JediDefender.com Forums
Community => Watto's Junk Yard => Topic started by: Paul on July 13, 2005, 08:42 AM
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Ok, I need the help of our brilliiant and diverse group here on JD.com...
On this up coming Monday (the 18th) I am going in to have Back Surgery. (somehow I have herniated my disc AGAIN) and I need some reading/watching material as I sit in bed for 3 weeks.
Any reading (comic/graphic or novel) that anybody would suggest? At this point I've read most of the Star Wars Novels (I am considering reading the X Wing Series from book 1 to the end). And I have the DVD's.
I've also read almost every Louis Lamour (he writes about the old west for you high brow folks).
I was thinking of one of the Comic Book collected works from the Justice League or the Avengers, but I don't which are good self contained stories with Characters that I know without too much preaching. Anybody know any good ones? Probably just Marvel or DC characters since I am more likely know at least recognize them.
I am trying to stay away from anything too politically or socially charged either way (whether comic or print), I'll be in a bad enough mood being stuck in bed while everybody (you know who you are) is out there "Collecting" without me.
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First off, good luck with the surgery - hopefully everything goes well and nothing puts you back any.
:)
Need some time to kill, eh?
Are you a gamer? You could buy a Playstation 2, which is roughly $100 or so, and then buy the best Star Wars game ever, Star Wars Battlefront, which is now only $20... this will keep you occupied for a while. Other good Star Wars games at $20 would be Bounty Hunter (about Jango Fett), Jedi Starfighter (about Adi Gallia around the time of the Battle of Geonosis), and one of my personal favorites - Racer Revenge (Podracing!).
If books are your thing, then definately read the X-Wing series, that should be required reading for Star Wars fans. After that you may want to read or re-read the Thrawn Trilogy. You could catch up on all of the Clone Wars books that've come out, including the 5 volumes of Clone Wars TPB's that Dark Horse have put out.
Why not get a laptop and spend all day at JediDefender?
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Paul, if I had to suggest any graphic novels/comics collections, I would go with any of the following:
-Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
-Uncanny X-Men: Dark Phoenix Saga
-Alan Moore's Watchmen
The last of those isn't politically or socially driven (so to speak), but it isn't your typical light superhero reading. Come to think of it, all three of those aren't really typical for comics these days or back then, but all are well worth reading. The former two are probably the best comic series or story arcs that have ever been done, IMHO, and the third is just incredible to read.
Movies...I have always found that the one film that cheers me up more than anything else is "Airplane!" The best news is that you can find it at just about any Wal-Mart for about 8 dollars on DVD. Very funny film, and it's one that I could watch over and over. Also, "The Big Lebowski" is another 10 dollar or so DVD at Target these days and very very funny as well.
Books...Most of the fiction I read is probably not what you'd be looking for, but I am always willing to pimp Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" (absolutely brilliant and my favorite novel of all time), and Chuck Barris's "unauthorized autobiography" "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" and the follow-up "Bad Grass Never Dies." There is a movie of the former which, while very good, is blown away by the book. Plus, both books have a lot of laughs and a lot of mystery in them, so you might like the change of pace within a single book that they have.
Most importantly, I hope that the surgery goes well for you. Do keep us updated as to how you're doing. :)
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You don't mention Steven King, though you may not be a fan. The Dark Tower series is seven books long and I found it quite enjoyable, not typical King. It would certainly keep you busy, but that's if you can manage to enjoy his novels.
Good luck with the back. Hope you're up and about quickly.
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I'm not much of a reader so I can't help you there but watching DVD's should pass the time, catch up on one's you have not seen and others that you have.
Hope all goes well with the surgery. :)
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Rumor has it Morgbug is going to donate his 5 new SA clone troopers to help you in your recovery.
Good luck with the surgery :)
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I totally forgot about the games!!! I'll move the xbox into the bedroom. Its not like I'll be doing any other "gaming" in there for a while. I also just got a guy to hook the house up with wireless, so YES I can spend all day here at JD.com on the laptop.....watch that post count rise (oops wrong site).
