Books Worth a Look VI
These are the books I read in June 2002.
The Al-Anon Family Groups: Classic Edition by Lois W. (2000)
Originally published in 1955, this book details the origin of Al-Anon, its relationship with AA, its purpose and work, and how Al-Anon family groups self-organize and -operate. While its content about the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions is useful in terms of alcoholism-related mutual support, I was particularly interested in the material on starting a group, how meetings can be run, and what members are encouraged to do. An interesting grassroots leadership and social action primer. That said, the historical appendices that track how the book has changed over the years are less than necessary outside of the information on Alateen and how to solve problems within a group.
Days to read: 10. Rating: Good.
Al Azif: The Necronomicon by Abdul Alhazred (1973)
A misleading curiosity of interest and questionable value only to H.P. Lovecraft fans and completists, this volume reputedly reproduces the horrific book written by the Mad Arab. However, other than L. Sprague de Camp's seven-page preface, it's basically the same 16 pages of untranslated "Duriac" text, which calligraphically resembles Arabic, repeated for the bulk of the book. De Camp's preface has, I'm sure, been reprinted elsewhere, and his history doesn't quite keep to Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos. But the reproduced, repetitive, illegible Duriac? Ever feel like you've been cheated?
Days to read: 1. Rating: Poor.
Alcohol: How to Give It Up and Be Glad You Did by Philip Tate
Drawing heavily on Albert Ellis' work in rational emotive behavior therapy, Tate's sobriety primer also seems related to the Decision Maker process, est, and learned optimism. As an alternative to AA, Tate's take on REBT involves alcoholics and drug addicts disputing irrational beliefs to develop more effective beliefs and therefore happier consequences. The books takes the reader through this process many, many times and seems overly oriented toward individual work until Tate introduces the concept of recovery groups. Useful, but not overly influenced by the concept of mutual support.
Days to read: 20. Rating: Good.
The Bhagavad Gita trans. by Juan Mascaro (1962)
Originally composed in Sanskrit around 500 B.C., the Bhagavad Gita describes Krishna's philosophies on vision, love, and work. Portrayed as a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna on a battlefield, the Gita espouses selflessness, right action, purity, and other ideals, outlining the elements of a righteous life. While I'm not sure how Mascaro's translation stacks up against others, the Gita's message is clear and often quite poetic -- especially in the tenth chapter. Worth returning to.
Days to read: 21. Rating: Good.
The Day I Turned Uncool: Confessions of a Reluctant Grown-Up by Dan Zevin (2002)
This book hit me at a particularly good time. Dan now has a lot of the things I've started to think I might want -- a house, a yard, a family -- and he's slightly self-conscious about it. Luckily he's not overly apologetic or ironic about his recently discovered maturity. Instead, he's rather surprised and amused by it. "I played golf! I hired a cleaning lady! I went to a wine tasting!" All of these things delight Dan, and he continues to hold onto his past self while wondering whether he's now part of the New Bourgeoisie. Don't worry, Dan; you're not. You're just getting older. My only complaint about this collection is that many pieces build up to a head and them quickly fall off with a dismissive punchline or call back. Regardless, Dan is clever and critical.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)
One of several books I've started to read a couple of times but never finished -- among them In Cold Blood and Helter Skelter -- I'm glad I finally made it through this horror classic. Roughly divided into three sections -- gothic horror narrative, medical mystery thriller, and melodramatic heroic adventure -- Stoker's mythos-building novel combines journal entries and letters to propel the story of one of the world's most famous vampires. While I found the final third -- basically a chase scene -- to be unrewarding, the first two thirds are worth a read alone. This 1997 Norton Critical Edition is heavily footnoted and includes an additional 160 pages of commentary and analysis.
Days to read: 16. Rating: Excellent.
Interesting Monsters by Aldo Alvarez (2001)
This is one of the best collections of interconnected short stories I have ever read. Throughout the 16 stories compiled here, Alvarez follows the relationship of Dean and Mark, as well as Dean's decline in health and the effects it has on his family and friends. While Alvarez specializes in gay fiction, he emphasizes the fiction, and the homosexual themes are foundations and undercurrents. The result is a heartfelt assortment of smart stories that occasionally evoke Haruki Murakami, Jonathan Lethem, and Franz Kafka.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
Point It: Traveller's Language Kit and Picture Dictionary by Dieter Graf (1992)
To be appreciated by active world travellers and fans of global design journalism a la Colors magazine, this pocket-sized tool is aimed at people who "may be fluent in four languages but sometimes ... find yourself 'off the beaten track.'" Featuring pictures of about 1,200 different items, places, and activities, Point It can help you seek assistance eating, finding lodging, arranging transportation, shopping, and going about daily life anywhere in the world. While the images are somewhat dated, the 70-page booklet is equal parts postmodern eye candy and indispensable travel aid.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
Preacher Book 7: Salvation by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon (1999)
It's been a couple of months since I've read Preacher, and this 10-issue collection redeems the series in my mind. The bulk of the book compiles a multi-issue run about Jesse's stint as the sheriff of Salvation, Texas. He reconnects with a long-lost family member and takes on a corrupt, racist businessman whose employees walk over the town and its townspeople. Ennis also introduces an interesting character, Miss Outlash, a frigid attorney whose tastes run toward S&M and Nazism. Jesse learns more about his mission and his past, and I get a sense of acceleration from this edition.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
Preacher Book 8: All Hell's A-Coming by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon (2000)
Collecting issues #51-58, this trade paperback does more than redeem the previous failings of the series. Jesse is reunited with Tulip -- which actually brought a tear to my eye. Arseface separates with his evil, manipulative manager. Jesse learns about Cassidy's true self from a dying homeless woman. And All-Father Starr gets his -- although not so much that he's out of the picture. Ennis is done with the vamping and space filling, and the series is barreling along to the end.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
Preacher Book 9: Alamo by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon (2001)
An admirable conclusion to the 66-issue comic series, this edition ties up all of the loose ends. It also returns to the book's early concentration on religion and mythology. Starr goes off the deep end in order to seek revenge. Custer makes a deal with the Saint of All Killers. And Custer and Cassidy confront each other -- emerging in the end as friends. I was slightly irritated by Custer's abandoning of Tulip, Ennis treated the Starr-Featherstone-Hoover love triangle a little too lightly, and the final conversation with John Wayne was drawn out too long. But otherwise, a satisfying ending -- particularly in the case of the Arseface plot line.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The Story of Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman (1921)
How wonderful that Applewood Books has reissued this historic children's book. While the controversial book has been challenged as racist because of its portrayal of African Americans, it holds a cherished place in my heart -- partly because of the cleverness shown by the young hero Sambo, and partly because of its past. I vaguely remember a Little Black Sambo restaurant; the menu retold the tale -- which in the end involved pancakes and butter. Applewood's edition is a tidy size and passably reproduces the original color illustrations.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Castenada (1968)
I can't believe I read this. The fact that Castenada built a career on this work -- and that it's the underpinnings of modern shamanism -- flabbergasts me. While his experiences in the early '60s may have been very real and his academic analysis seems well structured, this book leaves little to build on. Too heavily focused on the preparation processes of two consciousness-expanding drugs, the book does offer some wisdom, particularly his comments on nonordinary reality, the goal of learning, and the validity of the paths we choose, but otherwise, Castenada's a waste of time. Less process, more philosophy, please!
Days to read: 4. Rating: Poor.
3rd Bed Vol. 6 ed. by Vincent Standley (2002)
My introduction to this biannual journal published in Rhode Island was somewhat of a letdown. While I wasn't that impressed by most of the poetry, though most of the prose ran long, and was disappointed by the comics, there were still several delightful selections included in this edition. For the most part, I was struck by the Kafka-esque fiction of Ben Miller, Brian Evenson, and David Ohle -- with Evenson's "House Rules" standing out. Jeffrey M. Bockman's "Speculations on the Gateau Impossible," while a bit wordy, offers a nice pseudo-historical analysis of alchemy and baking. And Mark Laliberte's "Brick Poems" reconstructs brick walls using source material from several cartoonists, including Mignola, Griffith, and Schulz. Worth watching.
Days to read: 2. 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.
Monday, July 01, 2002
Oh, Canada!
Today is Canada Day. Checking the most-recent Media Diet hits, I see that we were last visited by a Canadian about 12 minutes ago. Happy Canada Day to you! (And to everyone else, too, of course, but most importantly, to you.)
Today is Canada Day. Checking the most-recent Media Diet hits, I see that we were last visited by a Canadian about 12 minutes ago. Happy Canada Day to you! (And to everyone else, too, of course, but most importantly, to you.)
Party to Record Releases VII
Books and records, today.
The Harvard Book Store, one of my favorite book shops, offers an email newsletter that includes information about new arrivals, special first edition acquisitions, and notable remainders. The newsletter also features listings of author reading events, brief promotional reviews, and bestsellers lists. The new arrivals and bestsellers are the most useful elements, and while the newsletter rarely inspires me to go to the shop, I go frequently enough that it doesn't need to. If you live in the Boston area, this is the book store to visit. You can even order books online -- and pick them up at the shop on Harvard Square. Now that's click and mortar!
Victory Records, the long-running hardcore label, provides an email newsletter, as well. It's mostly oriented toward new-release information and tour schedules, but if you're not into the bands featured in a given edition, it's less than useful or interesting. The newsletter is also occasionally victim to awkward formatting and lame promo writing. Example: "Drawing from the two most prominent types of hardcore, Dead to Fall is the perfect blend of metal and mosh. They charismatically blend metallic hardcore with Euro-metal stylings and their own technical musings." Ho hum. Reads like ad copy from Metal Maniacs! Victory may have been around for awhile -- and they may be a relatively large business at this point -- but the label could learn from Lookout! Records' mix of personality, insider scoop, and humor. On the whole, Victory seems to take itself too seriously.
Books and records, today.
The Harvard Book Store, one of my favorite book shops, offers an email newsletter that includes information about new arrivals, special first edition acquisitions, and notable remainders. The newsletter also features listings of author reading events, brief promotional reviews, and bestsellers lists. The new arrivals and bestsellers are the most useful elements, and while the newsletter rarely inspires me to go to the shop, I go frequently enough that it doesn't need to. If you live in the Boston area, this is the book store to visit. You can even order books online -- and pick them up at the shop on Harvard Square. Now that's click and mortar!
Victory Records, the long-running hardcore label, provides an email newsletter, as well. It's mostly oriented toward new-release information and tour schedules, but if you're not into the bands featured in a given edition, it's less than useful or interesting. The newsletter is also occasionally victim to awkward formatting and lame promo writing. Example: "Drawing from the two most prominent types of hardcore, Dead to Fall is the perfect blend of metal and mosh. They charismatically blend metallic hardcore with Euro-metal stylings and their own technical musings." Ho hum. Reads like ad copy from Metal Maniacs! Victory may have been around for awhile -- and they may be a relatively large business at this point -- but the label could learn from Lookout! Records' mix of personality, insider scoop, and humor. On the whole, Victory seems to take itself too seriously.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXIV
Friday: Weird Science
This movie hit me in all the right places when I was 12 -- I wasn't very athletic, I'd just started playing around with the Apple II, and girls were still a mystery. I had forgotten that this was a John Hughes movie -- much less that Anthony Michael Hall starred in it -- and it holds up pretty well more than 15 years later. Robert Downey, Jr., and Robert Rusler shine as two white-bread, new-wave bad boys who aren't half as dangerous as they act. And Hall has some occasional moments of brilliance, particularly the stereotypical scene in the blues bar. While Kelly LeBrock did all she could to carry her role as self-esteem builder and moral teacher, the message of teen empowerment is largely lost, and Hall's last scene with Suzanne Snyder -- "I'm not really this cool. This isn't my car. This isn't my suit." -- falls flat. Still, worth watching for the uninformed portrayal of new wavers and computers, as well as the horrible character design of the monster into which Bill Paxton's character is temporarily converted. Oh yeah, Oingo Boingo did the movie's theme song: "From my heart and from my hands, why don't people understand my intentions?"
