Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Limbaugh, Fox and Parkinsons

Pardon me for a moment as I do something that I despise and that's get political, (sort of), but I just can't ignore this without saying something publicly:

Reading the internet and my local papers today, I see where Rush-Limbo publicly came out yesterday on his radio show to say that Michael J. Fox was "either acting or off his meds," when he spoke out for a democratic candidate for congress who happened to support stem-cell research, (which is crucial for developing a cure for diseases like Parkinsons and Alzheimers), because the ticks and radical uncontrollable movements associated with the disease were present for all to see.

It appears the pot is calling the kettle black here and Rush is the one who must be off his ("illegal") meds, for making such an incredibly uninformed and desperate attempt to stain the reputation of a man who is the face of the cause of finding a cure for Parkinson's disease in this country. But, oh yeah...his politics differ from Rush's so it's okay to totally distort the true about him!

If you know Mr. Fox's story at all, you are familiar with his history with this disease, how it has affected all facets of his life, (marriage, career etc...) and how he has valiantly persevered and used his celebrity status to make Americans and our government more aware of the effects of diseases like Parkinsons and the degree to which they are prevelent our society.

If you've seen Mr. Fox at all in his public presentations to groups around the country, including the Congress (which I'm sure someone as professional as Rush would do...ya'know do research before stating his opinion on a subject)...you'd know that he is not acting....this is the degree to which this disease is affecting him. Conditions such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers, can cause such vivid symptoms and that they cause people to totally withdrawal from public life, due to their inability to control them and their embarrassment because of it. Ask the Reagans how this affected their father,(our former president), Rush!

The skeptic might say..."but I've seen Mr. Fox in a movie or TV role over the past few years, he didn't have those kind of movements and ticks then!" Having heard Mr. Fox address this subject previously, it's because for him to do even a cameo role requires extreme amounts of medication, dedication and discipline...even for 30 seconds of "non-ticky camera time". He can pull it off, but it is completely exhausting and mentally dehabilitating for him after it is completed.

Rush is good theatre. He is an actor playing a part, no more or less than Mr. Fox has been in movies or TV. But where Parkinson and how Stem Cell research is related to it is concerned, that's where the acting ends and real life begins for Mr. Fox. He will in all likelihood die from this disease, so his speaking out on this issue, is partly out of trying to save his own life, where Rush's opinion, (like all of his opinions), is simply part of his act as a right-wing shill because agreeing with Mr. Fox and his cause, could hurt a republican's chance for election to the congress...and of course never let it be said that Rush lets the truth get in the way of politics!

It continues to amaze me how millions of people in our country take every word or opinion that comes out of his mouth as the gospel truth. My father taught me as a socially-politically developing teen, "Always beware of someone who is absolutly sure he is always correct, because the chances are, they are either misinformed, myopic, or just plain ignorant of all sides of an issue."

Remember people, this is the same man who came out and said publicly that our government and justice system is too lenient on recreational drug users, but then when he is caught massively abusing illegally obtained pain pills, rather than just "walk his talk" and facing up to his addiction, (or the PC term, his disease), like Mr. Fox has publically done with his disease, Rush hid behind the skirts of his high-priced legal team did everything he could to avoid facing up to his crime and paying his debt to society... (just like those he so elegantly criticized for doing so in the past). It was the ultimate chance for him to show the world his strength of his character and how much he truly believes the opinions he states empirically on his show...and he failed this listener on both counts.

Michael J. Fox is ten times the man that Rush can ever hope to be and I salute him for his courage!

Monday, October 23, 2006

Wizard World Texas is Coming!

I just wanted to mention to the world, (or all seven of you who visit here regularly…LOL), that I will be attending the Wizard World Texas pop culture convention, in Arlington, Texas...which is sponsored of course by Wizard Magazine.

The convention is being held from Friday November 10th through Sunday November 12th at the Arlington Convention Center, (which is right next to 6 Flags Over Texas and the Ball Park in Arlington). For more information about location, hotels and tickets, visit Wizards website: http://www.wizarduniverse.com/

So if you live in the DFW area, or Texas, or the southwestern U.S., why don’t you plan on attending the largest pop culture related convention in Texas? There’ll be plenty of comics, graphic novels, books, games, music, movie stars, TV stars, pro. wrestlers, masks & costumes, electronics and lot’s of FREE stuff!

You can find me in the Artist Alley section, (which is usually a separate room from the main exhibit hall), at table 2460. You’ll be able to get autographed copies of both of the Eye Witness graphic novels, (as well as my earlier works: Template and No Justice/No Piece) and pickup a FREE Eye Witness poster, (which retails for $4.50 on our web-site); and if I’m feeling ambitious, maybe even an original sketch. Or just stop by and chat about God, Comics, the state of Christianity or just our crazy world!

Hope to see you there!

Robert Luedke
Head Press Publishing
www.HEADPRESS.info

Thursday, October 12, 2006

What's the Buzz?

Just wanted to share some of the wonderful comments & reviews we are receiving on Eye Witness: Acts of the Spirit, (book two in the Eye Witness graphic novel trilogy).

"Your artistry really helped bring a great story alive for me. And linking it to the modern day saga only served to heighten the mystery and majesty of what occurred two thousand years ago.”

Alan Palmer
Producer WKCT-AM


“The language of the apostles, the Jews and the Romans in ancient Jerusalem is presented in a contemporary American vernacular. The story of the apostles (especially the conversion of Paul) is told with lively interest. The modern day plot of attempted assassination is equally of interest with its twists, turns, and unexpected developments. Eye Witness: Acts Of The Spirit, is a unique, entertaining, imaginative, and very highly recommended graphic novel for readers of all ages.”
Michael J. Carson
Midwest Book Review


“Luedke’s talent will entice children and young adults to read where they may have resisted previously. The illustrations are beautifully done. The content is a beautiful way to illustrate the love of Christ for each of us. It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend this book to parents that want their children to discover the true story of the resurrection.”

Debra Gaynor
Reader Views
If you would like to share your thoughts on either of the first two Eye Witness graphic novels, (A Fictional Tale of Absolute Truth or Acts of the Spirit), please post your thoughts/review on the "Customer Review" section of our listings on Amazon.com, (http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Witness-Acts-Spirit/dp/0975892428)
I look forward to seeing your feedback.
Walkin' in the Spirit,
Robert James Luedke
www.HEADPRESS.info