I already have Battlefront for the xbox and battlefield Vietnam for the Laptop...my mind must have been too clouded by the evil Pain Pills and Muscle Relaxers to think of it.
I'll use the annual Best Buy gift certificate my staff gives me for my birthday tomorrow to snag a good game or two or some DVD's...
I've decided to watch all the long movies and all the old movies I haven't seen in a while. I'm going to start with the extended Lord of the Rings Trilogy...that should take up the first day or two....Then on to every Danny Kaye movie on DVD...
Thanks for the well wishes guys...and thanks to Brent for Dontating the Clones ;) now I can ALMOST keep up with Rob..
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Good luck on your surgery, Paul. :)
I usually don't have the attention span to read anything longer than a newspaper article, but I really enjoyed The Talisman and Eyes of the Dragon (by King) and the Isaac Asimov's Foundation series. If they can keep my attention, they must be good. ;)
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Yeah, good luck with the surgery and recovery, Paul. Bummer to hear this is already Round 2 for your back. :-\
I think starting with the LOTR EE marathon (a good 12 hours) would be an excellent way to kill about 5% of your total (waking) recovery time. Or, better yet, read 'em all! :P
Books? Eh, not much of a reader myself either. I do enjoy any of the Clive Cussler action/adventure novels though. Those are usually fun and fast reads.
Definitely do some gaming too. Just nothing too lively though where you're going to throw yourself out of whack even worse.
Rumor has it Morgbug is going to donate his 5 new SA clone troopers to help you in your recovery.
Boy, now that would be funny! I think Rob has them in hand right now, so if Brent says the word, he could just have Rob meet up with Paul and pass them along to him instead. How'd that be, Paul?! ;)
:P
- M
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Definetely a gaming system. I also recommend GTA: Vice City. I once spent five hours playing it without realizing how much time had passed.
Also, the Sin City graphic novels. I like them, anyway.
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You can always surf porn on the web. That could get a bit messy though. ;D Kidding aside, if your a sports nut, why not play out a full season of one the EA titles. That would chew up a ton of time. I agree with Morgbug about the Gunslinger series. A different type of King novel but totally awesome. One of my favorite series. If only in movie form. Graphic novels by Miller are always good. How about the original SW comics which are now in book format?
Good luck with the surgery. I can relate. My mother-n-outlaw has had 4 major back surgeries in the last 10 years. That first week you'll be pretty doped with all the meds and sleep a ton of hours. So you need only two more weeks to kill off.
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Dark Knight Returns
Batman Hush
Batman The Long Halloween
Venom Vs Carnage
Batman Year One
For video games, try Thirteen.
Kevin
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I hope the surgery all goes well- I'm sure it will ;D
Since I've been home pretty much for a month and a half- minus my daily appointments- I've signed up for the movie pass at Blockbuster. Not sure if someone would be able to pick up movies for you- or you may want to do the Netflix or one of those if you can. I've been trying to watch movies I always intended to, but never got around to, and such.
As far as books, I'm anxiously awaiting the new Harry Potter this week. Not sure if that's up your alley though :) .
But I would bet for a little while you may be doped up on pain pills and doing a good amount of rest :)
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The "Homecoming" 5-book saga by Orson Scott Card. Probably my favorite SF/F books outside of SW, ST, and LOTR. I can't accurately sum up all its facets in a paragraph blurb, so go to Amazon or Google. Fantastic series.
Good luck with the surgery!
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Wow Paul... I didn't realize you needed surgery... Dude, I hope you're doing ok.
Hmmm, as the king of lazy I'll try to give some suggestions:
-Currently I'm reading the Empire series in Trade Paperback form. They're good, and the Volume 3 with the Amanin would appeal to you I think... Good Military story ala Rourke's Drift.
That ought to take 30 minutes of your time up. :) I got through Volume 1 in a breeze while waiting at the hospital today myself.
-On X-Box, if you haven't played Full Spectrum Warrior I suggest it. I nabbed it for $20 at Wal-Mart earlier in the week. I'd beaten it on a rental, but I like it... It gets me in the military mood to customize and stuff.
