Sonic the Hedgehog & Mega Man: "Worlds Collide" Parts 1-5

Many months ago, Archie Comics announced that it's two video game-themed licensed characters Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man were going to participate in a whopping 12-part comic book cross-over that was stretch through much of summer 2013. This was pretty big news for video gamers and fans to the two comic books. I paid little attention to it because I don't normally read their books and I rarely play anything but Tetris and Poodle Jumper. In other words, I really had no plans to read any part of this cross-over.

But then around Christmas I noticed that Archie Comics was publishing a new quarterly digest called SONIC SUPER DIGEST and I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn more about Sonic and his various friends and enemies. I found myself enjoying the stories and I quickly learned enough about the characters to get a basic understanding of what's going on.

After reading the second SONIC SUPER DIGEST, I decided to take a chance and read through the entire Sonic/Mega Man cross-over, "World Collide." I gotta admit, it's has been a trip and a half for this novice fan! I thought I would give my impression of the first half of the cross-over, which includes the following titles (in this order): MEGA MAN #24, SONIC UNIVERSE #51, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #248, MEGA MAN #25, and SONIC UNIVERSE #52.

"World Collide" starts off with an action-packed battle between the two title characters. You start off wondering if you miss something, but quickly switch over to some comical dialogue between the two big-and-nasties from each series, Dr. Eggman (Sonic's nemesis) and Dr. Wily (Mega Man's nemesis). We quickly flash-backwards in time and learn how the two villains met and pledged to re-shape their respective worlds to suit their twisted whims. We readers watch as the two mad doctors create their own pocket dimension (named the Skull Egg Zone) and build a giant headquarters that floats ominously over their robotic minions.

They then use something called a chaos emerald to magically transform their home worlds -- resurrecting several of Mega Man's old enemies and transforming most of Sonic's friends into Roboticized Masters that they control for mischief. The various robots are then split into teams with two different goals. Half of them are sent out to collect more chaos emeralds. And the other half are sent off to distract Sonic and Mega Man and misdirect them into thinking that each other is evil.

This is the thing that most comic book cross-overs are made of: Misguided heroes who fight each other to a stand-still -- filled with funny dialogue and action-packed battle moves -- until eventually figuring out that they're being tricked by the bad guys. It takes a few issues for our heroes to realize that they were being distracted by Dr. Wily and Dr. Eggman. Once they do, they agree to join forces against their perennial foes. Not only that, but they figured out a way for Mega Man to de-roboticize Sonic's friends -- which will come in handy at some point in the future!

Unfortunately, they realize what's up a little bit too late. Dr. Wily and Dr. Eggman have two of their henchmen kidnap Mega Man's father after the scientist figured out how to open a portal to their villains' pocket dimension. Of course, this just give Mega Man even more reason to take the fight directly to Dr. Wily and Dr. Eggman. Mega Man and Sonic (joined by their friends Tails, Proto Man, and Rush) hop into the Skull Egg Zone. One battle later and the quintet discover Dr. Eggman's and Dr. Wily's floating headquarters. Unfortunately, they quickly discovered themselves outnumbers by all of Sonic's roboticized friends!

And that's where chapter five of twelve ends. Uff da!

I have been pleasantly surprised how easy this story has been for me to follow given bottom-barrel understanding of both Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man. It took me a while to figure out what was happening with the chaos emeralds, but that confusion quickly subsided.

"Worlds Collide" has been an enjoyable series to read. The dialogue is fun and crisp. The artwork is beautiful. And each issue races into the next with some new exciting twist.

I strongly encourage you to pick up the issues listed above and then follow along for the rest of the storyline. Hear are the rest of the books featuring the "Worlds Collide" cross-over (in order): SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #249, MEGA MAN #26, SONIC UNIVERSE #53, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #250, MEGA MAN #27, SONIC UNIVERSE #54, and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #251.

Updated to Add: For more reviews of this cross-over, check out the following editions of the Riverdale Podast. Jonathan did reviews of parts 1, 3, and 5 (here, here, and here). I'm always amazed by the amount of time, resources, and heart that he puts into his show week after week. Check it out!

