Doctor, Steal Thyself II
Huh. So I just called my new doctor -- the primary care physician I switched to June 14 -- to schedule a physical. And even though Cigna could assign him as my PCP, he's not actually taking any new patients. Any new non-HIV patients, that is.
I don't understand several things. How can I belong to an HMO and have such troubles actually finding a doctor? How can Cigna assign a PCP if the doctor's not actually taking new patients? How can a doctor limit their practice to patients with HIV? It'd be good to have a doctor. It'd be good to get a physical -- I haven't been to the doctor in years.
I'm also not impressed by Cigna's customer service. I emailed the customer service rep back asking why they'd been able to assign me to a doctor not taking new patients -- and minutes later to inform them that their Provider Directory online wasn't working -- and I got snubbed:
"Thank you for your follow-up to your inquiry. This case has been completed by our Internet Customer Service Team. Should you require additional attention regarding this matter, please contact Member Services at the toll-free number on the participant's CIGNA HealthCare ID card."
What's the point in offering online customer service if they don't actually do anything -- much less answer questions -- outside of referring you to a phone number?
And... can anyone in the Boston area recommend a doctor? Especially if you're in Cigna. Email me.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
NetWork III
It took three separate recommendations from different directions to get me to finally cross the threshold and check out Ryze, a business networking community. Now that I'm inside, I'm finding all sorts of friends and mutual connections. A search for "punk rock," one of my interests, only yielded three people, myself included, but one of those people is friends with someone I know -- who in turn is one of the people who recommended Ryze to me. Small, small world. I don't know how productive this service is in terms of actually helping people make business connections, but it's an intriguing concept that builds on the whole six degrees of separation notion -- and that'll help me think through the future of the Company of Friends.
It took three separate recommendations from different directions to get me to finally cross the threshold and check out Ryze, a business networking community. Now that I'm inside, I'm finding all sorts of friends and mutual connections. A search for "punk rock," one of my interests, only yielded three people, myself included, but one of those people is friends with someone I know -- who in turn is one of the people who recommended Ryze to me. Small, small world. I don't know how productive this service is in terms of actually helping people make business connections, but it's an intriguing concept that builds on the whole six degrees of separation notion -- and that'll help me think through the future of the Company of Friends.
Party to Record Releases III
Newbury Comics recently changed the terms of its E-Mail Club, which used to include a 5% discount in their stores, but they plan to continue their new release emails. In fact, with yesterday's mailing, they've changed the format slightly, and they're looking for feedback. For the most part, the new release emails aren't that useful, and I'm not sure why I haven't unsubscribed now that the discount is gone. Other than special offer and in-store appearance announcements, the emails are basically straight lists of record titles and prices -- no reviews, and not much information. I learned about the new Dillinger Four record two days after picking it up in the shop. So the trigger effect in terms of bringing people into the stores is diminished. It'd be much better to learn what was going to come out rather than what had just come out. Their Upcoming Releases page is still dated March, and ICE Magazine's new release information is consistently much more useful.
Newbury Comics recently changed the terms of its E-Mail Club, which used to include a 5% discount in their stores, but they plan to continue their new release emails. In fact, with yesterday's mailing, they've changed the format slightly, and they're looking for feedback. For the most part, the new release emails aren't that useful, and I'm not sure why I haven't unsubscribed now that the discount is gone. Other than special offer and in-store appearance announcements, the emails are basically straight lists of record titles and prices -- no reviews, and not much information. I learned about the new Dillinger Four record two days after picking it up in the shop. So the trigger effect in terms of bringing people into the stores is diminished. It'd be much better to learn what was going to come out rather than what had just come out. Their Upcoming Releases page is still dated March, and ICE Magazine's new release information is consistently much more useful.
Blogging About Blogging XXV
Starting at 6 a.m. PST, July 27, almost 45 people (so far) will blog for 24 hours without interruption to raise money for charity as part of Blogathon 2002. The rules say that participants must update their sites every 30 minutes. The rules also offer advice on how to stay awake for 24 hours:
Have friends over
Watch movies
Go for walks
Take a cool shower
Talk with other bloggers
Work on a project
So far, Amnesty International, Book Aid, Doctors Without Borders, and Planned Parenthood are popular charities. Most of the blog producers interested in participating -- you need to have three sponsors to be involved -- don't have any sponsors yet, so if you're interested, check it out. It's like Dance Marathon, only nobody's dancing!
Starting at 6 a.m. PST, July 27, almost 45 people (so far) will blog for 24 hours without interruption to raise money for charity as part of Blogathon 2002. The rules say that participants must update their sites every 30 minutes. The rules also offer advice on how to stay awake for 24 hours:
So far, Amnesty International, Book Aid, Doctors Without Borders, and Planned Parenthood are popular charities. Most of the blog producers interested in participating -- you need to have three sponsors to be involved -- don't have any sponsors yet, so if you're interested, check it out. It's like Dance Marathon, only nobody's dancing!
North End Moment XX
This morning, walking to work, I saw a man walking down the alley behind the Scotch & Sirloin building. Moments later, he was walking back in the other direction with several lottery cards, rubbing furiously. It looked as though he'd just gotten out of bed, thrown on some clothes, and put on a baseball cap to hide his bed head. But you know how it is -- sometimes you really need some scratch tickets at 9 a.m.
This morning, walking to work, I saw a man walking down the alley behind the Scotch & Sirloin building. Moments later, he was walking back in the other direction with several lottery cards, rubbing furiously. It looked as though he'd just gotten out of bed, thrown on some clothes, and put on a baseball cap to hide his bed head. But you know how it is -- sometimes you really need some scratch tickets at 9 a.m.
Rock Shows of Note XXIV
Oh. My. Goodness. I wasn't going to go to the show last night. Really, I wasn't. But after watching the first season of Mr. Show on the new DVD -- and just as the rain began to fall -- I decided it was a good idea to call a cab to JP to catch the Operators at the Milky Way. They were playing as part of CuriousBrain Imaginary Playground 2, a show blending live music and video screenings from the CuriousBrain Showcase 06. For the most part, the show was a screening of videos -- including a fun Freezepop video, a Fight Club-like hip-hop vid, and a Lovewhip music video -- but the musical acts were quite interesting.
First, I caught a violin/guitar/bass trio improvising -- it seemed -- to a video collage of street scenes and ominous facial features. Then, the Operators. Their set got off to a rocky start because Steph took a last-minute bathroom break, but Paul filled in on drums for a spell, even continuing to hit the tom as he passed the sticks to Steph upon her arrival. They played a slightly rusty set of favorites, including "Angie," whose video was screened as part of the show (director Bill Lovejoy was in the audience). And they hit their stride about halfway through the set -- which was good to see; the Ops are a great band when they're not hesitant or overly self-conscious. After their set -- and walking down the block to the convenience store and back trying to call a cab -- I returned to the club to beg a ride -- and to catch part of a lackluster performance by an Ani Difranco wannabe. (Not to be overly harsh, but that's how it hit me.)
Jen and Em were dears and gave me a lift home, where I unwisely called an ex before drifting off to sleep to the strains of the new Dillinger Four record. Harrumph. Shows. I should stay in sometimes.
Oh. My. Goodness. I wasn't going to go to the show last night. Really, I wasn't. But after watching the first season of Mr. Show on the new DVD -- and just as the rain began to fall -- I decided it was a good idea to call a cab to JP to catch the Operators at the Milky Way. They were playing as part of CuriousBrain Imaginary Playground 2, a show blending live music and video screenings from the CuriousBrain Showcase 06. For the most part, the show was a screening of videos -- including a fun Freezepop video, a Fight Club-like hip-hop vid, and a Lovewhip music video -- but the musical acts were quite interesting.
First, I caught a violin/guitar/bass trio improvising -- it seemed -- to a video collage of street scenes and ominous facial features. Then, the Operators. Their set got off to a rocky start because Steph took a last-minute bathroom break, but Paul filled in on drums for a spell, even continuing to hit the tom as he passed the sticks to Steph upon her arrival. They played a slightly rusty set of favorites, including "Angie," whose video was screened as part of the show (director Bill Lovejoy was in the audience). And they hit their stride about halfway through the set -- which was good to see; the Ops are a great band when they're not hesitant or overly self-conscious. After their set -- and walking down the block to the convenience store and back trying to call a cab -- I returned to the club to beg a ride -- and to catch part of a lackluster performance by an Ani Difranco wannabe. (Not to be overly harsh, but that's how it hit me.)
Jen and Em were dears and gave me a lift home, where I unwisely called an ex before drifting off to sleep to the strains of the new Dillinger Four record. Harrumph. Shows. I should stay in sometimes.
Monday, June 17, 2002
From the In Box: Music to My Ears VIII
The two friends whom I was concerned about offending in that last batch of reviews wrote back almost immediately:
I think much of the stuff you wrote makes sense. I actually feel like I do have a higher standard when I bring a song to the Operators. That said, I'm still proud of "Stars in Winter." I know that not everyone will like it, but that's the way it goes. As a side story, a friend called me last night to tell me how much he liked it. He later confessed that he was really stoned when he first listened to it. Hmm. Stoned or not, I hope you like it the next chance you give it. I'm of the opinion that it definitely is not a first listen album (whatever that means).
However, I wouldn't want you to know who I was from the record as most of the songs aren't about me. I'd be a rather uninteresting person if you could determine what I'm about from one set of songs. Still, even if you could figure it out, you'd probably be wrong. Much is fictional, some is twisted truth, and some is plain truth. I don't always speak directly. This is often intentional.
As an artist, I want people to interpret what they hear and give it their own meaning. Literal translation can be powerful, but I prefer the
subjective. The risk with this approach is that someone may not find meaning at all in your work. It's a reality I'm willing to live with.
That said, this set of songs (not all of them, but most) say more about me than anything else I've ever done. Unfortunately, I'm probably the only one that could give you the exact interpretation and meaning. I won't though. -- Paul Coleman
***
Yeah. If only you owned more Figgs records, you'd see how much I'm aping them as well. I don't know. I feel like Hall & Oates opening up for the Ramones in this city. Wrong place, wrong time. I'd rather play for soccer moms out in the burbs -- those types always seem to get the most out of the music, whereas around the scene, the focus is on competence and style. Most people who actually buy records (i.e. not rockers who get theirs for free) can't tell Bruce Springsteen from Tom Petty from Elvis Costello from latter-day Figgs (assuming they ever got the chance to hear them). It's about the singer and the song and the sound somewhat. I guess it's not taking you anywhere because I make music to be heard, not thought about. You can listen to the lyrics and get the song, but if you're looking for something cultural, it ain't there.
My comment on rockers getting free records isn't a dig at you being media -- it was more a comment about how people who determine the fate and marketablity of a record within the industry (journalists, radio people, record company people, booking agents) are the ones least likely to actually pay for a new record and thus make it marketable. There's nothing wrong with getting stuff for free.
But I guess I was surprised (not in a bad way) by the angle. My thing in the last year has sort of been to get over the musical aspects of my music and try to just focus on the lyrics and the singing and having a good time -- and to produce it like it's a new record instead of applying a set of retro standards to it. I even used Pro Tools to make "Destroyer." I guess I'm so naturally mired in the past that I just gravitated towards that anyway. It's always interesting to hear how someone else hears your music. Like, I've never owned any Buddy Holly, and Elvis Costello bores me, but everyone mentions the latter.
Anyway, I do appreciate your honesty. Too often, "local" music is the Special Olympics of rock and roll. I actually enjoyed hearing what you said, and in a way, it's satisfying that I was able to make someone think about that stuff while listening to the music I made.
Or maybe we're just ripping off the Figgs and it sucks. I don't know. I quit. -- Brett Rosenberg
The two friends whom I was concerned about offending in that last batch of reviews wrote back almost immediately:
I think much of the stuff you wrote makes sense. I actually feel like I do have a higher standard when I bring a song to the Operators. That said, I'm still proud of "Stars in Winter." I know that not everyone will like it, but that's the way it goes. As a side story, a friend called me last night to tell me how much he liked it. He later confessed that he was really stoned when he first listened to it. Hmm. Stoned or not, I hope you like it the next chance you give it. I'm of the opinion that it definitely is not a first listen album (whatever that means).
However, I wouldn't want you to know who I was from the record as most of the songs aren't about me. I'd be a rather uninteresting person if you could determine what I'm about from one set of songs. Still, even if you could figure it out, you'd probably be wrong. Much is fictional, some is twisted truth, and some is plain truth. I don't always speak directly. This is often intentional.
As an artist, I want people to interpret what they hear and give it their own meaning. Literal translation can be powerful, but I prefer the
subjective. The risk with this approach is that someone may not find meaning at all in your work. It's a reality I'm willing to live with.
That said, this set of songs (not all of them, but most) say more about me than anything else I've ever done. Unfortunately, I'm probably the only one that could give you the exact interpretation and meaning. I won't though. -- Paul Coleman
Yeah. If only you owned more Figgs records, you'd see how much I'm aping them as well. I don't know. I feel like Hall & Oates opening up for the Ramones in this city. Wrong place, wrong time. I'd rather play for soccer moms out in the burbs -- those types always seem to get the most out of the music, whereas around the scene, the focus is on competence and style. Most people who actually buy records (i.e. not rockers who get theirs for free) can't tell Bruce Springsteen from Tom Petty from Elvis Costello from latter-day Figgs (assuming they ever got the chance to hear them). It's about the singer and the song and the sound somewhat. I guess it's not taking you anywhere because I make music to be heard, not thought about. You can listen to the lyrics and get the song, but if you're looking for something cultural, it ain't there.
My comment on rockers getting free records isn't a dig at you being media -- it was more a comment about how people who determine the fate and marketablity of a record within the industry (journalists, radio people, record company people, booking agents) are the ones least likely to actually pay for a new record and thus make it marketable. There's nothing wrong with getting stuff for free.
But I guess I was surprised (not in a bad way) by the angle. My thing in the last year has sort of been to get over the musical aspects of my music and try to just focus on the lyrics and the singing and having a good time -- and to produce it like it's a new record instead of applying a set of retro standards to it. I even used Pro Tools to make "Destroyer." I guess I'm so naturally mired in the past that I just gravitated towards that anyway. It's always interesting to hear how someone else hears your music. Like, I've never owned any Buddy Holly, and Elvis Costello bores me, but everyone mentions the latter.
Anyway, I do appreciate your honesty. Too often, "local" music is the Special Olympics of rock and roll. I actually enjoyed hearing what you said, and in a way, it's satisfying that I was able to make someone think about that stuff while listening to the music I made.
Or maybe we're just ripping off the Figgs and it sucks. I don't know. I quit. -- Brett Rosenberg
Music to My Ears VIII
A four-pack of new record reviews! (I was feeling kind of bitter the night I wrote these, and I'm afraid I even take some friends to task. Constructive criticism, I hope.)
The Lot Six: "Gwylo" CD
The first song strikes me as a Fugazi knockoff, with its helter-skelter sections and emotive vocals. Almost three minutes in, the yelling turns to string picking and coughing, and the Guy Piccioto-like vocals emerge as most welcome, despite the ease of the comparison. "Styler/Stylee" is a piano-free Ben Folds-esque number with enough adequate verse-chorus divisions that I wish I were seeing them live until the dimuendo, which quickly morphs into a Cracker-like song structure with the onset of "Coincidence Reprise." Fugazi comparisons are rekindled with "This Is Entertainment," perhaps the strongest song, followed by the appropriately assertive "I'm into It." This is the best Fugazi-inspired record I've ever heard, but then comes "Last Flight of the Spruce Goose," a Herb Alpert-evoking number that then shifts into a more sensitive emo song. Where is this band coming from? They're not original enough to stand on their own, but they're not consistent enough to be a total rip off. I know which way I hope they fall. Espo Records, P.O. Box 63, Allston, MA 02134.
Model Kit CD EP
This is a Green Day-meets-Blink 182 wannabe knockoff that pleases me but fails to innovate beyond the mersh cliches. The second track, which is better than "All That I Need" with its chunka-chunk chorus, goes much further and is the kind of song that could be important -- especially with the melodic chorus in which "nobody cares." Then, the third song. It sounds like a Hip Tanaka concept that didn't get very far. As sweet and shallow as Model Kit's sound is, I think it's dangerous to ride on other bands' coattails -- especially when they're so short. Three songs aren't a lot to go on, but it might be nine minutes too many. Model Kit.
The Brett Rosenberg Problem: "Destroyer" CD
It's not until the second song, "My Girlfriend's Daughter," that I really believe Brett's earnestness, and given his age and status, it's probably a good thing. Brett's overly accurate power-pop song stylings are pretty transparent, and as good as his songs are, it's hard to move beyond his source material. It's all good stuff, but it's not enough. "Kelly Haas All Over Again" is a throw away (as inspired by real life as it might be), and "Always Hanging Around" is a studied, albeit labored potential hit. This could be a song featured in Rock 'n' Roll High School, and it's almost as though Brett knows it. While "Orange Line," which even Brett has kind of dismissed, isn't even worth mentioning, "The Wait Song" returns to the Who-meets-Buddy Holly inspirations that Brett so often draws upon. Power pop at its best and most saccharine yet satisfying. The second half of the record sets off with the quality "Shame on You," complete with Jed Parish organ a la Brett's last record -- a detail worth repeating. Rounding the record off, we have an Elvis Costello-inspired song, "She's My Baby Tonight;" a rather screwy ballad, "I Don't Really Wanna Fuck Things Up;" and the bluesy ending "Obsessed." I'm surprised and slightly disappointed that this isn't more important or interesting than Brett's previous record. The hooks are here. As is the energy. But the commitment? Why stay so strongly rooted in the past? Brett Rosenberg, P.O. Box 9231, Boston, MA 02114.
Sinkcharmer: "Stars in Winter" CD
"As Nevada Burns" is the first song of note on this record self-released by Paul Coleman, a fellow member of the Handstand Command collective. Even though Paul's vocals are mixed way too low, the gang pulls it off in the end. "20 Paces" serves as an interesting inclusion -- why not feature more songs written by these three? Might be better than the Operators or the Tardy. Might not be. Because I'm torn about Paul. The songs he does fronting the Ops are among their best. And their best songs are better than Paul's solo songs. There are a couple of pieces out of left field here: the Fugs-like alt.country thresher "Down to Dollars" and the lo-fi southern latitude lounger a la White Town "Ode to a Grifter." But those are iffy comparisons. The brief "Goosemayer" re-establishes Paul as a solo entity, as does the wonderful live staple "Rubber Legs." "Last Dance" reminds me of several northern California pop-punk ensembles, including the Ne'er Do Wells and the Potatomen, and Paul even embellishes and improves on many Twee Kitten-like concepts. But as much as I would like to say otherwise -- and as good as a songwriter Paul is -- this record just doesn't hit me hard. The reference points feel too wide ranging, and I don't get that strong of a sense of who Paul is. Sinkcharmer.
A four-pack of new record reviews! (I was feeling kind of bitter the night I wrote these, and I'm afraid I even take some friends to task. Constructive criticism, I hope.)
The Lot Six: "Gwylo" CD
The first song strikes me as a Fugazi knockoff, with its helter-skelter sections and emotive vocals. Almost three minutes in, the yelling turns to string picking and coughing, and the Guy Piccioto-like vocals emerge as most welcome, despite the ease of the comparison. "Styler/Stylee" is a piano-free Ben Folds-esque number with enough adequate verse-chorus divisions that I wish I were seeing them live until the dimuendo, which quickly morphs into a Cracker-like song structure with the onset of "Coincidence Reprise." Fugazi comparisons are rekindled with "This Is Entertainment," perhaps the strongest song, followed by the appropriately assertive "I'm into It." This is the best Fugazi-inspired record I've ever heard, but then comes "Last Flight of the Spruce Goose," a Herb Alpert-evoking number that then shifts into a more sensitive emo song. Where is this band coming from? They're not original enough to stand on their own, but they're not consistent enough to be a total rip off. I know which way I hope they fall. Espo Records, P.O. Box 63, Allston, MA 02134.
Model Kit CD EP
This is a Green Day-meets-Blink 182 wannabe knockoff that pleases me but fails to innovate beyond the mersh cliches. The second track, which is better than "All That I Need" with its chunka-chunk chorus, goes much further and is the kind of song that could be important -- especially with the melodic chorus in which "nobody cares." Then, the third song. It sounds like a Hip Tanaka concept that didn't get very far. As sweet and shallow as Model Kit's sound is, I think it's dangerous to ride on other bands' coattails -- especially when they're so short. Three songs aren't a lot to go on, but it might be nine minutes too many. Model Kit.
The Brett Rosenberg Problem: "Destroyer" CD
It's not until the second song, "My Girlfriend's Daughter," that I really believe Brett's earnestness, and given his age and status, it's probably a good thing. Brett's overly accurate power-pop song stylings are pretty transparent, and as good as his songs are, it's hard to move beyond his source material. It's all good stuff, but it's not enough. "Kelly Haas All Over Again" is a throw away (as inspired by real life as it might be), and "Always Hanging Around" is a studied, albeit labored potential hit. This could be a song featured in Rock 'n' Roll High School, and it's almost as though Brett knows it. While "Orange Line," which even Brett has kind of dismissed, isn't even worth mentioning, "The Wait Song" returns to the Who-meets-Buddy Holly inspirations that Brett so often draws upon. Power pop at its best and most saccharine yet satisfying. The second half of the record sets off with the quality "Shame on You," complete with Jed Parish organ a la Brett's last record -- a detail worth repeating. Rounding the record off, we have an Elvis Costello-inspired song, "She's My Baby Tonight;" a rather screwy ballad, "I Don't Really Wanna Fuck Things Up;" and the bluesy ending "Obsessed." I'm surprised and slightly disappointed that this isn't more important or interesting than Brett's previous record. The hooks are here. As is the energy. But the commitment? Why stay so strongly rooted in the past? Brett Rosenberg, P.O. Box 9231, Boston, MA 02114.
Sinkcharmer: "Stars in Winter" CD
"As Nevada Burns" is the first song of note on this record self-released by Paul Coleman, a fellow member of the Handstand Command collective. Even though Paul's vocals are mixed way too low, the gang pulls it off in the end. "20 Paces" serves as an interesting inclusion -- why not feature more songs written by these three? Might be better than the Operators or the Tardy. Might not be. Because I'm torn about Paul. The songs he does fronting the Ops are among their best. And their best songs are better than Paul's solo songs. There are a couple of pieces out of left field here: the Fugs-like alt.country thresher "Down to Dollars" and the lo-fi southern latitude lounger a la White Town "Ode to a Grifter." But those are iffy comparisons. The brief "Goosemayer" re-establishes Paul as a solo entity, as does the wonderful live staple "Rubber Legs." "Last Dance" reminds me of several northern California pop-punk ensembles, including the Ne'er Do Wells and the Potatomen, and Paul even embellishes and improves on many Twee Kitten-like concepts. But as much as I would like to say otherwise -- and as good as a songwriter Paul is -- this record just doesn't hit me hard. The reference points feel too wide ranging, and I don't get that strong of a sense of who Paul is. Sinkcharmer.
Newsletter of Note III
For the last five years, the Sacramento, California-based Tackett-Barbaria Design Group has issued a summer reading list. This year, there's a pet theme to the mailing -- consistently well-designed, friendly, and clever -- as the design firm's staff introduces seven dogs and three cats, as well as almost 50 books, some of which have to do with pets, natch. Some good titles to see in such a list: Hanif Kureishi's Buddha of Suburbia and Philip K. Dick's Confessions of a Crap Artist. Better than any holiday card or hello mailing that I've ever received from a professional service I employ -- and knowing Kim, makes me think that it's personal touches like this that make her firm worth working with. This year's summer reading list isn't online yet, but you can check out recommended selections from 1997-99.
For the last five years, the Sacramento, California-based Tackett-Barbaria Design Group has issued a summer reading list. This year, there's a pet theme to the mailing -- consistently well-designed, friendly, and clever -- as the design firm's staff introduces seven dogs and three cats, as well as almost 50 books, some of which have to do with pets, natch. Some good titles to see in such a list: Hanif Kureishi's Buddha of Suburbia and Philip K. Dick's Confessions of a Crap Artist. Better than any holiday card or hello mailing that I've ever received from a professional service I employ -- and knowing Kim, makes me think that it's personal touches like this that make her firm worth working with. This year's summer reading list isn't online yet, but you can check out recommended selections from 1997-99.
Event-O-Dex! IV
There are three Handstand Command-related events this week.
Tonight: The Operators play at the Milky Way in JP as part of the CuriousBrain Imaginary Playground 2
Thursday, June 20: The Anchormen play at TT the Bear's as part of Choo Choo La Rouge and the Fightin' Dogs' Singles Night
Saturday, June 22: Handstand Command hosts a rock 'n' roll yard sale complete with lemonade, furniture, and assorted nerd-ware
I'll be at least two of the three. Come if you can!
There are three Handstand Command-related events this week.
I'll be at least two of the three. Come if you can!
NetWork II
Scott Heifermann's new startup MeetUp is a free service that helps people who share common interests to gather offline and face to face in almost 550 cities in more than 20 countries around the world. There's nothing listed for the Boston area so far, which makes me wonder how accurate the city count is, but one of the neatest aspects of MeetUp is that the service providers have "hand-picked 11,409 (and growing) good meetup spots -- local cafes, bars, bowling alleys, parks, donut shops, dog-friendly places, videogame displays, etc." Participants vote on where the meetup will convene.
Users can call for their own meetups, characterizing them as monthly or one-time events. Even though it's rather difficult to navigate through where meetups are actually taking place, the service shows a lot of promise in terms of supporting geographically distributed real-time gatherings of like-minded people. Like the site says, "We're on a few hours old." It'll be interesting to see how MeetUp evolves.
Thanks to Common Me.
Scott Heifermann's new startup MeetUp is a free service that helps people who share common interests to gather offline and face to face in almost 550 cities in more than 20 countries around the world. There's nothing listed for the Boston area so far, which makes me wonder how accurate the city count is, but one of the neatest aspects of MeetUp is that the service providers have "hand-picked 11,409 (and growing) good meetup spots -- local cafes, bars, bowling alleys, parks, donut shops, dog-friendly places, videogame displays, etc." Participants vote on where the meetup will convene.
Users can call for their own meetups, characterizing them as monthly or one-time events. Even though it's rather difficult to navigate through where meetups are actually taking place, the service shows a lot of promise in terms of supporting geographically distributed real-time gatherings of like-minded people. Like the site says, "We're on a few hours old." It'll be interesting to see how MeetUp evolves.
Thanks to Common Me.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXI
Sunday: Tootsie
It's a recipe for a laugh riot -- just like "Bosom Buddies" was. Dustin Hoffman is an underemployed character actor and in-demand acting coach (a slight contradiction, no?). He decides that if he's going to get work, he needs to dress up as a woman. So he does, gets a part on a soap opera, becomes extremely popular, and falls in love with a female co-star. Hilarity ensues. While the basic "How could you lie to me?" romantic plot line is a bit tiresome -- as is the character actor/mistaken identity plot also used in "Hero at Large" -- there are several bright spots to this 20-year-old movie -- particularly Bill Murray's understated performance as Dustin's character's roommate. It's funny; I read the Mad magazine parody of this when I was 9 and am just now getting around to seeing the movie -- it's amazing how Mad hit most of the sweet spots of the films it parodied in the '80s. You almost don't need to see the movie. That said, I'm glad I saw "Tootsie." It holds up rather well.
Sunday: Tootsie
It's a recipe for a laugh riot -- just like "Bosom Buddies" was. Dustin Hoffman is an underemployed character actor and in-demand acting coach (a slight contradiction, no?). He decides that if he's going to get work, he needs to dress up as a woman. So he does, gets a part on a soap opera, becomes extremely popular, and falls in love with a female co-star. Hilarity ensues. While the basic "How could you lie to me?" romantic plot line is a bit tiresome -- as is the character actor/mistaken identity plot also used in "Hero at Large" -- there are several bright spots to this 20-year-old movie -- particularly Bill Murray's understated performance as Dustin's character's roommate. It's funny; I read the Mad magazine parody of this when I was 9 and am just now getting around to seeing the movie -- it's amazing how Mad hit most of the sweet spots of the films it parodied in the '80s. You almost don't need to see the movie. That said, I'm glad I saw "Tootsie." It holds up rather well.
Read But Dead VII
Every day, I get an email dispatch from Slate entitled Today's Papers which tracks story trends in the country's major dailies so I don't have to read a lot of newspapers. This weekend, Scott Shuger, Today's Papers first writer, died while scuba diving. He was 50. Eric Umansky, TP's current scribe -- and others -- have big shoes to fill, but TP continues to be a necessary daily read. Shuger's groundbreaking approach to the format and service is much appreciated.
Thanks to Jim Romenesko's Media News.
Every day, I get an email dispatch from Slate entitled Today's Papers which tracks story trends in the country's major dailies so I don't have to read a lot of newspapers. This weekend, Scott Shuger, Today's Papers first writer, died while scuba diving. He was 50. Eric Umansky, TP's current scribe -- and others -- have big shoes to fill, but TP continues to be a necessary daily read. Shuger's groundbreaking approach to the format and service is much appreciated.
Thanks to Jim Romenesko's Media News.
