Rock Shows of Note XLI
Playing catch up today! Coco and I took in several fun shows this past weekend, and I'd remiss not to comment on them before I leave for the CoF Roadshow.
Friday night, we returned to the Middle East Upstairs for a Kimchee Records CD release party celebrating new recordings by Seana Carmody and Victory at Sea. The two local bands were joined by two other quality acts, Suntan and El Guapo.
Suntan had an interesting lineup: drums, two guitars, and a keyboard that took on the bass parts. While I wasn't thrilled silly by their songs, I enjoyed their updated version of country/space-rock (their description, not mine), particularly the gut-wrenching undercurrent of keyboard-driven bass. It took me awhile to peg where the low end was coming from. Next up, El Guapo was much more my bag. A trio, El Guapo takes on two of the major sounds emanating from the DC scene these days -- post-hardcore art rock and relatively loose free jazz. I've yet to listen to their new Dischord record, but in the liner notes, they thank Trans Am -- so it's evident where they're coming from. Accordion, a spazzy drummer, electronics... plenty to wig out to. Hooray for El Guapo. Kimchee did well.
Seana Carmody's set was also impressive. With a new lineup -- I only recognized the drummer from the last time I saw her play, and I thought he was moving to LA -- Seana was joined by one of the tallest men in the Boston scene on bass (I've seen him at so many shows; it's good to know we're friends of friends) and Winston Yu, who has played fiddle with the Boston Philharmonic, Dormouse, and Solar Saturday. Their set was mostly composed of songs from the new record, "Struts & Shocks," and Seana played some of my favorites. Her voice is extremely dreamy, and the band's laid-back approach added to the wash and wave of sound. And sometimes, Seana surprises with a burst of noise guitar and space rock. A nice blend that reminds me slightly of folks like Mary Timony. Seana even sang a song about unicorns at her show at TT's not long ago.
Lastly, at the end of the night, Victory at Sea. I'm not the biggest fan of Victory at Sea, but I've been enjoying their new CD -- and their show Friday was one of the first I really paid attention to and appreciated. Comprising former members of Spore and the Swirlies (of which Seana is also an alumnae), Victory veers toward the melancholy. The songs, while couched in trudging rock, are sad, dark, and heavy. No surprise that they've co-released a CD with Helms. Listening to the CD now, I think Victory is better suited to listening at home than seeing live -- Mona Elliott's vocals are quite effective -- but I'll give them another chance to see just how wrong I am.
Media Dieticians can look forward to reviews of these two new CD's in the future, but if you're champing at the bit, you can order them online from the friendly folks at the Garment District in Cambridge.
You can also read Coco's review of the show.
On to Show No. 2: Diver Down at the Good Times Emporium. You might guess from their name that Diver Down is, yep, a Van Halen cover band. First-wave David Lee Roth Van Halen, to be exact. Check that, I mean tribute band. Cover bands merely play other people's songs. Tribute bands dress up like the band members, try to act like the band members, and otherwise pretend that they are, in fact, in the actual band to which they're paying tribute. Good Times is a skeezy Assembly Square entertainment complex in Somerville that combines video games, in-door basketball, sports bars, billiards, and other diversions all under one roof. The show -- which was sparsely attended -- took place in the "night club," and we (Jef, Jen, Chris, Em, TD, Coco, and I) were doubtful that the $10 cover was worth it.
Oh, it was. Three-fourths of Diver Down made a sad showing in the dressing-like-your-inspiration department, with the bassist being too tall, missing the mad hair, and merely wearing a jumpsuit in his attempt to reflect Mike Anthony. The other three tried harder. The drummer had a tangle of black hair, wore oversized sunglasses, and wore Alex Van Halen's trademark prison-stripe body suit. The guitarist, while on the pudgy side, made a respectable Eddie Van Halen, also sporting a mess of hair and wearing a red and white slash-mark overall getup. And the singer? He did his best. Floor-length zebra-stripe longcoat, a teased frizz of hair, more bandannas and scarves than I could count, and an acrobatic stage show that did its best to replicate the scissor kicks and sex-kitten posturing that David Lee Roth specialized in.
The music was straight-forward enough. They stuck to the earlier catalog, mixing up their set list with some tried-and-true favorites as well as some lesser-known songs from the first few records. And even though the schtick ran long and eventually loathsome, there were some bright spots. They closed with an encore of "Happy Trails," which was fun and funny -- and my shouted request when their request for such met little response from the accumulated townies. And... get this... Gary Cherone former front man for Boston hair-metal one hit wonder Extreme -- and then, for a stint, Van Halen proper -- was not just in the audience, he took the stage to perform a song with Diver Down.
This was perhaps the highest and lowest point of the evening. Why high? This was a historic, ironic juxtaposition. An actual former member of Van Halen -- albeit third-wave Van Halen, and even then for a short amount of time, all things considered -- joined a sad and slightly seedy Van Halen tribute band on stage. How historic is that? But it was also a low note because it emphasized just how sad it can be to be in a tribute band. If you're in a tribute band, it's doubtful that anyone actually likes you. They like the band you're trying to embody. And even though Jef speculated that people might actually have preferences for specific tribute bands -- a la Diver Down is so much better than the Top Jimmies or whatever -- it's got to be a hard row to hoe to play in a tribute band. Besides, as neat as it was to see Cherone take the stage with Diver Down, he was such a sport to do so. I'm not sure why he was even there, but after his time with Extreme and Van Halen, I hope he has more to do than make token appearances with cover and tribute bands on the bad-bar and state-fair circuits. He seemed slightly sheepish but made a good showing. Kudos to him for his rolling with the punches.
You can also read Coco's review of the show.
Sunday's "show" was hardly such. Coco and I went to Toad to see if the Gordon Beadle performing was the Gordon Beadle she went to high school with, but after a drink and a fair amount of time, Beadle hadn't shown up yet, and the backing band -- including Andy from Schwang and the Pee Wee Fist -- began playing without him. So we left. But there you go: Gordon Beadle, no show.
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXXVIII
The Lord of the Rings
After my recent viewing of the disappointing Heavy Metal animated movie, I didn't have high hopes for Ralph Bakshi's 1978 adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's historic fantasy novel. And even though the movie has its flaws, it was actually quite impressive, and I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to watch the whole thing. Depending heavily on rotoscope animation, the cartoon, while largely lifelike and fluid, is rather jerky at times, and that can be distracting. Bakshi also experimented with some almost-animation, similar in some ways to the techniques Richard Linklater used in Waking Life. In these sequences, Bakshi filmed live actors and then heavily colored the film so they felt animated but really were not. While interesting, Bakshi overused this technique, and there are several sequences -- particularly those featuring the black riders and the orcs -- that run long and frustrating given their lack of art. Must've been some fun weekends running around on the Bakshi estate! The cartoon is also notable because of some solid parallels not just to the books, but to the more recent live-action movie. Several scenes, including the tree-trunk vista of the elven village and the guardian statues on either side of the river pass, were seemingly recreated visually -- from the cartoon -- in the newer movie. Curious how much they used Bakshi as source and inspiration. Worth watching if you're a fan of the Tokien mythos -- or if you need a fix before the second live-action installment is released.
The Lord of the Rings
After my recent viewing of the disappointing Heavy Metal animated movie, I didn't have high hopes for Ralph Bakshi's 1978 adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's historic fantasy novel. And even though the movie has its flaws, it was actually quite impressive, and I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to watch the whole thing. Depending heavily on rotoscope animation, the cartoon, while largely lifelike and fluid, is rather jerky at times, and that can be distracting. Bakshi also experimented with some almost-animation, similar in some ways to the techniques Richard Linklater used in Waking Life. In these sequences, Bakshi filmed live actors and then heavily colored the film so they felt animated but really were not. While interesting, Bakshi overused this technique, and there are several sequences -- particularly those featuring the black riders and the orcs -- that run long and frustrating given their lack of art. Must've been some fun weekends running around on the Bakshi estate! The cartoon is also notable because of some solid parallels not just to the books, but to the more recent live-action movie. Several scenes, including the tree-trunk vista of the elven village and the guardian statues on either side of the river pass, were seemingly recreated visually -- from the cartoon -- in the newer movie. Curious how much they used Bakshi as source and inspiration. Worth watching if you're a fan of the Tokien mythos -- or if you need a fix before the second live-action installment is released.
The Restaurant I Ate at Last Night XII
Last night before going home after work, I stopped by the Good Life on Central Square to avail myself of their $1 burger special. This week -- all week -- the Good Life is offering its "classic" cheeseburgers for $1. You get your choice of cheddar, swiss, or American cheese (perhaps even blue cheese), and the burger comes with a side of fries. I ordered mine medium with swiss, and while a little pink -- every restaurant does burger differently, and I've gotten tired of overcooked medium wells -- it was a tasty, tasty meal. Even the fries are good. Not bad for a dollar. Even with a bottle of Sierra Nevada, my dinner came to about $5.50, and I tipped high because of the deal and because my waiter was new. "Break him in," the hostess said.
The restaurant was near empty, so I had a booth to myself on the main floor. There were perhaps two other tables taken, one with a fellow also taking advantage of the $1 burger, and one with a couple. The bar side had more patrons. Don't take the Good Life's emptiness as a sign of bad food or atmosphere. The food is good. The decor dark and cozy -- perfect for reading John Brunner -- and the wait staff is friendly.
$1 burgers. All this week at the Good Life on Central Square. Hop to it.
Last night before going home after work, I stopped by the Good Life on Central Square to avail myself of their $1 burger special. This week -- all week -- the Good Life is offering its "classic" cheeseburgers for $1. You get your choice of cheddar, swiss, or American cheese (perhaps even blue cheese), and the burger comes with a side of fries. I ordered mine medium with swiss, and while a little pink -- every restaurant does burger differently, and I've gotten tired of overcooked medium wells -- it was a tasty, tasty meal. Even the fries are good. Not bad for a dollar. Even with a bottle of Sierra Nevada, my dinner came to about $5.50, and I tipped high because of the deal and because my waiter was new. "Break him in," the hostess said.
