Random humor for the end of the work week…
Filed under Humor and Observations
Interview with Aurora O’Brien
By Michael Bradley
[Note: This article is for publication in The WOD Magazine and a future podcast of KWOD Radio. Aurora O’Brien is one of the many awesome Arizona cosplayers and models. Haven’t moved to Arizona yet? LOL, you have no idea what you are missing.]
MB: Today our interview is with Aurora O’Brien, an outstanding young cosplayer and professional model. Most people see you at events or photos and have no idea the true diversity of your interests. You studied at the Art Institute of Phoenix and are an artist as well as a model correct?
AO: Yes! My dream has always been to be an artist. To create something from nothing is the best feeling in the world. After attending though, I lost interest in art completely, not drawing for over five years. I soon realized I had to let out my creative energy somehow so I decided to give modeling a try. I later linked up with famous American comic book artist Steve Rude and became his model in exchange for lessons! He helped me regain my passion for art, and now I can’t stop!
MB: Tell me about your outdoor lifestyle. I know you have an interest in motorcycles, riding horses, and even welding.
AO: Oh yes! I’m just one of those people who loves an adventure! These are my escapes from reality. There is nothing like hopping on my bike to go see my horse, spending the afternoon with her, then making my way back home to help fix something. A fun lil fact, is that I did not learn to ride before getting my bike or horse. I just decided I wanted to do it, and learned along the way!
MB: How long have you been into cosplay now, and what got you started?
AO: I first became interested in cosplay in middle school…well, I mean I wanted to dress up like my favorite anime characters. I went to my first con in 2009 and had the time of my life! I felt like I had finally met people I could connect with. Sadly, I did not have much money and I was only able to attend two others in the next few years. After I began modeling though, things changed. One my amazing photographers paid for my ticket and gas costs to get in just so he could take my picture and hang out. Then I began getting paid to be a booth babe and asked to cosplay more characters! It’s so amazing how things work out sometimes!!
MB: What are some of your favorite characters to cosplay?
AO: Revy from Black Lagoon & Red Sonja for sure! I just love their rough around the edges attitude and the way they rose up from a rough past. As they say, the flower that blooms from adversity is the most beautiful…or in this case, badass!!
MB: Do your cosplay choices match those you read and watch, or are there some differences?
AO: Yes, 100%. I cannot cosplay the character unless I can connect with them in some way. Otherwise it just isn’t all that fun. If I have a request for a cosplay, I will check out the series first. Besides, it’s just another excuse to watch more anime!
MB: How many cons and events/photo shoots are you doing per year?
AO: That is a hard question…Sadly I cannot afford to attend many cons. Usually, I only get the opportunity to go to about three or four a year. As far as photo shoots go, I average around 75 per year and the events are always a surprise. I am a brand ambassador so I work anything from a cigar girl at Barrett Jackson to promoting liquor at clubs on the weekends or holidays, and even caddying for golfers (including the D-backs) for charity events. What can I say? I am all over the place.
MB: You look a lot different in many of your shots, which is a credit to your modeling skills. When I saw you at Amazing Arizona Con with Mary DeBalfo, I at first did not recognize you. You even had a contest to find you this year at Phoenix Comic Con. How many people were able to found you each day?
AO: Thank you so much, it’s something I take a lot of pride in. I was shocked at how many people found me each day! I certainly felt the love! It was so great to finally meet the people who follow my page in person! It’s much better than just reading messages!
MB: No one naturally looks good on camera. I never met a model who had it easy. When you wore your Red Sonja outfit one day at Phoenix Comic Con, I was kind of shocked at how ripped your abs were. It reminded me of Toni Darling, and I know she does physical training for a living. Do you have a special diet and exercise regimen as well?
AO: Oh my, you are so sweet to say that!! Well, honestly I don’t enjoy working out in conventional ways. Sure I do some crunches and yoga from time to time, but I find that hula hooping, dancing, riding my horse, jump roping, and playing Kinect on Xbox is WAY more fun!
MB: Are there certain photographers you have recently worked with that you would recommend to other cosplayers/models?
AO: Adam Patrick Murray is fantastic!! He is so easy to work with, creative, and catches the character in a simple, clean, yet engaging way. Another one would be Dave Kelley. He is sort of my go to guy, and one of my best friends. We just had our 30th shoot together the other day!! He is amazing and SOOOO creative!! As far as professional modeling photos go, Michael Luna is the best Arizona has!!
MB: What are some of your favorite events or locations?
AO: The geek in me loves Amazing Arizona Con! It’s not too big, not too small….its juuuust right! You have much more time to get to know your favorite artist and authors. Not to mention you can actually walk in the aisles without getting bumped and crinkling your brand new comic book!! The rebel in me however, loves working bike week selling cigars! The crowds are so free spirited, fun, and are always offering me free beer!
