Kufrrygq.info

Best Non-Hybrids for Fuel Economy? In an article about hybrid technology, you might not have been expecting this; but what if you are looking for serious fuel economy without shelling out the sticker-price for a hybrid. It may be a better choice for some buyers to look into standard fuel vehicles that just get amazing mileage. Not to mention the fact that it’s almost impossible to find a brand new hybrid car right now, due to dealer shortages. Buying a high-mileage standard-fuel car can be a great way to watch costs at the pump and do a little something sweet for the planet.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is the top choice for non-hybrids in terms of mileage. It gets an impressive 29 MPG in the city and up to 35 on the highway. The price tag is reasonable, too – it starts at just $11,500. This little hatchback was introduced as Toyota’s starter car in 2007 and it’s perfect for penny-pinchers who want to get the most bang for their buck. Get the full scoop on a Yaris before you make a decision though.
Honda Fit
Another hatchback that fits well in tight spaces and tight budgets is the Honda Fit. Starting at $13,950, this car offers a little more room than the Yaris but the fuel economy is slightly less – 27 MPG in the city and 34 on the highway. Another plus? This one’s got auxiliary plugs for your mp3 player! Learn about the Honda Fit and take it for a test drive. You will be glad you did.
Hyundai Elantra
Boasting more passenger and cargo room while still getting 24 MPG in the city and a respectable 33 on the highway, is the Hyundai Elantra. With a price tag comparable to the Honda Fit, $13,870, you gain room, but also weight and so the fuel efficiency drops a bit. Overall, this is a great family car that doesn’t cost a ton at the pump. Do a search and discover the Elantra site.
Pontiac Vibe
While the manual version of this car gets up to 32 miles per gallon, the automatic version of the Pontiac Vibe still does well at 25 in the city and 31 on the highway. The most expensive car on our list at $16,855, the Vibe is another hatchback, but this time with a little more room and storage options – the front seat folds flat for extra-long cargo. Kelly Blue Book named the Vibe the „coolest new car under $18K”. Read all about it. (Vibe is very similar to Toyota Matrix.)
There are several other affordable, non-hybrid cars to consider, so do your research. If you are in the market for a fuel efficient car, but can’t afford to take the hybrid plunge just yet, also consider the Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, Mini Clubman, Mini Cooper, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Hyundai Accent, or Scion XD. At the same time, if mileage is your main criteria, the best hybrid cars are going to still going to go further for less cost at the pump.
Best Non-Hybrids for Fuel Economy? In an article about hybrid technology, you might not have been expecting this; but what if you are looking for serious fuel economy without shelling out the sticker-price for a hybrid. It may be a better choice for some buyers to look into standard fuel vehicles that just get amazing mileage. Not to mention the fact that it’s almost impossible to find a brand new hybrid car right now, due to dealer shortages. Buying a high-mileage standard-fuel car can be a great way to watch costs at the pump and do a little something sweet for the planet.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is the top choice for non-hybrids in terms of mileage. It gets an impressive 29 MPG in the city and up to 35 on the highway. The price tag is reasonable, too – it starts at just $11,500. This little hatchback was introduced as Toyota’s starter car in 2007 and it’s perfect for penny-pinchers who want to get the most bang for their buck. Get the full scoop on a Yaris before you make a decision though.
Honda Fit
Another hatchback that fits well Franczyza in tight spaces and tight budgets is the Honda Fit. Starting at $13,950, this car offers a little more room than the Yaris but the fuel economy is slightly less – 27 MPG in the city and 34 on the highway. Another plus? This one’s got auxiliary plugs for your mp3 player! Learn about the Honda Fit and take it for a test drive. You will be glad you did.
Hyundai Elantra
Boasting more passenger and cargo room while still getting 24 MPG in the city and a respectable 33 on the highway, is the Hyundai Elantra. With a price tag comparable to the Honda Fit, $13,870, you gain room, but also weight and so the fuel efficiency drops a bit. Overall, this is a great family car that doesn’t cost a ton at the pump. Do a search and discover the Elantra site.
Pontiac Vibe
While the manual version of this car gets up to 32 miles per gallon, the automatic version of the Pontiac Vibe still does well at 25 in the city and 31 on the highway. The most expensive car on our list at $16,855, the Vibe is another hatchback, but this time with a little more room and storage options – the front seat folds flat for extra-long cargo. Kelly Blue Book named the Vibe the „coolest new car under $18K”. Read all about it. (Vibe is very similar to Toyota Matrix.)
There are several other affordable, non-hybrid cars to consider, so do your research. If you are in the market for a fuel efficient car, but can’t afford to take the hybrid plunge just yet, also consider the Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, Mini Clubman, Mini Cooper, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Hyundai Accent, or Scion XD. At the same time, if mileage is your main criteria, the best hybrid cars are going to still going to go further for less cost at the pump.

King Henry was very fond of St. Thomas More and this affection was shared by Thomas for his King. But he had no illusions about his King. Now, when Thomas More was appointed Chancellor, he had been busy writing against Protestantism, particularly in rebuttal to Tyndale and his writings. Thomas More’s attitude toward heretics was moderate, hating the heresy but not the heretics. He was very cautious about the laity reading the Bible in the vernacular, as he judged, it could lead to misinterpretation. He strongly advised no such books be read without the Ordinary’s approval.
When King Henry VIII demanded the clergy acknowledge him as „Protector and Supreme Head of the Church of England”, Thomas More immediately wished to resign as Chancellor. But he was persuaded to remain, in order to give his attention to the matter of the King’s annulment to Catherine of Aragon, or as it was called „the King’s divorce”. St. Thomas More upheld the validity of the King’s marriage to Catherine, but requested he be allowed to stand aside from the controversy. When he was asked to present the case to Parliament, he refused to render his opinion. As we all try to do, he was trying to skirt the issues, but he would soon find it to be impossible.
In 1532 the King imposed a decree forbidding the clergy to prosecute heretics, or to hold any assembly without his permission, a clear interference of State and Church, a matter resolved centuries before by the Church that the state could not interfere with the Church and its matters. Then he had a bill passed in Parliament that the first fruits due the Holy See was to be withheld. Now, St Thomas More could not sideswipe this issue. This went way back to the Law of Moses which stated that the first produce of man and animals, and whatsoever was sown in the field was to be given to the Lord. (Ex. 23:16) St. Thomas More openly opposed all these measures, and the King was furious! On May the 16th, after having served only three years, St. Thomas More handed in his resignation as Chancellor, and the King accepted it.
Without his earnings as Chancellor, he and his family were reduced to poverty, with barely enough to eat. But they never lost their joy. St. Thomas More refused to go to the coronation of Anne Boleyn. His enemies, those who had envied him and his former position with the King, took this opportunity to taunt him, accusing him as they did St. John Fisher of all sorts of crimes. Praise God, the Lords insisted on hearing St. Thomas More’s defense themselves, so the King retracted the charges. But the time was now approaching when nothing would help St. Thomas More.
March 30, 1534, a law was passed requiring all subjects of the King to take an oath recognizing the succession to the throne, of the King and Anne Boleyn’s offspring. King Henry added, this was to nullify his union to Catherine of Aragon, that it had never been a true marriage, and that „no foreign authority, prince or potentate had any authority to repudiate this”. To refuse to take this oath or to oppose it in any way was an act of high treason. This came on top of the Pope, the week before, declaring the marriage of King Henry and Catherine to be valid and irrevocable. Many Catholics took the oath with this reservation: „as far as it is not contrary to the law of God.”
April 13th, Sir Thomas More and Bishop John Fisher refused to sign the oath. St. Thomas was remanded to the custody of the Abbot of Westminster. A lord close to the King tried to dissuade him from taking any drastic action against Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher. But he refused to compromise, and the oath was once again tendered to Thomas More and John Fisher. They refused to sign! They were both imprisoned in the Tower. St. Thomas spent the next fifteen months, there, writing loving, faith-filled letters to his family. They begged him to do as the King ordered. But all their pleading fell on deaf ears.
February 1, 1535, the Acts of Supremacy were to go into operation. This gave the King the title of „only supreme head of England”. When, in April, Cromwell came to St. Thomas, asking him his opinion of the bill, he refused to give it.
May 4th, his daughter was allowed to visit him for the first time. They witnessed the first three Carthusian monks and their companions go to their Martyrdom. When Cromwell and others returned and again taunted him to comment on the statute, they made sport of him because he remained silent.
June 19th, the second group of Carthusian Monks was martyred.
June 19th, Bishop John Fisher was beheaded on Tower Hill.
June 28th, Sir Thomas More was indicted and tried in Westminster Hall. By this time, he was too weak to stand, and had to sit during the proceedings. The same witness that had falsely accused St. John Fisher of speaking against the King, falsely testified against St. Thomas More, alleging that he had spoken to him against the Acts of Supremacy. As had St. John Fisher, St. Thomas maintained that he had remained silent and had not shared any opinion with Rich or anyone else. He was found guilty and condemned to death. Now, something you have to understand, this was not legal! So, as the Church is attacked and we lose our religious rights, our other rights will follow!
Copyright (c) 2011 Bob and Penny Lord’s Site
King Henry was very fond of St. Thomas More and this affection was shared by Thomas for his King. But he had no illusions about his King. Now, when Thomas More was appointed Chancellor, he had been busy writing against Protestantism, particularly in rebuttal to Tyndale and his writings. Thomas More’s attitude toward heretics was moderate, hating the heresy but not the heretics. He was very cautious about the laity reading the Bible in the vernacular, as he judged, it could lead to misinterpretation. He strongly stoły warsztatowe advised no such books be read without the Ordinary’s approval.
When King Henry VIII demanded the clergy acknowledge him as „Protector and Supreme Head of the Church of England”, Thomas More immediately wished to resign as Chancellor. But he was persuaded to remain, in order to give his attention to the matter of the King’s annulment to Catherine of Aragon, or as it was called „the King’s divorce”. St. Thomas More upheld the validity of the King’s marriage to Catherine, but requested he be allowed to stand aside from the controversy. When he was asked to present the case to Parliament, he refused to render his opinion. As we all try to do, he was trying to skirt the issues, but he would soon find it to be impossible.
In 1532 the King imposed a decree forbidding the clergy to prosecute heretics, or to hold any assembly without his permission, a clear interference of State and Church, a matter resolved centuries before by the Church that the state could not interfere with the Church and its matters. Then he had a bill passed in Parliament that the first fruits due the Holy See was to be withheld. Now, St Thomas More could not sideswipe this issue. This went way back to the Law of Moses which stated that the first produce of man and animals, and whatsoever was sown in the field was to be given to the Lord. (Ex. 23:16) St. Thomas More openly opposed all these measures, and the King was furious! On May the 16th, after having served only three years, St. Thomas More handed in his resignation as Chancellor, and the King accepted it.
Without his earnings as Chancellor, he and his family were reduced to poverty, with barely enough to eat. But they never lost their joy. St. Thomas More refused to go to the coronation of Anne Boleyn. His enemies, those who had envied him and his former position with the King, took this opportunity to taunt him, accusing him as they did St. John Fisher of all sorts of crimes. Praise God, the Lords insisted on hearing St. Thomas More’s defense themselves, so the King retracted the charges. But the time was now approaching when nothing would help St. Thomas More.
March 30, 1534, a law was passed requiring all subjects of the King to take an oath recognizing the succession to the throne, of the King and Anne Boleyn’s offspring. King Henry added, this was to nullify his union to Catherine of Aragon, that it had never been a true marriage, and that „no foreign authority, prince or potentate had any authority to repudiate this”. To refuse to take this oath or to oppose it in any way was an act of high treason. This came on top of the Pope, the week before, declaring the marriage of King Henry and Catherine to be valid and irrevocable. Many Catholics took the oath with this reservation: „as far as it is not contrary to the law of God.”
April 13th, Sir Thomas More and Bishop John Fisher refused to sign the oath. St. Thomas was remanded to the custody of the Abbot of Westminster. A lord close to the King tried to dissuade him from taking any drastic action against Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher. But he refused to compromise, and the oath was once again tendered to Thomas More and John Fisher. They refused to sign! They were both imprisoned in the Tower. St. Thomas spent the next fifteen months, there, writing loving, faith-filled letters to his family. They begged him to do as the King ordered. But all their pleading fell on deaf ears.
February 1, 1535, the Acts of Supremacy were to go into operation. This gave the King the title of „only supreme head of England”. When, in April, Cromwell came to St. Thomas, asking him his opinion of the bill, he refused to give it.
May 4th, his daughter was allowed to visit him for the first time. They witnessed the first three Carthusian monks and their companions go to their Martyrdom. When Cromwell and others returned and again taunted him to comment on the statute, they made sport of him because he remained silent.
June 19th, the second group of Carthusian Monks was martyred.
June 19th, Bishop John Fisher was beheaded on Tower Hill.
June 28th, Sir Thomas More was indicted and tried in Westminster Hall. By this time, he was too weak to stand, and had to sit during the proceedings. The same witness that had falsely accused St. John Fisher of speaking against the King, falsely testified against St. Thomas More, alleging that he had spoken to him against the Acts of Supremacy. As had St. John Fisher, St. Thomas maintained that he had remained silent and had not shared any opinion with Rich or anyone else. He was found guilty and condemned to death. Now, something you have to understand, this was not legal! So, as the Church is attacked and we lose our religious rights, our other rights will follow!
Copyright (c) 2011 Bob and Penny Lord’s Site