From the Reading Pile X
Ache #3
At first glance, Ache seems to be your standard indie-rock fanzine: well-designed, including the obligatory record reviews in the back and sporting interviews with Beautiful Skin, International Noise Conspiracy, and Easy Action. But at its best, Ache is a delightfully insightful zine that revels in its publisher Armen Svadjian's cultural tastes while delving deeper into some of the people who help map that cultural landscape. Armen interviews several zine publishers in this issue. Tom Frank discusses fandom vis a vis critical culture and the role of hope. Rumpshaker editor Eric Weiss explains his obsessive compulsive disorder -- but doesn't address the role his OCD might play in the production of his overwhelmingly manic Paper, Scissors, Clock-like zine. And the publisher of Motorbooty outlines the history of the long-running zine. Additionally, Ryan Biggs weighs in with a self-analysis of the use of irreverence in cultural criticism; Steve (Monorail) Mandich offers a four-page appreciation of Jack Chick tracts; and AUM Fidelity label-meister Steven Joerg shares his perspective on avant garde jazz, its relationships with the indie-rock and mainstream jazz press, and the impact of free jazz musicians who step into the mainstream, a la David S. Ware's signing to Columbia. All of this makes for a zine bigger than the zine that comprises this particular issue. Throw in some excellent comics and an interview with the wily Dave Cooper, and Ache is one hell of a read. I'll be keeping my eyes on this one. $3 to Armen Svadjian, 167 Cortleigh Blvd., Toronto, ON, Canada M5N 1P6.
Bloated Sewer #2
This mish-mash of a zine combines the editor's love of graffiti, hardcore, hip hop, and politics. Heavily peppered with throw-up (as in graffiti) sketches, street art photography, odd little poems, and photos of live bands, the zine's layout is rather cluttered. And the bulk of the zine's content -- interviews with the now-defunct Enemy Soil, Beverly-based rhymer Esoteric, an area Food Not Bombs activist, Japanese noise musician Molten Salt Breeder Reactor, technical death metal band Prophetic Disclosure, and straight edgers Monster X -- alternates between brief, breathy, run-of-the-mill interview responses and in-depth, insightful conversations. The exchange with Esoteric about homophobia in the hip-hop scene is appreciated despite its admitted scratch-the-surface nature. And the Food Not Bombs piece is a solid introduction to the group's mission and methods. So, as much as I'm tempted to tag Bloated Sewer as scattered and shallow, it's clear that Dave supports the scene and goes to a lot of shows, represents the way some folks in Boston bridge hip hop and hardcore, and is politically active and aware. All good things even if this zine isn't that great. For those qualities, I've got to give him props. Check this out if you, too, are interested in these aspects of DIY culture. $3 to Dave Sullivan, 138 Faxon Road, Quincy, MA 02171.
Combover's Now I Know My ABC's
I went to the release party for Dave Bryson, Ed Curran, and Joe Keinberger's educomic, but I was tired, it was crowded, and I jetted before I could meet the three who produced this take on the ABC's. So I'll continue to appreciate their comics work from afar. The idea is simple: illustrate the alphabet. The result is a 26-panel love poem to a whole host of popcult fetishes and cliches: dorks, garden gnomes, Morrissey, Oompa-Loompas, yeti, and Dr. Zachary Smith. Joel Keinberger's contributions are ink-splattered and scribbly sketches that increasingly remind me of Ralph Steadman. Dave Bryson evokes the work of Bruce Orr, and Ed Curran's cartoony style occasionally draws on computer illustration and lettering. The blend of styles is effective, and the Combover crowd has found themselves some good comics company. A good one-off gimmick book, but also a good introduction to the folks behind Combover. Combover, 351 Harvard St. #2F, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Go Metric! #14
Mike Faloon amazes me. The one-man army behind GM and Dizzy Records has his fingers in so many pies and on so many pulses that I am consistently astounded. And his unabashed giddy enthusiasm for his shameless popcult fixations is a sheer joy to behold even if I don't always share them. If you're into power pop at all, you'll love GM. David Cawley reports on the 2001 Asian Fantasy Film Expo, where Damon Foster, editor of Oriental Cinema, kicked him. Fastbacks' guitarist Kurt Bloch expounds on his love for the music of Queen. Skizz Cyzyk details the making of a Young Fresh Fellows video. The Young Fresh Fellows/Minus 5 CD is dissected track by track. Madeleine Dental, mastermind behind the zine Tight Pants, is converted by the Figgs, whom I've yet been able to truly appreciate. Faloon interviews the Dorks; the proprietor of Break-Up! Records; Scott (Los Huevos) Soriano, owner of Moo-La-La Records; the Decibles; and Big Dipper. There's also a guide to things you need to have with you at all times, a report on the talk radio coverage of 911, a synchronized listening and viewing of the Squirrels' "Not-So-Bright Side of the Moon" and "Cabin Boy," a report on Mint Records' 10th anniversary festival, and a smattering of record reviews. Again, I need to admit that I don't share all of Mike's tastes. I also didn't read every single word of every single article in this issue's 60 pages. But I am in awe -- awe! -- of GM's ability to ferret out these interviews and discographies for the power pop completists, as well as GM's self-deprecating sense of humor and efforts to address adjacent media interests. Indeed: Go Go Metric! You won't be sorry. Mike Faloon, 2780 Ryewood Ave. #F, Copley, OH 44321.
King Cat Comics and Stories #60
Despite his ups and downs, John Porcellino keeps on plugging away on his long-running comic, and the zine world is hella better for it. In this edition, John tweaks the recent rash of wordless comic experiments with "Mental Illness/Friday Night," a poetic, eight-panel but pictureless comic. The 11-page "Ticks III" is a tender look at nature appreciation, man's impact on the environment, and one way the world can gently remind us that we're part of something larger. The all-text "Healy Road Prairie" and "Morris" continues to carry that theme as John describes the process of transplanting a patch of native grassland and unsuccessfully seeks the largest tree in Illinois. While John gives us a lot of himself in his comics and writing, features like the K Cat Top 40 offer even more insight into John's idiosyncrasies, impressions, and irritations. Whether everyday objects, books, records, or daily experiences, the Top 40 serves as a sort of journal parallel to the current issue -- as well as a solid sample of John's own media diet. It also highlights the fact that much of the world's beauty resides in the minutiae and details that we often ignore and take for granted. King Cat is flush with love -- for the everyday and for the world. Rush out and puck up a copy. (Tangent: Does anyone know what Joe "Silly Daddy" Chiapetta is up to these days?) $2 to John Porcellino, P.O. Box 881, Elgin, IL 60121.
Nature's Milkshake (February 2002)
Drawn between Jan. 21 and Feb. 5, this mini features roughly stylized comic strips, sketchbook excerpts, photocopier art, and found photography. The opening story, "Dos Computing," sets the stage with a throw-away narrative in which a frustrated computer user eats a giant hotdog, frees a tiger from the zoo, and realizes the folly of his actions. Silly, surreal, and somewhat sloppy, the comics cover self-injury, hurting friends, escaping from the frying pan into the fire, bad haircuts, and the minutiae of everyday existence. There's a bitter existential edge to the stories -- nothing ends well -- but Nature's Milkshake doesn't take the frustrations it depicts too seriously, opting instead for fart jokes, vomit, softcore porn, and nods to the Far Side and Garfield. Despite the art's simplicity, there's some wonderfully impressive panels here: the puking dog on p. 14, the judgmental girls on p. 29, and the flying man on p. 32. $3 to Ethan Hayes-Chute, 2 College St. #717, Providence, RI 02903.
Snake Pit anthology and #15
First, the slim, 16-page, monthly edition. Drawn in December 2001, these daily comic strips detail the life of Ben, a record store clerk in Austin, Texas. Ben goes to work, smokes pot, collates his zine, practices with his band, goes to shows, watches movies, sleeps, runs errands, hooks up with various cute punk-rock girls, and hugs his mom. It sounds mundane, but Ben's simple, well-drawn comics evoke Aaron Cometbus and John Porcellino -- and feature a daily soundtrack -- adding up to a fun and friendly personal comic. The anthology is more of the same, collecting 96 pages of Ben's strips between July 2000 and 2001. Reading more in a sitting, it's easy to gain insight on Ben's life -- and like Ben more, to boot -- as he crushes out constantly, gets fired, moves to Austin, and falls into his punk-rock rhythm of girls, shows, work, pot, parties, and bus trips. His drawing style visibly improves as the comics progress, but his routine -- matter of fact, unapologetic, and slightly enviable from where I sit on the Big Blue Couch -- does not. Awesome. Best perzine/comic I've read in quite awhile! $2 or a stamp to Ben, 2100 Guadalupe #138, Austin, TX 78705.
Thred
I just can't take it! Even Bruce Orr's blocky lettering reminds me of Michigan-to-Oregon transplant Robert Lewis, whom I miss dreadfully. Sure, Bruce's art is more heavily inked, but I wish I could shrug off the comparisons. Five years in the making, the 68-page Thred was produced mostly in Berlin, and I'm sure some of the book's abstract existentialism stems from Bruce's time in Germany. In stark contrast to the photocopied and folded "Lady Dwenton's Matrimonial Planner" (previously reviewed in Media Diet), this book-length story is a robust tale about an aging toymaker whose livelihood and locale are threatened by the new Minister of Division of Mergecom (shades of the Spuckler storyline in Akiko). After a run-in with a metalsapien guard, the toymaker is taken in by the neopicts, who give him a new lease on life and the tools he can use to save Market Island. Equal parts dark science fiction, swashbuckling superhero story, and Camus-like cautionary tale, Thred is a heady but not heavy-handed exhortation to question authority. As much as I enjoyed the book, however, I do wish Bruce's artwork wasn't so heavily inked -- despite the innovate character designs and page layouts. A solid self-published book. Ask Bruce what it was like working with the Small Publishers Co-Op! $4 to Bruce Orr, 1601 S. 8th St., third floor, Philadelphia, PA 19148.
Too Much Coffee Man #12-13
I admit it. I was hella skeptical when Shannon Wheeler, creator of the one-trick comics pony Too Much Coffee Man, launched this new magazine. I thought it'd merely be a platform for his comics, of which I'm not overly fond. I also thought it'd be a shallow, speedy read. I was wrong on both counts. While Wheeler does contribute a healthy dose of comics -- 22 pages total, or less than 20% of both issues published in late 2001 -- and while the magazine is better suited for flipping than avid reading, there's a lot going on here. One, Shannon's coffee fetish is in full effect: TMCM features coffee reviews, coffee maker reviews, and an interview with the proprietor of Pinko's, a "commie coffee copy center" in Portland. Two, Shannon uses TMCM to highlight the work of many independent comics creators, including Bobo, Jay Stephens, Rick Geary, Graham Annable, Keith Knight, and Peter Kuper. Three, TMCM includes some Beer Frame-like reviews of and articles about enema kits, bottled water, wars, multitools, and toast. Four, there are some delightfully surprising outliers in the mix: Dennis Eichorn's article on Christian pornography, for example. Shannon's personality percolates throughout each issue's 68 pages, lending an extremely energetic perzine aspect to the endeavor. It's clear that Shannon wanted to do a magazine. So he is. Why aren't you? $4.95 to Adhesive Press, P.O. Box 14549, Portland, OR 97293.
Words! Words! Words! #1
Published in Wellington, New Zealand, the 60-page WWW -- shorthand, don't you know -- is a "fashion magazine for reading." Instead of falling into the celebrity circle jerk of mainstream mags such as Book, WWW opts for a more grassroots and community-oriented approach. Joanna Vaught and Maura Johnston hold up their top five all-time desert island books. Derek Powazek outlines how to write a book in three easy steps. John Hodgman reviews the inner workings of a professional literary agent's mind. And James Stegall contributes his interesting and innovative "I Don't Care If I Ever Get Paid to Write," a meandering discourse on why people write disguised as a shoplifter apprehension police report. WWW steps to the side of journals such as McSweeney's, the American Journal of Print, and the Ganzfeld to take a look at the holes between zinemaking and the professional publishing world -- and people's reasons for stepping into them. This everyman's review of books and the writing life is creative even if it isn't crucial. $8 to Words! Words! Words!
Ache #3
At first glance, Ache seems to be your standard indie-rock fanzine: well-designed, including the obligatory record reviews in the back and sporting interviews with Beautiful Skin, International Noise Conspiracy, and Easy Action. But at its best, Ache is a delightfully insightful zine that revels in its publisher Armen Svadjian's cultural tastes while delving deeper into some of the people who help map that cultural landscape. Armen interviews several zine publishers in this issue. Tom Frank discusses fandom vis a vis critical culture and the role of hope. Rumpshaker editor Eric Weiss explains his obsessive compulsive disorder -- but doesn't address the role his OCD might play in the production of his overwhelmingly manic Paper, Scissors, Clock-like zine. And the publisher of Motorbooty outlines the history of the long-running zine. Additionally, Ryan Biggs weighs in with a self-analysis of the use of irreverence in cultural criticism; Steve (Monorail) Mandich offers a four-page appreciation of Jack Chick tracts; and AUM Fidelity label-meister Steven Joerg shares his perspective on avant garde jazz, its relationships with the indie-rock and mainstream jazz press, and the impact of free jazz musicians who step into the mainstream, a la David S. Ware's signing to Columbia. All of this makes for a zine bigger than the zine that comprises this particular issue. Throw in some excellent comics and an interview with the wily Dave Cooper, and Ache is one hell of a read. I'll be keeping my eyes on this one. $3 to Armen Svadjian, 167 Cortleigh Blvd., Toronto, ON, Canada M5N 1P6.
Bloated Sewer #2
This mish-mash of a zine combines the editor's love of graffiti, hardcore, hip hop, and politics. Heavily peppered with throw-up (as in graffiti) sketches, street art photography, odd little poems, and photos of live bands, the zine's layout is rather cluttered. And the bulk of the zine's content -- interviews with the now-defunct Enemy Soil, Beverly-based rhymer Esoteric, an area Food Not Bombs activist, Japanese noise musician Molten Salt Breeder Reactor, technical death metal band Prophetic Disclosure, and straight edgers Monster X -- alternates between brief, breathy, run-of-the-mill interview responses and in-depth, insightful conversations. The exchange with Esoteric about homophobia in the hip-hop scene is appreciated despite its admitted scratch-the-surface nature. And the Food Not Bombs piece is a solid introduction to the group's mission and methods. So, as much as I'm tempted to tag Bloated Sewer as scattered and shallow, it's clear that Dave supports the scene and goes to a lot of shows, represents the way some folks in Boston bridge hip hop and hardcore, and is politically active and aware. All good things even if this zine isn't that great. For those qualities, I've got to give him props. Check this out if you, too, are interested in these aspects of DIY culture. $3 to Dave Sullivan, 138 Faxon Road, Quincy, MA 02171.
Combover's Now I Know My ABC's
I went to the release party for Dave Bryson, Ed Curran, and Joe Keinberger's educomic, but I was tired, it was crowded, and I jetted before I could meet the three who produced this take on the ABC's. So I'll continue to appreciate their comics work from afar. The idea is simple: illustrate the alphabet. The result is a 26-panel love poem to a whole host of popcult fetishes and cliches: dorks, garden gnomes, Morrissey, Oompa-Loompas, yeti, and Dr. Zachary Smith. Joel Keinberger's contributions are ink-splattered and scribbly sketches that increasingly remind me of Ralph Steadman. Dave Bryson evokes the work of Bruce Orr, and Ed Curran's cartoony style occasionally draws on computer illustration and lettering. The blend of styles is effective, and the Combover crowd has found themselves some good comics company. A good one-off gimmick book, but also a good introduction to the folks behind Combover. Combover, 351 Harvard St. #2F, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Go Metric! #14
Mike Faloon amazes me. The one-man army behind GM and Dizzy Records has his fingers in so many pies and on so many pulses that I am consistently astounded. And his unabashed giddy enthusiasm for his shameless popcult fixations is a sheer joy to behold even if I don't always share them. If you're into power pop at all, you'll love GM. David Cawley reports on the 2001 Asian Fantasy Film Expo, where Damon Foster, editor of Oriental Cinema, kicked him. Fastbacks' guitarist Kurt Bloch expounds on his love for the music of Queen. Skizz Cyzyk details the making of a Young Fresh Fellows video. The Young Fresh Fellows/Minus 5 CD is dissected track by track. Madeleine Dental, mastermind behind the zine Tight Pants, is converted by the Figgs, whom I've yet been able to truly appreciate. Faloon interviews the Dorks; the proprietor of Break-Up! Records; Scott (Los Huevos) Soriano, owner of Moo-La-La Records; the Decibles; and Big Dipper. There's also a guide to things you need to have with you at all times, a report on the talk radio coverage of 911, a synchronized listening and viewing of the Squirrels' "Not-So-Bright Side of the Moon" and "Cabin Boy," a report on Mint Records' 10th anniversary festival, and a smattering of record reviews. Again, I need to admit that I don't share all of Mike's tastes. I also didn't read every single word of every single article in this issue's 60 pages. But I am in awe -- awe! -- of GM's ability to ferret out these interviews and discographies for the power pop completists, as well as GM's self-deprecating sense of humor and efforts to address adjacent media interests. Indeed: Go Go Metric! You won't be sorry. Mike Faloon, 2780 Ryewood Ave. #F, Copley, OH 44321.
King Cat Comics and Stories #60
Despite his ups and downs, John Porcellino keeps on plugging away on his long-running comic, and the zine world is hella better for it. In this edition, John tweaks the recent rash of wordless comic experiments with "Mental Illness/Friday Night," a poetic, eight-panel but pictureless comic. The 11-page "Ticks III" is a tender look at nature appreciation, man's impact on the environment, and one way the world can gently remind us that we're part of something larger. The all-text "Healy Road Prairie" and "Morris" continues to carry that theme as John describes the process of transplanting a patch of native grassland and unsuccessfully seeks the largest tree in Illinois. While John gives us a lot of himself in his comics and writing, features like the K Cat Top 40 offer even more insight into John's idiosyncrasies, impressions, and irritations. Whether everyday objects, books, records, or daily experiences, the Top 40 serves as a sort of journal parallel to the current issue -- as well as a solid sample of John's own media diet. It also highlights the fact that much of the world's beauty resides in the minutiae and details that we often ignore and take for granted. King Cat is flush with love -- for the everyday and for the world. Rush out and puck up a copy. (Tangent: Does anyone know what Joe "Silly Daddy" Chiapetta is up to these days?) $2 to John Porcellino, P.O. Box 881, Elgin, IL 60121.
Nature's Milkshake (February 2002)
Drawn between Jan. 21 and Feb. 5, this mini features roughly stylized comic strips, sketchbook excerpts, photocopier art, and found photography. The opening story, "Dos Computing," sets the stage with a throw-away narrative in which a frustrated computer user eats a giant hotdog, frees a tiger from the zoo, and realizes the folly of his actions. Silly, surreal, and somewhat sloppy, the comics cover self-injury, hurting friends, escaping from the frying pan into the fire, bad haircuts, and the minutiae of everyday existence. There's a bitter existential edge to the stories -- nothing ends well -- but Nature's Milkshake doesn't take the frustrations it depicts too seriously, opting instead for fart jokes, vomit, softcore porn, and nods to the Far Side and Garfield. Despite the art's simplicity, there's some wonderfully impressive panels here: the puking dog on p. 14, the judgmental girls on p. 29, and the flying man on p. 32. $3 to Ethan Hayes-Chute, 2 College St. #717, Providence, RI 02903.
Snake Pit anthology and #15
First, the slim, 16-page, monthly edition. Drawn in December 2001, these daily comic strips detail the life of Ben, a record store clerk in Austin, Texas. Ben goes to work, smokes pot, collates his zine, practices with his band, goes to shows, watches movies, sleeps, runs errands, hooks up with various cute punk-rock girls, and hugs his mom. It sounds mundane, but Ben's simple, well-drawn comics evoke Aaron Cometbus and John Porcellino -- and feature a daily soundtrack -- adding up to a fun and friendly personal comic. The anthology is more of the same, collecting 96 pages of Ben's strips between July 2000 and 2001. Reading more in a sitting, it's easy to gain insight on Ben's life -- and like Ben more, to boot -- as he crushes out constantly, gets fired, moves to Austin, and falls into his punk-rock rhythm of girls, shows, work, pot, parties, and bus trips. His drawing style visibly improves as the comics progress, but his routine -- matter of fact, unapologetic, and slightly enviable from where I sit on the Big Blue Couch -- does not. Awesome. Best perzine/comic I've read in quite awhile! $2 or a stamp to Ben, 2100 Guadalupe #138, Austin, TX 78705.
Thred
I just can't take it! Even Bruce Orr's blocky lettering reminds me of Michigan-to-Oregon transplant Robert Lewis, whom I miss dreadfully. Sure, Bruce's art is more heavily inked, but I wish I could shrug off the comparisons. Five years in the making, the 68-page Thred was produced mostly in Berlin, and I'm sure some of the book's abstract existentialism stems from Bruce's time in Germany. In stark contrast to the photocopied and folded "Lady Dwenton's Matrimonial Planner" (previously reviewed in Media Diet), this book-length story is a robust tale about an aging toymaker whose livelihood and locale are threatened by the new Minister of Division of Mergecom (shades of the Spuckler storyline in Akiko). After a run-in with a metalsapien guard, the toymaker is taken in by the neopicts, who give him a new lease on life and the tools he can use to save Market Island. Equal parts dark science fiction, swashbuckling superhero story, and Camus-like cautionary tale, Thred is a heady but not heavy-handed exhortation to question authority. As much as I enjoyed the book, however, I do wish Bruce's artwork wasn't so heavily inked -- despite the innovate character designs and page layouts. A solid self-published book. Ask Bruce what it was like working with the Small Publishers Co-Op! $4 to Bruce Orr, 1601 S. 8th St., third floor, Philadelphia, PA 19148.
Too Much Coffee Man #12-13
I admit it. I was hella skeptical when Shannon Wheeler, creator of the one-trick comics pony Too Much Coffee Man, launched this new magazine. I thought it'd merely be a platform for his comics, of which I'm not overly fond. I also thought it'd be a shallow, speedy read. I was wrong on both counts. While Wheeler does contribute a healthy dose of comics -- 22 pages total, or less than 20% of both issues published in late 2001 -- and while the magazine is better suited for flipping than avid reading, there's a lot going on here. One, Shannon's coffee fetish is in full effect: TMCM features coffee reviews, coffee maker reviews, and an interview with the proprietor of Pinko's, a "commie coffee copy center" in Portland. Two, Shannon uses TMCM to highlight the work of many independent comics creators, including Bobo, Jay Stephens, Rick Geary, Graham Annable, Keith Knight, and Peter Kuper. Three, TMCM includes some Beer Frame-like reviews of and articles about enema kits, bottled water, wars, multitools, and toast. Four, there are some delightfully surprising outliers in the mix: Dennis Eichorn's article on Christian pornography, for example. Shannon's personality percolates throughout each issue's 68 pages, lending an extremely energetic perzine aspect to the endeavor. It's clear that Shannon wanted to do a magazine. So he is. Why aren't you? $4.95 to Adhesive Press, P.O. Box 14549, Portland, OR 97293.
Words! Words! Words! #1
Published in Wellington, New Zealand, the 60-page WWW -- shorthand, don't you know -- is a "fashion magazine for reading." Instead of falling into the celebrity circle jerk of mainstream mags such as Book, WWW opts for a more grassroots and community-oriented approach. Joanna Vaught and Maura Johnston hold up their top five all-time desert island books. Derek Powazek outlines how to write a book in three easy steps. John Hodgman reviews the inner workings of a professional literary agent's mind. And James Stegall contributes his interesting and innovative "I Don't Care If I Ever Get Paid to Write," a meandering discourse on why people write disguised as a shoplifter apprehension police report. WWW steps to the side of journals such as McSweeney's, the American Journal of Print, and the Ganzfeld to take a look at the holes between zinemaking and the professional publishing world -- and people's reasons for stepping into them. This everyman's review of books and the writing life is creative even if it isn't crucial. $8 to Words! Words! Words!
Friday, June 14, 2002
Doctor, Steal Thyself
I haven't gone to see a doctor in years, and I think it's high time I do so again -- at least for a physical to see what kind of shape my ship is in. This afternoon, I called my primary care physician through my healthcare plan at work, and the phone number they had listed was incorrect. So I went to the Web to see if I could track him down otherwise, and I came across some legal documents that indicated he'd gone to court for defaulting on his student loans.
Lots of folks default on their loans, I suppose, but all this -- bad phone number, inability to pay off his loans -- doesn't seem to bode well for the quality of his practice. So before even meeting my doctor, I'm changing doctors again -- to someone else I haven't met, either. Because it's been a long time since I've been to a doctor. And I wonder how beat up my body is.
I haven't gone to see a doctor in years, and I think it's high time I do so again -- at least for a physical to see what kind of shape my ship is in. This afternoon, I called my primary care physician through my healthcare plan at work, and the phone number they had listed was incorrect. So I went to the Web to see if I could track him down otherwise, and I came across some legal documents that indicated he'd gone to court for defaulting on his student loans.
Lots of folks default on their loans, I suppose, but all this -- bad phone number, inability to pay off his loans -- doesn't seem to bode well for the quality of his practice. So before even meeting my doctor, I'm changing doctors again -- to someone else I haven't met, either. Because it's been a long time since I've been to a doctor. And I wonder how beat up my body is.
White Collar Crime II
Russell Mokhiber of Corporate Predators has developed a list of the top 100 corporate criminals of the 1990s. It lists the crimes the organizations were found guilty of -- and what their fine was. There are a lot of well-known companies listed, some surprising and some not so surprising -- Exxon, Archer Daniels Midland, Pfizer, Royal Caribbean Cruises, GE, Chevron, Unisys, Borden, Odwalla, and Eastman Kodak. After the list, Mokhiber expands on the characteristics of the crimes.
My first reaction was that lists like these could make for instand boycotts -- but even if folks don't go that far, it's important that information like this be public and widely available. And that we hold the companies and their employees accountable.
Thanks to MollyBlog.
Russell Mokhiber of Corporate Predators has developed a list of the top 100 corporate criminals of the 1990s. It lists the crimes the organizations were found guilty of -- and what their fine was. There are a lot of well-known companies listed, some surprising and some not so surprising -- Exxon, Archer Daniels Midland, Pfizer, Royal Caribbean Cruises, GE, Chevron, Unisys, Borden, Odwalla, and Eastman Kodak. After the list, Mokhiber expands on the characteristics of the crimes.
My first reaction was that lists like these could make for instand boycotts -- but even if folks don't go that far, it's important that information like this be public and widely available. And that we hold the companies and their employees accountable.
Thanks to MollyBlog.
Rock Shows of Note XXIII
The Anchormen convened again last night in JP to continue work on our upcoming record, now tentatively entitled "Just Because You Sleep on My Floor Doesn't Mean That You're My Girlfriend." I did a couple of different vocal tracks for "Peel Away," which we're submitting for the CMJ 2002 Showcase, and Jef and Chris did some fun backing vocals.
Then Jef, Chris, and I headed over to TT the Bear's Place to see Rapture, an amazing band from Brooklyn. Here's how Jef described them: "Definitely on the Gang of Four tip. 'Disco' drums, abrasive little guitar lines, and good shouted vocal harmonies. NYC, political." All of that is true. Their energy was high, the multiple shouted vocal parts were inspiring -- kind of like what we're doing in "Peel Away" -- and the only thing that irritated me was the occasional almost-falsetto higher pitched singing. Didn't really dig that. But otherwise, good, good stuff! And the first show in a long time that I've gone to late solely to see a single band.
The Anchormen convened again last night in JP to continue work on our upcoming record, now tentatively entitled "Just Because You Sleep on My Floor Doesn't Mean That You're My Girlfriend." I did a couple of different vocal tracks for "Peel Away," which we're submitting for the CMJ 2002 Showcase, and Jef and Chris did some fun backing vocals.
Then Jef, Chris, and I headed over to TT the Bear's Place to see Rapture, an amazing band from Brooklyn. Here's how Jef described them: "Definitely on the Gang of Four tip. 'Disco' drums, abrasive little guitar lines, and good shouted vocal harmonies. NYC, political." All of that is true. Their energy was high, the multiple shouted vocal parts were inspiring -- kind of like what we're doing in "Peel Away" -- and the only thing that irritated me was the occasional almost-falsetto higher pitched singing. Didn't really dig that. But otherwise, good, good stuff! And the first show in a long time that I've gone to late solely to see a single band.
Among the Literati VII
Bruce Bawer contributed a thoughtful look at the relationship between book publishers and evangelical Christian authors to TomPaine.com yesterday. Asking whether publishing pluralism needs to extend to fundamentalist intolerance, Bawer takes on recent book series such as Timothy LaHaye's Left Behind prophecy novels and contends that the easy money brought in by such titles might not be worth it in the end -- Bawer suggests that evangelical authors, booksellers, and readers might some day pressure those publishers not to publish books they deem offensive or inappropriate.
