Trent Hunsaker at Salt Lake Comic Con: FanX 2017

I am excited to be taking part in Salt Lake Comic Con's FanX 2017! I've been able to help out with the convention since it's inaugural year. This year's FanX is limited on space compared to those previous, but I'm stoked about the little piece that I get to contribute.

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Inside Suicide Squad Ask Me Anything with El Diablo creator Jai Nitz

Friday March 17, 2017 -- 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Room: 150G
He was on set, at the premiere, and writing the characters the world has come to know and love. Come to this panel and ask anything you want to know about Suicide Squad.

Running the Gauntlet: The Mystery and Might of Marvel's Infinity Stones

Saturday March 18, 2017 -- 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Room: 151G
Since the release of Iron Man in 2008, Marvel's movies have been building to a cosmic conflict between Earth's Mightiest Heroes and the death-worshiping overlord Thanos. At the center of the oncoming conflict are the six Infinity Stones, each with different powers, that have manifested themselves in the various films, and which, when gathered, will form the Infinity Gauntlet, and box-office gold. Our panel will identify and discuss the infinity stones, their names, powers, and appearances in Marvel comics and Marvel's films, and their ongoing significance in determining the fate of Marvel's cinematic universe.

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See the full FanX schedule here.

See Trent at Salt Lake Comic Con 2016

These are the tentative panels with tentative time slots that I'll be on at Salt Lake Comic Con 2016. I'll be sure to update them if the change. Come say hi!

John Hodgman on Donald Trump

I subscribe to a weekly "lifestyle newsletter" written by John Hodgman. [If you're not familiar with Hodgman, he was the PC to Justin Long's Mac in the Apple commercials, he was the Deranged Millionaire on the Daily Show, and now he is cast in several television shows as well as the host of one of the best podcasts on the internet.] This week, in the opening to his newsletter, Hodgman described his thoughts about the GOP nominee for President of the United States. His assessment of what is inside the dome of Donald Trump is frightfully astute.

It has been another sad and distressing week, with lots of loss and turmoil here and abroad. And then Trump. Whether he is amusing or terrifying, trying to figure out what is happening inside Trump’s brain cavern has at least always been an engaging distraction, even if it robbed me of my livelihood. How can anything I do as the Deranged Millionaire ever compare with the longform improv DT has been laying down for the past year? 

But watching him half announce Mike Pence on Saturday and then psychotically step all over him on 60 minutes last night just exhausted me. That dude sure starts a LOT of sentences that he never finishes, and it puts in my head what I think exists in his own: a perpetually neurotic/paranoid fugue state of half-ideas and petty fears. 

Photo: www.instagram.com/johnhodgman/

Your Own Dignity: The Voight-Kampff Test for Supporting a Candidate

There are a few podcasts that never build up in my listening queue:  99% Invisible, Judge John Hodgman, Smodcast, the list goes on. During the past winter while I was working graves at a gas station, I started listening to KCRW's Left, Right & Center. Since listening to the first episode while moping the floors on the beer aisle, I haven't missed an episode.

Left, Right & Center is KCRW's weekly show about politics, policy and culture. It's a well balanced discussion (and explanation) about politics and policy that pulls from journalists across the political spectrum.

The program has had a few different hosts. It is the host's job to take a centrist view and keep things on task (though all of the guests are extremely well-behaved, and it never turns into the pissing matches lauded on pundit cable news channels).

Each episode ends with the three participants giving a short "rant" about whatever topic they feel like. Josh Barro, Senior Editor at Business Insider and current host, ranted about Trump and dignity in the May 20^th episode.

Barro's well-articulated thoughts poetically draw attention to the about-faces made by so many politicians and pundits as Trump has now secured the GOP nomination. And while he leaves room for many valid reasons to support Trump, he explains how the 180 for so many to toe-the-line has come at a great loss of dignity.

Here is his Voight-Kampff test he presents for those making the Trump switch:

"You should just think, if I get in bed with Donald Trump today, how am I going to feel about it in the morning? Will I believe that I have preserved my dignity? And if the answer to that is no, you just shouldn't do it."

Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) with the Voight-Kampff Machine, Blade Runner

That's not to say that in not supporting Trump, voters are only left with one other option. In the same May 20^th episode, Robert Sheer, columnist for Truthdig and The Nation (also the journalist supporting the left in the episode),  suggests citizens should explore supporting both Green Party candidate Jill Stein and Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson.

We should all support who we feel will do the best job, and perhaps the barometer to use in making that selection is supporting the candidate who leaves our dignity in tact. I mean, even a guy learning about politics while mopping a gas station floor shouldn't trade his dignity for popular alignment.

Bonnie Hunsaker

Cancer Survivor.
Animal Lover.
Adventurer.
Empathizer.
Cowpuncher.
Grandmother.
Rider.
Daughter.
Wife.
Mom.

