The First Batman Comics A Different Batman
by Vince P.Platania,Jr
The first Batman comics were written in a pulp style representative of the times. In these early stories, Batman was not above using firearms, or even harming or killing criminals with little to no remorse. Being a detective more so than a superhero, Batman was more akin to a private eye than a capes and tights crimefighter, despite his appearance. Things toned down a little when Robin joined the Caped Crusader, but were still kept in that pulp tone.
Bill Finger, the co-creator and famed writer of Batman in those early days, wrote the famous origin of Bruce Wayne in Detective Comics #33 in 1939. This issue depicted a young Wayne witnessing the death of his parents in that ever familiar scene. This led to the dark tone and nature of the Batman character. He later suggested that Batman needed a Watson to his Holmes, which is where Robin, the Boy Wonder came into play, much to the chagrin of the other co-creator Bob Kane. Sales doubled, and so kid sidekicks began popping up everywhere.
When Batman branched off into his own titular series (though he still appeared in Detective Comics as he does to this day) he was shown killing two giants with a gun in the first issue. Editor Whitney Ellsworth put a stop to this aspect of the original Batman character for good by decreeing he could no longer kill or use a gun. The first Batman comics featured a cold, calculating detective, but future stories would show his heart and mind more profoundly because of this decision.
That first issue of Batman also introduced The Joker and Catwoman, two of the most, if not the most prolific villains in Batman’s rogues gallery. Now with his new edict of less violence, and with a stable of baddies to call his own, Batman was tearing up the charts. Along with Superman, Batman was and is a cornerstone of DC Comics (then called National Publications), and at that time they were the #1 company in the industry.
A few years later, post-WWII, Batman had lost his edge and had become more colorful and paternal than in the first Batman comics. Then Batman, and all comics, were brought under attack with psychologist Fredric Wertham’s book “Seduction of the Innocent” in which he blames comics for the moral decay of the youth. As far as Batman was concerned, he suggested that Batman and Robin were portrayed as lovers as opposed to a father and son/teacher and mentor relationship, which led to the Comics Code Authority. This resulted in even cheerier Batman stories that were a complete departure from the original character.
In 1964, sales on the Batman comics were drastically down, and, according to Kane, DC was considering killing the character off. Instead, editor Julius Schwartz took over the line and instituted changes that would temporarily stave off death. Unfortunately, with the popularity of the television show, Schwartz was asked to make the comic more campy like the show. The show had brought in a bunch of new readers and sales were high. But when the show ended not long after the sales dropped once again.
In 1986, Frank Miller revitalized and redefined the Batman character, telling a story of a 50 year old Batman coming out of retirement in “The Dark Knight Returns”. This would inspire darker toned stories in the regular continuity like the popular “The Killing Joke. Finally, Batman was returned to the former glory of the first Batman comics, and that classic, yet modernized version of the character still thrives today.
Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.
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Michael Jackson’s Legend Seems To Live On
by Gen Wright
And the true king of pop is back to the throne. Those who thought that the child molestation charge, the bankruptcy fiasco that might lead to the painful, among fans, neverland sale, would dethrone him have another thing coming. The musician with nine lives is a legend who seems to live on.
We all remember the 5 year old sensation; lead vocalist of his brothers’ singing group, The Jackson 5, warming himself into every American soul. Then the album, ‘thriller’, literally sweeping us off our feet, what with the excellent voice and divine dance moves. The king of pop later sold billions of records and signed lucrative promotional deals with Pepsi and AOL, making him one of the richest billionaires in the world and one of the most influential entertainers the world over. In fact his famous white hand gloves would easily be sold for a whooping one million!
Then, boom! It all tumbled down like a pack of cards. It began with plastic surgery; a nose job to a new chin to a scary looking jaw. Someone in fact, said that he eventually resembled a ghoul that makes mother’s children cry. The last straw was the child molestation charge that lowered his fan base, heightened hate mails and cancelled the promotional deals.
The album ‘invisible’ sold only 2 million copies prompting him to term Sony as racists and lazy allegedly for not promoting the album well.
