Making the Move
As you might know, there's a low-traffic mailing list associated with Media Diet. I've made the executive decision to largely scotch that list and move the conversational aspect of this project over to a Web discussion area. I'll probably keep the mailing list active until the membership dwindles -- or until I decide the Web discussion thing is a Bad Idea -- whichever comes first.
In the Web discussion area, you can do more than post comments to entries here. You can start your own topics. And if you're lucky, something you post might make it back here -- and vice versa, ad infinitum. Whatever!
Monday, December 17, 2001
Mention Me!
So, um, I'm searching Google for references to, well, me. And I'm finding all sorts of fun stuff. I'd forgotten that I'd won the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's College Gold Circle Award in 1995 for a critical piece on P.J. O'Rourke. I stumbled across Thomas Madsen-Mygdal's blog, CommonMe, a delightful commentary on all things technological, entrepreneurial, and Thomas-ish. I found a picture of me and Oil Can Boyd in a dive bar in San Diego. And one of me, Jordan Crane, and Oil Can looking for another bar in that same city. I tracked down an interview I did with Skip Williamson in 1993. Some people make fun of my name in a chat transcript. And I found an article from the New York Times Magazine about the work I do; it makes me look like some sort of rabble rouser.
Anyhoo, the upshot of this bit of self-gratification is that if you mention me in your blog or elsewhere online, I will mention you. All you have to do is let me know.
So, um, I'm searching Google for references to, well, me. And I'm finding all sorts of fun stuff. I'd forgotten that I'd won the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's College Gold Circle Award in 1995 for a critical piece on P.J. O'Rourke. I stumbled across Thomas Madsen-Mygdal's blog, CommonMe, a delightful commentary on all things technological, entrepreneurial, and Thomas-ish. I found a picture of me and Oil Can Boyd in a dive bar in San Diego. And one of me, Jordan Crane, and Oil Can looking for another bar in that same city. I tracked down an interview I did with Skip Williamson in 1993. Some people make fun of my name in a chat transcript. And I found an article from the New York Times Magazine about the work I do; it makes me look like some sort of rabble rouser.
Anyhoo, the upshot of this bit of self-gratification is that if you mention me in your blog or elsewhere online, I will mention you. All you have to do is let me know.
The Name Game
Ever wonder why Heathrow Airport is called Heathrow? Ever wonder why I'm called Heath Row? Me, too.
Ever wonder why Heathrow Airport is called Heathrow? Ever wonder why I'm called Heath Row? Me, too.
Blast from the Past
When I was in college, I wrote a paper about the history of zines. Imagine my surprise when I found it on the Web. Now if only DePaul University wouldn't confuse me with Chip Rowe, I'd be fine.
When I was in college, I wrote a paper about the history of zines. Imagine my surprise when I found it on the Web. Now if only DePaul University wouldn't confuse me with Chip Rowe, I'd be fine.
Off the Shelf II
Steve Portigal, who's been mentioned in Media Diet previously, recently started a blog called All This Chittah-Chatah. In it, he details his recent stand-up and improvised comedy performances, a new car battery, and holiday misadventures with Half.com. And... he says he's "working on a large update to the foreign grocery museum." Keep your eyes -- and those wrappers -- peeled. Huzzah!
Steve Portigal, who's been mentioned in Media Diet previously, recently started a blog called All This Chittah-Chatah. In it, he details his recent stand-up and improvised comedy performances, a new car battery, and holiday misadventures with Half.com. And... he says he's "working on a large update to the foreign grocery museum." Keep your eyes -- and those wrappers -- peeled. Huzzah!
See You in the Funny Pages III
Tom McManamon of Big Wheel Records drew this quirky Web comic "on college rule notebook paper with a pen found on the ground." It's a cautionary tale, so be... careful!
Tom McManamon of Big Wheel Records drew this quirky Web comic "on college rule notebook paper with a pen found on the ground." It's a cautionary tale, so be... careful!
See You in the Funny Pages II
This Web comic hasn't been updated since October, but there's lots here to catch up on. Demian.5's When I Am King is a beautiful, horizontal-running comic with 63 parts broken up into five chapters. What I've read so far is an interesting Chris Ware/Larry Marder/Jim Woodring-like process comic that involves a man and a horse. I'll be checking out all of this -- good to learn about, late though it be.
