Superdog

A new hero in our midst. Bo "Superdog" Reis. There's mixed reaction to his arrival; there's 2 furry members of the house who pretty much think he's Satan. Princess as you can see below has gotten back into character, and kitty, aka "Rock" has been spending a lot of time on the roof.

I think he's a pit bull / lab mix. Man those jaws are strong, but he seems to be one big BABY. He fashions himself a lap dog and tries his hardest to get into Mr I's lap. We're dog sitting for about 10 days. Dash says he doesn't like "to get slimed"; Dynagirl isn't quite sure about it either, tho both certainly spend a lot of time playing with him. Cosmic Boy is sold on the dog thing, but I'm not so sure his superparents are. Boy, cats are nice.

Spotlight on Cosmic Boy

Who, you say? Cosmic Boy? Ah, superheros are more powerful when their fame is kept under wraps. Cosmic Boy first appeared in Adventure Comics, the founding member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, the original leader in all incarnations of the Legion. His character has been fairly consistent, with a serious attitude and a strong sense of duty.

Check out this description of him published on Wikipedia..."Cosmic Boy is like the all-around leader who puts it all on his shoulders, but he's magnetic. His powers are all about magnetics, and so it carries over to his personality. An he struggles to bring all the Legion back together. He's like, 'We can do this. We can bring it together' It comes naturally to him."

Ten years ago today, our Cosmic Boy blazed a trail into the Greenhouse5, transforming the Greenhouse2 into the Greenhouse3. In a style that has proved uncharacteristic, he seemed to be in a hurry to get out, causing Mr. Incredible to put the transport vehicle into hyperspeed to complete the mission without altering the flight plan.

Cosmic Boy is a joy to all who know him, like his alter-ego, he's magnetic. His leadership is beginning to shine too, leading the budding superheroes in our legion, with a style that at times shows a flair much like my own. He's responsible, capable, and an all around good young superhero. Happy Birthday Cosmic Boy, AKA Sheepdog, we're proud of you!

The Greenhouse5 response to the DNC

Spotlight on Wonder Woman

Yes, it's long overdue to pen this tale. But as we remember 15 years married together today, 8/14, (and 17 1/2 years as a couple), the superhero spotlight has to turn to Wonder Woman. You'll note that "She is a founding member of the Justice League. For several years, Wonder Woman was described in the splash page of each story as "beautiful as Aphrodite, wise as Athena, swifter than Hermes, and stronger than Hercules."

Yes that's her. Let's see, beautiful as Aphrodite, check. Wise as Athena, check. Swifter than Hermes, check. Stronger than Hercules...com'on...do you see the pictures?

She's been known to deflect my bullets, so she's equipped with gadgetry too. "Diana has numerous powerful weapons at her disposal, but her signature weapons are her indestructible bracelets and the Lasso of Truth." Ah, Cosmic Boy, Dynagirl, and Dash all know about the Lasso of Truth; she doesn't even actually have take it out; it, like her jet, seems to be invisible, encircling unsuspecting subjects with the subtle flick of a wrist.

How could Mr. Incredible survive w/o her? The love of my life with powers that are just a tad scary...perfect!? So, it's off in the invisible jet next weekend to the NW superhero headquarters to a sporting venue and some superhero alone time; she's certainly earned it.

Blogging about blogging

Now a veteran blogger, I have some observations about blogging. Let's take my cousin's blog AtAHensPace. My wife enjoys reading it and knows what's going on in their lives such that she could walk up and talk to my cousin like they were close friends. There's just one little hitch...she probably hasn't talked to her in 3 years and other than a few passings thru in Chicago and a few family events in Ohio, has never really spent significant time with her. Now, in our modern world, that's not a revolutionary thought; I use email so frequently in communication that there are people I've barely spoken to that I feel like I know quite well. However, email is direct communication; you email me, I email you. Blogging is quite different. I post, you read, maybe a comment here and there. In the end, other than my hidden webcam that is watching you on every page, there's very little back and forth.