The restaurant was near empty, so I had a booth to myself on the main floor. There were perhaps two other tables taken, one with a fellow also taking advantage of the $1 burger, and one with a couple. The bar side had more patrons. Don't take the Good Life's emptiness as a sign of bad food or atmosphere. The food is good. The decor dark and cozy -- perfect for reading John Brunner -- and the wait staff is friendly.
$1 burgers. All this week at the Good Life on Central Square. Hop to it.
Monday, September 16, 2002
Comics and Controversy II
I was at the Small Press Expo in Bethesda, Maryland. My Sketchbook Diaries book had been nominated for two Ignatz awards, which gets voted on by all the folks who attend the Expo. Before the awards ceremony, I went out to dinner with a big crowd of cartoonists. It was a special night, so I got a stir-fry of green beans and frog legs. Fellow caroonist Tom Hart was sitting across from me (he was also nominated for an Ignatz award for his online Hutch Owen comic strip.). I asked him if I could have a bite of his Pad Thai. He said sure, if I promised to give him my Ignatz award when I won. I wasn't really thinking, so I said OK!
Later of course, wouldn't you know it, they announced my name as a winner for "Outstanding Series" for Sketchbook Diaries. I really wanted to give a good speech, something meaningful, but this is what I came out with: "I want to thank my cat Spandy, and my wife Amy, and all my friends for allowing me to draw them in the diary. But I'm feeling pretty stupid right now, because earlier at dinner, I traded my Ignatz to Tom Hart for a bite of his Pad Thai."
Then Tom came running up all the way from the back of the room, grabbed my Ignatz (which happens to be a brick... yeah, it's the coolest award), and, holding it over his head, ran back to his seat while the crowd laughed. It was funny; he was hamming it up, but the instant the brick left my hands I was struck by a terrible pain from my chest down to my stomach, like a muscle spasm. And as time clicked by, the pain wasn't subsiding. It was getting worse! Finally I went to Tom and offered to arm wrestle him to get the Ignatz back. You know, like, "double or nothing." Tom graciously just put it back in my arms and said I could owe him the bite of Pad Thai.
Within a few minutes, my terrible pain went away. And I lived happily ever after. -- James Kochalka
I was at the Small Press Expo in Bethesda, Maryland. My Sketchbook Diaries book had been nominated for two Ignatz awards, which gets voted on by all the folks who attend the Expo. Before the awards ceremony, I went out to dinner with a big crowd of cartoonists. It was a special night, so I got a stir-fry of green beans and frog legs. Fellow caroonist Tom Hart was sitting across from me (he was also nominated for an Ignatz award for his online Hutch Owen comic strip.). I asked him if I could have a bite of his Pad Thai. He said sure, if I promised to give him my Ignatz award when I won. I wasn't really thinking, so I said OK!
Later of course, wouldn't you know it, they announced my name as a winner for "Outstanding Series" for Sketchbook Diaries. I really wanted to give a good speech, something meaningful, but this is what I came out with: "I want to thank my cat Spandy, and my wife Amy, and all my friends for allowing me to draw them in the diary. But I'm feeling pretty stupid right now, because earlier at dinner, I traded my Ignatz to Tom Hart for a bite of his Pad Thai."
Then Tom came running up all the way from the back of the room, grabbed my Ignatz (which happens to be a brick... yeah, it's the coolest award), and, holding it over his head, ran back to his seat while the crowd laughed. It was funny; he was hamming it up, but the instant the brick left my hands I was struck by a terrible pain from my chest down to my stomach, like a muscle spasm. And as time clicked by, the pain wasn't subsiding. It was getting worse! Finally I went to Tom and offered to arm wrestle him to get the Ignatz back. You know, like, "double or nothing." Tom graciously just put it back in my arms and said I could owe him the bite of Pad Thai.
Within a few minutes, my terrible pain went away. And I lived happily ever after. -- James Kochalka
Sunday, September 15, 2002
Corollary: Blogging About Blogging XXXII
Has anyone done a good study of the different approaches to producing LiveJournals and blogs -- as well as similar sites and Web journals (Moveable Type, Diaryland, etc.)? I'm thinking content, context, frequency, process, and so forth.
Let me know.
Has anyone done a good study of the different approaches to producing LiveJournals and blogs -- as well as similar sites and Web journals (Moveable Type, Diaryland, etc.)? I'm thinking content, context, frequency, process, and so forth.
Let me know.
Friday, September 13, 2002
Blogging About Blogging XXXII
I've been encountering a lot of people who are into LiveJournal lately. I'm curious how blogging and LJ'ing compare -- both in terms of practice, form, and content. So I've started a LiveJournal of my own: Heath Row's Journal. Ouch, it's painful. I think I like Media Diet -- and Blogger (thanks, Ev) better. But we'll see.
Why do you blog? Why do you LiveJournal? Why do you do that thing that you do to me? I have no idea.
I've been encountering a lot of people who are into LiveJournal lately. I'm curious how blogging and LJ'ing compare -- both in terms of practice, form, and content. So I've started a LiveJournal of my own: Heath Row's Journal. Ouch, it's painful. I think I like Media Diet -- and Blogger (thanks, Ev) better. But we'll see.
Why do you blog? Why do you LiveJournal? Why do you do that thing that you do to me? I have no idea.
North End Moment XXVII
Penciled on a memo about window-cleaning posted in the elevator of the Scotch & Sirloin building:
Marathon Messengers
Suck
Related resources:
Messenger Memorial: David Reuter
The Perils of Pedaling
Bicycle Backlash in Boston and Unionization
Penciled on a memo about window-cleaning posted in the elevator of the Scotch & Sirloin building:
Marathon Messengers
Suck
Related resources:
Discontinuing Education
Last weekend, Koshka and I were signed up to take a class through the Cambridge Center for Adult Education. No longer listed in the center's online catalog, the class was an early-morning historical walk along the edge of Boston Harbor. It was postponed because the instructor was injured in an accident of some sort, and then it was canceled. I hope the instructor's health improves, but we were pretty bummed. While Koshka takes a lot of classes at the center, this was the first continuing education class I've ever signed up for. I was really interested in learning about some of the old pirate coves, former musket ball factories, and other pieces of lost history along the harbor's edge. I'm going to contact the center to see if I can learn what source materials the instructor used to create the class's itinerary. It'd probably make for fascinating reading.
Last weekend, Koshka and I were signed up to take a class through the Cambridge Center for Adult Education. No longer listed in the center's online catalog, the class was an early-morning historical walk along the edge of Boston Harbor. It was postponed because the instructor was injured in an accident of some sort, and then it was canceled. I hope the instructor's health improves, but we were pretty bummed. While Koshka takes a lot of classes at the center, this was the first continuing education class I've ever signed up for. I was really interested in learning about some of the old pirate coves, former musket ball factories, and other pieces of lost history along the harbor's edge. I'm going to contact the center to see if I can learn what source materials the instructor used to create the class's itinerary. It'd probably make for fascinating reading.
Rock Shows of Note XL
Congratulations to show reviews being the first standing category to break the 40-mile mark! I had to enlist Steven Gibbs' Roman numeral conversion page again. A useful tool.
Tuesday night, Coco and I went to the Middle East Upstairs to see the In Out and the Pee Wee Fist. I didn't really pay attention to the In Out during the Anchormen's recent show with them and Tunnel of Love, distracted by drink, conversation with friends, and getting in the "zone" for the Anchormen's set, so I wanted to catch them again. And Coco's friends with Pete and Anna of the Fist -- and used to date another member of the band. So she wanted to see them play -- and she had some Korean tuna-fish cans that she wanted to give Anna. Anna sculpts birds out of metal cans.
But, like at the last In Out show, we were early. Way early. I have no idea why the Middle East only booked two bands for this show, but while we arrived at 9, a fine time for a show to start, the In Out wasn't scheduled to hit the stage until after 10. So we hung out at the bar, chatting with Jef and Steph, and catching up a little with some of the guys from the In Out.
Their set was amazing. They've been together since 1995, but their sound is straight out of the '80s. Equal part the Fall and Gang of Four, with some vocal elements of the Talking Heads and perhaps even the B-52's, the In Out played an excellent set of energetic, edgily dramatic, tangle pop songs. The vocalist's delivery was exceptional -- wonderful deadpan delivery -- and the dual guitar-bass work was fun to figure out. I couldn't always tell who was making what noises, and the guitarist used a neat strumming technique that kept tricking me into looking at the bassist. And vice versa. The drummer, then, was one of the most focused and intense percussionists I've seen in awhile. He leaned into his kit as though he were near-sighted, staring down the cymbals as he maintained a counterpoint rhythm on the bass and toms. Fun, fun, fun. I'll have to track down some of their recordings, and I'll definitely have to see them again.
Then came the Pee Wee Fist, or the Fist, as I'm going to call them. The Fist are slightly more straight-ahead, combining a theremin, keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums to craft a thoughtful, if at times overly serious, rock sound that occasionally reminded me of the Elephant Six or British folk music. The Fist is an atmospheric rock band, with layers of sound. I enjoyed Pete and Anna's interplay on stage. And I was glad that the theremin wasn't overly assertive. John opted for a pleasant accompaniment approach to his theremin playing, offering swelling chords and harmonies to offset the melodies instead of the usual science-fiction freak-show fidgeting that many theremin players seem to specialize in. The accordionist was absent, and Andy, the usual drummer (also a mainstay in Schwang) wasn't joining the Fist on tour, so another drummer sat -- or stood, rather -- in for the night.