While I've yet to read any of LaHaye's books, I'm fascinated by the state of religious publishing. In the last couple of years, Christian publishers have moved into areas previously served by mainstream publishers -- mainly the political-technological thriller novel and young adult series. It allows them to couch religious messages in more popular-clad trappings... and with their wider spread success outside of evangelical circles, brings those very messages to people not already in the circle. A wonderful outreach strategy in both directions -- better serve people already involved and extend your reach to newcomers.
Bruce Bawer contributed a thoughtful look at the relationship between book publishers and evangelical Christian authors to TomPaine.com yesterday. Asking whether publishing pluralism needs to extend to fundamentalist intolerance, Bawer takes on recent book series such as Timothy LaHaye's Left Behind prophecy novels and contends that the easy money brought in by such titles might not be worth it in the end -- Bawer suggests that evangelical authors, booksellers, and readers might some day pressure those publishers not to publish books they deem offensive or inappropriate.
While I've yet to read any of LaHaye's books, I'm fascinated by the state of religious publishing. In the last couple of years, Christian publishers have moved into areas previously served by mainstream publishers -- mainly the political-technological thriller novel and young adult series. It allows them to couch religious messages in more popular-clad trappings... and with their wider spread success outside of evangelical circles, brings those very messages to people not already in the circle. A wonderful outreach strategy in both directions -- better serve people already involved and extend your reach to newcomers.
Party to Record Releases II
I'm signed up for several record label mailing lists that regularly update subscribers about forthcoming record releases. And I recently received a couple of emails from a label and a mail-order retailer worth mentioning -- and exploring:
Lookout! Records has been one of my favorite labels since 1988, and while it's moved away a little from its early Bay Area pop-punk past, it's still one of the most consistent and creative independent labels in operation. Lookout!'s newsletter, like its Web site, is a clever, catchy look inside what Lookout! -- and its roster of bands -- is up to. This edition features a personal message from Christopher, new release news and notes, special sale offers, and scads of tour dates for a bunch of bands. This is always fun to read in and of itself, and it almost always pulls me into their site to learn more.
Miles of Music is a quality mail order service that specializes in alt.country, post-rock, and related music. Their email updates feature relatively long reviews of new releases, links to MP3 files, notes on new magazines and zines such as Big Takeover, a best sellers list, and personal updates from MoM staff. Scottie adopted up a stray kitten. Stuff like that. The amount of material reviewed is extremely impressive, and the reviews are similar to those sent out by Other Music and are extremely useful. I like mail-order newsletters more than label-based newsletters because they encompass more. This is one of my favorites.
I'm signed up for several record label mailing lists that regularly update subscribers about forthcoming record releases. And I recently received a couple of emails from a label and a mail-order retailer worth mentioning -- and exploring:
Lookout! Records has been one of my favorite labels since 1988, and while it's moved away a little from its early Bay Area pop-punk past, it's still one of the most consistent and creative independent labels in operation. Lookout!'s newsletter, like its Web site, is a clever, catchy look inside what Lookout! -- and its roster of bands -- is up to. This edition features a personal message from Christopher, new release news and notes, special sale offers, and scads of tour dates for a bunch of bands. This is always fun to read in and of itself, and it almost always pulls me into their site to learn more.
Miles of Music is a quality mail order service that specializes in alt.country, post-rock, and related music. Their email updates feature relatively long reviews of new releases, links to MP3 files, notes on new magazines and zines such as Big Takeover, a best sellers list, and personal updates from MoM staff. Scottie adopted up a stray kitten. Stuff like that. The amount of material reviewed is extremely impressive, and the reviews are similar to those sent out by Other Music and are extremely useful. I like mail-order newsletters more than label-based newsletters because they encompass more. This is one of my favorites.
Thursday, June 13, 2002
There Goes the Neighborhood
Pete Nersesian has produced an online archive of photographs capturing Central Square circa 1998. The series of photos are organized in a then and now format, powerfully showing much of the gentrification, construction, and change that's happened between May 1998 and May 2002. Pete identifies facades and shuttered shops, transcribes closing notices taped to doors, capturing some of the lost history and place-based emotions associated with a rapidly changing neighborhood.
I've lived in Somerville and Cambridge since 1997 and moved to Central Square last spring. It has indeed changed a lot. Pete's pictures reminded me of a lot of places I'd forgotten.
Thanks to Bradley's Almanac.
Pete Nersesian has produced an online archive of photographs capturing Central Square circa 1998. The series of photos are organized in a then and now format, powerfully showing much of the gentrification, construction, and change that's happened between May 1998 and May 2002. Pete identifies facades and shuttered shops, transcribes closing notices taped to doors, capturing some of the lost history and place-based emotions associated with a rapidly changing neighborhood.
I've lived in Somerville and Cambridge since 1997 and moved to Central Square last spring. It has indeed changed a lot. Pete's pictures reminded me of a lot of places I'd forgotten.
Thanks to Bradley's Almanac.
Magazine Me XI
What were the top 10 best new magazines of 2001? According to the Library Journal's analysis of Samir Husni's annual study, the following periodicals should be on the top of our reading piles:
And Baby
CPU: Computer Power User
Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture
JD Jungle
Mental Floss: Feel Smart Again
Organic Style
Rosie
Savoy
Viet Nam War Generation Journal
The Week
I've only read three of the above. Time to get cracking!
What were the top 10 best new magazines of 2001? According to the Library Journal's analysis of Samir Husni's annual study, the following periodicals should be on the top of our reading piles:
I've only read three of the above. Time to get cracking!
The Perfect Pitch II
Continuing its series of How to Pitch to how-to features, MediaBistro offers a helpful look at querying Yoga Journal. The piece considers the magazine's editorial architecture and content categories, payment, and whom to contact depending on what section of the magazine you're interested in. Quote of note: "90 percent of the magazine is written by freelancers, since it has no staff writers, and you don't have to be a yogi to submit a good query."
Continuing its series of How to Pitch to how-to features, MediaBistro offers a helpful look at querying Yoga Journal. The piece considers the magazine's editorial architecture and content categories, payment, and whom to contact depending on what section of the magazine you're interested in. Quote of note: "90 percent of the magazine is written by freelancers, since it has no staff writers, and you don't have to be a yogi to submit a good query."
Comics and Calamity
William Messner-Loebs, creator of the extremely important and interesting comic Journey during the heyday of black-and-white independents, has fallen on tough times. Marvel fired him. A dotcom he worked for defaulted on his paychecks. And he's on the verge of losing his house unless folks step up and help him and his wife. I've contacted him to see how folks can help -- and I think it'd be good to spread the word.
Thanks to BoingBoing.
William Messner-Loebs, creator of the extremely important and interesting comic Journey during the heyday of black-and-white independents, has fallen on tough times. Marvel fired him. A dotcom he worked for defaulted on his paychecks. And he's on the verge of losing his house unless folks step up and help him and his wife. I've contacted him to see how folks can help -- and I think it'd be good to spread the word.
Thanks to BoingBoing.
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Newsletter of Note II
Two in the mail so far this week worth mentioning. One, Net-Working, a newsletter subtitled "Business without boundaries." The June 2002 charter issue concentrates on teleconference success strategies, open dialog about purpose, how to manage email, and balancing collaboration needs with risk and security. Looks like a solid first issue, but the subscription fee -- $136 for a charter subscription to this monthly eight-page pamphlet, $195 otherwise -- makes me think that newsletter publishing is a scam and that I should quit my job. Newsletters are all about people -- subscribers -- mistakenly valuing information thinking that it's scarce and strategic. As interesting as Net-Working is, this charter issue is not worth $16. But it's a fair cop.
I also received the Spring 2002 edition of The Chaordic Commons of Terra Civitas, the newsletter of the Dee Hock-inspired group that explores new organizational models. Harlan Cleveland discusses how technology can help develop leadership settings in which no one person is in charge. Joel Getzendanner analyzes what a global network of mothers interested in breast feeding learned while developing their group's guiding principles. Dee Dickinson outlines the promise and structure of community learning centers. And Jim Fournier describes the Link Tank project. I'll return to this before Net-Working, and it's exciting to see so many people in so many places experimenting with network theory. Kudos!
Two in the mail so far this week worth mentioning. One, Net-Working, a newsletter subtitled "Business without boundaries." The June 2002 charter issue concentrates on teleconference success strategies, open dialog about purpose, how to manage email, and balancing collaboration needs with risk and security. Looks like a solid first issue, but the subscription fee -- $136 for a charter subscription to this monthly eight-page pamphlet, $195 otherwise -- makes me think that newsletter publishing is a scam and that I should quit my job. Newsletters are all about people -- subscribers -- mistakenly valuing information thinking that it's scarce and strategic. As interesting as Net-Working is, this charter issue is not worth $16. But it's a fair cop.
I also received the Spring 2002 edition of The Chaordic Commons of Terra Civitas, the newsletter of the Dee Hock-inspired group that explores new organizational models. Harlan Cleveland discusses how technology can help develop leadership settings in which no one person is in charge. Joel Getzendanner analyzes what a global network of mothers interested in breast feeding learned while developing their group's guiding principles. Dee Dickinson outlines the promise and structure of community learning centers. And Jim Fournier describes the Link Tank project. I'll return to this before Net-Working, and it's exciting to see so many people in so many places experimenting with network theory. Kudos!
Waterblogged
This afternoon, Fast Company and Inc. had an all-hands off-site meeting on the Odyssey, a yacht that disembarks from Rowes Wharf in Boston. It was a grey, rainy day, but being on the water was pretty fun. So I took some snaps.
This boat may have been more nimble, but our boat was bigger.
Intermodal cranes like these inspired George Lucas' AT-AT walkers.
Bored? Overboard.
The off-site was equal parts team-building -- in the sense that the FC and Inc. staffs hung out together -- and corporate update. A couple of executives from Gruner+Jahr in New York City updated us on the state of the economy, how publishing is faring, and how the two books are doing. Short form: We're doing better than many, and we could be doing much, much worse.
Despite the rainy weather, a good opportunity to cruise the Boston Harbor, from Rowes Wharf to the USS Constitution, out to Deer Island, into the Outer Harbor, and back again. Not a bad two-hour tour.
This afternoon, Fast Company and Inc. had an all-hands off-site meeting on the Odyssey, a yacht that disembarks from Rowes Wharf in Boston. It was a grey, rainy day, but being on the water was pretty fun. So I took some snaps.
This boat may have been more nimble, but our boat was bigger.
Intermodal cranes like these inspired George Lucas' AT-AT walkers.
Bored? Overboard.
The off-site was equal parts team-building -- in the sense that the FC and Inc. staffs hung out together -- and corporate update. A couple of executives from Gruner+Jahr in New York City updated us on the state of the economy, how publishing is faring, and how the two books are doing. Short form: We're doing better than many, and we could be doing much, much worse.
Despite the rainy weather, a good opportunity to cruise the Boston Harbor, from Rowes Wharf to the USS Constitution, out to Deer Island, into the Outer Harbor, and back again. Not a bad two-hour tour.
Clothes Whore IV
This isn't a recently acquired shirt, but it's one of my favorites, and the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based design company that mailed it to me ages ago, Monsoon, also included a skateboard deck, which I have outfitted with trucks, wheels, and all the trappings -- and for which I will eternally be grateful.
Look at more stuff. Think about it harder.
Monday, when I last wore the shirt, it prompted the following conversation with a man waiting for the elevator in the Steak & Sirloin building, where I work:
The Man: I had one of those when I was a kid.
Me: A View-Master viewer?
The Man: Yeah. It was a lot of fun.
Thank you, Monsoon. This is one of my favorite shirts.
This isn't a recently acquired shirt, but it's one of my favorites, and the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based design company that mailed it to me ages ago, Monsoon, also included a skateboard deck, which I have outfitted with trucks, wheels, and all the trappings -- and for which I will eternally be grateful.
Look at more stuff. Think about it harder.
Monday, when I last wore the shirt, it prompted the following conversation with a man waiting for the elevator in the Steak & Sirloin building, where I work:
The Man: I had one of those when I was a kid.
Me: A View-Master viewer?
The Man: Yeah. It was a lot of fun.
Thank you, Monsoon. This is one of my favorite shirts.
Books to Be Took
I don't know if they're intended to be given away or taken, but The Atlantic Monthly has put 25 mail bins of books, galleys, and uncorrected proofs in the back alley lobby of the office building I work in. A cursory glance uncovered several impressive media- and business-related books, including the following, which I snagged:
"Evangelism's First Modern Media Star: The Life of Reverend Bill Stidger," by Jack Hyland
"Bamboozled at the Revolution: How Big Media Lost Billions in the Battle for the Internet," by John Motavalli
"Muckraking: The Journalism That Changed America," edited by Judith and William Serrin
"WithoutCovers:// literary_magazines@the_digital_edge," edited by Lesha Hurliman and Numsiri C. Kunakemakorn
"People's Witness: The Journalist in Modern Politics," by Fred Inglis
After emailing the team about this wealth of words from the fifth floor, I received the following email:
I can shed some light on this. The Atlantic is donating these books to an adult literacy foundation. They sell used books to raise funds for adult literacy programs.
So I feel a little guilty about taking the books I took, but I know I'll benefit from them, too. As you will, given that I'll probably review them!
I don't know if they're intended to be given away or taken, but The Atlantic Monthly has put 25 mail bins of books, galleys, and uncorrected proofs in the back alley lobby of the office building I work in. A cursory glance uncovered several impressive media- and business-related books, including the following, which I snagged:
After emailing the team about this wealth of words from the fifth floor, I received the following email:
I can shed some light on this. The Atlantic is donating these books to an adult literacy foundation. They sell used books to raise funds for adult literacy programs.
So I feel a little guilty about taking the books I took, but I know I'll benefit from them, too. As you will, given that I'll probably review them!
Mixed Drinks and Mingling IV
There's MediaBistro. And then there's Ed2010. MediaBistro aims to connect media professionals to new opportunities -- and to each other. Ed2010 is a group for young editors who are looking to land their dream magazine jobs by the year 2010. Both host face-to-face events around the U.S. to help media workers connect and collaborate. I've been to several MediaBistro gatherings -- each a different experience. And last night, I went to my first Ed2010 event.
I was really impressed. I'm going to try not to compare it to MediaBistro too much, but there are some subtle and important differences between the two networks, their events, and what they might do for participants.
It seems to me that Ed2010 is much more decentralized. Allison and Jennifer, the two women who organized the event, contacted Ed2010 about whether there were going to be any Boston activities. Ed2010 responded by suggesting that Allison and Jen organize some. So they did. They picked the place -- Redline, a new upscale bar on Harvard Square that wasn't quite my style -- and Ed2010 sent out the announcement. MediaBistro seems to have more central control. They pick the venue. The local coordinator just has to check it out and then show up -- wearing a boa. I thought the boa was a fluke, but no. It must be worn.
Ed2010's age range also changed the feeling of the event. Because the members are all young editors, there's a less-formal, slightly more energetic, and perhaps even more supportive atmosphere because everyone's in the same boat. Some of us had jobs. Some of us were looking for work. But we were all at about the same point in our careers -- and could better resonate with each other's experiences and situation. MediaBistro is more of a mixed bag and seems split between a group for working media professionals -- and a job-search networking group like so many others.
This might be because of the age range, too, but Ed2010 also felt more social. There was nothing forced. Several people came with friends, but everyone quickly met everyone else, and the large-group conversations were quite active before we fell back into our respective groups. To my fault, I lapsed into a group of fellow and former Fast Company/Inc./Atlantic Monthly people -- all officed between Commercial Wharf and 77 North Washington. But we didn't all stick to our cliques for the whole time, and I met several people with whom I'm going to keep in touch -- which hasn't really happened at MediaBistro. So it's also a solid social outlet for young, creative media people.
High marks. I look forward to the next one!
There's MediaBistro. And then there's Ed2010. MediaBistro aims to connect media professionals to new opportunities -- and to each other. Ed2010 is a group for young editors who are looking to land their dream magazine jobs by the year 2010. Both host face-to-face events around the U.S. to help media workers connect and collaborate. I've been to several MediaBistro gatherings -- each a different experience. And last night, I went to my first Ed2010 event.
I was really impressed. I'm going to try not to compare it to MediaBistro too much, but there are some subtle and important differences between the two networks, their events, and what they might do for participants.
High marks. I look forward to the next one!
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Comics and Conversation
Quite awhile ago, I learned that a former co-worker, Sarah Russell, grew up, went to school, and played soccer with Hilary Price, creator of the comic strip Rhymes with Orange. While they haven't really kept in touch, they didn't fall too far from the tree -- they both have Yahoo! email addresses. And they both live in New England. I recently interviewed them about each other.
Where did you grow up?
Sarah Russell: Lincoln, Massachusetts.
Hilary Price: Weston, Massachusetts.
What was the town like?
SR: A perfect, pastoral Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.
HP: Lots of trees, but not a lot of sidewalks. I think it was that way not for lack of funds but to prevent visitors.
What was your high school like?
SR: An ideal place for those developing teen years that are always so difficult. The school was open to every kind of self-expression. Boys wore dresses in althletic competitions, girls shaved their heads, boys wore makeup, and the smokers were given their own building with the best view on campus. Not bad.
HP: Concord Academy is a very progressive high school with committed teachers and a willingness to embrace the creative oddball. Not everyone was one, but we had girls shaving their heads long before Sinead O'Connor took out her Norelco.
What years did you play soccer?
SR: All four.
HP: I played varsity soccer from my freshman to senior year in high school. (Though I played youth soccer for many years prior.) Sarah was the other freshman on the team.
Was the team any good?
SR: I think it was. I actually think we made it to some kind of league finals in our junior or senior years. Am I right, Hilary?
HP: There were years where we had it together and years we didn't. My senior year we won our division.
What else did you do while in school?
SR: Photography, tour guides (blech!), tennis, lacrosse, and ice hockey.
HP: I was all over the map, involved in lots of activities. Yearbook, student council my last year, played the saxophone in a chamber group (as you can imagine, not a perfect orchestral fit). I loved doing after-school sports, especially, which included skiing, tennis and a year of ice hockey.
How did you meet each other?
SR: First year, on the soccer field.
HP: Sarah was the other freshman who played varsity soccer.
What was your first impression of each other?
SR: Now that's an athlete. Rock solid. And wow -- a lot of fabulous flaming red hair as she rocketed across the field.
HP: My first impression of Sarah remains true to this day I'm sure -- here was someone who was truly a natural athlete. Grace, speed, stamina, smarts. Sarah had that gift, as did her older sister. Sarah was the kind of player college scouts noticed. She was always consistent and could run forever. Sarah Russell is a natural, and there was no hiding that.
Did you get to know each other very well?
SR: Yes, we were good friends.
HP: Yes and no. We spent a lot of time together in organized ways like sports, but didn't hang out outside of school. She hung out with two sisters I liked very much, so she had a good group of people around her.
Sarah, were there any signs Hilary would become a cartoonist while she was in school?
SR: I remember Hilary saying she wanted to be a cartoonist some day. And then 10 years later when I saw Rhymes with Orange I was so impressed that she had nurtured her dream to reality.
Did you ever see anything she drew during high school? How has her style changed?
SR: Unfortunately, I didn't ever see anything she drew back then.
How good a soccer player was she?
SR: Excellent. Hilary was a menace on the field. Super fast. She played on the wing and had a unique running style that brought her shoulders low and her head forward which propelled her so fast down the field most people missed her entirely. Great fun to play with. Relentless and tireless as well. Always in fantastic shape.
Do you have any funny or strange soccer team memories?
HP: My soccer days at Concord kind of have this halcyon quality. I think our teams talent ran the gamut from "Do we need cleats?" to Sarah's caliber, so we spent time coaxing people to come back on defense as they mosied their way.
SR: It really was the running style I just described that was the funniest. And top that with a head of electric wavy orange hair and you've got a great cartoon figure right there. I would love to see Hilary draw her menacing soccer self.
When you left high school, did you move away from the town you grew up in?
SR: Yes. I moved to Maine for college. After graduation I moved to latin America for three years, returned to Boston for a business degree and three years of working at Fast Company. I just recently returned to Maine to live.
HP: For reasons that are still a bit of a mystery to me, I moved 3,000 miles and went to Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. I wasn't dissatisfied with the East. I figured I'd check out another part of the country while I had a chance, knowing eventually I wanted to come back here. In retrospect, it was really good for me to pull myself out of the familiar, even though at times it was quite strange.
After college, I lived in San Francisco for five years, then came back east to New England. I live about an hour and 40 minutes west of my home town. Northampton, Massachusetts, is a cool artsy town with lots of woods around it.
How did you prepare and get your current job?
SR: I did nothing to prepare for my current job, except fall in love and embrace the fact that I am happier putting lifestyle and happiness before anything else. My partner and I are opening a seaside lobster/clam restaurant and bar -- we know nothing about the business and are learning as we go, which has been quite a challenge, but no regrets. The Black Pearl Restaurant opened June 1 in Rockland, Maine. Come and visit!
HP: Cartooning was something I always did, but I don't remember expecting I was going to do. It's a little hazy. But I used to draw toons for my friends in college during class. A woman wrote a good article for my college alumni magazine.
Did you keep in touch with each other at all?
SR: No. We lost touch completely. I think I heard about her cartoon in a Concord Academy alumni magazine.
HP: No, but I heard about what was up with Sarah because I ran into her sister at co-ed soccer games in San Francisco.
How did you reconnect with Sarah? How did you know she worked at Fast Company?
HP: I had met a friend for lunch in New Haven, Connecticut. She was attending a socially responsible business conference at Yale and mentioned she met this very cool woman at the Fast Company booth. She said her name was Sarah Russell, so I described her and said, "Yeah, I know her." My friend was impressed, and I felt very cool at that moment. Then another friend of mine from high school confirmed that she had heard Sarah was at Fast Company too.
I'd heard she was working at an orphanage in South or Central America for a while, so I was surprised. But I was impressed, too, because Fast Company was the magazine at the time. I had run into her father years ago at the post office, and he had told me about her work at the orphanage. That seemed very brave and adventurous to me.
Do you read Rhymes with Orange, Sarah? What do you think of it?
SR: I love it -- reminds me of Hilary's quick wit.
Were you surprised that she ended up doing what she does?
SR: Not at all. She's doing just what she's always wanted to do. I just hope she's still playing some soccer on the side.
Quite awhile ago, I learned that a former co-worker, Sarah Russell, grew up, went to school, and played soccer with Hilary Price, creator of the comic strip Rhymes with Orange. While they haven't really kept in touch, they didn't fall too far from the tree -- they both have Yahoo! email addresses. And they both live in New England. I recently interviewed them about each other.
Where did you grow up?
Sarah Russell: Lincoln, Massachusetts.
Hilary Price: Weston, Massachusetts.
What was the town like?
SR: A perfect, pastoral Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.
HP: Lots of trees, but not a lot of sidewalks. I think it was that way not for lack of funds but to prevent visitors.
What was your high school like?
SR: An ideal place for those developing teen years that are always so difficult. The school was open to every kind of self-expression. Boys wore dresses in althletic competitions, girls shaved their heads, boys wore makeup, and the smokers were given their own building with the best view on campus. Not bad.
HP: Concord Academy is a very progressive high school with committed teachers and a willingness to embrace the creative oddball. Not everyone was one, but we had girls shaving their heads long before Sinead O'Connor took out her Norelco.
What years did you play soccer?
SR: All four.
HP: I played varsity soccer from my freshman to senior year in high school. (Though I played youth soccer for many years prior.) Sarah was the other freshman on the team.
Was the team any good?
SR: I think it was. I actually think we made it to some kind of league finals in our junior or senior years. Am I right, Hilary?
HP: There were years where we had it together and years we didn't. My senior year we won our division.
What else did you do while in school?
SR: Photography, tour guides (blech!), tennis, lacrosse, and ice hockey.
HP: I was all over the map, involved in lots of activities. Yearbook, student council my last year, played the saxophone in a chamber group (as you can imagine, not a perfect orchestral fit). I loved doing after-school sports, especially, which included skiing, tennis and a year of ice hockey.
How did you meet each other?
SR: First year, on the soccer field.
HP: Sarah was the other freshman who played varsity soccer.
What was your first impression of each other?
SR: Now that's an athlete. Rock solid. And wow -- a lot of fabulous flaming red hair as she rocketed across the field.
HP: My first impression of Sarah remains true to this day I'm sure -- here was someone who was truly a natural athlete. Grace, speed, stamina, smarts. Sarah had that gift, as did her older sister. Sarah was the kind of player college scouts noticed. She was always consistent and could run forever. Sarah Russell is a natural, and there was no hiding that.
Did you get to know each other very well?
SR: Yes, we were good friends.
HP: Yes and no. We spent a lot of time together in organized ways like sports, but didn't hang out outside of school. She hung out with two sisters I liked very much, so she had a good group of people around her.
Sarah, were there any signs Hilary would become a cartoonist while she was in school?
SR: I remember Hilary saying she wanted to be a cartoonist some day. And then 10 years later when I saw Rhymes with Orange I was so impressed that she had nurtured her dream to reality.
Did you ever see anything she drew during high school? How has her style changed?
SR: Unfortunately, I didn't ever see anything she drew back then.
How good a soccer player was she?
SR: Excellent. Hilary was a menace on the field. Super fast. She played on the wing and had a unique running style that brought her shoulders low and her head forward which propelled her so fast down the field most people missed her entirely. Great fun to play with. Relentless and tireless as well. Always in fantastic shape.
Do you have any funny or strange soccer team memories?
HP: My soccer days at Concord kind of have this halcyon quality. I think our teams talent ran the gamut from "Do we need cleats?" to Sarah's caliber, so we spent time coaxing people to come back on defense as they mosied their way.
SR: It really was the running style I just described that was the funniest. And top that with a head of electric wavy orange hair and you've got a great cartoon figure right there. I would love to see Hilary draw her menacing soccer self.
When you left high school, did you move away from the town you grew up in?
SR: Yes. I moved to Maine for college. After graduation I moved to latin America for three years, returned to Boston for a business degree and three years of working at Fast Company. I just recently returned to Maine to live.
HP: For reasons that are still a bit of a mystery to me, I moved 3,000 miles and went to Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. I wasn't dissatisfied with the East. I figured I'd check out another part of the country while I had a chance, knowing eventually I wanted to come back here. In retrospect, it was really good for me to pull myself out of the familiar, even though at times it was quite strange.
After college, I lived in San Francisco for five years, then came back east to New England. I live about an hour and 40 minutes west of my home town. Northampton, Massachusetts, is a cool artsy town with lots of woods around it.
How did you prepare and get your current job?
SR: I did nothing to prepare for my current job, except fall in love and embrace the fact that I am happier putting lifestyle and happiness before anything else. My partner and I are opening a seaside lobster/clam restaurant and bar -- we know nothing about the business and are learning as we go, which has been quite a challenge, but no regrets. The Black Pearl Restaurant opened June 1 in Rockland, Maine. Come and visit!
HP: Cartooning was something I always did, but I don't remember expecting I was going to do. It's a little hazy. But I used to draw toons for my friends in college during class. A woman wrote a good article for my college alumni magazine.
Did you keep in touch with each other at all?
SR: No. We lost touch completely. I think I heard about her cartoon in a Concord Academy alumni magazine.
HP: No, but I heard about what was up with Sarah because I ran into her sister at co-ed soccer games in San Francisco.
How did you reconnect with Sarah? How did you know she worked at Fast Company?
HP: I had met a friend for lunch in New Haven, Connecticut. She was attending a socially responsible business conference at Yale and mentioned she met this very cool woman at the Fast Company booth. She said her name was Sarah Russell, so I described her and said, "Yeah, I know her." My friend was impressed, and I felt very cool at that moment. Then another friend of mine from high school confirmed that she had heard Sarah was at Fast Company too.
I'd heard she was working at an orphanage in South or Central America for a while, so I was surprised. But I was impressed, too, because Fast Company was the magazine at the time. I had run into her father years ago at the post office, and he had told me about her work at the orphanage. That seemed very brave and adventurous to me.
Do you read Rhymes with Orange, Sarah? What do you think of it?
SR: I love it -- reminds me of Hilary's quick wit.
Were you surprised that she ended up doing what she does?
SR: Not at all. She's doing just what she's always wanted to do. I just hope she's still playing some soccer on the side.
Mention Me! XII
Elke liked the Spider-Man quote I used as a caption in a recent Clothes Whore entry. Hello, Elke!
Elke liked the Spider-Man quote I used as a caption in a recent Clothes Whore entry. Hello, Elke!
Pulling the Plug III
In a surprise local showing in the Correspondence, Love Letters & Advice section of the June 6, 2002, Rolling Stone, Somervillain and former general manager of the now-defunct Harvard Square Other Music store David Day weighs in on the closing of the shop. Commenting on an article entitled "Tough Times for Indie Retailers," Day says that the store closed primarily because of digital music downloads.
Local boy makes good -- but also makes excuses for the sorry state of music retail.
In a surprise local showing in the Correspondence, Love Letters & Advice section of the June 6, 2002, Rolling Stone, Somervillain and former general manager of the now-defunct Harvard Square Other Music store David Day weighs in on the closing of the shop. Commenting on an article entitled "Tough Times for Indie Retailers," Day says that the store closed primarily because of digital music downloads.
Local boy makes good -- but also makes excuses for the sorry state of music retail.