-I agree with Brad on Bounty Hunter if you have a Gamecube. It's a great game and would take you some time. Fantastic story.
-X-Wing Novels are good... Not all are great, but some are. Not sure if you've read the Zahn Trilogy but it's worth a run through if you haven't.
And of course I hope to catch you here!
Take it easy bud, don't stress yourself... And enjoy the downtime. Get a bell to annoy your wife with. :-X
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Hope everything goes well with the surgery. Both my mom and brother have an numerous back surgeries so I know what your going through.
I was gonna mention the Gunslinger series from Stephen King as well. One of my favs.
Since you have an XBox you should try GTA: San Andreas. Im still working on that one and I got it for Christmas.
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I think I am going to go with Gaming and movies...I have almost totally abandoned the cereberal pursuits of reading.
I've got 4 days to get it all set up and assembled. I have to move the xbox upstairs and the wireless internet works great right now (not fast enough to game, but I can keep in touch with the office and cruise the net).
The thing I am dreading most is the IV in my arm/hand for 3-4 days. Not the surgery itself or the rehab, but the TUBE.
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I'm going to have to suggest that the clones would be of no real benefit to you Paul. If I thought they'd remotely help your rehabilitation I'd be a willing participant. ;)
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Good Luck!!! Hope everything goes well with your surgery. I just registered tonight because I saw this thread and wanted to add to it. Well, that isn't the only reason but it's one of them :)
Anyways, books? Hmm...Stephen King is awesome, any of his books really. I did like the Dark Tower series but in all honesty I haven't read all of them. I believe we have the last 3 that he wrote but I haven't read them because I can't remember the first 4 and I want to go back and read them. The character, the Gunslinger is pretty cool, I can remember that much. But, Stephen king is an odd duck. I've been buy his house in Bangor, ME and it had gargoyles near the gates and bats on the gates.
I just read the DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown and I have to say that those were some good books. I actually liked the DaVinci Code the best but they were both pretty good. Especially if you like the Vatican City and all the things that happen to elect a new pope. In fact, we saw that this year with the new pope being elected. It was rather neat.
Games? I have a Gamecube and I thought the best game was Zelda The Windwaker. I haven't conquered it, yet but I am very close. I am collecting all the rubies I can before the last level. I haven't played it in awhile though since I'm getting ready to move to Maine to be with my fiance.
Sorry if I've rambled or went off topic. Good luck, Paul!!!!! :) :) :)
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If you have a PS2 or Xbox and aren't very religious, I suggest playing any game from the Grand Theft Auto series. So much stuff to do, it will make the 3 weeks go by like that. *snaps fingers*
I also suggest a few SW games, like Bounty Hunter and Battlefront (already mentioned). If you have a Gamecube, try out the Rogue Squadron games, both are a few years old and can be picked up pretty cheap.
And of course, the sports games (NFL, NCAA, NBA, etc.), if you're in to those. :)
That's really all I can suggest. Good luck with the surgery! :)
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Hope everything goes well with your surgery, and your recovery. I'm getting the good ol' wisdom teeth out on August 11th, so now I have a few more ideas on what I can do while I'm all drugged up and life is good. Hope everything goes well.
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I see Paul briefly re-emerged here today... How'd the surgery go, Paul? You keeping busy with all of our great ideas in here? Hope all's well, and you're on the road to a speedy recovery (relatively speaking).
- Matt
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I'd just like to voice my overwhelming displeasure at Paul for opting to have surgery rather than get out there and find the remaining clone 3 packs I need. >:(
Ok, not really. Hope all is well with you and there's no pain. Fast recovery too.
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well today is the first day I felt like sitting up and Typing....I went into Lurk mode...I could read while laying on my side but not type...(not that I can type any better sitting at a desk)....
Surgery was so boring I slept through all of it....(ba-dum-dum)
To avoid too much gore, I had anestesia complications (liquid (the red kind) in the lungs) so recovery took an extra 12 hours and some really wicked medication.