This drummer, who wore some sort of hat the whole show, was responsible for some of the most interesting parts of the set. Evoking memories of Poi Dog Pondering's dance-oriented work, the Fist's use of a drum machine set a solid foundation for some fun stop-and-start groove-oriented tunes, still with the angular orchestral rock sound in full effect. Interesting combination of the traditional rock lineup and electronic gear.
You can also read Koshka's review of the show.
Congratulations to show reviews being the first standing category to break the 40-mile mark! I had to enlist Steven Gibbs' Roman numeral conversion page again. A useful tool.
Tuesday night, Coco and I went to the Middle East Upstairs to see the In Out and the Pee Wee Fist. I didn't really pay attention to the In Out during the Anchormen's recent show with them and Tunnel of Love, distracted by drink, conversation with friends, and getting in the "zone" for the Anchormen's set, so I wanted to catch them again. And Coco's friends with Pete and Anna of the Fist -- and used to date another member of the band. So she wanted to see them play -- and she had some Korean tuna-fish cans that she wanted to give Anna. Anna sculpts birds out of metal cans.
But, like at the last In Out show, we were early. Way early. I have no idea why the Middle East only booked two bands for this show, but while we arrived at 9, a fine time for a show to start, the In Out wasn't scheduled to hit the stage until after 10. So we hung out at the bar, chatting with Jef and Steph, and catching up a little with some of the guys from the In Out.
Their set was amazing. They've been together since 1995, but their sound is straight out of the '80s. Equal part the Fall and Gang of Four, with some vocal elements of the Talking Heads and perhaps even the B-52's, the In Out played an excellent set of energetic, edgily dramatic, tangle pop songs. The vocalist's delivery was exceptional -- wonderful deadpan delivery -- and the dual guitar-bass work was fun to figure out. I couldn't always tell who was making what noises, and the guitarist used a neat strumming technique that kept tricking me into looking at the bassist. And vice versa. The drummer, then, was one of the most focused and intense percussionists I've seen in awhile. He leaned into his kit as though he were near-sighted, staring down the cymbals as he maintained a counterpoint rhythm on the bass and toms. Fun, fun, fun. I'll have to track down some of their recordings, and I'll definitely have to see them again.
Then came the Pee Wee Fist, or the Fist, as I'm going to call them. The Fist are slightly more straight-ahead, combining a theremin, keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums to craft a thoughtful, if at times overly serious, rock sound that occasionally reminded me of the Elephant Six or British folk music. The Fist is an atmospheric rock band, with layers of sound. I enjoyed Pete and Anna's interplay on stage. And I was glad that the theremin wasn't overly assertive. John opted for a pleasant accompaniment approach to his theremin playing, offering swelling chords and harmonies to offset the melodies instead of the usual science-fiction freak-show fidgeting that many theremin players seem to specialize in. The accordionist was absent, and Andy, the usual drummer (also a mainstay in Schwang) wasn't joining the Fist on tour, so another drummer sat -- or stood, rather -- in for the night.
This drummer, who wore some sort of hat the whole show, was responsible for some of the most interesting parts of the set. Evoking memories of Poi Dog Pondering's dance-oriented work, the Fist's use of a drum machine set a solid foundation for some fun stop-and-start groove-oriented tunes, still with the angular orchestral rock sound in full effect. Interesting combination of the traditional rock lineup and electronic gear.
You can also read Koshka's review of the show.
From the In Box: Rock Shows of Note XXXVII
Wow, we are media stars!
While searching online for information on the Mayflies USA, we came upon your Aug. 27 item that not only mentions Three Aces Pizza (and the bizarre barbershop next door), but also appears to refer to us! Given the sparse crowd when the Mayflies began their set at T.T. the Bear's, we feel pretty sure that we are the "couple dancing up near the stage." We love the Mayflies and their music and love dancing to live music, but often there's no room to do that. Our "Western Massachusetts" home is only in Newton, Massachusetts, and though we would have loved to have seen the Mayflies every time they came to town, it was actually only the first time we made it to one of their shows (we always seemed to find out about the appearances too late, and once you pass 40 years and have a child, it gets a little hard to suddenly run off to a club on a Wednesday night).
Your review of the Mayflies USA seemed fair enough. We would encourage you to check out any of their three albums. They avoid the usual cliches of "power pop" music (believe me we've got a shelf of it), with instrumental, melodic, or lyrical touches that make the songs stand out. It probably helps that they have three songwriters. The latest CD, "Walking in a Straight Line" is as good a place to start as any and includes the organ-based song you liked.
(Bruce adds: By the way, I decided to see who Heath Row and Lisa from Scrapple were. For what it's worth, I was pleasantly surprised by Scrapple and the Anchormen. I'm not sure what to make of this intelligent, funk-based music of Scrapple. Is there anything out there like this? The best references from my experience were Was (Not Was) and the George Clinton clan and maybe Pigbag (but I can't really remember what that was like). Don't misread me, I found it pretty good and definitely intriguing. As for the Anchormen, with the "Punk Rock is Awesome" CD title, I feared the usual buzzsaw guitars and shouted "angry" lyrics. However, I then noticed the local touch on the titles of several of the songs and when I listened to a half dozen of the songs was pleased to find some clever lyrics (good song about Houdini, for one) and diversity in musical settings. Damn good stuff.)
In any case, see you at the next Mayflies show! Or let us know when the Anchormen and Scrapple are playing and maybe you will have the pleasure of a "Western Massachusetts" couple dancing to the tunes of you and your friends. Keep up the good work. -- Bruce Kelly and Mimi Minkoff
Wow, we are media stars!
While searching online for information on the Mayflies USA, we came upon your Aug. 27 item that not only mentions Three Aces Pizza (and the bizarre barbershop next door), but also appears to refer to us! Given the sparse crowd when the Mayflies began their set at T.T. the Bear's, we feel pretty sure that we are the "couple dancing up near the stage." We love the Mayflies and their music and love dancing to live music, but often there's no room to do that. Our "Western Massachusetts" home is only in Newton, Massachusetts, and though we would have loved to have seen the Mayflies every time they came to town, it was actually only the first time we made it to one of their shows (we always seemed to find out about the appearances too late, and once you pass 40 years and have a child, it gets a little hard to suddenly run off to a club on a Wednesday night).
Your review of the Mayflies USA seemed fair enough. We would encourage you to check out any of their three albums. They avoid the usual cliches of "power pop" music (believe me we've got a shelf of it), with instrumental, melodic, or lyrical touches that make the songs stand out. It probably helps that they have three songwriters. The latest CD, "Walking in a Straight Line" is as good a place to start as any and includes the organ-based song you liked.
(Bruce adds: By the way, I decided to see who Heath Row and Lisa from Scrapple were. For what it's worth, I was pleasantly surprised by Scrapple and the Anchormen. I'm not sure what to make of this intelligent, funk-based music of Scrapple. Is there anything out there like this? The best references from my experience were Was (Not Was) and the George Clinton clan and maybe Pigbag (but I can't really remember what that was like). Don't misread me, I found it pretty good and definitely intriguing. As for the Anchormen, with the "Punk Rock is Awesome" CD title, I feared the usual buzzsaw guitars and shouted "angry" lyrics. However, I then noticed the local touch on the titles of several of the songs and when I listened to a half dozen of the songs was pleased to find some clever lyrics (good song about Houdini, for one) and diversity in musical settings. Damn good stuff.)
In any case, see you at the next Mayflies show! Or let us know when the Anchormen and Scrapple are playing and maybe you will have the pleasure of a "Western Massachusetts" couple dancing to the tunes of you and your friends. Keep up the good work. -- Bruce Kelly and Mimi Minkoff
Thursday, September 12, 2002
Overextended... and Out
I leave for the CoF Roadshow in exactly seven days, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by a lot of things. There's still much to do before I leave, my personal life is a bit complex, and I need to pare back a little. So Media Diet might be quiet for the next few days. I'll be sure to check in before I leave for Virginia, though. Sorry for the radio silence.
I leave for the CoF Roadshow in exactly seven days, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by a lot of things. There's still much to do before I leave, my personal life is a bit complex, and I need to pare back a little. So Media Diet might be quiet for the next few days. I'll be sure to check in before I leave for Virginia, though. Sorry for the radio silence.
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
Rules for Fools XII
Rule No. 15: When setting an alarm clock, pay strict attention to whether the time is set for a.m. or p.m.
Rule No. 15: When setting an alarm clock, pay strict attention to whether the time is set for a.m. or p.m.
Corollary: Music to My Ears XII
Winterlong
By Warren Ellis
Funny how I've come to associate music with the dark. The music that affects me most, anyway. It's half-three in the morning, it's dark and cold -- and I mean cold, cold for the first time in months, like someone flicked a switch and winter's here. And suddenly everything coming out of Winamp is taking me back 10, 15, pushing 20 years. Suddenly everything's turned back into the soundtrack to a dozen love affairs and the moments that your mind makes widescreen. Eight bars of something and you can see that girl dancing, you can see that girl waiting for you in the square at 8 with the pigeons launching away from her, you can see that girl walking towards you, and you can see the first time that girl smiled at you and meant it. And... I dunno. This is a cold country. Night comes quickly.
There's a club I'd go to where they played old-fashioned R&B music, a basement club, and we'd crawl up the stairs in need of a cigarette and some air, and when you opened the door this great column of steam would burst out and rush up into the night, visible from streets away... me and Sheelagh Baxter, sitting on the pavement and just watching it jump up at the stars.
Winter music. Comes out of the dark and just pokes at your heart a bit.
Reprinted with permission.
Winterlong
By Warren Ellis
Funny how I've come to associate music with the dark. The music that affects me most, anyway. It's half-three in the morning, it's dark and cold -- and I mean cold, cold for the first time in months, like someone flicked a switch and winter's here. And suddenly everything coming out of Winamp is taking me back 10, 15, pushing 20 years. Suddenly everything's turned back into the soundtrack to a dozen love affairs and the moments that your mind makes widescreen. Eight bars of something and you can see that girl dancing, you can see that girl waiting for you in the square at 8 with the pigeons launching away from her, you can see that girl walking towards you, and you can see the first time that girl smiled at you and meant it. And... I dunno. This is a cold country. Night comes quickly.
