013-12-26T19:18:00.000-08:002013-12-26T19:18:40.920-08:00Preserve the Tapir Preservation Fund!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tapir lovers unite! People who know me know that there is one animal that I admire above all others: the tapir. There are four (wait! Not four, possibly five! A new one has just been discovered... Hopefully!) species of tapir and every single one of them is endangered.<br />
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For years now I've made jewelry for the Tapir Preservation Fund (you can find that <a href="http://www.tapirback.com/tapirgal/gifts/friends/series-corinna-bechko-jewelry.htm">here</a>) and run a little etsy shop (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thefrogbag?ref=si_shop">The Frog Bag</a>) that gives 20% of everything that sells to the Tapir Preservation Fund. Why? Because they fund quality, science-based conservation work. So much of their money is funneled to tapir work "on the ground" that very little is ever used for basics like updating their website. It's to the point that the old one really isn't very functional any more, so they're running an <b><a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/save-the-tapir-preservation-fund">Indigogo campaign</a></b> to bring it up to speed. It's a fantastic resource, full of tapir facts and conservation information, it just needs a bit of an overhaul. The campaign funding goal is grand, but at base only about $4000 is needed to make a huge difference. But with less than 53 hours left they are less than half way to that benchmark! So, if you have $5 burning a hole in your pocket, consider giving the tapirs a boost? They'd really appreciate it!TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498764508182405166.post-91262806084626563382013-12-23T18:53:00.000-08:002013-12-23T18:53:46.935-08:00Things to Comment On, Things to Vote On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The year is almost over and you know what that means: "best of" lists! And this year Gabriel's comic KINSKI is up for Best New Series over at Broken Frontier. There's still time to vote until December 24th, so may I humbly suggest that you <a href="http://www.brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2013-vote-now/">VOTE KINSKI</a>?<br />
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Meanwhile, I'm having a giveaway on my new Facebook "fan page." I feel odd calling it that, but it is handy for putting all my writing news in one place.<br />
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Give it a "like" if you feel so inclined, but even if you don't, you can still comment <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=195992567259343&set=a.173457849512815.1073741828.172994926225774&type=1&theater">here</a> to win a copy of our first STAR WARS: LEGACY trade and an awesome Darth Vader dog toy. I'll use a random number generator to choose a winner on Dec 24th. Good luck and happy holidays!<br />
<br />TheFrogBaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06829641134331952750noreply@blogger.com0