You tell a joke and no-one laughs. We’ve all been there. But having your joke fall flat at a wedding reception can be a particularly painful form of public embarrassment. Consider these incidents:
1. The Best Man, adopting a creative analogy with hotted-up sports cars (the Groom’s hobby), compares and contrasts the Bride to the Groom’s long-term but ex-girlfriend. He concludes that the Bride is a better make, with less miles on the clock, fewer drivers, and – ahem – shinier hub-caps. After the speeches, the Best Man bumps into the ex-girlfriend’s brother, a guest at the reception and also the partner of the Bride’s new boss.
2. The Wedding Emcee – who has spent the whole evening mispronouncing the Groom’s name – ‘entertains’ the guests between heartfelt speeches by reading out ‘funny sayings’ from a dog-eared joke book. The vast majority of his one-liners are terrible puns: ‘The only ring that means something in marriage is the enduring. Unless you count the suffering.’ (Get it?)
3. The Father of the Bride complains that his farm is in trouble because of ‘hippy, inner-city, communist terrorists’ like his ‘layabout Son-in-Law’, who are ‘wrecking the country’. He concludes by toasting the bride and groom and announcing that „this bloody wedding has nearly bankrupted me, so you might as well enjoy yourselves.”
4. The Best Man regales the guests with a string of mother-in-law jokes, concluding using the upbeat „Happy is he that marries the daughter of a dead mother”, apparently according to an old proverb he found on the Internet. The Mother of the Bride has recently been diagnosed as having cancer.
5. The Best Man cracks a joke in regards to the Bride’s recent excess weight, implying the short engagement was a shotgun reaction to an unplanned pregnancy. The humiliated Bride heads for the door, her face glowing red like a radioactive beet. Her dress snags on the Groom’s chair. She whirls about, teeters for a few terrible seconds, then tumbles backwards off the stage and onto the floor with a thud. Luckily, she wasn’t pregnant: just overweight.
These wedding joke catastrophes happened because the speaker misunderstood the job plus the audience. In order to avoid shaming your good name, remember these three tips when searching for material:
Avoid jokes about topics that divide people, like religion, politics and sex, and select topics that contain universal appeal, like the challenges of marriage or the Groom’s nerves.
Tailor the tone of the jokes to the couple, your guests along with the venue. What might benefit a casual gathering of 20 good friends and family in San Francisco or Melbourne, may be woefully inappropriate for a black tie reception for 300, including the Mayor and members of the press, in New York or Oxford.
It’s customary for the Groom to cop most of the personal abuse in the speeches. It’s also increasingly common for speakers to make light-hearted jibes at the Bride’s expense as well. These jokes should concentrate on endearing quirks, other than abject failings. Any joke that begins with the words „[He's] [She's] so [fat] [dumb] [ugly] that…” shouldn’t ever make it to your final draft – regardless of how funny it may be.
You tell a joke and no-one laughs. We’ve all been there. But having your joke fall flat at a wedding reception can be a particularly painful form of public embarrassment. Consider these incidents:
1. The Best Man, adopting a creative analogy with hotted-up sports cars (the Groom’s hobby), compares and contrasts the Bride to the Groom’s long-term but ex-girlfriend. He concludes that the Bride is a better make, with less miles on the clock, fewer drivers, and – ahem – shinier hub-caps. After program do fakturowania the speeches, the Best Man bumps into the ex-girlfriend’s brother, a guest at the reception and also the partner of the Bride’s new boss.
2. The Wedding Emcee – who has spent the whole evening mispronouncing the Groom’s name – ‘entertains’ the guests between heartfelt speeches by reading out ‘funny sayings’ from a dog-eared joke book. The vast majority of his one-liners are terrible puns: ‘The only ring that means something in marriage is the enduring. Unless you count the suffering.’ (Get it?)
3. The Father of the Bride complains that his farm is in trouble because of ‘hippy, inner-city, communist terrorists’ like his ‘layabout Son-in-Law’, who are ‘wrecking the country’. He concludes by toasting the bride and groom and announcing that „this bloody wedding has nearly bankrupted me, so you might as well enjoy yourselves.”
4. The Best Man regales the guests with a string of mother-in-law jokes, concluding using the upbeat „Happy is he that marries the daughter of a dead mother”, apparently according to an old proverb he found on the Internet. The Mother of the Bride has recently been diagnosed as having cancer.
5. The Best Man cracks a joke in regards to the Bride’s recent excess weight, implying the short engagement was a shotgun reaction to an unplanned pregnancy. The humiliated Bride heads for the door, her face glowing red like a radioactive beet. Her dress snags on the Groom’s chair. She whirls about, teeters for a few terrible seconds, then tumbles backwards off the stage and onto the floor with a thud. Luckily, she wasn’t pregnant: just overweight.
These wedding joke catastrophes happened because the speaker misunderstood the job plus the audience. In order to avoid shaming your good name, remember these three tips when searching for material:
Avoid jokes about topics that divide people, like religion, politics and sex, and select topics that contain universal appeal, like the challenges of marriage or the Groom’s nerves.
Tailor the tone of the jokes to the couple, your guests along with the venue. What might benefit a casual gathering of 20 good friends and family in San Francisco or Melbourne, may be woefully inappropriate for a black tie reception for 300, including the Mayor and members of the press, in New York or Oxford.
It’s customary for the Groom to cop most of the personal abuse in the speeches. It’s also increasingly common for speakers to make light-hearted jibes at the Bride’s expense as well. These jokes should concentrate on endearing quirks, other than abject failings. Any joke that begins with the words „[He's] [She's] so [fat] [dumb] [ugly] that…” shouldn’t ever make it to your final draft – regardless of how funny it may be.

While most song lyrics are everlasting, especially when put out for the world to enjoy, among the many Geoff Moore lyrics is included a song titled „The Everlasting.” It was written by Geoff Moore and Phil Madeira. It comes from the album Simple Heart recorded by Geoff Moore & The Distance in 1990.
This song is transparent in its beauty. The lyrics are not magical. They are not mystifying and unable to be understood. In fact, similar sentiments have been recorded by other artists. I write and remind us of this song because the sentiment bears repeating. I write about Geoff Moore’s version of the sentiment because he is an artist of great sincerity.
So let us take a look at these Everlasting lyrics, shall we?
The Everlasting written by Geoff Moore and Phil Madeira
Verse One:
„It was the autumn of his days. We sat in the twilight, waiting for the falling night. One by one the stars began to glow. He said, soon I’ll leave this place. And with my view here at the end, I hold a few regrets my friend. I listened as the words of wisdom flowed.”
Geoff and Phil do a great job of painting word pictures. It is easy to imagine the scene. They put you right there in the moment. I like this verse because it shows respect for our elders. They have been through many things in their lifetimes. Their experiences gained for them perspective. Their perspective can be learned from. I also like that the companion to the older gentlemen is actively listening. Too often, people do not truly listen to one another.
Chorus:
„I would have lived my life like there was no tomorrow, for life is really, like a gift we’ve borrowed. I would have not confused these things I soon will lose, with the everlasting.”
Here is the trick of being human. If you know that you will live exactly 69 years 3 months and 5 days, perhaps you can prepare for that amount of life exactly. However, you do not know how long you will live. You do not know exactly how much things will cost well into the future. You are not guaranteed a certain level of health. You are not afforded the information of who will be in your life and the number of persons you must provide for. Nothing is guaranteed.
So while the words of the chorus are profound, the speaker of the line should be gentler with himself. He was caught in the inevitable trap of not knowing how much time he needed to spend on these seemingly unimportant tasks as he now views them at the end of his life. I think God understands our plight.
We could not possibly live every day of our lives like it was our last. That is too intense. What we can do is work at our perspective. Is getting the lawn mowed more important than our daughter’s birthday party? Would we have had plenty of time to get the lawn mowed if we had not been gaming online for three hours? God, Family, Friends, are important, then work, play, and entertainment.
Verse Two:
„Here in the summer of my days, I think of how my hands have labored, longed for moments past unsavored. Lord, help me cherish every day. I’m gonna live my life like there is no tomorrow.”
This verse is about the younger companion trying to employ the advice of the elder. He asks God for help with his intentions. Here again, way too intense to actually live like there is no tomorrow. I think it is important to not ignore the whole idea because implementing the literal version is impossible. Take small steps toward living a life focused on the important. Forward progress is still progress. It mounts up over time.
Bridge:
„Between the future and the past let us live like it’s our last chance to be beacons shining in the night, people living in the light of eternity. Let us live our life like there is no tomorrow.”
Live in the present. In your experience, do you feel at ease living while focused either more on the past or on the future rather than on the present? It takes a conscious effort to live in the present. While it is not 100% achievable or practical, being in the present more than any other realm is the most peaceful way to live.
While most song lyrics are everlasting, especially when put out for the world to enjoy, among the many Geoff Moore lyrics is included a song titled „The Everlasting.” It was written by Geoff Moore and Phil Madeira. It comes from the album Simple Heart recorded by Geoff Moore & The Distance in 1990.
This song is transparent in its beauty. The lyrics are not magical. They are not mystifying and unable to be understood. In fact, similar sentiments have been recorded by other artists. I write and remind us of this song because the sentiment bears repeating. I write about Geoff Moore’s version of the sentiment because he is an artist of great sincerity.
So let us take a look at these Everlasting lyrics, shall we?
The Everlasting written by sklep z grami Geoff Moore and Phil Madeira
Verse One:
„It was the autumn of his days. We sat in the twilight, waiting for the falling night. One by one the stars began to glow. He said, soon I’ll leave this place. And with my view here at the end, I hold a few regrets my friend. I listened as the words of wisdom flowed.”
Geoff and Phil do a great job of painting word pictures. It is easy to imagine the scene. They put you right there in the moment. I like this verse because it shows respect for our elders. They have been through many things in their lifetimes. Their experiences gained for them perspective. Their perspective can be learned from. I also like that the companion to the older gentlemen is actively listening. Too often, people do not truly listen to one another.
Chorus:
„I would have lived my life like there was no tomorrow, for life is really, like a gift we’ve borrowed. I would have not confused these things I soon will lose, with the everlasting.”
Here is the trick of being human. If you know that you will live exactly 69 years 3 months and 5 days, perhaps you can prepare for that amount of life exactly. However, you do not know how long you will live. You do not know exactly how much things will cost well into the future. You are not guaranteed a certain level of health. You are not afforded the information of who will be in your life and the number of persons you must provide for. Nothing is guaranteed.
So while the words of the chorus are profound, the speaker of the line should be gentler with himself. He was caught in the inevitable trap of not knowing how much time he needed to spend on these seemingly unimportant tasks as he now views them at the end of his life. I think God understands our plight.
We could not possibly live every day of our lives like it was our last. That is too intense. What we can do is work at our perspective. Is getting the lawn mowed more important than our daughter’s birthday party? Would we have had plenty of time to get the lawn mowed if we had not been gaming online for three hours? God, Family, Friends, are important, then work, play, and entertainment.
Verse Two:
„Here in the summer of my days, I think of how my hands have labored, longed for moments past unsavored. Lord, help me cherish every day. I’m gonna live my life like there is no tomorrow.”
This verse is about the younger companion trying to employ the advice of the elder. He asks God for help with his intentions. Here again, way too intense to actually live like there is no tomorrow. I think it is important to not ignore the whole idea because implementing the literal version is impossible. Take small steps toward living a life focused on the important. Forward progress is still progress. It mounts up over time.
Bridge:
„Between the future and the past let us live like it’s our last chance to be beacons shining in the night, people living in the light of eternity. Let us live our life like there is no tomorrow.”
Live in the present. In your experience, do you feel at ease living while focused either more on the past or on the future rather than on the present? It takes a conscious effort to live in the present. While it is not 100% achievable or practical, being in the present more than any other realm is the most peaceful way to live.