MB: Do you make all your outfits or do you have some preferred helpers?
AO: Here is where the pros will get mad at me… I cannot sew. Instead I go on the hunt. Thrift stores are wonderful for piecing together outfits, and finding other clothes to bring to photo shoots.
MB: What are some of your best cosplay moments?
AO: Meeting fans is always a touching moment. It’s still hard for me to believe that people are legitimately interested in meeting me and hearing my opinions. That being said, one of my all time favorite moments, was at an anime con before I was a ‘public figure’. It was help at a hotel that had a bar in the center. Since I was cosplaying Revy, it only seemed appropriate to have a drink…you know, get into character and all. As soon as I sat down, a man ordered me a shot of rum, winked, then walked away (Black Lagoon fans will understand).
Soon after another guest approached me & bought me a shot then handed me a six inch moveable Revy statue (which I still use today for my art). He said I did an excellent job with the cosplay and he would consider it an honor if I took the gift, and a shot with him! We downed our drinks, hugged and he left…I think there were about three others that came almost immediately after to have a shot with “Revy” before I decided that was enough.
MB: Do you cosplay just for fun, or do you have a store and blog site we can plug for you? Also, for photographers out there and people needing advertising or spokespersons, what is the best way for them to book you?
AO: I cosplay for the fun of it! What other reason is there? I do have a store where prints are available, but that’s only to help with some of the costs of cosplaying. You are welcome to visit my store at aurorart.storenvy.com. If anyone is interested in hiring me for an event they can contact me on my website, www.auroraobrien.com or send me an email at dmobrien88@gmail.com
MB: How safe do you feel at cons now that the attendance has grown so much? Is it safe to walk from parking lots in costume? Are the bigger crowds bringing out “touchy” people who break barriers they shouldn’t?
AO: I am exceptionally thankful to say I don’t really get messed with at cons. I think I have a natural aura around me that says, “ I may be cute, but I can kick your a**”. I’m pretty thankful for that too, because I would hate to subconsciously knock someone out over a wandering hand… again.
MB: What advice do you have for people starting out?
AO: HAVE FUN!! There are no rules, you are among friends. Be fearless, and if anyone makes fun of you, just laugh it off. For those people, just aren’t your people, and are probably just jealous of how awesome, brave, and fun you are!! Just be you, and make new friends. That’s what it is all about, don’t forget that.
MB: Who would you like to give a shout out for being someone who helped you get started with modeling and cosplay and friends you look forward to seeing at events?
AO: My shout out would be to all of my amazing fans, photographers, family, friends and supporters! If it wasn’t for you all, I wouldn’t have the confidence, nor the drive to get as far as I have. Before I entered the modeling world I was not in such a good place. Since then though, I have met countless amazing people who have shown me what it is to be happy, strong, loved and simply not ashamed to be me.
Filed under Humor and Observations, Writing
Umbrella Corporation with the T-Virus, The Last Ship, Helix, Walking Dead, World War Z, etc. All kind of start with some high tech experimental virus not being properly taken care of and suddenly it spreads. We like to think that really couldn’t happen, after all, the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are these magical high tech places right?
Unfortunately, government bureaucracies akin to the VA Hospitals run these places too. Could it happen? Read the following and you decide how safe you feel…
The Centers for Disease Control sign is seen at its main facility in Atlanta, Georgia June 20, 2014. (REUTERS/Tami Chappell)
Citing a recurring problem with safety, U.S. officials have suspended the shipment of potentially dangerous germs from government laboratories in Atlanta to other labs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also shut down two of its laboratories where the recent safety lapses took place.
In an incident earlier this year, the CDC said another of its labs accidentally contaminated a sample of conventional flu virus with a deadly bird flu germ. That sample was then sent to another government lab.
CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden announced the actions Friday.
Filed under Humor and Observations
238MPH
If there’s one thing we don’t like about the Ford Excursion, it’s the excessive use of body paneling. We don’t mean trim, we mean actual bits of body that could be removed to save weight and increase performance. Thankfully, there’s someone out there who agrees with us. His name is Jeremy Dixon, and he’s taken a few mechanical bits from the Excursion in order to create something far greater.
It’s called Rockzilla.
Read: Return of the Ford Bronco?
Assuming the build quality is up to snuff, the Buy-It-Now price of $72,000 isn’t out of line. In fact, it’s quite easy for a more standard sand rail-type vehicle to climb well over $100,000. Rockzilla is far more distinct, and it’s even road legal. Well, as long as you live in a state that allows open-wheel customs. Per the builder/seller, this vehicle is currently titled as a 2000 Ford Excursion.
