As the Horseshoe Burns

Once, not so long ago, my Indianapolis Colts were a model of sanity and stability in the NFL. However, we all know that NFL really stands for "Not For Long" (or "No Fun League" if you're a flamboyant wide receiver). This perfect union can't withstand the Peytonpocaplypse or Jim Irsay's Twitter account, and as the March 8th roster bonus deadline creeps ever closer, the Irsay-Manning media feud marches on with its soap opera machinations.

Just weeks ago, Jim Irsay referred to Peyton Manning as "a politician." We all know Manning is obsessed with his public persona, so the statement rang true. That does not, however, mean that it needed to be said. Irsay should've risen above the fray, yet his ego apparently wouldn't allow it.

The latest twist comes as Irsay does some politicking of his own. This time, he says the ball is totally in Peyton's hands. Manning can remain a Colt as long as he wants to remain a Colt...and if he's willing to restructure his deal so that gambling on Peyton Manning won't force the Colts to mortgage their inevitable post-Peyton future.

So basically, Irsay's telling everyone that if Peyton fails to stay with the Colts, it's Manning's own choice. Thus, Irsay is essentially saying "it's not my decision" and deflecting criticism from himself and the mismanagement of this entire bitter saga.

His utter refusal to just make a decision is absolutely maddening. On the other hand, that $28 million is pretty much just stealing money, especially if Peyton isn't able to play. I guess if Manning really does want to stay in Indianapolis, he'll sign a new deal that will prevent the franchise from doing a first-class Titanic toward insignificance.

I'd love it if both these guys could take the high road and find a way to make things work.

I guess we'll find out...as the Horseshoe burns.

Superhero ABCs: Letter U

U is for Uniform.

Super suit.

Crime-fighting gear.

Power suit.

Uniform.

Whatever you want to call it, don't call it a costume. The hero of my upcoming superhero novel I, Crimsonstreak is fairly adamant about this. To him, fighting crime is a birthright. It's a job. That means superheroism is something that must be taken seriously (or, at the very least, semi-seriously). Heroes don't wear costumes because "costumes" are for trick or treating.

Of course, Crimsonstreak sometimes takes himself a bit too seriously (and mostly on this point about costumes...er...uniforms). Still, every superhero has one. Some have simple masks, others ornate cowls. Some have capes, others (ahem...especially for female avengers) barely cover anything. Spandex is often employed, usually in bright colors. Others have strange pouches and contours. Many have some sort of symbol.

I think it's safe to say you're not really a comic book hero (or villain, I suppose) unless you wear some of goofy-looking uniform.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Tomorrow: Because a hero needs someone to play with.

Previous Entries:

T is for The Tick
S is for Spider-Man
R is for Robin
Q is for The Question
P is for The Punisher
O is for Origin Story
N is for Nite Owl
M is for Metropolis
L is for Lois Lane
K is for Kal-El
J is for J'onn J'onzz
I is for Iron Man
H is for the Human Bullet
G is for Green Lantern
F is for the Flash
E is for Events
D is for Dr. Fate
C is for Captain America
B is for Batman
A is for The Avengers

Live and Let Undead Arrives!

I received my copy of the Live and Let Undead anthology from Library of the Living Dead Press. The collection features my short story "Sparky Save the World."

I'm very proud of that story because it's not typically something I'd write. In fact, it was my first (and possibly only) zombie story.

The summary:

Harris and his bomb-sniffing partner Sparky work to stop biological weapons and other dangers from going through the nation's ports. Trained to detect hazardous materials, Sparky--an UNDEAD (UNnaturally DE-evolved Anthropological Degenerate) who used to be human--proves his ultimate worth when confronted with a massive, potentially catastrophic weapons shipment.

You can get your copy here.

Special thanks to Hollie Snider for selecting the stories for the anthology, and congratulations to my fellow writers. I can't wait to read your stories!