Pieces, Particles V
The following media-related stories recently spotted in print publications -- and now online -- might be worth a look. Heads and decks, only. Heads and decks.
Adventures in Book Reviewing, by Katha Pollitt, The Nation, April 15, 2002
DC's Virtual Panopticon, by Christian Parenti, The Nation, June 3, 2002
A camera system in the nation's capital is making civil libertarians nervous.
Enron, the Media and the New Economy, by Jeff Madrick, The Nation, April 1, 2002
The notion that information was a company's key asset and that "normal" stock-valuation methods no longer applied sold well. Only problem: It wasn't true.
Exporting New England Style, by Howard Mansfield, Yankee, June 2002
Yale's Vincent Scully has revived the aesthetic of the New England small town.
Faking It, by Liza Featherstone, Columbia Journalism Review, March/April 2002
Sex, Lies, and Women's Magazines
Former Mouseburgers of the World Unite, by Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, June 3, 2002
High School Confidential, by Jill Rosen, American Journalism Review, June 2002
In their efforts to suppress negative news, administrators are increasingly apt these days to censor student newspapers. And the young journalists are fighting back.
Morning in America, by Tony Hendra, Harper's Magazine, June 2002
The rise and fall of the National Lampoon
River Cuomo's Encyclopedia of Pop, by Jenny Eliscu, Rolling Stone, June 20, 2002
How the Weezer frontman cracked the code of the perfect song
Seeing Around Corners, by Jonathan Rauch, The Atlantic Monthly, April 2002
The new science of artificial societies suggests that real ones are both more predictable and more surprising than we thought. Growing long-vanished civilizations and modern-day genocides on computers will probably never enable us to foresee the future in detail -- but we might learn to anticipate the kinda of events that lie ahead, and where to look for interventions that might work
The Social Life of Paper, by Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker, March 25, 2002
Looking for method in the mess.
Striking It Rich, by John Cassidy, The New Yorker, January 14, 2002
The rise and fall of popular capitalism.
The Televisionary, by Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker, May 27, 2002
Big business and the myth of the lone inventor.
To Save An Indian, by Amy Sutherland, Down East, June 2002
The world-famous Skowhegan Indian is in trouble, and everyone in town is wondering what's to be done.
TV Crimedusters, by Tad Friend, The New Yorker, June 3, 2002
Wild Thing, by Vanessa Grigoriadis, Rolling Stone, June 6, 2002
College girls flashing on request is just another day at the office for Joe Francis
The following media-related stories recently spotted in print publications -- and now online -- might be worth a look. Heads and decks, only. Heads and decks.
Adventures in Book Reviewing, by Katha Pollitt, The Nation, April 15, 2002
DC's Virtual Panopticon, by Christian Parenti, The Nation, June 3, 2002
A camera system in the nation's capital is making civil libertarians nervous.
Enron, the Media and the New Economy, by Jeff Madrick, The Nation, April 1, 2002
The notion that information was a company's key asset and that "normal" stock-valuation methods no longer applied sold well. Only problem: It wasn't true.
Exporting New England Style, by Howard Mansfield, Yankee, June 2002
Yale's Vincent Scully has revived the aesthetic of the New England small town.
Faking It, by Liza Featherstone, Columbia Journalism Review, March/April 2002
Sex, Lies, and Women's Magazines
Former Mouseburgers of the World Unite, by Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, June 3, 2002
High School Confidential, by Jill Rosen, American Journalism Review, June 2002
In their efforts to suppress negative news, administrators are increasingly apt these days to censor student newspapers. And the young journalists are fighting back.
Morning in America, by Tony Hendra, Harper's Magazine, June 2002
The rise and fall of the National Lampoon
River Cuomo's Encyclopedia of Pop, by Jenny Eliscu, Rolling Stone, June 20, 2002
How the Weezer frontman cracked the code of the perfect song
Seeing Around Corners, by Jonathan Rauch, The Atlantic Monthly, April 2002
The new science of artificial societies suggests that real ones are both more predictable and more surprising than we thought. Growing long-vanished civilizations and modern-day genocides on computers will probably never enable us to foresee the future in detail -- but we might learn to anticipate the kinda of events that lie ahead, and where to look for interventions that might work
The Social Life of Paper, by Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker, March 25, 2002
Looking for method in the mess.
Striking It Rich, by John Cassidy, The New Yorker, January 14, 2002
The rise and fall of popular capitalism.
The Televisionary, by Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker, May 27, 2002
Big business and the myth of the lone inventor.
To Save An Indian, by Amy Sutherland, Down East, June 2002
The world-famous Skowhegan Indian is in trouble, and everyone in town is wondering what's to be done.
TV Crimedusters, by Tad Friend, The New Yorker, June 3, 2002
Wild Thing, by Vanessa Grigoriadis, Rolling Stone, June 6, 2002
College girls flashing on request is just another day at the office for Joe Francis
.Com All Ye Faithful
Did you know that folks have proposed a patron saint for Internet users? That'd be Saint Isidore of Seville, author of the first encyclopedia of universal knowledge. You could say that Isidore's canon got him canonized. Fr. J.T. Zuhlsdorf has in turn penned a prayer to be used before logging on -- and it's even earned ecclesiastical approval.
Did you know that folks have proposed a patron saint for Internet users? That'd be Saint Isidore of Seville, author of the first encyclopedia of universal knowledge. You could say that Isidore's canon got him canonized. Fr. J.T. Zuhlsdorf has in turn penned a prayer to be used before logging on -- and it's even earned ecclesiastical approval.
Hardcore Logo
Logotype offers almost 50,000 logos for download as EPS files. My favorites include A Safe Workplace Is No Accident, S&H Green Stamps, and Hades. There's even a Heath Comm logo.
You can send in your own logos, but the site's producers insist that the logos are not intended to be used as clip art: "Downloading files from this site does not give you authorization or permission to use the copyrighted logos without the specific consent of the copyright or trademark holder."
Thanks to Pure Content.
Logotype offers almost 50,000 logos for download as EPS files. My favorites include A Safe Workplace Is No Accident, S&H Green Stamps, and Hades. There's even a Heath Comm logo.
You can send in your own logos, but the site's producers insist that the logos are not intended to be used as clip art: "Downloading files from this site does not give you authorization or permission to use the copyrighted logos without the specific consent of the copyright or trademark holder."
Thanks to Pure Content.
The Restaurant I Ate at Last Night VIII
Hub Pub
Actually, Jen and I didn't eat last night, and that was a bit of a problem. But after running into each other on the way to the T -- and freaking out because the train was so packed -- we got off at Park Street and decided to grab a pint somewhere. Just steps away from the Littlest Bar, Hub Pub claims to be the friendliest pub in the Hub. The Littlest Bar was hella crowded, so we decided to put Hub Pub to the test. And it was pretty friendly! A stranger sitting next to us kept talking to us about his 12-year-old son and how he was worried about his lack of motivation -- and told me that Jen was a "keeper" and that I was going to be successful because I was "focused." And the bartender helped us out when we couldn't figure out how to feed money into the cigarette machine. Hub Pub was surprisingly not crowded -- and seemed to attract a pretty decent, normal crowd for a bar so close to downtown. Not a lot of suits.
Hub Pub
Actually, Jen and I didn't eat last night, and that was a bit of a problem. But after running into each other on the way to the T -- and freaking out because the train was so packed -- we got off at Park Street and decided to grab a pint somewhere. Just steps away from the Littlest Bar, Hub Pub claims to be the friendliest pub in the Hub. The Littlest Bar was hella crowded, so we decided to put Hub Pub to the test. And it was pretty friendly! A stranger sitting next to us kept talking to us about his 12-year-old son and how he was worried about his lack of motivation -- and told me that Jen was a "keeper" and that I was going to be successful because I was "focused." And the bartender helped us out when we couldn't figure out how to feed money into the cigarette machine. Hub Pub was surprisingly not crowded -- and seemed to attract a pretty decent, normal crowd for a bar so close to downtown. Not a lot of suits.
Monday, June 10, 2002
Technofetishism VI
Might not even wait to see if work will get me a new PowerBook G4. I'm feeling the need for a computer of my very own. One I can use at home. One I can take with me if I ever leave. And here's the laptop I'm thinking of. Comments? Advice? Warnings?
Might not even wait to see if work will get me a new PowerBook G4. I'm feeling the need for a computer of my very own. One I can use at home. One I can take with me if I ever leave. And here's the laptop I'm thinking of. Comments? Advice? Warnings?
Comics and Democracy
Charlie Park says that this is "the comic book that won an election." Archived by the Truman Presidential Museum & Library, The Story of Harry S. Truman "was designed and issued by the Democratic National Committee as an election resource to feature Truman's life and his first term as president. It is an example of campaign propaganda and one of the few large pieces of material produced for this low-budget campaign."
Talk about oddball comics!
Charlie Park says that this is "the comic book that won an election." Archived by the Truman Presidential Museum & Library, The Story of Harry S. Truman "was designed and issued by the Democratic National Committee as an election resource to feature Truman's life and his first term as president. It is an example of campaign propaganda and one of the few large pieces of material produced for this low-budget campaign."
Talk about oddball comics!
Anchormen, Aweigh! VIII
After hanging out at the Boston Dragon Boat Festival with Sarah and Heather, I headed to JP to meet up with the rest of the Anchormen for another recording session. While the weather was pretty decent and the martial arts demonstrations and food stands were worth checking out, the boat races themselves were pretty boring. Instead of elaborately carved dragon boats like I'd imagined, the boats were basically just crew sculls -- and the races were merely an excuse for all of the festivities on shore. Huh. Might not check it out next year.
The recording session went well. We were at Scan's from about 4-11 p.m., grabbing a quick bite at Bella Luna not far from his house. We knocked down two songs -- "Idlewild" and "Audobon Park," which proved to be the biggest challenge. I sing so fast that I can't keep up with us the way we recorded it! So we decided to multitrack my vocals, with me trading off lines of the verses like Michael Stipe did for "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)". It's kind of weird to hear myself alternating with myself, overlapping the lines a little. But it sounds hella better than it did with me rewriting the words and trying to cut out syllables to save speech -- "To-ba-cra-li-vee-va-go" instead of "Toe bones cracked like V. Van Gogh."
Jef also did some backing vocals, and we made good progress. This record is coming together!
After hanging out at the Boston Dragon Boat Festival with Sarah and Heather, I headed to JP to meet up with the rest of the Anchormen for another recording session. While the weather was pretty decent and the martial arts demonstrations and food stands were worth checking out, the boat races themselves were pretty boring. Instead of elaborately carved dragon boats like I'd imagined, the boats were basically just crew sculls -- and the races were merely an excuse for all of the festivities on shore. Huh. Might not check it out next year.
The recording session went well. We were at Scan's from about 4-11 p.m., grabbing a quick bite at Bella Luna not far from his house. We knocked down two songs -- "Idlewild" and "Audobon Park," which proved to be the biggest challenge. I sing so fast that I can't keep up with us the way we recorded it! So we decided to multitrack my vocals, with me trading off lines of the verses like Michael Stipe did for "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)". It's kind of weird to hear myself alternating with myself, overlapping the lines a little. But it sounds hella better than it did with me rewriting the words and trying to cut out syllables to save speech -- "To-ba-cra-li-vee-va-go" instead of "Toe bones cracked like V. Van Gogh."
Jef also did some backing vocals, and we made good progress. This record is coming together!
It's an Ad, Ad, Ad, Ad World XI
Mark Frauenfelder of BoingBoing is featured in a new TV advertisement from Apple. Developed under the guiding principle "Switch," the ads detail why folks like Mark -- who humbly describes himself as a freelance writer and illustrator -- make the change to Apple (given that they started in a PC environment in the first place). Your 15 minutes of fame start... now.
Mark Frauenfelder of BoingBoing is featured in a new TV advertisement from Apple. Developed under the guiding principle "Switch," the ads detail why folks like Mark -- who humbly describes himself as a freelance writer and illustrator -- make the change to Apple (given that they started in a PC environment in the first place). Your 15 minutes of fame start... now.
Event-O-Dex! III
There's an Ed2010 media networking event scheduled from 6:30-9 p.m. tomorrow night (Tuesday, June 11) at the Redline on Harvard Square. The Redline is a new-ish bar located at 59 JFK Street -- I think where the downstairs sports bar near the knitting shop used to be -- so if you're in the Boston area, hop the red line to Harvard Square, head down JFK toward the river, and look for the Redline on your right shortly after Grendel's and the upstairs Indian restaurant. (It's just past Staples, if you need any more direction.)
Not sure if I'm going to go, but I just might. If you're a local media worker, too, perhaps you should consider doing the same.
There's an Ed2010 media networking event scheduled from 6:30-9 p.m. tomorrow night (Tuesday, June 11) at the Redline on Harvard Square. The Redline is a new-ish bar located at 59 JFK Street -- I think where the downstairs sports bar near the knitting shop used to be -- so if you're in the Boston area, hop the red line to Harvard Square, head down JFK toward the river, and look for the Redline on your right shortly after Grendel's and the upstairs Indian restaurant. (It's just past Staples, if you need any more direction.)
Not sure if I'm going to go, but I just might. If you're a local media worker, too, perhaps you should consider doing the same.
Declaration of Unproductivity
My PowerBook G3 at work crapped out today. Word is that if it costs more to repair than it costs to get a new iBook, I'll be able to get a replacement -- I've been using the same G3 for a couple of years now. I'm pushing for a PowerBook G4, but I'm also considering just getting one for myself because I don't have a computer at home right now as it is and if I ever decide to leave work, it might be good to already have my own laptop.
The downside is that I was largely unproductive -- outside of cleaning my office -- for the last three-plus hours. I was also offline the whole time and am jonesing just a bit. The upside is that, well, I might end up getting a nifty new PowerBook G4. If I do decide to get one for myself, what do you Mac mavens and technologically inclined people think I need to be aware of, include in the features, etc.
My PowerBook G3 at work crapped out today. Word is that if it costs more to repair than it costs to get a new iBook, I'll be able to get a replacement -- I've been using the same G3 for a couple of years now. I'm pushing for a PowerBook G4, but I'm also considering just getting one for myself because I don't have a computer at home right now as it is and if I ever decide to leave work, it might be good to already have my own laptop.
The downside is that I was largely unproductive -- outside of cleaning my office -- for the last three-plus hours. I was also offline the whole time and am jonesing just a bit. The upside is that, well, I might end up getting a nifty new PowerBook G4. If I do decide to get one for myself, what do you Mac mavens and technologically inclined people think I need to be aware of, include in the features, etc.
Mapping Talent II
You Are Where You Live is a ZIP-code lookup program that'll let you know what your neighborhood's top five lifestyle groups are. The service draws on cluster profiles, Prizm, which describes every U.S. neighborhood in terms of 62 distinct lifestyle types or clusters, and MicroVision, which defines 48 lifestyle types, called segments.
According to Prizm, my neighboorhood comprises Young Literati, Bohemian Mix, Urban Achievers, Towns & Gowns, and Single City Blues. MicroVision describes me and my neighbors as Urban Up And Comers, Successful Singles, Metro Singles, Struggling Metro Mix, and Movers And Shakers. I'm not sure we're all so upscale, but there you go.
Thanks to Weblogsky.
You Are Where You Live is a ZIP-code lookup program that'll let you know what your neighborhood's top five lifestyle groups are. The service draws on cluster profiles, Prizm, which describes every U.S. neighborhood in terms of 62 distinct lifestyle types or clusters, and MicroVision, which defines 48 lifestyle types, called segments.
According to Prizm, my neighboorhood comprises Young Literati, Bohemian Mix, Urban Achievers, Towns & Gowns, and Single City Blues. MicroVision describes me and my neighbors as Urban Up And Comers, Successful Singles, Metro Singles, Struggling Metro Mix, and Movers And Shakers. I'm not sure we're all so upscale, but there you go.
Thanks to Weblogsky.
Disgruntled Media Workers
Sad news. This weekend, a production worker at the Providence Journal killed two co-workers and injured another before committing suicide.
Thanks to Jim Romenesko's Media News.
Sad news. This weekend, a production worker at the Providence Journal killed two co-workers and injured another before committing suicide.
Thanks to Jim Romenesko's Media News.
Party to Record Releases
I've signed up for several record label mailing lists that regularly update subscribers about forthcoming record releases. And I recently received a couple of emails from labels worth mentioning -- and exploring:
Perishable Records is a consistently interesting label out of Chicago. Their roster runs on the pop side of Chicago's post-rock scene. That's not totally accurate, but Perishable is a little more rock oriented than experimental or jazz-influenced. Bands include Califone, Friend/Enemy, Orso, and Red Red Meat. Their occasional email update feature release news, tour schedules, and some news.
Sachimay Records, which is based in New York -- but may at one point have been located in the Boston area -- specializes in improvised, creative, and new music, mostly falling under the umbrella of improv or jazz. Local (or once-local, perhaps) musicians involved in the label include Bhob Rainey, Dan DeChellis, and Taylor Ho Bynum. The email update I received yesterday is strictly new-release info.
I've signed up for several record label mailing lists that regularly update subscribers about forthcoming record releases. And I recently received a couple of emails from labels worth mentioning -- and exploring:
Other People's Reading Piles V
I've been following some of the free book exchange and loan projects -- apologies for not sharing more resources previously -- and NPR recently aired a piece on two such services: BookCrossing and Free Words. The basic of these two projects is simple. You read a book -- or you self-publish a book -- and then you leave it out in public for others to pick up, read, and pass on.
Another service I've come across is BooksFree, a Netflix-like subscription service that involved, well, paperback books instead of DVD's. I don't know why anyone would sign up for that instead of -- say -- using the library, but BooksFree's very existence adds to the indications that people like books... and that people like sharing books. DIY distribution!
Thanks to Utne Web Watch.
I've been following some of the free book exchange and loan projects -- apologies for not sharing more resources previously -- and NPR recently aired a piece on two such services: BookCrossing and Free Words. The basic of these two projects is simple. You read a book -- or you self-publish a book -- and then you leave it out in public for others to pick up, read, and pass on.
Another service I've come across is BooksFree, a Netflix-like subscription service that involved, well, paperback books instead of DVD's. I don't know why anyone would sign up for that instead of -- say -- using the library, but BooksFree's very existence adds to the indications that people like books... and that people like sharing books. DIY distribution!
Thanks to Utne Web Watch.
Friday, June 07, 2002
Nervy, Pervy VI
This week I was surprised and delighted by a pretty hefty redesign and improvement of Suicide Girls. Maybe I'm daft, but I had no idea it was coming -- and, frankly, I was so impressed that I'm glad I hadn't been expecting it.
Now, I'm not usually the sort of person to geek out to an erotic Web site (and I usually totally ignore people who say things like that), but the online communitarian -- as well as the hungry young man -- in me is all over Suicide Girls. And the recent improvements make me wish that they'd happened before we'd finished the nomination process for the community category of this year's Webby Awards. Maybe next year, if I'm asked back.
All of the pop-up advertisements that accompany my attempts to access the original URL's for Howard Rheingold's Electric Minds shed some light on the commercial potential that that project had, but I'm debating whether Suicide Girls hasn't supplanted Minds as the best example of how conversation and content can be connected online. I think it might have.
What does Suicide Girls do right?
The erotic content. SG's photographs of naked "gothic girls, punk chicks, indy, and emo teens" rank among some of the most interesting soft porn that I've ever seen. And I used to review zines for Eidos. SG is a guilty but excusable (barely, pun intended) pleasure -- most empowering and tasteful for all parties involved. Certainly better than any porn mag available on the newsstands even though that's not overly giving.
The presence and involvement of the women who model for the site. They maintain online diaries, participate in the discussion forums, and respond to reader comments -- via email and otherwise. I've exchanged several emails with a couple of the women involved in SG, which indicates that they take a personal interest in their involvement in the site -- as well as whatever professional interest might be involved.
The personality and presence of the people behind the production of the site. Spooky, Missy, and O are frequent and vocal participants in SG's main pages, discussion forums, and other communication avenues. I've exchanged several emails with Spooky, and Missy regularly posts photo sets from SG dinner parties, clothing exchanges, and other activities and events involving SG's actors. Were the founders less interesting and involved, SG would be a lesser Web service.
Member-developed content. SG has always featured discussion forums, but some recent additions allow members to produce blog-like diary entries, comment on journal entries and photo sets, and develop member profiles that in turn further member connection. The Hookup section enables members to search by gender, age, location, and interest. That and the profile feature brings Makeout Club to mind, and Makeout Club has far less going on.
Local connections. Given the ability to search by hometown, the geographic locations of the women modeling, and the calendar of events around the world, I wouldn't be surprised if members began reaching critical mass in urban areas around the world -- and gathering offline. The kinds of people -- and I hesitate to peg them -- are destined to connect in person at some point. And chances are that they'll have a lot in common.
Recent steps toward other forms of content. With the redesign, SG has moved into the realm of independent literature with its Words section (currently featuring short fiction by Jonathan Meyers). If the Words, Pics, Videos, and Reviews buttons are any indication (Videos seems less sure, given its current content), SG could very well evolve into a platform on which members can promote and distribute their own creative endeavors and output. That said, I'm not sure how I feel about Chloe's recent photo set that ties into the Spider-Man movie, but it might open up some licensing opportunities for them. Record labels, want SG's to wear your band's T-shirts? Might be worth a pretty penny.
Please realize that I offer all of the above knowing that SG is at its base a porn site, but I think that other online community developers can learn a lot by what Spooky, Missy, and O are working on. Any organization working with creative, interesting, and productive people should pay heed to the model being developed by the folks behind SG. Its primary competitor Supercult, which I've resigned from, should pay attention. The online comics anthology Modern Tales would be well-served to consider SG's elements as it continues to evolve in its new direction. Professional associations should take note. And -- to be toally truthful -- the media-driven online and offline community that I'm helping develop could also learn a lot from Spooky, Missy, and O.
SG rocks. Don't feel bad about checking it out. You could learn a lot, regardless of what you do.
This week I was surprised and delighted by a pretty hefty redesign and improvement of Suicide Girls. Maybe I'm daft, but I had no idea it was coming -- and, frankly, I was so impressed that I'm glad I hadn't been expecting it.
Now, I'm not usually the sort of person to geek out to an erotic Web site (and I usually totally ignore people who say things like that), but the online communitarian -- as well as the hungry young man -- in me is all over Suicide Girls. And the recent improvements make me wish that they'd happened before we'd finished the nomination process for the community category of this year's Webby Awards. Maybe next year, if I'm asked back.
All of the pop-up advertisements that accompany my attempts to access the original URL's for Howard Rheingold's Electric Minds shed some light on the commercial potential that that project had, but I'm debating whether Suicide Girls hasn't supplanted Minds as the best example of how conversation and content can be connected online. I think it might have.
What does Suicide Girls do right?
Please realize that I offer all of the above knowing that SG is at its base a porn site, but I think that other online community developers can learn a lot by what Spooky, Missy, and O are working on. Any organization working with creative, interesting, and productive people should pay heed to the model being developed by the folks behind SG. Its primary competitor Supercult, which I've resigned from, should pay attention. The online comics anthology Modern Tales would be well-served to consider SG's elements as it continues to evolve in its new direction. Professional associations should take note. And -- to be toally truthful -- the media-driven online and offline community that I'm helping develop could also learn a lot from Spooky, Missy, and O.
SG rocks. Don't feel bad about checking it out. You could learn a lot, regardless of what you do.
Quotes of Note
Sometimes you overhear things you wish you hadn't. Take the following:
"I don't know. It's kind of kinky. I mean, it's so retro it's kind of... future."
Sometimes you overhear things you wish you hadn't. Take the following:
"I don't know. It's kind of kinky. I mean, it's so retro it's kind of... future."
Clothes Whore III
This isn't a shirt a Media Dietician sent me -- although word is a few are coming, so keep your eyes peeled -- but it's been getting comments today at work, so I thought I'd tell a little story.
I bought the shirt I'm wearing today -- a brown, long-sleeved UPS staff shirt -- at a used clothing store in South Beach, Miami, a couple of years ago. Shortly after I was in Miami, I was staying at a hotel on the edge of Disneyworld near Orlando. I'd gone for a short walk to grab a bite to eat at a nearby hotel restaurant, and at the end of the meal when my waiter brought the check, he said, "The drinks are on us tonight."
With great power comes great responsibility.
"Is it Happy Hour?" I asked, thinking I'd missed a drink special.
"No. But you guys work really hard."
Then it hit me. "Oh, I don't work for UPS. I just have the shirt."
The waiter was visibly crestfallen. I still didn't have to pay for my drinks.
Some people I work with say that I shouldn't have told him. Others ask whether I'll wear UPS shorts to work if they find me a pair. Go figure.
This isn't a shirt a Media Dietician sent me -- although word is a few are coming, so keep your eyes peeled -- but it's been getting comments today at work, so I thought I'd tell a little story.
I bought the shirt I'm wearing today -- a brown, long-sleeved UPS staff shirt -- at a used clothing store in South Beach, Miami, a couple of years ago. Shortly after I was in Miami, I was staying at a hotel on the edge of Disneyworld near Orlando. I'd gone for a short walk to grab a bite to eat at a nearby hotel restaurant, and at the end of the meal when my waiter brought the check, he said, "The drinks are on us tonight."
With great power comes great responsibility.
"Is it Happy Hour?" I asked, thinking I'd missed a drink special.
"No. But you guys work really hard."
Then it hit me. "Oh, I don't work for UPS. I just have the shirt."
The waiter was visibly crestfallen. I still didn't have to pay for my drinks.
Some people I work with say that I shouldn't have told him. Others ask whether I'll wear UPS shorts to work if they find me a pair. Go figure.
The Days of Whiners and Posers II
F'k That Job is a brand-new blog designed to feature job listings distributed by companies "who are taking advantage of people who are having a hard time finding work in this economy." Currently, there's only one example listed, but if you'd like to get in on the action, you can submit job openings that you think fall in the "so many skills, so little money" category.
F'k That Job is a brand-new blog designed to feature job listings distributed by companies "who are taking advantage of people who are having a hard time finding work in this economy." Currently, there's only one example listed, but if you'd like to get in on the action, you can submit job openings that you think fall in the "so many skills, so little money" category.
Blogging About Blogging XXIV
Finally. I've made the small window of time in which Yaccs allows new users to sign up for its comments tool. The code's been added to Media Diet, and this post is basically just a test to take Yaccs for a spin. There's nothing to see here, folks. Please move along.
While Yaccs has replaced the direct links from Media Diet to the discussion forum associated with it, that forum is still active. I may reconsider that in the future, but for now, it'll stay open for awhile.
Finally. I've made the small window of time in which Yaccs allows new users to sign up for its comments tool. The code's been added to Media Diet, and this post is basically just a test to take Yaccs for a spin. There's nothing to see here, folks. Please move along.
While Yaccs has replaced the direct links from Media Diet to the discussion forum associated with it, that forum is still active. I may reconsider that in the future, but for now, it'll stay open for awhile.
North End Moment XIX
Walking to Going Bananas to pick up some fruit just now, I was pelted by a Mystery Drip. Because it's raining, I thought it might have just been a rain drop, but when I reached up to wipe it off the top of my head, I discovered that it was a bird dropping. Yuck! Luckily, I had a handkerchief with me. I haven't been dropped on by a bird for a long, long time. I suppose I had it coming.
When was the last time a bird dropped on you? Discuss.
Walking to Going Bananas to pick up some fruit just now, I was pelted by a Mystery Drip. Because it's raining, I thought it might have just been a rain drop, but when I reached up to wipe it off the top of my head, I discovered that it was a bird dropping. Yuck! Luckily, I had a handkerchief with me. I haven't been dropped on by a bird for a long, long time. I suppose I had it coming.
When was the last time a bird dropped on you? Discuss.
Ho Ho, It's Mr. Show! II
Shortly after reports that the Mr. Show DVD was going to be released in early 2002, the release date was pushed back to June 4. That was seven days ago if you're keeping track. And if you're bad at math. Today is June 7. So the release date was three days ago. Just keeping you on your toes! I just got around to ordering what's mine. This is the best news I've received in quite some time. Bob Odenkirk and David Cross: Brilliant.
Shortly after reports that the Mr. Show DVD was going to be released in early 2002, the release date was pushed back to June 4. That was seven days ago if you're keeping track. And if you're bad at math. Today is June 7. So the release date was three days ago. Just keeping you on your toes! I just got around to ordering what's mine. This is the best news I've received in quite some time. Bob Odenkirk and David Cross: Brilliant.
Among the Literati VI
It's been 30 years since Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" was first published. Las Vegas CityLife's Matt O'Brien caught up with Thompson in Woody Creek to find out how the city -- and how Thompson -- has changed. The verdict? Quite a bit, but not much at all. Could we please find another author to overly romanticize?
Thanks to Drudge Report.
It's been 30 years since Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" was first published. Las Vegas CityLife's Matt O'Brien caught up with Thompson in Woody Creek to find out how the city -- and how Thompson -- has changed. The verdict? Quite a bit, but not much at all. Could we please find another author to overly romanticize?
Thanks to Drudge Report.
Anchormen, Aweigh! VII
Three-fourths of the Anchormen gathered at Scan's apartment in Jamaica Plain last night to continue work on the forthcoming compact disc recording. We've worked out all of the technical difficulties with Scan's home studio, he's already done some punchy and Mike Ness-like guitar overdubs, and the vocal overdubs now have momentum and some accomplishment behind them.