Sunday: How to Marry a Millionaire
Wow. Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable, and Marilyn Monroe co-star in this man-trap, gold-digger romantic comedy in which three models share an apartment to lure wealthy men into marriage. Their plans aft gang aglay, but in the end, each ends up with her true love -- and Bacall's character unwittingly falls for a millionaire she believes to be a gas pump jockey. ("After we get off this ferry, I never want to see you again!") Monroe steps past her usual breathy vapidity and takes on a rather comic role as a nearly blind woman who almost always refuses to wear her glasses. She accidentally gets on a plane to Kansas City instead of Atlantic City, where she meets a man almost as blind as she is. And Grable, with whom I was less impressed, participates in some scenic skiing scenes supposedly shot in Maine. Egyptian-born Alexander D'Arcy stands out as the elder lover of Bacall's character -- their scenes together exhibit real tenderness even if sparks don't really fly between them. I forget why I rented this movie, but I'm glad I did. Funny stuff. Oh! Two irritations, however. As the first romantic comedy filmed in the then-new CinemaScope, the movie opens with a six-minute orchestral performance. I'm sure that might have been interesting in 1953, but if I want to see an orchestra, I'll go see an orchestra -- not go to the movies. And the scene in which the Fashion World models display newly designed outfits for Cameron Mitchell's character is a silly, stilted excuse for a fashion show. Nonetheless, Mitchell's closing line to that scene hit home: "I don't see anything I want here." Ouch, Bacall!
Friday: Weird Science
This movie hit me in all the right places when I was 12 -- I wasn't very athletic, I'd just started playing around with the Apple II, and girls were still a mystery. I had forgotten that this was a John Hughes movie -- much less that Anthony Michael Hall starred in it -- and it holds up pretty well more than 15 years later. Robert Downey, Jr., and Robert Rusler shine as two white-bread, new-wave bad boys who aren't half as dangerous as they act. And Hall has some occasional moments of brilliance, particularly the stereotypical scene in the blues bar. While Kelly LeBrock did all she could to carry her role as self-esteem builder and moral teacher, the message of teen empowerment is largely lost, and Hall's last scene with Suzanne Snyder -- "I'm not really this cool. This isn't my car. This isn't my suit." -- falls flat. Still, worth watching for the uninformed portrayal of new wavers and computers, as well as the horrible character design of the monster into which Bill Paxton's character is temporarily converted. Oh yeah, Oingo Boingo did the movie's theme song: "From my heart and from my hands, why don't people understand my intentions?"
Sunday: How to Marry a Millionaire
Wow. Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable, and Marilyn Monroe co-star in this man-trap, gold-digger romantic comedy in which three models share an apartment to lure wealthy men into marriage. Their plans aft gang aglay, but in the end, each ends up with her true love -- and Bacall's character unwittingly falls for a millionaire she believes to be a gas pump jockey. ("After we get off this ferry, I never want to see you again!") Monroe steps past her usual breathy vapidity and takes on a rather comic role as a nearly blind woman who almost always refuses to wear her glasses. She accidentally gets on a plane to Kansas City instead of Atlantic City, where she meets a man almost as blind as she is. And Grable, with whom I was less impressed, participates in some scenic skiing scenes supposedly shot in Maine. Egyptian-born Alexander D'Arcy stands out as the elder lover of Bacall's character -- their scenes together exhibit real tenderness even if sparks don't really fly between them. I forget why I rented this movie, but I'm glad I did. Funny stuff. Oh! Two irritations, however. As the first romantic comedy filmed in the then-new CinemaScope, the movie opens with a six-minute orchestral performance. I'm sure that might have been interesting in 1953, but if I want to see an orchestra, I'll go see an orchestra -- not go to the movies. And the scene in which the Fashion World models display newly designed outfits for Cameron Mitchell's character is a silly, stilted excuse for a fashion show. Nonetheless, Mitchell's closing line to that scene hit home: "I don't see anything I want here." Ouch, Bacall!
Friday, June 28, 2002
Mention Me! XIV
My boss just told me to go home, but here's one last tidbit. I've been drawn into a discussion over at the Atlantic Unbound -- Post & Riposte -- which amuses me because the Atlantic is located two floors above me and I've never once stopped by their discussion area. Even though I used to hang out with Wen, Unbound's former editor.
In any event, there's a bunch of David Eggers fans, young writers, and journal publishers -- including one of the folks involved in Pindeldyboz -- and they were recently discussing one of my recent Media Diet posts about Dan Zevin. Long story short, they're good people. Fine, upstanding people. And discussion wavers between the chatty and the in depth.
Some hip lit-related sites recommended by these people include Tatlin's Tower, Opium Magazine, Surgery of Modern Warfare, and Eyeshot. I have yet to dig deeply into those resources, but I have vetted, aided, and abetted Zulkey, which I recently added to my Media Morsels.
OK. Time to go home. On the agenda: show, party, weekend. See you Monday.
My boss just told me to go home, but here's one last tidbit. I've been drawn into a discussion over at the Atlantic Unbound -- Post & Riposte -- which amuses me because the Atlantic is located two floors above me and I've never once stopped by their discussion area. Even though I used to hang out with Wen, Unbound's former editor.
In any event, there's a bunch of David Eggers fans, young writers, and journal publishers -- including one of the folks involved in Pindeldyboz -- and they were recently discussing one of my recent Media Diet posts about Dan Zevin. Long story short, they're good people. Fine, upstanding people. And discussion wavers between the chatty and the in depth.
Some hip lit-related sites recommended by these people include Tatlin's Tower, Opium Magazine, Surgery of Modern Warfare, and Eyeshot. I have yet to dig deeply into those resources, but I have vetted, aided, and abetted Zulkey, which I recently added to my Media Morsels.
OK. Time to go home. On the agenda: show, party, weekend. See you Monday.
Off the Shelf III
That might not be the most appropriate headline, but so far, all of the Off the Shelf entries have mentioned Steve Portigal, so here's to tradition!
Steve recently emailed me commenting on Media Diet and his blog -- even comparing me to Wil Wheaton, whom, I admit, I might look like -- but more importantly, he turned me on to the Boombox Museum.
Kickin' it old school, as they say, the museum outlines the history of the humble ghetto blaster from 1976-1989, dividing the narrative into three periods: the birth, the golden age, and the decline and fall. The images in the 1976-1981 section are the most interesting, but the golden age, which covered 1981-1985, touches on the role boomboxes played in early hip-hop and breakdancing culture -- and warrants the most coverage. (The Fat Boys and LL Cool J are featured prominently.) Finally, the decline and fall pages show how product design changes followed changes in functionality -- almost every boombox manufacturer chased the ghetto blaster and portable stereo markets simultaneously with awkward hybrid products coupling Walkman-like devices with boomboxes. This is where I came in. I had the Sears LXI as a teenager.
The Boombox Museum is slightly misleading, as it's one of many only exhibitions organized by the Pocket Calculator Show -- which also curates online exhibits of digital watches and Walkmans. Good to hear from you again, Steve! Welcome back from Japan.
That might not be the most appropriate headline, but so far, all of the Off the Shelf entries have mentioned Steve Portigal, so here's to tradition!
Steve recently emailed me commenting on Media Diet and his blog -- even comparing me to Wil Wheaton, whom, I admit, I might look like -- but more importantly, he turned me on to the Boombox Museum.
Kickin' it old school, as they say, the museum outlines the history of the humble ghetto blaster from 1976-1989, dividing the narrative into three periods: the birth, the golden age, and the decline and fall. The images in the 1976-1981 section are the most interesting, but the golden age, which covered 1981-1985, touches on the role boomboxes played in early hip-hop and breakdancing culture -- and warrants the most coverage. (The Fat Boys and LL Cool J are featured prominently.) Finally, the decline and fall pages show how product design changes followed changes in functionality -- almost every boombox manufacturer chased the ghetto blaster and portable stereo markets simultaneously with awkward hybrid products coupling Walkman-like devices with boomboxes. This is where I came in. I had the Sears LXI as a teenager.
The Boombox Museum is slightly misleading, as it's one of many only exhibitions organized by the Pocket Calculator Show -- which also curates online exhibits of digital watches and Walkmans. Good to hear from you again, Steve! Welcome back from Japan.
Party to Record Releases VI
Back to the books, folks. Top Shelf Productions offers a monthly email newsletter entitled This Month @ Top Shelf. The most recent transmission includes information about Doug TanNapel's new graphic novel Creature Tech and a brief bit on another Top Shelf book currently solicited in Previews. It's a slim edition, but it's a good list to be on -- email Chris Staros to request a subscription. Good people at Top Shelf, yup yep yup!
Back to the books, folks. Top Shelf Productions offers a monthly email newsletter entitled This Month @ Top Shelf. The most recent transmission includes information about Doug TanNapel's new graphic novel Creature Tech and a brief bit on another Top Shelf book currently solicited in Previews. It's a slim edition, but it's a good list to be on -- email Chris Staros to request a subscription. Good people at Top Shelf, yup yep yup!
Rock Shows of Note XXVII
The following report was previously posted Jan. 7, 2002, in the Media Diet discussion forum, which will be deactivated shortly.
So. I walked past the Clairvoyants/Denali show Friday night, and the Middle East Upstairs line area was packed, so I didn't venture in. And, like a dope, I walked home past TT's without going in -- not knowing until later that Just Like Them features former members of the Cretins, a wonderful Boston-area pop punk band.
But I did catch some other good music this weekend. 30 minutes too late to catch Moment -- a fine new band with a CD on Espo -- I caught a set by heavy-metal wunderkinds There at the Middle East Up. This is unabashed, shameless fun metal the way it was meant to be played. \m/ 's all around, a hulking, bearded lead singer, and loads of wanky solos. But not at all ironic. Appreciative. There are the heralds of the New Wave of Boston Heavy Metal!
And last night, at the Washington Street Art Center in Somerville, I caught three musical groups: Sinkcharmer (featuring Paul and Jen from the Operators with Jef from the Anchormen and the Tardy), Red Telephone (which played rather straight-forward college indie rock), and Ad Frank -- who wowed with his Bee Gees-styled vocals, swagger-meets-simper stage presence, and solid song writing. I'm not sure, but he might be the guy I used to see dancing up by the DJ's during Mod Night in Allston. If it is, he's come a looong way.
The latter two acts -- Red Telephone and Ad Frank -- have a residency at Charlie's Kitchen every Monday night this week. In fact, they're playing there tonight. I'm tempted to go. (1) Because Red Telephone said they're usually more "bad ass," and I wasn't that impressed by their scaled down set at the Center, and (2) because Jef says Ad's usually all hyperactive, herky jerky, and new wave when he plays. He wasn't that hyper last night.
Anyhoo: Sinkcharmer play list!
Rubber Legs
Down $2
Poison Arrow
As Nevada
Dusk
Half Life
Hole So Deep
Last Dance
Henry Hudson (slow)
Wisdom Tooth
Rumor is that Henry Hudson was Paul's attempt to write an Anchormen song. I especially liked Half Life -- or Hole So Deep -- I forget which one was the hyperactive number with the yell-along chorus.
The following report was previously posted Jan. 7, 2002, in the Media Diet discussion forum, which will be deactivated shortly.
So. I walked past the Clairvoyants/Denali show Friday night, and the Middle East Upstairs line area was packed, so I didn't venture in. And, like a dope, I walked home past TT's without going in -- not knowing until later that Just Like Them features former members of the Cretins, a wonderful Boston-area pop punk band.
But I did catch some other good music this weekend. 30 minutes too late to catch Moment -- a fine new band with a CD on Espo -- I caught a set by heavy-metal wunderkinds There at the Middle East Up. This is unabashed, shameless fun metal the way it was meant to be played. \m/ 's all around, a hulking, bearded lead singer, and loads of wanky solos. But not at all ironic. Appreciative. There are the heralds of the New Wave of Boston Heavy Metal!
And last night, at the Washington Street Art Center in Somerville, I caught three musical groups: Sinkcharmer (featuring Paul and Jen from the Operators with Jef from the Anchormen and the Tardy), Red Telephone (which played rather straight-forward college indie rock), and Ad Frank -- who wowed with his Bee Gees-styled vocals, swagger-meets-simper stage presence, and solid song writing. I'm not sure, but he might be the guy I used to see dancing up by the DJ's during Mod Night in Allston. If it is, he's come a looong way.
The latter two acts -- Red Telephone and Ad Frank -- have a residency at Charlie's Kitchen every Monday night this week. In fact, they're playing there tonight. I'm tempted to go. (1) Because Red Telephone said they're usually more "bad ass," and I wasn't that impressed by their scaled down set at the Center, and (2) because Jef says Ad's usually all hyperactive, herky jerky, and new wave when he plays. He wasn't that hyper last night.