PAPER GIRLS Vol 1

PAPER GIRLS, VOL. 1 TP
Story By: Brian K. Vaughan
Pencils: Cliff Chiang
Colors By: Matt Wilson 

Nostalgia is a powerful motivator. It’s easy to tie emotion into the tangible things that were once so important to us. There was never a decade which put more importance on “things” than did the 80’s. There is a trend in pop culture right now to hook audiences with the personal nostalgia we associate with that decade so obsessed with stuff: THE GOLDBERGS, COMIC BOOK MEN, the whole concept of retro gaming, etc. And while I just listed two of my favorite television shows – and you better believe I own the HD-remastings of DUCKTALES and STREET FIGHTER II, the aforementioned pieces of popular culture aren’t ground-breaking new concepts.

© 2016 Image Comics. For press use, not for distribution.

PAPER GIRLS, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan (writer of SAGA and Y: THE LAST MAN) and Cliff Chiang (artist of BEWARE THE CREEPER and WONDER WOMAN) delivers a new story peppered with enough nostalgic references that readers will swear they’ve read it before, not having a clue of what is coming on the next page.

© 2016 Image Comics. For press use, not for distribution.

...read more

Charge 'Em If You Got 'Em

I had a short , older white man come into the gas station this evening. Aviator-style prescription glasses, quilted vest, buzzed haircur - think of a 4' 9" version of Walter Sobcheck.

Customer: You know that last e-cig I bought, the battery didn't even last for it to get half-way through the cigarette. I tried to charge it but it didn't hold a charge at all.

Me: Well, at least traditional cigarettes, the ones you start on fire, are guaranteed to smoke.

Customer: Yeah, but how am I gonna sneak it in the house with the old lady.

He said that last part while glaring at me from over top of his comically  large glasses. He being a man of less than average height to begin with, and me being a c-store clerk already on an elevated platform behind the counter, just to see over the oval lenses of his glasses, forced him to tilt his chin deep into his chest, creating a pile of chins.

Me: Well serves you right then.

He ended up buying another e-cigarette and five refills for it. He also bought a pack of traditional, light-on-fire, Wide Camel Lights... You know, for his old lady.

Happy Valentines!

Verizon Wireless... Really?!

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download/iPhone

Best. Shit. Ever.

So, we are now one week and change since Sherman's second surgery. For the sake of brevity, if you're not sure what happened see my facebook post about it.

When I took Sherman home, the vet sent a letter home with me:

Keep a close eye on Sherman during the next 5-7 days. due to the amount of adhesions in the abdomen, a repeat obstruction is possible. As long as Sherman is happy, comfortable, and eating, then I think we can continue to observe. If Sherman stops eating or seems to be in pain, then we may need to consider his happiness level and quality of life.

I'm sorry that I haven't given a Sherms update sooner, but the preceding excerpt  from the vet's letter, has kept my hopes grounded.

Sherman has always been finicky about his bowel movements. He normally goes in the exact same corner of the yard, every time. He also doesn't like to have me or other dogs around or watching him while he's doing his business. However, as I've needed to closely monitor his digestive track, we've had interrupt his regular routine.

In the early AM of today, Sherman woke me up to take him out. I put on my coat, boots, and hat to follow him outside. We went to the spot we've designated as his new place to do his sinful deeds, and I could tell he was antsy, pacing back and forth, circling in one spot and then another. At one point he returned to my side and sat down.

It took some coaxing, but in the pre-dawn light, Sherman had his first bowel movement post surgery that proved he was digesting the food I was feeding him.

Sherman is going to be on a strict dietary regimen for the rest of his life. And that's okay. I soak his regular dog food in water for a few hours and then mash it up with a can of easy-to-digest wet dog food. But he seems to love the food, and it's a very small inconvenience when the reward is another day with my best friend.

Michael Cera has been a champ during this own debacle. When we weren't sure if Sherman was going to make it out of the animal hospital, he laid on the bed with me, his head in my lap, and let me weep as I hugged him tightly. I feel closer to him because of this experience.

It's not everyone who get's to wake up and spend their time with the souls who mean the most to them, but then again, the three of us aren't everyone.

Be Part of A Part of Him

So... My computer shit the bed. All info stored on the hard drive was lost... including all of the bumpers used on the A Part of Him Podcast Network.

So this is a chance that you can join the talent  of the APoH Network. We need new bumpers.

We need a disclaimer bumper to start our programs and we need an APoH Network Identity drop to play at the end of our programs.

So if you'd like to submit your work, send three high quality audio files apartofhim.podcast@gmail.com

File #1 Script

The following program is not safe for work. The opinions and views expressed are for comedic effect and do not represent the views of Death Ray Comics, The A Part of Him Podcast Network, or any actual human being for that matter. Listener discretion is advised.