Iowa Unemployment Down to 4.7% in April 2013

Iowa has a reputation for being a "fly-over state" with little to offer those from the larger coastal states. Here's one thing that Iowa has that many other states don't: low unemployment. And it keeps going down:

Iowa's unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a point in April to 4.7%, and for the fourth consecutive month the labor force grew. Those are the take-aways from Friday's release of the state's unemployment rate by Iowa Workforce Development. Iowa's 4.7% is well below the national average of 7.5% - both of which were down from the March figures. Total non-farm employment held steady at just over 1.5 million jobs in April. While there were some gains in manufacturing and the service industry, those gains were offset by losses in construction and government. The biggest (gains) came in the education and health services sectors which gained 1,700 jobs in April.

This particular area of Iowa has been pretty steady for job growth and lower unemployment.

Iowa City Top Supplier of Synthetic Drugs to Teens in Eastern Iowa

Synthetic drugs are all over the news these days, and for good reason. It's easy to buy them and they're mostly illegal. A group called Iowans Against Synthetics has recently emerged to warn people against the hazards of synthetic drugs. I've unfortunately missed their April and May meetings -- both times due to last minute family issues. Their next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 27, 2013, at the Coralville Public Library. I'm hopeful that I will make it, but I'm hesitant to commit with my poor attendance record!

The Gazette posted an article about the sad state of Iowa City with regards to synthetic drugs. Sadly, we are becoming the top supplier of synthetic drugs to teens from all across Eastern Iowa, according to the local police. The police note in the article that juveniles from all over Eastern Iowa are traveling to local businesses with the specific intent to buy synthetic drugs. Iowans Against Synthetics protested the Den last month, but I know of at least one other business that actively sells these drugs and their business is open 24 hours daily.

The Gazette notes that kids as young as 13 are getting caught after curfew for being downtown in the middle of the night purchasing these drugs. According to MECCA, more than 4% of adolescents they have surveyed this year have used synthetic drugs, compared to 1% back in 2011 and 2012.

Synthetic drug users have been hospitalized for hallucinations and delusions, as well as suicidal ideation and aggressive behaviors. I've seen guys suffering long-term gastro-intestinal ailments and disruptive sleep patterns because of this stuff. And MECCA officials reports in this article reports of permanent facial tics in users. My understanding is that you cannot test for most of these drugs at this time, which makes it more appealing to those who seek to avoid drug tests for more traditional drugs. And they're not illegal for anyone to purchase -- including kids.

"Archie Meets Glee" Part 3

I am running behind with my comic book updates. No particular reason. It's been a combination of busy schedule and illness. Anyway, I offer my apologies for the latest of this post.

I finally read ARCHIE #643 -- AKA "Archie Meets Glee" Part 3. You can read my thoughts on the first two parts of this story here and here. This is the premise of the crossover: Archie Comics' Dilton and Glee's Brittany hook up across the dimensional divide and accidentally transport half of the Riverdale kids to Lima and half of the Lima kids to Riverdae. Now Dilton has to re-invent his "portal-porter" ASAP one of the transplanted kids does something bad like kissing or losing Jughead's crown. Those types of intimate actions risk a butterfly effect that likely will destroy both universes.

By the way... Does anyone besides me mentally think "porta-potty" when s/he reads "portal-porter?"

There were two big things happening in this book. The first big thing was Puck from Glee seducing Betty. For whatever reason, she's so smitten by his bad-boy affections that he tricks her into paying for everything and treats her kind of bad -- going so far as to split a strawberry shake with Cheryl Blossom at the tail-end of his first date with Betty. Then again, I guess Betty is used to guys walking all over her as evidenced by her never-ending love triangle with Archie and Veronica.

Meanwhile, Veronica finds herself without any friends in the world of Glee -- that is until she teams up with Kurt Hummel to perform their next big performance for the nationals competition!

But that wasn't really the second big thing. The second big thing involved Alexander Cabot III working his butt off to pull one of the Glee kids from the Archies and into the Pussycats! Mercedes Jones had the good sense to stick with the good guys, but Alexander finally managed to successfully snag one of the Glee kids: Blaine! His betrayal will totally be worth it if we get to see Blaine dressed in a skimpy Pussycat outfit!

Unfortunately for all involved, we don't get much further in the plot before two of the teens in this tale (one from Riverdale and the other from Lima) finally give in to their lusty emotions and experience a universe-shattering kiss. I won't spoil the identify of the couple in question, but the girl in question should be ashamed!

