Sequential Soul

Rick Olney's Shedding Light On Lies

2012-01-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

You can now read my replies on the permanent Rick Olney's Shedding Light On Lies blog to get the other side of the story.

I do apologize in advance for the time lapses on posts. You can respond with comments, but all are screened prior to the decision making process whether to post or not. Thank you.

Rick Olney
January 25, 2012

Avengers Assemble! (or, If Not The Past, then What?)

2012-01-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

Jack "King" Kirby

Avengers #4

I read reviews. I do not always read the comic book. With all that has happened in comics the last 15-20 years some storytelling has suffered. Least wise, as I see it. So I read reviews and if I happen to miss a specific book for whatever reason I'll place it on my shopping & hunt list and go after the back issues. Yeah, I'm a nostalgia type. Many people living in this hobby actually are. It is a huge circle. You begin at discovering the characters and then buy into the imagination trip. Of course, many stories no longer have that imaginary story trip so I don't buy them. That stated, I'm happy to visit my former collection and recall those great artists that helped to captivate my interest in books and characters like the Avengers.

   I'll be 58 years old this June. Publishers like Marvel and DC can't stretch my imagination much as they once did. My nostalgia these days rests more with older books (and stories) from the 1940s. Many of the early Timely characters could have formed an Avengers type group back then, and some did, but the real 'magic' of the Silver age came from the talents that introduced it. Sadly, the same can be said for its demise in the current age of comics. So why do I read comics? What makes me hunger for the old days?

The saying, "It is what it is" comes to my mind, but to be sure it is the combination of words and panel images. Yes, and a history of story and character also catches my eye. I love it when the text and art comes both smashing together leaving me with a clear mental image of what the writer implied was not necessarily simply two story tracks running parallel. I control time in stories that either 'pop' or drop. I still buy multiple copies, although not nearly as often as I used to twenty years ago. I do this to be able to point a short list of friends who might miss the book in question otherwise. And now, to the chagrin of a few, I am cobbling my own characters and stories together. In fact, in a recent exchange with an artist handling my Kid Mummy character, a pin-up commissioned for the planned Origins graphic novel opened up a few words between us on Jack Kirby and how Kirby delighted the eye of his readers. I bowed to the masterful opinions of my artist, being reminded that Kirby when introducing a character in a story ( IE The Destroyer) would drawn all the "details" in on the first panel and then simplify the rest of the issue. Needless to say, I'll be revisiting some of my early Thor issues tomorrow, time permitting.

And when someone dismisses me for my writing ability, they are actually dismissing all the superb storytellers of the past, in my opinion. Gail Simone is within that small group. Simone is entitled to her opinion, obviously. But she brings her usual rude and crude self to the table. She'll never fit in among the masters of comics writing. No, not in my opinion. Will Eisner would often share how important in pacing the narrative was in controlling the speed that the story unfolds. He added angles and even sound-effects to his writing to give it depth.

   Gail isn't that swift yet...

Good Morning Message, January 19, 2012

2012-01-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

My day began in getting up and getting ready to go give blood at the cancer center today. The weather here is cold at around -5 degrees. No big deal, as I dress appropriately and in layers. But as I usually do each morning on my Facebook page, I post a good morning message.

My message usually takes on a life of its own as people respond back and I get a lot of positive support. Kindly note that many of these friends are indeed friends and not mindless zombies of the anti-Rick Olney contingent. Anyway, today was especially funny so I had to note it here.

Anyway, in responding to "Kelly" I stated:
"Good morning Kelly! The only way it could be better would be if a old farmhouse fell outta the sky with Dorothy and Toto in it, landing on Gail Simone, so that Auntie Em could ultimately have her ruby slippers."

A single post followed from my friend Kay with ... "lol"

Yes, ever so often, Gail Simone is the butt of my sense of humor. So shoot me. I responded,
"Glad that got a chuckle out of you, Kay. You're one of the few of my friends that has read the negative spin that 'witch' puts on all aspects of my life and disagrees with her. What price fame? The woman has no real character."

Well, after that next remark came from one of my staunchest supporters and friends. I literally fell out of my chair, I tell you! Here it is:
"Character? That woman is not even a real human being, or any of her fellow sickos! I just can't believe the evil that comes out of those people. Anyway I did get a chuckle out of that comment."

The above is so indicative of people not keen on comics, regarding the writing spin-madam personality. But moving forward now to the heart of my meager initial message this day:

Good morning everyone! As I start my day, I truly hope today brings you nothing but sunshine and a warm heart. Let God look in on you!