File #2 Script

You've been listening to another program on The A Part of Him Podcast Network.

File #3 Script

<there is no script for this one, just have fun and record whatever you'd like to hear as a bumper on the network>

Thanks in advance, and I hope that you will be joining team APoH!

Sherman VS The Gloves

#ShermanTheBerner is on the road to recovery... Though he still doesn't feel great. Thanks for all the love and support!

A photo posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 26, 2015 at 9:33pm PDT

#ShermanTheBerner is in a lot of pain this evening. Breaks my damned heart. #LoveYourPups

A photo posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 25, 2015 at 7:19pm PDT

A few of yous have asked to see #ShermanTheBerner 's incision.

A photo posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 25, 2015 at 10:55am PDT

#ShermanTheBerner is home. Really tired and no doubt sore, but on the couch resting. pic.twitter.com/AglAyM2chx

— Trent Hunsaker (@apartofhim) October 24, 2015

#ShermanTheBerner UPDATE: we're going home!

A video posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 24, 2015 at 1:35pm PDT

#ShermanTheBerner update. 14 hours posted op.

A video posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 23, 2015 at 3:56pm PDT

The glove that was in #ShermanTheBerner 's small intestine.

A photo posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 23, 2015 at 9:28am PDT

Surgery went well. Pulled a glove out of his small intestine that was almost (but not) perforated. So emergency surgery was the right call. Not outta danger fully, but #ShermanTheBerner is feeling much better (the narcotics probably help with that).

A photo posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 23, 2015 at 7:31am PDT

Having a really hard time with all this, but #ShermanTheBerner is getting prepped for surgery. Doc said Sherm's got a 60 to 70% chance of plulling through. I think the boy's sheer charisma will make up the valence of the percentage. It really hard to see your best friend in so much pain. But within 8 hours we'll be on the complete other side of surgery.

A photo posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 23, 2015 at 12:01am PDT

#ShermanTheBerner update: Will stayed with the poor guy all day. He hasn't improved since vomiting Tue glove, which means there's probably another glove in there. We will be going to the vet in the morning. Just wish we could go right now.

A photo posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 22, 2015 at 9:41pm PDT

http://apartofhim.tumblr.com/post/131696388956/shermantheberner-has-been-super-super-sick-for

http://apartofhim.tumblr.com/post/131696388956/shermantheberner-has-been-super-super-sick-for

My best friend in the whole world isn't doing very well. Please send out good thoughts for #ShermanTheBerner

A photo posted by Trent (@apartofhim) on Oct 22, 2015 at 9:30am PDT

They Don't Come Any Tougher

I was in the 7th grade when my mom first fought breast cancer. Tomorrow, after 20 years of only seeing cancer in a rear-view mirror, my mother will undergo a mastectomy as the cancer has returned.

Today she told told me, "I was first upset 'n then just decided I just HAD to quit feeling sorry for myself. Yes I am crying but it can BE WORSE!"

They truly don't get any tougher than the woman who raised me to be a man (and yes, just like my mother, I am crying too).

My tougher-than-nails mother, Bonnie, takes a couple of grandchildren for a ride with her team.

History of the Comics Code: Werewolves, Dirty Cops, and Moral Corruption

During the red scare a censorship board for comics was created to make sure comics were "safe" for kids. The panel will discuss how the code was created, applied and ultimately disregarded.

This is by far the best book you can get on the history of comics, and it is also the book I mention in the panel.

Buy it here: http://amzn.to/1R8vBJb

Salt Lake Comic Con 2015 - Part 1

Salt Lake Comic Con 2015 has been a blast so far. While I will be posting (not the best quality) videos of the panels I was featured on, right now I'll just leave a few photos from Thursday and Friday.

Silk - Spider Gwen - Ultimate Comics Spider-Man

Jay, (Trent) and Silent Bob

Squirrel Girl!

Street Fighters

The Power Puff Girls' Villains

Captain Cold

The Aquabats

Miah and Me with Ron Simmons - DAMN!

Difficult People Gets Podcasters Perfectly

The latest episode of Difficult People (PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP) takes on the oh-so backwards world of podcasting and the even more backwards podcasters themselves.

As a podcaster myself, I just laughed and nodded my head. Collectively (much like wrestling and comic book fans) we are the worst.

"So what are we going to wear to that podcast bar?" "Oh Julie, we could wear an adult diaper and a Kevin Smith hockey jersey and still be the coolest ones there."

"Julie, put down your phone at look at these mutant podcasters."

The Must-See's of the 2015 Logan Film Festival

The 4th Annual Logan Film Festival is this weekend (Sept 11-12). Below are the films that I deem as "must-see" films.

