Walking the Streets

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 30, 2009

There’s probably nothing more small town than campaigning for the Representative Town Meeting. Fairfield’s divided into ten districts and each district has five representatives. As a result, each district has about ten candidates crisscrossing the streets, shaking hands, knocking on doors and talking to neighbors.

When I first ran in 2005, the Republicans had no one in opposition so campaigning was non-existent. In 2007, there were three opponents but they didn’t appear to mount much of a campaign. Still, the five Democrats campaigned; we walked the district, covering about 90% of the streets.

This time, we’re all incumbents campaigning for re-election while a full slate of five Republicans is hoping to win some or all the seats in District 8. Fortunately, a long-standing agreement between both sides has meant not wasting money on cluttering the streets with lawn signs.

Instead, we walk. About two or three afternoons a week, I’ve knocked off around 4 and walked with Larry Kaley. On weekends, I try and partner with one of the other candidates and using walking lists, we go door to door to door.

It never ceases to amaze me how often we have to explain what the RTM does, even to long-time residents. In some cases, we are caught short by people thoroughly unaware there’s an election despite the plethora of lawn signs and mailings from town-wide candidates, articles in the three local weeklies, and so on.

While going out, I bring along a clipboard to hold the walking lists but also to take notes. As a representative, we’re also advocates for the residents. All too often, months go by without our hearing from anyone in the district. Usually, our inboxes fill during budget season but even then, the comments are usually limited to just the school budget.

I like being able to help, to use my knowledge of the town to get things done. We’ve had Public Works and the Tree Warden out to look at homes where residents said attention was required. One parent of a special ed student heard that the full budget for special education was not passed. I had the special education coordinator on the phone with the parent the following day (it was erroneous information).

Last time, we heard a lot about zoning issues and over construction. This time, though, that came up only once. The number one issue raised from one end of District 8 to the other was speeding. Unfortunately, it’s not something the RTM can get involved in. On the other hand, we’ll be talking to Police Chief Peck about this and see what the police department can do to address the issue.

Overall, people have polite enough when they answer the door. Some have questions, most complain about property taxes, admit it’s an issue coast to coast and then bring up things they’ve heard about. At every opportunity, I remind them to keep in touch, lend their voices to the town debate so when we vote, we’re being truly representative of the entire district.

When the weather has kept us indoors, we’ve occasionally gone to headquarters and made calls. Getting the vote out on Tuesday is now critical so a truly representative sampling of the populace votes for Board of Ed, Board of Finance, Town Planning and Zoning in addition to the RTM. Last time, turnout was 42% or so, but without a First Selectman’s race, we’re expecting sharply lower turnout despite how critical these boards are in shaping the way the town functions.

It’s been rewarding walking streets I never otherwise have a need to be on. The Halloween decorations are more elaborate than ever and it’s always interesting to see how people maintain their homes and grounds. We have one weekend left, then standing at the polls on Tuesday.

Needlessly Prolonging the Debate

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 28, 2009

I didn’t have a chance yesterday when our Senator, Joe Lieberman, came out against the public option and intended to side with the Republicans to turn the upcoming debate into the usual circus.

This morning, though, I wrote to the Senator and suggest everyone else in the state do so.

The argument against a public option is fairly absurd. Medicare and Medicaid are government options. Our federal bureaucracy is already meddling with people’s health care so what’s the difference? When I posed that to Deb, she gave me a blank look – she wasn’t sure either.

The need for health care reform is clear. The statistics, no matter which ones you use, point to a need for reform. Costs are spiraling up, our level of care does not compare well with out countries, there’s less bang for the buck, and the private companies are doing nothing to fix matters themselves.

I’ve seen reports on the startling sums being spent by lobbyists to preserve the status quo or neuter many of the proposals floating through Congress. Imagine if those sums were gone, that profits were reduced and costs lowered?

Many things disturb me about the way the Health Care debate has progressed, especially the fear mongering, misinformation, and attempts to maintain what clearly does not work. Our country should be constantly reinventing itself, working to improve things when at all possible. Some things are debatable, others are clear cut. Health reform falls into the latter category.