The forge of creativity & business that was Marvel Comics was a synchronic chord sounded by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko and all the authors and artists and inkers and colorists who worked there. It all started during the early 1960′s when the Fantastic Four and Spider-man and the X-men (The Uncanny X-Men) were formed from the imagination of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
X-men was a box office smash last summer. I’m sure you also remember the highly successful Hulk TV show.
The earliest X-men consisted of Jean (Marvel Girl) Grey (who later became the extremely popular Phoenix), Professor X (Xavier), Cyclops (Scott Summers), the intelligent Beast (Hank McCoy), and Iceman (Bobbie). Mutants born with special „super-mutant” abilities.
Later came the New Mutants with younger characters possessing mutant powers that sometimes seemed to possess them (the only type of comic book story I don’t like).
These characters from X-men including (Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Storm, Banshee, Kitty) evolved with the advent of the creativity of John Byrne (starting in issue #108 of X-men) and Chris Claremont (Giant Sized X-men #1 and Uncanny X-men #94 now valued at $500. up in „mint” condition. The most popular character was the main star in the X-men film–Wolverine. There is sure to be a sequel for this box office smash.
X-men Comics taught kids that prejudice is evil. People who live in fear and thus greed try to destroy that which they don’t understand.
Interesting that both the most recent Star Wars film and X-men film took a hard look at politicians (Congress). If power corrupts absolutely is it possible our system is absolutely corrupt? The Senator in the X-men film learned his lesson a little late.
Spider-man–the new Marvel film in the works–is about a kid who with usual teenage angst (bullies beating him up, not getting any babes, acne and so forth is mild stuff compared to today’s school experiences–such as not getting shot & killed while going to or attending school or being seduced by a deadly drug or infected by a killer disease) is merely bitten by a radioactive spider (radical stuff for the early 1960′s).
This gives Peter Parker super powers–insect powers–if amplified a man could lift a truck and carry it 20 miles as ants do. (Don’t get me started talking about Henry Pym the Antman who became Giant Man in the Marvel’s Avengers ((Capt. America, Thor the Thunder God etc.))). Add to that Peter Parker was also a brilliant student who was able to invent a web shooter and other great inventions. And Spider-man was born as a bi-product of the bi-product known as radioactive material (which Science still doesn’t know how to get rid of). (Try telling that to the Bush administration). Everything is energy! Remember Tesla coils.
But Marvel was not the only place parading superpowered characters.
D.C. Comics (Time Warner), too, utilized mythology and stories of Biblical proportions to entrain, energize and excite generations of teenagers, kids and adults from the 1940′s to present.
Some characters such as Superman, Atom, Flash, Batman, Green Lantern, JLA and others & even D.C.’s version of Capt. Marvel may have been inspired by spiritual literature which told of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and even Biblical personages who could stand in fire etc.
Scripts & Wit
Super Heroes: originating through human imagination and from literature, mythology, religion.
Though probably comic creators just made up their wondrous stories.
Once when I interviewed Gerry Conway for the Comics Journal he admitted to me that he had researched some of the comics he wrote. Conway’s friend partner Roy Thomas no doubt researched Conan and Thor and other material while writer & editor at Marvel. They worked together on the great animated Fire and Ice film. (Ralph Bakshi/Frank Frazetta).
And initially Thomas got the Conan property over to Marvel from Edgar Rice Burroughs in Tarzana, CA. (Tarzana–Tarzan…get it? Yep, it too is a comic.)
Older folk know and love the countless Films and TV shows and serials featuring these and other favorite colorful characters: Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Commander Cody (which may have inspired the Rocketeer comic and film).
COMIC BOOKS — Born by the sheer exhurberance of the Universe itself through the vehicle of the Human Being!
The Comic Industry is a metaphor for life. A cosmic drama unfolding. But not to put old wine into new bottles: Many times in the past Marvel and D.C. have teamed to do specials that benefits the play of creativity. I first met Stan Lee while I was the manager of a Comic Book Store in Studio City, California in the 1970′s.
Or, more accurately, I met him through his works at Marvel Comics — his extraordinary scripts & wit in 1961.
Very clever interaction with the fans through clubs and letter columns in the good old days made one feel as though one was a part of something. With Merry Marvel „we belonged.”
Stan Lee’s stories contained real life character’s, complete with dilemmas and the germ of great new ideas and principles for living a good life.
As when Spider-man didn’t stop a Burglar — the same Burglar who later killed his kind Uncle–Peter Parker (Spider-man) got the message — serve mankind. With great power comes responsibility.
And responsibility is the ability to respond.
Exciting fictional stories full of adventure and excitement with morals. Illustrated profusely.
Marvel Super characters were at first looked on by society as bad guys. Even after saving human butt thousands of times.
J. Jonah Jameson (cheap Editor of the Daily Bugle newspaper) has hated Spider-man for over 30 years. Jameson actually tried to destroy Spider-man by becoming a super villain.
Daredevil (blind Attorney yet Batman-esque in abilities & physical strength and agility–but with heightened senses) the Man without fear was often branded a villain too at first.
As was the ever popular Incredible Hulk — first immortalized as a comic book during the 1960′s. Who ranged from dull and stupid to near genius depending on the decade in which this enduring character is read.
What we fear we often regard as evil.
Comics have tried to teach us that the means are as important as the ends they produce.
What we do along the way determines the end result we will get. Comics are published because a word sounds good to the publisher. But some of these new young independent publishers need to know more about the meaning within these words (and so do their customers). But more power to these enterprising youngsters.
What is Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Mantra? What is Zen? (One young upstart publisher of „Zen — intergalactic Ninja” had never heard of Alan Watts — great promoter of Zen until I told him Alan Watts was a famous and popular theologian turned beatnik Philosopher & Author (one of many) responsible for introducing Eastern Religions to the spiritually starved West–often heard on KPFK radio. Alan Watts is possibly the foremost promoter of Zen. Watts’ book ” The Wisdom of Insecurity,” mentions, of all things, Comic Books. What are Chakras? The Tao means what? When kids grow up and learn about Meditation will they be tainted by our stupidity and greed?
Buzz words usually lower consciousness and cause confusion. Of course when I use to publish stuff as a youngster I made up names that sounded good but had little or no meaning such as: Beyond Infinity, Eon the Magazine of Graphic Illusions. I know less now than I did then. What is craft, art, Love, Truth?
I held several autograph parties with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1970′s and 1980′s. I threw over 50 successful autograph parties with many wonderful comic book artists and writers. I’d host the event, provide refreshments, do all the advertising, graphic art, press releases, etc. It was an exhilarating experience. It was fun to interact with pros and fans. I gave away a lot of free promo stuff.
Ninth Nebula’s first autograph party was held with Stan Lee, publisher of Marvel Comics. For ten years my shop endured in North Hollywood, CA next door to the world’s oldest Science Fiction Club (a built in audience of friends and fans and computer fiends).
The Stan Lee event evoked long lines of Comic Book fans of all ages drooling for Stan’s signature on the splash page of their old and new comics. Nowadays professionals sign comics on the cover of their title en mass which I don’t approve of. (But who listens to me).
Comics forms are often abused by aspiring young publishers who use several unnecessary full page splashes when the effect could be achieved in a tiny panel — waste of money, ink and paper if you ask me. Unlike the good old days when Steve Ditko gave us our money’s worth in the form of about 6 panels per page — he in his way was like a Zen Master — the precision of his work rivaled the art of Chinese Calligraphy (see his unique style in old Atlas Comics from the 1950′s). Some of the recent experimentation’s by Frank Miller & other talents have all done exceptionally creative work too.
Stan Lee’s arrival in a Limosine exemplified the style and pizzazz in which he lived his life. He was the spokesperson, promoter and Publisher of Marvel Comics at the time.
Stan has more energy than many men half his age. Did you catch the Hitchcock-like cameo in the awesome recent excellent X-men film where he was a Hot Dog vendor (on the beach).
Ninth Nebula was a context for many things but few know it was my 2nd book shop. My first store was opened in 1978 in the Santa Monica area and was called Beyond Illusion: New Age Book and Comic Shop. But comic books paid the rent even back then.
From 1985 through most of 1986 I threw over 19 successful mini Comic book Conventions (the San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention). This show allowed me to open Ninth Nebula–the Complete Comic Book Store. Small in size, yet packed with all the best stuff.
Jack Kirby appeared at one of my autograph events too. Kirby was Lee’s partner on all the important Marvel titles in the early 1960′s when they were formed such as Fantastic Four, (Strange Tales) Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hulk, X-men, Daredevil, Avengers, Journey Into Mystery) Thor, (Tales to Astonish) Ant-Man, (Tales of Suspense) Iron-man, Capt. America, etc.
Around 1961 Amazing Fantasy #15 was issued which is the first appearance of Amazing Spider-man and if in perfect shape could fetch $20,000 or more. Check your price guides.
Comics were serious business until the Death of Superman (and then it exploded further) which created new problems and opportunities as the comic industry began new birth pangs in 1993.
I gave 100% service & attention to all my customers at all times. I had to become innovative since often the store became overflowing and I could not mention all the new titles. I’d push a button on my tape recorder when people said „what is new.” Then the many fans and readers would get an audible list of every last detail of the new comics that had just come in. I was busy ringing sales with other customers so this made it possible for me to sell more comics. When shipments were bumped due to mail I’d say put my comics in some coffins — I need ‘em now (Capital City never did). When I lived on the premises I had a buzzer so I was the first 24 hour comic store that I know of.
As a kid I’m proud to have collected and owned several complete mint sets of every Marvel Comic Book (1961 to present).
In fact I feel the Lee, the Ditko and the Kirby are three awards the Comic Industry should create (I said this loudly prior to 1984). Though as often as I try to turn him into one of his characters (such as Doctor Strange the occult master of mystic arts) Stan remains a human being — a man, down to Earth — courageous and kind. But I’m sure it was Stan’s business savvy that made and kept Marvel such a colossal success for many years.
Long may Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation) bless the best that the „Comics Industry” has brought forth in creative inspiration down through the decades.
With comics you get to read and enjoy them over and over again and someday they will be worth something. Sure the overproduced over hyped stuff may be valueless, but if you buy what you enjoy you can’t lose.
Comics have proven themselves over the last 60 years as a legitimate American art form. Comic Book audiences are growing faster than in any other hobby form including electronic games & virtual reality. It isn’t over yet. In fact, one could say we are at the beginning.
(„He who knows, knows, they who say they know, don’t.” –Lao Tsu). Like Meditation, you won’t know what it is unless you try it.
There are many Star Trek and Star Wars Comics from Marvel and D.C. that have been issued and I collected in the past all of which are very popular. These use to be issued by Gold Key in the 1960′s. Shatner co-created TEK comics. Spielberg and Lucas were influenced by the Comic Book genre. Roger Corman is cashing in with his Cosmic Comics. Even Leonard Nimoy has a successful Comic out. Other comics sport logos from deceased Isaac Asimov & Gene Roddenberry.
In the 1960′s, Underground Comix & Fanzines made the scene. One could say this was the beginning of the Independent line of comics. Vaughn Bode’ (Cheech Wizard) kids have emulated this sadistic character through their Graphitti on the walls of washes in the past for years) Rick Griffin, George Metzger are but a few of dozens of innovative Philosopher/Artists whose work not only represents the 1960′s but whose originality rivals the Will Eisner’s (The Spirit), Harvey Kurtzman’s (MAD ), Milton Canniff (Steve Canyon), AL Capp (Lil Abner) of their day. Though sex and drugs were the order of the day, during the 1960′s, Underground’s did not and do not represent mainstream comics–which are clean and not usually politically or spiritually sophisticated. Though political cartoonist Ron Cobb punched the unrightous right wing in their gut when necessary during the 1960′s.
If you know where to look one can find incredible literary treasures in this unique American art form–The Comic Book, now worldwide in acceptance, popular in every country (indeed, as a teaching tool one could learn other languages).
Fanzines and Underground’s contain some of the earliest and most bizarre art by today’s seriously great Comic Creators.
A successful new film has been released a few years ago about the life of Robert Crumb creator of Fritz the Cat. Robert Crumb also created Zap and Mr. Natural (I’ve seen original Mr. Natural artwork prominently displayed framed on my best friend’s Fathers’ wall. (A Psychiatrist by profession in the early 1970′s).
Gerber’s four volume Photo Journal Guide To Comics is a masterpiece chronicling comics history with full color photos of the covers of old back issue comics from the 1940′s–1970′s loved by many generations of people who wished their mother hadn’t thrown them away so they could retire in style today. I explain it is never too late to begin again as gems are published weekly and the selection is enormous.
Many Doctors, Lawyers, Film People, Teachers, Musicians, Computer Experts, Politicians, Artists & Authors people from all walks of life still all read comics & or collect them. I’ve sold comics to Clint Eastwood and his son. Robin Williams once roller skated into my first Comic Store in 1978 and bought Art Books & material related to the Comic Book genre. My friend reminds me that when I threw a mini comic con Leo DiCapprio worked for me briefly (I bought Underground comics from his Dad George).
Social Relevance
Comics indeed, teach art and story writing skills by their very nature. And are used by storyboard artists in making films, doing animation and more.
At my suggestion Marvel and D.C. issued Hunger Awareness comics in the late 1970′s with proceeds going to charity. Various talents offered their artistic skills as a donation. Marvel and D.C. have done other promotional activities for charities protecting wildlife, anti-drug campaigns etc.
Other social issues Marvel has utilized in their Comics: Scientist/Inventor Tony Stark wrestled with his own inner demons as an alcoholic with heart problems who is kept alive by his suit as Iron Man (see the new film coming up).
The blind Daredevil fought the (Kingpin) Mafia & Crime with his supersenses. Radioactivity and a spider created Spider-man.
A nuclear test created the Hulk.
As I read Dr. Strange (one witnesses a 30 year battle with Dr. Strange that sadly and finally ends as the villain Baron Mordo dies of Cancer–fully forgiven by Dr. Strange all the evil rendered unto him.
World War two vet Nick Fury (Secret Agent) dies just after his creator Jack Kirby passes away.
I discovered new worlds in micro dimensions and negative zones in the Fantastic Four (Human Torch lives) back in the early 1960′s.
Marvel Lee/Kirby even created the Black Panther at the same time as Black Panther’s were active in America–and this tie in with history and comics is not an unusual thing. This version of the Black Panther was a Chief from Africa with super powers of a sort.
In the 1980′s Aids Awareness comics were issued (Ninja high School). And a major character also died from Aids in Marvel’s (Canadian Mutants) Alpha Flight.
Some Comic Books teach Science or even other languages. Ms. Mystic by Neal Adams and Green Arrow by Mike Grell and Hawkmistress by yours truly (ask to see the script) often tackled environmental issues. Am I preaching to the converted.
Kids like to read & try their hand at creating comics. Classes (including Distance Learning internet classes on comics and other themes are available around the nation. In other words people can get credit and training without leaving their homes.
Comics are a safe addiction for the whole family.
Big Little Books (short thick early one page comics, every other page just text–hardbound, from the beginning of this century) are a form of early comic books.
Violence in any form is wrong (physical, emotional etc. or against Nature). Scape-goat-ism / facism of an economic, political, militaristic, religious, talk show, judicial, prison or from any source is wrong.
Other comics explored the murders of JFK, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Most comics are not humorous. And History can effortlessly be learned, through the enjoyment of comics.
Capt. America and the Human Torch fought Hitler & fascism in Captain America comics during the 1940′s, for example.
Comics can be better than film or TV when done right. Though few have translated to the screen all that well so far except for X-men and a sleeper called Unbreakable (as of June/July 2001 it’s extremely hot at the video stores). (A great film! But it seems the comic industry is attacking itself? with this sort of material.)
There are comic books as high in vibrational quality as classical music. E.C. comics Weird Fantasy, Incredible Science Fiction, Weird Science & Weird Science Fantasy & others from the 1950′s (regarding art and story) & certain comics from Marvel & D.C. and other companies may sometimes be likened unto the much higher vibration of John Lennon or Vivaldi (quality wise). (See Dreyfus in Mr. Holland’s Opus to understand what I am saying or even Finding Forester with Sean Connery). Because of the level of story and rendering of art back in the 1950′s when issued. These were projects of love and survival.
The new way to sell comics is Ebay, Amazon.Com and Yahoo auctions. Among others. Ebay is the most successful so far.
Keeping track of your collection is a full time job. There is now inventory software for organizing Comic Collections.
I’ve enjoyed watching a few good „Electronic” or internet Comics at DC, stanlee.net and elsewhere. But animation is still better (as far as I am concerned). Beast Wars is a really well done 3-D cartoon originating from talents in Canada. Beast Wars is probably the best animation being produced these days.
Store owners didn’t mind the plethora of first issues until around 1996 when new people took over at Marvel and elsewhere. Comics are a viable art form no one should take advantage of. But retailers and fans feel they have been used. And we resent it.
One funny footnote, Frederick Wertham, the much hated Psychiatrist blamed for the demise of E.C. Comics and other companies during the 1950′s paranoid Senate subcommittee hearings where he testified against the „violence in Horror & Crime” Comics actually found something in Comics of value a little later in his life and began publishing Comic Book Fanzines. Yes Wertham got into Comics Fanzines and self publishing!: Wertham complemented Fanzines as a good that came out of Comics.
Fanzines are of many types from Science Fiction to Comic Book from art-zines to zines that specialize exclusively in one genre: Dr. Who, Star Trek, mainstream Science Fiction books etc. There are pro-zines (published by professionals in the comic industry) and zines that are „self published” by fans.
Censorship is wrong unless it is self imposed.
D.C.’s Elseworld’s stories are extremely creative and good and take comics to the next level. Putting Superman or Batman in a unique setting in time and space isn’t a new idea but the way DC executes these tales with details is usually innovative and exciting.
Where does one classify the classic Cerebus the Aardvark by Dave Sim, Reed Fleming Milkman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Hate Comics?
Classics Illustrated (classic literature illustrated) helped many people with time constraints pass a book report.
Black & white Warren Magazines (Vampirella, Creepy, Eerie) from the 1960′s often contained some of the best art & story for any time. Some fans are reeling still from the talent of Richard Corben (Den, Nevermore), Mike Ploog (Frankenstein), Jim Starlin (Warlock, Dreadstar), P. Craig Russell (Night Music, Elric.) Great work hidden in Tower Comics (Wally Wood) and Charleton Comics (Ditko) too.
The unacknowledged older audience pray that Marvel and D.C. maintain as high a standard of quality as possible.
New talent should not copy from other people’s work. Draw from life and photos. Regardless of what misinformation you may get.
Stan and Marvel literally saved the Comic Industry from extinction during the last 35 years I feel.
Eventually fans may focus on Silver Age and Golden Age comics from the 1940′s–1960′s. Or the E.C.’s from the 1950′s as I did at age 15 after acquiring every Marvel and D.C. issued during the 1960′s. But one really can’t outgrow comics. Once it is in your blood it will always be in your blood. New or now-agers would say I’m „too attached” to my possessions (comics). Possibly so. But a really well written nicely illustrated comic is better than watching Disney’s Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 in an Isolation float tank isn’t it.
Remember when I said one felt part of something with Marvel in the early days — „The Merry Marvel marching Society” etc. This is very true. People want to participate in an active way in their lives. This is one reason costuming is so successful at Comic and Science Fiction conventions. And one reason why Toys and Magic the Gathering and the internet comics, where you get to direct the outcome of the adventure, are so viable as hobbies. Because instead of watching TV one gets to enter in and play to be active and to participate.
Good art and stories are essential. Stan use to say „put it out there and see if someone salutes.”
When we were kids, of course, comics cost just.10 cents to.12 cents each. The first.02 cent raise meant we had to cut back a certain number of comics. Today Action Comics #1 (where Superman first appeared in 1938) goes for $175,000 in near mint in auctions but was onJy $400.00 when I was a 15 years old kid.
I was selling Joe Kubert original Hawkman art to people on Military bases back then and then buying more comics with the profits. (See how Comics taught business, indirectly).
When comics were released I was the kid waiting to cut the plastic strip off the piles of new D.C. and Marvel comics before the manager got around to it back in 1961 at Thrifties so I could get the newest releases before anyone & pull out the most pristine „mint” issue each and every Tues. and Thurs. year after year.
Actually I was just trying to get the next issue to read and collect as soon as it was issued. Then in 1986 when I started Ninth Nebula I started air freighting the new comics to my shop and had 500 regular weekly customers. I also gave generous discounts.
We grew up, married, had kids, started our own comic stores.
More & more „readers and collectors” abhor this wanton greed and unfairness in the comic book marketplace to their pocketbooks and sense of right. They want quality not just quantity.
In a way this is where OLD Marvel really succeeded. Marvel taught its readers to think for themselves.
Most real long term retailers find nothing wrong with investors investing in Comics or Marvel Stock, and everyone made short term money with D.C.’s two first editions of the Death of Superman. Retailers made out quite well on Superman’s Death–especially the Black Bagged version. As did Newsstands who bought them from retailers and resold them at higher amounts. Copies sell at around $25.00 now for the „black bagged edition.” The day this issue was released copies sold from $5.00– $50.00 each. Reports went as high as $250.00 for a single issue. But there are so many titles produced that since comics are not returnable to the distributor the amount of left over inventory with any „real store” will be immense and costly. Profits for shops are not as high as you may think.
Another super successful comic, Astro City by the author of Death of Superman and the Painted Marvel’s, Kurt Busiek, was published by Image Comics. Demand rivals that of the D.C.’s acclaimed winner The Watchmen (a story of some out of shape Super Heroes who try to prevent New York and the world from getting blown up, written by English Author Alan Moore). My favorite comic lately is the Spectre which began in the 1940′s. I also love various issues of Hellblazer and Swamp Thing. Tastes vary and so do types of comics. When one says Archie or Casper or Disney or Richie Rich that might be the only frame of reference a novice has about what is available. Great or unique art draws me into reading the comic. Quality matters.
At Ninth Nebula our customers were 30-50 years old and spent $30.00 or more each week all year long. They’d get 30 comics all totally different from all publishers. Most customers still focus on Marvel and D.C. but Independent publishers are here to stay.
Mad Magazine was originally a smaller size E.C. Comic. At issue #24 Mad became an entirely black and white magazine in a larger format. The ever popular talented humorous generous Sergio Aragones has been on TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes and other shows and is co-creator of Groo the Wanderer (with writer Mark Evanier) started with Mad many years ago. Their Groo the Wanderer at Marvel literally had me laughing hysterically on the floor after I fell off my chair.
If you are just exploring comics for the first time be sure to check out stores that carry old and new issues.
Direct Market is strange now because there is only one real main stream distributor of comics today. Diamond. If you want to start a shop don’t order randomly–find out what your customers will buy. Use their order form. There are small publishers too from whom you might be able to order directly and internet subscription services.
Other material to check out when you get into Comics reading and collecting: Comics Values Monthly (think it still exists in some form), Wizard, The Comics Buyer’s Guide and The Comics Journal (Published by Fantagraphics. Opinionated Gary Groth is the editor). And of course the price guide Overstreet. Which should be used as a guide but not as the bible. My famous saying remains: „Buy what you enjoy–if it goes up that is an added bonus.”
This „industry” will endure for all those with faith who work hard and make wise choices in ordering: Marvels, D.C.’s and Independents.
New is no longer so sacred a word. But together we can make it so when it again deserves it. We are moving in the correct direction. Thanks Stan, you helped give the „Comic Book Generation” the ability to think, better than schools ever could. And the desire to keep on learning.
Remember we’ve moved from a you or me world to a you and me world. These aren’t just words but lifestyles millions of people adhere to now. And we are not the „fringe.”
I share this Truth as a service to the Comics Industry: „Wider is not better.” (Except for the car & luxury industry). Give us quality and we will give you our money, time and attention.
As King Arthur and Stan Lee might say: „Excelsior! ” Or as I might say: „Where’s my Digel.”