This Web comic hasn't been updated since October, but there's lots here to catch up on. Demian.5's When I Am King is a beautiful, horizontal-running comic with 63 parts broken up into five chapters. What I've read so far is an interesting Chris Ware/Larry Marder/Jim Woodring-like process comic that involves a man and a horse. I'll be checking out all of this -- good to learn about, late though it be.
Free Radio II
My friends Charlie and Andrew suggested I check out several other Web-based radio broadcasts, so I'm passing their suggestions on to you. You can find Vin Scelsa's freeform show online, as well as Fairleigh Dickenson University's radio station. Charlie says WFUV-FM has become a sort of refuge for great NYC DJ's who can't get hired. And pal Andrew gives props to the Milwaukee School of Engineering's WMSE-FM. Wonder if it's similar to WMBR-FM. You know, engineers and all.
My friends Charlie and Andrew suggested I check out several other Web-based radio broadcasts, so I'm passing their suggestions on to you. You can find Vin Scelsa's freeform show online, as well as Fairleigh Dickenson University's radio station. Charlie says WFUV-FM has become a sort of refuge for great NYC DJ's who can't get hired. And pal Andrew gives props to the Milwaukee School of Engineering's WMSE-FM. Wonder if it's similar to WMBR-FM. You know, engineers and all.
A Napkin for a Nickel?
The fellows at Cardhouse recently turned me on to this online museum of napkin holders that also contain coin-operated machines. You can wipe your mouth, and you can buy perfume. Now that's progress!
The fellows at Cardhouse recently turned me on to this online museum of napkin holders that also contain coin-operated machines. You can wipe your mouth, and you can buy perfume. Now that's progress!
Ignore the War VI
The president and publisher of the Sacramento Bee was booed, hissed, and heckled Saturday when he mentioned threats to civil liberties inherent in the federal government's investigation of terrorist attacks. He made the seemingly incendiary remarks during a commencement speech at California State University in Sacramento. "When Heaphy raised questions about racial profiling, limits on civil rights and the establishment of military tribunals, the audience interrupted by clapping and stomping their feet for five minutes." So much for our liberal college campuses!
The president and publisher of the Sacramento Bee was booed, hissed, and heckled Saturday when he mentioned threats to civil liberties inherent in the federal government's investigation of terrorist attacks. He made the seemingly incendiary remarks during a commencement speech at California State University in Sacramento. "When Heaphy raised questions about racial profiling, limits on civil rights and the establishment of military tribunals, the audience interrupted by clapping and stomping their feet for five minutes." So much for our liberal college campuses!
Pooch Music
Just Dogs Records recently released a CD called Just Dogs Touching Tunes: 2001. Music for pooches! Some quotes from the news release: "Our CD ... contains specialized music ... to comfort [your] canine companion in the time and space of each song. ... [The] CD is produced to bring about a greater consciousness in dogs making life more manageable for both the dog and the owner/companion. ... Take the time to use our CD and touch format with the dog and sense for yourself the calming effect and a feeling that will pulse back and forth between each of you, while lightening the burdens of the heart." For more mammalian music, check out the Furry Discography.
Just Dogs Records recently released a CD called Just Dogs Touching Tunes: 2001. Music for pooches! Some quotes from the news release: "Our CD ... contains specialized music ... to comfort [your] canine companion in the time and space of each song. ... [The] CD is produced to bring about a greater consciousness in dogs making life more manageable for both the dog and the owner/companion. ... Take the time to use our CD and touch format with the dog and sense for yourself the calming effect and a feeling that will pulse back and forth between each of you, while lightening the burdens of the heart." For more mammalian music, check out the Furry Discography.
Friday, December 14, 2001
Free Radio
Salon recently published an article on how the Digital Millennium Copyright Act might shut down college radio station Webcasts because the stations' can't afford the exorbitant streaming fees that their commercial counterparts can more easily bankroll. This is bad news, especially because college radio remains one of the bastions of independent broadcasting -- and because if you don't live on or near a campus with a station, the Web is one of the only ways you can access the broadcasts. Take some time today to tune in to a Webcast. I recommend WNUR-FM from Northwestern University, WMBR-FM from MIT, WMFO-FM from Tufts, WFMU-FM (which isn't a college station but is still independent and community-oriented), and Allston-Brighton Free Radio, a great microbroadcaster in the Boston area.