Remember last time when I wrote about loving the lustiest version of Kevin Keller that I've ever seen in print? He's not quite so eager this time around, but he's still showing some love towards Glee's Blaine:

Here were the let-downs:

* No Sue Sylvester: After last issue's run-in with Jughead, I had high hopes for some major sparks. But she's largely been absent from this crossover outside of that one scene. There are just so many kids involved in this storyline, I guess it makes sense some will feel left out. Still, Sue is one of the more memorable and -- dare I say it? -- cartoonish characters from Glee. It's a shame that we don't see more of her in this cartoonish version of the program!

* Very little Archie: This cross-over takes place in Archie's book, but you wouldn't know if from the storyline. He's had a few appearances, but Archie has really become a background character in this storyline compared to Betty, Veronica, Puck, Dilton, Artie, Brittany, the Pussycats, and Blaine. I'm not complaining, but maybe this cross-over would have been better placed in the BETTY & VERONICA title.

The storyline will wrap up next issue. The universes are about to crack up, but Chuck has a crazy comic book-inspired solution to this mess that just might save Glee from cancellation and Archie Comics from bankruptcy. All he needs is Rachel Berry singing a little Babs! See you again in a few weeks!

Same-Sex Parenting

I was on one of my discussion boards and ran across the following question:

This has probably been asked a hundred times, but:

Does any one know of any studies into the effects of same-sex parenting on children? I would be grateful for links and/or references. I don't mind how they conclude (i.e. 'for' or 'against' although if they are really scientific they shouldn't use such terms) but it would be good to get a sense of what's out there.

The fact is that this has been asked a hundred (or more) times, but rarely very well.

I mean, which children of same-sex parents are we talking about here?

*The children who come from heterosexual marriages, whose parents divorced and one came out afterwards?

*The children of heterosexual relationships, whose parents broke up and one came out afterwards?

*The children of single parents who are gay or lesbian and who might have dated and possible partnered later on?

*The children of same-sex foster/adoptive parents, who left their birth families due to abuse and/or neglect?

*The children of same-sex adoptive parents, who privately adopted their kids in open adoptions?

*The children of same-sex adoptive parents, who adopted internationally?

*The children of same-sex parents who became parents via surrogacy?

*The children of same-sex parents who became parents via artificial insemination?

*The children of same-sex couples who stay together?

*The children of same-sex couples who break up?

*The children of same-sex couples who break up and re-partner?

Our families come from such diverse backgrounds and origins. When it comes down to it, our kids do no better and no worse than other kids. The same can be said of the children of any parents. However, our children often have challenges that other kids don't have.

Does that mean we shouldn't be parents? No.

Does that mean that our kids would be better off without us? In most cases, no.

My husband and I became parents through foster care and adoption. Our oldest son is mentally disabled. Our other son has visual impairments and is multi-racial. I think we've done great with our kids, of course.

But I wonder how we might rate when compared to the children raised by their married birth families on either side of our home whose children don't have the unique life histories that our children have?

I know a lesbian couple who both had kids from earlier marriages. They later foster parented and adopted six children who'd been horribly abused by their respective parents. Two of the kids are star athletes and students. The rest of severely mentally ill. How do you compare that family to your average married heterosexual household?

I just wish people spent less time trying to support a theory that same-sex parents are great or deficient. Instead of trying to prove a point, why not recognize that each family is unique and all families need respect and societal support?

Gallup: 53% of Americans Support Gay Marriage

Gallup News has been polling Americans on their support/lack of support for same-sex marriage over the years. The most recent polling found overall support at 53%, which appears to be part of an ongoing polling trend:

Fifty-three percent of Americans say the law should recognize same-sex marriages, the third consecutive reading of 50% or above in Gallup polling over the past year. The 53% in favor ties the high to this point, also measured last November and in May 2011.

When Gallup began polling on this subject in 1996, support for same-sex marriage was at 27%. Opposition to same sex-marriage started at 68% in 1996 versus 45% opposition now.

Interestingly, 79% of Americans polled believe that same-sex marriage will have no effect on society and/or will create negative change for society in this current poll.

Edited to Add: Husband Mark suggested that I could re-frame that final paragraph. Gallup News' recent poll also found that 59% of those polled believe that same-sex marriage will change society for the better or will have a neutral effect on society.

It's Official! Minnesota is the 12th Marriage Equality State!