The forge of creativity & business that was Marvel Comics was a synchronic chord sounded by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko and all the authors and artists and inkers and colorists who worked there. It all started during the early 1960′s when the Fantastic Four and Spider-man and the X-men (The Uncanny X-Men) were formed from the imagination of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
X-men was a box office smash last summer. I’m sure you also remember the highly successful Hulk TV show.
The earliest X-men consisted of Jean (Marvel Girl) Grey (who later became the extremely popular Phoenix), Professor X (Xavier), Cyclops (Scott Summers), the intelligent Beast (Hank McCoy), and Iceman (Bobbie). Mutants born with special „super-mutant” abilities.
Later came the New Mutants with younger characters possessing mutant powers that sometimes hotele mazury seemed to possess them (the only type of comic book story I don’t like).
These characters from X-men including (Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Storm, Banshee, Kitty) evolved with the advent of the creativity of John Byrne (starting in issue #108 of X-men) and Chris Claremont (Giant Sized X-men #1 and Uncanny X-men #94 now valued at $500. up in „mint” condition. The most popular character was the main star in the X-men film–Wolverine. There is sure to be a sequel for this box office smash.
X-men Comics taught kids that prejudice is evil. People who live in fear and thus greed try to destroy that which they don’t understand.
Interesting that both the most recent Star Wars film and X-men film took a hard look at politicians (Congress). If power corrupts absolutely is it possible our system is absolutely corrupt? The Senator in the X-men film learned his lesson a little late.
Spider-man–the new Marvel film in the works–is about a kid who with usual teenage angst (bullies beating him up, not getting any babes, acne and so forth is mild stuff compared to today’s school experiences–such as not getting shot & killed while going to or attending school or being seduced by a deadly drug or infected by a killer disease) is merely bitten by a radioactive spider (radical stuff for the early 1960′s).
This gives Peter Parker super powers–insect powers–if amplified a man could lift a truck and carry it 20 miles as ants do. (Don’t get me started talking about Henry Pym the Antman who became Giant Man in the Marvel’s Avengers ((Capt. America, Thor the Thunder God etc.))). Add to that Peter Parker was also a brilliant student who was able to invent a web shooter and other great inventions. And Spider-man was born as a bi-product of the bi-product known as radioactive material (which Science still doesn’t know how to get rid of). (Try telling that to the Bush administration). Everything is energy! Remember Tesla coils.
But Marvel was not the only place parading superpowered characters.
D.C. Comics (Time Warner), too, utilized mythology and stories of Biblical proportions to entrain, energize and excite generations of teenagers, kids and adults from the 1940′s to present.
Some characters such as Superman, Atom, Flash, Batman, Green Lantern, JLA and others & even D.C.’s version of Capt. Marvel may have been inspired by spiritual literature which told of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and even Biblical personages who could stand in fire etc.
Scripts & Wit
Super Heroes: originating through human imagination and from literature, mythology, religion.
Though probably comic creators just made up their wondrous stories.
Once when I interviewed Gerry Conway for the Comics Journal he admitted to me that he had researched some of the comics he wrote. Conway’s friend partner Roy Thomas no doubt researched Conan and Thor and other material while writer & editor at Marvel. They worked together on the great animated Fire and Ice film. (Ralph Bakshi/Frank Frazetta).
And initially Thomas got the Conan property over to Marvel from Edgar Rice Burroughs in Tarzana, CA. (Tarzana–Tarzan…get it? Yep, it too is a comic.)
Older folk know and love the countless Films and TV shows and serials featuring these and other favorite colorful characters: Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Commander Cody (which may have inspired the Rocketeer comic and film).
COMIC BOOKS — Born by the sheer exhurberance of the Universe itself through the vehicle of the Human Being!
The Comic Industry is a metaphor for life. A cosmic drama unfolding. But not to put old wine into new bottles: Many times in the past Marvel and D.C. have teamed to do specials that benefits the play of creativity. I first met Stan Lee while I was the manager of a Comic Book Store in Studio City, California in the 1970′s.
Or, more accurately, I met him through his works at Marvel Comics — his extraordinary scripts & wit in 1961.
Very clever interaction with the fans through clubs and letter columns in the good old days made one feel as though one was a part of something. With Merry Marvel „we belonged.”
Stan Lee’s stories contained real life character’s, complete with dilemmas and the germ of great new ideas and principles for living a good life.
As when Spider-man didn’t stop a Burglar — the same Burglar who later killed his kind Uncle–Peter Parker (Spider-man) got the message — serve mankind. With great power comes responsibility.
And responsibility is the ability to respond.
Exciting fictional stories full of adventure and excitement with morals. Illustrated profusely.
Marvel Super characters were at first looked on by society as bad guys. Even after saving human butt thousands of times.
J. Jonah Jameson (cheap Editor of the Daily Bugle newspaper) has hated Spider-man for over 30 years. Jameson actually tried to destroy Spider-man by becoming a super villain.
Daredevil (blind Attorney yet Batman-esque in abilities & physical strength and agility–but with heightened senses) the Man without fear was often branded a villain too at first.
As was the ever popular Incredible Hulk — first immortalized as a comic book during the 1960′s. Who ranged from dull and stupid to near genius depending on the decade in which this enduring character is read.
What we fear we often regard as evil.
Comics have tried to teach us that the means are as important as the ends they produce.
What we do along the way determines the end result we will get. Comics are published because a word sounds good to the publisher. But some of these new young independent publishers need to know more about the meaning within these words (and so do their customers). But more power to these enterprising youngsters.
What is Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Mantra? What is Zen? (One young upstart publisher of „Zen — intergalactic Ninja” had never heard of Alan Watts — great promoter of Zen until I told him Alan Watts was a famous and popular theologian turned beatnik Philosopher & Author (one of many) responsible for introducing Eastern Religions to the spiritually starved West–often heard on KPFK radio. Alan Watts is possibly the foremost promoter of Zen. Watts’ book ” The Wisdom of Insecurity,” mentions, of all things, Comic Books. What are Chakras? The Tao means what? When kids grow up and learn about Meditation will they be tainted by our stupidity and greed?
Buzz words usually lower consciousness and cause confusion. Of course when I use to publish stuff as a youngster I made up names that sounded good but had little or no meaning such as: Beyond Infinity, Eon the Magazine of Graphic Illusions. I know less now than I did then. What is craft, art, Love, Truth?
I held several autograph parties with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1970′s and 1980′s. I threw over 50 successful autograph parties with many wonderful comic book artists and writers. I’d host the event, provide refreshments, do all the advertising, graphic art, press releases, etc. It was an exhilarating experience. It was fun to interact with pros and fans. I gave away a lot of free promo stuff.
Ninth Nebula’s first autograph party was held with Stan Lee, publisher of Marvel Comics. For ten years my shop endured in North Hollywood, CA next door to the world’s oldest Science Fiction Club (a built in audience of friends and fans and computer fiends).
The Stan Lee event evoked long lines of Comic Book fans of all ages drooling for Stan’s signature on the splash page of their old and new comics. Nowadays professionals sign comics on the cover of their title en mass which I don’t approve of. (But who listens to me).
Comics forms are often abused by aspiring young publishers who use several unnecessary full page splashes when the effect could be achieved in a tiny panel — waste of money, ink and paper if you ask me. Unlike the good old days when Steve Ditko gave us our money’s worth in the form of about 6 panels per page — he in his way was like a Zen Master — the precision of his work rivaled the art of Chinese Calligraphy (see his unique style in old Atlas Comics from the 1950′s). Some of the recent experimentation’s by Frank Miller & other talents have all done exceptionally creative work too.
Stan Lee’s arrival in a Limosine exemplified the style and pizzazz in which he lived his life. He was the spokesperson, promoter and Publisher of Marvel Comics at the time.
Stan has more energy than many men half his age. Did you catch the Hitchcock-like cameo in the awesome recent excellent X-men film where he was a Hot Dog vendor (on the beach).
Ninth Nebula was a context for many things but few know it was my 2nd book shop. My first store was opened in 1978 in the Santa Monica area and was called Beyond Illusion: New Age Book and Comic Shop. But comic books paid the rent even back then.
From 1985 through most of 1986 I threw over 19 successful mini Comic book Conventions (the San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention). This show allowed me to open Ninth Nebula–the Complete Comic Book Store. Small in size, yet packed with all the best stuff.
Jack Kirby appeared at one of my autograph events too. Kirby was Lee’s partner on all the important Marvel titles in the early 1960′s when they were formed such as Fantastic Four, (Strange Tales) Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hulk, X-men, Daredevil, Avengers, Journey Into Mystery) Thor, (Tales to Astonish) Ant-Man, (Tales of Suspense) Iron-man, Capt. America, etc.
Around 1961 Amazing Fantasy #15 was issued which is the first appearance of Amazing Spider-man and if in perfect shape could fetch $20,000 or more. Check your price guides.
Comics were serious business until the Death of Superman (and then it exploded further) which created new problems and opportunities as the comic industry began new birth pangs in 1993.
I gave 100% service & attention to all my customers at all times. I had to become innovative since often the store became overflowing and I could not mention all the new titles. I’d push a button on my tape recorder when people said „what is new.” Then the many fans and readers would get an audible list of every last detail of the new comics that had just come in. I was busy ringing sales with other customers so this made it possible for me to sell more comics. When shipments were bumped due to mail I’d say put my comics in some coffins — I need ‘em now (Capital City never did). When I lived on the premises I had a buzzer so I was the first 24 hour comic store that I know of.
As a kid I’m proud to have collected and owned several complete mint sets of every Marvel Comic Book (1961 to present).
In fact I feel the Lee, the Ditko and the Kirby are three awards the Comic Industry should create (I said this loudly prior to 1984). Though as often as I try to turn him into one of his characters (such as Doctor Strange the occult master of mystic arts) Stan remains a human being — a man, down to Earth — courageous and kind. But I’m sure it was Stan’s business savvy that made and kept Marvel such a colossal success for many years.
Long may Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation) bless the best that the „Comics Industry” has brought forth in creative inspiration down through the decades.
With comics you get to read and enjoy them over and over again and someday they will be worth something. Sure the overproduced over hyped stuff may be valueless, but if you buy what you enjoy you can’t lose.
Comics have proven themselves over the last 60 years as a legitimate American art form. Comic Book audiences are growing faster than in any other hobby form including electronic games & virtual reality. It isn’t over yet. In fact, one could say we are at the beginning.
(„He who knows, knows, they who say they know, don’t.” –Lao Tsu). Like Meditation, you won’t know what it is unless you try it.
There are many Star Trek and Star Wars Comics from Marvel and D.C. that have been issued and I collected in the past all of which are very popular. These use to be issued by Gold Key in the 1960′s. Shatner co-created TEK comics. Spielberg and Lucas were influenced by the Comic Book genre. Roger Corman is cashing in with his Cosmic Comics. Even Leonard Nimoy has a successful Comic out. Other comics sport logos from deceased Isaac Asimov & Gene Roddenberry.
In the 1960′s, Underground Comix & Fanzines made the scene. One could say this was the beginning of the Independent line of comics. Vaughn Bode’ (Cheech Wizard) kids have emulated this sadistic character through their Graphitti on the walls of washes in the past for years) Rick Griffin, George Metzger are but a few of dozens of innovative Philosopher/Artists whose work not only represents the 1960′s but whose originality rivals the Will Eisner’s (The Spirit), Harvey Kurtzman’s (MAD ), Milton Canniff (Steve Canyon), AL Capp (Lil Abner) of their day. Though sex and drugs were the order of the day, during the 1960′s, Underground’s did not and do not represent mainstream comics–which are clean and not usually politically or spiritually sophisticated. Though political cartoonist Ron Cobb punched the unrightous right wing in their gut when necessary during the 1960′s.
If you know where to look one can find incredible literary treasures in this unique American art form–The Comic Book, now worldwide in acceptance, popular in every country (indeed, as a teaching tool one could learn other languages).
Fanzines and Underground’s contain some of the earliest and most bizarre art by today’s seriously great Comic Creators.
A successful new film has been released a few years ago about the life of Robert Crumb creator of Fritz the Cat. Robert Crumb also created Zap and Mr. Natural (I’ve seen original Mr. Natural artwork prominently displayed framed on my best friend’s Fathers’ wall. (A Psychiatrist by profession in the early 1970′s).
Gerber’s four volume Photo Journal Guide To Comics is a masterpiece chronicling comics history with full color photos of the covers of old back issue comics from the 1940′s–1970′s loved by many generations of people who wished their mother hadn’t thrown them away so they could retire in style today. I explain it is never too late to begin again as gems are published weekly and the selection is enormous.
Many Doctors, Lawyers, Film People, Teachers, Musicians, Computer Experts, Politicians, Artists & Authors people from all walks of life still all read comics & or collect them. I’ve sold comics to Clint Eastwood and his son. Robin Williams once roller skated into my first Comic Store in 1978 and bought Art Books & material related to the Comic Book genre. My friend reminds me that when I threw a mini comic con Leo DiCapprio worked for me briefly (I bought Underground comics from his Dad George).
Social Relevance
Comics indeed, teach art and story writing skills by their very nature. And are used by storyboard artists in making films, doing animation and more.
At my suggestion Marvel and D.C. issued Hunger Awareness comics in the late 1970′s with proceeds going to charity. Various talents offered their artistic skills as a donation. Marvel and D.C. have done other promotional activities for charities protecting wildlife, anti-drug campaigns etc.
Other social issues Marvel has utilized in their Comics: Scientist/Inventor Tony Stark wrestled with his own inner demons as an alcoholic with heart problems who is kept alive by his suit as Iron Man (see the new film coming up).
The blind Daredevil fought the (Kingpin) Mafia & Crime with his supersenses. Radioactivity and a spider created Spider-man.
A nuclear test created the Hulk.
As I read Dr. Strange (one witnesses a 30 year battle with Dr. Strange that sadly and finally ends as the villain Baron Mordo dies of Cancer–fully forgiven by Dr. Strange all the evil rendered unto him.
World War two vet Nick Fury (Secret Agent) dies just after his creator Jack Kirby passes away.
I discovered new worlds in micro dimensions and negative zones in the Fantastic Four (Human Torch lives) back in the early 1960′s.
Marvel Lee/Kirby even created the Black Panther at the same time as Black Panther’s were active in America–and this tie in with history and comics is not an unusual thing. This version of the Black Panther was a Chief from Africa with super powers of a sort.
In the 1980′s Aids Awareness comics were issued (Ninja high School). And a major character also died from Aids in Marvel’s (Canadian Mutants) Alpha Flight.
Some Comic Books teach Science or even other languages. Ms. Mystic by Neal Adams and Green Arrow by Mike Grell and Hawkmistress by yours truly (ask to see the script) often tackled environmental issues. Am I preaching to the converted.
Kids like to read & try their hand at creating comics. Classes (including Distance Learning internet classes on comics and other themes are available around the nation. In other words people can get credit and training without leaving their homes.
Comics are a safe addiction for the whole family.
Big Little Books (short thick early one page comics, every other page just text–hardbound, from the beginning of this century) are a form of early comic books.
Violence in any form is wrong (physical, emotional etc. or against Nature). Scape-goat-ism / facism of an economic, political, militaristic, religious, talk show, judicial, prison or from any source is wrong.
Other comics explored the murders of JFK, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Most comics are not humorous. And History can effortlessly be learned, through the enjoyment of comics.
Capt. America and the Human Torch fought Hitler & fascism in Captain America comics during the 1940′s, for example.
Comics can be better than film or TV when done right. Though few have translated to the screen all that well so far except for X-men and a sleeper called Unbreakable (as of June/July 2001 it’s extremely hot at the video stores). (A great film! But it seems the comic industry is attacking itself? with this sort of material.)
There are comic books as high in vibrational quality as classical music. E.C. comics Weird Fantasy, Incredible Science Fiction, Weird Science & Weird Science Fantasy & others from the 1950′s (regarding art and story) & certain comics from Marvel & D.C. and other companies may sometimes be likened unto the much higher vibration of John Lennon or Vivaldi (quality wise). (See Dreyfus in Mr. Holland’s Opus to understand what I am saying or even Finding Forester with Sean Connery). Because of the level of story and rendering of art back in the 1950′s when issued. These were projects of love and survival.
The new way to sell comics is Ebay, Amazon.Com and Yahoo auctions. Among others. Ebay is the most successful so far.
Keeping track of your collection is a full time job. There is now inventory software for organizing Comic Collections.
I’ve enjoyed watching a few good „Electronic” or internet Comics at DC, stanlee.net and elsewhere. But animation is still better (as far as I am concerned). Beast Wars is a really well done 3-D cartoon originating from talents in Canada. Beast Wars is probably the best animation being produced these days.
Store owners didn’t mind the plethora of first issues until around 1996 when new people took over at Marvel and elsewhere. Comics are a viable art form no one should take advantage of. But retailers and fans feel they have been used. And we resent it.
One funny footnote, Frederick Wertham, the much hated Psychiatrist blamed for the demise of E.C. Comics and other companies during the 1950′s paranoid Senate subcommittee hearings where he testified against the „violence in Horror & Crime” Comics actually found something in Comics of value a little later in his life and began publishing Comic Book Fanzines. Yes Wertham got into Comics Fanzines and self publishing!: Wertham complemented Fanzines as a good that came out of Comics.
Fanzines are of many types from Science Fiction to Comic Book from art-zines to zines that specialize exclusively in one genre: Dr. Who, Star Trek, mainstream Science Fiction books etc. There are pro-zines (published by professionals in the comic industry) and zines that are „self published” by fans.
Censorship is wrong unless it is self imposed.
D.C.’s Elseworld’s stories are extremely creative and good and take comics to the next level. Putting Superman or Batman in a unique setting in time and space isn’t a new idea but the way DC executes these tales with details is usually innovative and exciting.
Where does one classify the classic Cerebus the Aardvark by Dave Sim, Reed Fleming Milkman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Hate Comics?
Classics Illustrated (classic literature illustrated) helped many people with time constraints pass a book report.
Black & white Warren Magazines (Vampirella, Creepy, Eerie) from the 1960′s often contained some of the best art & story for any time. Some fans are reeling still from the talent of Richard Corben (Den, Nevermore), Mike Ploog (Frankenstein), Jim Starlin (Warlock, Dreadstar), P. Craig Russell (Night Music, Elric.) Great work hidden in Tower Comics (Wally Wood) and Charleton Comics (Ditko) too.
The unacknowledged older audience pray that Marvel and D.C. maintain as high a standard of quality as possible.
New talent should not copy from other people’s work. Draw from life and photos. Regardless of what misinformation you may get.
Stan and Marvel literally saved the Comic Industry from extinction during the last 35 years I feel.
Eventually fans may focus on Silver Age and Golden Age comics from the 1940′s–1960′s. Or the E.C.’s from the 1950′s as I did at age 15 after acquiring every Marvel and D.C. issued during the 1960′s. But one really can’t outgrow comics. Once it is in your blood it will always be in your blood. New or now-agers would say I’m „too attached” to my possessions (comics). Possibly so. But a really well written nicely illustrated comic is better than watching Disney’s Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 in an Isolation float tank isn’t it.
Remember when I said one felt part of something with Marvel in the early days — „The Merry Marvel marching Society” etc. This is very true. People want to participate in an active way in their lives. This is one reason costuming is so successful at Comic and Science Fiction conventions. And one reason why Toys and Magic the Gathering and the internet comics, where you get to direct the outcome of the adventure, are so viable as hobbies. Because instead of watching TV one gets to enter in and play to be active and to participate.
Good art and stories are essential. Stan use to say „put it out there and see if someone salutes.”
When we were kids, of course, comics cost just.10 cents to.12 cents each. The first.02 cent raise meant we had to cut back a certain number of comics. Today Action Comics #1 (where Superman first appeared in 1938) goes for $175,000 in near mint in auctions but was onJy $400.00 when I was a 15 years old kid.
I was selling Joe Kubert original Hawkman art to people on Military bases back then and then buying more comics with the profits. (See how Comics taught business, indirectly).
When comics were released I was the kid waiting to cut the plastic strip off the piles of new D.C. and Marvel comics before the manager got around to it back in 1961 at Thrifties so I could get the newest releases before anyone & pull out the most pristine „mint” issue each and every Tues. and Thurs. year after year.
Actually I was just trying to get the next issue to read and collect as soon as it was issued. Then in 1986 when I started Ninth Nebula I started air freighting the new comics to my shop and had 500 regular weekly customers. I also gave generous discounts.
We grew up, married, had kids, started our own comic stores.
More & more „readers and collectors” abhor this wanton greed and unfairness in the comic book marketplace to their pocketbooks and sense of right. They want quality not just quantity.
In a way this is where OLD Marvel really succeeded. Marvel taught its readers to think for themselves.
Most real long term retailers find nothing wrong with investors investing in Comics or Marvel Stock, and everyone made short term money with D.C.’s two first editions of the Death of Superman. Retailers made out quite well on Superman’s Death–especially the Black Bagged version. As did Newsstands who bought them from retailers and resold them at higher amounts. Copies sell at around $25.00 now for the „black bagged edition.” The day this issue was released copies sold from $5.00– $50.00 each. Reports went as high as $250.00 for a single issue. But there are so many titles produced that since comics are not returnable to the distributor the amount of left over inventory with any „real store” will be immense and costly. Profits for shops are not as high as you may think.
Another super successful comic, Astro City by the author of Death of Superman and the Painted Marvel’s, Kurt Busiek, was published by Image Comics. Demand rivals that of the D.C.’s acclaimed winner The Watchmen (a story of some out of shape Super Heroes who try to prevent New York and the world from getting blown up, written by English Author Alan Moore). My favorite comic lately is the Spectre which began in the 1940′s. I also love various issues of Hellblazer and Swamp Thing. Tastes vary and so do types of comics. When one says Archie or Casper or Disney or Richie Rich that might be the only frame of reference a novice has about what is available. Great or unique art draws me into reading the comic. Quality matters.
At Ninth Nebula our customers were 30-50 years old and spent $30.00 or more each week all year long. They’d get 30 comics all totally different from all publishers. Most customers still focus on Marvel and D.C. but Independent publishers are here to stay.
Mad Magazine was originally a smaller size E.C. Comic. At issue #24 Mad became an entirely black and white magazine in a larger format. The ever popular talented humorous generous Sergio Aragones has been on TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes and other shows and is co-creator of Groo the Wanderer (with writer Mark Evanier) started with Mad many years ago. Their Groo the Wanderer at Marvel literally had me laughing hysterically on the floor after I fell off my chair.
If you are just exploring comics for the first time be sure to check out stores that carry old and new issues.
Direct Market is strange now because there is only one real main stream distributor of comics today. Diamond. If you want to start a shop don’t order randomly–find out what your customers will buy. Use their order form. There are small publishers too from whom you might be able to order directly and internet subscription services.
Other material to check out when you get into Comics reading and collecting: Comics Values Monthly (think it still exists in some form), Wizard, The Comics Buyer’s Guide and The Comics Journal (Published by Fantagraphics. Opinionated Gary Groth is the editor). And of course the price guide Overstreet. Which should be used as a guide but not as the bible. My famous saying remains: „Buy what you enjoy–if it goes up that is an added bonus.”
This „industry” will endure for all those with faith who work hard and make wise choices in ordering: Marvels, D.C.’s and Independents.
New is no longer so sacred a word. But together we can make it so when it again deserves it. We are moving in the correct direction. Thanks Stan, you helped give the „Comic Book Generation” the ability to think, better than schools ever could. And the desire to keep on learning.
Remember we’ve moved from a you or me world to a you and me world. These aren’t just words but lifestyles millions of people adhere to now. And we are not the „fringe.”
I share this Truth as a service to the Comics Industry: „Wider is not better.” (Except for the car & luxury industry). Give us quality and we will give you our money, time and attention.
As King Arthur and Stan Lee might say: „Excelsior! ” Or as I might say: „Where’s my Digel.”

