Hey peeps!

         So I recently did something stupid. I decided to fiddle around with MINECRAFT just for shits and giggles. Any of you who play know how addictive it is. Now I know as well. What Im wondering is if theres some sort of guide book I can buy IN BOOK FORM. All of the books Ive found on Amazon are KINDLE downloads. I havent been able to find a single paper book and Id really like to buy one.

        Im wide open to any and all suggestions. Im a total noob' but Im totally hooked!

Thanks!

~T~

I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my last journal entry about the e-mail issues I was having on my MAC. As it turns out, it wasn't any of the suggested issues. After spending a good amount of time with me over the course of the last two days, our very own was able to find the solution in the form of two little corrupted PFiles in my Mail program. Not sure what caused it but, once discovered, it was an instant fix.

My hat goes off to my good buddy, Wayne and to all the rest of you who took the time to try and help!

~T~

Hey peeps! I'm currently having some e-mail issues and I'm hoping there's someone out there who might be able to help me. I'm on a MAC and I use AOL as my e-mail carrier. I know, I know. I'm not looking for 20 comments about how bad AOL sucks. I know this. It's been my e-mail address for almost 20 years and I just don't want to have to go through the hassle of changing it and all of the headaches revolving around updating my contact info' with a gazillion people and accounts.

With that said, here's the issue. I'm having trouble sending and receiving e-mails on my home MAC only. The e-mails are sending but its taking forever. Furthermore, I'm not receiving e-mails in my in box. I am getting everything just fine on my IPAD and IPhone. The issue is with my home MAC only. I keep getting a notification that states:

<Mail has undone actions on some messages so that you can redo the actions while online. Mail has saved other messages in mailbox "On My Mac" in "On My Mac" so that you can complete the actions while online.

Additional information: The connection to the server "imap.aol.com" on port 993 timed out.>

I've checked my settings and everything seems to be in order. Nothing has changed at all. I can't figure out why things have suddenly changed while my settings are exactly the same. I have no idea why the connection is timing out. Ive rebooted my wireless router in the house, rebooted the computer multiple times. Im at a loss. I checked on line and found reference to this same issue but no answers.

Id be eternally grateful for any help!

Thanks and best!

~T~

Hey peeps!

       So Im looking to get a really nice, high end lamp for my drafting table. I dont have a problem paying a little more for something high quality and aesthetically pleasing. It needs to clamp to my desk and I REALLY want to find one that holds its positioning. I work at a steep angle and those typical spring mechanisms just suck. Feel free to throw me any and all recommendations. THANKS!!

~T~

Havy any of you guys been getting bombarded with Spam messages here lately? I've been getting at least 20 a day for a while now. It's the usual love message from a " pretty girl looking to connect". I get the exact same message from the same account dozens of times on different deviations. Does anyone actually respond to this crap? I have to wonder what the Spammers are getting out of it.

If you're going to send me a love letter, MEAN it!

~T~

Hope to see some of my DA peeps' at Mega Con this weekend! Ill be there in a couple of hours.

Toodles!

~T~

Many of you have been privy to the recent discussions regarding the law suit between Mavel and Gary Friedrich over the ownership of the Ghost Rider character. There have been endless discussions on how this would affect artists in terms of selling sketches and artwork. It seems like at least once a year a story like this comes along that causes a stir, prompting many to proclaim that once again and, indeed, FOR REAL this time, the sky is falling!

Over the years, whenever stories like this came along and they were enough to give me pause, I've contacted my old buddy, Joe Quesada, for his take on things. I actually did that today. Ironically, before I even heard back from him, I stumbled upon this article with Joe and Dan Buckley discussing this very subject. They confirmed what I've been saying all along. I urge you to read the article. Furthermore, I urge you not to jump to radical conclusions over stories like this when they come along and, believe me, more will come along. Things are rarely as radical and cut-and-dry as the hype.

Here's a link to the article along with an excerpt:

[link]

<<
Joe Quesada: Let me put this as simply as I can: Marvel is not looking to make any new policy announcements through this lawsuit -- a lawsuit that began five years ago.