So that's what is so interesting...how it changes communication; many times it cuts back on emails and phone calls because a lot of information is communicated in the silly little posts. Furthermore, some people you don't know very well suddenly know a lot about you. Does it lead to deeper friendships, or different friendships? Or does it complement the existing friendships in ways not available before? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? I guess time will tell. And why do I blog?....good topic for the next meeting with my shrink, Brainiac.

Tough day at the office

It's rough around here. Kids are gone at camp, wife is shopping (ouch), and the supercat has just had it. It's probably from her night job as a jedi cat. You'll note that she follows good chiropractic practice by sleeping on her back.

Greenhouse5 enters marine sanctuary (w/o Aquaman)

A little trip to Marine World...

We visited the local hall of justice. Cosmic Boy has his game face on as usual. We've got to work on the smiley superheroes, they look a little nice to scare any villians away.


Even tho Aquaman couldn't join us, we ran into a few friends. Better game faces little superheroes, the smiley one hasn't been through training.


Isn't that the Joker? Are they consorting with the enemy. Geez, they still need more training. Well at least the boys are holding swords, let's hope they let him have it right after the shot was taken.


Anybody wonder why they call him Dash?


Anybody who's got more time can see more pics here...

00Soul has arrived

Once again, another superhero hiding out in Hayward. Here I thought the only thing that came out in Hayward was at the Turf Club, but I'm proved wrong. 00Soul is smooth, real smooth. He confuses the enemy with a broad array of bird calls, sings so high that he puts villians into temporary shock, then sometimes confuses even himself by transforming into "Stan the horseshoe man". He and his co-hero employ a broad range of superanimals, obviously trained mercinarys to complement their powers; the bunnies can sneak into virtually any stronghold, the cat has tude but no doubt gets the job done (when it wants), but the dog is 00Souls true sidekick, once actually licking a villian into submission. Villians, I suggest you approach with caution and stay your distance.

Pretty sure I found Clark Kent

I'm quite certain, com'on, you can see it...take off the glasses, add a cape, yes, I think it might be him!


Maybe you could see it better if I got one of him with the glasses slightly off....

Electra-wow, another superhero joins the ranks

Yes, the one and only Electrawoman. I've known this individual for a while but she had masked her real identity so well until now. It wasn't until I read the below that I KNEW it was her.

"Electra-Base – is located beneath their civilian home and accessible by a hidden elevator, Electra-Base which houses not only Frank's lab and the ElectraCar but is also home to CrimeScope, one of the most powerful computers ever built. CrimeScope is always kept up-to-date with what is going on in the world, can analyze any data transmitted through the ElectraComs, and can also operate the ElectraCar via remote control.?"

Now, anybody that has been to Electra Woman's house in Hayward now understands the secret hidden door (portal) that allows the secret access to the lab below. She called it the laundry room, but I know better, obviously the washing machine is part of the supercomputer! Of course! Plus, how in the world does she know all the Electra-phrases by heart unless it is truly her?!?! Ah, yes, Electra Woman is out'ed, don't worry I won't be selling your secret to the Enquirier, the secret is safely stored in the vault.

Bananaman

Another superhero has been born. There seems to be a long queue to be superhero'ed, I do my best to move the queue along.

Yes, this superhero is of course tied to food, just like in real life, only receiving power when eating the right food. He "eats a banana to transform into Bananaman, a lantern-jawed adult superhero, sporting a distinctive cowled blue and yellow outfit complete with a yellow two-tailed cape resembling a banana skin. " He is "an ordinary schoolboy, living at 29 Acacia Road, Nuttytown", of course an school nerd, what else?

His powers include "the ability to fly, superhuman strength, and seeming invulnerability." However, "If he eats lots of bananas in one sitting, he quickly becomes obese in his transformation..."

He of course has an animal sidekick, his faithful pet crow, just like in real life. Welcome to the INTERNATIONAL Hall of Justice faithful superhero.

Wikipedia profile

Spotlight on Dash

Now not all have you have seen "The Incredibles", so a little background on our character here.