Salon recently published an article on how the Digital Millennium Copyright Act might shut down college radio station Webcasts because the stations' can't afford the exorbitant streaming fees that their commercial counterparts can more easily bankroll. This is bad news, especially because college radio remains one of the bastions of independent broadcasting -- and because if you don't live on or near a campus with a station, the Web is one of the only ways you can access the broadcasts. Take some time today to tune in to a Webcast. I recommend WNUR-FM from Northwestern University, WMBR-FM from MIT, WMFO-FM from Tufts, WFMU-FM (which isn't a college station but is still independent and community-oriented), and Allston-Brighton Free Radio, a great microbroadcaster in the Boston area.
Hot Water Muse
Turns out that Scott Sinclair, the dude who does the wonderful artwork for the Hot Water Music records, lives and works in Boston! Enough Fanzine recently interviewed Scott, and you can eye some of his artwork online. Also of note, Scott runs a local label that's released material by Pilot to Gunner and my friend Brad's band the Also-Rans. So I'm three degrees of separation from Hot Water Music. Not bad for a Friday afternoon!
Turns out that Scott Sinclair, the dude who does the wonderful artwork for the Hot Water Music records, lives and works in Boston! Enough Fanzine recently interviewed Scott, and you can eye some of his artwork online. Also of note, Scott runs a local label that's released material by Pilot to Gunner and my friend Brad's band the Also-Rans. So I'm three degrees of separation from Hot Water Music. Not bad for a Friday afternoon!
Talking Heads Are Men
The White House Project recently released a study analyzing who participates in the high-power Sunday-morning talk shows such as CBS’s Face the Nation, ABC’s This Week, CNN’s Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, and Fox’s News Sunday. It's a pretty sad showing -- 10% of guests on these shows are women. Then, the weekend after the report was released, the shows gave women even shorter shrift: "Out of the 23 guests appearing on Sunday morning Dec. 9, NBC’s Meet the Press was the only one this week that featured a woman guest. Thus, this Sunday women comprised only four percent of all guest appearances." Just goes to show how few women are given positions of political power and how unbalanced the political talk shows are in their coverage.
The White House Project recently released a study analyzing who participates in the high-power Sunday-morning talk shows such as CBS’s Face the Nation, ABC’s This Week, CNN’s Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, and Fox’s News Sunday. It's a pretty sad showing -- 10% of guests on these shows are women. Then, the weekend after the report was released, the shows gave women even shorter shrift: "Out of the 23 guests appearing on Sunday morning Dec. 9, NBC’s Meet the Press was the only one this week that featured a woman guest. Thus, this Sunday women comprised only four percent of all guest appearances." Just goes to show how few women are given positions of political power and how unbalanced the political talk shows are in their coverage.
Storyscapes
A San Francisco-based organization called the Cultural Conservancy is working to preserve Native American songs. In so doing, they're documenting songs about the spiritual connection the Native Americans they're working with feel with the land on which they live. This connection can then be used as a tool to better preserve Native American lands. An interesting methodology... and an interesting idea: that the places we frequent can be captured and coded in cultural artifacts such as artwork and songs. The art becomes part of our culture, and our culture can transmit the value of a place.
A San Francisco-based organization called the Cultural Conservancy is working to preserve Native American songs. In so doing, they're documenting songs about the spiritual connection the Native Americans they're working with feel with the land on which they live. This connection can then be used as a tool to better preserve Native American lands. An interesting methodology... and an interesting idea: that the places we frequent can be captured and coded in cultural artifacts such as artwork and songs. The art becomes part of our culture, and our culture can transmit the value of a place.
Thursday, December 13, 2001
Book 'Em
In my copious free time, I edit books on the side, just for kicks. My "first" book, a collection of short stories by a middle-aged brittle diabetic and cancer survivor in South Dakota named Dan Buck, is now available for sale on the Web. Check out the offerings from Highwater Books if you're interested.
