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Photo Diary: November 2015 Part 1
Geekery
DC Super Hero Girls Looks Rad!
DC Super Hero Girls is here and I’m already a big fan! The cross-platform initiative plans to take many of DC Entertainment’s popular female characters, re-envision them for a younger crowd and make them easily accessible to kids, specifically young girls. The general idea was announced in the past few months, but USA Today scored the first look at the roll out this afternoon. 
DCSHG will come to life in a variety of arenas. There’s a cartoon presented in webisode chunks (the first one is here) from WB Animation plus a line of toys from Mattel, comics from DC, books from Random House and a variety of other offerings that will presumably make themselves known through the official website.
As you can see in the aforementioned animation, the general conceit here is that all of these young heroes attend the same high school where they’re trained how to use their abilities for good. It sounds like a mix of Ultimate Spider-Man and Monster High or the My Little Pony: Equestria Girls movies. 
From checking out the character page of the official site, it looks like Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Batgirl, Katana and Bumblebee will take center stage, but others like Catwoman, Cheetah, Hawkgirl, Star Sapphire, Beast Boy and Hal Jordan will also appear. Follow the link at the beginning of this paragraph to go through each of them, read through their bios and even click around to see their specific powers and abilities.
The characters will also make their way to toy aisles thanks to Mattel’s action dolls. USA Today got the first look at these. Above you can see the foot-tall versions of Wonder Woman and Supergirl alongside the 6-inch takes on Harley and Bumblebee!
As a lifelong fan of comic books — specifically the ones published by DC — I’m very excited about the track that DC and WB are taking with this concept. Ultimately, I wish we didn’t have to make such a big effort to create entertainment that doesn’t alienate girls from the world of super heroes, but this seems like a really solid move. My daughter already has a good deal of comic-related toys in her ever-growing collection, but the fact that more will be aimed specifically at her is aces in my book!
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 100
Hi Gang, welcome to the 100th episode of The Pop Poppa Nap Cast. I have an awesome guest with me this time and it’s my amazing wife Emily! This episode follows a brand new format and I think it’s pretty snazzy! If you want to compare this episode the first one, you can listen to it here.
Here’s a behind the scenes look at the outline we were working on off of the big board:
And this is a picture of what my wife calls a Boyfriend Pillow, but what Target calls a Bed Rest Pillow.
Meanwhile, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is far more entertaining than Babes In Toyland.
PAW Patrol continues to entertain the kid and, literally the day after recording, I saw that they have another female dog who shows up every now and then called Everest, so that’s something.
I thought Adventures Time Season 5 was parentally informative, but Em’s still not a big fan of our 4 year old watching it. We’re both not sure about Monster High.
Book-wise, I’m a big fan of all three of these, even if Jack thinks books should all have touchscreens. Frozen Fever: Anna’s Birthday Surprise
When it comes to toys the Funko Mystery Mini Kyle
Unfortunately, these two have seen better days, so I’m going to try cleaning them up with some Clearasil Stayclear Vanishing Acne Cream as suggested on this site. I’ll let you know how it goes.
This week’s Pop Poppa Seal Of Approval goes to Jack’s favorite toy, the Kid O Hide and Seek Discs
DC Entertainment Offers Super Back To School Supplies
When I was a kid, there weren’t a lot of fun ways to show that you were a superhero fan. In the 80s and 90s, the heroes were somewhat well known, but nowhere near as ubiquitous as they are today. To give you an idea, it took over a year for me to find a shirt with a simple Superman symbol on it whereas today you have several options just at Target alone.
So, when I got an email from the fine folks over at Warner Bros. Consumer Products about a whole batch of superhero-themed back-to-school products for girls and boys I was equally excited and jealous. I would have LOVED a Superman lunchbox when I was a kid! But, I’m even more excited that my daughter will have her choice between Batman, Superman, Batgirl and Wonder Woman ones from Thermos when she goes back to school! Jinkies, there’s even a Scooby-Doo one. All five of these are well insulated and padded to keep lunches safe, while the superhero versions also come with a smaller zipper compartment along the bottom.
But, school’s about more than just lunch (apparently). To get all of those pesky books to school, you can use Fast Forward Inc.’s Supergirl or Batgirl Mini Backpacks or the Batman one which comes with a lunchkit.
Finally, dig these last few accessories. The Accutime Cape Watches featuring Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman will allow your kid to count down the minutes to recess all on their own. Meanwhile, the Batgirl Vaultz Locking Binder Pouches actually come with a combo lock to keep your phone, cash and other supplies from falling into the wrong hands and the Batman Vaultz Locking Pencil Box looks like it’ll keep your stuff secure while still looking like it came right out of the Batcave!