As a case in point, the Internet and the creative community became incredibly concerned when Disney acquired Marvel in 2009, thinking that Marvel now wouldn't return original art to its artists, even despite my publicly stating the contrary. As you can see, that was unfounded.

Dan Buckley: We in no way want to interfere with creators at conventions who are providing a positive Marvel experience for our fans. We want fans to speak and interact with the creators who wrote, penciled, inked, lettered, colored or edited their favorite stories. Part of that positive interaction is that a fan can walk away with a signed memento or personalized sketch from an artist.>>

Hey peeps~

         I have a multiple Academy Award winning animator who is available for interviews, both on-line and print. He's in the process of renewing his green card and published interviews will go a long way towards facilitating this. This guy is world class. Drop me a line privately if interested. Serious interviewers only please. Class projects and the like don't count. These need to be for publication.

Thanks!

~T~

I just heard the news that artist, Al Rio has passed away.

[link]

I never met Al in person but I had the pleasure of working with him a few times. He was a talented artist and a nice guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to Al's family and friends. So sad.

~T~

Hey peeps!

       So Ive been going on and on about my awesome experience at BOOMCON in Costa Rica recently. I met so many amazing new (new to me) artists. The art community there is very tight an chock full of talent. One of my most pleasant encounters was with an EXTREMELY talented artist by the name of John Timm . I was absolutely blown away by his stuff. His talent is only eclipsed by his kindness. We became fast friends last weekend and I take extreme pleasure in introducing him to some of my non-Costa Rican friends who may not be aware of him. I plan on personally seeing to it that John gets discovered. Drop by his page, say hello, and tell him I sent you.

Best!

~T~

Wow! What a weekend. My wife and I just returned home late last night from Costa Rica. I am beyond thrilled to report that BOOMCON was a success!! We had an absolutely wonderful time! Lots of fun stories. What the show lacked in size, it made up for in heart. The Costa Rican people were, quite literally, the nicest I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Everyone was so warm and friendly it was downright humbling. Such positive energy and the enthusiasm was palpable.

The shows promoters worked their behinds off to show everyone a great time. A very small group of people did the work of 20. Being the first show of its kind in Central America as well as being the promoters first foray in to throwing a convention, Id say the show defied all odds and expectations. The venue was one the coolest Ive ever been to. The main show was held in a huge, historic building that was absolutely perfect. Directly next door was a modern glass building, a work of art unto itself, where panel discussions and an art exhibit were held. Every panel discussion was filled and the audiences were eager to ask and learn. The show itself was a never ending stream of eager and friendly fans who were simply happy to be there. From a guest standpoint, the lines at the tables were steady but not overwhelming. This allowed time to actually talk to everyone, shake hands, take photos, and just enjoy one another. I thought I had taken too much merchandise with me to sell, probably twice what I take to shows two and three times the size. I literally sold out of EVERYTHING by noon of the FIRST DAY! I didnt do that well in three days of San Diego Comic Con. Ill be better prepared next time.

The guest list was relatively small but perfectly suited. Along with myself was Phil Noto, Tom Bancroft, Yaya Han, and a host of local talent. We all had a blast hanging out together. The first night we were treated to an AMAZING banquet at a local country club. Saturday night there was a Drink and Draw party at a local noodle house. The place was sold out, standing room only. We even had an amazing live band. Good times! Costa Rica is a veritable hot-bed of talent! Its literally brimming with amazing artists! I met quite a few that Id never heard of. I am officially a fan!

Sadly, we had to leave early on Sunday. We had to be home and on point for work and the kids today. This meant having to leave the show at noon yesterday in order to clear customs and make our flight. I hated leaving. Wish we had planned for more time. Tom, Phil, and Yaya are still there today visiting the volcano. Im jealous.