So, when something obvious eludes one of my elected officials, I worry. Ever since Joe Lieberman demonstrated his unwillingness to accept his party’s rejection with grace, his independent manner has indicated he is less interested in representing his people than remaining in Washington. When I wrote to him, I stressed that there’s been no attempt made by the Senator to ask the opinion of his constituents on the issue. Our congressman, Jim Himes, braved some nasty town meetings, but at least came to talk with us.

Joe, it seems, doesn’t care.

Partying with Windows 7

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 25, 2009

On Thursday, I was fortunate to attend the NYC Launch Party for Windows 7.

Held downtown in SoHo, the line moved briskly and we received our name tags and wandered within. We milled about, chatting with whoever we met, and sipped juices or coffee until the main room opened. We then filled in, grabbing seats or standing places and waited for the kickoff. Just before 11, the Windows 7 ad campaign was run on the large screen flanking the stage. We were welcome and Kaylie, the cure spokesman, took to the stage and introduced Steve Ballmer. Steve had boundless energy and he was truly excited about the launch after years of development. He made certain to acknowledge the MS developers, beta testers and just plain folk who made certain Windows 7 was everything we wanted in an OS.

He then introduced another exec who used the various screens behind him to demonstrate the new features of Windows 7. Clearly, this was designed with today’s wireless home communications in mind. We were shown how easy the home network can be set up and how one PC can stream pics, video, and music to multiple devices throughout a home.

The back half of the room was opened up and another exec walked us through the wide variety of hardware that will make W7 sing. There were nifty touchscreens, 3-D gaming set-ups, ultra-light and thin laptops and everything in-between. Once he was done showing us a sampling, we were thanked for attending and allowed to come play.

The remainder of the party was a mix of test driving the devices and eating the wonderful food. While not a gamer, the 3-D game screen was astonishing especially since it was Batman: Arkham Asylum being demonstrated. Very cool. The touchscreen devices were impressive and clearly the next generation. MS staffers walked us through each system and their enthusiasm was infectious. One woman was telling me she’d been working with W7 for a year and a half already and it was solid, and easy to use.

On our way out, we received gift bags containing a t-shirt, puzzle, deck of cards, poster, information book and Windows 7 Ultimate Edition (thanks, Steve!).

While there, I twittered that I was uncertain if I needed to upgrade especially given the reviewers saying switching from XP to Windows 7. Now that I have Windows 7, the temptation is stronger and I continue to monitor the comments from regular users before making the attempt. Deb has already warned me, if I try this, I’m on my own. And frankly, I think we’d be better off if we use the same OS.

I’m on Blog Talk Radio This Sunday

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 23, 2009

Last month, I was interviewed on Howard Margolin’s Destinies and that went swell. Now, this Sunday evening I will be the featured guest on Star Trek on Blog Talk Radio.

This was arranged by my long time convention pal Marc Lee and I will be on air beginning at 10 p.m. EST. I’m told we’ll be taking calls from listeners and I will be there for a minimum of an hour chatting about all things Trek and whatever else I’m up to.

If you’re around, listen in, and if motivated, call in and say hi plus ask a question.

Bravo for the Bravia

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 21, 2009

I seem to recall that when we purchased our first television as a couple, it was a 23” color model that fit nicely on a TV table and kept us entertained. Soon after, we indulged and bought a VCR, adding it to our second apartment and marveling at the ability to timeshift our viewing habits. Deb said we’d probably need no more than 10 tapes to record, recycle and maybe save one or two things.

I think we stopped counting blank tapes after 72 and never kept track of all the prerecorded programming we, and the kids, accumulated.

When we renovated the family room in 2001, all I asked for was a 36” television, wanting to take advantage of the larger screens then available. Deb was skeptical until it arrived and we wired it up. Wisely, the first thing I played for her was West Side Story, one of her favorites. She suddenly saw that a larger screen made some sense.

Then came the DVD player and we kept the VHS around when we had programming conflicts. In time, though, we stopped taping, especially when the cable box suddenly allowed us to watch one thing and digitally record two more shows. By then, we stopped buying prerecorded tapes, switching entirely to DVD. Slowly, the prerecorded tapes were replaced with the DVD versions.