Court cases coupled with bankruptcy ripples followed suit. One such case was the $21 million suit filed by his long time promoter Marcel Avram for reneging on a new year concert contract, a concert that ‘Wacky Jacko’ said he thought were cancelled and was therefore at home watching TV. The most recent is the case filed by a prince of Oman who accused Jackson of defaulting on a recording deal to which the prince had paid a million dollars. This was later settled out of court.
As if his woes were not enough, his third wife Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, divorced him in the midst of the molestation charge accusing him of manipulatively using her.
Eminent sale or worse, auction, of the multi million ranch, Neverland; debts accruing to million of dollars are just some of the depressing issues that beset the king.
Signs of his comeback, however, began when in a protracted molestation battle, the court found him innocent of all charges. Soon he was off to Oman where it was said he had gone on vocation at the invite of the King himself.
His nose seems to hold from falling off after a corrective surgery done by the German plastic surgeon Werner Mang. His breathing also seems to have caught up.
But, the greatest news of all is that the King of Pop, the musician per excellence recently launched a comeback music concert! The concert held in London elicited mixed reactions amongst critics and fans alike, but, trudging along the streets and his hotel in London his fan base remained undisputed. Not even the Queen elicits so much excitement as Michael Jackson garnered. Everywhere he went screams of ladies and gentlemen with portable digital cameras were heard.
Tickets were completely sold in the fastest ever selling time in London. Now who can ever do this if not a king whose legend still lives on, Michael Jackson.
If you want to learn more about Michael Jackson’s Last Tour in London make sure to stop by our site at Ticketamerica the place where you can grab concert tickets to this exclusive event.
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Back to the Basics : Planning for Fundraising in a Faltering Economy
by Lisa Yancey
Okay … let me just start by asking, “What in the world is going on??!!” Although this is a common colloquial expression, we are living in a time when all types of people across annual earnings, professions, race, and partisan lines are collectively (and privately) pondering this question in our daily lives. We are thinking of it when we go to the grocery store, at the gas pump, reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, and checking e-news or receiving alerts from Internet sites.
The cause of this colloquial turned reality expression is due in large part to the American economy being hammered by four unforgiving realities—a declining labor market, a faltering real estate market, high fuel and food costs, and the credit-lending squeeze. All across this country, life as we have known it for the past ten years or so is changing right before our very eyes. We feel it personally; and those of us who are charged with the now daunting task of securing donor support for our not-for-profit organizations feel it professionally. Funders and senior management executives are playing the “We can’t (fill in the blank), due to the economy” card left and right—trumping overdue pay raises, needed new hires, enhanced or even continued contributions, and other exigent operational expenditures. Staff is operating on eggshells, wondering if they will have their job next week, while expecting to successfully perform the responsibilities of at least two full time workers.
Changes are happening on all levels, but heightened scrutiny is given to those who are supposed to bring in the money—no, not the Board of Directors—the Fundraisers. These Fundraisers sometimes wear the hat of President, CEO, Executive Director, Development Director, Development Manager, or Fundraising Consultant. Often accountability unjustifiably starts from the bottom up; so many fundraising administrators are doing all they can to remain stoic despite the increased percentage of declination letters and decreasing levels of support…hoping for the best.
Do Non-Profits Receive Bailouts?
Why does it appear that the bar has been raised for senior not for profits administrators, but forgiven in the for-profit, public sector? Some of America’s brightest minds, with deep resources, are (apparently) having a difficult time sustaining their operations without massive debt. How are not-for-profit organizations that are undercapitalized, understaffed, underpaid and overworked expected to perform comparatively better than these top executives with bloated salaries, annual bonuses, stock options, and exotic corporate retreats? Should not government bailouts be limited to entities in the business of service to the community, as opposed to capital gain? And at the very least, when taxpayers have to collectively bear the bailout burden, should it not be a burden for salaries befitting the middle class? We wouldn’t want the poor and middle class taxpayers to have to finance the retirement plans of the wealthy elite—yes, I digressed.
But seriously, how on earth are senior fundraising managers supposed to optimistically develop fundraising plans or implement planned fundraising strategies when the sources of their contributed support have dwindling budgets and unrealistic performance standards?