I think its safe to say that the show will be a regular event now. The people who tried to sabotage it were confronted. They know that, despite their efforts, the show was a smashing success and, in the future, they can hear from everyone else what a great time it is from the outside looking in. Sucks being them! I will be a regular guest from here on out so I look forward to seeing everyone there again soon! The promoters are in the process of getting a comic shop there up and running. Ill keep you posted on the progress. Once its open I plan on coming back for a special store event. Im really looking forward to watching BOOMCON grow in the years to come. Next year will be twice as good (at the very least).

Many thanks to my Tico's who rolled out the red carpet for me, my wife, and my friends. Your hospitality and kindness were overwhelming. You can count us as family from here on out. Cant wait to come back and visit!

Peace!

~T~

Im looking forward to seeing all my Tico's this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, in San Jose, Costa Rica at the first inaugural BOOMCON! Ill be there signing, drawing, and hanging out with my good friends and artists extraordinaire, Phil Noto and Tom Bancroft as well as the supremely beautiful and talented Yaya Han (my wife will be the other hot Asian chick).  Mayhem is sure to ensue.

I really want to help make BOOMCON something special for the area. This is the first show of its kind in Central America and I think it will open a lot of doors and opportunities if given the chance. Please, everyone who can, come out and see us!

As I mentioned a few days ago, the first 20 people who come up to my table with a friend that they convinced to come with them to the show gets a free print. Get there early!

See ya real soon!

~T~

Hi again! I thought Id follow up my last post regarding some of the local negativity surrounding BOOMCON, which takes place next week, January 21-22. I was just talking to the show promoter, asking if things have gotten any better. They have not. In fact, they've finally officially discovered whats been going on. Me being me, Ive decided to comment on it publicly in hopes of shedding some light on the unscrupulous, paranoid individuals who are attempting to sabotage the show. This is geared for you locals who know the people and the area and whose voices and opinions can be made and heard.

Evidently, there are a few groups who have been putting on small Cosplay and Anime shows in Costa Rica for some time now. You'd know who they are better than I. When they caught wind of BOOMCON, not understanding what it is, what it represents, and how it could actually HELP them, they became paranoid and decided to try and put a stop to it. They set about going to all of the local retailers, telling them that BOOMCON was somehow trying to STEAL from them. Apparently many of the retailers bought in to the paranoia and backed out of the show. Furthermore, they have started a small campaign with many of the locals, asking them to boycott the show. The lack of logic and understanding behind this thought process is staggering. A show like that would bring in MORE business and put MORE money in their pockets. Its a ready made venue for retailers to set up and make their businesses known to a larger clientele. Its a trade-show for God's sake! Thats what its for!

This whole thing sounds like some kind of bad Bruce Lee movie. Its so cliche' its almost humorous. I know this small group of ignorant, small-minded individuals does NOT represent the the intelligent, sophisticated majority of the Costa Rican people. Sadly, it only takes a few idiots to ruin it for everyone. What Im hoping is that as many of you FANS as possible can rally around BOOMCON and help get the word out about whats happening. If you want a REAL comic book/anime/cosplay show in your area, please take action. Talk to as many people as you can. Let them know what this is about and what these morons are attempting to do. Talk to your local retailers and inform them about the FACTS of what a comic convention is. Let them know theyre going to MAKE money, not lose it. Its the whole point of coming together under one roof. These thugs are attempting to speak for YOU. Dont let them.

Furthermore, to show my support, Ill have prints with me at the show that I normally sell for around $10 each. Ill give away the first 20 for free, one per person, for everyone who comes up and tells me they got someone new to come to the show.

Thanks for listening. Im really looking forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. And I hope the show is a success and is able to grow each year. Its YOUR show!

Best!

~T~

Hey guys! A couple of things. I just wanted to let everyone know that Ill be making my first visit to Costa Rica on the weekend of the 20th, in a couple of weeks, to attend the first BOOMCON! Im really looking forward to it.