Some quotes about the big screen version of Dash (with parenthetical comments from Mr. Incredible about the Greenhouse5 version):

"Dash has a lot of energy and a competitive spirit, so finding constructive ways to blow off steam proves nearly impossible." (Oh boy does he, but constructive releases of steam have been frequently achieved. He is a great helper for Wonder Woman and is learning how to turn on and off the competition! Can we say "chip off the old block?")

"Dash's reckless nature and one-track mind always get him in trouble with his big sister" (Wonder Woman has had to field a few "disagreements" between Dash and Dyna Girl, but our hall of justice has a unified team! When recently asked "Who is your best friend?", Dyna Girl quickly replied "My brother 'cosmic boy'". That's the one of the end goals for our family. Not too go too overboard on the The Incredibles movie analogy, but it was a good theme of the movie as the family came together in the end to defeat "Syndrome".)

"Dash hates it when Violet is in charge (in fact, he hates authority, period)" (Our Dash doesn't like his big sister telling him what to do, but what little boy does? :-) Submission at any level is a hard one for all us, God continues to give grace to our family as each learns to curb selfishness and think of others first. At Dash's age, the focus is in obedience to his parents with lots of emphasis on how by doing so he is submitting to God.)

"Dash displays superhuman speed sufficient to run across land or water at several times highway speed" (Our Dash does not like to lose, he needs no encouragement to run when competition is involved!)

"The speed also appears to affect his other limbs, as he is seen to be able to punch at speeds greater than any human." (Ouch, don't mess with Dash in a wrestling match)

"a highly competitive boy, and a bit of a showoff" (Well, Dash frequently answers the rhetorical questions aloud during the sermons at church...and he has a yearning to hang with the big boys at the pool as they do acrobatics off the diving board. So...no...Dash is definitely not one to be a fly on the wall.)
========

Some other Greenhouse5-Dash trivia. He loves puzzles, attacking 200 piecers with patience that Mr. Incredible never had and is coming up to speed with his reading. By end of summer 2008, he should be reading with the best of 'em.

Spotlight on Dyna Girl

You can easily see the resemblance. Dyna Girl is a sidekick, originally to Electra Woman, but now of course to Wonder Woman. You'll note that she is "Electra-" positive and helpful. She gets her powers from her costume (of course, it's the clothes) and various other gadgets from Professor Heflin, but Mr Incredible usually supplies these gadgets now. Other Dyna Girl Facts

Don't worry, you'll all get your powers

There's been quite a stir about who (and who hasn't) received their superhero powers; as well as the (perceived) quality of the pictures posted. Mr. Incredible is an equal opportunity superheroist; recognizing the mistakes he made with "Syndrome" (aka Buddy Pine), he has vowed never again to deny anyone their destiny at greatness.

With that said, the superhero of the day is none other than "Miss America". You'll see by the picture that she has completely embraced the character. Please congratulate her and welcome her to the legion of honor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_America_%28DC_Comics%29
"Miss America is originally Joan Dale, a courageous reporter who had a dream in which the Statue of Liberty appeared to her and, giving her the power to transmute elements, instructed her to battle evil. Joan awakes to find that she now has these powers; adopting a patriotically-themed costume, she begins fighting evil as Miss America"

Perhaps about a week late...but a tribute to the Energizer

Check out these comments sent
by a business associate...then
you'll understand her superhero
name.

"I would like to commend you
on the quality and caliber of
your staff...In particular I
would like to focus on 
{the Energizer}"

"...in my seven years of
partnership in auto finance,
I did not encounter any
partnership which can compare
with {the Energizer}"

"she was extremely generous"

"It is obvious that {the Energizer} is a dedicated,
loyal, and respected member of..."

"I would like to express my appreciation for her
extraordinary efforts..."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Power
"She could disintegrate any kind of matter, including
water and air, store the energy and expel it in balls
of explosive fire. Katie's Energizer power was highly
destructive, potentially lethal, and in various
issues, was able to destroy buildings and bring down
supervillains such as Kurse. Katie initially had
little control over her power, and tended to use it
when she was frightened or angry, but as the series
progressed, she gained control over her abilities."