I hope you have a great day there.

Good Morning Message, January 11, 2012

2012-01-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! Be pleasant until ten o'clock in the morning and the rest of the day will take care of itself. ~Elbert Hubbard

Recite this with me, would you?

Good Morning Message, January 10, 2012

2012-01-10T05:07:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! Today is Tuesday, January 10, 2012. The road is sunny and bright today despite being built through rough spots and yes, even swampy areas in our lives.

Rejoice the daylight!

Follow the road, and veer not from its path. God Bless and keep you safe this day.

Good Morning Message, January 9, 2012

2012-01-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful day in the woods today! Good morning! Wide awake and ready to rock-n-roll this Monday morning, January 9, 2012. There is no sunlight here yet, but I think its going to be a beautiful day.

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish to Mr. Dick Mosseau, my friend during all my life. And my Dad's best friend throughout his life from their time in Kindergarten together. It is his 80th birthday today! Happy Birthday, Dick!

Meanwhile... America is waking up on the east coast and folks are scurrying to get to their jobs and morning activities. Be careful out there!

Daily Greeting: Sequential Soul, January 8, 2012

2012-01-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

It was a really nice day here in upstate New York today. I mean, for a winter day and all.

Today would've been my Dad's 80th birthday today had he lived beyond October 2007.

Happy Birthday Dad!

I have many great memories of growing up being his son. I was also fortunate in that I was his only son and oldest child. He was a wonderful dad. Anyone that is familiar with my stories of growing up during the 1950s and 1960s knows that I never had a 'cushy' childhood. I had responsibilities and expectations placed upon me fairly early on. It is probably what made me so focused on accomplishment at such an early age. Some people might think I don't have any 'gumption' to muster these days, what with fighting cancer, but the other thing my dad taught me was how to size up a job before taking it on. And if anything, I've proven his advice sound with how well I have handled my own health restoration.

You would have had to have known my dad to fully appreciate what I have to say about him today. He wasn't just my dad. He was the man that taught me how to hunt and fish. Many a hike up in the Adirondacks we had looking for new places to fish. Our favorite hunting was in the southern tier of New York State. Where fishing was concerned, from the time I was earning my own money until he lost his interest in fishing ... we'd play this little game where we'd buy each other some little lure for each other. It depended largely on what we were fishing for, and where we were fishing, as to what sort of lure we'd buy for each other.

My dad built his own business up from the ground level and had a successful and profitable one for over 50 years. His customers include entire families that began with the previous two generations before his own and went on into the generation after my own.

Where hunting was involved -- I began learning things before I actually learned gun safety or carrying a firearm. Learning to track and reading sign was what first caught my interest. Later on, I was bought a BB gun at age 11 yrs., and that brought about a new learning experience. It honed my shooting skills for my years later entry in the United States Marine Corps, where at one time I was a very good marksman. But back at age 11, it was 'sport' to be at the other end of the spacious family room we had built together to pop a few Christmas ornament bulbs from the very top boughs of the tree. It wasn't until some 20 or so years later that the BB indentations of the day were found. Yes, I owned up to it and I also regretted destroying those 4 or 5 glass ornaments, as they were passed down from my Olney grandparents. What can I say, kids do stupid things some times. Dad never faulted me for it. In fact, upon discovery, he laughed at it.

Together, we built entire buildings and put additions on the home in Yorkville. The camp up in Woodgate also got a two story addition, and over the years we tore down a couple garages and built new ones. Through all of it, I had a superb teacher. He taught me about cars, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, clothes dyers, and refrigerators. I learned about chainsaws and the great outdoors.

He was the embodiment of his Dad, and I am the embodiment of him.

Daily Greeting: Sequential Soul, January 7, 2012

2012-01-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts. ~K.T. Jong

I Want to Raise My Debt Limit!

2012-01-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

Sequential Soul: The Morning Greeting: 1/6/2012

2012-01-06T04:54:00.000-08:00

Sequential Soul: The Morning Greeting: 1/6/2012: Good morning friends! How are you this day? I awoke feeling refreshed and thankful for each of you. I also feel rested and ready to pick...

The Morning Greeting: 1/6/2012

2012-01-06T04:51:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! How are you this day? I awoke feeling refreshed and thankful for each of you. I also feel rested and ready to pick up the torch again. I'm reminded of this very pertinent quote:

"Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. Do not be disturbed because of your imperfections, and always rise up bravely from a fall. Daily make a new beginning; there is no better means of progress in the spiritual life than to be continually beginning afresh, and never to think that we have done enough." ~ St. Francis De Sales

Do you have a favorite quote? If so, why not share it. The daylight is peeking through the curtain here. Time to get busy! Make this days yours!