Anyhoo: Sinkcharmer play list!
Rumor is that Henry Hudson was Paul's attempt to write an Anchormen song. I especially liked Half Life -- or Hole So Deep -- I forget which one was the hyperactive number with the yell-along chorus.
Humor Me V
The following magazinedex was previously posted Dec. 18, 2001, in the Media Diet discussion forum, which will be deactivated shortly.
Blast #2, May 1971, G&D Publications, NYC, NY (bimonthly, 40 cents)
Editorial Tyrant: Al Forman
Publishing Bigshot: Howard Reed
Cover: Mike Kaluta image of the Statue of Liberty holding a burning bra and a tablet marked "Liberty or Death." Cover lines: Youthful Satire! Adult Humor! Pubescent Sex!; Fem Lib: Freedom Fighters or Crazies; Other Gross Things in This Issue: TV Shows, School Daze, Boobarella, Swinging Encounter Group, Mod Comix, Up the Military, Sportscast Records, Fetish Magazine, Personality Analysis, and Much More...
p.5 Fem-Lib w/Bob Smolin, d/Mike Kaluta... pointless assortment of women's liberation movement jokes
p. 11 Blotz w/d Nick Cuti... Rorschach test-inspired gag strips addressing sexism, politics, Greenwich Village, psychiatry, and psychedelia
p. 12 Preview of New TV Shows w/ Mel Campbell, d/ Bob Jenney... fantasy TV line-up sporting "The Yuck Lawyers," "The Partridge Fumbly," "The Most Deadly Show," and "Head Acher." Targets include Shirley Jones, Don Knotts, and Rod Serling
p. 16 School Daze with C-Minus Seymour w/d Marvin Myers... series of six comic strips pouncing on computer dating, the French horn, scientists, and long hair
p. 18 Boobarella w/ Mel Campbell, d/ Jim Mooney... parody of Barbarells featuring spoofs of nudity, Flash Gordon, and Mao Tse Tung
p. 23 Analyzing Your Personality w/ Bob Smolin, d/ Bob Jenney... personality analysis test knocking on Sophia Loren, the Black Panthers, the library, and Cuba
p. 26 Swinging Encounter Group Unltd. d/ Mike Kaluta... center spread taking on orgies, fetishes, women's lib, vocabulary, and halitosis
p. 28 Mod Comix w/d Chuck McNaughton... comic-strip parodies aping Little Orphan Annie, Lil' Abner, Blonde, Peanuts, and Archie commenting on women's lib, drugs, homosexuality, Charles Manson, and dodging the draft
p. 34 Up the Military-Industrial Complex w/d Rodrigues (uncredited in masthead)... five gag strips making fun of rank, uniform, and pacifism
p. 36 Moon Child w/d Nicola Cuti... a "pixie created in the void of outer space" encounters a Snappy Answers for Stupid Questions-inspired computer that refuses to fix her watch. Best of Issue
p. 39 World Newsfronts d/ UPI Photos... wire-photo fumetti jabbing Charlie McCarthy and John Wayne. Not as funny as Cracked's photo funnies
p. 40 The Sportscaster w/ M.A. Conley, d/ Alan Weiss... athletic events TV broadcast parody tackling cheerleaders, half-time shows, and statistics
p. 43 What's Real w/d John Stearns... four gag strips featuring... oh, nothing
p. 44 Off the Record w/ Suzanne Douglass, d/ Stan Goldberg... Archie-styled two-pager taking on Top 40 radio programming
p. 47 Fetish Magazine w/ Marv Wolfman, d/ Bob Jenney... "the magazine for the sophisticated pervert" undresses correspondence course ads, fetish gear ads, letter columns, and the Olympics
p. 52 The Sentry w/d Stu Schwartzberg... ugly Americans get theirs
Ads: house ad p. 4, Ace Books p. 46
Extras: Stang credits p. 28 and 44... Stan Goldberg?
Marginalia: Go to work if you're too nervous to steal; Draft Gloria Steinem; The Lord is an Indian giver; Books are better than ever; Viet Nam is the national Edsel; Clark Kent is a transvestite; Support free enterprise -- support prostitution; If the rich could hire people to die for them, the poor could make a wonderful living; Instant cures for varicose veins -- long dresses; Be an Arab hero -- kidnap a child
The following magazinedex was previously posted Dec. 18, 2001, in the Media Diet discussion forum, which will be deactivated shortly.
Blast #2, May 1971, G&D Publications, NYC, NY (bimonthly, 40 cents)
Editorial Tyrant: Al Forman
Publishing Bigshot: Howard Reed
Cover: Mike Kaluta image of the Statue of Liberty holding a burning bra and a tablet marked "Liberty or Death." Cover lines: Youthful Satire! Adult Humor! Pubescent Sex!; Fem Lib: Freedom Fighters or Crazies; Other Gross Things in This Issue: TV Shows, School Daze, Boobarella, Swinging Encounter Group, Mod Comix, Up the Military, Sportscast Records, Fetish Magazine, Personality Analysis, and Much More...
p.5 Fem-Lib w/Bob Smolin, d/Mike Kaluta... pointless assortment of women's liberation movement jokes
p. 11 Blotz w/d Nick Cuti... Rorschach test-inspired gag strips addressing sexism, politics, Greenwich Village, psychiatry, and psychedelia
p. 12 Preview of New TV Shows w/ Mel Campbell, d/ Bob Jenney... fantasy TV line-up sporting "The Yuck Lawyers," "The Partridge Fumbly," "The Most Deadly Show," and "Head Acher." Targets include Shirley Jones, Don Knotts, and Rod Serling
p. 16 School Daze with C-Minus Seymour w/d Marvin Myers... series of six comic strips pouncing on computer dating, the French horn, scientists, and long hair
p. 18 Boobarella w/ Mel Campbell, d/ Jim Mooney... parody of Barbarells featuring spoofs of nudity, Flash Gordon, and Mao Tse Tung
p. 23 Analyzing Your Personality w/ Bob Smolin, d/ Bob Jenney... personality analysis test knocking on Sophia Loren, the Black Panthers, the library, and Cuba
p. 26 Swinging Encounter Group Unltd. d/ Mike Kaluta... center spread taking on orgies, fetishes, women's lib, vocabulary, and halitosis
p. 28 Mod Comix w/d Chuck McNaughton... comic-strip parodies aping Little Orphan Annie, Lil' Abner, Blonde, Peanuts, and Archie commenting on women's lib, drugs, homosexuality, Charles Manson, and dodging the draft
p. 34 Up the Military-Industrial Complex w/d Rodrigues (uncredited in masthead)... five gag strips making fun of rank, uniform, and pacifism
p. 36 Moon Child w/d Nicola Cuti... a "pixie created in the void of outer space" encounters a Snappy Answers for Stupid Questions-inspired computer that refuses to fix her watch. Best of Issue
p. 39 World Newsfronts d/ UPI Photos... wire-photo fumetti jabbing Charlie McCarthy and John Wayne. Not as funny as Cracked's photo funnies
p. 40 The Sportscaster w/ M.A. Conley, d/ Alan Weiss... athletic events TV broadcast parody tackling cheerleaders, half-time shows, and statistics
p. 43 What's Real w/d John Stearns... four gag strips featuring... oh, nothing
p. 44 Off the Record w/ Suzanne Douglass, d/ Stan Goldberg... Archie-styled two-pager taking on Top 40 radio programming
p. 47 Fetish Magazine w/ Marv Wolfman, d/ Bob Jenney... "the magazine for the sophisticated pervert" undresses correspondence course ads, fetish gear ads, letter columns, and the Olympics
p. 52 The Sentry w/d Stu Schwartzberg... ugly Americans get theirs
Ads: house ad p. 4, Ace Books p. 46
Extras: Stang credits p. 28 and 44... Stan Goldberg?
Marginalia: Go to work if you're too nervous to steal; Draft Gloria Steinem; The Lord is an Indian giver; Books are better than ever; Viet Nam is the national Edsel; Clark Kent is a transvestite; Support free enterprise -- support prostitution; If the rich could hire people to die for them, the poor could make a wonderful living; Instant cures for varicose veins -- long dresses; Be an Arab hero -- kidnap a child
Technofetishism VII
Work has declined to get me a new laptop to replace the hand-me-down I've been using for the last few years, and I'm currently stuck using another hand-me-down -- one that doesn't crash as frequently, granted, but one that also smelled like suntan lotion when I first got it. Suntan lotion?
To assuage my concerns about working on unstable hand-me-downs that are several years old -- I haven't had worked on a new computer since I started working at Fast Company, always hand-me-downs -- and preparing for that day in the far distant future when I may leave the magazine to go out on my own or do something else, I've decided to bite the bullet and get my own Titanium PowerBook G4.
With the help of a couple of friends and Media Dieticians, I decided not to go top of the line, but instead started at the bottom and upgraded a little. I ended up ordering:
667 MHz
512 MB SDRAM -- 2 SO DIMMs
40 GB hard drive
AirPort card
AirPort base station
Pretty jazzed. Now I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for warchalk marks.
Work has declined to get me a new laptop to replace the hand-me-down I've been using for the last few years, and I'm currently stuck using another hand-me-down -- one that doesn't crash as frequently, granted, but one that also smelled like suntan lotion when I first got it. Suntan lotion?
To assuage my concerns about working on unstable hand-me-downs that are several years old -- I haven't had worked on a new computer since I started working at Fast Company, always hand-me-downs -- and preparing for that day in the far distant future when I may leave the magazine to go out on my own or do something else, I've decided to bite the bullet and get my own Titanium PowerBook G4.
With the help of a couple of friends and Media Dieticians, I decided not to go top of the line, but instead started at the bottom and upgraded a little. I ended up ordering:
Pretty jazzed. Now I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for warchalk marks.
Co-Op 'n' Roll
There's Handstand Command, the energetic yet disorganized music collective that the Anchormen are involved in, and then there's Initech, the rock 'n' roll cooperative recently profiled by the Boston Globe.
Comprising five local record labels, a marketing firm, and a booking agency, Initech shares office space, Net access, and office supplies -- arguably the first indie-rock incubator. While I'm really only familiar with Big Wheel Recreation's roster and operations (my friend Tom used to work there), I'm impressed by Initech's collaboration, concept, and shared services. A model worth exploring!
There's Handstand Command, the energetic yet disorganized music collective that the Anchormen are involved in, and then there's Initech, the rock 'n' roll cooperative recently profiled by the Boston Globe.
Comprising five local record labels, a marketing firm, and a booking agency, Initech shares office space, Net access, and office supplies -- arguably the first indie-rock incubator. While I'm really only familiar with Big Wheel Recreation's roster and operations (my friend Tom used to work there), I'm impressed by Initech's collaboration, concept, and shared services. A model worth exploring!
Party to Record Releases V
Squealer Music launched in 1992 in Blacksburg, Virginia, but not too long ago moved to Cambridge, where it now holds down the fort. Comprising a creative and progressive rock and jazz roster including Acid Mothers Temple, Gold Sparkle Band, the Major Stars, Spatula, and Tower Recordings, the label is one of the most consistently excellent labels I know of that got its start as a tape label. And their Squealer Music News emails, transmitted via the label's announcement list, are no exception. The June 28 edition features news on the Major Stars' new record, recent reviews, and tour; recent developments with Heathen Shame and Double Leopards; information about Acid Mother Temple's hiatus; and other material. The newsletter balances label-centric promotional information with in-depth review and description, as well as rosters of who the musicians in each project are and what they've been involved in previously.
Squealer Music launched in 1992 in Blacksburg, Virginia, but not too long ago moved to Cambridge, where it now holds down the fort. Comprising a creative and progressive rock and jazz roster including Acid Mothers Temple, Gold Sparkle Band, the Major Stars, Spatula, and Tower Recordings, the label is one of the most consistently excellent labels I know of that got its start as a tape label. And their Squealer Music News emails, transmitted via the label's announcement list, are no exception. The June 28 edition features news on the Major Stars' new record, recent reviews, and tour; recent developments with Heathen Shame and Double Leopards; information about Acid Mother Temple's hiatus; and other material. The newsletter balances label-centric promotional information with in-depth review and description, as well as rosters of who the musicians in each project are and what they've been involved in previously.