And the stuff on my MRI that they thought was scar tissue from my prior surgery 20 years ago (for those keeping score that was Back Surgery on a ruptured disk at the ripe old age of 14)...but alas it wasn't scar tissue it is a "Cyst" on my spinal chord. What does this mean? We don't know. They took samples but didn't remove it. Oh well. I can feel my left leg again, so I am just glad the surgery is done, but my foot is still numb, and they can't predict if they will come back.
To make matters even more interesting, I apparently am a "light weight" when it comes to Narcotic medications...everything they have given me for pain gives me either toxic heartburn or makes me sick to my stomach, but one pill will knock me out for 8 hours and I fell hung over when I wake up.
That is the medical part of it.
As for keeping busy.....well lets see how does it go..."The best laid plans of mice and men....."
I was talking to Rob the weekend before and told him my "cereberal" pursuits of reading had devolved into playing video games and watching videos...and I couldn't even follow through with that. I've watched exactly 3 DVD's.
Master and Commander (had never seen it)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Gods and Generals (a Civil War flick that I had not seen)
and I have played nearly an entire season of NCAA Football 2006...if the game is any indication of the season Go Ahead and buy Tickets to the BCS Bowl all you Texas Tech fans the Red Raiders are gonna Hit Em, Wreck Em.....
I tried to sit up for longer than I am supposssed to the other day and played Battlefield 2 online with a buddy...well that ended up in a slight mishap and I "popped" a stich and bled out on the couch (very realistic considering the game I was playing) that required a trip to the Dr. today.
I guess when I had the first Surgery years ago and was out of commission/school for 4 months Cable had yet to come into it's own and so not much was available to watch (I know we had it). But cable and the Tivo have pretty much made this a DVD free recovery.
Now I just wish my wife would tell me where my keys are so I can sneak to the office whenever she takes my daughter to play dates. I am not allowed to drive until my check up next week. My wife was kind enough to take me Target after the Doctor today, I just can't get her to take me on Toy runs. I don't really want her to know the amount of time I spend looking for the stuff.
The amount of stir crazy/cabin fever is killing me. I can't go back to "work" for 2 more weeks and then only half days for 4 more weeks. So glad I work for myself or I would be S.O.L....I'd need that insurance the Duck sells...
Sorry you asked now aren't you.....
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Saw your post about the Harley, Paul. I kinda figured you'd had more than a dirtbike, and I'm sorry about you having to sell that... :(
Keep your spirits up though bud, JD's in your corner of course.
Tear up some people online to feel better... Talk some **** on them. :)
Take care man, and you'll be straightened out right quick for certain.
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Yes, my poor Harley is going to be a casualty. It was the first ever "trade for services" I did when I hung out my shingle. It's too hot to ride it in the summer anyway...I have an alternative though...one of the bike manufacturers in Europe is making a 4 wheeled Street bike. I saw a pic from the Paris Auto show...
The doctor put me back on bed rest (the b**tard) on Friday due to the "CYST"...I had my license back for 3 days....If the numbness starts to go away, I can get up and out again.
But the second coming of the couch allowed me to view the following films...
Fort Apache
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Rio Grande
The 3 Godfathers (the Western not the Mafia movies)
Tombstone
The Horse Soldiers
Silverado
It was a western intesive weekend...
Why could this have not happened in the middle of October....I could kill HOURS with College Football, NFL and the NHL (now that it is back)...
That being said, the 3 days I was up and out, I snagged the Evolutions set and 500th Vader...
I do appreciate all the well wishes from the folks here at JD...here in this thread and the PMs...
The surgery was not so bad, I just hope that I (and my wife and daughter) survive the recovery. Physical Therapy is torture and going back to being 15 again and being "Shuttled" places by other people is really beating me down.
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I'm glad to hear that your recover is going better, little by little. My husband had the same surgery in April. He had to be out of work for 12 weeks. He's a fabricator for a NASCAR team and once he returned to work he had to be on light duty for 4 weeks. He went absolutely bonkers while he was home. :o The hardest part was trying to juggle a baby and a preschooler while keeping them off of daddy. I hope things continue to get better for you. Just take it nice and slow.
Tracy