Back to the Basics
The answer, although not necessarily easy to execute, is relatively simple. Fundraising executives are going to have to get back to the basics. There must be an authentic realignment with:
*Individual Donors (historical and present)
*Elected officials
*Local corporations
*Community board members,
*Ministers, educators
*All other uniquely identifiable stakeholders that inherently value the difference your organization makes in the community.
It is they who will carry the organization during these lean years. These stakeholders are not driven by planned funding priorities or political agendas, but by the good of the community. They want executive administrators to stay true to their missions, set high deliverable benchmarks, create mechanisms for real-time community feedback, and timely measure the success of targeted objectives.
In the arts and culture sector, these stakeholders want exciting cultural events to attend on the weekends and in the evenings. They desire youth-based arts classes to counter the diminishing arts programs in public schools. They want artists to have a creative space to develop their work and the community to benefit from the spillover economic impact received by local businesses. People want to believe and see that they are making a difference.
Fundraisers must reconnect to the heart of these supporters. They have to diversify their fundraising initiatives and passionately articulate the uniqueness and continued need of their programs in the community. The approach to each of these constituents must be driven by a values-based strategy, and then strengthened with supportive statistical data demonstrating the organization’s impact. When fundraisers return to the basics, donors become more inspired than compelled to support the organization. Inspired donors often give more than they may have originally budgeted because they feel the need to sacrifice for the greater good of the community. These are the angel investors of the not-for-profit sector. Here are the low hanging fruit for fundraisers to grasp during these questionable financial times. Find them. Engage them. Realign them with your core values. Show them how your organization contributes to the greater good of the community. And let them feel that they too are making a difference by fueling your program with their support.
Lisa Yancey, Esq. is a Strategic Planning, Marketing, and Development Consultant. A current member of the New York State Bar Association, Lisa has elected to focus her consultancy exclusively with nonprofit arts institution and founded Yancey Arts Consulting, LLC in 2008. Yancey Arts Consulting offers unique services to organizations, individuals and consultants. Visit YAC on the web at http://www.yanceyartsconsulting.com
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Clowns May Have Been On To Something
by suegold
When you picture clowns do you picture them in a parade, at a carnival or can you see them in a children’s ward of a hospital cheering up sick children? Clown pictures have been used in Dr.’s offices, Dentist’s offices and hospital walls for years. They are familiar sights to young children and seem to give a calm effect. The original, or once known as hospital clowns were the Shriner clowns. There was an extensive study of laughter as therapy done.
This study keys in on the Shriners’ Children’s Hospitals and goes back over 75 years when polio was rampant among this nation’s children. The humorous effect of a clown was introduced in to the lives of the long-term patients. Yes, I would say that clowns were on to something. What better place to show laughter and happiness than at a children’s hospital. When the children were laughing the cells that destroy tumors and viruses increased. Laughter seems to provide a sort of safety valve that opens when we express pleasure to let out the T cells and B antibodies that work to reduce the tumors and viruses.
Stress hormones hold the immune system back. Laughter is one of the best medicines we have since the beginning of time. Laughter is by choice. You can choose to laugh or not to laugh. That is where the clowns come in. They help the children to make the choice to laugh. Laughter is a winning situation. There are not bad side effects of laughter. There was a study used on children who were undergoing painful procedures or who were suffering from pain expectation anxiety. They were divided into 2 groups and ask to hold their arms in cold water as long as they could. Those watching the funny videos were better able to tolerate the cold, than those who did not watch. The positive outcome from this test was that laughter allows a person to not think about aches and pains and even see pain as less intense. Yes, I would say the clowns were on to something.
There have been studies performed to measure the impact of the imagination on our ability to diminish the effects of pain. If we can imagine funny images, and visualize the resulting comedy, we are less likely to feel pain. How many adults would or could use their imagination to cut down on pain. How may adults do you think use their imagination to cut down on pain? We can learn a lot from children. If they could use their imagination like they did in the research just think how much better real clowns would be. Can you imagine a sick child in a hospital room getting a visit from a real live clown? That would be most likely better than any medicine they could be given. The laughter would be like a trip to the gym or to the park.