Imagine the Ford Techs surprise when you bring it to him for an oil change…
Filed under Humor and Observations
“A sea captain, Jean Marie Le Bris (1817-1872) observed the flight of the Albatross. He caught some of the birds and analysed the interaction of their wings with air. Le Bris built a glider, inspired by the shape of the Albatross and named L’Albatros artificiel. During 1856 he flew briefly on a beach, the aircraft being placed on a cart towed by a horse. He flew reportedly to a height of 100 m for a distance of 200 m.– Wikipedia
Filed under Humor and Observations
Orbital Sciences Corp. launched its Cygnus capsule from the Virginia coast, its third space station delivery for NASA.
Its destination, the space station, was soaring 260 miles above Australia when the Cygnus took flight. The unmanned capsule should arrive there Wednesday.
This newest Cygnus contains more than 3,000 pounds of supplies, much of it food. Also on board: mini-satellites, science samples, equipment and experimental exercise clothes. NASA said the new type of clothing is resistant to bacteria and odor buildup. So the astronauts won’t smell as much during their two hours of daily workout in orbit and they’ll require fewer clothing changes.
NASA is paying for the delivery service. The space agency hired two companies — the Virginia-based Orbital Sciences and California’s SpaceX — to keep the space station well stocked once the shuttle program ended. The international partners also make shipments; the European Space Agency, for example, will launch its supply ship in 1 1/2 weeks from French Guiana.
This particular Cygnus delivery was delayed a few months by various problems, including additional engine inspections and, most recently, bad weather at the Wallops Island launch site.
The Cygnus will remain at the space station for about a month. It will be filled with trash and cut loose for a fiery re-entry. Unlike the SpaceX Dragon capsule, the Cygnus is not built to return safely to Earth.
Saturday, meanwhile, marked the 5,000th day of continuous human habitation at the 260-mile-high outpost. Six men currently are on board, representing the United States, Russia and Germany.
“Humans are explorers!” German astronaut Alexander Gerst said via Twitter.
Filed under Humor and Observations
Cute dogs to cheer the start of your week.
Q – What is the fear of using chain saws called?
A – Common Sense.
I once used a chain saw to clear some dead trees from my yard. I rented it at a local rental store. Oh my God! Never again. These things are the most unsafe device ever created. I have nothing but respect for those who have to use them for their jobs. Wow. After seeing this story below, it only reinforces my assessment…
Chainsaw in the neck: How surgeons saved one man from a traumatic accident
Allegheny Health Network
In April, 21-year-old James Valentine was working as a tree-trimmer when he was struck in the neck by a chainsaw. In a new episode of “Untold Stories of the ER,” his doctors revisited the case.
Toevs and her team had only 10 minutes’ notice before Valentine was brought in. Her biggest concern was that he would bleed to death or that he had injured his carotid artery, which supplies the brain with blood. An injury to his esophagus would have also presented a major issue, as breathing comes first in terms of sustaining life.
Fortunately, when Valentine arrived, he was able to speak and wiggle his toes, which indicated his airway wasn’t compromised and his spinal cord wasn’t damaged. He was in some degree of shock and was appropriately scared, but he wasn’t panicking, which could have worsened the situation.
“It’d be a big issue if he panicked; we couldn’t stabilize the chainsaw, which could come out and he could bleed to death… or we could lose the airway,” Toevs said.
When the accident occurred, the chainsaw still had the motor attached, but emergency personnel were able to take it off before they reached the hospital. However, the chainsaw blade needed to remain still, so in the trauma bay, Toevs designated one person’s sole responsibility to hold the blade.
The team took a chest X-ray and found no other injuries to the chest or lungs and no blood in the chest. Valentine was taken to the operating room (OR) after a brief examination in the trauma bay.
“If there’s a problem, you want all the [surgical] resources you have,” Toevs said. “We took him to the OR and in a very controlled situation, put him to sleep, and then we pressed and got totally all set up and took out the chainsaw in a very controlled situation.”
Because there was no damage to his trachea, doctors were able to intubate him and put him on a ventilator for the surgery. Though he was losing blood, it wasn’t an alarming amount, Toevs said.
“Yes, he was losing blood because the chainsaw did injure his muscles, skin, small veins and arteries that can be tied off and don’t supply blood to the brain,” Toevs said. “It wasn’t what we call ‘firehose’ bleeding [with blood spraying uncontrollably].”
The team put Valentine to sleep, then took out the blade. Exploring the wound, they found that the blade went in about three inches in his shoulder and one inch into his neck, injuring his trapezius muscle, sternocleidomastoid muscle and other smaller muscles. But, most importantly, they found that the blade had not damaged his carotid artery.