We knocked off two songs last night, "Indecision" and "Celebrate Democracy." I'm still surprised how much I hate doing overdubs. I miss having the band around me. I miss all of the visual cues I usually receive when we're playing live -- bandmates jumping around, Jef's drumming, people in the audience reacting to us. And I'm thrown by how unreal listening to the rest of the band in earphones while I'm singing feels. So I wasn't too pleased with how I was doing last night. My voice felt thin. I didn't have my customary growl and intensity. Energy was low given the fact that I hadn't eaten dinner.
When we listened to the resulting tracks at the end of the night, though, they were pretty good! I left with a stronger sense of hope and confidence that what we're doing is going to turn out OK. I still need to get over the change of setting -- and my low solo energy -- but this record's going to be pretty darn cool. We resume Sunday. That'll be a fun day.
Three-fourths of the Anchormen gathered at Scan's apartment in Jamaica Plain last night to continue work on the forthcoming compact disc recording. We've worked out all of the technical difficulties with Scan's home studio, he's already done some punchy and Mike Ness-like guitar overdubs, and the vocal overdubs now have momentum and some accomplishment behind them.
We knocked off two songs last night, "Indecision" and "Celebrate Democracy." I'm still surprised how much I hate doing overdubs. I miss having the band around me. I miss all of the visual cues I usually receive when we're playing live -- bandmates jumping around, Jef's drumming, people in the audience reacting to us. And I'm thrown by how unreal listening to the rest of the band in earphones while I'm singing feels. So I wasn't too pleased with how I was doing last night. My voice felt thin. I didn't have my customary growl and intensity. Energy was low given the fact that I hadn't eaten dinner.
When we listened to the resulting tracks at the end of the night, though, they were pretty good! I left with a stronger sense of hope and confidence that what we're doing is going to turn out OK. I still need to get over the change of setting -- and my low solo energy -- but this record's going to be pretty darn cool. We resume Sunday. That'll be a fun day.
Flogging Bloggers II
This entry, I'm using the term "flogging" to mean "publicize aggressively." Just so you don't think I'm dissing Carmen Noble's new blog, Overmatter. I met Carmen several years ago when I was coordinating the old Media Diet mailing list for Boston-area media professionals. We recently met again at a MediaBistro fete. Inspired by Media Diet -- the blog, not the list -- Carmen's rolled her own!
Launched a scant four days ago, Overmatter's 11 posts so far represent a melange of content and commentary. She considers whether she'd pose for the photographer Spencer Tunick -- "As much as I love New York, I don't want its streets all over my body. Maybe I'd pose naked in Sheboygan." -- reports on a company meeting in haiku form, provides a salad recipe, and comments on Amish euphemisms for masturbation. What delights me about Overmatter is Carmen's blend of her snarky sense of humor, slice-of-life reporting, and inclusion of experiences from her job as a technology and business reporter.
***
File this under shameless self-promotion, but Boston blogger Isaac Taylor informs me that he is in the running for Funniest Blogger over at Dawn Olsen's Up Yours.
My people have called Isaac's people, and you can weigh in on the neck and neck. Check out the poll results to date, and if you'd like to throw in, you can vote at Up Yours. The poll's kinda hard to find. It's on the right-hand side. It's light blue. And it's a bit of a scroll down. No direct poll link, it seems.
This entry, I'm using the term "flogging" to mean "publicize aggressively." Just so you don't think I'm dissing Carmen Noble's new blog, Overmatter. I met Carmen several years ago when I was coordinating the old Media Diet mailing list for Boston-area media professionals. We recently met again at a MediaBistro fete. Inspired by Media Diet -- the blog, not the list -- Carmen's rolled her own!
Launched a scant four days ago, Overmatter's 11 posts so far represent a melange of content and commentary. She considers whether she'd pose for the photographer Spencer Tunick -- "As much as I love New York, I don't want its streets all over my body. Maybe I'd pose naked in Sheboygan." -- reports on a company meeting in haiku form, provides a salad recipe, and comments on Amish euphemisms for masturbation. What delights me about Overmatter is Carmen's blend of her snarky sense of humor, slice-of-life reporting, and inclusion of experiences from her job as a technology and business reporter.
File this under shameless self-promotion, but Boston blogger Isaac Taylor informs me that he is in the running for Funniest Blogger over at Dawn Olsen's Up Yours.
More surprising still, fellow Boston blogger Rebecca St. Amand of Sweat Flavored Gummi fame and I are running neck and neck in a crowded field. Can we cut a deal here? My people will support your campaign finance initiative and keep quiet on capital gains if you can rally the troops on Internet humor.
My people have called Isaac's people, and you can weigh in on the neck and neck. Check out the poll results to date, and if you'd like to throw in, you can vote at Up Yours. The poll's kinda hard to find. It's on the right-hand side. It's light blue. And it's a bit of a scroll down. No direct poll link, it seems.
Design Mission for the Masses
Interactive designer Edwin Schlossberg has a vision -- a vision of a world in which public spaces, media, and highly designed products foster shared experiences and "inspire cooperative relationships among strangers." Most recently, his work has centered on corporate environments -- including Reuters' new digs on Times Square -- and museums -- such as the Children's Museum of Los Angeles. Direct quotes such as "The idea that you make an experience that requires a conversation in a public place is training for the fact that culture is collective," surprise and inspire.
Thanks to Utne Web Watch.
Interactive designer Edwin Schlossberg has a vision -- a vision of a world in which public spaces, media, and highly designed products foster shared experiences and "inspire cooperative relationships among strangers." Most recently, his work has centered on corporate environments -- including Reuters' new digs on Times Square -- and museums -- such as the Children's Museum of Los Angeles. Direct quotes such as "The idea that you make an experience that requires a conversation in a public place is training for the fact that culture is collective," surprise and inspire.
Thanks to Utne Web Watch.
Thursday, June 06, 2002
How I've Been Spending My Time III
Oh, that wacky Dan and his developers at Kewlbox! They've released another solid advergame that's just a little addictive. "Frendz are loveable little aliens who enjoy the company of others. In this fun game of strategy, you control the Blue Frendz while the computer controls the Red Frendz. Each team tries to conquer the playing field. Make a good move and your team cheers, make a bad move, and watch your opponent do his own victory dance." It's available for PC's as well as Macs. They're cute little buggers!
Oh, that wacky Dan and his developers at Kewlbox! They've released another solid advergame that's just a little addictive. "Frendz are loveable little aliens who enjoy the company of others. In this fun game of strategy, you control the Blue Frendz while the computer controls the Red Frendz. Each team tries to conquer the playing field. Make a good move and your team cheers, make a bad move, and watch your opponent do his own victory dance." It's available for PC's as well as Macs. They're cute little buggers!
From the In Box: Up in Smoke
I have one question for you: You don't drink, and you don't smoke. What do you do? Perhaps singing Adam Ant will allow you to focus on other things besides nicotine withdrawal. -- Tammy Reasoner
Um, thanks.
I have one question for you: You don't drink, and you don't smoke. What do you do? Perhaps singing Adam Ant will allow you to focus on other things besides nicotine withdrawal. -- Tammy Reasoner
Um, thanks.
Up in Smoke
I've said this before, but I hope I don't have to say it again in the future. While I'm usually not overly compulsive or addictive by nature, the last year hasn't been a year that'll win me any clean-living awards. I've gone back and forth trying to decide between attempting to maintain a certain degree of moderation (I'm always one for the Middle Way) -- or quitting drinking and smoking whole hog -- and recent weeks lead me to think that I should probably cut both out entirely for a spell. As before, I haven't had any accidents, crises, or emergencies in my life that have served as a radical wake-up call, but it's pretty clear these are two habits I could change.
For the most part, it's the smoking that bothers me. But I think it goes hand in hand with my social drinking, so I'm going to cut back on that, too. Supposedly this happened Tuesday. Then I bought a pack so I could share cigarettes with a friend at River Gods, a bar. Pretty successful, huh? Sheesh. Today is now my real quit date, and I feel slightly sheepish even writing about this because there's a chance this won't stick this time, either. But it's on my mind, there's no reason to keep living as I have been, and there are enough friends and folks I know who read Media Diet, so I'm going to draw on you as part of my support community. I'll try not to dominate Media Diet with progress reports, but root for me, OK?
I quit smoking and drinking today.
I've said this before, but I hope I don't have to say it again in the future. While I'm usually not overly compulsive or addictive by nature, the last year hasn't been a year that'll win me any clean-living awards. I've gone back and forth trying to decide between attempting to maintain a certain degree of moderation (I'm always one for the Middle Way) -- or quitting drinking and smoking whole hog -- and recent weeks lead me to think that I should probably cut both out entirely for a spell. As before, I haven't had any accidents, crises, or emergencies in my life that have served as a radical wake-up call, but it's pretty clear these are two habits I could change.
For the most part, it's the smoking that bothers me. But I think it goes hand in hand with my social drinking, so I'm going to cut back on that, too. Supposedly this happened Tuesday. Then I bought a pack so I could share cigarettes with a friend at River Gods, a bar. Pretty successful, huh? Sheesh. Today is now my real quit date, and I feel slightly sheepish even writing about this because there's a chance this won't stick this time, either. But it's on my mind, there's no reason to keep living as I have been, and there are enough friends and folks I know who read Media Diet, so I'm going to draw on you as part of my support community. I'll try not to dominate Media Diet with progress reports, but root for me, OK?
I quit smoking and drinking today.
Wednesday, June 05, 2002
From the In Box: James Kochalka Free-for-All
Great news! My diary comic strips are finally available online! Now, every day you can read the latest update in my adventures. Bookmark it, add it to your favorites, memorize the URL, whatever you gotta do. Some say the diary strips are probably my best work, and now finally folks can read them each day as they're created. (There is currently no way to access the archive... you must be content with reading only the most recent daily strip. Consider it a preview... when the site "officially" goes live, I'll let you know.) -- James Kochalka
Great news! My diary comic strips are finally available online! Now, every day you can read the latest update in my adventures. Bookmark it, add it to your favorites, memorize the URL, whatever you gotta do. Some say the diary strips are probably my best work, and now finally folks can read them each day as they're created. (There is currently no way to access the archive... you must be content with reading only the most recent daily strip. Consider it a preview... when the site "officially" goes live, I'll let you know.) -- James Kochalka
Newsletter of Note
The May 2002 edition of Vital Stats: The Number Behind the News just hit my in box. It's the newsletter of the Statistical Assessment Service, a DC-based research nonprofit "devoted to the accurate use of scientific and social research in public policy debate."
From the Service Web site: "Stats serves as a resource for journalists by providing timely and well-researched analysis of current statistical and scientific disputes. Since Stats seeks to weed out bad data and research before it enters the media stream, we field queries from journalists on a regular basis."
This issue of their newsletter looks at a recent National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism study, a Danish report on the ties between breast feeding and intelligence, a Newsweek cover story on Hepatitis C, and misleading graphs in the Wall Street Journal. I hope I get another issue of this newsletter, which is an odd cross between the Smoking Gun and American Demographics.
The May 2002 edition of Vital Stats: The Number Behind the News just hit my in box. It's the newsletter of the Statistical Assessment Service, a DC-based research nonprofit "devoted to the accurate use of scientific and social research in public policy debate."
From the Service Web site: "Stats serves as a resource for journalists by providing timely and well-researched analysis of current statistical and scientific disputes. Since Stats seeks to weed out bad data and research before it enters the media stream, we field queries from journalists on a regular basis."
This issue of their newsletter looks at a recent National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism study, a Danish report on the ties between breast feeding and intelligence, a Newsweek cover story on Hepatitis C, and misleading graphs in the Wall Street Journal. I hope I get another issue of this newsletter, which is an odd cross between the Smoking Gun and American Demographics.
Rock Shows of Note XXII
Met Kurt and Geraldine at River Gods last night to catch up with them -- and to check out the Eavesdrop weekly listening party, which featured Chris Brokaw's new record, "Red Cities." It was more crowded than the last time I went, but I saw some familiar faces, and it's good to know that the series is attracting repeat participants. What wasn't so good was that it seemed like less of a listening party this go. The crowdedness brought an increase in conversational volume that obscured most of the music that was played, but I could still catch snippets of Matt Kadane's (of New Year and Consonant) set, which included an interesting mix of music. And Leslie, Chris' sister and Webmaster, introduced me to him just as a piece from his new Atavistic release was played. Good stuff. After Chris' record was spun, Winston Bramen (also of Consonant, as well as the Count-Me-Outs) took over the turntables, Kurt and Geraldine headed home, and I hung out with Jef, Jen, and Steph in the front corner of the bar. A good way to spend Tuesday nights, and scant steps away from where I live. Thank you, River Gods!
Met Kurt and Geraldine at River Gods last night to catch up with them -- and to check out the Eavesdrop weekly listening party, which featured Chris Brokaw's new record, "Red Cities." It was more crowded than the last time I went, but I saw some familiar faces, and it's good to know that the series is attracting repeat participants. What wasn't so good was that it seemed like less of a listening party this go. The crowdedness brought an increase in conversational volume that obscured most of the music that was played, but I could still catch snippets of Matt Kadane's (of New Year and Consonant) set, which included an interesting mix of music. And Leslie, Chris' sister and Webmaster, introduced me to him just as a piece from his new Atavistic release was played. Good stuff. After Chris' record was spun, Winston Bramen (also of Consonant, as well as the Count-Me-Outs) took over the turntables, Kurt and Geraldine headed home, and I hung out with Jef, Jen, and Steph in the front corner of the bar. A good way to spend Tuesday nights, and scant steps away from where I live. Thank you, River Gods!
Heath Is in the House!
Just confirmed with my landlord yesterday that I'm going to renew my lease and live on Magazine Street for another year. As crazy and confusing as the past few weeks have been, it's comforting to at least know where I'll be living come September. Grounds me, it does. Gives me a new lease on life, so to speak. Groan.
Just confirmed with my landlord yesterday that I'm going to renew my lease and live on Magazine Street for another year. As crazy and confusing as the past few weeks have been, it's comforting to at least know where I'll be living come September. Grounds me, it does. Gives me a new lease on life, so to speak. Groan.
From the In Box: A Collision of Interesting Women
I found this handwritten note in my mailbox at work yesterday:
Heath -- Missed you, but maybe next time. I've been sent on a mission of merci from Halley's Comment and Blogsisters to help you with your "girl trouble" per your site.
Feel free to call or email for any and all help. -- Halley Suitt
This is the first time a Media Dietician has stopped by the office to say hello. Sorry to have missed it!
I found this handwritten note in my mailbox at work yesterday:
Heath -- Missed you, but maybe next time. I've been sent on a mission of merci from Halley's Comment and Blogsisters to help you with your "girl trouble" per your site.
Feel free to call or email for any and all help. -- Halley Suitt
This is the first time a Media Dietician has stopped by the office to say hello. Sorry to have missed it!
Tuesday, June 04, 2002
Rules for Fools VIII
Rule No. 11: If you don't start smoking, you won't need to quit smoking.
Rule No. 11: If you don't start smoking, you won't need to quit smoking.
Thought for Food II
A friend sent me cookies today. They were good.
Paul conveys: Surprise.
Edible swag at the 'Rang.
Stephan gets his nosh on.
You could send me cookies, too. My address is to the left. Actually, you probably shouldn't. I only check the P.O. Box weekly.
A friend sent me cookies today. They were good.
Paul conveys: Surprise.
Edible swag at the 'Rang.
Stephan gets his nosh on.
You could send me cookies, too. My address is to the left. Actually, you probably shouldn't. I only check the P.O. Box weekly.
Monday, June 03, 2002
From the In Box: The Movie I Watched Last Night XX
For more fun try my online-only album or the movie my wife and I star in. -- James Kochalka
Unfortunately, the movie link above doesn't work for me. This is why, courtesy of James:
That probably means you have a Mac. It's a Windows Media File. You can get Windows Media Player for Mac, but it still doesn't work. That's what I see when I click the movie link, too.
However, if you can get on a PC and you have Windows Media Player, you should be able to watch the movie.
Thanks, James!
For more fun try my online-only album or the movie my wife and I star in. -- James Kochalka
Unfortunately, the movie link above doesn't work for me. This is why, courtesy of James:
That probably means you have a Mac. It's a Windows Media File. You can get Windows Media Player for Mac, but it still doesn't work. That's what I see when I click the movie link, too.
However, if you can get on a PC and you have Windows Media Player, you should be able to watch the movie.
Thanks, James!
From the In Box: Books Worth a Look V
Thanks for the review. Glad you found it interesting.
I do disagree that it's based on est training, in that est (and the new version, Landmark) contends that you can transcend your beliefs but not permanently eliminate them.
The DM processes (which weren't developed until after I wrote Re-create Your Life) completely eliminate long-held beliefs and conditioned feelings in a matter of minutes, which virtually everyone believes is impossible.
I just completed a weekend workshop in which I was training people how to use our processes, and three of the participants were psychotherapists. At one point one of them said, "This is magic. I've 'known' for years that what we've been doing here all weekend is impossible. But it's not. This is true 'short-term therapy.'" -- Morty Lefkoe
Thanks for the review. Glad you found it interesting.
I do disagree that it's based on est training, in that est (and the new version, Landmark) contends that you can transcend your beliefs but not permanently eliminate them.
The DM processes (which weren't developed until after I wrote Re-create Your Life) completely eliminate long-held beliefs and conditioned feelings in a matter of minutes, which virtually everyone believes is impossible.
I just completed a weekend workshop in which I was training people how to use our processes, and three of the participants were psychotherapists. At one point one of them said, "This is magic. I've 'known' for years that what we've been doing here all weekend is impossible. But it's not. This is true 'short-term therapy.'" -- Morty Lefkoe
Pieces, Particles IV
The following media-related stories recently spotted in print publications -- and now online -- might be worth a look. Heads and decks, only. Heads and decks.
Comic-Book Clubs, by Don Allen, Comics & Games Retailer, June 2002
Start your own literary discourse on comics
The Girls at the Front, by Evgenia Peretz, Vanity Fair, June 2002
The handful of female war correspondents whose beat is whatever hellhole leads the news -- Christiane Amanpour, Janine di Giovanni, et al. -- are as tough as any of the guys. But there's a difference in how they work, the way they love, and the risks they run
Homer's Odyssey, by Casey Seijas and the Wizard staff, Wizard, May 2002
And the rest of the family too, as Wizard gathers the best comics references to appear on "The Simpsons"
Old Salts, by John Gould, Maine Boats & Harbors, June/July 2002
There's a lot to be learned on the obit desk of a small-town newspaper.
The People's Party, by Chris Wright, Boston Phoenix, May 31, 2002
Once simply a forum for expression, protests are more often becoming the greatest shows on earth
Romancing the C.E.O., by Suzanna Andrews, Vanity Fair, June 2002
Talented, seductive, and ambitious, Suzy Wetlaufer took the reins of the venerable Harvard Business Review a year and a half ago, at age 41. Today she's jobless -- and famous for all the wrong reasons. Her liaison with Jack Welch, G.E.'s idolized former C.E.O., is a case study in ethics and the price of passion
Six Degrees of Speculation, by Karen Wright, Discover, June 2002
Even in a small world, there's room for disagreement
U.S. Confidential, by James Wolcott, Vanity Fair, June 2002
The tabloid age began in the 50s with Generoso Pope's gore-splattered National Enquirer, and his obsession with Jackie O. touched off a celebrity hunt that would culminate in Princess Diana's death. But through mayhem and martyrdom, the scandal sheets have reflected America's gamy id, breaking news from the national gutter
The following media-related stories recently spotted in print publications -- and now online -- might be worth a look. Heads and decks, only. Heads and decks.
Comic-Book Clubs, by Don Allen, Comics & Games Retailer, June 2002
Start your own literary discourse on comics
The Girls at the Front, by Evgenia Peretz, Vanity Fair, June 2002
The handful of female war correspondents whose beat is whatever hellhole leads the news -- Christiane Amanpour, Janine di Giovanni, et al. -- are as tough as any of the guys. But there's a difference in how they work, the way they love, and the risks they run
Homer's Odyssey, by Casey Seijas and the Wizard staff, Wizard, May 2002
And the rest of the family too, as Wizard gathers the best comics references to appear on "The Simpsons"
Old Salts, by John Gould, Maine Boats & Harbors, June/July 2002
There's a lot to be learned on the obit desk of a small-town newspaper.
The People's Party, by Chris Wright, Boston Phoenix, May 31, 2002
Once simply a forum for expression, protests are more often becoming the greatest shows on earth
Romancing the C.E.O., by Suzanna Andrews, Vanity Fair, June 2002
Talented, seductive, and ambitious, Suzy Wetlaufer took the reins of the venerable Harvard Business Review a year and a half ago, at age 41. Today she's jobless -- and famous for all the wrong reasons. Her liaison with Jack Welch, G.E.'s idolized former C.E.O., is a case study in ethics and the price of passion
Six Degrees of Speculation, by Karen Wright, Discover, June 2002
Even in a small world, there's room for disagreement
U.S. Confidential, by James Wolcott, Vanity Fair, June 2002
The tabloid age began in the 50s with Generoso Pope's gore-splattered National Enquirer, and his obsession with Jackie O. touched off a celebrity hunt that would culminate in Princess Diana's death. But through mayhem and martyrdom, the scandal sheets have reflected America's gamy id, breaking news from the national gutter
Books Worth a Look V
These are the books I read in May 2002. Jim Collins tries to read 100 books a year. As of this Media Diet entry, I've read 101 books since Jan. 1. I can stop now.
The Anasazi: Why Did They Leave? Where Did They Go? ed. by Jerold Widdison (1991)
Prepared after a panel discussion at the Anasazi Heritage Center in Colorado in 1990, this edited transcript offers several perspectives on the history and fate of the Anasazi, the precursors to the Pueblo Indians of the Southwest. Panelists touch on their society; the environmental, technological, and social reasons for their migration; and the similarities between them and their modern-day counterparts, including the Hopi and the Zuni. The at-times contentious discussion also tackles the role of anthropologist and historian. Linda Cordell's contributions are particularly insightful.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
A Brief History of Taos by Bob Romero and Neil Poese (1992)
There are places. And then there are places. Taos belongs to the latter category, a combination of the past and the present, the imagined and the real, the constructed and the actual. This 28-page history -- remember, the title says "brief" -- tackles all of Taos' dichotomies. Romero and Poese take on the city's Hispanic heritage, role as a trade center, Mexican affiliation, and absorption by the United States, featuring several insightful photographs and a wide-ranging look at the many faces of the small city. A good introduction.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
Bygone Bar Harbor: A Postcard Tour by Earl Brechlin (2002)
This pocket-sized collection of vintage postcards from Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park shares snapshots of a world that was between about 1905 and 1950. Drawing on the archives of the Bar Harbor Historical Society, as well as his personal collection, Brechlin produces an extremely well-produced book -- the color reproduction is wonderful. "Bygone Bar Harbor" includes images of the people, places, and things that made the area a watering hole for the rich and famous during its golden age. Especially telling are the cards portraying the Great Fire of 1947. A stunning visual history.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Excellent.
El Santuario... a Stop on the "High Road to Taos" by Sons of the Holy Family (1994)
Having been raised among the Protestants, I missed out on a religious grounding in the saints and miracles. Plainness abounded. So I'm fascinated by shrines, pilgrimages, and experiences with healing. Located in Chimayo, New Mexico, El Santuario is a place deeply rooted in all three. And this thin booklet does much to detail its miraculous effects, history, and politics. Unfortunately, the pamphlet devotes a full third of its 30-odd pages to descriptions of the elements of its various reredos, or series of sacred paintings. That said, the writers do well to compare the sanctuary to a similar structure in Guatemala, a parallel other historians only graze.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
El Santuario de Chimayo by Stephen F. de Borhegyi and E. Boyd (1956)
Better than the Sons of the Holy Family pamphlet, this booklet takes a more serious, scholarly look at the sanctuary in Chimayo. De Borhegyi draws stronger parallels to the sanctuary in Esquipulas, Guatemala, outlining the emergenc of the black Christ, the healing power of clay and soil, and how the legend was transported and translated to America. He also details the politics of the local families involved in the construction of the sanctuary -- and how the Santo Nino de Atocha cult developed as a direct competitor.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff (2002)
Former Navy Commander Mike Abrashoff offers 11 tactics and strategies he developed while leading the crew of the USS Benfold, an award-winning destroyer. Avoiding the gung-ho militarism that inspires so many leadership and management texts that come out of the armed forces, Mike espouses what he terms grassroots leadershp -- empowering the people you work with so innovation doesn't just trickle down the chain of command. It's a good, personal, and practical book.
Days to read: 4. Rating: Good.
Loretto and the Miraculous Staircase by Alice Bullock (1978)
This slim, 16-page booklet about the wooden circular stairway in Santa Fe, New Mexico's Loretto Chapel is an informal history of the engineering marvel. Perhaps constructed by Saint Joseph himself, the staircase has no central support and initially had no side supports. While there have been less breezy accounts of the "miracle" -- Sister M. Florian and Carl Albach's articles come to mind -- Bullock's pamphlet better fleshes out the reason for the chapel's near-completion (a jealous husband and a murder most foul) even if it doesn't try to out the original builder like some later studies.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends by Tim Sanders
A surprising thesis to come from Yahoo!'s Chief Solutions Officer, but a message many executives should pay attention to. At one level, Tim contends that -- gasp -- nice guys finish first, but at a deeper level, this book is a strategic networking handbook. Built on a foundation of knowledge, networks, and compassion, the book offers tactics and tools for strategic reading, productive and constructive introductions, and management that nurtures talent. I'm proud to know Tim and am bold enough to consider myself a lovecat. Meow.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Good.
Next: The Future Just Happened by Michael Lewis (2002)
The followup to "The New New Thing," this book takes another step and reveals how the Net economy changed people's lives, the law, familial relationships, the role of experts, fandom, copyright, and the mass media. Lewis does so by setting his sights on some pretty interesting characters -- a teenage day trader, an unschooled legal advisor, the hair metal band Marillion, the TiVo TV recording service, and the Unabomber. His language is lively, and his conclusions -- contextualized by a new afterword in this edition -- the start of a serious look at how much of the Net economy was hype -- and how much was misapplied gospel.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
Old Town Albuquerque by Peter Hertzog (1994)
When we were in Albuquerque on the last day of our trip last month, it was extremely windy and the horizon was all but obscured by a sandstorm of sorts. So I'm surprised that Albuquerque has such a long history -- it strikes me as unhospitable, much like Salt Lake City must have seemed to the settling Mormons. While Albuquerque never experienced a great boom, Hertzog describes how the coming of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe shifted the city's center away from Old Town. Perhaps if the landowners hadn't priced their plots so high, Old Town wouldn't be the chintzy tourist trap it is today. Not that much to see -- or read about.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
The Passionists of the Southwest or the Holy Brotherhood: A Revelation of the "Penitentes" by Alex Darley (1893)
Reprinted by the Rio Grande Press in 1968 as part of their Classic series, Darley's narrative is a biased and exploitative representation of this primitive Catholic brotherhood. The "self-ordained itinerant preacher" aligned with the Presbyterians offers a supposed constitution and by-laws for the religious society, riffing off the near-fictitious literature ascribed to the Knights Templar. In so doing, Darley ties the Penitentes to Saint Francis, establishes the order as a formal Catholic organization, and decries their practices and rituals as primitive and abusive. Publisher Robert McCoy sheds more favorable light on the sect in the transcript of a 1965 talk, but the book -- while well-reasoned -- still reads sensationally and shallowly.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Good.
The Penitentes of the Southwest by Marta Weigle (1970)
As the precursor to a "fully documented book" that was in process several decades ago, Weigle's 16-page pamphlet is the strongest history of this archaic Catholic sect that practiced penance through the act of self-flagellation that I've read. Weigle analyzes the brotherhood's emergence, debts to St. Francis of Assisi, co-optation by the Catholic church, formal organization, and role in New Mexico as a mutual aid society. She also considers previous writing about the Penitentes, paying heed to the historical contexts of the portrayals.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale (1952)
Written in a slightly self-congratulatory tone similar to that of "I'm OK -- You're OK," this classic self-help book was penned by one of the founders of Guideposts magazine. I'm not convinced that personal success can be credited to prayer and faith, much less affirmations, but Peale makes a good case. Of immediate interest and use are Peale's parallels to learned optimism, creative visualization, meditation, and problem solving. There's a lot here, hidden among the daily affirmations and Bible verses Peale thinks readers should memorize.
Days to read: 6. Rating: Good.
