Well, I already posted (at CBGXtra) the link to National Public Radio's Free Comic Book Day plug, snark and all. But now it's time to be sure I've assembled what I'll need for the annual jaunt to Madison, Wisconsin. This is complicated by its being the first year that I've gone down the day before in order to report on a museum exhibit devoted to underground comix; guest star is Denis Kitchen, with whom I haven't had a chance at a relaxed chat for months -- maybe years.

+ camera
+ camcorder
+ audio recorder
+ cell phone
+ gas for the car
+ cash for store purchases
+ Palm Pilot (and notebook) with addresses and phone numbers
+ want list

Oh, yes, and: tape for the camcorder and battery charging for every battery-operated item I'll be lugging along. Time to plug in!

What do you make it a point to haul along?

Those who thought The Wrestler erupted full-blown, Athenalike, from the brains of director Darren Aronofsky and actor Mickey Rourke may be surprised to learn that the project actually originated with former Onion editor Rob Siegel. As Rourke thanked his dog at an awards show and Aronofsky failed to mention Rob in a lengthy NPR Fresh Air interview, I waited eagerly for the universe to acknowledge who had created the flippin' thing (and who did, at least, get a cameo in the movie's opening scene).

And then I began the wait to get a chance to see Rob's next project: one for which he'll actually receive credit, since he's directing it. And now it's been announced that First Independent Pictures will distribute it to theaters before the end of the year. Huzzah!

In a delicious essay titled "Why a 42-Year-Old Superhero Cartoon Is Better than a Pony," National Public Radio blogger Glen Weldon identifies the magic moment that made him what he is.

Here's the link. And what was the magic moment for you?