Real talk? I’m 32 and been out of school for about a decade, but I’ve got my eye on that Superman lunchbox, the Wonder Woman watch and the Batman box. Head on to your local school supply retailers or online to get while the getting is good.
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 99
The crazy-delayed 99th episode of The Pop Poppa Nap Cast is finally here, even though it was recorded nearly a month ago! Just push play to hear about surviving a sick house, going “down the Shore,” one crazy night and my first official comic book pitch!
The comic shop I mentioned visiting is called October Country. It’s in New Paltz and it’s rad.
This is what Lavallette, NJ looks like. It was pretty great, I’d definitely go back.
I mentioned looking up the Oni site for a review I wrote for a great comic called Mermin. Check that out here and my take on the next two books here.
I’m not sure when I’ll be back for the next episode, but I’ve got a few fun things planned to celebrate the hundredth episode! Stay tuned!
For more of me check out UnitedMonkee.com, Comic Book Resources, Geek.com and @PoppaDietsch on Twitter.
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 96
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 96 covers my new job writing for Geek.com, my better mood thanks to the weather and how I hope that leads to better times with my kids this summer!
If you’re in the Orange County area and like comics, do yourself a favor and check out October Country in New Paltz.
I wrote about fried-egg-coverd BLTs in this post, which you should absolutely check out. Fried eggs also played into Feed Me Phoebe’s excellent Mexican Sweet Potato Hash with Black Beans and Spinach and Smitten Kitchen’s fantastic Spaghetti Pangrattato with Crispy Eggs.
Finally, the two StaceyMakesCents posts I mentioned about Cincinnati Chili and magnesium lotion can be found here and here. Also, feast your eyes on this rad-looking dog.
For more of me check out UnitedMonkee.com, Comic Book Resources, Geek.com and @PoppaDietsch on Twitter.
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 81
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 81 was recorded right after my experiences down in Manhattan during the New York Comic Con, my new favorite book for Lucy and a few funny parenting stories!
A 90s Gak commercial, if you’re not familiar:
For what it’s worth, I wound up going to the coffee shop and writing instead of heading to the birthday party with Lu, but she still had a pretty great time. 
Even after several weeks, I’m still a big fan of Julius Jr.
DC SUPER HEROES: MY FIRST BOOK OF GIRL POWER
For more of me check out UnitedMonkee.com, MonkeyingAroundTheKitchen.com, Comic Book Resources and @PoppaDietsch on Twitter.
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 70
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 70 is pretty scattered thanks to Jack’s repeated interupptions, but I do talk about not getting the house we were looking at, our continued search and a few things about this weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con. My apologies for changes in tone and voice, plus all the ums and uhhhs.
The phone interview I mentioned doing last week was for this story posted on CBR about the cool new Mondo toys!
If you’re interested in bidding on Iron Fist’s first appearance or lots of Iron Fist and/or Power Man & Iron Fist, go check out my ebay auctions.
The park we hit up in PA is called Firefly Field. It’s worth checking out if you have kids.
If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and check out Dutchess Marketplace in Fishkill, NY! Here’s Lu and her new, old Lisa Simpson doll.
For more of me check out UnitedMonkee.com, MonkeyingAroundTheKitchen.com, Comic Book Resources and @PoppaDietsch on Twitter.
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 69
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast 69 not only features a guest host in Jack Dietsch, but also gives an update on the moving situation and talks about kiddie troubles.
Here’s Lu playing with her new Avengers toys!
Batman: Brave & The Bold is the best kid-friendly Batman cartoon in ages. Check it out on Netflix or buy it on Amazon through that link.
For more of me check out UnitedMonkee.com, MonkeyingAroundTheKitchen.com, Comic Book Resources and @PoppaDietsch on Twitter.
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 59
The 59th episode of The Pop Poppa Nap Cast gives a general Jack update, details Lu’s birthday and also a daddy-daughter day co-opted by other kids!
If you’re at all interested in checking out any of the gifts I mentioned when talking about Lu’s birthday they are as follows: Melissa & Doug Cutting Food
Here’s the bubble-related video from Knocked Up, it’s a bit NSFW language-wise.
Captain Carrot And His Amazing Zoo Crew ran for 20 issues between 1982 and 1983. DC collected a few of the issues in Captain Carrot and the Final Ark
And finally, here’s the video go Lucy meeting Jack for the first time.
For more of me check out UnitedMonkee.com, MonkeyingAroundTheKitchen.com, Comic Book Resources and @PoppaDietsch on Twitter.