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Doctor, Steal Thyself III
As in "steal yourself to go to the doctor," not "Doctor, steal something!" this time. I just got back from the Massachusetts General Hospital's downtown office, where I had my first physical in, um, about seven years. Since going to college, I've not really had a doctor to call my own, and I might have found him. We did the whole nine yards: family history, pre-existing conditions, blood pressure (120/80), temperature, ear check, eye check, hearing check -- a cool test where he put a tuning fork against my forehead and behind my ear to see how my skull conducted sound (I'm a little worried about hearing because of all the shows I go to) -- turn and cough, and a blood test for diabetes and cholesterol.
Because it's been so long since I've gone to a doctor, I was slightly concerned that my slight nervousness would result in a racing pulse or problems while drawing blood, but no worries. In fact, the blood test was pretty cool. They have these little butterfly needles now that slide right in -- no puncture pressure, no pinching -- and it took no time at all to draw the vials of blood they needed for the tests. I walked back to the office with a bit of gauze and a Band-Aid on my vein and treated myself to a Mrs. Field's semisweet chocolate chip cookie and carton of skim milk on my way as a reward for a job well done.
Back on the healthcare track!
As in "steal yourself to go to the doctor," not "Doctor, steal something!" this time. I just got back from the Massachusetts General Hospital's downtown office, where I had my first physical in, um, about seven years. Since going to college, I've not really had a doctor to call my own, and I might have found him. We did the whole nine yards: family history, pre-existing conditions, blood pressure (120/80), temperature, ear check, eye check, hearing check -- a cool test where he put a tuning fork against my forehead and behind my ear to see how my skull conducted sound (I'm a little worried about hearing because of all the shows I go to) -- turn and cough, and a blood test for diabetes and cholesterol.
Because it's been so long since I've gone to a doctor, I was slightly concerned that my slight nervousness would result in a racing pulse or problems while drawing blood, but no worries. In fact, the blood test was pretty cool. They have these little butterfly needles now that slide right in -- no puncture pressure, no pinching -- and it took no time at all to draw the vials of blood they needed for the tests. I walked back to the office with a bit of gauze and a Band-Aid on my vein and treated myself to a Mrs. Field's semisweet chocolate chip cookie and carton of skim milk on my way as a reward for a job well done.
Back on the healthcare track!
Among the Literati IX
Went to a reading last night at Wordsworth to see Sandra Tsing Loh, author of A Year in Van Nuys, and Dan Zevin, author of The Day I Turned Uncool: Confessions of a Reluctant Grown-Up. I sat a row ahead of a bunch of Dan's friends, and having just read the book the night before, I was really looking forward to his reading.
Loh read first. She and Levin are commentators for NPR, and it showed -- both were extremely comfortable reading. Of the two, Loh was more animated, gesturing wildly and modulating her volume and tone radically throughout the reading. At times, she was overly dramatic, but the snippet she shared from her new novel about life in Van Nuys might push me over the edge to pick up the book. It's kind of a take on Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence and tells the tale of a writer with writer's block stuck in a place she'd rather not be. Lots of funny tangents.
Then, Zevin. Before the reading, he distributed a questionnaire about the days people in the audience had felt most cool or uncool -- and he incorporated the crowd response at the end, giving a package of coyote urine -- a gardening aid -- to the person whose entry was the best. I don't have the book with me at work, but Zevin read two pieces: the one about lawn care and the one about his semester abroad. He stuck to the text for the most part but interjected with several clever asides and contextual tangents, even clarifying some of the neighborhood landmarks he'd included in the book -- and pointing out people in the audience who were in the book as characters, or who had had some impact on the writing (like the person who introduced him to the "zen" contractor).
Of the two, I felt like Zevin was more personable and sincere -- maybe it's an East Coast/West Coast thing. And, as always, I wish I hadn't read the book before the reading. It's always best to hear readings fresh. Otherwise, you've already read it, and you're listening for variations and deviations. Zevin's selective edits of the semester abroad piece were well chosen, and for the most part, the reading augmented my experience with the book. Kudos to both!
Went to a reading last night at Wordsworth to see Sandra Tsing Loh, author of A Year in Van Nuys, and Dan Zevin, author of The Day I Turned Uncool: Confessions of a Reluctant Grown-Up. I sat a row ahead of a bunch of Dan's friends, and having just read the book the night before, I was really looking forward to his reading.
Loh read first. She and Levin are commentators for NPR, and it showed -- both were extremely comfortable reading. Of the two, Loh was more animated, gesturing wildly and modulating her volume and tone radically throughout the reading. At times, she was overly dramatic, but the snippet she shared from her new novel about life in Van Nuys might push me over the edge to pick up the book. It's kind of a take on Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence and tells the tale of a writer with writer's block stuck in a place she'd rather not be. Lots of funny tangents.
Then, Zevin. Before the reading, he distributed a questionnaire about the days people in the audience had felt most cool or uncool -- and he incorporated the crowd response at the end, giving a package of coyote urine -- a gardening aid -- to the person whose entry was the best. I don't have the book with me at work, but Zevin read two pieces: the one about lawn care and the one about his semester abroad. He stuck to the text for the most part but interjected with several clever asides and contextual tangents, even clarifying some of the neighborhood landmarks he'd included in the book -- and pointing out people in the audience who were in the book as characters, or who had had some impact on the writing (like the person who introduced him to the "zen" contractor).
Of the two, I felt like Zevin was more personable and sincere -- maybe it's an East Coast/West Coast thing. And, as always, I wish I hadn't read the book before the reading. It's always best to hear readings fresh. Otherwise, you've already read it, and you're listening for variations and deviations. Zevin's selective edits of the semester abroad piece were well chosen, and for the most part, the reading augmented my experience with the book. Kudos to both!
North End Moment XXII
In the elevator coming back from lunch after navigating my way past a couple of Gentle Giant movers struggling with a file cabinet:
Woman: I just got smashed by a giant!
Me: Not so gentle, are they?
Woman: No.
In the elevator coming back from lunch after navigating my way past a couple of Gentle Giant movers struggling with a file cabinet:
Woman: I just got smashed by a giant!
Me: Not so gentle, are they?
Woman: No.
Mention Me! XIII
The Adventures of Soopa Pig recently added a link to Media Diet. Michael Lally says I'm "behind Fast Company magazine." Actually, I just watch its back.
The Adventures of Soopa Pig recently added a link to Media Diet. Michael Lally says I'm "behind Fast Company magazine." Actually, I just watch its back.
Today Is Media Diet's Birthday
Exactly one year ago today, Media Diet began. It's been an awesome blogging year, and I look forward to the next 365 days. I have no idea how many entries I've published since Media Diet's launch, but since February, when I added the counter, we've had almost 10,000 unique visitors. Wow. Folks from as far away as Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Poland, and Singapore come by regularly. Thank you all for your support and attention!
So, to celebrate Media Diet's birthday, do something nice for yourselves today. Buy some flowers. Go for a walk. Eat some cashews. Write your parents a letter. Smell the sea air. Stand on a fire escape. Tell someone you love them. Take your bike in for repair. Donate some unused clothing to Goodwill. Chase a squirrel. Sit on a bench and read. Watch the clouds.
Also, if you blog, take a moment to email all of the people whose blogs you visit regularly -- or link to on your site -- and thank them for what they do. Tell 'em that you stop by every day, that you appreciate their work, and what you enjoy about their blog. Don't tell 'em you link to 'em. Don't ask 'em for a link back. Just express your appreciation and spread some blog love. Chances are they'll appreciate it.
Obligatory thank you list: Evan Williams for getting my blog thoughts rolling, Jon Ferguson and Cardhouse for being my host with the most, the Media Dieticians who've signed up for the mailing list, Fast Company and Suicide Girls for spiking my daily traffic like nothing else when they linked to me, Charlie Park for being my first blogfriend to give me a ride somewhere, Halley Suitt for actually coming by my office and leaving a note in my mailbox (I still owe you lunch), everyone who's sent something in for review, everyone who's taken my constructive criticism well, and, well, you.
You are what you read. And what you see. And what you hear. I am Heath. Who are you?
***
In other news, James Stegall is 27 today. 27 on the 27th. Happy birthday, James!
Exactly one year ago today, Media Diet began. It's been an awesome blogging year, and I look forward to the next 365 days. I have no idea how many entries I've published since Media Diet's launch, but since February, when I added the counter, we've had almost 10,000 unique visitors. Wow. Folks from as far away as Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Poland, and Singapore come by regularly. Thank you all for your support and attention!
So, to celebrate Media Diet's birthday, do something nice for yourselves today. Buy some flowers. Go for a walk. Eat some cashews. Write your parents a letter. Smell the sea air. Stand on a fire escape. Tell someone you love them. Take your bike in for repair. Donate some unused clothing to Goodwill. Chase a squirrel. Sit on a bench and read. Watch the clouds.
Also, if you blog, take a moment to email all of the people whose blogs you visit regularly -- or link to on your site -- and thank them for what they do. Tell 'em that you stop by every day, that you appreciate their work, and what you enjoy about their blog. Don't tell 'em you link to 'em. Don't ask 'em for a link back. Just express your appreciation and spread some blog love. Chances are they'll appreciate it.
Obligatory thank you list: Evan Williams for getting my blog thoughts rolling, Jon Ferguson and Cardhouse for being my host with the most, the Media Dieticians who've signed up for the mailing list, Fast Company and Suicide Girls for spiking my daily traffic like nothing else when they linked to me, Charlie Park for being my first blogfriend to give me a ride somewhere, Halley Suitt for actually coming by my office and leaving a note in my mailbox (I still owe you lunch), everyone who's sent something in for review, everyone who's taken my constructive criticism well, and, well, you.
You are what you read. And what you see. And what you hear. I am Heath. Who are you?
In other news, James Stegall is 27 today. 27 on the 27th. Happy birthday, James!
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
North End Moment XXI
The front doors and lobby to our building are taped off because of construction. I came in the back door this morning, so I didn't see what was actually being constructed, so I had to ask our building manager.
Me: What's the construction? I came in the back door and didn't see it.
Building Manager: They're, uh, they're repairing the sidewalk out front.
Me: Putting in a new sidewalk?
Building Manager: Yeah.
Me: Oh, I thought they might be putting in another freight elevator. (Gesturing to the beautiful, now-empty, wrought-iron elevator shaft that serves as a skylight.)
Building Manager: (Looking up.) Oh, that'd be a big job.
Penciled on the official notice posted in the elevator: "Hello now go away."
***
While waiting for my turkey and boursin cheese sandwich to be prepared this noon at Prince Pantry, I complimented the owner on yesterday's prosciutto sandwich.
Owner: Oh, that's Mr. Thai's doing. He's a really good cook.
Me: He is. I just started coming here, and everything's really good.
Mr. Thai: You know Yan Can Cook on the TV? He's my brother!
Owner: You know Iron Chef? Mr. Thai's the Titanium Chef!
Me: At least he's not the Aluminum Chef.
Owner: Oh, then we'd all be in trouble.
For regular lunch updates, visit Lunch Is Fun.
The front doors and lobby to our building are taped off because of construction. I came in the back door this morning, so I didn't see what was actually being constructed, so I had to ask our building manager.
Me: What's the construction? I came in the back door and didn't see it.
Building Manager: They're, uh, they're repairing the sidewalk out front.
Me: Putting in a new sidewalk?
Building Manager: Yeah.
Me: Oh, I thought they might be putting in another freight elevator. (Gesturing to the beautiful, now-empty, wrought-iron elevator shaft that serves as a skylight.)
Building Manager: (Looking up.) Oh, that'd be a big job.
Penciled on the official notice posted in the elevator: "Hello now go away."
While waiting for my turkey and boursin cheese sandwich to be prepared this noon at Prince Pantry, I complimented the owner on yesterday's prosciutto sandwich.
Owner: Oh, that's Mr. Thai's doing. He's a really good cook.
Me: He is. I just started coming here, and everything's really good.
Mr. Thai: You know Yan Can Cook on the TV? He's my brother!
Owner: You know Iron Chef? Mr. Thai's the Titanium Chef!
Me: At least he's not the Aluminum Chef.
Owner: Oh, then we'd all be in trouble.
For regular lunch updates, visit Lunch Is Fun.