There's a club I'd go to where they played old-fashioned R&B music, a basement club, and we'd crawl up the stairs in need of a cigarette and some air, and when you opened the door this great column of steam would burst out and rush up into the night, visible from streets away... me and Sheelagh Baxter, sitting on the pavement and just watching it jump up at the stars.
Winter music. Comes out of the dark and just pokes at your heart a bit.
Reprinted with permission.
Our Trauma Will Be Televised II
One year ago today, I was late to work. I'd overslept. The T was crowded and slow. And when I finally arrived at the Steak & Sirloin building to take the elevator to Fast Company's offices, I overheard a conversation that made me wish I'd read the newspaper on the way -- or turned on the TV before I left home. I had no idea what was happening, but it didn't sound good.
Once at FCHQ, I found all of my co-workers and friends crowded around the 'Rang, our communal lunch and meeting table, glued to CNN, watching the events of the day unfold. We watched the second plane hit, live and in real time. Once it hit me what was happening, I rushed to my office to call my parents, sister, grandmother, and girlfriend at the time. Then I emailed the Company of Friends groups in New York City and Washington, DC, to see how folks were affected, how they were faring -- and how I could help.
But I neglected Media Diet. I made a dismissive post about how there were better sources for 911 news and commentary than this blog. And I wrote about some of the projects CoF members were taking on to help other members, to serve their communities, and to stay sane and able in the face of the unexpected, inexplicable, and incomprehensible.
My girlfriend didn't want me to stay at work. I didn't feel safe leaving until it was relatively clear that downtown Boston wasn't a target -- and that the evacuation traffic leaving the business district had let up some. There's nothing worse than being stuck underground in a train car when you're not sure if it's safe up above. That night, we gathered at my girlfriend's house for pizza, TV, and conversation. And several days later I was finally able to reschedule my flight to Vancouver for last year's CoF Roadshow. It was hard to be 3,000 miles away from home, sleeping in the homes of strangers, immediately after the disasters, but it was also somewhat comforting. Life goes on. We are not alone. We're all in this together.
Fast forward to today. I'm no longer dating the woman I was last fall. I leave for the 2002 CoF Roadshow in eight measly days -- almost a year to the day. And this morning, I came into work at about the same time I did 365 days ago. This time, I was witness to a moment of silence on the T perched on the Boston edge of the Charles River, anonymous passengers around me sitting still as the conductor recognized the tragedy of 911. (Guiltily, I smirked a little because it sounded like he said "7-11" instead of "September 11." Oh, the atrocities of convenience stores.)
And arriving in the office right now, it's a ghost town. No people milling around. Nothing on the TV. No sound. I just took a walk around the space. Turns out I'm not alone. Our receptionist is here. One of the designers just walked by. And later today, the entire team will observe a moment of silence with other Gruner & Jahr and Bertlesmann employees around the world. But today feels empty. And while I felt a rush of connection and companionship a year ago today, I feel a little alone this morning.
Perhaps I'm a little overwhelmed. New relationship. Upcoming road trip. New assistant at work. Lots of loose ends to tie up before I leave eight days from now. The coming end of summer. But perhaps it's a malaise exacerbated on by 911 overdose. I haven't been able to bring myself to read any of the 911 coverage in the newspaper. While I bought some of the early lefty books sharing perspectives on the events, I've yet to read them. The thought of going to war against Iraq curdles my stomach. And I'm going to avoid the 911 TV events this evening like the plague. I don't need it. I don't want it. And I'm not sure it's how we as a nation -- as a world -- need to process and proceed from what happened 365 days ago.
But we do need to make sure it doesn't happen again -- anywhere. Recognize this day in your own way. But please recognize it.
One year ago today, I was late to work. I'd overslept. The T was crowded and slow. And when I finally arrived at the Steak & Sirloin building to take the elevator to Fast Company's offices, I overheard a conversation that made me wish I'd read the newspaper on the way -- or turned on the TV before I left home. I had no idea what was happening, but it didn't sound good.
Once at FCHQ, I found all of my co-workers and friends crowded around the 'Rang, our communal lunch and meeting table, glued to CNN, watching the events of the day unfold. We watched the second plane hit, live and in real time. Once it hit me what was happening, I rushed to my office to call my parents, sister, grandmother, and girlfriend at the time. Then I emailed the Company of Friends groups in New York City and Washington, DC, to see how folks were affected, how they were faring -- and how I could help.
But I neglected Media Diet. I made a dismissive post about how there were better sources for 911 news and commentary than this blog. And I wrote about some of the projects CoF members were taking on to help other members, to serve their communities, and to stay sane and able in the face of the unexpected, inexplicable, and incomprehensible.
My girlfriend didn't want me to stay at work. I didn't feel safe leaving until it was relatively clear that downtown Boston wasn't a target -- and that the evacuation traffic leaving the business district had let up some. There's nothing worse than being stuck underground in a train car when you're not sure if it's safe up above. That night, we gathered at my girlfriend's house for pizza, TV, and conversation. And several days later I was finally able to reschedule my flight to Vancouver for last year's CoF Roadshow. It was hard to be 3,000 miles away from home, sleeping in the homes of strangers, immediately after the disasters, but it was also somewhat comforting. Life goes on. We are not alone. We're all in this together.
Fast forward to today. I'm no longer dating the woman I was last fall. I leave for the 2002 CoF Roadshow in eight measly days -- almost a year to the day. And this morning, I came into work at about the same time I did 365 days ago. This time, I was witness to a moment of silence on the T perched on the Boston edge of the Charles River, anonymous passengers around me sitting still as the conductor recognized the tragedy of 911. (Guiltily, I smirked a little because it sounded like he said "7-11" instead of "September 11." Oh, the atrocities of convenience stores.)
And arriving in the office right now, it's a ghost town. No people milling around. Nothing on the TV. No sound. I just took a walk around the space. Turns out I'm not alone. Our receptionist is here. One of the designers just walked by. And later today, the entire team will observe a moment of silence with other Gruner & Jahr and Bertlesmann employees around the world. But today feels empty. And while I felt a rush of connection and companionship a year ago today, I feel a little alone this morning.
Perhaps I'm a little overwhelmed. New relationship. Upcoming road trip. New assistant at work. Lots of loose ends to tie up before I leave eight days from now. The coming end of summer. But perhaps it's a malaise exacerbated on by 911 overdose. I haven't been able to bring myself to read any of the 911 coverage in the newspaper. While I bought some of the early lefty books sharing perspectives on the events, I've yet to read them. The thought of going to war against Iraq curdles my stomach. And I'm going to avoid the 911 TV events this evening like the plague. I don't need it. I don't want it. And I'm not sure it's how we as a nation -- as a world -- need to process and proceed from what happened 365 days ago.
But we do need to make sure it doesn't happen again -- anywhere. Recognize this day in your own way. But please recognize it.
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
Corollary: Magazine Me XVII
Just when you thought it was safe to read magazines again, acronym-riddled executive-oriented business periodicals continue to pop up all over like mushrooms by your bathtub. To accompany the recent launch of CSO, comes CLO, which is aimed at Chief Learning Officers at major U.S. corporations.
I'll see your ho and raise you hum. Blardy blar.
Just when you thought it was safe to read magazines again, acronym-riddled executive-oriented business periodicals continue to pop up all over like mushrooms by your bathtub. To accompany the recent launch of CSO, comes CLO, which is aimed at Chief Learning Officers at major U.S. corporations.
I'll see your ho and raise you hum. Blardy blar.
Music to My Eyes III
If you like kittens and you like the White Stripes, you'll love Punk Kittens. Watch out for the stage diver!
Thanks to Metafilter.
If you like kittens and you like the White Stripes, you'll love Punk Kittens. Watch out for the stage diver!
Thanks to Metafilter.
Business Media Reportage Goes Bust, Now Boom?
Inc. magazine, Fast Company's sister publication, has snagged former Worth editor John Koten as outgoing editor George Gendron's successor.
Thanks to I Want Media. Full disclosure: I work for Fast Company.
Inc. magazine, Fast Company's sister publication, has snagged former Worth editor John Koten as outgoing editor George Gendron's successor.
Thanks to I Want Media. Full disclosure: I work for Fast Company.
North End Moment XXVI
Taped to the door of a former, somewhat shady furniture store in the Steak & Sirloin block -- now long vacant -- a little flier for City Maid, a flat-rate, uniformed cleaning service.
Seems that they think it's easier to keep unutilized, vacant, utterly empty offices clean than target venues with actual tenants!
Taped to the door of a former, somewhat shady furniture store in the Steak & Sirloin block -- now long vacant -- a little flier for City Maid, a flat-rate, uniformed cleaning service.
We [heart] to clean
Seems that they think it's easier to keep unutilized, vacant, utterly empty offices clean than target venues with actual tenants!
Blogging About Blogging XXXI
Evan Williams and the Blogger posse have relocated their collaborative space from Ev's apartment in Noe Valley to some downtown digs. Now housed in Adaptive Path's old space, the new location appeals to the Pyra gang for several reasons -- some of which involve drinking.
Here's to you, Ev. Cheers!
Evan Williams and the Blogger posse have relocated their collaborative space from Ev's apartment in Noe Valley to some downtown digs. Now housed in Adaptive Path's old space, the new location appeals to the Pyra gang for several reasons -- some of which involve drinking.
Here's to you, Ev. Cheers!
Magazine Me XVIII
Every year, the graduate magazine publishing project at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism produces a prototype magazine. Graduate students create the premiere issue of a test magazine -- some of which end up launching as proper newsstand mags, a la Book. And some are destined to remain relegated to the dustbin of class project history.