White Waves
Friday, September 11, 7:00 pm
Lyric Theatre, 28 West Center Street

Our 1/4 Life Crisis

Friday, September 11, 10:30 pm

Dansante Theatre, 58 South 100 West

Relic

Saturday, September 12, 11:00 am

Dansante Theatre, 58 South 100 West

A Teenage Drama
Saturday, September 12, 2:30 pm

Dansante Theatre, 58 South 100 West

Prophet's Prey

Saturday, September 12, 4:00 pm

Lyric Theatre, 28 West Center Street

The Red Thunder
Saturday, September 12, 5:00 PM

Dansante Theatre, 58 South 100 West

In Football We Trust

Saturday, September 12, 7:00 pm

Lyric Theatre, 28 West Center Street

ADHD - Silly Rabbit, Adderall is (NOT) Just for Kids

57.7 million people over the age of 18 in America are living with mental illness. That's just over a quarter of the US population. Many of us have gone (or do go) un-diagnosed for much of our adult life.

I've sought medical treatment for my mental illness and have seen marked improvements through a combination of medications. Sadly, many medications, especially those that treat mental illness, require check-ups with a doctor for prescription refills. I currently can't afford the $200 visit to a doctor just to get an $80 prescription refilled.

Going without my medication has made my normal everyday tasks much more challenging. In searching for help online, I came across the National Institute for Mental Health's (NIMH) website. This site has a ton of really good information; information that is helpful for both people living with mental illness and for those who care about people who are living with mental illness.

On the NIMH website, I found a great section on living withe ADHD. The below list has a few suggestions for people living with the illness (though parts are geared more towards children, I can see the benefits for myself as an adult of following them). The last two paragraphs describe my struggle with the illness -- especially before it was diagnosed -- exactly.

• Schedule. 
• Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Include time for homework, outdoor play, and indoor activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board in the kitchen. Write changes on the schedule as far in advance as possible.
•  Organize everyday items. 
• Have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and toys. 
•  Use homework and notebook organizers. 
• Use organizers for school material and supplies. Stress to your child the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home the necessary books. 
•  Be clear and consistent. 
• Children with ADHD need consistent rules they can understand and follow. 
• Give praise or rewards when rules are followed. 
• Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism. Look for good behavior, and praise it. 

Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don't know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. 

These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. Many have had multiple traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to do several things at once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer "quick fixes," rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards.

At any rate, I hope this might be helpful for anyone who is struggling with ADHD. I'd love to hear about other's stories both as adults and children. The more we as a culture talk about mental illness, the more we can accept it as what it is, an illness.

Trent -by SoK

The Itsy Bitsy Spider...

This spider was crawling on our front window today, so we were able to get a great bottom view of it. But it had moved on before I got my camera. Anyway, some cool shots of a spider here in Utah.

Does anyone know what kind it is?
(if you click on the image, you can see it's full resolution on imgur)

Spider On Bricks

Daredevil (2011) #26 - Foggy Visits the Young Members of His Cancer Ward

Comic Book Guy vs NXT 024

Why #GiveDivasAChance When NXT already delivers? 

WWE Divas via WWE

Hashtag Give divas a chance. That is the newest battle cry of the WWE in an attempt to keep viewers from fast forwarding through every diva match.

I haven't heard a call to arms this desperate since The Justice League changed its name to The Blue Light Specials, which they did in JLA #257, which saw the Justice League relocate headquarters from the watch tower to the break room in the Fort Lee New Jersey Kmart.

When was the last time a crowd chanted "This is awesome," "This is Wrestling," or not make a break for the restroom during a WWE Diva's match? mmm.... Probably not since the Jumping Bomb Angels defeated the Glamour Girls for the Tag Team Championship at 1988's Royal Rumble. (Look it up, nerds)

NXT's Charlotte via WWENXT

Even more rare, a WWE event which featured divas as the main event. That's as probable as the Fantastic Four's The thing going without Metamucil for a day... He literally has rocks for bowls, folks...

However, if you'd like to see strong, intelligent, wrestlers who inspire the audience to cheer, chant, and gasp, and that just happen to be women, look no further than NXT.

March 4th's show had Sasha Banks defending her newly won title against former champ Charlotte, and this match stands out as one of the best matches of the past year – independent of gender.

Strength, technique, heart, and the ability to tell a story inside of a ring without having a prime-time tie-in reality show in an attempt to bring viewers in... MMM.... It seems the Divas would do well to spend some time in the reality of the NXT rather than the unreality of the E! Network.

So while the WWE jams social media campaigns down viewers throats in an attempt to make up for the skill that models turned wrestlers will never have, the NXT divas will be slamming each other into the mat, and even deeper into the fan's hearts.

This completes our transaction, good bye.