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 31
There’s a whole lotta New York Comic Con talk on this episode of The Pop Poppa Nap Cast, which happens to be the 31st episode if you’re counting.
The article I mentioned about moms taking it easier on themselves and each other is called “Moms When Are You Going To Learn?” and was posted on So Wonderful, So Marvelous.
My review for The Frighteners can be read over on UnitedMonkee.
Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find the exact Cinderella crown on Amazon, so I can’t link to it right now, but I’ll keep looking and let you know when/if I do track it down.
For more of me check out UnitedMonkee.com, MonkeyingAroundTheKitchen.com, Comic Book Resources and @PoppaDietsch on Twitter.
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 4
The fourth episode of The Pop Poppa Nap Cast hits chock full of geekery from a video game-creating dad to a little girl mashing up Star Wars and princesses plus a few positive thoughts on Pixar’s Brave, the importance of keeping yourself happy and more!
The Pop Poppa Nap Cast Episode 4
Here’s the Disney Princess commercial I mentioned:
I first wrote about Brave on this very blog here.
Here’s the Wired story on Mike Mika, the guy who remade Donkey Kong for his daughter.
The Her Universe story on McKenna.
The Force Is Strong With This Young One
I really don’t want to be one of those crazy geek dads who imposes my love of certain things on my kids. Sure, I’ll show Lucy all the movies I loved as a kid when she gets a little older and can decide if she enjoys them or not, but I’m not going to make her learn Klingon or whatever. I will give her my awesome, extendable lightsaber with lights and sounds to play with though.
A word of warning to parents letting their kids play with this spring loaded batch of awesomeness, though, extend it for them before handing it to the kid. My wife said it would probably hurt if you hit the button and it hit someone in the head. I was skeptical. So…we tried it. I got hit in the head so hard that I flew back and had tears in my eyes. Do not recommend. But, I’d test even a real lightsaber before letting her potentially get hurt by one.
Pop Poppa Of The Week: George Kirk From Star Trek (2009)
As part of my gig writing up news stories for the movie blog Spinoff Online, I wind up writing about a lot of the same movies over and over again. One such recent example is the sequel to J.J. Abrams’ 2009 sci-fi epic Star Trek that did the unthinkable in not only making Star Trek awesome to non-geeks but also deftly balanced old school continuity with a solid reboot. I was a fan of the first movie so much so that I own the DVD. With all this talk of the follow-up, I figured it would be a good time to watch the first flick again.
I had forgotten about the opening of the movie which features Captain Kirk’s dad George getting upgraded to Captain for a very short period of time. We discover as he does his best to keep the ship together and execute a mass evacuation that his pregnant wife is on board. George intends to escape with them, but discovers the auto pilot systems have been destroyed and need him to do it himself. George keeps his head together and, while his tenure as Captain is short, he saved hundreds of people, ultimately giving his life for them.
Man, I hope I don’t ever have to make a decision like that, but what an awesome man and dad George Kirk tunred out to be. Noble, honorable, strong, brave, what more can you want in a role model. Sure, his kid turned out to be kind of a hot head, but I think that he’s got potential.
Here We Go Steelers, Here We Go!
When I snapped this picture earlier today, I actually had no idea that the Steelers–my favorite football team–were playing an exhibition game tonight. I texted the picture to my buddy and fellow Steelers fan Chad because he got Lucy her own personal Terrible Towel way back before she was even born. Even though she was being put to bed by the time the game actually started, I could feel her cheering in the other room as I watched the Steelers score on the Eagles. But, this being the pre-season and us having Doctor Who episodes to watch, I didn’t stick around. I guess my geekiness won out over my fan-ness. Were this a real game, though, I’d be glued to the TV as a Pittsburgh game being broadcast in New York is a pretty rare thing.
A Few Social Media Doohickeys
My internet geek-fu is not as strong as it might seem. Sure, I’ve got a few blogs under my belt and write for a slew of websites, but the whole social media thing has never really been my bag. I have no problem with things like Facebook or Twitter, but didn’t really find myself interesting enough to keep the world posted on my comings and goings. Until now I guess. I always said I’d get more into it when I had something to promote and I think Pop Poppa’s worth talking about. So, with that in mind, I’ve set up a Twitter account called Poppa Dietsch (or, I guess @PoppaDietsch, right?) and a Facebook fan page. If you’re so inclined feel free to follow and like those things respectively. I’m still getting used to all this so take it easy on me. I believe I linked this blog to both of those accounts, so those are pretty good ways to keep up on Pop Poppa, of course you can also sign up for email updates (there’s a link up there to the right) or the RSS feed (higher up on the right), which is my preferred way of keeping up with the internets.