A class of almost 20 master's students developed the prototype issue of Renew: City-Inspired Home Improvement, which is aimed at people actively interested in refurbishing their living spaces. Opening with an overly open-ended table of contents, the issue comprises pieces addressing how your pet smells, designing a home office, alternatives to wood flooring and wallpaper, rooftop gardening, and redoing a kitchen.
The editor's letter didn't really catch my attention, and the magazine is chock-a-block with one-page features, which lends a negatively short-lived energy to the book. While I appreciate the grad students' balance of personal considerations and design how-to, as well as the features "Kitchens at Every Price" and "Life As a House," I'm not sure there's a market for another magazine like this. Combining elements of ReadyMade, Wallpaper, and Metropolis, not to mention the sundry other shelter rags, Renew is positioned to enter an already-crowded niche. There's a reason Gruner & Jahr shuttered HomeStyle earlier this year. Renew just doesn't carry enough swagger or passion to outshine other magazines already on the shelves.
Still, the magazine publishing project is one of the most-impressive aspects of NU's journalism program, and I'm always jazzed to see what those crazy college kids came up with this time. Kudos to all involved.
Every year, the graduate magazine publishing project at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism produces a prototype magazine. Graduate students create the premiere issue of a test magazine -- some of which end up launching as proper newsstand mags, a la Book. And some are destined to remain relegated to the dustbin of class project history.
A class of almost 20 master's students developed the prototype issue of Renew: City-Inspired Home Improvement, which is aimed at people actively interested in refurbishing their living spaces. Opening with an overly open-ended table of contents, the issue comprises pieces addressing how your pet smells, designing a home office, alternatives to wood flooring and wallpaper, rooftop gardening, and redoing a kitchen.
The editor's letter didn't really catch my attention, and the magazine is chock-a-block with one-page features, which lends a negatively short-lived energy to the book. While I appreciate the grad students' balance of personal considerations and design how-to, as well as the features "Kitchens at Every Price" and "Life As a House," I'm not sure there's a market for another magazine like this. Combining elements of ReadyMade, Wallpaper, and Metropolis, not to mention the sundry other shelter rags, Renew is positioned to enter an already-crowded niche. There's a reason Gruner & Jahr shuttered HomeStyle earlier this year. Renew just doesn't carry enough swagger or passion to outshine other magazines already on the shelves.
Still, the magazine publishing project is one of the most-impressive aspects of NU's journalism program, and I'm always jazzed to see what those crazy college kids came up with this time. Kudos to all involved.
Music to My Ears XII
Media Dietician Noah Lamson tells me that he's head-over-heels in love with the band Flipp. "Cheap Trick meets Sex Pistols meets Kiss," he says. Even though I'm thrown by their Tree-like logo and lame Insane Clown Posse-esque band photo on the Web (much less their nicknames), the music is pretty fun. I think much of Noah's comparison is valid, although the opening to "Freak," scheduled to be on their forthcoming album, "Volume," initially reminded me of Van Halen and -- this is stretching it -- Jane's Addiction. The "half-assed" morning show theme for 93X is an interesting bit of ephemera, but "I Was a Planet" clinches things for me. In the end, Flipp is overly produced power pop destined for radio. I get little sense of edge or risk from their music, and the straight-forward guitar rock feel doesn't quite pique my interest. Still, y'all are always welcome to clue me in on new music. Thanks, Noah!
Media Dietician Noah Lamson tells me that he's head-over-heels in love with the band Flipp. "Cheap Trick meets Sex Pistols meets Kiss," he says. Even though I'm thrown by their Tree-like logo and lame Insane Clown Posse-esque band photo on the Web (much less their nicknames), the music is pretty fun. I think much of Noah's comparison is valid, although the opening to "Freak," scheduled to be on their forthcoming album, "Volume," initially reminded me of Van Halen and -- this is stretching it -- Jane's Addiction. The "half-assed" morning show theme for 93X is an interesting bit of ephemera, but "I Was a Planet" clinches things for me. In the end, Flipp is overly produced power pop destined for radio. I get little sense of edge or risk from their music, and the straight-forward guitar rock feel doesn't quite pique my interest. Still, y'all are always welcome to clue me in on new music. Thanks, Noah!
Magazine Me XVII
CXO Media Inc., the IDG division that publishes CIO magazine, just launched a magazine targeting chief security officers called, you guessed it, CSO. Timed to synchronize with the anniversary of 911, the September 2002 premiere issue outlines the purpose of the publication, and features touch on the Freedom of Information Act, biometrics, disaster recovery, and related topics. Mary Lester's design is clean and straight-forward but avoids being overly stodgy or heavy-handed. And CSO succeeds in what the other CXO periodicals have done well for years -- putting a face and personality behind an acronym-ridden executive mindset. Equal parts personality profiles and useful case studies that offer tactics, tips, and tricks other business leaders will find useful, CSO balances the usual technology management gibberish with an extremely confident human flair. It'll be interesting to see where this new title goes.
Full disclosure: I used to work for CIO.
CXO Media Inc., the IDG division that publishes CIO magazine, just launched a magazine targeting chief security officers called, you guessed it, CSO. Timed to synchronize with the anniversary of 911, the September 2002 premiere issue outlines the purpose of the publication, and features touch on the Freedom of Information Act, biometrics, disaster recovery, and related topics. Mary Lester's design is clean and straight-forward but avoids being overly stodgy or heavy-handed. And CSO succeeds in what the other CXO periodicals have done well for years -- putting a face and personality behind an acronym-ridden executive mindset. Equal parts personality profiles and useful case studies that offer tactics, tips, and tricks other business leaders will find useful, CSO balances the usual technology management gibberish with an extremely confident human flair. It'll be interesting to see where this new title goes.
Full disclosure: I used to work for CIO.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXXVII
After heading home from work early yesterday because I wasn't feeling well, I headed over to Coco's to play with the cats and soak up her air conditioning. Yesterday was scorchio, as they say on The Fast Show. We ate a light dinner of salad and cereal, and then we watched...
Prelude to a Kiss
Released in 1992, this movie is a romantic fantasy with some plot elements you won't expect. Alec Baldwin and the cute-as-a-button Meg Ryan star opposite each other as a young couple that falls in love almost at first sight. Ned Beatty and Patty Duke impress as Meg's love-bird parents, and the cast as a whole is relatively strong despite Baldwin's occasional ham-fistedness. He comes across as a lunk sometimes, and his hair and glasses have absolutely got to go. At the couple's wedding, a seemingly senile old man who wandered away from home takes advantage of the reception's chicken wings -- and the opportunity to kiss the bride. That's where the fantastic elements come in. The old man and Meg's character switch personas, and it takes Baldwin awhile to catch on to the psychic exchange. He eventually tracks down the old man (now Meg) and deals with Meg's (now the old man) new personality and duplicitousness. Turns out the old man has cirrhosis and other health ailments -- he's not about to give up his new, young, healthy body. Nevertheless, Baldwin finagles a meeting after Meg (old man) retreats to the safe distance of her folks' house following their separation, and the exchange is made again. While I appreciated the movie's look at what we really fall in love with when we fall in love (the shell of the body? the insides?), I didn't find the old man's portrayal of Meg's character convincing, and the whole honeymoon with an old man in the body of a young woman is kind of gitchy. Regardless, a fine film, albeit a tad slow for the second half.
For the record: I will watch any movie with Meg Ryan in it.
After heading home from work early yesterday because I wasn't feeling well, I headed over to Coco's to play with the cats and soak up her air conditioning. Yesterday was scorchio, as they say on The Fast Show. We ate a light dinner of salad and cereal, and then we watched...
Prelude to a Kiss
Released in 1992, this movie is a romantic fantasy with some plot elements you won't expect. Alec Baldwin and the cute-as-a-button Meg Ryan star opposite each other as a young couple that falls in love almost at first sight. Ned Beatty and Patty Duke impress as Meg's love-bird parents, and the cast as a whole is relatively strong despite Baldwin's occasional ham-fistedness. He comes across as a lunk sometimes, and his hair and glasses have absolutely got to go. At the couple's wedding, a seemingly senile old man who wandered away from home takes advantage of the reception's chicken wings -- and the opportunity to kiss the bride. That's where the fantastic elements come in. The old man and Meg's character switch personas, and it takes Baldwin awhile to catch on to the psychic exchange. He eventually tracks down the old man (now Meg) and deals with Meg's (now the old man) new personality and duplicitousness. Turns out the old man has cirrhosis and other health ailments -- he's not about to give up his new, young, healthy body. Nevertheless, Baldwin finagles a meeting after Meg (old man) retreats to the safe distance of her folks' house following their separation, and the exchange is made again. While I appreciated the movie's look at what we really fall in love with when we fall in love (the shell of the body? the insides?), I didn't find the old man's portrayal of Meg's character convincing, and the whole honeymoon with an old man in the body of a young woman is kind of gitchy. Regardless, a fine film, albeit a tad slow for the second half.
For the record: I will watch any movie with Meg Ryan in it.
From the In Box: Books Worth a Look VIII
You are just like my wife: Book gobbler! I envy both of you. -- Noah Lamson
Noah and I worked together in the late '80s and early '90s when we were involved in the Sinnissippi Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Janesville, Wisconsin. Members of the Order of the Arrow, we also served on the staff of Camp Indian Trails together. I think he lives in Minneapolis now. Always good to hear from him.
You are just like my wife: Book gobbler! I envy both of you. -- Noah Lamson
Noah and I worked together in the late '80s and early '90s when we were involved in the Sinnissippi Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Janesville, Wisconsin. Members of the Order of the Arrow, we also served on the staff of Camp Indian Trails together. I think he lives in Minneapolis now. Always good to hear from him.
Monday, September 09, 2002
Books Worth a Look VIII
These are the books I read in August 2002.