In my copious free time, I edit books on the side, just for kicks. My "first" book, a collection of short stories by a middle-aged brittle diabetic and cancer survivor in South Dakota named Dan Buck, is now available for sale on the Web. Check out the offerings from Highwater Books if you're interested.
Blogging About Blogging
If you're interested in reading about what people are trying to do with their blogs and how blogs affect the people who make them -- and read them -- pop on over to Keep Trying, a wonderful new meta-blog I just came across.
If you're interested in reading about what people are trying to do with their blogs and how blogs affect the people who make them -- and read them -- pop on over to Keep Trying, a wonderful new meta-blog I just came across.
Monday, December 10, 2001
Lap Dog
A friend of mine is friends with someone who operates a dog kennel. This weekend, that kennel held a fundraiser event at which people could bring in their dogs to be photographed with a person dressed up as Santa Claus. My friend helped pose the dogs with the Santa, and the results, he says, were hilarious. I'm pushing for some of the photographs to be digitized and posted online so they can be shared with the world. Until that happens, you can whet your taste buds here, here, and, yes, here. Bow wow wow. I mean, ho ho ho.
A friend of mine is friends with someone who operates a dog kennel. This weekend, that kennel held a fundraiser event at which people could bring in their dogs to be photographed with a person dressed up as Santa Claus. My friend helped pose the dogs with the Santa, and the results, he says, were hilarious. I'm pushing for some of the photographs to be digitized and posted online so they can be shared with the world. Until that happens, you can whet your taste buds here, here, and, yes, here. Bow wow wow. I mean, ho ho ho.
Caught in a State of Address
My mailing address has changed, signaling the completion of my move -- physically and mentally -- from Somerville to Cambridge, which started back in, um, September 2000. No longer holding a P.O. Box in the 02144, my new mailing address is
Heath Row
P.O. Box 390205
Cambridge, MA
02139 USA
You may send any and all items for commentary and consideration to that new address. Fill my P.O. Box with love. Please.
My mailing address has changed, signaling the completion of my move -- physically and mentally -- from Somerville to Cambridge, which started back in, um, September 2000. No longer holding a P.O. Box in the 02144, my new mailing address is
Heath Row
P.O. Box 390205
Cambridge, MA
02139 USA
You may send any and all items for commentary and consideration to that new address. Fill my P.O. Box with love. Please.
Friday, December 07, 2001
Email of the Day
From Mike Topp, author of the new book "I Used to Be Ashamed of My Striped Face" (published by Elimae Books):
WE HAVE CHOCOLATE PUDDING
When Banzan was walking through the Union Square greenmarket he overheard a conversation between a vendor and his customer. "Do you have chocolate mousse?" asked the customer. "We have chocolate pudding," replied the vendor. At these words Banzan became enlightened.
16 O'S, 16 0'S
O O 0 O 0 O O
0 O 0 0 O 00
0 O 0 0 OO 0
0 O O O O O
0 0 0 0 O
AS IT TURNS OUT
As it turns out they have relaxed the restrictions and I think your son should reapply. Make sure he wears protective clothing since he will most likely appear before one with a bird head, one with a rat head, and one with the head of a snake.
DISAPPOINTMENT
6'5"
4"
From Mike Topp, author of the new book "I Used to Be Ashamed of My Striped Face" (published by Elimae Books):
WE HAVE CHOCOLATE PUDDING
When Banzan was walking through the Union Square greenmarket he overheard a conversation between a vendor and his customer. "Do you have chocolate mousse?" asked the customer. "We have chocolate pudding," replied the vendor. At these words Banzan became enlightened.
16 O'S, 16 0'S
O O 0 O 0 O O
0 O 0 0 O 00
0 O 0 0 OO 0
0 O O O O O
0 0 0 0 O
AS IT TURNS OUT
As it turns out they have relaxed the restrictions and I think your son should reapply. Make sure he wears protective clothing since he will most likely appear before one with a bird head, one with a rat head, and one with the head of a snake.
DISAPPOINTMENT
6'5"
4"
Thursday, December 06, 2001
Make Your Own Media
If you're interested in learning how to deal with the different ways of reproducing zines and comics, Jordan Crane of Non fame offers a free, downloadable guide to zine and comics repro. It's a Crane, David Choe, Ron Rege Jr., and Brian Ralph joint.