The workout from the laughter would exercise the upper part of the body and stimulate the little ones minds. There would be no language barrier for the children or the clowns. Everyone speaks laughter the same way. The clown has got to be a special person; a person willing to give of their time and effort to brighten the day of a sick child. I’m sure if the clown could speak to us; he would tell us that his reward is so much greater than his time and effort that he has given.
The smiles and laughter the clown hears and sees would have to be priceless. Yes, I would say again and again, “the clowns were on to something”. Clowns seem to take us to happier times; we relate them to good times. It was very smart for them to take the clowns and put them where a child might be more comfortable in his or her surroundings. You see clowns in every place now, rodeos, dentist offices, doctor’s offices, and hospitals. You see clowns with sad faces, funny faces, and happy faces. Can you just imagine what the children think when they see this variety. It puts their imagination to work. Why is the clown crying? Will the other clowns not play with him? Why is he so happy? Why is he making that funny face?
The author Mercy Emmanuel manages the Only Fools and Horses TV comedy memorabilia website where you can get this classic TV comedy items at low prices. You will also enjoy great lovely Only Fools and Horses comedy dvds and other humour articles on this site.
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Houston Theater Tickets A Must Have For All Theater Lovers
by Al Terry
Houston is heaven for avid theater fans and Houston theater tickets are one of the most sought after and fastest selling tickets nowadays. Fans consider Houston to be one of the best venues for theater entertainment. If you love theater, and if you are traveling to Houston, make sure that you have your Houston theater tickets if you want to enjoy to the max.
All theaters in Houston are located on the Houston Theater District which is an area of 17 blocks in Downtown Houston. Teeming with theaters of all sizes, it houses Houston’s 9 performing arts organizations and entertainment complexes.
Some Popular Houston Theaters
Before you go ahead and actually buy Houston theater tickets, ensure that you go through this list so as to know which theaters to turn to. There are numerous theaters in Houston, each catering to the varying tastes of different fans at all times.
Alley Theater - An indoor theater with two stages, the Alley Theater has played host to numerous plays and musicals. Its unique design gives it a castle-like appearance and is one of the world’s leading not-for-profit resident theaters. The Alley sponsors HYPE, Houston Young Playwrights Exchange, the organization that encourages and educates youngsters who want to write for the stage.
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts - One of Houston’s crown jewels, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts opened to the public in 2002. The alluring design sports 60-foot high glass walls with views to all major landmarks of Houston. Designed with utter precision, specifically for theater and musical performances, this popular theater boasts of some of the highest selling Houston theater tickets.
Jones Hall - Formally known as the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, Jones Hall is the permanent residence of the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Houston Society for the Performing Arts. It is one of the most frequently rented venues for concerts and other performances. It is estimated that Jones Hall attracts over 400,000 audiences each year.
Wortham Theater Center - A prominent theater complex, the Wortham Theater Center has played host to some of the most popular plays and musicals of all times. Since its opening in 1987, the theater has housed many sold out shows.
The Most Convenient Way To Buy Houston Theater Tickets
Nailing Houston theater tickets is not an easy task. Avid theater fans love to watch productions at these traditional venues and, therefore, tickets are always in high demand. It is always advisable to get tickets well in advance so that you do not end up disappointed. The most convenient and hassle free way to get Houston theater tickets is to order them online. There are many online ticket brokers out there who will be more than happy to serve you.
Internet ticket brokers make it very easy to get Houston theater tickets. Even if you are short of time and cannot afford to go and get tickets well in advance, it does not matter. Through an online broker, you can order tickets at anytime, from anywhere! But before you actually go ahead and order tickets online, do make sure that the source is worth your trust and money. Do not reveal your personal information and details before properly establishing the source’s credibility first.
So the next time you visit Houston, make sure you have the coveted Houston theater tickets. Your trip will be memorable and full of entertainment and theater fun!
Al writes many articles about concert events around the country including ways to locate Houston Theater Tickets Information and Reviews for fans. His resources include news and events about the show and different ways to find Houston theater tickets and reviews.
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