More recently, Blu-ray discs have been arriving and already have started replacing some of the DVDs (thanks to review copies for ComicMix). The Blu-ray player, which arrived over the summer, was cool but needed the next generation television to really wow us.

We talked about upgrading for some time but wanted to figure out which standard (plasma vs. LCD) might gain supremacy and then wait for prices to drop. Well, the latter is still duking it out but prices have been falling. Also over the summer, we received our overdue tax refund and Deb said it can be wisely reinvested into the economy, in part through a flatscreen television.

We asked out friends and family for advice. We read CNET regularly; we scanned prices for the models we admired. Our shopping trips invariably led us to gaze at the various models on display, comparing size and clarity.  Finally, we settled on a Sony Bravia, 52 glorious inches in size. A sale with free shipping and installation sealed the deal and it was ordered.

We bought a credenza to place the new TV atop and began rearranging things to make it fit. As I boxed up the VHS tapes, I seriously questioned if we needed them all. I culled through them, keeping anything that featured the kids from conventions or school plays, and then consigned the rest to the scrap heap. The pre-recorded VHS tapes can go to the Library. Another of era of technology was closed.

Yesterday, the flatscreen arrived. The sharpness of the image and beauty of the color is everything we had hoped for. Standard DVDs looked better and the Blu-ray discs are amazing.  We ordered an HD digital DVR from Cablevision and then we can truly enter the 21st century by switching out network viewing habits to HD. When the Blu-ray disc was popped in for sampling, we settled back on the couch and watched. Deb, who was always skeptical that 52 inches might be too large, gazed at Hugh Jackman and said, “No, it’s not too large. This is good.”

Support Kate

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 20, 2009

Everyone deals with grief in their own way. Some hide form the world. Others forge ahead, keeping their feelings internalized.

Some run.

Kate has decided to train and enter a half-marathon to be held in January down at Disneyworld. She found a program to help whip her into shape, has received tremendous support from her military coworkers and has been running.

Soon after Kate began the program, she then began to deal with the logistics and learned that at this late date, needed to be part of a team. After checking out which teams still had openings, she settled on Team Hole in the Wall, which will raises funds for the Hole in the Wall camps, founded by Paul Newman, and where Robbie hoped to volunteer once he was in remission.

Kate’s goal is $2000 and she’s on her way but could use some support and I hope those in a position to help, will consider doing so. Those wishing to contribute can do so here.

For those unable to contribute, feel free to send Kate words of support. She’s never done anything like this before. We’re incredibly proud of her for doing this.

Talking to the 5th Graders

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 19, 2009

On Friday, I had the pleasure of speaking to a room full of fifth graders. Heather Dean, my close friend on the RTM, is a student teacher at our McKinley Elementary School and helped bring the entire topic of graphic novels into the classroom. When she told her supervising teacher, Mr. Lowry, that I existed, he was excited at the prospect of having an author come talk to the kid.

I modified my History of the Graphic Novel PowerPoint presentation into something scaled for kids, including a hefty section on the creation process. I reviewed a few weeks ago with the 5th grade teachers, got some notes and then awaited the day.

The kids, I was told, were excited at the prospect of my coming so I accompanied Mrs. Dean to collect them from the lunchroom after I arrived. They were excited and polite then filed into the room, seating themselves around the other classroom. Once everyone settled, I was introduced and did my spiel.

Occasionally, a hand flew up with a question but they were on target ones so I answered them and moved on. Once complete, the lights went up and the grilling began. In many cases they were typical 5th grade questions such as my who are my favorite authors or would I want to meet J.K. Rowling. Most indicated they read graphic novels outside the classroom, which was encouraging. I was floored when someone asked about trademark and copyright. This was followed up with quizzing me on the difference between the TM and ® marks. Someone else wanted to know how the selling of the manuscript worked. All in all, they were attentive, and their questions were pertinent, even referring back to some of the examples I was showing.

Also in attendance were the school’s principal and librarian, both of whom seemed satisfied with the presentation.