Defense Strategic Review Day!

2012-01-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

It is obvious that now our military shall feel the touch of Obama with today's news of downsizing. The Obama administration unveiled a "more realistic" vision for the American military. What we didn't hear during the speech by the President and then his Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, along with General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, was how much money this Administration was going to funnel out of America. The new military strategy included $487 billion in cuts over the next decade. President Obama said that the cuts would come from planned spending increases and that the U.S. would maintain a budget that is roughly larger than the next 10 countries' military budgets combined.

What was meant by Mr. Obama when stating how we would maintain increased security in the Asia Pacific area. This immediately reminded me that Japan is on track to close all American military bases on Okinawa shortly. I found is laughable that the Defense Secretary also stated that the Middle East was also an area of the world where America should be willing to intercede and interact given how he mishandled the recent loss of technology on the spy attack drone lost to Iran and no doubt, China and enemies of ours. But after all, Mr. Obama didn't include that in his brief cake frosting. Obama has moved to curtail U.S. ground commitments overseas, ending the war in Iraq, drawing down troops in Afghanistan and ruling out anything but air power and intelligence support for rebels who overthrew Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. How he fits into the Muslim Brotherhood remains to be discovered.

I was intrigued to hear Secretary Panetta comment regarding what changes will becoming in downsizing the Marine Corps, returning it to Expeditionary Force size, while heightening of the Army National Guard here within America. This was something that many Americans will no doubt be unhappy about given their distrust of this President. There was a slight hint at using other means here within America to keep an eye on terrorists. It almost sounded like a government driven public 'army' might be in the wings. And, what message do they have for Iran?

Painting Joan of Arc with Donato Giancola

2012-01-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

Sequential Soul: Good Morning Friends!

2012-01-05T04:37:00.000-08:00

Sequential Soul: Good Morning Friends!: Such a beautiful morning here in the Mohawk Valley, as I ready myself for my last all morning chemo treatment. This message is for all my...

Good Morning Friends!

2012-01-05T04:35:00.000-08:00

Such a beautiful morning here in the Mohawk Valley, as I ready myself for my last all morning chemo treatment. This message is for all my Facebook friends and family, as I now take a well deserved break from the rigors of Facebook.
Did you wake up in a good mood today? I hope so. Have a loved one dealing with illness or maybe you're having a tougher time lately? Turn to God. Pray daily and cut the negative influences (and people) from your life. The sun is risen and the little bit of snow (and cold) here can't stop time from moving forward.
Posting my morning greeting is something I've done for awhile now. This is a seven day experiment placing it here on my blog. Feel free to comment and once I've returned later today, I'll post your remarks and respond to anything you want to share. God bless you.

A Cold Day in Hell

2012-01-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

We're Back!

2012-01-04T15:57:00.000-08:00

Hiatus is over. Time to try and bring a little bit of regular life to this blog. as such, Stuck like glue for a good long while longer. No comics stuff here from here on out. You want that go hit up my Something's Tingling!!! blog.

NOTICE FOR LEGAL PURPOSES

2011-12-27T13:34:00.000-08:00

NOTICE FOR LEGAL PURPOSES: Today is December 27, 2011. Contrary to what is being stated as fact upon the Internet:

I, Rick Olney, have gotten TO DATE NO CEASE & DESIST notice from Lucasfilm, which I assume to the best of my knowledge to be acting as agents for Matt Busch concerning a confidential business matter between us. I also publicly assert that TO DATE, I have NOT gotten a CEASE & DESIST OF ANY KIND from Matt Busch or (regarding the comic book entertainment medium ) from ANY artist or individual previously contracted to freelance/work-for-hire for me.

As such, Mr. Busch did then, after privately threatening me in private email, did with others (as yet unnamed) take to tactics to further compound the harassment and libeling of my good name which has been an ongoing attack against me during these previous last six years.

Respectfully,
Rick Olney

Something's Tingling!!!: Update: Matt Busch Indiana Jones Collectible Map I...

2011-10-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

Something's Tingling!!!: Update: Matt Busch Indiana Jones Collectible Map I...: Y es! You can still get a highly collectible Indiana Jones Map until November 15, 2012 by contacting the Adirondack ComicFest at: rick.oln...