Nervy, Pervy VII
The fine folks over at Suicide Girls rate a mention in a Wired News article about the new wave of "stylish subculture sites ... putting a new face on porn." Including SG in a roundup of sites that also comprises Supercult, FrictionUSA, and Raveporn, Jess Barron gives most of the piece's electrons to SG, focusing on the site's online community aspects, the empowering nature of its photography, and why so many straight women subscribe -- more than 50% of SG's members are female.
Barron also mentions an SG-related LiveJournal called goth.punk.raver.nude. It's good to see SG gleaning more ink and electrons -- and it's good to see people taking the message to the masses. Right on, Missy, O, and Spooky!
The fine folks over at Suicide Girls rate a mention in a Wired News article about the new wave of "stylish subculture sites ... putting a new face on porn." Including SG in a roundup of sites that also comprises Supercult, FrictionUSA, and Raveporn, Jess Barron gives most of the piece's electrons to SG, focusing on the site's online community aspects, the empowering nature of its photography, and why so many straight women subscribe -- more than 50% of SG's members are female.
Barron also mentions an SG-related LiveJournal called goth.punk.raver.nude. It's good to see SG gleaning more ink and electrons -- and it's good to see people taking the message to the masses. Right on, Missy, O, and Spooky!
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
From the Reading Pile XI
I don't know if I trust Media Diet's search tools, so who knows whether the entry numbers associated with the standing headlines and content categories I made up mean anything. Regardless, here's another batch of zine and comics reviews. Lucky seven this time!
Discontent #12 (early 2002)
Katherine Innis recently turned 30, echoing some of the angst that I experienced when I turned 29 and recounting how she continues to hold onto the patterns of her youth. She considers -- as I did not too long ago -- her habits and rituals, and admits that she has started checking people's ring fingers -- which I also do now. Good to know I'm not alone in the zinemaking world! She also lusts after real estate. I think I'm in love. Rob shares some favorite footnotes out of context, name drops Philip Larkin, and shares an affinity for Vladimir Nabokov and Hunter S. Thompson. There are winter drink recipes, photos from a concrete playground, reviews of the unauthorized biographies of Star Wars star Ewan McGregor (which reveal his penchant for profanity and his bloodline, which includes the actor who played Wedge Antilles in the original Star Wars), and a found-text rider contract. Discontent is slim but shines brightly. Can't ask for much more four times a year. Katherine Innis, P.O. Box 24, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
G.N.
Ben Jones handed this 56-page self-published comic to me at the Picnic and said, "My whole life has been aiming to this," or something to that effect. Reading back to front, right to left, this comic, which sports a comic featuring the Popples, is supposedly not a "stoned comic." "Could I do this?" Ben asks before drawing a wild-style icon. "Does this pen work?" It works. The book contains one- to six-page strips, as well as Sharpie-drawn sketchbook pages that feature most of Ben's popcult icons: DJ's, ponies, musicians, Gumby, Tux Dog (a welcome newcomer!), breakdancing, an angry Alfe, Bart Simpson, cloud and balloon lettering, and several new road-tripping pals I hope to see again. While I'm not sure whether this is the magnum opus Ben was going for, I'm impressed -- several of these short pieces have promise as longer parts, and I hope Ben tries the longer form again soon. Paper Radio.
Hickee #3
Another brilliant anthology from Graham Annable and friends. There are the usual hits and misses, but the hits hit hard, so the misses don't really matter. Graham contributes several installations of "Movie Night," one with Joe White (who depicts animals in a delightful Greg Cook style), offering more detailed and mature work when compared to his usual Sam Henderson-esque fare. Nathan Stapley's "Human Monkey" made me laugh out loud. Vamberto Maduro's angular linear designs were consistently pleasing. David Bogan shared a Tim Burton-infused morality tale. Joe White's "The Bear" made for a nice piece of homosexual apologetica. And Paul Brown's "Baby Money" made me laugh out loud again, while his "Blind Date" made me smirk. Room for improvement in this already impressive project? David Soren's "Mr. Chuckles Takes a Bath," while clever, felt overly animated in its cartoonishness and served up more near-gay apologetica. Bill Buzardi's "Tick" reminded me of Jeff Nicholson's Ultra Klutz but was overly sketchy and oblique. And Vicken Maulian, even if he is Razmig's younger brother, didn't really belong -- yet. On the whole, solid, and well worth $5 for 60 pages. Kudos again to Graham. Graham Annable.
Iconography
A 34-page field guide to computer and computer-generated icons relating to thought, storage, art, self, presence, and personality. The icons appear to be primarily Mac-based and -influenced, and the descriptive text is written in an overly academic, pomo, art-critic style, touching on the images' composition, coloring, and connotation. The icons are held up as fine art and described appropriately, and the overall effect is oddly affectionate. "The Trial" and "Family Portrait" are wonderful, and the entire Self sequence, which comprises seven images, is ecstatically existential. "Not Home" and "Conference" are among the most emotive. "Are you the signifier? Are you the signified? Does it matter?" A brilliant bit of technological transparency and truth telling. $2 to Ben Balas.
If God Were to Whisper
A screenprinted cover adorns this Ben Jones-gifted collection of almost poems. The writing hinges on religion, meaning, confusion, love, faith, and hip hop. The "Managerial Fun Facts, to Live by..." page is important, as is the last page, handwritten as a freestyle rhyme. But otherwise? More miss than hit. I'd rather see the handwritten brainstorming pages, as uneven as they may be. Paper Radio.
Return to Normal
James Sturm's dark look at the reactions to 911 draws heavily on Byron Barton's children's book Airport. These six black-and-white images (covering 12 pages) carry the calamity of the day, as well as the civil rights concerns of Arab Americans and the people targeted because of the tragedies. The piece on p. 7 is particularly moving. This slim edition shows that James has moved far beyond Cereal Killings, as good as it was. It also shows that James should produce widely available work more frequently and that a 911-related book can be tasteful and telling. This mini beats the bank compared to the other 911 books that have come out, even Alternative Press'. Not sure how to get this one, but try Drawn & Quarterly.
Typewriter #5
Talk about fucking shit up instead of following function! This edition of David Youngblood's anthology is freaking brilliant. With a tuck and fold binding strip, the comic accordions out to pages roughly half of 11-by-17, with some pices running up to eight of these pages. And, oh, the pieces! Graham Annable's "Madora" carries the call of lost love. Chris Wright's "Burning Corpse," "Tide," and "Asposded" installations are an excellent Lewis Trondheim-inspired look at lost love and life. Michael Bonfiglio's "Shake Bones Group" reminds me of Greg Cook by way of Dame Darcy. Jonathan T. Russell's trying to be Jessica Abel too hard. Ron Rege, Jr., does his unparalleled cute brut thing. Youngblood's "Baby Grumpus" doesn't deserve eight pages, even if he did edit the thing. And Carrie Golus and Patrick Welch (who had a great comics journalism piece in the May 16 edition of New City) offer 23 Abel-meets-Jeff Zenick views of the Uptown Theatre, which don't quite deserve six pages despite their worthy look at lost history. Despite the occasional editorial largesse, Typewriter remains an innovatively constructed and creatively compiled anthology. Someone ask Youngblood to edit the next SPX anthology! David Youngblood, Typewriter.
I don't know if I trust Media Diet's search tools, so who knows whether the entry numbers associated with the standing headlines and content categories I made up mean anything. Regardless, here's another batch of zine and comics reviews. Lucky seven this time!
Discontent #12 (early 2002)
Katherine Innis recently turned 30, echoing some of the angst that I experienced when I turned 29 and recounting how she continues to hold onto the patterns of her youth. She considers -- as I did not too long ago -- her habits and rituals, and admits that she has started checking people's ring fingers -- which I also do now. Good to know I'm not alone in the zinemaking world! She also lusts after real estate. I think I'm in love. Rob shares some favorite footnotes out of context, name drops Philip Larkin, and shares an affinity for Vladimir Nabokov and Hunter S. Thompson. There are winter drink recipes, photos from a concrete playground, reviews of the unauthorized biographies of Star Wars star Ewan McGregor (which reveal his penchant for profanity and his bloodline, which includes the actor who played Wedge Antilles in the original Star Wars), and a found-text rider contract. Discontent is slim but shines brightly. Can't ask for much more four times a year. Katherine Innis, P.O. Box 24, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
G.N.
Ben Jones handed this 56-page self-published comic to me at the Picnic and said, "My whole life has been aiming to this," or something to that effect. Reading back to front, right to left, this comic, which sports a comic featuring the Popples, is supposedly not a "stoned comic." "Could I do this?" Ben asks before drawing a wild-style icon. "Does this pen work?" It works. The book contains one- to six-page strips, as well as Sharpie-drawn sketchbook pages that feature most of Ben's popcult icons: DJ's, ponies, musicians, Gumby, Tux Dog (a welcome newcomer!), breakdancing, an angry Alfe, Bart Simpson, cloud and balloon lettering, and several new road-tripping pals I hope to see again. While I'm not sure whether this is the magnum opus Ben was going for, I'm impressed -- several of these short pieces have promise as longer parts, and I hope Ben tries the longer form again soon. Paper Radio.
Hickee #3
Another brilliant anthology from Graham Annable and friends. There are the usual hits and misses, but the hits hit hard, so the misses don't really matter. Graham contributes several installations of "Movie Night," one with Joe White (who depicts animals in a delightful Greg Cook style), offering more detailed and mature work when compared to his usual Sam Henderson-esque fare. Nathan Stapley's "Human Monkey" made me laugh out loud. Vamberto Maduro's angular linear designs were consistently pleasing. David Bogan shared a Tim Burton-infused morality tale. Joe White's "The Bear" made for a nice piece of homosexual apologetica. And Paul Brown's "Baby Money" made me laugh out loud again, while his "Blind Date" made me smirk. Room for improvement in this already impressive project? David Soren's "Mr. Chuckles Takes a Bath," while clever, felt overly animated in its cartoonishness and served up more near-gay apologetica. Bill Buzardi's "Tick" reminded me of Jeff Nicholson's Ultra Klutz but was overly sketchy and oblique. And Vicken Maulian, even if he is Razmig's younger brother, didn't really belong -- yet. On the whole, solid, and well worth $5 for 60 pages. Kudos again to Graham. Graham Annable.
Iconography
A 34-page field guide to computer and computer-generated icons relating to thought, storage, art, self, presence, and personality. The icons appear to be primarily Mac-based and -influenced, and the descriptive text is written in an overly academic, pomo, art-critic style, touching on the images' composition, coloring, and connotation. The icons are held up as fine art and described appropriately, and the overall effect is oddly affectionate. "The Trial" and "Family Portrait" are wonderful, and the entire Self sequence, which comprises seven images, is ecstatically existential. "Not Home" and "Conference" are among the most emotive. "Are you the signifier? Are you the signified? Does it matter?" A brilliant bit of technological transparency and truth telling. $2 to Ben Balas.
If God Were to Whisper
A screenprinted cover adorns this Ben Jones-gifted collection of almost poems. The writing hinges on religion, meaning, confusion, love, faith, and hip hop. The "Managerial Fun Facts, to Live by..." page is important, as is the last page, handwritten as a freestyle rhyme. But otherwise? More miss than hit. I'd rather see the handwritten brainstorming pages, as uneven as they may be. Paper Radio.
Return to Normal
James Sturm's dark look at the reactions to 911 draws heavily on Byron Barton's children's book Airport. These six black-and-white images (covering 12 pages) carry the calamity of the day, as well as the civil rights concerns of Arab Americans and the people targeted because of the tragedies. The piece on p. 7 is particularly moving. This slim edition shows that James has moved far beyond Cereal Killings, as good as it was. It also shows that James should produce widely available work more frequently and that a 911-related book can be tasteful and telling. This mini beats the bank compared to the other 911 books that have come out, even Alternative Press'. Not sure how to get this one, but try Drawn & Quarterly.