The Annotated Supernatural Horror in Literature by H.P. Lovecraft (Hippocampus, 2000)
Editing and annotating Lovecraft's original text, S.T. Joshi does a good job contextualizing the supernatural study from the late '20s and '30s. Lovecraft discusses the evolution of supernatural horror fiction, outlining its definition and elements, and describing and commenting on the work of writers such as Ambrose Bierce, Algernon Blackwood, Lord Dunsany, Arthur Machen, and others. If you're at all intrigued by the foundations of Lovecraft's writing, he lays it all out here.
Days to read: 3. Rating: Excellent.
Boston's Depots and Terminals: A History of Downtown Boston's Railroad Stations by Richard Barrett (Railroad Research Publications, 1996)
Written by a former Somervillain, this book details the history of the more than 12 train stations that predated and eventually merged to form today's North and South stations. Heavily documented with period maps, photographs, time tables, and assorted railroadiana, Barrett's book is a fascinating glimpse at the changing face of Boston, the city's commercial and cultural past, and the pre-Amtrak railroad days. More local places I need to visit to see what's changed!
Days to read: 15. Rating: Excellent.
Don't Sleep with Your Drummer by Jen Sincero (MTV/Pocket, 2002)
Evoking Pagan Kennedy's The Exes, this first novel by a former record company copywriter is an extremely straight-forward look at life in a rock 'n' roll band. The narrator quits her job, forms a band, and proceeds to embark on a series of romantic misadventures. The segments on new-member tryouts and interactions with the teenage band member's mother -- as well as the heroine's flamboyantly gay confidant -- are particularly good. The band goes on tour, gets a record deal, gets screwed, and -- in the end -- looms larger as an independent pop phenomenon.
Days to read: 7. Rating: Good.
The Executioner #287: Rogue Warrior by Mike Newton as Don Pendleton (Gold Eagle, 2002)
Don Pendleton's long-running adventure series is always a welcome palette cleanser and mindless read. A former Special Forces comrade of Mack Bolan's emerges as a cultish religious leader and guerrilla chief in Southeast Asia. Bolan falls in with a French journalist as he challenges the militaristic prophet, who seeks to unleash an Ebola epidemic on the world. This volume is no better or worse than others in the series.
Days to read: 7. Rating: Fair.
Goodbye Tsugumi by Banana Yoshimoto (Grove, 2002)
It took 13 years for this novel to reach the United States in Michael Emmerich's translation, and while it's a welcome read -- Yoshimoto is one of very few writers I eagerly await -- it's a challenge to place in the context of her other work given its age. That said, the novel was worth waiting for. Yoshimoto continues her sentimental relationship narratives, weaving in several dark elements and a bittersweet edge. Love, loss, hope, and revenge all play a role in the story. Hope we don't have to wait 13 years for the next book!
Days to read: 2. Rating: Excellent.
The Great Swamp of Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge: An Historic Perspective of Its Development 1630-2001 by Sheila Cook (Alewife Watershed Trust, 2002)
Equal parts economic, environmental, and urban planning history and analysis of Fresh Pond and the former swamp land in northwest Cambridge goes far to explain the development of the area as well as the environmental impact of that development. Cook describes many lost landmarks of Cambridge but doesn't quite nail down her environmental critique.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The Harvey Girls: The Women Who Civilized the West by Juddi Morris (Walker & Co., 1994)
Fred Harvey's restaurants and cafe cars along America's railways during the population expansion west in the late 1800's are fascinating examples of entrepreneurialism. And the Harvey Girls -- the women who moved west to work in the occasionally remote frontier restaurants -- are even more interesting. Harvey trained his staff well and despite his occasionally harsh restrictions (rules in the girls' dorms, etc.) managed his restaurants with heart. The book isn't very well written, but this is a good introduction to a little-known aspect of history.
Days to read: 7. Rating: Fair.
Haymarket by Wendy Snyder (MIT Press, 1970)
Haymarket, an open-air produce market adjacent to the meat markets near Clinton and Blackstone streets, has been operating in one form or another for 50 years. The 60 photographs and transcriptions of tape-recorded stories in this book represent several years of Snyder's work. The book captures the hustle and bustle of the market's atmosphere, vendors, customers, commercial culture, and place in the context of Boston as a city. Extremely well edited, the transcribed first-person accounts occasionally read like poetry, and Snyder's photos beautifully capture the face of the place called Haymarket.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
Images of America: Somerville by Anthony Mitchell Sammarco (Arcadia, 1997)
Dover, New Hampshire-based Arcadia Publishing is doing the world a great service with its series of Images of America history books. This 128-page volume about Somerville, Massachusetts, covers the city's splintering from Charlestown, churches, schools, libraries, transportation, and role as Boston's quintessential streetcar suburb. It also includes material on the Ursuline Convent, which was destroyed by an anti-Catholic riot in 1834, and the McLean Asylum, which relocated to Belmont in 1895. Makes me want to walk around town to see everything that has changed.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
Marmalade Boy Vol. 1 by Wataru Yoshizumi (Tokyopop, 2002)
Among the better manga translated into English in recent days, Marmalade Boy shares the unconventional story of two families who swap spouses and the effect the exchange has on Miki and Yuu, their teenage children. Miki doesn't approve of the new arrangement at all but quickly crushes out on Yuu. Over the course of the edition, Miki becomes more comfortable with her new family and wavers between the affections of Yuu and Ginta, an old friend. The art is cleanly cute, and the story is sensitive yet light-hearted.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The New Sins by David Byrne (McSweeney's, 2001)
In English and Spanish with different images in each flip side, this is a quick read. Byrne expands on 11 new sins. The sins include previously lauded and admired characteristics such as charity, thrift, hope, contentment, and cleanliness. In exploring the new sins using language usually reserved for evangelical religious tracts, Byrne sheds light on the down side of the qualities while also poking fun at people who often build their images and careers on such characteristics -- celebrities, politicians, lawyers, and talk-show pundits. The beautifully designed book is a clever curiosity but doesn't seem to have lasting value.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Fair.
Pinky & Stinky by James Kochalka (Top Shelf, 2002)
James took 11 months to write and draw this graphic novel, and I'm actually rather surprised it took so long. It's a simple story: Two piglets get stranded on the moon on their way to Pluto. There, they commandeer a walking robot, discover an underground city,, save a princess -- and leave the moon as heroes. It's a quick and silly throwaway story, but there are several interesting snippets, such as Kochalka's determined missile and character design for the moon men.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
Solo Flights Through Shared Worlds by Mike Resnick (Dark Regions, 1995)
Resnick wrote these 16 short stories to participate in shared-world projects led by Jerry Pournelle, Isaac Asimov, Bob Silverberg, Phil Farmer, and Piers Anthony. His explanation of how shared worlds work is useful, and his admitted attempts to get away with as much as possible within what can be extremely limiting frameworks are evident. While the Dracula, Frankenstein, Elvis, and other popcult tales aren't as interesting as those from the Fleet and Riverworld series, the collection is an excellent example of shared-world science fiction.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
These are the books I read in August 2002.
The Annotated Supernatural Horror in Literature by H.P. Lovecraft (Hippocampus, 2000)
Editing and annotating Lovecraft's original text, S.T. Joshi does a good job contextualizing the supernatural study from the late '20s and '30s. Lovecraft discusses the evolution of supernatural horror fiction, outlining its definition and elements, and describing and commenting on the work of writers such as Ambrose Bierce, Algernon Blackwood, Lord Dunsany, Arthur Machen, and others. If you're at all intrigued by the foundations of Lovecraft's writing, he lays it all out here.
Days to read: 3. Rating: Excellent.
Boston's Depots and Terminals: A History of Downtown Boston's Railroad Stations by Richard Barrett (Railroad Research Publications, 1996)
Written by a former Somervillain, this book details the history of the more than 12 train stations that predated and eventually merged to form today's North and South stations. Heavily documented with period maps, photographs, time tables, and assorted railroadiana, Barrett's book is a fascinating glimpse at the changing face of Boston, the city's commercial and cultural past, and the pre-Amtrak railroad days. More local places I need to visit to see what's changed!
Days to read: 15. Rating: Excellent.
Don't Sleep with Your Drummer by Jen Sincero (MTV/Pocket, 2002)
Evoking Pagan Kennedy's The Exes, this first novel by a former record company copywriter is an extremely straight-forward look at life in a rock 'n' roll band. The narrator quits her job, forms a band, and proceeds to embark on a series of romantic misadventures. The segments on new-member tryouts and interactions with the teenage band member's mother -- as well as the heroine's flamboyantly gay confidant -- are particularly good. The band goes on tour, gets a record deal, gets screwed, and -- in the end -- looms larger as an independent pop phenomenon.
Days to read: 7. Rating: Good.
The Executioner #287: Rogue Warrior by Mike Newton as Don Pendleton (Gold Eagle, 2002)
Don Pendleton's long-running adventure series is always a welcome palette cleanser and mindless read. A former Special Forces comrade of Mack Bolan's emerges as a cultish religious leader and guerrilla chief in Southeast Asia. Bolan falls in with a French journalist as he challenges the militaristic prophet, who seeks to unleash an Ebola epidemic on the world. This volume is no better or worse than others in the series.
Days to read: 7. Rating: Fair.
Goodbye Tsugumi by Banana Yoshimoto (Grove, 2002)
It took 13 years for this novel to reach the United States in Michael Emmerich's translation, and while it's a welcome read -- Yoshimoto is one of very few writers I eagerly await -- it's a challenge to place in the context of her other work given its age. That said, the novel was worth waiting for. Yoshimoto continues her sentimental relationship narratives, weaving in several dark elements and a bittersweet edge. Love, loss, hope, and revenge all play a role in the story. Hope we don't have to wait 13 years for the next book!
Days to read: 2. Rating: Excellent.
