There’s so much “fake news” in the world today, so I thought I’d start with an honest mistake. Last week I told a story about getting a filling & the 8 foot long needles they used to stick in my gums, which would put those that the Aliens probe typical American with, to shame!!
I lied. Just like a Politician. I lied.
It was actually the week AFTER that I had the filling. The previous week was just the appointment BEFORE the filling. I feel the need to stand in front of my home with a news crew outside, explain the errors of my ways…
But instead…
I watched a series called Rosa Elettrica recently. A little cheesy at times, but I do enjoy an Italian drama. I also find that I spend far too much time doomscrolling or playing a game on my phone whilst watching tv. But when there are subtitles, I HAVE to be invested in a show. I have to concentrate. & that makes things more enjoyable.
Oh, also, I’m not apologising for my lies. I’ll just live with it.😉
Time well spent
This particular week, I took some time off work. I think I’ve mentioned previously (no one’s read it) that in my day job, the summer months tend to be 12 hour shifts, so I try to get a few days off each summer just to keep the batteries charged.
During the week, the Mrs & I took another day out of the house on a bit of a walk. This time to Bridgnorth. It’s another one of those quaint little towns nearby that are steeped in history, pretty little buildings, & sadly a growing number of people who hate others…but still, it has some nice views.
It’s also one of those little towns that like to bang on about its values & English history, whilst also turning one of those beautiful buildings into a Costa…
Kick it in the goal!!
What a week it was for me as a Coach as I had to make some difficult choices. I’ve said several times that the one thing I want to be as a Manager, is honest. Last season as a parent to a footballing son has taught me this more than ever.
So a week where the u18s played their second in house friendly against the Reserve team, & this time I had a much larger squad, with new players & Trialists. A narrow loss followed, with us being the better side for much of the game.
A stand out moment was telling a very jubilant & excited young man, how he was playing against a group of 16 & 17 year olds. His sense of arrogance quickly disappeared when he realised our average age & experience was probably 5+ years younger than theirs. I don’t mean this as my own arrogance, but more a reminder that people need to stay a little humble sometimes.
The biggest moment that week, was having to trim the squad down to something more manageable. I’d love to have the option of carrying a 23 man squad into the season, but as players are paying at this level, it’s not fair.
I felt that things were positive, players accepted my explanation (at least to me. I’m sure in private I’m known by a few choice words) as to why they weren’t being offered a spot in the squad, & I even had 3 players want to stay with the squad & train, even if it didn’t mean they had much of a chance to play. All in all, much more positive than I expected.
Reading is like buses…
Yeah, that sounds ridiculous, I know. But I read, not one, but TWO comics this week!!!
First up was Frank Millers Ronin Book II, issue 1.
I don’t think I’ve read the original series, but am a fan of Franks work. This one came out in 2022 under his own imprint, Frank Miller Presents, with Philip Tan on art duties.
This week has been about honesty…
If I hadn’t already purchased this book 4 years ago, I’m not certain I’d carry on. It’s one of those oversized comics with fancy paper, so the cost is akin to a large expensive latte, which as I understand it, stops youngsters from being able to afford to buy a house.
The story…is meh. I’ve realised recently that I don’t know what I constitute as a good story anymore. But I guess I just want to be entertained. Or truly understand what’s going on. Or even feel like this was an interesting concept. Maybe the next issue will be better?
As for Tans art, he’s more than competent. I like him. But is he supposed to be drawing sequential art, or a book of pinups? I know which one I expected to be reading.
Off to the second book I read on that particular week…
All Against All 1, by Alex Paknadel & Caspar Wijngaard via Image Comics. I like Paknadel as a Writer & as a human being. But the draw on any book Wijngaard is on, is the art. He’s one of my favourite current Artists, & I simply pick up anything he’s on.
Now, bear with me, this will get better, but I was gutted as a started reading this comic. I believe Wijngaard draws everything digitally, so he can experiment with line art (or a lack of it) & colour, much like another favourite, Christian Ward. This was a change to his art in Power Fantasy, Home Sick Pilots, Peter Canon Thunderbolt & my own favourite, Limbo. I suppose it does bear some resemblance to Angelic in parts.
But it did grow on me as it went on. I think my preconceived ideas on what I was expecting probably caused some of this, so I have to accept responsibility for my initial uncertainty. I still love you Caspar.
As for the story (yes, after complaining about the lack of story in FM’s Ronin II, now I’m completely glossing over the story for the art here), by the end of the issue, I had some intrigue & interest. I was back in. But it took a while to grab me. Is it something about me struggling to grasp a story not about humans? Or was it just a bit wordy? We’ll find out in issue 2. Expect me to talk about the in 3 years…
That’s all folks!!
The week that was, I took a week off work to get my head right, get to the gym all week, & catch up on things. Did I? Nope. Now I could do with another week off.
P