Typewriter #5
Talk about fucking shit up instead of following function! This edition of David Youngblood's anthology is freaking brilliant. With a tuck and fold binding strip, the comic accordions out to pages roughly half of 11-by-17, with some pices running up to eight of these pages. And, oh, the pieces! Graham Annable's "Madora" carries the call of lost love. Chris Wright's "Burning Corpse," "Tide," and "Asposded" installations are an excellent Lewis Trondheim-inspired look at lost love and life. Michael Bonfiglio's "Shake Bones Group" reminds me of Greg Cook by way of Dame Darcy. Jonathan T. Russell's trying to be Jessica Abel too hard. Ron Rege, Jr., does his unparalleled cute brut thing. Youngblood's "Baby Grumpus" doesn't deserve eight pages, even if he did edit the thing. And Carrie Golus and Patrick Welch (who had a great comics journalism piece in the May 16 edition of New City) offer 23 Abel-meets-Jeff Zenick views of the Uptown Theatre, which don't quite deserve six pages despite their worthy look at lost history. Despite the occasional editorial largesse, Typewriter remains an innovatively constructed and creatively compiled anthology. Someone ask Youngblood to edit the next SPX anthology! David Youngblood, Typewriter.
Ravaging Radio V
I know I'm late to report this -- that's not really what Media Diet does -- but CARP passed last week. Which means that Net radio is effectively dead. Passed away. A participant in the Nettime mailing list recently distributed an interview with the fine folks at Dublab about how CARP's passing affects them -- and the future of Net radio.
I know I'm late to report this -- that's not really what Media Diet does -- but CARP passed last week. Which means that Net radio is effectively dead. Passed away. A participant in the Nettime mailing list recently distributed an interview with the fine folks at Dublab about how CARP's passing affects them -- and the future of Net radio.
Happy Birthday to Media Dieticians IV
In exactly two days, on June 27, Media Diet will officially turn 1 year old. I've been blogging for a year now, and even though I was late to the party, I feel quite a bit of pride in that milestone. Time for me to start thinking about the first edition of the Media Diet print journal, eh?
Do something nice for yourselves Thursday, won't you? You people keep me going.
In exactly two days, on June 27, Media Diet will officially turn 1 year old. I've been blogging for a year now, and even though I was late to the party, I feel quite a bit of pride in that milestone. Time for me to start thinking about the first edition of the Media Diet print journal, eh?
Do something nice for yourselves Thursday, won't you? You people keep me going.
Comics and Conversation II
MediaBistro features an interesting interview with The New Yorker and Fast Company regular Roz Chast this week. She talks about nervousness, Charles Addams, the cartoon submission process at The New Yorker, and the role of humor after 911.
MediaBistro features an interesting interview with The New Yorker and Fast Company regular Roz Chast this week. She talks about nervousness, Charles Addams, the cartoon submission process at The New Yorker, and the role of humor after 911.
Ditherati Down!
Per the list of links over to the right, Ditherati is one of my daily reads. This morning, when I stopped by to see who said what, I saw the following:
Indeed. ?????
Per the list of links over to the right, Ditherati is one of my daily reads. This morning, when I stopped by to see who said what, I saw the following:
?????
Welcome!
Indeed. ?????
From the In Box: Among the Literati VIII
What did you mean, anyway? -- Joe Germuska
I'm not sure if this'll make sense, but here goes. As cool as Eggers and the people surrounding him -- or supported and promoted by him -- are, being part of that group shouldn't be the goal of all cool, young literati. Then we'd only have one in crowd, one tribe of solid young writers. I'm not necessarily suggesting that folks should organize their own groups in response -- as attractive as a McSweeney's like web of connections might be -- but it's not an Eggers/not-Eggers world, and most folks seem to aspire to be on the Eggers side these days. Perhaps understandably so.
Basically, I'd rather see more good journals like 3rd Bed, the American Journal of Print, Fence, Pindeldyboz, Sweet Fancy Moses, etc. sprouting up all over -- many inspired by McSweeney's, sure, but many not -- and there's room for more than one outlet for amazing new writing. We're already seeing quite a bit of overlap among the contributors. Let the web of connections continue to grow, I say -- Eggers is a strong node in that literary network, but not everyone needs to be closely aligned with him. Yet it seems that everyone -- again, perhaps understandably -- wants to be his best friend.
Not that I say all of the above thinking there's some sort of McSweeney's monopoly. There isn't. But there's also a lot of room in which people can do their own thing their own way -- and still reach the kind of readers attracted to Eggers and Eggers-related projects.
What did you mean, anyway? -- Joe Germuska
I'm not sure if this'll make sense, but here goes. As cool as Eggers and the people surrounding him -- or supported and promoted by him -- are, being part of that group shouldn't be the goal of all cool, young literati. Then we'd only have one in crowd, one tribe of solid young writers. I'm not necessarily suggesting that folks should organize their own groups in response -- as attractive as a McSweeney's like web of connections might be -- but it's not an Eggers/not-Eggers world, and most folks seem to aspire to be on the Eggers side these days. Perhaps understandably so.
Basically, I'd rather see more good journals like 3rd Bed, the American Journal of Print, Fence, Pindeldyboz, Sweet Fancy Moses, etc. sprouting up all over -- many inspired by McSweeney's, sure, but many not -- and there's room for more than one outlet for amazing new writing. We're already seeing quite a bit of overlap among the contributors. Let the web of connections continue to grow, I say -- Eggers is a strong node in that literary network, but not everyone needs to be closely aligned with him. Yet it seems that everyone -- again, perhaps understandably -- wants to be his best friend.
Not that I say all of the above thinking there's some sort of McSweeney's monopoly. There isn't. But there's also a lot of room in which people can do their own thing their own way -- and still reach the kind of readers attracted to Eggers and Eggers-related projects.
Monday, June 24, 2002
Among the Literati VIII
I met Dan Zevin, author of The Day I Turned Uncool at the 71 Sunbeam show this past Friday. Not only was he recently profiled in the Boston Phoenix, he's giving a reading this week Wednesday, June 26, at Wordsworth on Harvard Square in Cambridge. I'll be there, if not just to explain to him what I meant when I said he shouldn't try too hard to get in on the McSweeney's/Eggers in crowd.
7 p.m. ET if you're in the area.
I met Dan Zevin, author of The Day I Turned Uncool at the 71 Sunbeam show this past Friday. Not only was he recently profiled in the Boston Phoenix, he's giving a reading this week Wednesday, June 26, at Wordsworth on Harvard Square in Cambridge. I'll be there, if not just to explain to him what I meant when I said he shouldn't try too hard to get in on the McSweeney's/Eggers in crowd.
7 p.m. ET if you're in the area.
Workaday World II
Today hasn't been the most productive day. One, I went to the dentist. Even though I was three months overdue, I had no cavities, and the hygienist informed me that my tissues were in good shape. Score.
Two, I moved offices. Still on the same floor of the Scotch & Sirloin building in FCHQ, but in a totally different corner -- and now with a window. Check this out:
The task of Amontillado
Room worth a view
I've sat in the same chair in the same office in the same corner since July 1997, never once thinking of moving. Right now, as I sit in my still-cluttered new digs, I'm glad to have made the change.
Today hasn't been the most productive day. One, I went to the dentist. Even though I was three months overdue, I had no cavities, and the hygienist informed me that my tissues were in good shape. Score.
Two, I moved offices. Still on the same floor of the Scotch & Sirloin building in FCHQ, but in a totally different corner -- and now with a window. Check this out:
The task of Amontillado
Room worth a view
I've sat in the same chair in the same office in the same corner since July 1997, never once thinking of moving. Right now, as I sit in my still-cluttered new digs, I'm glad to have made the change.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXIII
Logan's Run
I think a lot of the angst and existential malaise I've been feeling for the last six-plus months stems from the fact that I turn 30 next year. Call it a mid-midlife crisis if you will. But, sheesh, my problems are nothing compared to the problems faced by the folks in Logan's Run. You see, in the movie's future authoritarian utopia following an apocalypse caused by overpopulation and pollution, when you turn 30, you die. Well, you're killed. In one of two ways. Either, you seek "renewal" in a bizarre aerial acrobatic ceremony, or you try to run for Sanctuary, a legendary haven for people who don't want to die at age 30. Thing is, Sanctuary isn't all it's cracked up to be, and Logan -- originally assigned to seek it out to destroy it -- returns to share the message... and the opportunities offered by the outside world (which has surprisingly well recovered by the supposed pollution and overpopulation). Some of the best parts of the movie take place outside the walled city, where Logan and his love interest discover a post-apocalyptic Washington, DC, complete with vegetation overgrown National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and cat-infested library -- where they encounter Peter Ustinov's wonderful character Ballard, or Old Man. While I didn't totally dig the for-the-time progressive special effects and holography, I thought that Roscoe Lee's robot character Box was extremely poorly done. Regardless, take a little Soylent Green, stir in some Planet of the Apes, add a dash of The Running Man, subtract Charlton Heston, and you've basically got Logan's Run. Brilliant.
Logan's Run
I think a lot of the angst and existential malaise I've been feeling for the last six-plus months stems from the fact that I turn 30 next year. Call it a mid-midlife crisis if you will. But, sheesh, my problems are nothing compared to the problems faced by the folks in Logan's Run. You see, in the movie's future authoritarian utopia following an apocalypse caused by overpopulation and pollution, when you turn 30, you die. Well, you're killed. In one of two ways. Either, you seek "renewal" in a bizarre aerial acrobatic ceremony, or you try to run for Sanctuary, a legendary haven for people who don't want to die at age 30. Thing is, Sanctuary isn't all it's cracked up to be, and Logan -- originally assigned to seek it out to destroy it -- returns to share the message... and the opportunities offered by the outside world (which has surprisingly well recovered by the supposed pollution and overpopulation). Some of the best parts of the movie take place outside the walled city, where Logan and his love interest discover a post-apocalyptic Washington, DC, complete with vegetation overgrown National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and cat-infested library -- where they encounter Peter Ustinov's wonderful character Ballard, or Old Man. While I didn't totally dig the for-the-time progressive special effects and holography, I thought that Roscoe Lee's robot character Box was extremely poorly done. Regardless, take a little Soylent Green, stir in some Planet of the Apes, add a dash of The Running Man, subtract Charlton Heston, and you've basically got Logan's Run. Brilliant.
Rock Shows of Note XXVI
Ended a two-week rock 'n' roll and social bender Friday night at the CD release party for 71 Sunbeam. As soon as I walked in the door at TT's, Jeremy asked if I'd work the merch table during their set. So much for seeing the band! (Just kidding; I love working merch.) I hung out with Ariel and Dan (the latter of the Jack McCoys, who have a new record to be released soon) for a bit before sequestering myself behind the table. As Neil and the gang took the stage, I "met" Tammy Ealom from Dressy Bessy, which was also playing, as she dragged their merch table over next to ours. We made a happy little merch corner.
From what I could tell, 71 Sunbeam did well. They added an interesting psych edge to their usual emo/alt.rock flair, and Neil's singing sounded clearer and more intense than normal. Wish I could've been up front (ahem). A good, powerful performance for a CD release party. Kudos -- and congrats! Next up, a solo act featuring a guy and his guitar performing under the name Sea Navy. Turns out that Sea Navy might be an Ivory Coast side project that the band uses to test new material. Regardless of whether that's true, it struck me as a harder-edged pop-rock Neil Halstead, only without the country twang. Interesting, but not totally my thing. He brought out a drummer for the last couple songs, and that added a lot to the overall sound and energy. Rock duos are almost always better than rock solo performers.
Mmm, Dressy Bessy. I haven't suffered from a band crush for a long, long time, but that Tammy sure is something. We hardly talked at all, and I was too shy to go over and say anything when she was hanging out over at a side table by herself. But her bandmate John was really nice (thanks for the cigarettes!), and the guy who worked the merch table most of the time was cool enough, so she seems to be in good company. She's certainly in a good band. Dressy Bessy specializes in slightly riot grrl-inspired garage pop with sweet-as-sugar vocals and loads of spazzy energy. Fun, fun, fun. I need to get some records. It also turns out that the band is loosely affiliated with the Elephant 6 collective -- and shares at least one member with Apples in Stereo. Yay, Dressy Bessy. I came to see 71 Sunbeam and left needing to see Dressy Bessy again.
Lastly, there was the Fly Seville, a pop-rock band previously based in Providence. From where I sat behind the merch table -- as the evening progressed, I refused to give up my post -- they sounded pretty straight-forward, and nothing really wowed me. But I wasn't turned off and will seek future exposure.
Congratulations, again, to Neil and the rest of 71 Sunbeam. Y'all should be proud.
By the way, a great place to pick up records by bands such as Dressy Bessy is Twee Kitten. They'll appreciate your patronage -- but none of your patronizing.