The Great Swamp of Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge: An Historic Perspective of Its Development 1630-2001 by Sheila Cook (Alewife Watershed Trust, 2002)
Equal parts economic, environmental, and urban planning history and analysis of Fresh Pond and the former swamp land in northwest Cambridge goes far to explain the development of the area as well as the environmental impact of that development. Cook describes many lost landmarks of Cambridge but doesn't quite nail down her environmental critique.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The Harvey Girls: The Women Who Civilized the West by Juddi Morris (Walker & Co., 1994)
Fred Harvey's restaurants and cafe cars along America's railways during the population expansion west in the late 1800's are fascinating examples of entrepreneurialism. And the Harvey Girls -- the women who moved west to work in the occasionally remote frontier restaurants -- are even more interesting. Harvey trained his staff well and despite his occasionally harsh restrictions (rules in the girls' dorms, etc.) managed his restaurants with heart. The book isn't very well written, but this is a good introduction to a little-known aspect of history.
Days to read: 7. Rating: Fair.
Haymarket by Wendy Snyder (MIT Press, 1970)
Haymarket, an open-air produce market adjacent to the meat markets near Clinton and Blackstone streets, has been operating in one form or another for 50 years. The 60 photographs and transcriptions of tape-recorded stories in this book represent several years of Snyder's work. The book captures the hustle and bustle of the market's atmosphere, vendors, customers, commercial culture, and place in the context of Boston as a city. Extremely well edited, the transcribed first-person accounts occasionally read like poetry, and Snyder's photos beautifully capture the face of the place called Haymarket.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
Images of America: Somerville by Anthony Mitchell Sammarco (Arcadia, 1997)
Dover, New Hampshire-based Arcadia Publishing is doing the world a great service with its series of Images of America history books. This 128-page volume about Somerville, Massachusetts, covers the city's splintering from Charlestown, churches, schools, libraries, transportation, and role as Boston's quintessential streetcar suburb. It also includes material on the Ursuline Convent, which was destroyed by an anti-Catholic riot in 1834, and the McLean Asylum, which relocated to Belmont in 1895. Makes me want to walk around town to see everything that has changed.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Excellent.
Marmalade Boy Vol. 1 by Wataru Yoshizumi (Tokyopop, 2002)
Among the better manga translated into English in recent days, Marmalade Boy shares the unconventional story of two families who swap spouses and the effect the exchange has on Miki and Yuu, their teenage children. Miki doesn't approve of the new arrangement at all but quickly crushes out on Yuu. Over the course of the edition, Miki becomes more comfortable with her new family and wavers between the affections of Yuu and Ginta, an old friend. The art is cleanly cute, and the story is sensitive yet light-hearted.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The New Sins by David Byrne (McSweeney's, 2001)
In English and Spanish with different images in each flip side, this is a quick read. Byrne expands on 11 new sins. The sins include previously lauded and admired characteristics such as charity, thrift, hope, contentment, and cleanliness. In exploring the new sins using language usually reserved for evangelical religious tracts, Byrne sheds light on the down side of the qualities while also poking fun at people who often build their images and careers on such characteristics -- celebrities, politicians, lawyers, and talk-show pundits. The beautifully designed book is a clever curiosity but doesn't seem to have lasting value.
Days to read: 2. Rating: Fair.
Pinky & Stinky by James Kochalka (Top Shelf, 2002)
James took 11 months to write and draw this graphic novel, and I'm actually rather surprised it took so long. It's a simple story: Two piglets get stranded on the moon on their way to Pluto. There, they commandeer a walking robot, discover an underground city,, save a princess -- and leave the moon as heroes. It's a quick and silly throwaway story, but there are several interesting snippets, such as Kochalka's determined missile and character design for the moon men.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Fair.
Solo Flights Through Shared Worlds by Mike Resnick (Dark Regions, 1995)
Resnick wrote these 16 short stories to participate in shared-world projects led by Jerry Pournelle, Isaac Asimov, Bob Silverberg, Phil Farmer, and Piers Anthony. His explanation of how shared worlds work is useful, and his admitted attempts to get away with as much as possible within what can be extremely limiting frameworks are evident. While the Dracula, Frankenstein, Elvis, and other popcult tales aren't as interesting as those from the Fleet and Riverworld series, the collection is an excellent example of shared-world science fiction.
Days to read: 1. Rating: Good.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXXVI
Saturday: Snatch
Written by Madonna's husband, this movie is a blend of Ocean's Eleven and The Fight Club in terms of mood and motivation. Starring -- although not primarily -- Brad Pitt and Benicio del Toro, it's the story of a drawn-out jewel heist of sorts. Several plotlines overlap as various groups of characters interact, and while interesting, the movie's not quite what I expected. Not sure what I thought was going to happen, but I was surprised by this movie's Trainspotting-meets-Four Rooms feel. This is the first movie I've seen in a long time that evoked so many other movies. I'm having trouble pegging this.
Sunday: Kate & Leopold
This is one of Coco's favorite movies. It's got Meg Ryan. It's got romance. It's got comedy. It's got time travel. In fact, what could've been a pretty mundane science-fiction movie ends up being an excellent study of character, connection, and collision. Continuing the comparison trend, I think it's safe to say that this is like Sliding Doors and Quantum Leap. Throw in a little Holy Man, maybe. Hugh Jackman's scene at the TV advertisement shoot is absolutely priceless. I can't believe it's not butter! This is a movie I'll have to watch again. Liev Schreiber provides a subtly silly foil to Jackman, and Breckin Meyer's role as Ryan's frustrated brother is excellent. Yay, Coco! Good taste.
Saturday: Snatch
Written by Madonna's husband, this movie is a blend of Ocean's Eleven and The Fight Club in terms of mood and motivation. Starring -- although not primarily -- Brad Pitt and Benicio del Toro, it's the story of a drawn-out jewel heist of sorts. Several plotlines overlap as various groups of characters interact, and while interesting, the movie's not quite what I expected. Not sure what I thought was going to happen, but I was surprised by this movie's Trainspotting-meets-Four Rooms feel. This is the first movie I've seen in a long time that evoked so many other movies. I'm having trouble pegging this.
Sunday: Kate & Leopold
This is one of Coco's favorite movies. It's got Meg Ryan. It's got romance. It's got comedy. It's got time travel. In fact, what could've been a pretty mundane science-fiction movie ends up being an excellent study of character, connection, and collision. Continuing the comparison trend, I think it's safe to say that this is like Sliding Doors and Quantum Leap. Throw in a little Holy Man, maybe. Hugh Jackman's scene at the TV advertisement shoot is absolutely priceless. I can't believe it's not butter! This is a movie I'll have to watch again. Liev Schreiber provides a subtly silly foil to Jackman, and Breckin Meyer's role as Ryan's frustrated brother is excellent. Yay, Coco! Good taste.
Rock Shows of Note XXXIX
Slightly sheepish this morning, in part because I missed two (2) shows of note this weekend. Friday night, the Weakerthans played at the Middle East. I had tickets to their Sept. 14 show last year, which was canceled because of 911, but I just couldn't bring myself to go out after work Friday. So I missed the show. The ticket from last night remains in my office as a souvenir, and I'm left with the possibility of having gone and this email report from my friend Jenn:
Then, Saturday night, Dillinger Four played in Allston with the Explosion and the High-Steppin' Nickel Kids. What a great show to miss!
Sigh. C'est la vie.
Slightly sheepish this morning, in part because I missed two (2) shows of note this weekend. Friday night, the Weakerthans played at the Middle East. I had tickets to their Sept. 14 show last year, which was canceled because of 911, but I just couldn't bring myself to go out after work Friday. So I missed the show. The ticket from last night remains in my office as a souvenir, and I'm left with the possibility of having gone and this email report from my friend Jenn:
The Weakerthans were great! They played a lot of my favorites, so I was happy: "Elegy for Elsabet," "This Fire Door Is Never Open," "Confessions of a Futon Revolutionist," "Aside." They sounded awesome -- especially the vocals, which were particularly endearing -- and any fears about them sucking live were quickly abandoned. Martin Wong was right.
They even brought up three guys from the audience to take over the guitars and bass during what was supposed to be John Samson's solo. And while one guy was terrible and admitted as much in a short apology before he jumped off stage, John was like, "You weren't terrible! Everybody give him a big hand!" How supportive, I thought. He seems like the coolest guy.
Then, Saturday night, Dillinger Four played in Allston with the Explosion and the High-Steppin' Nickel Kids. What a great show to miss!
Sigh. C'est la vie.
Saturday, September 07, 2002
Corollary: Technofetishism XVI
Potential disaster averted! When I plugged my iPod into Coco's PowerBook this morning, it started right up. Woohoo! I was actually kind of worried when the Menu-Play/Pause reboot didn't work. Now my iPod's almost filled to the gills with new music and charging, charging so I can take it with us for our walks today. Phew!
Potential disaster averted! When I plugged my iPod into Coco's PowerBook this morning, it started right up. Woohoo! I was actually kind of worried when the Menu-Play/Pause reboot didn't work. Now my iPod's almost filled to the gills with new music and charging, charging so I can take it with us for our walks today. Phew!
Friday, September 06, 2002
Technofetishism XVI
I am at a loss. My iPod isn't working. It won't turn on, and it doesn't respond to being plugged in to charge, being plugged into my PowerBook, or the nifty little Menu-Play/Pause reboot troubleshoot Strand told me about. Does anyone have ideas of other things I can do? Grr. I miss my iPod.
I am at a loss. My iPod isn't working. It won't turn on, and it doesn't respond to being plugged in to charge, being plugged into my PowerBook, or the nifty little Menu-Play/Pause reboot troubleshoot Strand told me about. Does anyone have ideas of other things I can do? Grr. I miss my iPod.