(Dayton Signing Marriage Bill Into Law)

Earlier this evening, Gov. Mark Dayton (DFL) of Minnesota signed into law a bill that legalizes same-sex marriage! This bill will go into effect on August 1, 2013:

"By your political courage, you join that pantheon of exceptional leaders who did something extraordinary," Dayton said. "You changed the course of history for our state and our nation... Progress has often been difficult, controversial and, initially, divisive. However, it has always been the next step ahead to fulfilling this country’s promise to every American.”

I was not born in Minnesota, but I spent much of my childhood living in that state and I still have family living there. I love Iowa City and the state of Iowa, but there may come a day when it makes more sense for me and my immediate family to move closer to our extended family. When contemplating this hypothetical action in the past, I figured that we'd move to Decorah or some other border community in Iowa. Now our options have broadened considerably.

For the people of Minnesota who disagree with same-sex relationships and who believe that our marriages disrespect your marriages. For those who fear what this might mean for you and your churches and your communities. It will be okay.

Your churches can continue preaching what they have always preached. Your pastors can officiate at any wedding that they want -- just like before. Most likely, Minnesota will adjust to marriage equality just like Iowa did and every other state that has accepted this. Little will change accept that the gay and lesbian families among you will be able to benefit from the marriage laws that had previously been withheld from them.

I celebrate with my brothers and my sisters of the north. This is an exciting new chapter for your state and for this nation. Rejoice!

D'Angelo and his Art -- 05/14/13

(D' Wearing his New Contacts)

It's been a long afternoon. My son D'Angelo and I spent a couple hours at the local hospital trying out his new contact lenses. He was born with a condition that has led to multiple complications related to his vision. One result of this is that he has to wear very thick eye glasses. Generally speaking, he does okay with his eye glasses and pretty much everyone accepts them in stride. But he's going to be starting junior high school soon and decided that he wants to try contact lenses again. We consulted with the various professionals in his life and now he has a new set of contact lenses!

We'd actually tried contacts a few years earlier, but that was a disaster. As much as he wanted them, D' couldn't put the lenses on his eye balls and he barely tolerated my attempts to do it for him. Also, his first attempt with contacts required hard lenses. They were uncomfortable and eventually he decided that it wasn't worth the effort.

We started out this time with a loaner lens and D's been doing much better this time around. He finally got the knack of putting on his own contact lenses and taking them off without any assistance and there doesn't seem to be as much discomfort this time around.

Which led to today and our decision to make the final plunge into contact lenses. We dropped off the loaner lens and picked up his own contact lenses. So far, so good! We still need to get a prescription filled for reading glasses to accompany his contacts (yes, he needs to wear glasses with his contacts), but we're not going to tackle that task until the weekend.

All that aside, I actually wanted to use this blog article to show off some of D'Angelo's artwork. The school year is wrapping up and he's beginning to bring home his various school projects. I was really impressed with his work and asked if it would be okay for me to show off some of his art and he agreed. Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did:

(Experiment with Perspective)

(D's "Andy Warhol" Project)

Gay Marriage Map of America -- 05/14/13

Now that Minnesota's legislature voted in favor of marriage equality and paved the way for the governor to sign that bill into law as early as later today(!!), it seems like we need to update our ever-changing "Gay Marriage Map of America." Here is the latest map.

Enjoy!:

Fan Tweets Actress Ashley Tisdale Nearly 18,000 Times // Leads to Police Investigation

TMZ reports that actress Ashley Tisdale -- whom I remember from High School Musical and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, but she's also been in a ton of other TV shows and movies -- has found herself on the receiving end of nearly 18,000 tweets since November 2012 from an obsessed fan. I guess he even showed up at her home:

The tweets are pretty creepy -- the person (believed to be a man) seems to be delusional, writing as if the two have some sort of ongoing relationship. For example:

"My body is yours & even as friends I f***in love how I make u feel like mom maybe we both got issues cuz nobody's perfect."

"I'll never lose u baby even in 20 years til infinity you'll always b my best friend."

"Let it all out on me u can have my heart put a lock on it throw away the key & my soul is yours to keep."

Even scarier ... we're told the suspected super tweeter recently showed up to Ashley's house ... but we don't know if he ever made contact.

I actually did a quick Twitter-check of one of my ex-boyfriends as I could see him doing something like this -- to a point. It was a long-shot and it fortunately doesn't appear to be him!

The police have identified a suspect and are still trying to figure out how worried they should be about the guy.