Ended a two-week rock 'n' roll and social bender Friday night at the CD release party for 71 Sunbeam. As soon as I walked in the door at TT's, Jeremy asked if I'd work the merch table during their set. So much for seeing the band! (Just kidding; I love working merch.) I hung out with Ariel and Dan (the latter of the Jack McCoys, who have a new record to be released soon) for a bit before sequestering myself behind the table. As Neil and the gang took the stage, I "met" Tammy Ealom from Dressy Bessy, which was also playing, as she dragged their merch table over next to ours. We made a happy little merch corner.
From what I could tell, 71 Sunbeam did well. They added an interesting psych edge to their usual emo/alt.rock flair, and Neil's singing sounded clearer and more intense than normal. Wish I could've been up front (ahem). A good, powerful performance for a CD release party. Kudos -- and congrats! Next up, a solo act featuring a guy and his guitar performing under the name Sea Navy. Turns out that Sea Navy might be an Ivory Coast side project that the band uses to test new material. Regardless of whether that's true, it struck me as a harder-edged pop-rock Neil Halstead, only without the country twang. Interesting, but not totally my thing. He brought out a drummer for the last couple songs, and that added a lot to the overall sound and energy. Rock duos are almost always better than rock solo performers.
Mmm, Dressy Bessy. I haven't suffered from a band crush for a long, long time, but that Tammy sure is something. We hardly talked at all, and I was too shy to go over and say anything when she was hanging out over at a side table by herself. But her bandmate John was really nice (thanks for the cigarettes!), and the guy who worked the merch table most of the time was cool enough, so she seems to be in good company. She's certainly in a good band. Dressy Bessy specializes in slightly riot grrl-inspired garage pop with sweet-as-sugar vocals and loads of spazzy energy. Fun, fun, fun. I need to get some records. It also turns out that the band is loosely affiliated with the Elephant 6 collective -- and shares at least one member with Apples in Stereo. Yay, Dressy Bessy. I came to see 71 Sunbeam and left needing to see Dressy Bessy again.
Lastly, there was the Fly Seville, a pop-rock band previously based in Providence. From where I sat behind the merch table -- as the evening progressed, I refused to give up my post -- they sounded pretty straight-forward, and nothing really wowed me. But I wasn't turned off and will seek future exposure.
Congratulations, again, to Neil and the rest of 71 Sunbeam. Y'all should be proud.
By the way, a great place to pick up records by bands such as Dressy Bessy is Twee Kitten. They'll appreciate your patronage -- but none of your patronizing.
Friday, June 21, 2002
Shelf-Publishing
I'm editing an anthology for Capstone-Wiley in the UK tentatively entitled Off Message: Voices from the Business Underground. It'll be a collection of 30-40 essays, articles, excerpts, and comics gleaned from books, magazines, newsletters, Web sites, speech transcripts, email forwards, found text, zines, and minicomics. The idea is to compile business-, technology-, and work-related material that goes against conventional wisdom -- and occasionally against the grain.
I'm currently wrapping up the collection of the pieces I'm suggesting we include -- and I'd welcome your input. If you have any items to recommend for inclusion in the book, email me. Think critical. Think funny. Think productive. Think progressive. Think radical. This'll be the snarky, punk-rock version of The Best Business Stories of the Year. And it'd be great to see what you come up with.
I'm editing an anthology for Capstone-Wiley in the UK tentatively entitled Off Message: Voices from the Business Underground. It'll be a collection of 30-40 essays, articles, excerpts, and comics gleaned from books, magazines, newsletters, Web sites, speech transcripts, email forwards, found text, zines, and minicomics. The idea is to compile business-, technology-, and work-related material that goes against conventional wisdom -- and occasionally against the grain.
I'm currently wrapping up the collection of the pieces I'm suggesting we include -- and I'd welcome your input. If you have any items to recommend for inclusion in the book, email me. Think critical. Think funny. Think productive. Think progressive. Think radical. This'll be the snarky, punk-rock version of The Best Business Stories of the Year. And it'd be great to see what you come up with.
Rock Shows of Note XXV
Yay! Another fun Anchormen show. Lots of friends in attendance. Lots of cute girls in the crowd -- including the cutest girl. And scads of good bands. It was ostensibly Singles Night at TT the Bear's because the Fightin Dogs and Choo Choo la Rouge were celebrating the release of their split CD single -- by giving it away!
We played first, after some confusion with the sound guy. He came up to us at five to 9 saying we had three minutes to get on stage. The lineup posted by the door said we went on at 9:10. There weren't many people in the bar yet, so we dawdled a little. Then he came back to tell us that we were cutting into our set time. We asked about the schedule by the door and he said it was wrong. So we got on stage. In about 25 minutes, we played 11 songs, including a request for "Lysander Spooner." The girls in front seemed to smile when I tried to get people to sing along, and there was guy over on the side who was dancing around while we played. That was cool. Thank you, Dancing Man! People responded well to the new songs, and folks seemed to appreciate our usual lack of organization and caustic stage banter. Even though we haven't practiced since our last show, we were pretty tight. I didn't forget any words, and my voice didn't crack until the very last song. Anchormen, aweigh!
Next up, the Fightin Dogs. I like Dan and Dave a lot, and I like the Fightin Dogs, even though I've never heard them on record and have only caught them live a couple of times -- they're more friends of friends than a band I know well. Dave tells me that their songwriting is inspired by the Fall and REM, but I didn't really catch that. Also, I learned that the songs that Dan sings, he wrote, and the songs that Dave sings, Dave wrote. I'm not sure what this means, but I really only remember Dave singing. I'll have to pay more attention next time. Dan wore a goofy cowboy hat and dangling earrings, so maybe I was trying to ignore him. Their set was pretty solid. I need to see them again because I picture them as more of an overall sound band than a band with discrete songs that I recognize and can hum along to later. Looking forward to listening to the single so I can start recalling some of their songs!
Choo Choo la Rouge I've seen before, and Choo Choo la Rouge I'll see again. This was basically their standard set -- they don't seem to do too much new or different show to show -- and lacking an identifiable stage presence or schtick, you're pretty much left with the songs. Which are good! But I look forward to some new material -- hopefully the single is the start of that.
Last up, Tracy Husky. I missed their set when they played with us at O'Brien's the night of the explosion, so I was super psyched to see them last night. I guess they (He? The lead singer/guitarist?) performed as a solo act that night, because a friend commented that they were much better as a band. They were OK. Not much struck me, and I don't remember any of the songs I heard. My one remark -- without intending to be chauvinistic -- would be that the woman in the band is absolutely beautiful. And the fact that she only sung one song during the portion of the set I saw is criminal. I don't understand bands that involve women as eye candy -- even if that wasn't the band's intention, she was wearing a slinky red dress, so there you go -- but don't draw on the wonderful sound of men and women singing together. I'm a sucker for male/female harmony parts. I think I heard her launch into a song as I went back into the setup room to snag my backpack before heading home -- and it was a good thing. She should sing more.
A good show. Thanks to everyone who came, and special thanks to Choo Choo la Rouge and the Fightin Dogs for inviting us to join the fun.
***
Oh! The show was also Webcast last night on RadioBoston. Media Dietician Jacob Wolfsheimer might have even listened to it. Perhaps he'll weigh in with his own report. (Hint, hint.) If you tune in at 9 p.m. ET tonight, you'll be able to catch 71 Sunbeam's CD release party. I'll be in the crowd and will try to find the camera so I can wave.
Yay! Another fun Anchormen show. Lots of friends in attendance. Lots of cute girls in the crowd -- including the cutest girl. And scads of good bands. It was ostensibly Singles Night at TT the Bear's because the Fightin Dogs and Choo Choo la Rouge were celebrating the release of their split CD single -- by giving it away!
We played first, after some confusion with the sound guy. He came up to us at five to 9 saying we had three minutes to get on stage. The lineup posted by the door said we went on at 9:10. There weren't many people in the bar yet, so we dawdled a little. Then he came back to tell us that we were cutting into our set time. We asked about the schedule by the door and he said it was wrong. So we got on stage. In about 25 minutes, we played 11 songs, including a request for "Lysander Spooner." The girls in front seemed to smile when I tried to get people to sing along, and there was guy over on the side who was dancing around while we played. That was cool. Thank you, Dancing Man! People responded well to the new songs, and folks seemed to appreciate our usual lack of organization and caustic stage banter. Even though we haven't practiced since our last show, we were pretty tight. I didn't forget any words, and my voice didn't crack until the very last song. Anchormen, aweigh!
Next up, the Fightin Dogs. I like Dan and Dave a lot, and I like the Fightin Dogs, even though I've never heard them on record and have only caught them live a couple of times -- they're more friends of friends than a band I know well. Dave tells me that their songwriting is inspired by the Fall and REM, but I didn't really catch that. Also, I learned that the songs that Dan sings, he wrote, and the songs that Dave sings, Dave wrote. I'm not sure what this means, but I really only remember Dave singing. I'll have to pay more attention next time. Dan wore a goofy cowboy hat and dangling earrings, so maybe I was trying to ignore him. Their set was pretty solid. I need to see them again because I picture them as more of an overall sound band than a band with discrete songs that I recognize and can hum along to later. Looking forward to listening to the single so I can start recalling some of their songs!
Choo Choo la Rouge I've seen before, and Choo Choo la Rouge I'll see again. This was basically their standard set -- they don't seem to do too much new or different show to show -- and lacking an identifiable stage presence or schtick, you're pretty much left with the songs. Which are good! But I look forward to some new material -- hopefully the single is the start of that.
Last up, Tracy Husky. I missed their set when they played with us at O'Brien's the night of the explosion, so I was super psyched to see them last night. I guess they (He? The lead singer/guitarist?) performed as a solo act that night, because a friend commented that they were much better as a band. They were OK. Not much struck me, and I don't remember any of the songs I heard. My one remark -- without intending to be chauvinistic -- would be that the woman in the band is absolutely beautiful. And the fact that she only sung one song during the portion of the set I saw is criminal. I don't understand bands that involve women as eye candy -- even if that wasn't the band's intention, she was wearing a slinky red dress, so there you go -- but don't draw on the wonderful sound of men and women singing together. I'm a sucker for male/female harmony parts. I think I heard her launch into a song as I went back into the setup room to snag my backpack before heading home -- and it was a good thing. She should sing more.
A good show. Thanks to everyone who came, and special thanks to Choo Choo la Rouge and the Fightin Dogs for inviting us to join the fun.
Oh! The show was also Webcast last night on RadioBoston. Media Dietician Jacob Wolfsheimer might have even listened to it. Perhaps he'll weigh in with his own report. (Hint, hint.) If you tune in at 9 p.m. ET tonight, you'll be able to catch 71 Sunbeam's CD release party. I'll be in the crowd and will try to find the camera so I can wave.
Magazine Me XII
Randall Lane, former editor-in-chief of once Boston-based and now-defunct men's mag POV, is launching a new magazine this fall. Entitled Justice, the book is reportedly going to cover the intersection between celebrity and the criminal and civil justice system. Think George for the Court TV crowd. People meets True Detective. A quick Google search indicates that there are already several magazines titled Justice, including a horribly designed trade magazine for juvenile justice professionals and a quarterly journal for members of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, but Media Life reports that Lane's Justice will target its audience at supermarket checkout counters. Congrats, Randall! Nice to see a new title with you at the head.
Randall Lane, former editor-in-chief of once Boston-based and now-defunct men's mag POV, is launching a new magazine this fall. Entitled Justice, the book is reportedly going to cover the intersection between celebrity and the criminal and civil justice system. Think George for the Court TV crowd. People meets True Detective. A quick Google search indicates that there are already several magazines titled Justice, including a horribly designed trade magazine for juvenile justice professionals and a quarterly journal for members of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, but Media Life reports that Lane's Justice will target its audience at supermarket checkout counters. Congrats, Randall! Nice to see a new title with you at the head.
Thursday, June 20, 2002
Disgruntled Media Workers II
Following the murder-suicides at the Providence Journal -- and as part of the Providence Newspaper Guild protest that members have been working without contracts since 1999 -- staffers are staging a byline strike. The newspaper itself has given the strike little ink, but Sheila Lennon, the paper's features and interactive producer, is documenting the action in her Journal-served blog Subterranean Homepage News. In her frequent doses of "bottom-up journalism from the pros," Sheila touches on work-related issues at the Journal, Web coverage of journalism, and the blog phenom. It's good to see the Journal supporting a staffer's blog work, but it'd also be good if members of the Guild got a contract.