If you're interested in learning how to deal with the different ways of reproducing zines and comics, Jordan Crane of Non fame offers a free, downloadable guide to zine and comics repro. It's a Crane, David Choe, Ron Rege Jr., and Brian Ralph joint.
Wednesday, December 05, 2001
Patent Insanity
British Telecom claims that it holds a patent for hyperlinks on the Net, and they're taking the ISP Prodigy to court because they're using links illegally. Huh? Yeah. I hold a patent on the word "the." So stop using it.
British Telecom claims that it holds a patent for hyperlinks on the Net, and they're taking the ISP Prodigy to court because they're using links illegally. Huh? Yeah. I hold a patent on the word "the." So stop using it.
Winging IT
The Bergen Linux Users Group in Norway recently experimented with how carrier pigeons can distribute information using the Internet Protocol. It took an hour and 42 minutes to transfer a 64-byte packet of information. Doesn't look like that supplant the Net any time soon.
The Bergen Linux Users Group in Norway recently experimented with how carrier pigeons can distribute information using the Internet Protocol. It took an hour and 42 minutes to transfer a 64-byte packet of information. Doesn't look like that supplant the Net any time soon.
Friday, November 30, 2001
Map Your Attack
One of my biggest frustrations -- OK, two of them -- are not having the most recent bus schedules... and not having them with me. So lo and behold, how happy was I to learn that not only can you access bus schedules on the MBTA's Web site, but that you can also download and print PDF files of the most recent schedules? Pretty happy, I'll have you know. The PDF's print out in a format perfect for folding like a brochure and putting in your pocket. Which is what I did just now for the 91 schedule. Woohoo!
One of my biggest frustrations -- OK, two of them -- are not having the most recent bus schedules... and not having them with me. So lo and behold, how happy was I to learn that not only can you access bus schedules on the MBTA's Web site, but that you can also download and print PDF files of the most recent schedules? Pretty happy, I'll have you know. The PDF's print out in a format perfect for folding like a brochure and putting in your pocket. Which is what I did just now for the 91 schedule. Woohoo!
On the Road... to Rhode Island
My friend Tom is moving to Providence soon. He does a blog called Thomas Hopkins Tomato Tome that's worth checking out. Make sure to eye his early experiments in Flash, some of his art, and his photography. Damn, that man's always got something going on.
My friend Tom is moving to Providence soon. He does a blog called Thomas Hopkins Tomato Tome that's worth checking out. Make sure to eye his early experiments in Flash, some of his art, and his photography. Damn, that man's always got something going on.
Ho Ho, It's Mr. Show!
I don't need to say too much more about this, but the first 10 episodes of Bob Odenkirk and David Cross's wonderful HBO program Mr. Show are going to be released on DVD early next year. This is by far the best news I've heard all day.
I don't need to say too much more about this, but the first 10 episodes of Bob Odenkirk and David Cross's wonderful HBO program Mr. Show are going to be released on DVD early next year. This is by far the best news I've heard all day.
Thursday, November 29, 2001
Wednesday, November 28, 2001
The Poster Police
The Independent Weekly recently ran an article about a Durham, NC, student activist who was targeted by local police because of an anti-Bush poster hanging on her wall. Reportedly, the police were responding to a tip on "anti-American material." Those interested in learning what to do when the police come knocking will be interested in this guide from the National Lawyers Guild.
The Independent Weekly recently ran an article about a Durham, NC, student activist who was targeted by local police because of an anti-Bush poster hanging on her wall. Reportedly, the police were responding to a tip on "anti-American material." Those interested in learning what to do when the police come knocking will be interested in this guide from the National Lawyers Guild.
Taking the Pulse of the New Economy
Just stumbled across a solid blog about new trends in business and technology. The potentially inaccurately named Internet 3.0, etc. features Tom Peters' seven rules for weathering a recession, EBay's customer relations, the death of standard pricing, and other topics. Updated almost daily since July 2001, S.G.'s reports from the front lines of business media might make good daily reading. Sources include Businessweek, Darwin, Slate, and other solid media outlets.
