What The Umbrella Academy Covers: Sci-Fi Mainstays and Comic Book Commons

Written by Gerard Way and illustrated by Gabriel Ba, The Umbrella Academy is another example of comic book turned TV show, following in the footsteps of similarly dark realism properties like the Marvel series quintet, DC’s Arrowverse, and Wynonna Earp. It’s an interesting road now oft traveled in the pursuit of more viewers; a path that borrows generously from other mediums as well as other generations.

This fanciful musing on what TUA weaves well into its own dynamic story is in no way a slight against it. I enjoyed the first season quite a lot and finished it fast. Tropes and throwbacks are categorized as such , and repeated like so, because, in a world full of individuals, occasionally strangely specific themes seem to grip our interest.

In this post, I wish to explore the familiar as an enticement to embrace the new. Continue reading “What The Umbrella Academy Covers: Sci-Fi Mainstays and Comic Book Commons”

Self-Care and Uncertainty in Unemployment

The topic of self-care has been on my mind a lot recently, notably because unemployment has given me a lot of time to think about such things.

I’m into my sixth week of unemployment and it’s going… alright, considering the circumstances. I’m starting to hear back from positions I’ve applied for, and my days are fairly routine.

Waiting for call-backs on my job applications has been tough; setting a routine has been the remedy. Continue reading “Self-Care and Uncertainty in Unemployment”

ACLU does not Support Current “For the People Act” on Voting Rights

Just wanted to share a quick link. For anyone paying attention to US politics, House Democrats just passed the For the People Act, which aims to comprehensively overhaul both federal and state elections.

The ACLU has published a letter criticizing specific provisions of the bill and calling for floor amendments to be considered in the House:

“…there are many provisions of H.R. 1 that we strongly support and have long championed, we would readily support these provisions if considered as separate bills… However, there are also provisions that unconstitutionally impinge on the free speech rights of American citizens and public interest organizations.”

https://www.aclu.org/letter/aclu-letter-house-rules-committee-hr-1 Continue reading “ACLU does not Support Current “For the People Act” on Voting Rights”

#AmConsuming: Less Watching, More Reading!

Another month, another so many hours spent consuming media. I’ve been writing a bit more, so my consumption habits have dwindled a tad. That is all for the better, methinks.

Still, I have a pretty good slate going. Continue reading “#AmConsuming: Less Watching, More Reading!”

Anyone Need a Freelance Writer / Editor / Content Marketer?

Well, I wasn’t planning on talking about this until after the dust settled, but I’ve had a change of heart.

I was laid off from my job last week. I am actively looking for a new position, but in the meantime, I need to keep my options open.

That’s why I’m officially offering freelance services in writing, editing, or online marketing. Here’s a little bit about my background:

  • I reviewed news releases for publication on PRWeb.com, PRNewswire.com, and MarketWired.com for three years. I reviewed approximately 10,000 press releases in that time, and I know what a good press release looks like.
  • I have also written two dozen press releases for various organizations across industries such as tech, fashion, and publishing. And yes, I even wrote my own press releases for my book.
  • I strategized and managed pay-per-click marketing campaigns and provided regular analytics reports for clients, curating nearly 1 million clicks across dozens of campaigns.
  • I’m also open to other work in the realms of writing, editing, and online marketing.
  • Please email info (at) eveningsatellite (dot) com to discuss pricing and project requirements.

Now that I’ve pimped myself out, I’ll get into my sudden unemployment a bit. Continue reading “Anyone Need a Freelance Writer / Editor / Content Marketer?”

A Ravens Fan’s Farewell to Flacco

According to unofficial reports, the Ravens will trade Joe Flacco to the Broncos, likely for a 4th-round draft pick. The details cannot actually be confirmed until the league year begins in a month.

I’m a Ravens fan, and I have been since I can remember there being a team here in Baltimore. (The Colts left town four years before I was born.) Continue reading “A Ravens Fan’s Farewell to Flacco”

#AmConsuming: Too Much Streaming Content = No Streaming, Plus Audible!

Now that you all know that I haven’t been writing much for the last month, I think it’s only fair that I shed some light on what I have been doing.

Welcome to #AmConsuming January. Like my new writing updates, I’m going to try this as a monthly series. Continue reading “#AmConsuming: Too Much Streaming Content = No Streaming, Plus Audible!”

Dad Life: Finding You

As I’ve said a few times before here, being a stay-at-home dad, even for the short-term, has been an amazing experience. I’m spending three weeks at home with my son, just as he’s beginning to really experience the world around him.

But I think the most rewarding part has been getting to know who my son is, and who he might become. Continue reading “Dad Life: Finding You”

2018 Numberbrag and 2019 Plans

In case there’s anyone who has yet to notice, 2018 is over, and that means 2019 is full of hope and promise… or maybe cynicism, depending on your outlook.

Before I get into my own plans for 2019, I’d like to stick to my now-annual tradition of looking back at our stats here on RSPC for 2018.

Time for some humble number bragging, a.k.a. the Numberbrag! Continue reading “2018 Numberbrag and 2019 Plans”

#AmConsuming? A Rundown of My Multimedia Consumption

How perfect that I’m posting this on the first day of 2019. I’ve been brainstorming quite a bit recently about how to change up my blogging habits.

One way of doing that is to talk about the things that tend to keep me from writing: absorbing other peoples’ stories. Continue reading “#AmConsuming? A Rundown of My Multimedia Consumption”