Greetings and welcome to the 97th edition of my Random Thoughts. I was gonna hold this off a few days more but I'm feeling bloggy and actually up for doing it today. With that in mind, enjoy.
- As you can tell, I've changed the layout and a bit of the content in the blog. I moved the stuff in the right-hand column to the bottom of the page so you won't be as distracted when reading the blog. Also I added another link to my blogs list (a new blog for my pastor that I helped set up) and a couple of ways for readers to help support my blog. The biggest thing I've done is add Facebook "like" and "share" buttons at the end of each blog entry. This is something I've been trying to get working for the longest time and only in the past couple of weeks have I been able to do so. I even designed the "share" button to boot which I've already received kudos for. Now you can "like" any blog entry on Facebook and more easily share any blog entry in your Facebook profiles straight from the blog itself. For the last couple years I've been keeping this blog pretty close to the vest. Now that's it's established and here for the long haul I'm finally ready to "spread my wings" so to speak. I can use all the help I can get putting the word out about the blog, so go out there and share it with your friends, your families, and whoever else might be interested in my views and opinions using the "share" and "like" buttons or whatever else helps in doing so. If everything works out the way I've been envisioning, this will only be the start of big things to come. For what I've got planned for DJ's Random Thoughts, I don't want to leave anybody behind...especially my most loyal readers.
- Outside of the blog, my life's been like a yo-yo and a lot of things are up in the air for me right now with no guarantees of what might be coming. There has been one big thing that has been up in the air, literally speaking. That would be my right ankle which I twisted three weeks ago at Screaming Willies. I should have followed my instincts to not go out that night but I did so anyway...next time I'll think twice and follow my gut feeling. For a week and a half after it happened I couldn't get a full night sleep because any twitch of said ankle would bring excruciating pain. I can walk normally without any pain but I'm not able to lift any heavy stuff without my ankle getting sore. I've kept my leg elevated when sitting down so it wouldn't bother me as much and it's helped. It might be a month or so before it's completely back to normal but it's been a major inconvenience to say the least. I'm going to be doing a lot of walking next weekend so I hope my ankle will be ready for that.
- The reason for the subtitle this week has to do with the comic book world. A couple weeks ago DC Comics announced that all of their current comic series will end in August and in September the entire DC Universe comic line will be rebooted with new #1 issues, including Action Comics for the first time since 1938. The DCU is no stranger to universal reboots as several have taken place since the mid-80's. This is the first time, however, that every one of it's comics are being rebooted at the same time. Along with the actual comics, the outfits of several heroes including Superman and Wonder Woman are changing and the comics themselves will be available digitally on the same day the physical comic is released. The DCU itself is a multiverse comprised of 52 individual universes and all the stories currently being published take place on Earth Zero, hence the subtitle. I don't know if the reboot will encompass multiple worlds or just take place on Earth Zero but it has had mixed reaction from critics, retailers, and readers alike. I don't know where it's headed or even if it's going to be undone at a future point, but it's got buzz. I don't know what to make of it yet until the stories come out so I'll reserve judgement for now.
- This coming Friday will be a busy one for yours truly. Like last year I am taking a bus to Ohio State and then to Red, White, and Boom to watch the fireworks. I'm thinking of taking things slower this year because of my ankle and that there are things I want to take pics of...stuff that I didn't get to last year. Sunny weather is expected and I hope it goes as well as last year if not better. If anybody wants to join me talk to me beforehand. The general gameplan is to take a couple of buses to visit OSU then head downtown around 5 PM or so and catch the parade and take a late bus back home. If anybody wants more info on the stuff happening downtown next Friday, you can go to the Red, White and Boom! website to find out more.
- Aside from Red, White and Boom, I've got a couple other things coming up. I'm going to see an early screening of the new Transformers movie coming out this week...and got the ticket for free to boot. Also, in a couple of weeks my oldest friend is supposed to come down for the Good Guys Nationals in Columbus and I hope to get a chance to visit with him. With other stuff that I might be working on, it looks to be a busy month coming up for me even with all the stuff that's up in the air.
- Today is the 2nd anniversary of Michael Jackson's passing. I miss him and I think a lot of you do too. Rest in peace, MJ.
- I read recently that a bunch of teachers from the town where I grew up, Tallmadge, retired. I actually had most of those teachers at one point and it's just hard to believe that they lasted 20 years after I graduated. Here's to longevity.
- Speaking of Tallmadge and 20 years past, the Tallmadge High class of 1991 is having it's reunion on August 20th with a mixer the evening beforehand. Before I go on, this will disappoint some people but I will not be able to make it to the reunion. Even though I won't be there, I know of some people who might be interested in attending. For those of you in the THS class of 1991 interested in going, go to the THS Class of 91 reunion website and scroll to the bottom of the page to get the details.
- Song on repeat: "Shackles (Praise You)" by Mary Mary. I heard it on the radio coming back from helping my pastor set up his new blog, which I took as a good sign.
- SLP to the following: Dave, Holly, Griff, Shane B., Uncle James, Michelle P., Shane D., Harry, Joe M., Art, Jay, Adrian, Al, Pat M., Ernest, Pastor Cory, Isaiah, Damian, Debbie, Rita D., Aunt Susie, Ron, and Renshawn (happy birthday).
If I don't see you before next weekend, I hope you enjoy your Independence Day holiday. Given this date's significance, I'm gonna watch some Michael Jackson-related stuff so I'm going to take off now. Like I said, if anybody wants in on Red, White and BOOM or OSU let me know. Don't forget to share and spread the word. Until next time, folks. Take care and God Bless.
DJ