The adventurous traveler has a variety of Maui helicopter tours from which to choose. One of my favorites is the East Maui trip. In under an hour, this flight gets you as close to the spirit of this Hawaiian Island as possible. If you are looking for things to do on Maui, add this chopper ride to your list.
This tour leaves daily from the heliport at Kahului. Minutes into the flight, you’ll find yourself above a region that locals refer to as the Upcountry, a beautiful area comprised of meadows, rolling hills, and ranches that abut the slopes of Haleakala National Park, home of the famous Haleakala Crater.
A geological wonder, Haleakala Crater is an extinct volcano that’s 7.5 miles wide, 2.5 miles long, and 3,000 feet deep! Based on these dimensions, the crater could engulf Manhattan Island. The Park’s bleak landscape is pocked with lifeless cinder cones. Fly above this barren environment and you’ll be convinced your looking down on the surface of the moon.
The trip now heads for historic Hana town. En route, you fly over Koolau Forest Reserve, the Keanae Valley, Kuhiwa Gulch, and the Hana Forest Reserve, the largest of its kind in the U.S.
Hana town is considered one of the most Hawaiian communities in the state. Many of its 1,900 residents are of Hawaiian blood and exude „ohana,” or the uniquely indigenous concept of the extended family. This sense of tradition and timelessness has led many to characterize Hana as „Old Hawaii.”
The area surrounding Hana is rich with natural sights, including lush green pastures, jagged black coastlines, Kaihalulu „Red Sand” Beach, and Oheo Gulch’s Seven Sacred Pools (there’s actually 24 pools that start from 400-foot Waimoku Falls and feed into each other until the stream meets the ocean.).
This Maui helicopter tour wraps up with a quick sample of East Maui’s rugged, isolated shoreline, old sugar plantations, and more volcanic moonscapes before making a final pass over the Upcountry area and landing at Kahului.
There are two types of helicopters that fly this trip: The AStar and the EcoStar 130. On many occasions, I’ve flow aboard an AStar. They are great aircraft. However, if you are looking for comfort and style, upgrade to an EcoStar. These helis have 25% more cabin space and feature theater-style seating and 180-degree wraparound windows, making them the ultimate sightseeing helicopter.
I strongly recommend that you take an early morning flight. This is when visibility and weather conditions are best. Take the last flight out for sunsets. These two times are the most popular so book in advance. Expect to pay a premium, too, unless you purchase your seats on the Internet. Seems to me that more and more tour companies are posting their best deals on the Web.
Hawaiian helicopter tours to Maui’s East Island are a remarkable experience. On a map, Maui looks like a blip. Fly above it and everything changes. From steamy rain forests and monster craters to Eden-like beaches and cascading waterfalls, Maui is diverse and captivating. And it can all be seen in an hour. Helicopter tours are the perfect day trip: Try not to leave the „Valley Isle” without taking one.
The adventurous traveler has a variety of Maui helicopter tours from which to choose. One plac zabaw of my favorites is the East Maui trip. In under an hour, this flight gets you as close to the spirit of this Hawaiian Island as possible. If you are looking for things to do on Maui, add this chopper ride to your list.
This tour leaves daily from the heliport at Kahului. Minutes into the flight, you’ll find yourself above a region that locals refer to as the Upcountry, a beautiful area comprised of meadows, rolling hills, and ranches that abut the slopes of Haleakala National Park, home of the famous Haleakala Crater.
A geological wonder, Haleakala Crater is an extinct volcano that’s 7.5 miles wide, 2.5 miles long, and 3,000 feet deep! Based on these dimensions, the crater could engulf Manhattan Island. The Park’s bleak landscape is pocked with lifeless cinder cones. Fly above this barren environment and you’ll be convinced your looking down on the surface of the moon.
The trip now heads for historic Hana town. En route, you fly over Koolau Forest Reserve, the Keanae Valley, Kuhiwa Gulch, and the Hana Forest Reserve, the largest of its kind in the U.S.
Hana town is considered one of the most Hawaiian communities in the state. Many of its 1,900 residents are of Hawaiian blood and exude „ohana,” or the uniquely indigenous concept of the extended family. This sense of tradition and timelessness has led many to characterize Hana as „Old Hawaii.”
The area surrounding Hana is rich with natural sights, including lush green pastures, jagged black coastlines, Kaihalulu „Red Sand” Beach, and Oheo Gulch’s Seven Sacred Pools (there’s actually 24 pools that start from 400-foot Waimoku Falls and feed into each other until the stream meets the ocean.).
This Maui helicopter tour wraps up with a quick sample of East Maui’s rugged, isolated shoreline, old sugar plantations, and more volcanic moonscapes before making a final pass over the Upcountry area and landing at Kahului.
There are two types of helicopters that fly this trip: The AStar and the EcoStar 130. On many occasions, I’ve flow aboard an AStar. They are great aircraft. However, if you are looking for comfort and style, upgrade to an EcoStar. These helis have 25% more cabin space and feature theater-style seating and 180-degree wraparound windows, making them the ultimate sightseeing helicopter.
I strongly recommend that you take an early morning flight. This is when visibility and weather conditions are best. Take the last flight out for sunsets. These two times are the most popular so book in advance. Expect to pay a premium, too, unless you purchase your seats on the Internet. Seems to me that more and more tour companies are posting their best deals on the Web.
Hawaiian helicopter tours to Maui’s East Island are a remarkable experience. On a map, Maui looks like a blip. Fly above it and everything changes. From steamy rain forests and monster craters to Eden-like beaches and cascading waterfalls, Maui is diverse and captivating. And it can all be seen in an hour. Helicopter tours are the perfect day trip: Try not to leave the „Valley Isle” without taking one.