Thanks to BoingBoing.
Following the murder-suicides at the Providence Journal -- and as part of the Providence Newspaper Guild protest that members have been working without contracts since 1999 -- staffers are staging a byline strike. The newspaper itself has given the strike little ink, but Sheila Lennon, the paper's features and interactive producer, is documenting the action in her Journal-served blog Subterranean Homepage News. In her frequent doses of "bottom-up journalism from the pros," Sheila touches on work-related issues at the Journal, Web coverage of journalism, and the blog phenom. It's good to see the Journal supporting a staffer's blog work, but it'd also be good if members of the Guild got a contract.
Thanks to BoingBoing.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXII
Inspired by Joe, proprietor of my new box hostel, who watched no fewer than six (6) movies this past weekend, I took in a double feature last night.
American Pie
Not quite sure what all the hype surrounding this movie was all about because I didn't find it very funny or shocking. There were some bright spots -- Eugene Levy and Eddie Kaye Thomas, whose roles I particularly enjoyed -- but otherwise I thought the plot was passe, most of the acting substandard, and the movie undeserving of all the praise it garnered, much less a sequel. That said, I was surprised by how much the scene in which Chris Klein's character left his lacrosse game early in order to compete in a jazz choir contest with Mena Suvari's character touched me. One line even made me tear up. Weird! Oh, Alyson Hannigan's portrayal of a band geek was also fun, especially with her trademark line, "One time? At band camp?" But on the whole, feh.
Kramer vs. Kramer
OK, so I was 6 when this was released, and it predates Dustin Hoffman's role in Tootsie by three years, but I remember the Mad magazine parody of this film quite fondly, as well. As one of the first motion pictures to seriously address divorce and the effects it can have on a couple, their friends, and their children, it's a slightly mixed message movie. Message one: If you're a hustle-bustle ad exec in New York, chances are your partner's unhappy and you're on the way to a divorce. Message two: If you abandon your son unnanounced, move to California, and seek therapy before returning a year and a half later to claim custody, you're still totally fit as a mother. Message three: You can't raise your son single-handedly without losing your job. Some of those messages might actually be valid, but I felt like this movie -- while good -- could have had more of a point. Dustin Hoffman's character doesn't really redeem himself as a reinvented parent. And Meryl Streep's character's ambiguous decision at the end not to take the custody she won in court leaves viewers hanging. That decision might have had more repercussions on everyone involved -- at least legally -- than what had happened so far. But maybe that's why the movie just stopped: the legal denouement would've been boring -- and perhaps the ambiguity was the overarching theme. Maybe it's for the best that Justin Henry's character stayed with his father in the end. Trivial bit: Henry was the youngest person ever nominated for an Oscar (supporting actor) -- he was 8 when the movie was released.
Inspired by Joe, proprietor of my new box hostel, who watched no fewer than six (6) movies this past weekend, I took in a double feature last night.
American Pie
Not quite sure what all the hype surrounding this movie was all about because I didn't find it very funny or shocking. There were some bright spots -- Eugene Levy and Eddie Kaye Thomas, whose roles I particularly enjoyed -- but otherwise I thought the plot was passe, most of the acting substandard, and the movie undeserving of all the praise it garnered, much less a sequel. That said, I was surprised by how much the scene in which Chris Klein's character left his lacrosse game early in order to compete in a jazz choir contest with Mena Suvari's character touched me. One line even made me tear up. Weird! Oh, Alyson Hannigan's portrayal of a band geek was also fun, especially with her trademark line, "One time? At band camp?" But on the whole, feh.
Kramer vs. Kramer
OK, so I was 6 when this was released, and it predates Dustin Hoffman's role in Tootsie by three years, but I remember the Mad magazine parody of this film quite fondly, as well. As one of the first motion pictures to seriously address divorce and the effects it can have on a couple, their friends, and their children, it's a slightly mixed message movie. Message one: If you're a hustle-bustle ad exec in New York, chances are your partner's unhappy and you're on the way to a divorce. Message two: If you abandon your son unnanounced, move to California, and seek therapy before returning a year and a half later to claim custody, you're still totally fit as a mother. Message three: You can't raise your son single-handedly without losing your job. Some of those messages might actually be valid, but I felt like this movie -- while good -- could have had more of a point. Dustin Hoffman's character doesn't really redeem himself as a reinvented parent. And Meryl Streep's character's ambiguous decision at the end not to take the custody she won in court leaves viewers hanging. That decision might have had more repercussions on everyone involved -- at least legally -- than what had happened so far. But maybe that's why the movie just stopped: the legal denouement would've been boring -- and perhaps the ambiguity was the overarching theme. Maybe it's for the best that Justin Henry's character stayed with his father in the end. Trivial bit: Henry was the youngest person ever nominated for an Oscar (supporting actor) -- he was 8 when the movie was released.
The Science of Superheroes
I think I'll take that headline. The BBC offers an interesting guide to the science behind comic-book characters' superpowers. Why can Spider-Man climb walls? How does Wonder Woman's lariat make people tell the truth? What's up with Magneto's levitating all the time? The BBC has the inside line.
Thanks to Metafilter.
I think I'll take that headline. The BBC offers an interesting guide to the science behind comic-book characters' superpowers. Why can Spider-Man climb walls? How does Wonder Woman's lariat make people tell the truth? What's up with Magneto's levitating all the time? The BBC has the inside line.
Thanks to Metafilter.
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Party to Record Releases IV
Psych! We're talking about books now. Pandemonium Books & Games, a cozy little science-fiction book store on Harvard Square, offers a New Releases email newsletter, too. It's a small shop that's run by Tyler, brother of my friend Tory, and the newsletter is long on content. Twice a month, Tyler emails folks information about new anthologies, gaming fiction, miniatures, games, hard covers, magazines, media tie-ins, and paperbacks. The emails are basically just lists of new products, but there's a lot of stuff here. Often, the newsletter will trigger a visit to the store -- especially because the New Releases section of the Web site is so out of date. This'll only be useful for folks in the Boston area because Pandemonium doesn't offer online ordering, but everyone might find this funny: Stuff We Don't Carry. Might. I said might.
P.S. On the site, it's not totally clear how to sign up for the newsletter. Email Tyler if you'd like in on the list.
Psych! We're talking about books now. Pandemonium Books & Games, a cozy little science-fiction book store on Harvard Square, offers a New Releases email newsletter, too. It's a small shop that's run by Tyler, brother of my friend Tory, and the newsletter is long on content. Twice a month, Tyler emails folks information about new anthologies, gaming fiction, miniatures, games, hard covers, magazines, media tie-ins, and paperbacks. The emails are basically just lists of new products, but there's a lot of stuff here. Often, the newsletter will trigger a visit to the store -- especially because the New Releases section of the Web site is so out of date. This'll only be useful for folks in the Boston area because Pandemonium doesn't offer online ordering, but everyone might find this funny: Stuff We Don't Carry. Might. I said might.
P.S. On the site, it's not totally clear how to sign up for the newsletter. Email Tyler if you'd like in on the list.
Mixed Drinks and Mingling V
The snapshots Alex took at the May 29 MediaBistro event are now available. Here's a dreamy picture of yours truly:
Heath can't believe he caught the egg!
The lady beside me is none other than Carmen Noble of eWeek. Rumor is that she reads Media Diet.
The snapshots Alex took at the May 29 MediaBistro event are now available. Here's a dreamy picture of yours truly:
Heath can't believe he caught the egg!
The lady beside me is none other than Carmen Noble of eWeek. Rumor is that she reads Media Diet.
The Best of the Web III
The Webby Awards Event was held last night in San Francisco, and this year's winners were announced. In the Community category, for which I was a nominating judge, Idealist.org took both Webby Award and the People's Voice Award. I'm rather surprised that the folks involved in the Warren Ellis Forum didn't better rally to the cause.
The Webby Awards Event was held last night in San Francisco, and this year's winners were announced. In the Community category, for which I was a nominating judge, Idealist.org took both Webby Award and the People's Voice Award. I'm rather surprised that the folks involved in the Warren Ellis Forum didn't better rally to the cause.
'Tis the Season to Be... AWOL VII
I'm not going anywhere right away, but I am planning a trip home to Wisconsin in early July. When my travel agent asked me what central Wisconsin airport I wanted, I thought, "The one called Central Wisconsin Airport," but I had to check. Lo and behold, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers a list of every single airport in the state -- regardless of their size and service.
Poking around a little more, I found these directories of every single airport in the United States and the world.
In college, my friend used to go to O'Hare to study for midterms and finals. Other people enjoy planespotting, an odd little hobby. They do things like making lists of airports.
I'm not going anywhere right away, but I am planning a trip home to Wisconsin in early July. When my travel agent asked me what central Wisconsin airport I wanted, I thought, "The one called Central Wisconsin Airport," but I had to check. Lo and behold, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers a list of every single airport in the state -- regardless of their size and service.
Poking around a little more, I found these directories of every single airport in the United States and the world.
In college, my friend used to go to O'Hare to study for midterms and finals. Other people enjoy planespotting, an odd little hobby. They do things like making lists of airports.
Hardcore Logo II
I would like a logo for Media Diet. I would like someone who frequents the blog to design or draw it. You will receive credit and a link. Submissions are welcome.
I would like a logo for Media Diet. I would like someone who frequents the blog to design or draw it. You will receive credit and a link. Submissions are welcome.
Sites on the Side of the Road V
I know the CoF Roadshow isn't that original an idea -- and that Fast Company isn't the first magazine to go on a road trip -- but now Fortune is in on the game. "Roadtripping in search of the technological future," a Fortune staffer visited eitght college campuses and met with 127 "kids" over the course of 33 days to report on 13 cool companies. There are some impressive organizations in the final roundup -- congrats, Blogger! -- and it's good to know we can still call university students "kids."
I know the CoF Roadshow isn't that original an idea -- and that Fast Company isn't the first magazine to go on a road trip -- but now Fortune is in on the game. "Roadtripping in search of the technological future," a Fortune staffer visited eitght college campuses and met with 127 "kids" over the course of 33 days to report on 13 cool companies. There are some impressive organizations in the final roundup -- congrats, Blogger! -- and it's good to know we can still call university students "kids."
These Links Were Made for Breaking? III
In a surprising display of tight-fistedness, NPR prohibits anyone anywhere from linking to any part of NPR's Web site -- without their express written consent. This makes no sense. Like the Dallas Morning News, NPR is in the information business -- and it seems to be in their best interest that people go to their site. And it seems that links on other Web sites could, um, do drive some of their traffic.
I can understand their concerns with permanent links on a home page that incorporates the logo or other IP -- much less framing -- but linking to any NPR page in any way whatsoever? Sheer silliness to limit this activity. This is like Time magazine prohibiting people from putting the magazine on newsstands.
As before, my solution? Boycott. If I can't link directly to a Web site I'm interested in sharing with people, I'm not going to link at all. I encourage you to do the same. While I did include NPR's link permission request form, I did not fill it out, and I will not share NPR links in the future. They haven't earned our attention. Like Orb says, "What part of public don't they understand in the name National Public Radio?"
Cory Doctorow's involved in an active discussion of the legal implications of this over at BoingBoing.
In a surprising display of tight-fistedness, NPR prohibits anyone anywhere from linking to any part of NPR's Web site -- without their express written consent. This makes no sense. Like the Dallas Morning News, NPR is in the information business -- and it seems to be in their best interest that people go to their site. And it seems that links on other Web sites could, um, do drive some of their traffic.
I can understand their concerns with permanent links on a home page that incorporates the logo or other IP -- much less framing -- but linking to any NPR page in any way whatsoever? Sheer silliness to limit this activity. This is like Time magazine prohibiting people from putting the magazine on newsstands.
As before, my solution? Boycott. If I can't link directly to a Web site I'm interested in sharing with people, I'm not going to link at all. I encourage you to do the same. While I did include NPR's link permission request form, I did not fill it out, and I will not share NPR links in the future. They haven't earned our attention. Like Orb says, "What part of public don't they understand in the name National Public Radio?"
Cory Doctorow's involved in an active discussion of the legal implications of this over at BoingBoing.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
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.
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.
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.
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