Just stumbled across a solid blog about new trends in business and technology. The potentially inaccurately named Internet 3.0, etc. features Tom Peters' seven rules for weathering a recession, EBay's customer relations, the death of standard pricing, and other topics. Updated almost daily since July 2001, S.G.'s reports from the front lines of business media might make good daily reading. Sources include Businessweek, Darwin, Slate, and other solid media outlets.
Death of a Diver
Paul Levenson, former president of the L Street Swimming Club, died Monday. He was 84. As prexy of the L Street Swimming Club, Levenson was a member of the L Street Brownies, a group of Boston-area people who dove into Boston Harbor every Jan. 1, following a tradition started in the late 1880s. Searching the Web, there's little official information about the club, but you can read an article from South Boston Online, a piece from the Boston Herald, and a poem from Mark Leigh Gibbons about the event. And if you'd like to have a go yourself next year, bone up on L Street Beach, where the swim happens annually. Newsreel, a seven-member media collective, has also produced a documentary called "Winter Splash."
Paul Levenson, former president of the L Street Swimming Club, died Monday. He was 84. As prexy of the L Street Swimming Club, Levenson was a member of the L Street Brownies, a group of Boston-area people who dove into Boston Harbor every Jan. 1, following a tradition started in the late 1880s. Searching the Web, there's little official information about the club, but you can read an article from South Boston Online, a piece from the Boston Herald, and a poem from Mark Leigh Gibbons about the event. And if you'd like to have a go yourself next year, bone up on L Street Beach, where the swim happens annually. Newsreel, a seven-member media collective, has also produced a documentary called "Winter Splash."
Monday, November 19, 2001
Bust Goes, Well, Bust
According to the Boston Phoenix, the brilliantly cunning third-wave feminist magazine Bust has closed its covers for the final time with the issue currently on newsstands. New owner Razorfish laid off the staff just after a launch party to announce a new 10-times-a-year schedule, and the magazine's founders are working to buy the magazine back. Meanwhile, online discussion activity continues in Bust's bulletin boards, as well as in an independent site readers started just in case Razorfish pulled the Web plug as well as shutting up the Bust shop and staff. Best wishes to Bust founders Debbie Stoller and Laurie Henzel. I love Bust.
(Thanks to Jen Vilaga for telling me about this.)
According to the Boston Phoenix, the brilliantly cunning third-wave feminist magazine Bust has closed its covers for the final time with the issue currently on newsstands. New owner Razorfish laid off the staff just after a launch party to announce a new 10-times-a-year schedule, and the magazine's founders are working to buy the magazine back. Meanwhile, online discussion activity continues in Bust's bulletin boards, as well as in an independent site readers started just in case Razorfish pulled the Web plug as well as shutting up the Bust shop and staff. Best wishes to Bust founders Debbie Stoller and Laurie Henzel. I love Bust.
(Thanks to Jen Vilaga for telling me about this.)
Ignore the War V
The Week doesn't actually offer articles online, but the Nov. 23 edition sports a thoughtful look at a recent controversy in the media: Is objectivity un-American? A writer in the Weekly Standard criticizes media workers for not wearing flag pins or acting more patriotic. And in the Washington Post, Michael Kinsley says that the media is damned if they do -- and damned if they don't. Prior to the current military action, conservative critics claimed the press lacked objectivity. Now members of the press are being accused of upholding their objectivity. Depends on which way the wind blows, I suppose. But if more journalists were honest about their biases, opinions, and subjectivity, we'd avoid this hubbub in the first place. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. And stand behind it.
The Week doesn't actually offer articles online, but the Nov. 23 edition sports a thoughtful look at a recent controversy in the media: Is objectivity un-American? A writer in the Weekly Standard criticizes media workers for not wearing flag pins or acting more patriotic. And in the Washington Post, Michael Kinsley says that the media is damned if they do -- and damned if they don't. Prior to the current military action, conservative critics claimed the press lacked objectivity. Now members of the press are being accused of upholding their objectivity. Depends on which way the wind blows, I suppose. But if more journalists were honest about their biases, opinions, and subjectivity, we'd avoid this hubbub in the first place. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. And stand behind it.
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