The theme parks of Florida are great and are „must-see” attractions for all visitors to this state, however, some of Florida’s natural attractions should also be put on your list of places to visit when you plan your vacation. If you are headed towards Miami or Ft. Meyers then the Big Cypress National Preserve is a destination which will let you get up close to Florida’s wildlife and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities.
Big Cypress National Preserve consists of 729,000 acres of freshwater swamp. Here you will find tropical and temperate plants and a wide diversity of birds and animals including the endangered Florida panther. In the past this part of Florida was home to the Seminole and Miccosukee peoples and the preserve protects their traditional customs in addition to its role of providing recreational opportunities to residents of south Florida and to visitors.
The preserve has several prime areas for wildlife viewing and bird watching. If you want to see alligators and manatees then the HP Williams Roadside Park, the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center and the Oasis Visitor Center are the places to go. If you take a canoe out on the Turner River during the winter you will also be treated to the site of many wading birds. If you prefer not to get wet you can take a walk through the Kirby Storter Roadside Park and enjoy the views of nature there.
The preserve, as would be expected, has many designated trails for hiking and it is also possible to hike through unmarked territory. The best season for hiking is the dry season, though some hikers, who are ready to walk in waist-high water, enjoy the challenges of the wet season. Whichever season you choose, you will be rewarded with unique views of untouched wildlife. You can download Google Map Files and Garmin Map Source Files of the hiking trails of the preserve if you want to start planning your hikes now.
If you do not want to go it alone you can take advantage of various Ranger Led Programs that are available with the staff of the National Park Service. In addition, there are commercial tours run by permitted commercial service operators.
You may prefer to paddle your way through the preserve and that’s why canoeing and kayaking are popular here. The prime paddling season is from November through March when temperatures and bugs are tolerable. However, if you don’t mind these obstacles you can paddle through the preserve year-round.
There are various designated paddling routes and it can take from three to seven hours to complete the routes. It of course depends on the tidal conditions, where you start and end your trips and your paddling or kayaking skills. You will need intermediate canoe paddling skills or kayaking skills to handle the conditions of this preserve and the park service cautions you „to make arrangements for parking a second vehicle at the end of your paddling trip to shuttle you back to the starting point.”
Many families enjoy camping and fishing in the preserve. Campgrounds within the preserve are offered on a first-come first-served basis, no reservations are accepted. There are nominal fees for some of the campgrounds in the period December 15 through April 15 and there are free campgrounds within the preserve as well.
Big Cypress National Preserve is located one hour driving distance from Ft. Myers and one-and-one half hours from Miami. If you need more information contact the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, an interagency center for all public lands within the Big Cypress Swamp located at 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141 (239) 695-4758
The theme parks of Florida are great and are „must-see” attractions for pozycjonowanie all visitors to this state, however, some of Florida’s natural attractions should also be put on your list of places to visit when you plan your vacation. If you are headed towards Miami or Ft. Meyers then the Big Cypress National Preserve is a destination which will let you get up close to Florida’s wildlife and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities.
Big Cypress National Preserve consists of 729,000 acres of freshwater swamp. Here you will find tropical and temperate plants and a wide diversity of birds and animals including the endangered Florida panther. In the past this part of Florida was home to the Seminole and Miccosukee peoples and the preserve protects their traditional customs in addition to its role of providing recreational opportunities to residents of south Florida and to visitors.
The preserve has several prime areas for wildlife viewing and bird watching. If you want to see alligators and manatees then the HP Williams Roadside Park, the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center and the Oasis Visitor Center are the places to go. If you take a canoe out on the Turner River during the winter you will also be treated to the site of many wading birds. If you prefer not to get wet you can take a walk through the Kirby Storter Roadside Park and enjoy the views of nature there.
The preserve, as would be expected, has many designated trails for hiking and it is also possible to hike through unmarked territory. The best season for hiking is the dry season, though some hikers, who are ready to walk in waist-high water, enjoy the challenges of the wet season. Whichever season you choose, you will be rewarded with unique views of untouched wildlife. You can download Google Map Files and Garmin Map Source Files of the hiking trails of the preserve if you want to start planning your hikes now.
If you do not want to go it alone you can take advantage of various Ranger Led Programs that are available with the staff of the National Park Service. In addition, there are commercial tours run by permitted commercial service operators.
You may prefer to paddle your way through the preserve and that’s why canoeing and kayaking are popular here. The prime paddling season is from November through March when temperatures and bugs are tolerable. However, if you don’t mind these obstacles you can paddle through the preserve year-round.
There are various designated paddling routes and it can take from three to seven hours to complete the routes. It of course depends on the tidal conditions, where you start and end your trips and your paddling or kayaking skills. You will need intermediate canoe paddling skills or kayaking skills to handle the conditions of this preserve and the park service cautions you „to make arrangements for parking a second vehicle at the end of your paddling trip to shuttle you back to the starting point.”
Many families enjoy camping and fishing in the preserve. Campgrounds within the preserve are offered on a first-come first-served basis, no reservations are accepted. There are nominal fees for some of the campgrounds in the period December 15 through April 15 and there are free campgrounds within the preserve as well.
Big Cypress National Preserve is located one hour driving distance from Ft. Myers and one-and-one half hours from Miami. If you need more information contact the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, an interagency center for all public lands within the Big Cypress Swamp located at 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141 (239) 695-4758