About Rick Olney:

2011-07-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

“Rick is the kind of leader any company would be lucky to have. A true asset.”
— Carrie Mello on Jul 21, 2011

Wood Roads, Projects, and Chandler Hollow

2011-07-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

I've been looking around for contractors to help me get my wood roads back in shape after a ten month logging operation ended in late April. Didn't really want to get into leasing a chipper and help to clean up the roads up north, but it has to be scheduled. Gone are the days of the tin shanty; the road down apple tree hill is now divided into two separate properties, and a dying Uncle has given away the 'gem' of his 13 acres for a song. That closes the book on Adirondack potato farming. Nothing new there. It should've never been placed in his hands in the first place.

The photo above indicates a little of what I am facing. Roads that have been on the property since the late 1800s. Now in need of grooming and cleaning. There are a couple large pines down across since that last big storm that passed through and while the culling of trees was a needed step to be taken ... I am relieved that I will not need to do it again in the remainder of my lifetime.
Now is the clean-up before deer season opens.The tree tops shall prove to be good cover and sufficient wintering for the deer this fall into winter. Areas have to be identified and marked where skidder trails were made so next spring new trees along those break-out points can be transplanted. I have toyed with the idea of building a leanto on the spot where the tin shanty sat for 5 decades, as getting caught in the rain when its a down pour (now when so many older, taller trees have been harvested) can be uncomfortable. I'm thinking about my family members here that may someday venture a hike in the woods on the roads without a guide.There is also a above ground spring that could be a project for improvement next year. And a need for a 'bridge' across a long beloved muck-hole, thanks to that skidder driver that didn't listen to instructions.

When all the work is finished the woods shall be as special as they were for my ancestors, I believe. We may never grow acres of potatoes and other vegetables to sell from a road side stand, but those that have had no concern for the 'spirit' of how special that ground is shall be gone or capable of building their own legacy to pass on.

About Rick Olney:

2011-07-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

“Rick is a man of integrity and brings great balance insight to discussions and challenges. I have seen him conquer adversity with courage!” ~ Greg Birmingham on Jul 16, 2011

About Rick Olney:

2011-07-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

“Rick brings a positive vibe to the office. Great attitude, fun personality, and always a joy to be around.” ~ Carl R Gottstein Jr. on Jul 16, 2011

About Rick Olney:

2011-07-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Man, you gotta love Steg. He tweeted:

"Haters are just confused admirers who can't understand why everybody else likes you."

Hits the nail right on the head, you know?

About Rick Olney

2011-07-05T04:32:00.000-07:00

“Rick is someone who's talents you can trust.”
— Scott Mitchell Rosenberg on Jul 4, 2011

Rick Olney received a Platinum Super Connector award on BranchOut.

2011-06-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

Rick Olney is well connected! He is now able to reach out to over 40,000 people and 25,722 companies in his BranchOut professional network to better his career and open doors for new opportunities.

About Rick Olney:

2011-06-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

“Rick Olney is a fair and honest person.And very trustworthy with talents and abilities for any career of his choice.”

— Kay Burkhead on Jun 19, 2011

About Rick Olney:

2011-06-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

“Rick is a man with integrity. He's very personable and professional. I feel he can handle tasks with true professionalism when asked.”
— Taycie Shae Taylor on Jun 19, 2011

About Rick Olney:

2011-06-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

“Rick Olney has thoroughly impressed me with his insight, integrity, caring, honesty, creativity and strength of body, mind and character! ”
— Terrie Killough Larkins on Jun 19, 2011

Sequential Soul

2011-05-18T04:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone Home?

2011-01-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

People love escapism. As the entertainment industry begins its approach to feeding the fans, hoping that it all comes back stronger in 2011, with signs of stronger sales tied into a multitiude of factors ranging from the new EIC at Marvel to Brad Meltzer's spot on FOX and FRIENDS this morning, the comic book market is being left behind like Macaulay Culkin in “Home Alone.”

Well to be more correct, I have always referred to it as the comic book entertainment industry. Some think that it isn't an entertainment 'industry' all to itself. I think they're a tad ignorant. Especially seeing as these views hail from the mouths of people trying to make a living writing comic book scripts. Those sorts of people simply lack peripheral vision. That shouldn't surprise anyone. It is an ignorance that has existed in comic book creating and reading circles since the late 1970s. If comic books do not entertain by the virtues of the creation and existence then what do they do? Funny how they always attempt to get it right, but miss the point of contention entirely.

So what can I do about it?

Well, a simple reminder that the customer is always right is in order here. I think it is the right of the customer to expect more. Is it really entertainment anymore? You certainly can't tell it by the readership numbers.Time to go back to basics.