Re-Create Your Life: Transforming Yourself and the World with the Decision Maker Process by Morty Lefkoe (1997)
I had dinner with Morty while I was in Sonoma County at the end of last month. His book describes the benefits of and some of the process behind his Decision Maker technology, which is deeply rooted in est training -- and a slight aside to Dianetics. At its base, the DM process is oriented toward helping identify and eliminate beliefs that are holding them back. Morty described the effects of negative self-esteem and beliefs, offers the principles of DM, contends that we create our own egos, and details several case histories -- bulemics, criminals, and AIDS patients who utilized the process. He also outlines applications in parenting, business, and social change. I wish he'd gone into the process a little further, but this is a good introduction to a valuable alternative to psychotherapy.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The Sacred World of the Penitentes by Alberto Lopez Pulido (2000)
Ostensibly the most-accurate and -balanced volume on the Penitentes given its Smithsonian pedigree, this book is a disappointing analysis. Claiming to be the first book to be built on first-person accounts of Penitente participation, the tome is heavy on establishment and light on actual I-was-there narrative. Nevertheless, Pulido tried. Despite the writer's defense and positioning of "story" as a valuable historical tool, "Sacred World" relies heavily on interviews with a single Penitente leader. While Lupido's analysisof existing literature and suggestion of a third-order theory is appreciated, I expected more from the Smithsonian. Regardless, this look at practical Christianity and popular religious expression shows promise.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Fair.
Taos Walking Tour: A Self-Guided Tour of the Historic District by Char Boie Graebner (1991)
Taos, New Mexico, isn't that large a town, so you can walk most of its area of interest in about as much time as it takes to read this guide published by the Kit Carson Historic Museums. While I found Shirley Thompson's illustrations to be relatively sloppy, I enjoyed the tour guide's insights about the town's oldest wall, the Chinese wall (which dates only to the '80s), the Oakley House's past as a brothel, and the events that transpired at the Governor Bent House. More detail would have been welcome, but the book's breezy style doesn't diminish its usefulness. Get it if you go there.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook by Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania (1971)
This little book is a gem. As the tome used to train Jehovah's Witnesses interested in becoming door-to-door ministers, or "publishers," the slim, dense volume is one of the better public speaking and sales books I've ever read. Parallel to Tim Sanders' "Live Is the Killer App," the authors include a lot of tactics for active reading and strategic use of source material. Sections also touch on active listening, developing better questions and answers, and overcoming skepticism and rejection.
Days to read: 4. Rating: Excellent.
Unleashing the Ideavirus by Seth Godin (2001)
According to the cover lines, Seth's book will help business leaders "stop marketing at people and turn your ideas into epidemics by helping your customers do the marketing for you." Almost a combination of Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point" and Richard Dawkins' writing about memes, this quick read -- written in Seth's characteristically frenetic tone -- outlines how to unleash an ideavirus, as well as a formula that will increase the virility of your ideavirii. The fourth section, "Case Studies and Riffs" is awfully heavy on the riff side. Seth had a lot to say and didn't really know how to stop. Still, a thought-provoking if not totally groundbreaking book.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
When Los Alamos Was a Ranch School by Fermor S. and Peggy Pond Church (1998)
Before Los Alamos, New Mexico, played its role in the development of the United States' nuclear weapons strategy, it was a ranch school devoted to developing young men in a "safe and scientific manner." This reminiscence covers the camp's development, grounding in the Boy Scouts as its primary organizational model, evolution as resources became more or less available, and student body -- which included Gore Vidal. Several of the school's buildings remain today, and it's interesting to see how Los Alamos as a city grew up around this once isolated educational outpost.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
Work and Community in the West ed. by Edward Shorter (1973)
These six essays and excerpts go far to detail the history of work and its effects on people's family and social lives in the West. Given the publication date, it's understandable that Shorter only outlines three phases -- artisanal, industrial, and technological -- but the subsequent selections add valuable pieces to the limited puzzle. Mack Walker paints a productive picture of the role guilds played in early modern Germany. And George Sturt's portrayal of a wheelwright's shop is overly romantic. But Elinor Langer's socialist snapshot of life inside the New York Telephone Co. ably blends strict reportage and class consciousness. This dated collection is good for what it is -- and for the periods it looks at.
Days to read: 5. Rating: Good.
Why do some books get a link while other books do not? If a publishing company or author sends me review copies for consideration -- and if I review the book in Media Diet -- they get a link as well as a review. I don't review every review copy or galley I receive, and I don't always have time to track down author, publisher, and other book-related links in general.
Most of the books I review should be relatively easy to find via the Harvard Book Store and Powell's Books online ordering services. If something's out of print, check the Advanced Book Exchange first.
And if you'd like to send me a book to consider for review, Media Diet's address is P.O. Box 390205, Cambridge, MA 02139. Thank you very much.
These are the books I read in May 2002. Jim Collins tries to read 100 books a year. As of this Media Diet entry, I've read 101 books since Jan. 1. I can stop now.
The Anasazi: Why Did They Leave? Where Did They Go? ed. by Jerold Widdison (1991)
Prepared after a panel discussion at the Anasazi Heritage Center in Colorado in 1990, this edited transcript offers several perspectives on the history and fate of the Anasazi, the precursors to the Pueblo Indians of the Southwest. Panelists touch on their society; the environmental, technological, and social reasons for their migration; and the similarities between them and their modern-day counterparts, including the Hopi and the Zuni. The at-times contentious discussion also tackles the role of anthropologist and historian. Linda Cordell's contributions are particularly insightful.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
A Brief History of Taos by Bob Romero and Neil Poese (1992)
There are places. And then there are places. Taos belongs to the latter category, a combination of the past and the present, the imagined and the real, the constructed and the actual. This 28-page history -- remember, the title says "brief" -- tackles all of Taos' dichotomies. Romero and Poese take on the city's Hispanic heritage, role as a trade center, Mexican affiliation, and absorption by the United States, featuring several insightful photographs and a wide-ranging look at the many faces of the small city. A good introduction.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
Bygone Bar Harbor: A Postcard Tour by Earl Brechlin (2002)
This pocket-sized collection of vintage postcards from Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park shares snapshots of a world that was between about 1905 and 1950. Drawing on the archives of the Bar Harbor Historical Society, as well as his personal collection, Brechlin produces an extremely well-produced book -- the color reproduction is wonderful. "Bygone Bar Harbor" includes images of the people, places, and things that made the area a watering hole for the rich and famous during its golden age. Especially telling are the cards portraying the Great Fire of 1947. A stunning visual history.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Excellent.
El Santuario... a Stop on the "High Road to Taos" by Sons of the Holy Family (1994)
Having been raised among the Protestants, I missed out on a religious grounding in the saints and miracles. Plainness abounded. So I'm fascinated by shrines, pilgrimages, and experiences with healing. Located in Chimayo, New Mexico, El Santuario is a place deeply rooted in all three. And this thin booklet does much to detail its miraculous effects, history, and politics. Unfortunately, the pamphlet devotes a full third of its 30-odd pages to descriptions of the elements of its various reredos, or series of sacred paintings. That said, the writers do well to compare the sanctuary to a similar structure in Guatemala, a parallel other historians only graze.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
El Santuario de Chimayo by Stephen F. de Borhegyi and E. Boyd (1956)
Better than the Sons of the Holy Family pamphlet, this booklet takes a more serious, scholarly look at the sanctuary in Chimayo. De Borhegyi draws stronger parallels to the sanctuary in Esquipulas, Guatemala, outlining the emergenc of the black Christ, the healing power of clay and soil, and how the legend was transported and translated to America. He also details the politics of the local families involved in the construction of the sanctuary -- and how the Santo Nino de Atocha cult developed as a direct competitor.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff (2002)
Former Navy Commander Mike Abrashoff offers 11 tactics and strategies he developed while leading the crew of the USS Benfold, an award-winning destroyer. Avoiding the gung-ho militarism that inspires so many leadership and management texts that come out of the armed forces, Mike espouses what he terms grassroots leadershp -- empowering the people you work with so innovation doesn't just trickle down the chain of command. It's a good, personal, and practical book.
Days to read: 4. Rating: Good.
Loretto and the Miraculous Staircase by Alice Bullock (1978)
This slim, 16-page booklet about the wooden circular stairway in Santa Fe, New Mexico's Loretto Chapel is an informal history of the engineering marvel. Perhaps constructed by Saint Joseph himself, the staircase has no central support and initially had no side supports. While there have been less breezy accounts of the "miracle" -- Sister M. Florian and Carl Albach's articles come to mind -- Bullock's pamphlet better fleshes out the reason for the chapel's near-completion (a jealous husband and a murder most foul) even if it doesn't try to out the original builder like some later studies.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends by Tim Sanders
A surprising thesis to come from Yahoo!'s Chief Solutions Officer, but a message many executives should pay attention to. At one level, Tim contends that -- gasp -- nice guys finish first, but at a deeper level, this book is a strategic networking handbook. Built on a foundation of knowledge, networks, and compassion, the book offers tactics and tools for strategic reading, productive and constructive introductions, and management that nurtures talent. I'm proud to know Tim and am bold enough to consider myself a lovecat. Meow.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Good.
Next: The Future Just Happened by Michael Lewis (2002)
The followup to "The New New Thing," this book takes another step and reveals how the Net economy changed people's lives, the law, familial relationships, the role of experts, fandom, copyright, and the mass media. Lewis does so by setting his sights on some pretty interesting characters -- a teenage day trader, an unschooled legal advisor, the hair metal band Marillion, the TiVo TV recording service, and the Unabomber. His language is lively, and his conclusions -- contextualized by a new afterword in this edition -- the start of a serious look at how much of the Net economy was hype -- and how much was misapplied gospel.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
Old Town Albuquerque by Peter Hertzog (1994)
When we were in Albuquerque on the last day of our trip last month, it was extremely windy and the horizon was all but obscured by a sandstorm of sorts. So I'm surprised that Albuquerque has such a long history -- it strikes me as unhospitable, much like Salt Lake City must have seemed to the settling Mormons. While Albuquerque never experienced a great boom, Hertzog describes how the coming of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe shifted the city's center away from Old Town. Perhaps if the landowners hadn't priced their plots so high, Old Town wouldn't be the chintzy tourist trap it is today. Not that much to see -- or read about.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
The Passionists of the Southwest or the Holy Brotherhood: A Revelation of the "Penitentes" by Alex Darley (1893)
Reprinted by the Rio Grande Press in 1968 as part of their Classic series, Darley's narrative is a biased and exploitative representation of this primitive Catholic brotherhood. The "self-ordained itinerant preacher" aligned with the Presbyterians offers a supposed constitution and by-laws for the religious society, riffing off the near-fictitious literature ascribed to the Knights Templar. In so doing, Darley ties the Penitentes to Saint Francis, establishes the order as a formal Catholic organization, and decries their practices and rituals as primitive and abusive. Publisher Robert McCoy sheds more favorable light on the sect in the transcript of a 1965 talk, but the book -- while well-reasoned -- still reads sensationally and shallowly.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Good.
The Penitentes of the Southwest by Marta Weigle (1970)
As the precursor to a "fully documented book" that was in process several decades ago, Weigle's 16-page pamphlet is the strongest history of this archaic Catholic sect that practiced penance through the act of self-flagellation that I've read. Weigle analyzes the brotherhood's emergence, debts to St. Francis of Assisi, co-optation by the Catholic church, formal organization, and role in New Mexico as a mutual aid society. She also considers previous writing about the Penitentes, paying heed to the historical contexts of the portrayals.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale (1952)
Written in a slightly self-congratulatory tone similar to that of "I'm OK -- You're OK," this classic self-help book was penned by one of the founders of Guideposts magazine. I'm not convinced that personal success can be credited to prayer and faith, much less affirmations, but Peale makes a good case. Of immediate interest and use are Peale's parallels to learned optimism, creative visualization, meditation, and problem solving. There's a lot here, hidden among the daily affirmations and Bible verses Peale thinks readers should memorize.
Days to read: 6. Rating: Good.
Re-Create Your Life: Transforming Yourself and the World with the Decision Maker Process by Morty Lefkoe (1997)
I had dinner with Morty while I was in Sonoma County at the end of last month. His book describes the benefits of and some of the process behind his Decision Maker technology, which is deeply rooted in est training -- and a slight aside to Dianetics. At its base, the DM process is oriented toward helping identify and eliminate beliefs that are holding them back. Morty described the effects of negative self-esteem and beliefs, offers the principles of DM, contends that we create our own egos, and details several case histories -- bulemics, criminals, and AIDS patients who utilized the process. He also outlines applications in parenting, business, and social change. I wish he'd gone into the process a little further, but this is a good introduction to a valuable alternative to psychotherapy.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The Sacred World of the Penitentes by Alberto Lopez Pulido (2000)
Ostensibly the most-accurate and -balanced volume on the Penitentes given its Smithsonian pedigree, this book is a disappointing analysis. Claiming to be the first book to be built on first-person accounts of Penitente participation, the tome is heavy on establishment and light on actual I-was-there narrative. Nevertheless, Pulido tried. Despite the writer's defense and positioning of "story" as a valuable historical tool, "Sacred World" relies heavily on interviews with a single Penitente leader. While Lupido's analysisof existing literature and suggestion of a third-order theory is appreciated, I expected more from the Smithsonian. Regardless, this look at practical Christianity and popular religious expression shows promise.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Fair.
Taos Walking Tour: A Self-Guided Tour of the Historic District by Char Boie Graebner (1991)
Taos, New Mexico, isn't that large a town, so you can walk most of its area of interest in about as much time as it takes to read this guide published by the Kit Carson Historic Museums. While I found Shirley Thompson's illustrations to be relatively sloppy, I enjoyed the tour guide's insights about the town's oldest wall, the Chinese wall (which dates only to the '80s), the Oakley House's past as a brothel, and the events that transpired at the Governor Bent House. More detail would have been welcome, but the book's breezy style doesn't diminish its usefulness. Get it if you go there.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook by Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania (1971)
This little book is a gem. As the tome used to train Jehovah's Witnesses interested in becoming door-to-door ministers, or "publishers," the slim, dense volume is one of the better public speaking and sales books I've ever read. Parallel to Tim Sanders' "Live Is the Killer App," the authors include a lot of tactics for active reading and strategic use of source material. Sections also touch on active listening, developing better questions and answers, and overcoming skepticism and rejection.
Days to read: 4. Rating: Excellent.
Unleashing the Ideavirus by Seth Godin (2001)
According to the cover lines, Seth's book will help business leaders "stop marketing at people and turn your ideas into epidemics by helping your customers do the marketing for you." Almost a combination of Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point" and Richard Dawkins' writing about memes, this quick read -- written in Seth's characteristically frenetic tone -- outlines how to unleash an ideavirus, as well as a formula that will increase the virility of your ideavirii. The fourth section, "Case Studies and Riffs" is awfully heavy on the riff side. Seth had a lot to say and didn't really know how to stop. Still, a thought-provoking if not totally groundbreaking book.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
When Los Alamos Was a Ranch School by Fermor S. and Peggy Pond Church (1998)
Before Los Alamos, New Mexico, played its role in the development of the United States' nuclear weapons strategy, it was a ranch school devoted to developing young men in a "safe and scientific manner." This reminiscence covers the camp's development, grounding in the Boy Scouts as its primary organizational model, evolution as resources became more or less available, and student body -- which included Gore Vidal. Several of the school's buildings remain today, and it's interesting to see how Los Alamos as a city grew up around this once isolated educational outpost.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
Work and Community in the West ed. by Edward Shorter (1973)
These six essays and excerpts go far to detail the history of work and its effects on people's family and social lives in the West. Given the publication date, it's understandable that Shorter only outlines three phases -- artisanal, industrial, and technological -- but the subsequent selections add valuable pieces to the limited puzzle. Mack Walker paints a productive picture of the role guilds played in early modern Germany. And George Sturt's portrayal of a wheelwright's shop is overly romantic. But Elinor Langer's socialist snapshot of life inside the New York Telephone Co. ably blends strict reportage and class consciousness. This dated collection is good for what it is -- and for the periods it looks at.
Days to read: 5. Rating: Good.
Why do some books get a link while other books do not? If a publishing company or author sends me review copies for consideration -- and if I review the book in Media Diet -- they get a link as well as a review. I don't review every review copy or galley I receive, and I don't always have time to track down author, publisher, and other book-related links in general.
Most of the books I review should be relatively easy to find via the Harvard Book Store and Powell's Books online ordering services. If something's out of print, check the Advanced Book Exchange first.
And if you'd like to send me a book to consider for review, Media Diet's address is P.O. Box 390205, Cambridge, MA 02139. Thank you very much.
Clothes Whore II
I want some new T-shirts. Nifty T-shirts featuring interesting, neat, and obscure designs. If you work for a company, publish a comic or zine, play in a band, run a record label, or produce a Web site -- and you have a related T-shirt -- send one to me care of the mailing address over to the left. I will not just wear your T-shirt, I will take a photograph of myself wearing said shirt and publish it in Media Diet. With a link to your company, band, or site, even. That's why they call me the Clothes Whore. I want to wear your clothes.
I wear a Large.
I want some new T-shirts. Nifty T-shirts featuring interesting, neat, and obscure designs. If you work for a company, publish a comic or zine, play in a band, run a record label, or produce a Web site -- and you have a related T-shirt -- send one to me care of the mailing address over to the left. I will not just wear your T-shirt, I will take a photograph of myself wearing said shirt and publish it in Media Diet. With a link to your company, band, or site, even. That's why they call me the Clothes Whore. I want to wear your clothes.
I wear a Large.
Clip-Art Comics IV
Dan Weaver's H4x0r Economist clip-art comics juxtapose photographs of Alan Greenspan and other world leaders with largely profane -- and pretty funny -- hacker speak. The best bit might be the Dance Dance World Economic Forum: Free Your Trade collage. Brilliant.
Thanks to BoingBoing.
Dan Weaver's H4x0r Economist clip-art comics juxtapose photographs of Alan Greenspan and other world leaders with largely profane -- and pretty funny -- hacker speak. The best bit might be the Dance Dance World Economic Forum: Free Your Trade collage. Brilliant.
Thanks to BoingBoing.
North End Moment XVIII
I just caught a co-worker restocking the office refrigerator with Heinekens and hard ciders.
Me: It's a little early, Bill.
Bill: Never too early for me.
I just caught a co-worker restocking the office refrigerator with Heinekens and hard ciders.
Me: It's a little early, Bill.
Bill: Never too early for me.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XX
Friday, May 10: Fight Club
Just as the Matrix made me want to meditate, learn a martial art, and go jogging, Fight Club is one of those surprisingly empowering and inspiring movies. I've been accused of having a thing for Chuck Palahniuk -- in a review of an Anchormen record, of all places -- but this was my first exposure to any of his work. In addition to the solid story and the impressive performances by Ed Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter (who was also excellent in Novocaine), I was especially pleased by the twists and turns the story took. I was also quite surprised by the movie's revelations, and I'm certainly not going to spoil things for you if you haven't seen this yet by saying anything further here. Let's just say: Shades of Memento.
Sunday, May 12: Spider-Man
I grew up reading Spiderman, and to this day it remains one of my favorite comic books -- and I'm no longer the panties-and-capes kind of guy that I was when I first started reading comics. The release of Spider-Man bodes well for the future of comic book-inspired movies -- particularly superhero comic book-inspired movies, given that Ghost World and From Hell were so well done. Hollywood has moved beyond the cartoony portrayals we received from DC in the Batman and Superman flicks, and Marvel's licensing folks have done well with this follow-up of sorts to X-Men. The filmmakers don't waltz all over the myth and origin of the character. They don't drastically redo the roles that the important characters in the long-running story have played for the last several decades. And they don't overly romanticize the story. The special effects were a little jarring -- when Spidey's spinning his web around the city, it is extremely clear that it's CGI animation -- but Tobey Maguire makes a convincing Peter Parker and Willem Dafoe is a deliciously evil supervillain. This could have been much, much worse. And it's pretty darn good for what it is. (Watched with my family in Santa Fe, New Mexico.)
Sunday, May 19: Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones
In stark contrast to Spider-Man, I wasn't really looking forward to seeing the new Star Wars at all. It sort of snuck up on me, given the hype surrounding the previous installation. And having seen it? I'm not sure what the future of George Lucas' franchise will bring. As a fan of the original Star Wars movies, I admit that I have a soft spot for the characters and storyline -- and the new movies do a lot to fill in the back story. But so much of it is expected -- or disappointing. I mean, Hayden Christensen's post-adolescent-yet-surprisingly-whiny Anakin Skywalker evolves into Darth Vader? More like Lord Dark Helmet from Spaceballs. Several of my friends didn't buy Yoda's moment in the spotlight, but I thought it was pretty rad. Just as I enjoyed seeing how Boba Fett became inspired to be a bounty hunter. And Natalie Portman? Meow. One more thing. If you're going to make a movie, please don't make it totally obvious which characters were written in because they'd make cool action figures -- and which scenes were "scripted" because they'd make an exciting sequence in the video game. I expected more out of the Clone Wars, and the next movie might share more of its events and outcomes, but watching this wasn't very satisfying. (Watched with my sister in Taos, New Mexico.)
Sunday: East Is East
Focusing on a Pakistani who relocates to England and raises a mixed-race family in Manchester in the early '70s, this movie is largely a series of stories about culture clash. The head of the household clashes with his British wife. He clashes with his sons as they in turn refuse the arranged weddings he organizes within the Pakistani expatriot community. The children of the family clash as they grow up in relatively close contact -- often three to a bed. But mostly, East Is East narrates the clash between expectations, dreams, and aspirations. The movie is also about love and respect within and without a family (one son is disowned after he leaves his Pakistani bride to be at the altar). In addition, persistent undercurrents of racism and repatriotization politics run throughout the film, which has several solid comic moments despite its occasionally heady subjects. The ending itself -- quickly following the movie's peak -- is surprisingly funny and might feature the film's best punchline. That adds a nice indication of hope to the reunion of the Pakistani fish-and-chips shopkeeper and his wife -- who begin to rebuild their family's future over half a cup of tea.
Sunday: Monkey Vs. Robot: The James Kochalka Story
Almost 20 minutes long, this video offers several different videos for the James Kochalka Superstar song "Monkey Vs. Robot." The song is interesting and fun, but it might not have warranted so many different video treatments. I was slightly disappointed in the quality of the animated videos, particularly because none of them incorporated James' artwork, but I quite enjoyed Nate Pommer's Kaiju Big Battel-like costumed staging. The video is worth watching, however, because of the live interview and candid footage punctuating the videos. My favorite parts include the footage taken at the Peking Duck House, where James worked as a waiter for more than six years, and the street scene in which James burst into song amidst a couple of sidewalk cafes. That sequence -- and the pastiche of live footage near the end -- shows James the consummate performer in his natural habitat, no matter how makeshift the stage. The man's a ham, and I'm glad he doesn't taken himself more seriously.
Friday, May 10: Fight Club
Just as the Matrix made me want to meditate, learn a martial art, and go jogging, Fight Club is one of those surprisingly empowering and inspiring movies. I've been accused of having a thing for Chuck Palahniuk -- in a review of an Anchormen record, of all places -- but this was my first exposure to any of his work. In addition to the solid story and the impressive performances by Ed Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter (who was also excellent in Novocaine), I was especially pleased by the twists and turns the story took. I was also quite surprised by the movie's revelations, and I'm certainly not going to spoil things for you if you haven't seen this yet by saying anything further here. Let's just say: Shades of Memento.
Sunday, May 12: Spider-Man
I grew up reading Spiderman, and to this day it remains one of my favorite comic books -- and I'm no longer the panties-and-capes kind of guy that I was when I first started reading comics. The release of Spider-Man bodes well for the future of comic book-inspired movies -- particularly superhero comic book-inspired movies, given that Ghost World and From Hell were so well done. Hollywood has moved beyond the cartoony portrayals we received from DC in the Batman and Superman flicks, and Marvel's licensing folks have done well with this follow-up of sorts to X-Men. The filmmakers don't waltz all over the myth and origin of the character. They don't drastically redo the roles that the important characters in the long-running story have played for the last several decades. And they don't overly romanticize the story. The special effects were a little jarring -- when Spidey's spinning his web around the city, it is extremely clear that it's CGI animation -- but Tobey Maguire makes a convincing Peter Parker and Willem Dafoe is a deliciously evil supervillain. This could have been much, much worse. And it's pretty darn good for what it is. (Watched with my family in Santa Fe, New Mexico.)
Sunday, May 19: Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones
In stark contrast to Spider-Man, I wasn't really looking forward to seeing the new Star Wars at all. It sort of snuck up on me, given the hype surrounding the previous installation. And having seen it? I'm not sure what the future of George Lucas' franchise will bring. As a fan of the original Star Wars movies, I admit that I have a soft spot for the characters and storyline -- and the new movies do a lot to fill in the back story. But so much of it is expected -- or disappointing. I mean, Hayden Christensen's post-adolescent-yet-surprisingly-whiny Anakin Skywalker evolves into Darth Vader? More like Lord Dark Helmet from Spaceballs. Several of my friends didn't buy Yoda's moment in the spotlight, but I thought it was pretty rad. Just as I enjoyed seeing how Boba Fett became inspired to be a bounty hunter. And Natalie Portman? Meow. One more thing. If you're going to make a movie, please don't make it totally obvious which characters were written in because they'd make cool action figures -- and which scenes were "scripted" because they'd make an exciting sequence in the video game. I expected more out of the Clone Wars, and the next movie might share more of its events and outcomes, but watching this wasn't very satisfying. (Watched with my sister in Taos, New Mexico.)
Sunday: East Is East
Focusing on a Pakistani who relocates to England and raises a mixed-race family in Manchester in the early '70s, this movie is largely a series of stories about culture clash. The head of the household clashes with his British wife. He clashes with his sons as they in turn refuse the arranged weddings he organizes within the Pakistani expatriot community. The children of the family clash as they grow up in relatively close contact -- often three to a bed. But mostly, East Is East narrates the clash between expectations, dreams, and aspirations. The movie is also about love and respect within and without a family (one son is disowned after he leaves his Pakistani bride to be at the altar). In addition, persistent undercurrents of racism and repatriotization politics run throughout the film, which has several solid comic moments despite its occasionally heady subjects. The ending itself -- quickly following the movie's peak -- is surprisingly funny and might feature the film's best punchline. That adds a nice indication of hope to the reunion of the Pakistani fish-and-chips shopkeeper and his wife -- who begin to rebuild their family's future over half a cup of tea.
Sunday: Monkey Vs. Robot: The James Kochalka Story
Almost 20 minutes long, this video offers several different videos for the James Kochalka Superstar song "Monkey Vs. Robot." The song is interesting and fun, but it might not have warranted so many different video treatments. I was slightly disappointed in the quality of the animated videos, particularly because none of them incorporated James' artwork, but I quite enjoyed Nate Pommer's Kaiju Big Battel-like costumed staging. The video is worth watching, however, because of the live interview and candid footage punctuating the videos. My favorite parts include the footage taken at the Peking Duck House, where James worked as a waiter for more than six years, and the street scene in which James burst into song amidst a couple of sidewalk cafes. That sequence -- and the pastiche of live footage near the end -- shows James the consummate performer in his natural habitat, no matter how makeshift the stage. The man's a ham, and I'm glad he doesn't taken himself more seriously.
Rock Shows of Note XXI
I don't think I ever commented on the May 23 Anchormen show with Choo Choo La Rouge and Tony Goddess of Papas Fritas! Before I touch on Saturday night show at the Middle East, let me sneak in some edited notes from my Little Red Notebook:
Now that that is out of the way, Saturday night. I wasn't sure I'd make it to the Brett Rosenberg Problem's CD release party at the Middle East Upstairs, given my late night out Friday with Tammy, a friend from high school -- and spending most of Saturday with an ex I haven't really seen or talked to for several months -- but I'm glad that I did. I got there just as the Nines were starting their set, and after a jarring guitar chord that woke up the entire club, the power-pop threesome launched into an infectious set of amazing garage rock. Reminding me of some of the bands affiliated with Get Hip, the Nines also represented elements of sing-along punk rock a la the Riverdales and other Ramones interpreters. I could see this band again, and I'm glad they found a bunch of old singles in their attic recently.
By the time Brett Rosenberg and his two friends took the stage, much of the Handstand Command collective and its satellites were there: Jef and Jen, Deb from Hi-Fi, and three-fourths of Spoilsport. (To be fair, Handstand Command could very well be the other folks' satellite; I don't mean to claim them as ours -- or to eclipse their projects.) Brett opened with a slow, sensitive ballad -- a surprising beginning -- and then ran through many of the best songs from his previous CD -- as well as a bunch of new numbers from his brand new disc, which I'll review in Media Diet soon. His influences are clear, but his delivery is so direct and honestly enthusiastic that there's little sense of second-generation aping. As much as I like Brett and his music, I couldn't stick around for the entire show, though. Given the events of the past two days, I was a little tired about midway through Brett's set -- so I headed home, ears ringing and heart singing.
I don't think I ever commented on the May 23 Anchormen show with Choo Choo La Rouge and Tony Goddess of Papas Fritas! Before I touch on Saturday night show at the Middle East, let me sneak in some edited notes from my Little Red Notebook:
The show went well. Tony Goddess was a little lackluster in this Storytellers-style solo singer-songrwriter setting, but he was extremely nice. I kept hearing Shivika and Keith's voices in (and imprints) on the songs -- especially the older, more popular Papas Fritas numbers. Tony says that the band's basically been broken up since recording the last record. But they are playing two shows this summer, and Tony and Shivika have recorded a couple of songs together that will be released as a Papas Fritas 7-inch. Tony'd like to be in a band again. And he's got practice and studio space in Gloucester, so if you're interested, contact the man.