PT Barnum (born Phineas Taylor Barnum) is best known for being a great showman who staged elaborate extravaganzas through his world-famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, a top attraction during the latter-1800s. For many of today’s PR professionals, he is also the first great PR man.
Barnum first made it to the public eye in 1835 when he staged exhibits showcasing a blind and near-paralyzed African-American woman named Joice Heth whom he claimed was the nurse of George Washington and was over 160 years old. Heth died in 1836 and was declared to be 70 years old. Barnum’s hoax was revealed, but this hardly deterred him from a lifetime of similar initiatives.
Starting in 1841, Barnum staged elaborate spectacles in New York that no one had ever seen before, featuring the likes of celebrated midget General Tom Thumb, a Fiji mermaid, the original Siamese twins, Chang and Eng Bunker and a Native American dancer named Do-Hum-Me. In 1871, Barnum took his show on the road, first in America and later around the world with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, whose main attraction was Jumbo, an African elephant. At that point, many considered him the greatest showman of all time.
Barnum’s exploits illustrate a fine example of what has become a fundamental belief in today’s public relations: „perception” is the key. „It’s not what they know, it’s what they believe,” is how the owner of one New York firm put it recently. Make them believe they are listening to the greatest proposal of all time, and you will have them signing on the dotted line. Make them believe that your product will give them exactly what it is they want and they will scamper to clear out your shelves.
But there is a big difference between PT Barnum and today’s professional executives engaged in the PR business: a sense of responsibility in the exercise of his craft. Barnum was the absolute showman, but many of his attractions were mere hoax. Today, no legitimate businessman will have any use for a PR man without credibility, because who would believe someone like that? The savvy PR man knows you can stretch the truth a little and bend it a bit, but you cannot afford to lie.
Public Relations employs several communications tools to make clients perceived a certain way. They issue press releases announcing the client’s newest products, latest awards and never-before-seen innovations. They court esteemed members of the press to consider their client in a positive light and to say so in their newspaper columns, TV shows or talk radio programs. On behalf of their clients, they create and support events that portray a carefully-studied image, much like PT Barnum during his heyday. And like Barnum, the try to go about their business with flair.
And although they may admire PT Barnum for his showmanship, they know that you can only go so far in the PR business if showmanship is all you have to offer.
PT Barnum (born Phineas Taylor Barnum) is best known for being a great showman who staged elaborate extravaganzas through his world-famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, a top attraction during the latter-1800s. For many of today’s PR professionals, he is also the first great PR man.
Barnum first made it to the public eye in 1835 when he staged exhibits showcasing a blind and near-paralyzed African-American sex anonse woman named Joice Heth whom he claimed was the nurse of George Washington and was over 160 years old. Heth died in 1836 and was declared to be 70 years old. Barnum’s hoax was revealed, but this hardly deterred him from a lifetime of similar initiatives.
Starting in 1841, Barnum staged elaborate spectacles in New York that no one had ever seen before, featuring the likes of celebrated midget General Tom Thumb, a Fiji mermaid, the original Siamese twins, Chang and Eng Bunker and a Native American dancer named Do-Hum-Me. In 1871, Barnum took his show on the road, first in America and later around the world with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, whose main attraction was Jumbo, an African elephant. At that point, many considered him the greatest showman of all time.
Barnum’s exploits illustrate a fine example of what has become a fundamental belief in today’s public relations: „perception” is the key. „It’s not what they know, it’s what they believe,” is how the owner of one New York firm put it recently. Make them believe they are listening to the greatest proposal of all time, and you will have them signing on the dotted line. Make them believe that your product will give them exactly what it is they want and they will scamper to clear out your shelves.
But there is a big difference between PT Barnum and today’s professional executives engaged in the PR business: a sense of responsibility in the exercise of his craft. Barnum was the absolute showman, but many of his attractions were mere hoax. Today, no legitimate businessman will have any use for a PR man without credibility, because who would believe someone like that? The savvy PR man knows you can stretch the truth a little and bend it a bit, but you cannot afford to lie.
Public Relations employs several communications tools to make clients perceived a certain way. They issue press releases announcing the client’s newest products, latest awards and never-before-seen innovations. They court esteemed members of the press to consider their client in a positive light and to say so in their newspaper columns, TV shows or talk radio programs. On behalf of their clients, they create and support events that portray a carefully-studied image, much like PT Barnum during his heyday. And like Barnum, the try to go about their business with flair.
And although they may admire PT Barnum for his showmanship, they know that you can only go so far in the PR business if showmanship is all you have to offer.