Regarding the show, I wanted to get some of your thoughts. The show promoter is a good friend of mine. Hes been planning the show for well over a year and recently moved to Costa Rica on a permanent basis. He's put a lot of time, money, and effort in to this endeavor. He wants to bring the first mainstream COMIC BOOK convention to the area, to give the Costa Rican fans what they might otherwise be missing from American shows. This is a good thing, right?

Apparently some of the locals don't think so. The show has been getting some negative flack on-line. Locals are saying the prices are too high (the price of a lunch at Burger King), that Cosplayers should get in free, that the Americans are trying to take over! Lol. Seriously! Last time I checked, there wasnt a major comic book publisher in Costa Rica. Some of us do just so happen to be Americans. Is bringing in an American (or European or whatever) mainstream artist some sort of declaration of occupation? I cant for the life of me figure out the sense behind such comments. There will be plenty of local artists there, the majority in fact.

Anyway, I'm hoping my Costa Rican DA friends will stop by the BOOMCON page on Facebook and show them some love:

[link]

I think they could use some encouragement. Let them know they're welcome and that you support a REAL comic book convention in the area. Help spread the word and let these internet trolls know they're in the minority. And I hope to see you there in a couple of weeks!

~TiM~

Hey peeps'!

        Ive been a complete Grinch this holiday season. We never even sent out holiday cards. Lots going on here between work and family. We've been burning the candle at both ends for some time now. As it turns out, my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a couple of months ago. It was a bombshell. Shes only 69 years old and has always been in perfect health. We sensed that something was up a while back and finally convinced her to get checked. Since her diagnosis its like the floodgates opened and she just sort of went down hill from there. Shes still able to live alone largely due to the fact that shes only 2 minutes from my house and her sister comes over every day to administer her meds' each morning but the writing is on the wall. Its like having a second job. On top of that, she was 50% of our child care support system so we've been trying to figure out ways to handle that without losing even more time away from our real work. We're taking it day by day and we're slowing getting used to "the new normal". 2012 is going to be.....interesting...to say the least.

      Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and wish each and every one of you the happiest of new years. Much love, happiness, and health to you and yours.

~T~

Has anyone here had any issues with their IPads crashing while writing posts here on DA? Its been happening to me regularly for about a month now. It only seems to happen when I'm writing a post or a response to a post. I seem to have about a 30 second window to get the post typed and sent. Any longer and I get immediately booted.

Thanks!

~TiM~

Be sure to stop over and check out the latest insanity from . After blocking me he goes on to state his befuddlement at my attitude toward him and his "business practices". He actually accuses me of being a swiper (the funny thing is that he's actually admitting to being one by the comparison) because of the fact that Im an inker. This is the level of intelligence and self-delusion that we're dealing with. He sites Mike Turner pieces in  my gallery as swipes despite the fact that they were inked on Mikes actual pencils, that I was hired to do them, and that Mike used them in one of his sketchbooks. I think tracing is the term he uses. Because he blocked me, I had to have a friend post my responses. You might want to head over sooner than later because he will undoubtedly hide my comments again and any others that he cant legitimately address.

He still has yet to address the side-by-side comparisons showing what he does. Not one word.

[link]

The fine folks at ASPEN also deny knowing him and condemn his actions for what they are. This guy is truly a piece of work.

~T~

The #1 rule of Swipe Club is that there is no Swipe Club.

Here we have the newest member of the growing group of Michael Turner parasites.

Usually these guys at least admit to being influenced (using the term loosely) by Mikes work. This guy maintains that it's ALL his. Aside from the pieces that are simply copied straight up, all he's doing is copying poses and Michael Turner heads and pasting them on the generic bodies. I never fail to be amazed that these people don't see how obvious they are. Oh yeah, he sells prints too. Classy.

Disclaimer: I am not encouraging people to flame this tool.

~T~

UPDATE: Here's a great example of this guy NOT swiping Mikes art. Lol!

[link]

I just wanted to let everyone know that theres a new convention debuting in Costa Rica soon. While the date isnt official yet, its likely to be in January. You can check out the details here.

[link]

Ill be there. Hope to see you as well!

~T~