“If it had gone a centimeter deeper, it would’ve hit. The muscle overlying the carotid was intact. Then we just explored the wound,” Toevs said. “At that point in time, it’s a huge letdown— we were preparing for the absolute worst.”
With the situation stabilized, the surgery then became routine. It took about five minutes to explore the wound to ensure nothing else was injured, then the surgeons cleaned up the blood, dirt and tree particles and closed the wound.
Valentine was admitted to the hospital overnight and began working with a physical therapist the next day. After Valentine was released from the hospital, Toevs ordered physical therapy for him to help him get his arm back to normal usage, as well as help him to move his arm above his head again.
Since Valentine is a young, healthy adult, Toevs doesn’t expect him to deal with any residual issues from the accident, and he should fully recover.
Overall, the surprisingly benign nature of the injury and the coordinated efforts of everyone involved made the procedure go smoothly, Toevs said.
“He was very blessed that he wasn’t injured more and it was also a blessing that every part went perfectly, like it was supposed to,” she said. “It was a real testimony to the EMS, the emergency department, the OR, to all the people involved… each playing a critical role to making sure he did okay.”
As for Valentine, his calmness during the perilous situation was helpful for the team— and for his recovery.
“He doesn’t know how close he came,” she said.
“Untold Stories of the ER” premieres tonight at 9/8 CST on Discovery Fit & Health.
Filed under Humor and Observations
John Hobbis Harris was a Christian missionary that traveled to the Belgian Congo. His wife was an amateur photographer in this new technology of taking pictures. Her name is Alice Seeley. Their story is one of courage to document and fight against horrible atrocities along side such figures as William Sheppard, a black American Christian missionary, E.V. Sjöblom, a Swedish Baptist minister, George Washington Williams, a black American minister who had fought in the US Civil War, and even Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). It was the photographs taken by Harris and his wife Alice Seeley that won over the public.
Alice Seeley seated. Her husband standing to her left. Not only did their photos change Belgian Congo, but the world. Their mission also provided healthcare and shelter to dismembered slaves.
King Leopold II of Belgium, like so many European monarchs in the 1800’s, had established various colonies around the world. By the late nineteenth century, most of the world had been colonized from South America to Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Belgium had a substantial colony in the Congo. The Congo had two products that were in high demand – ivory and rubber. There was no modern media such as TV or radio, much less the internet. Most colonial powers could do as they pleased and no one be the wiser.
Following the American Civil War, abolitionists from America went to other areas where slavery was practiced to expose it and abolish it. American protestant missionaries were in the forefront of this movement, often suffering death as a result. In the Belgian Congo, the local populace was beaten, enslaved and mutilated to keep up the rubber plantations and bring in revenues for Belgium, while the indigenous animals were slaughtered. Several newspapers, brochures and pamphlets were used to try to stop the practice, but it was these pictures that caused King Leopold II to finally stop the worst of the atrocities.
WARNING: These images are graphic. Not only were slaves beaten or killed, but the Belgium leaders would chop off arms and legs as punishment.
Filed under Humor and Observations
I personally think it was stupid for L’Oreal to sign her based on a viral picture during the FIFA World Cup and equally stupid to get rid of her as soon as she turns out to be politically incorrect. I understand that she was talking about hunting Americans because her country faced us in the World Cup. That was not offensive.
What she doesn’t understand is that pictures standing over the dead body of an animal you shot for fun are no longer accepted. Even standing over animals you killed for food are not good times for a photo op. Given Belgium’s horrible history in Africa (the first photo journalist international scandal in history. I will post on that next.) it is even more important for a Belgie not to post going to Africa to have fun killing them.
Belgian beauty loses modeling gig after her hunting pic hits the web
Axelle Despiegelaere appears in a video promoting L’Oréal.
The Belgium beauty that scored a L’Oreal modeling deal after her World Cup photos went viral earlier this week has been released from her contract.
The decision comes after 17-year-old Axelle Despiegelaere sparked outrage on Facebook with a picture showing her posing with a dead oryx gazelle she had hunted in Africa, The Independent reports.
The post came on the day that Belgium eliminated the United States at the World Cup. After the furor began on Facebook, Despiegelaere responded: “Hi, I didn’t mean to offend anyone … it was a joke. Thanks for understanding.”
L’Oreal officials say that Despiegelaere will no longer be representing the company and that her contract has officially been “completed,” according to The Independent.
A spokesperson for L’Oreal said: “L’Oreal Professionnel Belgium collaborated with her on an ad hoc basis to produce a video for social media use in Belgium. The contract has now been completed.”
Filed under Animals, Humor and Observations
Michael Bradley - Time Traveler 