The FX Market is network of financial institutions and brokers in which individuals, businesses, banks, and governments buy and sell the currencies of different countries. FX is used for international trade, investments in foreign countries, or to speculate on price changes in currencies around the world.

Forex = ( Foreign Exchange Market)
Forex is an international foreign exchange market, where money is bought and sold freely.
The Forex was launched in the seventies, when free exchange rates were introduced.
The participants of the market determine the price of one currency against the other influenced by supply and demand.
Forex is exchanging one currency to another.
The FX Street Address
The Forex is not a place it’s a 24 hour a day network.
The FX Market is network of financial institutions and brokers in which individuals, businesses, banks, and governments buy and sell the currencies of different countries. FX is used for international trade, investments in foreign countries, or to speculate on price changes in currencies around the world.
The largest FX Trading Centres are located in:

London (32% of All FX Trading)
New York (18% of All FX Trading)
Tokyo (8% of All FX Trading)
Singapore (7% of all FX Trading)
The Largest Financial Market In The World

5 times the volume of the U.S. Treasury Bond market (300 billion a day)
150 times the volume of the entire U.S. equity market (10 billion a day)
The FX trading volume is from 1 to over 3 trillion per day.
Only 5% of trading is from companies and governments that buy or sell currency to convert profits to their currency.
The remaining 95% of trading is speculation for profit.
FX is traded in currency pairs like: ASD/CAD or EUR/USD
The Seven Primary Currencies

US Dollar = USD
EURO = EUR
British Pound = GBP
Japanese Yen = JPY
Swiss Franc = CHF
Canadian Dollar = CAD
Australian Dollar = AUD
USD makes up over 87% of all buying and selling transactions.
Forex Has the Highest Liquidity of Any Market.
Daily trading volume is 50 times more than the New York Stock Exchange.
Influences On Currency Values
Interest rates

The difference in interest rates between countries is one of the main things that influences exchange rates.
Inflation

If the central bank prints more money inflation goes up and th value of the currency goes down.
Trade balance

The more a country imports the weaker that currency gets because the country has to sell their currency to buy imports.
The more a country exports the stronger the currency gets.
Government deficits or surpluses

If a government has a deficit it has to borrow money from citizens or foreign investors.
Currency value goes down when governments sell their currency to foreign investors.
The FX Market is network of financial institutions and brokers in which individuals, businesses, banks, and governments buy and sell the currencies of different countries. FX is used for international trade, investments in foreign countries, or to speculate on price changes in currencies around the world.

Forex = ( Foreign Exchange Market)
Forex is an international foreign exchange market, where money is bought and sold freely.
The Forex was launched in the seventies, when free exchange rates were introduced.
The participants of the market determine the price of one currency against the other influenced by supply and demand.
Forex is exchanging one currency to another.
The FX Street Address
The Forex is not a place it’s a 24 hour a day network.
The FX Market is network of financial institutions and brokers in which individuals, businesses, banks, and governments buy and sell the currencies of different countries. FX is used for international trade, investments in foreign countries, or to speculate on price changes in currencies around the world.
The largest FX Trading Centres are located in:

London (32% of All FX Trading)
New York (18% of All FX Trading)
Tokyo (8% of All FX Trading)
Singapore (7% of all sieci elektryczne FX Trading)
The Largest Financial Market In The World

5 times the volume of the U.S. Treasury Bond market (300 billion a day)
150 times the volume of the entire U.S. equity market (10 billion a day)
The FX trading volume is from 1 to over 3 trillion per day.
Only 5% of trading is from companies and governments that buy or sell currency to convert profits to their currency.
The remaining 95% of trading is speculation for profit.
FX is traded in currency pairs like: ASD/CAD or EUR/USD
The Seven Primary Currencies

US Dollar = USD
EURO = EUR
British Pound = GBP
Japanese Yen = JPY
Swiss Franc = CHF
Canadian Dollar = CAD
Australian Dollar = AUD
USD makes up over 87% of all buying and selling transactions.
Forex Has the Highest Liquidity of Any Market.
Daily trading volume is 50 times more than the New York Stock Exchange.
Influences On Currency Values
Interest rates

The difference in interest rates between countries is one of the main things that influences exchange rates.
Inflation

If the central bank prints more money inflation goes up and th value of the currency goes down.
Trade balance

The more a country imports the weaker that currency gets because the country has to sell their currency to buy imports.
The more a country exports the stronger the currency gets.
Government deficits or surpluses

If a government has a deficit it has to borrow money from citizens or foreign investors.
Currency value goes down when governments sell their currency to foreign investors.

One of the most anticipated first round matchups in the 2010 NFL playoffs is the Patriots and the Ravens. People are really enjoying the prospects of this game for many different reasons. Let’s take a look at some of those here.
First of all, everyone outside of New England loves to hate the Patriots. This franchise has become the nemesis of many teams during the course of the decade, as they coasted to three Super Bowl victories and became a dynasty of sorts.
Fans enjoy rooting against the team for this reason. They also admonish (or possibly envy) the picture perfect nature of Tom Brady, so they always enjoy seeing an underdog come in to upset them.
Here are the key points to keep in mind when it comes to Sunday’s game. This will help to give you an idea as to what chances the Patriots have of winning.
First of all, it should be noted that the Patriots are 8-0 at home this season, one of only two teams (the Vikings were the other) to have finished the regular season with an undefeated home record.
This makes the task of beating New England at Foxboro an extremely daunting one for the Ravens. On the other hand, Baltimore nearly beat the Pats in New England when they played earlier this season, only to fall short in the 4th quarter.
Another factor that bodes well for Baltimore is the fact that New England just lost its star receiver, Wes Welker, to an injury that will keep him out of the entire playoffs.
Welker’s 1348 receiving yards were second best in the NFL in 2009, and his 123 receptions were more than any other player in the league. Clearly, the loss of Welker to injury will be a major blow to the Patriots and could put their chances of winning at risk.
All in all, the competitive fire of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the rest of this organization come through more often than not. Most fans would be surprised to see the Patriots come away with anything short of a victory.
One of the most anticipated first round matchups in the 2010 NFL playoffs is the Patriots and the Ravens. People are really enjoying the prospects of this game for many different reasons. Let’s take a look at some of those here.
First of all, everyone outside of New England loves to hate the Patriots. This franchise has become the nemesis of many teams during the course of the decade, as they coasted to three Super Bowl victories and became a dynasty of sorts.
Fans enjoy rooting against the team for this reason. They also admonish (or possibly envy) the picture perfect nature of Tom Brady, so they always enjoy seeing an underdog come in hotel mazury to upset them.
Here are the key points to keep in mind when it comes to Sunday’s game. This will help to give you an idea as to what chances the Patriots have of winning.
First of all, it should be noted that the Patriots are 8-0 at home this season, one of only two teams (the Vikings were the other) to have finished the regular season with an undefeated home record.
This makes the task of beating New England at Foxboro an extremely daunting one for the Ravens. On the other hand, Baltimore nearly beat the Pats in New England when they played earlier this season, only to fall short in the 4th quarter.
Another factor that bodes well for Baltimore is the fact that New England just lost its star receiver, Wes Welker, to an injury that will keep him out of the entire playoffs.
Welker’s 1348 receiving yards were second best in the NFL in 2009, and his 123 receptions were more than any other player in the league. Clearly, the loss of Welker to injury will be a major blow to the Patriots and could put their chances of winning at risk.
All in all, the competitive fire of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the rest of this organization come through more often than not. Most fans would be surprised to see the Patriots come away with anything short of a victory.