When it ended, I received enthusiastic applause so I think it went over just fine. It reminded me of how much I enjoy speaking before crowds of all ages and interacting with them. Something to consider for the future.

Happy 29th Anniversary, Deb

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 18, 2009

Today being a rainy day fits, given that 29 years ago, it was darker and stormier as we got married.

29 years feels like a long time and another example of the advancing years. What’s nice is that we remain close and active together. Yesterday, for example, I spent the day at her side wandering through the Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Festival. I don’t knit, can barely tell the difference between Malibrego and Marino yarn but it was nice to be walking side-by-side, sharing hot cider and donuts.

We were tired on the way home and it was a largely silent ride, but it was a companionable silence, neither one of us feeling the need to fill the time with chatter.

Just sitting together with the morning coffee and the newspapers is pleasurable. I can’t imagine going through life, doing these routines and having these experiences without Deb beside me. We continue to celebrate each others triumphs and offer a comforting shoulder when something horribly goes wrong.

Neither one of us could have gotten through last year without the other.

Today’s going to be a simple day. Some rearranging in the family room as we get ready to receive our new flat screen TV (thank you tax refund). Some reading. Running out to try the Flipside, sampling their burgers, for a quiet dinner together. Nothing overly flashy or showy – sometimes that’s fine, but most times just being together is all we need.

Happy anniversary, my wife.

George Tuska, R.I.P.

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 16, 2009

Tony Isabella is reporting that long-time comics artist George Tuska has passed away yesterday at age 93.

Another piece of my childhood has vanished. I first encountered George’s work when he replaced Gene Colan as artist on Iron Man and then stayed with the book for years. A versatile artist with a distinct style, you knew you were looking at a page of his work. His real people looked like real people and his action sequences moved with power. While never a graceful artist, he was a natural one, adept at the demands of the story regardless of genre.

It was many years later before I learned George really made his name on the crime comics of the late 1940s, including Crimes does not Pay. He vanished from comics for most of the 1950s and early 1960s, working in comic strips, notably Scorchy Smith and then taking over Buck Rogers until it folded, which led him to Marvel.

George drifted to DC in the late 1970s and did the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes comic strip in addition to runs on World’s Finest Comics, Challengers of the Unknown and various other DC properties until changing tastes reduced demand for his work and he retired to New Jersey, producing commissions and making occasional appearances.

I never got to know George, mostly because he rarely traveled into New York. By the time I was at DC, George had lost most of his hearing. When I wanted to commission Who’s Who pages, I dealt with his pleasant wife, Dot, who would accept on his behalf. The work always came in on time and was exactly what was request – a true pro.

Most recently, I read his introduction to the latest Marvel Masterwork Iron Man volume and wished he spoke a bit more about what it was like back then. Now we’ll never know.

Catching Up

Posted by Bob Greenberger on October 13, 2009

I never intended for a week to slip by but things happen.

So, what’s been happening? I have written and revised the captions to Wonder Woman: Amazon. Hero. Icon. and designer Chris McDonnell has been making some final tweaks to the design. My revised text increased the word count from 9000 to 13,000 so he had to make some adjustments plus we realized some titles and talents were not represented and needed to find room for them. I just looked over the latest version and it’s pretty strong. The manuscript is with the copy editor and with luck, we can put this to bed over the next few weeks and still make our April release date.

The media tie-in comic script, which I managed to draft the first half two weeks ago, is next up on my desk. Fortunately, there’s plenty of time on this so I can give it maximum attention as time permits.

The DC project is finally back on track after many delays. I should get the final green light to start work today and that too should be coming in the first half of 2010. No announcements yet so I can’t say too much more other than I am excited to get going.

Several other speculative projects are also moving at varying speeds one can but hope that something sells in the coming months.

Beyond that, I’ve been campaigning with regularity and spent the weekend up in New Hampshire, celebrating the baptism of my niece’s daughter. One thing that will be slowing me down is a cold has descended upon me. I thought it was really bad allergies yesterday and was in denial about the warning signs but last night I finally admitted…I have a cold.

Achoo.