Choo Choo La Rouge was, as always, quite good. Their Robyn Hitchcock by way of Bob Dylan and Neutral Milk Hotel (rare instances) song stylings are really growing on me. And having listened to their CD several times, I appreciate more songs live than I did at first blush. And the Anchormen? We were OK. We were funnier than usual -- a little dark. And kinda low energy. But we were tight, I didn't forget any words, and people really seemed to like us. Special thanks to the two groups of strangers who danced throughout our set -- and to the woman up front and center who good-naturedly took our ribbing about her watch, etc. A lot of laughter tonight. Not all of it at our expense.
Now that that is out of the way, Saturday night. I wasn't sure I'd make it to the Brett Rosenberg Problem's CD release party at the Middle East Upstairs, given my late night out Friday with Tammy, a friend from high school -- and spending most of Saturday with an ex I haven't really seen or talked to for several months -- but I'm glad that I did. I got there just as the Nines were starting their set, and after a jarring guitar chord that woke up the entire club, the power-pop threesome launched into an infectious set of amazing garage rock. Reminding me of some of the bands affiliated with Get Hip, the Nines also represented elements of sing-along punk rock a la the Riverdales and other Ramones interpreters. I could see this band again, and I'm glad they found a bunch of old singles in their attic recently.
By the time Brett Rosenberg and his two friends took the stage, much of the Handstand Command collective and its satellites were there: Jef and Jen, Deb from Hi-Fi, and three-fourths of Spoilsport. (To be fair, Handstand Command could very well be the other folks' satellite; I don't mean to claim them as ours -- or to eclipse their projects.) Brett opened with a slow, sensitive ballad -- a surprising beginning -- and then ran through many of the best songs from his previous CD -- as well as a bunch of new numbers from his brand new disc, which I'll review in Media Diet soon. His influences are clear, but his delivery is so direct and honestly enthusiastic that there's little sense of second-generation aping. As much as I like Brett and his music, I couldn't stick around for the entire show, though. Given the events of the past two days, I was a little tired about midway through Brett's set -- so I headed home, ears ringing and heart singing.
North End Moment XVII
Walking up the back alley behind the Scotch & Sirloin this morning, I saw the most wonderful reflections off of our building's windows on the old folks' home opposite the chainlink-fenced parking lot.
Nue + Art = Nature.
The relections looked like some kind of urban petroglyphs or fractal graffiti. A couple of window patterns were even pulsing or vibrating as the glass flexed in the morning sun. Not a bad wake-up welcome.
Walking up the back alley behind the Scotch & Sirloin this morning, I saw the most wonderful reflections off of our building's windows on the old folks' home opposite the chainlink-fenced parking lot.
Nue + Art = Nature.
The relections looked like some kind of urban petroglyphs or fractal graffiti. A couple of window patterns were even pulsing or vibrating as the glass flexed in the morning sun. Not a bad wake-up welcome.
Friday, May 31, 2002
Fast Fiction III
Dang, I'm enjoying the Warren Ellis Forum this afternoon in the quiet, summer-hours slowness of work. I had no idea that Richard Kadrey was publishing short, short stories in Infinite Matrix. There are 22 available so far -- and new tales appear weekly, it seems. Time to catch up with the man.
Dang, I'm enjoying the Warren Ellis Forum this afternoon in the quiet, summer-hours slowness of work. I had no idea that Richard Kadrey was publishing short, short stories in Infinite Matrix. There are 22 available so far -- and new tales appear weekly, it seems. Time to catch up with the man.
Comics and Commentary
Scott R. Kurtz's recent run of comic strips at PvPonline takes alternative comics publishers and creators to task. It's a giggle-ridden tirade about talent, production values, self-publishing motivation, intentional obscurity, comics journalism, sales, and readers. Make with the clicky click already.
Scott R. Kurtz's recent run of comic strips at PvPonline takes alternative comics publishers and creators to task. It's a giggle-ridden tirade about talent, production values, self-publishing motivation, intentional obscurity, comics journalism, sales, and readers. Make with the clicky click already.
From the In Box: The Restaurant I Ate at Last Night V
In his book "Love Is the Killer App," Tim Sanders mentions that one of his networking tactics is to take a digital photograph of him and people he meets -- and then send that person the snapshot. He recently emailed me a photo of us taken earlier this month in San Diego -- but with a little twist.
Muggin' uglies.
I think it's time I take off my pants and jacket. This is a little Improper Bostonian for me.
In his book "Love Is the Killer App," Tim Sanders mentions that one of his networking tactics is to take a digital photograph of him and people he meets -- and then send that person the snapshot. He recently emailed me a photo of us taken earlier this month in San Diego -- but with a little twist.
Muggin' uglies.
I was gonna paste on Creed or Linkin Park or something. I gave you a break -- out of respect. -- Tim Sanders
I think it's time I take off my pants and jacket. This is a little Improper Bostonian for me.
From the In Box: Blogging About Blogging XXIII
Are you familiar with the Advogato "trust-metric"? They have the theory down to extrapolate a network of trust rankings that might mechanically realize the networks you're describing without them needing a name -- in fact, they would only be nameable as "yours" because the details of whom you trust and how much would be uniquely yours. No doubt patterns would emerge (like art movements) based on natural affinities.
Apparently the SourceForge project has adapted this idea to ranking developers, but I can't find any general write-up of how it works. Not sure if anyone else has implemented anything based on the ideas. -- Joe Germuska
Are you familiar with the Advogato "trust-metric"? They have the theory down to extrapolate a network of trust rankings that might mechanically realize the networks you're describing without them needing a name -- in fact, they would only be nameable as "yours" because the details of whom you trust and how much would be uniquely yours. No doubt patterns would emerge (like art movements) based on natural affinities.
Apparently the SourceForge project has adapted this idea to ranking developers, but I can't find any general write-up of how it works. Not sure if anyone else has implemented anything based on the ideas. -- Joe Germuska
Nervy, Pervy V
I cannot believe it. I haven't laughed so hard at a spam before, so I need to share this.
These have got to be the worst idea ever.
I cannot believe it. I haven't laughed so hard at a spam before, so I need to share this.
Take a walk on the wild side... and try something a little different.
Whitey-tighties are such a bore, and boxers have lost their appeal. Manties are made for the man who wants to be unconventional and not feel that he has to do what the crowd does. He is a man who is secure in what he does and does what he wants. What woman could resist him in a pair of these. They are the softest underwear a man could get today, while getting the support he desires.
Finally, fit and comfort all rolled into one for guys who want underwear that is fun to wear.
For those nights and days, when you want to be and feel a little special, naughty, and very sexy, these Manties are made for you. They are made of nylon and have the extra room where you need it, for the most comfortable fit there is... They can even be embriodered with whatever you want on them and make the nicest gift any guy can get. Birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, stag parties, divorce celebrations, etc. They have been sold worldwide for any and all occasions. C'mon ladies, give him a little gift made just for him. You might be suprised and glad that you did.
Panties are for the gals.
Manties are for the guys.
These have got to be the worst idea ever.
Sites on the Side of the Road IV
Everyone needs a hobby, I suppose. John Winter Smith is going to visit every single Starbucks in the world. According to his site, Starbucks Everywhere, he's visited more than 2,800 Starbucks so far. That's out of about 3,300. That's also about 85% of the Starbucks currently existing.
He's even hit most of the Starbucks in the Boston area, including the one near my house. The site sports photographs of the stores he's visited, as well as occasional commentary such as, "Chenille, or perhaps corduroy, curtains cover the windows." Now that's news you can use.
Thanks to Just One Thing.
Everyone needs a hobby, I suppose. John Winter Smith is going to visit every single Starbucks in the world. According to his site, Starbucks Everywhere, he's visited more than 2,800 Starbucks so far. That's out of about 3,300. That's also about 85% of the Starbucks currently existing.
He's even hit most of the Starbucks in the Boston area, including the one near my house. The site sports photographs of the stores he's visited, as well as occasional commentary such as, "Chenille, or perhaps corduroy, curtains cover the windows." Now that's news you can use.
Thanks to Just One Thing.
Blogging About Blogging XXIII
I try not to dip into the blog memes that everyone trumpets about to avoid overlapping with other blogs and commentaries, but occasionally, Blogdex gives me a mindful that I need to share and expand on. Take Henry Copeland's recent essay, "Blogonomics: Making a Living from Blogging."
My first instinct is to reactively debunk the essay, contending that an essay entitled "Zineconomics: Making a Living from Zine Publishing" or "Tapeconomics: Making a Living from Running a Cassette Label" circa 1991 would've been the epitome of naivete, but perhaps this whole "blogonomics" thing has some weight to it. Sure, his coining of blogs as un-media rather than "nu-media" reeks of hyberbole, but Henry offers some ideas worth considering and building on. As well as questioning.
Blogs will never upend traditional, mainstream media. They will feed it. They will complement it. They will challenge it. But we will probably never have what the mainstream mass media has -- and what we so desperately need: distribution and promotion. So I question Henry's position that this is a battle between amateurs and professionals, between entrepreneurs and established media organizations. The idealist in me would like to think that this could happen, but what we have seen in zines, in comics, and in music to date -- not that the DIY media history will continue to repeat itself -- is that people in independent media circles tend to step up into the mainstream, mass media -- perhaps stepping back down at some point -- or at least straddle the two worlds persistently. This is what I think is more likely to happen. Especially because folks in the mainstream are already dipping their toes in the DIY waters.
I'm particularly intrigued and enthused by Henry's concept of "capillarity." And I'd like to up the ante on Henry's portrayal of blogs as social networks -- and people reading blogs to eventually read other blogs mentioned in the original blogs (which is just like tracing the tracks of zine reviews, not to mention book-jacket blurbs). What I think will emerge are hives of bloggers... tribes of bloggers... either collaborating to co-create collective blogs such as the recently launched Listen Up! -- or even BoingBoing, which I read every day -- or nesting in loose confederacies like the blogrolls and link lists we can already find on so many sites. This could develop into networks of like-minded, -styled, and -experienced bloggers... either under a collective name brand that folks can remember, recognize, and find easily or in the loose-knit affiliation webs that currently exist. This isn't much different than a collaborative zine or collective record label... and takes steps toward building our own parallel news and media organizations. Move over, Fox. Or whatever.
What concerns me most about Henry's statements about the potential of blogonomics, however, are the parallels I see between the current state of blog services and the Webfarms of yore -- Tripod, Geocities, etc. Even during the heyday of the Webfarms, advertising wasn't a sustainable enough model to support the organizations' business needs and operations. And the Webfarms weren't identifiable enough as consistent brand names to warrant affiliation with the network as a whole. Sure, folks know Tripod. Folks love Tripod. But not every Tripod site falls under an umbrella that's consistent in terms of content, context, etc. Perhaps this isn't necessary. But if blogs are going to compete with mainstream media, we need to begin creating sustainable networks that involve the like-styled, -minded, and -experienced creators I mention above -- as well as a reading audience that's also like-styled, -minded, and -experienced. Otherwise, our demographics are going to be a mile wide and an inch deep. And that's not going to attract advertisers.
Of course, I don't even think blogs need to attract advertisers, but that's another story altogether.
I try not to dip into the blog memes that everyone trumpets about to avoid overlapping with other blogs and commentaries, but occasionally, Blogdex gives me a mindful that I need to share and expand on. Take Henry Copeland's recent essay, "Blogonomics: Making a Living from Blogging."
My first instinct is to reactively debunk the essay, contending that an essay entitled "Zineconomics: Making a Living from Zine Publishing" or "Tapeconomics: Making a Living from Running a Cassette Label" circa 1991 would've been the epitome of naivete, but perhaps this whole "blogonomics" thing has some weight to it. Sure, his coining of blogs as un-media rather than "nu-media" reeks of hyberbole, but Henry offers some ideas worth considering and building on. As well as questioning.
Blogs will never upend traditional, mainstream media. They will feed it. They will complement it. They will challenge it. But we will probably never have what the mainstream mass media has -- and what we so desperately need: distribution and promotion. So I question Henry's position that this is a battle between amateurs and professionals, between entrepreneurs and established media organizations. The idealist in me would like to think that this could happen, but what we have seen in zines, in comics, and in music to date -- not that the DIY media history will continue to repeat itself -- is that people in independent media circles tend to step up into the mainstream, mass media -- perhaps stepping back down at some point -- or at least straddle the two worlds persistently. This is what I think is more likely to happen. Especially because folks in the mainstream are already dipping their toes in the DIY waters.
I'm particularly intrigued and enthused by Henry's concept of "capillarity." And I'd like to up the ante on Henry's portrayal of blogs as social networks -- and people reading blogs to eventually read other blogs mentioned in the original blogs (which is just like tracing the tracks of zine reviews, not to mention book-jacket blurbs). What I think will emerge are hives of bloggers... tribes of bloggers... either collaborating to co-create collective blogs such as the recently launched Listen Up! -- or even BoingBoing, which I read every day -- or nesting in loose confederacies like the blogrolls and link lists we can already find on so many sites. This could develop into networks of like-minded, -styled, and -experienced bloggers... either under a collective name brand that folks can remember, recognize, and find easily or in the loose-knit affiliation webs that currently exist. This isn't much different than a collaborative zine or collective record label... and takes steps toward building our own parallel news and media organizations. Move over, Fox. Or whatever.
What concerns me most about Henry's statements about the potential of blogonomics, however, are the parallels I see between the current state of blog services and the Webfarms of yore -- Tripod, Geocities, etc. Even during the heyday of the Webfarms, advertising wasn't a sustainable enough model to support the organizations' business needs and operations. And the Webfarms weren't identifiable enough as consistent brand names to warrant affiliation with the network as a whole. Sure, folks know Tripod. Folks love Tripod. But not every Tripod site falls under an umbrella that's consistent in terms of content, context, etc. Perhaps this isn't necessary. But if blogs are going to compete with mainstream media, we need to begin creating sustainable networks that involve the like-styled, -minded, and -experienced creators I mention above -- as well as a reading audience that's also like-styled, -minded, and -experienced. Otherwise, our demographics are going to be a mile wide and an inch deep. And that's not going to attract advertisers.
Of course, I don't even think blogs need to attract advertisers, but that's another story altogether.
Music for the Movement
Shannon Okey informs me that she, Sooz, Brad, and other Boston-area (and elsewhere, I'm sure) bloggers are collaborating to produce Listen Up!, a collective resource highlighting music recommendations, MP3's, reviews, and show notices.
Listen Up! to Tom and Jef of the Anchormen.
So far -- I believe Listen Up! launched about 10 days ago -- contributors talk up innovative radio stations, Jane Siberry, weekend soundtracks, and the "shred metal" subgenre. We'll see how the blog evolves, but there are some good people involved. I'm not sure I'll throw my hat in that ring right now, but the site is worth visiting.
Shannon Okey informs me that she, Sooz, Brad, and other Boston-area (and elsewhere, I'm sure) bloggers are collaborating to produce Listen Up!, a collective resource highlighting music recommendations, MP3's, reviews, and show notices.
Listen Up! to Tom and Jef of the Anchormen.
So far -- I believe Listen Up! launched about 10 days ago -- contributors talk up innovative radio stations, Jane Siberry, weekend soundtracks, and the "shred metal" subgenre. We'll see how the blog evolves, but there are some good people involved. I'm not sure I'll throw my hat in that ring right now, but the site is worth visiting.
Thursday, May 30, 2002
It's an Ad, Ad, Ad, Ad World X
The John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising, and Marketing History at Duke University has developed a searchable online archive of more than 7,000 ads published in North American newspapers and magazines between 1911 and 1955. The collection, dubbed Ad*Access, concentrates on advertisements related to radio, television, transportation, beauty and hygiene, and World War II. Researchers can browse the collection by category and subcategory, as well as search for ads featuring specific keywords or images. The center also provides parallel histories of the categories, including a timeline of world events, to create stronger context for the collection.
Thanks to Weblogsky.
The John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising, and Marketing History at Duke University has developed a searchable online archive of more than 7,000 ads published in North American newspapers and magazines between 1911 and 1955. The collection, dubbed Ad*Access, concentrates on advertisements related to radio, television, transportation, beauty and hygiene, and World War II. Researchers can browse the collection by category and subcategory, as well as search for ads featuring specific keywords or images. The center also provides parallel histories of the categories, including a timeline of world events, to create stronger context for the collection.
Thanks to Weblogsky.
A Collision of Interesting Women II
Well, as the day progresses, it improves. I'm not as sheepish or concerned as I was this morning, and it looks like there aren't as many pieces to put back together as I thought there might be given my confusion and surprise last night. That's good news. I'm not a big fan of damage control.
Why "Collision of Interesting Women," though? Just felt right. I hope it catches on as the new term for a group of women. You can help with that.
Well, as the day progresses, it improves. I'm not as sheepish or concerned as I was this morning, and it looks like there aren't as many pieces to put back together as I thought there might be given my confusion and surprise last night. That's good news. I'm not a big fan of damage control.
Why "Collision of Interesting Women," though? Just felt right. I hope it catches on as the new term for a group of women. You can help with that.
Comics Crackdown
Chicago-area cartoonist Stu Helm, also known as King VelVeeda, is being targeted by Kraft Foods because of his nickname. According to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund:
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is defending Chicago cartoonist Stu Helm against Kraft Foods in a trademark dilution and infringement suit over Helm's nickname King VelVeeda. The Phillip Morris owned cheese food giant is suing Helm to stop using the name on any comics or illustration work and for punitive damages of three times the amount he has made from using the name. They are also seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent him from using the nickname leading into and during the trial. Helm had been signing comics under the moniker for over a decade before Kraft took notice and is the author of the comics collection "Singles" and operates the website Cheesygraphics.com.
Helm had been defending himself against Kraft for over a month before he contacted the Fund for help. Within two days of taking Helm's call, he was in the office of CBLDF legal counsel Burton Joseph building a strategy for the case. Joseph agreed that Helm's long use of the nickname falls within the rights afforded him by the First Amendment and that he is being unjustly persecuted by Kraft. "This case represents a two billion dollar corporation trying to push the envelope in restricting the use of anything that resembles or ridicules a trademark," Joseph explains. "Kraft's complaint alleges that Stuart Helm's website cheesygraphics.com, which averaged about 350 hits a day by use of the designation 'King VelVeeda's Cheesygraphics' diminished or diluted the value of the Velveeta pasteurized processed cheese food that they sell. The facts seem highly dubious from Kraft's standpoint that any visitor to cheesygraphics.com would confuse King VelVeeda with Velveeta pasteurized processed cheese food."
Helm, Joseph, and the CBLDF see larger implications in Kraft's suit, and feel it's an important fight. "The law is in a state of flux with regard to trademark dilution, so it is more important than ever to protect the First Amendment rights of comic book creators who poke fun at the symbols of our popular culture," explains attorney and CBLDF Board Member Louise Nemschoff. "Claims such as the ones brought by Kraft against alternative comic book creator Stu Helm have a tendency to chill freedom of expression when it comes to such jokes, parody and commentary," Nemschoff adds.
Helm says, "Even though it seems like a small issue because it is a silly nickname, I feel that it's so far removed from the actual product that if I go down, it opens the door for a lot more action against a lot more people. It's a big issue. If it can happen to me -- and I'm so far removed from the product -- that sets a bad precedent."
Since taking the case, the Fund has spent dozens of legal hours waging Helm's defense, including the deposition of a Kraft executive and an appearance at the Preliminary Injunction hearing. "We are hoping first that the court will deny Kraft's request for a preliminary injunction and will ultimately rule that Kraft cannot prove any dilution of its trademark by the artist's nickname of King VelVeeda," Joseph says. "We're very confident, but the ultimate decision will depend on a case now pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, Mosely d.b.a. Victor's Little Secret v. Secret Catalog Inc. (Victoria's Secret), and also whether Kraft's arguments are mere speculation or grounded in some evidence or genuine concern of market confusion."
"It's cases like this where the community's support of the Fund matters the most," says CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein. "Without our involvement Kraft could have steamrolled Stu into bankruptcy simply because they have more money and lawyers. We believe that Stu Helm is well within his First Amendment rights and are committed to defending them, despite the monstrous expense ahead of us. That's what the Fund was set up to do and this is what every membership and donation dollar goes into making happen."
Helm is grateful for the Fund's involvement in his case, but it's a hassle he never wanted. "I haven't tried to cut into their market by mimicking anything they do," Helm says. "I made a good name for myself doing what I do best which is my art and I just want to be left alone to do that."
Chicago-area cartoonist Stu Helm, also known as King VelVeeda, is being targeted by Kraft Foods because of his nickname. According to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund:
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is defending Chicago cartoonist Stu Helm against Kraft Foods in a trademark dilution and infringement suit over Helm's nickname King VelVeeda. The Phillip Morris owned cheese food giant is suing Helm to stop using the name on any comics or illustration work and for punitive damages of three times the amount he has made from using the name. They are also seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent him from using the nickname leading into and during the trial. Helm had been signing comics under the moniker for over a decade before Kraft took notice and is the author of the comics collection "Singles" and operates the website Cheesygraphics.com.
Helm had been defending himself against Kraft for over a month before he contacted the Fund for help. Within two days of taking Helm's call, he was in the office of CBLDF legal counsel Burton Joseph building a strategy for the case. Joseph agreed that Helm's long use of the nickname falls within the rights afforded him by the First Amendment and that he is being unjustly persecuted by Kraft. "This case represents a two billion dollar corporation trying to push the envelope in restricting the use of anything that resembles or ridicules a trademark," Joseph explains. "Kraft's complaint alleges that Stuart Helm's website cheesygraphics.com, which averaged about 350 hits a day by use of the designation 'King VelVeeda's Cheesygraphics' diminished or diluted the value of the Velveeta pasteurized processed cheese food that they sell. The facts seem highly dubious from Kraft's standpoint that any visitor to cheesygraphics.com would confuse King VelVeeda with Velveeta pasteurized processed cheese food."
Helm, Joseph, and the CBLDF see larger implications in Kraft's suit, and feel it's an important fight. "The law is in a state of flux with regard to trademark dilution, so it is more important than ever to protect the First Amendment rights of comic book creators who poke fun at the symbols of our popular culture," explains attorney and CBLDF Board Member Louise Nemschoff. "Claims such as the ones brought by Kraft against alternative comic book creator Stu Helm have a tendency to chill freedom of expression when it comes to such jokes, parody and commentary," Nemschoff adds.
Helm says, "Even though it seems like a small issue because it is a silly nickname, I feel that it's so far removed from the actual product that if I go down, it opens the door for a lot more action against a lot more people. It's a big issue. If it can happen to me -- and I'm so far removed from the product -- that sets a bad precedent."
Since taking the case, the Fund has spent dozens of legal hours waging Helm's defense, including the deposition of a Kraft executive and an appearance at the Preliminary Injunction hearing. "We are hoping first that the court will deny Kraft's request for a preliminary injunction and will ultimately rule that Kraft cannot prove any dilution of its trademark by the artist's nickname of King VelVeeda," Joseph says. "We're very confident, but the ultimate decision will depend on a case now pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, Mosely d.b.a. Victor's Little Secret v. Secret Catalog Inc. (Victoria's Secret), and also whether Kraft's arguments are mere speculation or grounded in some evidence or genuine concern of market confusion."
"It's cases like this where the community's support of the Fund matters the most," says CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein. "Without our involvement Kraft could have steamrolled Stu into bankruptcy simply because they have more money and lawyers. We believe that Stu Helm is well within his First Amendment rights and are committed to defending them, despite the monstrous expense ahead of us. That's what the Fund was set up to do and this is what every membership and donation dollar goes into making happen."
Helm is grateful for the Fund's involvement in his case, but it's a hassle he never wanted. "I haven't tried to cut into their market by mimicking anything they do," Helm says. "I made a good name for myself doing what I do best which is my art and I just want to be left alone to do that."
Rock Shows of Note XX
Four bands played at the final Handstand Command anniversary show last night. I caught sets by three of them.
After parting ways with the friend I hung out with at the Media Bistro cocktail party (I'm not using people's names in order to protect the innocent.), I arrived at the Abbey just in time to catch the end of Palomar, an amazing rock foursome that reminded me of Heavenly and Pest 5000. They were a lot of fun and seemed extremely friendly, to boot.
Next up, the Operators, who were celebrating the release of their new CD on Unstoppable Records, "Citizens Band". It's been forever since the Operators have played live, and their return to the stage was excellent. There've been rumors that the band was going to, well, disband, but Steph says that isn't so. Yay! Welcome back, Operators.
Lastly, the Pee Wee Fist. They didn't really float my boat. 'Course, I was in the midst of a bit of girl trouble, so maybe I didn't give them a fair shake. Regardless, a good show -- and an amazing end to the Handstand Command residency.
Four bands played at the final Handstand Command anniversary show last night. I caught sets by three of them.
After parting ways with the friend I hung out with at the Media Bistro cocktail party (I'm not using people's names in order to protect the innocent.), I arrived at the Abbey just in time to catch the end of Palomar, an amazing rock foursome that reminded me of Heavenly and Pest 5000. They were a lot of fun and seemed extremely friendly, to boot.
Next up, the Operators, who were celebrating the release of their new CD on Unstoppable Records, "Citizens Band". It's been forever since the Operators have played live, and their return to the stage was excellent. There've been rumors that the band was going to, well, disband, but Steph says that isn't so. Yay! Welcome back, Operators.
Lastly, the Pee Wee Fist. They didn't really float my boat. 'Course, I was in the midst of a bit of girl trouble, so maybe I didn't give them a fair shake. Regardless, a good show -- and an amazing end to the Handstand Command residency.
A Collision of Interesting Women
My computer has frozen -- and my browser has crashed -- during my last two attempts to think through the events of last night. I'm going to take it as a sign from above and not try to detail the confusing experiences at such great length.
Suffice to say, I'm having girl trouble. An ex called me at work yesterday afternoon. I took a friend to the Media Bistro cocktail party, which my most recent ex also attended. That friend and I shared an awkward but interesting moment on the street corner before heading our separate ways. And at the Handstand Command anniversary show, I hung out with two other women I'm crushing on.
Too much all at once. While I didn't do anything egregious, I'm afraid I didn't handle any of it very well. Apologies to all involved.
It's wholly inappropriate that my horoscope says, "Light up your house of intimacy. Love and loyalty flourish in an atmosphere of freedom," today.
My computer has frozen -- and my browser has crashed -- during my last two attempts to think through the events of last night. I'm going to take it as a sign from above and not try to detail the confusing experiences at such great length.
Suffice to say, I'm having girl trouble. An ex called me at work yesterday afternoon. I took a friend to the Media Bistro cocktail party, which my most recent ex also attended. That friend and I shared an awkward but interesting moment on the street corner before heading our separate ways. And at the Handstand Command anniversary show, I hung out with two other women I'm crushing on.
Too much all at once. While I didn't do anything egregious, I'm afraid I didn't handle any of it very well. Apologies to all involved.
It's wholly inappropriate that my horoscope says, "Light up your house of intimacy. Love and loyalty flourish in an atmosphere of freedom," today.
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Blogging About Blogging XXII
Perhaps because of the new Blogger Pro software, my archives are slightly dodgy, and the links aren't populating the $BlogURL$ value. I've emailed Evan to see what's what and hope to work this out soon. Thanks for your patience!
***
Evan's on the case. I've replaced the old tag with my base URL -- and the archives are now available again. Woot!
Perhaps because of the new Blogger Pro software, my archives are slightly dodgy, and the links aren't populating the $BlogURL$ value. I've emailed Evan to see what's what and hope to work this out soon. Thanks for your patience!
Evan's on the case. I've replaced the old tag with my base URL -- and the archives are now available again. Woot!
From the In Box: Mention Me! XI
Any before and after pictures? It'd be worth a couple thousand words... and you only wrote about 100. -- Rick Weller
This is Heath's head. Hair grows out of it.
It's not the best picture, but there's only so much one man can do in a day. Even if it's a banner day -- like the day I first post a photo to Media Diet. One for the history books, you betcha.
Any before and after pictures? It'd be worth a couple thousand words... and you only wrote about 100. -- Rick Weller
This is Heath's head. Hair grows out of it.
It's not the best picture, but there's only so much one man can do in a day. Even if it's a banner day -- like the day I first post a photo to Media Diet. One for the history books, you betcha.
Cover Story II
The May 10, 2002, issue of Entertainment Weekly gave a shout out to Life magazine's Cover Collection, and the props are well deserved. You can search and browse magazine covers dating between 1936 and 1972, when the magazine was a weekly. You can see past covers for today's specific date. And you can browse select sub-collections, such as the 60 "wackiest" covers, which sport images of terriers, roosters, and women kissing pillars. Wonderful stuff.
The May 10, 2002, issue of Entertainment Weekly gave a shout out to Life magazine's Cover Collection, and the props are well deserved. You can search and browse magazine covers dating between 1936 and 1972, when the magazine was a weekly. You can see past covers for today's specific date. And you can browse select sub-collections, such as the 60 "wackiest" covers, which sport images of terriers, roosters, and women kissing pillars. Wonderful stuff.
Pieces, Particles III
The following media-related stories recently spotted in print publications might be worth a look. Heads and decks, only. Heads and decks.