Rock Shows of Note XXXVIII
Ouch. As Scan said, "Last night was most rocknificent." The Handstand Command showcase at the Abbey Lounge in Somerville was quite a night. I showed up promptly at 7:30 p.m. to load in, and most everyone else -- except for Chris and Em, bless their hearts -- showed up around 9. For most of the waiting time, I hung out on the stage-side of the bar, read my Gilmore Girls book, and talked to the woman who was working the door. She used to play in Swizzle and the Decals and now plays with the Other Girls.
By the time the rest of the Anchormen showed up, much less the other bands -- Tunnel of Love and the In Out (insert your own joke here) -- I'd been hanging out in a bar for way too long. It was a relief when the show finally started, as well as when an audience began to form a little into the In Out's set.
While they weren't as raucous as they were at O'Brien's -- they didn't wear their wrestling shorts and striped leggings last night, either -- Tunnel of Love still surprised with their standing, full-on garage rock assault. Their choice of cover songs is thoughtful, and their energy is amazing. A band to see for sure. The drummer just wails on the drums, and the guitarist is a stomping, grimacing, mic-stand-knocking-over madman. Fun stuff.
Bash pop!
The In Out, while solid, were much less fun to watch, even if they're fun to listen to. "They're much less visually interesting," one friend commented. Because I'd been at the Abbey for so long -- and because I was distracted catching up with friends Kurt, Geraldine, and Hiromi -- I didn't pay a lot of attention to their set, but I liked what I heard. Coco and I look forward to their show Tuesday with the Pee Wee Fist at the Middle East. I'll definitely try to be more present.
Makin' whoopie.
Finally, the Anchormen. Jef's concern about this being a short show was unfounded, and I think we went on around 11 p.m. After debating whether we should wear our suits like we usually do, whether we should doll up in work shirts to express our solidarity with the striking service workers in Boston, or whether we should just wear, gasp, clothes, we decided that the suits had to stay. I finished donning my garb in the back room just before we took the stage. (And later, at the end of the show, I had trouble finding my pants. Sigh.)
Hair today...
The show, although people seemed to get a kick out of it, was a mess. My voice was scratchy. I forgot more words than I have in a long time. And I didn't feel like our banter was as manic or frantic as it usually is. Regardless, people appeared to enjoy watching us, our songs evoked some smiles, and people in front of the crowd danced up a storm. We even sold a CD or two.
Woohoo. This is probably the last Anchormen show before I head out on the CoF Roadshow near the end of the month. I'll miss it and look forward to the Anchormen karaoke show we're organizing for early November. Thanks to everyone who came out last night to see if we'd spin out of control or collapse under the weight of our own rock.
You can also read another review of the show. Photographs courtesy of Koshka Delgado.
Ouch. As Scan said, "Last night was most rocknificent." The Handstand Command showcase at the Abbey Lounge in Somerville was quite a night. I showed up promptly at 7:30 p.m. to load in, and most everyone else -- except for Chris and Em, bless their hearts -- showed up around 9. For most of the waiting time, I hung out on the stage-side of the bar, read my Gilmore Girls book, and talked to the woman who was working the door. She used to play in Swizzle and the Decals and now plays with the Other Girls.
By the time the rest of the Anchormen showed up, much less the other bands -- Tunnel of Love and the In Out (insert your own joke here) -- I'd been hanging out in a bar for way too long. It was a relief when the show finally started, as well as when an audience began to form a little into the In Out's set.
While they weren't as raucous as they were at O'Brien's -- they didn't wear their wrestling shorts and striped leggings last night, either -- Tunnel of Love still surprised with their standing, full-on garage rock assault. Their choice of cover songs is thoughtful, and their energy is amazing. A band to see for sure. The drummer just wails on the drums, and the guitarist is a stomping, grimacing, mic-stand-knocking-over madman. Fun stuff.
Bash pop!
The In Out, while solid, were much less fun to watch, even if they're fun to listen to. "They're much less visually interesting," one friend commented. Because I'd been at the Abbey for so long -- and because I was distracted catching up with friends Kurt, Geraldine, and Hiromi -- I didn't pay a lot of attention to their set, but I liked what I heard. Coco and I look forward to their show Tuesday with the Pee Wee Fist at the Middle East. I'll definitely try to be more present.
Makin' whoopie.
Finally, the Anchormen. Jef's concern about this being a short show was unfounded, and I think we went on around 11 p.m. After debating whether we should wear our suits like we usually do, whether we should doll up in work shirts to express our solidarity with the striking service workers in Boston, or whether we should just wear, gasp, clothes, we decided that the suits had to stay. I finished donning my garb in the back room just before we took the stage. (And later, at the end of the show, I had trouble finding my pants. Sigh.)
Hair today...
The show, although people seemed to get a kick out of it, was a mess. My voice was scratchy. I forgot more words than I have in a long time. And I didn't feel like our banter was as manic or frantic as it usually is. Regardless, people appeared to enjoy watching us, our songs evoked some smiles, and people in front of the crowd danced up a storm. We even sold a CD or two.
Woohoo. This is probably the last Anchormen show before I head out on the CoF Roadshow near the end of the month. I'll miss it and look forward to the Anchormen karaoke show we're organizing for early November. Thanks to everyone who came out last night to see if we'd spin out of control or collapse under the weight of our own rock.
You can also read another review of the show. Photographs courtesy of Koshka Delgado.
Music to My Ears XI
With the coming of fall, my musical tastes veer toward the metal. Not very far, mind you, but I have many fond memories of the heavy metal and autumn. Iron Maiden's "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" while walking across the Rock River bridge, Samhain on the Walkman as I stand in the yard listening to an approaching thunder storm, Megadeth's "So Far, So Good... So What?" accompanying me on long bus rides.
With the coming of fall, my musical tastes veer toward the metal. And as the weather begins to turn in Boston and the air takes on a crisp and cleanliness that heralds the approach of autumn, my ears prick up for heavier music. So I welcomed the recent email from Mike of Bloodmask, a self-described "heavy band" in Boston.
Listening to the MP3's, I can hear that they are indeed a heavy band. Even though the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival is scheduled for the spring (Why not the fall?), Bloodmask strikes me as straight-ahead festival fare: classic, relatively standard grunge metal. The guitars are chunky and repetitive. The vocals are guttural and growly. And the music is almost utterly devoid of melody, opting instead for a driving, occasionally droning intensity. I can't listen to this kind of music all the time, but today? on this fall Friday? Perfect.
With the coming of fall, my musical tastes veer toward the metal. Not very far, mind you, but I have many fond memories of the heavy metal and autumn. Iron Maiden's "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" while walking across the Rock River bridge, Samhain on the Walkman as I stand in the yard listening to an approaching thunder storm, Megadeth's "So Far, So Good... So What?" accompanying me on long bus rides.
With the coming of fall, my musical tastes veer toward the metal. And as the weather begins to turn in Boston and the air takes on a crisp and cleanliness that heralds the approach of autumn, my ears prick up for heavier music. So I welcomed the recent email from Mike of Bloodmask, a self-described "heavy band" in Boston.
Listening to the MP3's, I can hear that they are indeed a heavy band. Even though the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival is scheduled for the spring (Why not the fall?), Bloodmask strikes me as straight-ahead festival fare: classic, relatively standard grunge metal. The guitars are chunky and repetitive. The vocals are guttural and growly. And the music is almost utterly devoid of melody, opting instead for a driving, occasionally droning intensity. I can't listen to this kind of music all the time, but today? on this fall Friday? Perfect.
Thursday, September 05, 2002
Comic Book College
MIT media mensch Henry Jenkins is teaching a course this semester titled "Media in Cultural Context: Comics, Cartoons, and Graphic Storytelling." The required reading includes Alan Moore's Watchmen, Art Spiegelman's Jack Cole and the Plastic Man, Howard Cruse's Stuck Rubber Baby, Dylan Horrocks' Hicksville, and other notable books.
I've already missed the first class, but Henry's invited me to sit in on the course. Schedule willing, I plan to do so and will post reports on his lectures and the readings in Media Diet.
MIT media mensch Henry Jenkins is teaching a course this semester titled "Media in Cultural Context: Comics, Cartoons, and Graphic Storytelling." The required reading includes Alan Moore's Watchmen, Art Spiegelman's Jack Cole and the Plastic Man, Howard Cruse's Stuck Rubber Baby, Dylan Horrocks' Hicksville, and other notable books.
I've already missed the first class, but Henry's invited me to sit in on the course. Schedule willing, I plan to do so and will post reports on his lectures and the readings in Media Diet.
It's an Ad, Ad, Ad, Ad World XV
The Old Computer Dot Com has archived more than 20 TV commercials advertising Activision, Atari, and Coleco video games from the '70s and '80s. The downloadable adverts are in Real Media format, and the quality's not that great, but what a kick to see the classic Atari "The Fun Is Back" spot for the 2600.
Thanks to Slashdot.
(Can you tell I'm blogrolling after a brief respite of keeping up with my daily reads?)
The Old Computer Dot Com has archived more than 20 TV commercials advertising Activision, Atari, and Coleco video games from the '70s and '80s. The downloadable adverts are in Real Media format, and the quality's not that great, but what a kick to see the classic Atari "The Fun Is Back" spot for the 2600.
Thanks to Slashdot.
(Can you tell I'm blogrolling after a brief respite of keeping up with my daily reads?)
Music to My Eyes II
Based in the UK, Sewkits offers cross-stitching kits featuring artwork from record album covers. "All kits come with full instructions, needle, threads, cloth, and a cute square keyring to put the stitching in when you've finished." Albums include releases by Aphex Twin, Chicks on Speed, Hefner, and the Strokes.
Seems right up ReadyMade's alley.
Thanks to Metafilter.
Based in the UK, Sewkits offers cross-stitching kits featuring artwork from record album covers. "All kits come with full instructions, needle, threads, cloth, and a cute square keyring to put the stitching in when you've finished." Albums include releases by Aphex Twin, