Blog du Wren

FC 130 - Live or Die By Our Standards

I'm a picky eater—some might say extremely picky eater. I always hide behind my supertasterism, but I know there is a hint of pickiness as well. This week, however, I've been shamed by a few eaters even pickier than me. Their qualms, however, don't stem from taste but from all the other Pollan-esque aspects of food. Not that I'm one to judge, but I was highly entertained by it all to the point of having to do up a comic about it.

Speaking of comics, I know BdW is starting to seem like a comic only blog. Don't worry. I left that Friday Comic - Book Edition post up for so long in hopes that my work in conceiving, drawing, and compiling these comics would receive a little more support*. But now I understand. Self-publication of a unskilled comic artist isn't your bag. Don't worry. I won't cry. Probably.

Anyway, don't run away. More, fun, non-comic posts will be on their way shortly, hopefully. Until then, I hope you enjoy this week's comic. Happy Friday!

Thursday January 20 2011

File under: comic

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Friday Comics - Book Edition

"Could it be...? Is that what I think it is? OMG! My dreams have come true. This is the happiest day of my life!"

That's what my imaginary fan base screamed when they heard that I went and did it, I actually made a book of my comics*. The book contains 59 of my favorite comics in full color on 34 pages*. Dimensions are 4.25" tall by 7" wide with a fold binding. If I do say so myself, they turned out GREAT (waaaaay better than this attempted promotional makes them look)! I really enjoy this pseudo-publishing thing* and can't wait until I have enough decent new comics built up to make the next edition.

Anyway, I made these books to share. I've really enjoyed making the comics over the years and sharing them with ya'll. So if you want a copy, I'll gladly send you one. I'm asking for $10 per copy to offset printing* and shipping costs (if I can hand deliver the book instead of shipping it, I only ask $8.) Contact me by whatever way you see fit and we'll work out the details.

Sunday January 16 2011

File under: misc, books

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FC 129 - Backup Plan

What did you do with your Thursday? I spent all day essentially putting together the back page of a newspaper. There was this comic, of course. (And if you don't get it, don't feel bad. I think it isn't the most obvious (or funny) of jokes. Here* is an explanation.)

Another good chunk of my day was spent putting together the latest* in my ever growing catalog of crosswords. These take me quite a bit longer to create and are enjoyed by much fewer people*, but I like making them a lot. And I imagine that I'm a lot closer to attaining professional crossword creator status than getting any comics published.

Anyway, a comic and a crossword - what more could you ask for on a newspapers back page? Maybe a horoscope? Here you go: you will read a semi-funny today.

Overall, not a bad way to spend a day. Oh, and I made a quiche. But that doesn't quite fit the whole newspaper back page thing.

Thursday January 13 2011

File under: comic

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Hiking in Boulder

It turns out I really like Boulder, CO. Twice in the past week, I've been released solo into the town to see what it has to offer. Both times, my opinion of the town grew and I can't wait to go back.

The first visit was specifically to check out , mainly just because of the coincidental name*, but it turned out to be a great place to hike as well. While I didn't come away with many good hike pictures*, I did come away with a fun .

Visit #2, a couple of days later, I ended up on another great hike, this time following Boulder Creek Path from downtown. But what made this hike so fun was that it happened in the midst of a pretty good (such that I ended up with some pretty awesome ice chunks in my ). The way sound is dampened, that the light is different, and all nature seems to take on a completely different feel makes being out in nature so much fun.

Anyhoo, thanks Boulder. Hopefully I'll see you again soon!

Tuesday January 11 2011

File under: travel, Colorado

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Cheers and Jeers for Denver Area Public Transit

Coverage: RTD, Denver's public transportation system, along with connecting systems in outlying communities, do a great job of covering the greater Denver area. When I was through last year, I couldn't get up to Ft. Collins, a large population center only 60 miles north of Denver. Now, connecting service has been put in place to allow for easy movement. I've also popped back and forth to Boulder, all within the RTD system. Public transit extends as far south as Colorado Springs via the FREX.

Frequency: I will be riding a bus from Boulder back to Denver at 11:00 on a Sunday evening, and that's not even the last bus. That is just downright impressive and quite representative of the system's wonderful frequency.

Light Rail: While only connecting the south bits of the city to downtown, the lightrail is clean, convenient, and fully integrated payment-wise with the rest of the system.

Airport Surcharge:* It costs $11.00 to get from Denver International Airport to downtown on the public bus, a distance of only 25 miles. Downtown Denver to Boulder is 30 miles but costs $5.00.
Wouldn't it make sense to make the airport accessible to a city's residents and vice versa? Once people learn that they have to tack on $20 to a round trip plane ticket (5-10% of many tickets' cost) to visit Denver, it seems like that that might turn one or two away*.
When the cost of public transit is so much higher than the alternative (driving or getting a friend to drive you), it is effectively discouraging people from using this technology that they really need to be embracing*.

Pueblo: It sure would be nice if there was a public option for getting from Colorado Spring to Pueblo. These are pretty big cities separated by only 45 miles. This would also extend the publicly traversable area from Ft. Collins in the north to Pueblo in the south, the better part of an emerging megaregion.

For more on alternative transportation in the area, check out the interview I did for Alternative Commute Pueblo.

Sunday January 9 2011

File under: transportation

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FC 128 - Gas Guzzler Free

I spent the last couple days hanging out with my buddy Ryan in Pueblo, CO. He is super into the bike scene there and, among other things, runs a blog about alternative transportation in Pueblo. Anyway, while out on a long bike ride (in which I got really lost and decided that biking into the wind is possibly my version of hell) and having everything biking on the my mind, I got this idea for a comic (not having anything to do with biking into the wind).

I waited until Thursday night to start drawing it and it turned out to be more complicated than anticipated (what with all the people, etc.). So I borrowed a few elements from previous comics. Can you spot any repeats?

Anyway, happy Friday to you all. Maybe, in addition to a slight chuckle, this comic might inspire you to do your part to get into Carbon Heaven. Ed Begley Jr. will totally be there.

Thursday January 6 2011

File under: comic

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Pueblo Riverwalk

It turns out I really like riverwalks. Before on this here blog, I've posted about (or at least mentioned) the riverwalks in Naperville and San Antonio. Now I've got another one to add that, in my opinion, at least rivals if not surpasses them both.

The Riverwalk in Pueblo, CO is a great mix of commerce, open space, performance venues, , and more. While there isn't much action, esp. in the way of commerce, now that the temperatures are below freezing, it seems obvious to me that in the summer, this place would be hopping. But even now, there were quite a few souls out walking along the ample paths lining the manicured stream.

It both amazes and inspires me to see such a deliberate public space in a town like Pueblo. I give my high praise to the planners that made it so. The feel of the place, along with its functionality and its beauty guarantees that I will be back someday to enjoy it further. If you ever find yourself in Pueblo, I suggest you do too.

Wednesday January 5 2011

File under: travel

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Snow Fun At All

I grew up in a place where snow wasn't a foregone conclusion every winter. In fact, I remember very few winters where there was enough snow to get out and play, sled, build snowmen, etc. Because of this, when I find myself in a situation where there is good snow on the ground. I feel like I have to get out and enjoy it.

Such is the case here in Colorado. There was a fresh blanket of snow awaiting me when I stepped off the plane coupled with single degree temperatures. The temperature has since risen enough to make for outdoor activities being reasonable. On a walk through Denver the other day, I couldn't help but stop and do a little snow construction. Not as good as that igloo on Garcelon Field back in the day*, but pretty fun.

The only downside of the whole thing was the inability to feel my fingers for a good while. Oh well. Totally worth it.

Monday January 3 2011

File under: travel, USA

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FC 127 - Kung Pao

Very much in the same vein as the recent Economics of Knitting post, this comic was inspired by how cheap things can be* despite how much goes into them.

The idea actually came from a friend while we chatted over a piece of pie for breakfast*, although, of course, he wasn't thinking of it in terms of a comic, just as one of those thing in life that is kind of amazing/funny.

Anyhoo, I'm on kind of a tight schedule getting this comic out the door and it ended up missing some random parts (like an actual chicken, for example) so you might have to use your imagination. But hopefully it will inspire not only to make you chuckle, but also to stop and think next time you are at the store and be filled with appreciation for the amazement that surrounds you.

Friday December 31 2010

File under: comic

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Bela the Tripod Dog

What happens when you take an awesome dog and are forced to have her leg removed due to cancer? You end up with an equally awesome dog that just has to hop around a bit more.

My brother's dog is, hands down, the best dog in the world. Now, even only being at 3/4 strength, she still pretty much kicks ass. It's only been 3 or so weeks since the surgery and she's almost back to her old self. She wags and whimpers when she meets a friend, she does great on walks, and when her strength is fully back up, I'm sure she'll be just as keen on hiking as ever.

It was super nice to have her around the house for a couple days over the holidays. It also served as a nice reminder that attitude is so important when overcoming adversity. All the TLC she receives from everyone that sees her doesn't hurt either, though.

Tuesday December 28 2010

File under: misc

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