Alan Moore: The Wizard Q&A, by Mike Cotton, Wizard, July 2002
The writer behind WildStorm's ABC line chats about his refusal to work on a Marvel hero, why he'll never do a "Watchmen" sequel and how he might quit comics
Kicking It Up, Sports Illustrated, May 20, 2002
Female soccer players consider how far they'll go to sell their sport
Open for Business, by Adam Rapoport, GQ, June 2002
Advertisers and art directors keep telling women to spread their legs. Which is a good thing? Isn't it?
The following media-related stories recently spotted in print publications might be worth a look. Heads and decks, only. Heads and decks.
Alan Moore: The Wizard Q&A, by Mike Cotton, Wizard, July 2002
The writer behind WildStorm's ABC line chats about his refusal to work on a Marvel hero, why he'll never do a "Watchmen" sequel and how he might quit comics
Kicking It Up, Sports Illustrated, May 20, 2002
Female soccer players consider how far they'll go to sell their sport
Open for Business, by Adam Rapoport, GQ, June 2002
Advertisers and art directors keep telling women to spread their legs. Which is a good thing? Isn't it?
Mention Me! XI
My haircut yesterday has been garnering all sorts of praise and near-insult. Just now during lunch at the 'Rang, one of my bosses said, "There's a fine line between Dobie Gillis and Green Day. You walk it every day." Yesterday a co-worker said I looked like Tobey Maguire in Pleasantville. Someone else said I looked like I'd just arrived from the '30s. Rich posted, "This lunch was fun because Heath is finally getting that mop of his trimmed. I'm praying they wash it too," on Lunch Is Fun. All I know is that it was high time I got a haircut -- well, all of them, actually.
My haircut yesterday has been garnering all sorts of praise and near-insult. Just now during lunch at the 'Rang, one of my bosses said, "There's a fine line between Dobie Gillis and Green Day. You walk it every day." Yesterday a co-worker said I looked like Tobey Maguire in Pleasantville. Someone else said I looked like I'd just arrived from the '30s. Rich posted, "This lunch was fun because Heath is finally getting that mop of his trimmed. I'm praying they wash it too," on Lunch Is Fun. All I know is that it was high time I got a haircut -- well, all of them, actually.
North End Moment XVI
It never occurred to me that folks have to actually paint fire escapes occasionally, but on Prince Street just past Screen Printing USA, a man was painting a fire escape this afternoon. He had paint on his face.
It never occurred to me that folks have to actually paint fire escapes occasionally, but on Prince Street just past Screen Printing USA, a man was painting a fire escape this afternoon. He had paint on his face.
Managing Me-Mail
Phew! After 11 days vacation in New Mexico and a long weekend for Memorial Day, I had more than 3,000 emails waiting for me in my in box. Because I had guesstimated 4,000 in a conversation last week with Ryan and Simone, I was actually quite pleased that the count was so "low."
Thing is, I just now finished catching up on those 3,000 messages. Almost a week after I returned from vacation. So Mark Hurst's recent report, "Managing E-Mail: What Every User Needs to Know, hit me especially hard. I read it in my hotel room over the weekend in Sonoma County for Roy and Amy's wedding, and it's extremely useful. Mark says that email management is not about server-side filtering of spam. It's not about unsubscribing from all of the mailing lists you belong to.
It's about keeping your in box at zero messages. That's right: Zero messages.
Right now, having just caught up on my emails while away, my in box stands at just more than 600 messages, the oldest of which dates back to February. (Ashamedly, my personal in box dates back to January 2000 with 475 messages.) So I'm going to start following Mark's advice to keep my in box clean. Among his recommendations:
Concentrate on lessening overall persistent message count, not daily email volume. (Keep your in box empty.)
Delete all spam.
Handle personal emails before work-related emails.
Act immediately on work-related emails: Read, file, add to your to-do list, and delete.
Schedule when you do email.
Never reply to spam.
Filter incoming spam conservatively. (He offers several solid filtering tactics I've already begun to employ.)
Mark says all of that better than I have -- and at greater length -- and I heartily recommend that you download the report. I also encourage you to chip in with the $10 honor-system donation Mark asks for. The tool's well worth the $10. I just sent him some money via PayPal.
Phew! After 11 days vacation in New Mexico and a long weekend for Memorial Day, I had more than 3,000 emails waiting for me in my in box. Because I had guesstimated 4,000 in a conversation last week with Ryan and Simone, I was actually quite pleased that the count was so "low."
Thing is, I just now finished catching up on those 3,000 messages. Almost a week after I returned from vacation. So Mark Hurst's recent report, "Managing E-Mail: What Every User Needs to Know, hit me especially hard. I read it in my hotel room over the weekend in Sonoma County for Roy and Amy's wedding, and it's extremely useful. Mark says that email management is not about server-side filtering of spam. It's not about unsubscribing from all of the mailing lists you belong to.
It's about keeping your in box at zero messages. That's right: Zero messages.
Right now, having just caught up on my emails while away, my in box stands at just more than 600 messages, the oldest of which dates back to February. (Ashamedly, my personal in box dates back to January 2000 with 475 messages.) So I'm going to start following Mark's advice to keep my in box clean. Among his recommendations:
Mark says all of that better than I have -- and at greater length -- and I heartily recommend that you download the report. I also encourage you to chip in with the $10 honor-system donation Mark asks for. The tool's well worth the $10. I just sent him some money via PayPal.
My New Low-Key Local?
After a conversation in which my girlfriend and I redefined our relationship -- we are now "just good friends" -- we walked down River Street to River Gods, a relatively new Irish pub just steps away from Central Square. I don't know why I haven't gone there before, but I'll be sure to return soon. It's cozy, comfortable, and extremely well-designed. Our pints were reasonably priced, and we were lucky enough to check out the bar on one of their Eavesdrop listening party nights. Every Tuesday starting at around 9:30 p.m., River Gods hosts a listening party that includes the playing of a new or unreleased record. Last night, that record was the Belle & Sebastian soundtrack to Storytelling. Next week it's Chris Brokaw's new record. Then Guided by Voices.
River Gods has a full-fledged schedule of other events throughout the week, including a guest DJ night in which members of local bands spin discs and other activities. Folks in the pub last night included Arto from the band Mishima USA, a DJ from one of the area mod nights, and two friends of friends I had met at Mary Mary's All-Star Karaoke at 608 awhile ago. Seems like quite the place to see and be seen if you're into that sort of thing.
Me? I just like the pews. Woot!
After a conversation in which my girlfriend and I redefined our relationship -- we are now "just good friends" -- we walked down River Street to River Gods, a relatively new Irish pub just steps away from Central Square. I don't know why I haven't gone there before, but I'll be sure to return soon. It's cozy, comfortable, and extremely well-designed. Our pints were reasonably priced, and we were lucky enough to check out the bar on one of their Eavesdrop listening party nights. Every Tuesday starting at around 9:30 p.m., River Gods hosts a listening party that includes the playing of a new or unreleased record. Last night, that record was the Belle & Sebastian soundtrack to Storytelling. Next week it's Chris Brokaw's new record. Then Guided by Voices.
River Gods has a full-fledged schedule of other events throughout the week, including a guest DJ night in which members of local bands spin discs and other activities. Folks in the pub last night included Arto from the band Mishima USA, a DJ from one of the area mod nights, and two friends of friends I had met at Mary Mary's All-Star Karaoke at 608 awhile ago. Seems like quite the place to see and be seen if you're into that sort of thing.
Me? I just like the pews. Woot!
The Revolution Will Be... Subdivided
Thanks to Charlie Park for directing me to Douglas Rushkoff's recent thinking about revolutionary movements. Instead of thinking about revolutions and movements as linear (and usually cyclical) narratives, Rushkoff suggests that we consider these "moments" as aspects of a Renaissance. While I got a little lost in the logic of his argument -- for example, his recommendation that we begin acting as though we live in a just world now -- I think I get the gist of his riff: We need to start leading by example and living as we think people ought to live... instead of making concessions and taking stop-gap measures in the flawed present banking on the eventual emergence of an ideal future.
Thanks to Charlie Park for directing me to Douglas Rushkoff's recent thinking about revolutionary movements. Instead of thinking about revolutions and movements as linear (and usually cyclical) narratives, Rushkoff suggests that we consider these "moments" as aspects of a Renaissance. While I got a little lost in the logic of his argument -- for example, his recommendation that we begin acting as though we live in a just world now -- I think I get the gist of his riff: We need to start leading by example and living as we think people ought to live... instead of making concessions and taking stop-gap measures in the flawed present banking on the eventual emergence of an ideal future.
Blogging About Blogging XXI
Jon Udell has produced an interesting study of "social networking in Radiospace." Analyzing the list of RSS channels to which he subscribes, Jon poses some interesting questions about bloggers' willingness to reveal their regular reads, what kinds of social organizations might emerge out of such transparency, and how bloggers cluster.
Using the word "hive," Jon contends that blogspace is moving away from a unified body of like-minded people -- and is instead beginning to follow traditional social networking models that apply to affinity groups, subgroups, people connected by weak links, and so on. Interesting stuff -- particularly his thoughts on clustering.
***
On the flip mode, John Hiler's recent essay Blogosphere: The Emerging Media Ecosystem goes far to outline the connections between -- and around -- bloggers and professional journalists. He differentiates between breaking news and making sense (fixing the news?), and he looks at the value of grassroots reportage and collaborative media. Perhaps most importantly, he even paints a pretty picture. The diagram he provides titled "The Complete Blogosphere in Action" is well-reasoned and sets a solid foundation for further thinking about the relationship between amateur and professional journalists and media makers.
***
And finally, Dave Winer spent some time exploring how blogs might add to the conference, convention, and trade show experience. This is something I've been thinking about for awhile. Why hasn't anybody built a Web business around reporting on trade shows and other business- and technology-related events? "We went to Comdex so you don't have to." People could provide an online show floor of exhibitors, complete with participant, journalist, and attendee comments on their wares and information. Folks could report on the break-out sessions and keynotes. Participants could build a collective context for the event and the content offered at the gathering.
Alan Reiter builds on Winer's argument. WiFi + blogs = Might as well be there yourself?
Jon Udell has produced an interesting study of "social networking in Radiospace." Analyzing the list of RSS channels to which he subscribes, Jon poses some interesting questions about bloggers' willingness to reveal their regular reads, what kinds of social organizations might emerge out of such transparency, and how bloggers cluster.
Using the word "hive," Jon contends that blogspace is moving away from a unified body of like-minded people -- and is instead beginning to follow traditional social networking models that apply to affinity groups, subgroups, people connected by weak links, and so on. Interesting stuff -- particularly his thoughts on clustering.
On the flip mode, John Hiler's recent essay Blogosphere: The Emerging Media Ecosystem goes far to outline the connections between -- and around -- bloggers and professional journalists. He differentiates between breaking news and making sense (fixing the news?), and he looks at the value of grassroots reportage and collaborative media. Perhaps most importantly, he even paints a pretty picture. The diagram he provides titled "The Complete Blogosphere in Action" is well-reasoned and sets a solid foundation for further thinking about the relationship between amateur and professional journalists and media makers.
And finally, Dave Winer spent some time exploring how blogs might add to the conference, convention, and trade show experience. This is something I've been thinking about for awhile. Why hasn't anybody built a Web business around reporting on trade shows and other business- and technology-related events? "We went to Comdex so you don't have to." People could provide an online show floor of exhibitors, complete with participant, journalist, and attendee comments on their wares and information. Folks could report on the break-out sessions and keynotes. Participants could build a collective context for the event and the content offered at the gathering.
Alan Reiter builds on Winer's argument. WiFi + blogs = Might as well be there yourself?
Tuesday, May 28, 2002
From the In Box: Comics Commotion II
Er... Ghost World? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? -- Joe Germuska
Good points, both. (And duh.) Not to pick nits or split hairs about the differences between alternative comics and independent comics, but I'd still contend that the early issues of TMNT were more independent than Dan Clowes' Eightball -- at least in terms of obscurity. I'd also argue that Mephisto and the Empty Box is much lesser known than either Eightball or TMNT. Does that make it more independent or alternative? Hmm. Nits and hairs.
Er... Ghost World? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? -- Joe Germuska
Good points, both. (And duh.) Not to pick nits or split hairs about the differences between alternative comics and independent comics, but I'd still contend that the early issues of TMNT were more independent than Dan Clowes' Eightball -- at least in terms of obscurity. I'd also argue that Mephisto and the Empty Box is much lesser known than either Eightball or TMNT. Does that make it more independent or alternative? Hmm. Nits and hairs.
North End Moment XV
While waiting in line for my lunch order at Mangia! Mangia!:
Customer 1: He couldn't even pronounce "polio." He'd say "polo." "Measles"? "Mezzles" or "Me-ah-sles."
Customer 2: Was he on the computer?
Customer 1: No. This was on the phone.
Customer 2: Maybe he needs to see it to say it.
Customer 1: He ain't getting no freaking job. He's lucky the word "diphtheria" wasn't on the test.
While waiting in line for my lunch order at Mangia! Mangia!:
Customer 1: He couldn't even pronounce "polio." He'd say "polo." "Measles"? "Mezzles" or "Me-ah-sles."
Customer 2: Was he on the computer?
Customer 1: No. This was on the phone.
Customer 2: Maybe he needs to see it to say it.
Customer 1: He ain't getting no freaking job. He's lucky the word "diphtheria" wasn't on the test.
Comics Commotion II
Chris Staros of Top Shelf Productions recently announced that the film rights to Jason Hall and Matt Kindt's comic Mephisto and the Empty Box has been optioned for feature film development. This might very well be the first movie inspired by an independent comic. Correct me if I'm wrong.
From the news release:
"Hollywood Producer Joe Singer (Dr. Dolittle, Dante's Peak) and entrepreneur Janet Jensen's new production company, Singer/Jensen Entertainment, has optioned the rights to Top Shelf Production's critically acclaimed comic book Mephisto and the Empty Box for feature film development.
"Written by Jason Hall and illustrated by Matt Kindt, Mephisto and the Empty Box is part of the creators' well-renowned Pistolwhip series of books (included in Time Magazine's List of Top 10 Comics of 2001). While the creators are excited their work may make it to the big-screen, they really hope that the Hollywood attention will help bring the comics themselves to a wider audience.
"The screenplay for Mephisto will be written by Michael Browning (Bad Company, Six Days, Seven Nights). The story involves a couple with a troubled marriage who attend a magic show. The woman volunteers for the disappearing act but the magician (Mephisto) dies in the middle of the trick. With the wife missing, the husband embarks on a metaphysical journey to bring her back. Alva Entertainment will executive produce."
Congratulations to all involved!
Chris Staros of Top Shelf Productions recently announced that the film rights to Jason Hall and Matt Kindt's comic Mephisto and the Empty Box has been optioned for feature film development. This might very well be the first movie inspired by an independent comic. Correct me if I'm wrong.
From the news release:
"Hollywood Producer Joe Singer (Dr. Dolittle, Dante's Peak) and entrepreneur Janet Jensen's new production company, Singer/Jensen Entertainment, has optioned the rights to Top Shelf Production's critically acclaimed comic book Mephisto and the Empty Box for feature film development.
"Written by Jason Hall and illustrated by Matt Kindt, Mephisto and the Empty Box is part of the creators' well-renowned Pistolwhip series of books (included in Time Magazine's List of Top 10 Comics of 2001). While the creators are excited their work may make it to the big-screen, they really hope that the Hollywood attention will help bring the comics themselves to a wider audience.
"The screenplay for Mephisto will be written by Michael Browning (Bad Company, Six Days, Seven Nights). The story involves a couple with a troubled marriage who attend a magic show. The woman volunteers for the disappearing act but the magician (Mephisto) dies in the middle of the trick. With the wife missing, the husband embarks on a metaphysical journey to bring her back. Alva Entertainment will executive produce."
Congratulations to all involved!
Join the Comics Club III
In a recent Ninth Art column, Patrick Meaney outlines how the Net and online comics communities can put the click in clique -- and might give the cold shoulder to comics readers who aren't online. But instead of focusing on the insular nature of Web-based fandom, Patrick opts to consider the economics associated with online discussions about comics.
If we're serious about attracting newcomers to comics, ghettoizing our word-of-mouth recommendations, conversations, and advertisements on the Web isn't going to do the trick. Publishers need to consider marketing their wares in traditional, mainstream media -- as well as in other comic books. Off the top of my head, here are some ideas for things folks in the industry could do:
Move Free Comic Book Day, if it's repeated, out of direct-sales specialty shops and into book stores, newsstands, and convenience stores that sell comics along with other printed media. The tie-in with the opening of Spider-Man was an excellent opportunity to give away comics -- and for local retailers to secure display space -- in movie theater lobbies. Did anyone actually do this?
Include comics readers' mailing addresses (or email addresses and URL's, natch) in letter columns. In the early days of comics fandom, people relied on one-to-one connections for their comics news and friendships. The Web allows us to pursue many-to-many connections and conversations, but let's do all we can in the comics themselves to foster connection and communication.
Are you a comics publisher that currently produces a television cartoon? Advertise your company and related comics as part of the program if you're able. You probably advertise the cartoon in your comics.
The same goes for movies. Is there any way comics publishers such as Marvel and DC -- and soon to come Top Shelf! -- can mention and market their comics as part of a film's production?
Pursue more local promotion of specific comics. Is there an upcoming event or special issue attached to a comic you publish? Where do the creators live? How can you play up a local promotional angle to garner local and regional media coverage? More widespread regional promotion will build toward nationwide awareness. We need to move beyond "Pow! Zap! Comics Aren't Just for Kids Any More" headlines.
In a recent Ninth Art column, Patrick Meaney outlines how the Net and online comics communities can put the click in clique -- and might give the cold shoulder to comics readers who aren't online. But instead of focusing on the insular nature of Web-based fandom, Patrick opts to consider the economics associated with online discussions about comics.
If we're serious about attracting newcomers to comics, ghettoizing our word-of-mouth recommendations, conversations, and advertisements on the Web isn't going to do the trick. Publishers need to consider marketing their wares in traditional, mainstream media -- as well as in other comic books. Off the top of my head, here are some ideas for things folks in the industry could do:
Host, Not Guest
This is slightly anticlimactic, but for a few months, it looked like the tables had turned. While I usually stay with friends and members of the Company of Friends when I travel, this week I was slated to serve as a host. I met Gonzalo Bedia Diaz, a 24 year old from Spain who's moving to Boston to work at the Eliot Hotel, online through Global Freeloaders, the "worldwide free accomodation network." GF is similar to the now-defunct Crash Network; members offer to host traveling members in exchange for being able to approach others as a guest as they travel.
This was going to be my first time hosting someone through a network like this, but I received an email from Gonzalo on Sunday indicating that he didn't need to stay with me tomorrow and Thursday night as we'd previously arranged. He'd been able to book a room somewhere for a month and didn't need my assistance in the interim. Gonzalo's email brought an odd feeling of relief -- I don't have to tidy up my cluttered apartment now -- as well as disappointment -- I was really looking forward to hosting someone through GF.
We're still planning on meeting once he's in the Boston area. If you travel frequently, you should check out GF. It might be useful.
This is slightly anticlimactic, but for a few months, it looked like the tables had turned. While I usually stay with friends and members of the Company of Friends when I travel, this week I was slated to serve as a host. I met Gonzalo Bedia Diaz, a 24 year old from Spain who's moving to Boston to work at the Eliot Hotel, online through Global Freeloaders, the "worldwide free accomodation network." GF is similar to the now-defunct Crash Network; members offer to host traveling members in exchange for being able to approach others as a guest as they travel.
This was going to be my first time hosting someone through a network like this, but I received an email from Gonzalo on Sunday indicating that he didn't need to stay with me tomorrow and Thursday night as we'd previously arranged. He'd been able to book a room somewhere for a month and didn't need my assistance in the interim. Gonzalo's email brought an odd feeling of relief -- I don't have to tidy up my cluttered apartment now -- as well as disappointment -- I was really looking forward to hosting someone through GF.
We're still planning on meeting once he's in the Boston area. If you travel frequently, you should check out GF. It might be useful.
Thursday, May 23, 2002
'Tis the Season to Be... AWOL VI
Yep. I'm going away again. Tomorrow morning I head to northern California for the wedding of two friends, Amy Middelburg and Roy King III. They met back in 1999 through the London Company of Friends group, and Saturday afternoon, they tie the knot. Not bad for a business-oriented network spawned by a magazine, eh? Stuff like this makes my job worth doing -- and makes me feel extremely proud of Fast Company's readers. Yay, Amy and Roy!
While I hope to update Media Diet while traveling, if I don't, that doesn't mean that Media Diet is dead (long live Media Diet!). It just means that it's resting. See you Tuesday after Memorial Day.
Yep. I'm going away again. Tomorrow morning I head to northern California for the wedding of two friends, Amy Middelburg and Roy King III. They met back in 1999 through the London Company of Friends group, and Saturday afternoon, they tie the knot. Not bad for a business-oriented network spawned by a magazine, eh? Stuff like this makes my job worth doing -- and makes me feel extremely proud of Fast Company's readers. Yay, Amy and Roy!
While I hope to update Media Diet while traveling, if I don't, that doesn't mean that Media Diet is dead (long live Media Diet!). It just means that it's resting. See you Tuesday after Memorial Day.
Thought for Food
A little comic strip I drew in mid-May has been published in Lunch Is Fun. I think it's pretty clear why I review comics instead of drawing them.
A little comic strip I drew in mid-May has been published in Lunch Is Fun. I think it's pretty clear why I review comics instead of drawing them.
From the In Box: Calling out Cabbies
Saw your Web page with cabby references. In the '70s there was a series in National Lampoon called "Bernie X" about a fictional cabby. Not sure if they are online. -- John Carvalho
I can't find any "Bernie X" pieces on the Web, but I did find a wonderful "unauthorized guide to the golden age" of the magazine produced by Mark Simonson. Similar to my Humor Me entries in Media Diet, Mark indexes issues published 1970-1974. Wonderful stuff!
Saw your Web page with cabby references. In the '70s there was a series in National Lampoon called "Bernie X" about a fictional cabby. Not sure if they are online. -- John Carvalho
I can't find any "Bernie X" pieces on the Web, but I did find a wonderful "unauthorized guide to the golden age" of the magazine produced by Mark Simonson. Similar to my Humor Me entries in Media Diet, Mark indexes issues published 1970-1974. Wonderful stuff!
From the In Box: Calling out Cabbies
Soon to be Seattlite and Media Dietician Andi has posted a story about a decidedly creepy cab ride in the discussion forum. Maybe it's too early to nip the forum in the bud? Share your cab calamities if you have any stories to tell.
Should I nix the discussion forum? Take the Media Diet poll.
Soon to be Seattlite and Media Dietician Andi has posted a story about a decidedly creepy cab ride in the discussion forum. Maybe it's too early to nip the forum in the bud? Share your cab calamities if you have any stories to tell.
Should I nix the discussion forum? Take the Media Diet poll.
Mention Me! X
Um, Weight Loss Zone has deemed Media Diet worthy of inclusion in their directory of diet resources. Quoth Jon, "I don't think she's put much thought into this."
Also, I received a nice email from Tim Bauer today:
Great blog, with always-interesting links. I've been a fan for a while. Thought I might finally write in to ask if you'd check out my blog. Political satire and current events parody from a former contributing editor of the acclaimed SuBBrilliant News site. It might be something your readers might be interested in. At the very least, it might be something you personally might be interested in.
Consider your blog checked, Tim. Thanks for the kind words!
Um, Weight Loss Zone has deemed Media Diet worthy of inclusion in their directory of diet resources. Quoth Jon, "I don't think she's put much thought into this."
Also, I received a nice email from Tim Bauer today:
Great blog, with always-interesting links. I've been a fan for a while. Thought I might finally write in to ask if you'd check out my blog. Political satire and current events parody from a former contributing editor of the acclaimed SuBBrilliant News site. It might be something your readers might be interested in. At the very least, it might be something you personally might be interested in.
Consider your blog checked, Tim. Thanks for the kind words!
From the In Box: Blogging About Blogging XX
I meant to comment on your post about the Peer-to-Peer Review Project. I too was not reviewed. Of course, I decided that I probably wouldn't have liked a review of my site because I'm so inconsistent with what I write about. Then again, I think most of the sites were reviewed glowingly. -- Jacob Wolfsheimer
I meant to comment on your post about the Peer-to-Peer Review Project. I too was not reviewed. Of course, I decided that I probably wouldn't have liked a review of my site because I'm so inconsistent with what I write about. Then again, I think most of the sites were reviewed glowingly. -- Jacob Wolfsheimer
Rock Shows of Note XIX
Is that the Roman numeral for 19? I hope so. If I keep this up, I'll have to become more well-versed in Roman numerals. (Steven Gibbs has developed a useful Roman numeral and date conversion page to which I'm sure to return.) In any event, I'm home now after 11 days (or XI, if you're keeping track of my progress) in New Mexico with my family -- our first family vacation in years. It was awesome -- select reports on what we did and where we went to come soon -- and it's slightly weird to be back: back in Boston, back with my friends, back at work. In fact, I'm a little hung-over. From the time away, but also from last night's Handstand Command anniversary show -- as well as the prospect of wading through the 3,000 emails waiting in my in box. Yikes! But first, the show.
Last night was the residency's wild-card show. Jef's been great in terms of organizing shows highlighting similar but slightly divergent musical groups, and last night was no exception. It may have even been the rule. First up, Cathy Cathodic, a Boston-based "femcee." Cathy's a wonderfully empowering hip-hop artist whose rhymes focused on relationships, self-esteem, and respect. Most of the pieces seemed to deal with gender differences and how to avoid -- or respond to -- being mistreated by men. A powerful set -- and welcome in one of Boston's best rock venues.
Next, Scrapple. It's been awhile since I've seen the gang play live, and it was well worth catching up with their brand of "popera": a self-described "cabaret of musical vignettes rolled out with props, costumes and such stuff." They performed most of my favorites, including "Light-Up Alien Pussy," which I mention primarily to see how it affects Media Diet's search-engine results. If you haven't heard -- or seen -- Scrapple, they're worth checking out. The only band I can think of that comes even close to what they do is the now-defunct Double Dong. (Double Dong's last show was May 17 -- RIP.)
Lastly, Naughty Shirley, the rock act involving Slamber of Pelvic Circus. To be totally truthful, I was a little in my cups at this point and sequestered behind the merch table, so I didn't pay that much attention, but, yes, they're a rock band -- and Naughty Shirley's music is quite different than Pelvic Circus' virulent queercore. I'll have to see them again before I can say much more about them. Apologies extended.
Teddy, the bartender at the Abbey, says that the Handstand Command residency has been the best Wednesday night series the bar has ever scheduled. Fingers crossed that the music collective will secure more dates there in the future. Yup, definitely a little hung-over. On to those 3,000 emails.
Incidentally, some photographs of the residency are now available. Make with the clicky click.
Is that the Roman numeral for 19? I hope so. If I keep this up, I'll have to become more well-versed in Roman numerals. (Steven Gibbs has developed a useful Roman numeral and date conversion page to which I'm sure to return.) In any event, I'm home now after 11 days (or XI, if you're keeping track of my progress) in New Mexico with my family -- our first family vacation in years. It was awesome -- select reports on what we did and where we went to come soon -- and it's slightly weird to be back: back in Boston, back with my friends, back at work. In fact, I'm a little hung-over. From the time away, but also from last night's Handstand Command anniversary show -- as well as the prospect of wading through the 3,000 emails waiting in my in box. Yikes! But first, the show.
Last night was the residency's wild-card show. Jef's been great in terms of organizing shows highlighting similar but slightly divergent musical groups, and last night was no exception. It may have even been the rule. First up, Cathy Cathodic, a Boston-based "femcee." Cathy's a wonderfully empowering hip-hop artist whose rhymes focused on relationships, self-esteem, and respect. Most of the pieces seemed to deal with gender differences and how to avoid -- or respond to -- being mistreated by men. A powerful set -- and welcome in one of Boston's best rock venues.
Next, Scrapple. It's been awhile since I've seen the gang play live, and it was well worth catching up with their brand of "popera": a self-described "cabaret of musical vignettes rolled out with props, costumes and such stuff." They performed most of my favorites, including "Light-Up Alien Pussy," which I mention primarily to see how it affects Media Diet's search-engine results. If you haven't heard -- or seen -- Scrapple, they're worth checking out. The only band I can think of that comes even close to what they do is the now-defunct Double Dong. (Double Dong's last show was May 17 -- RIP.)
Lastly, Naughty Shirley, the rock act involving Slamber of Pelvic Circus. To be totally truthful, I was a little in my cups at this point and sequestered behind the merch table, so I didn't pay that much attention, but, yes, they're a rock band -- and Naughty Shirley's music is quite different than Pelvic Circus' virulent queercore. I'll have to see them again before I can say much more about them. Apologies extended.
Teddy, the bartender at the Abbey, says that the Handstand Command residency has been the best Wednesday night series the bar has ever scheduled. Fingers crossed that the music collective will secure more dates there in the future. Yup, definitely a little hung-over. On to those 3,000 emails.
Incidentally, some photographs of the residency are now available. Make with the clicky click.
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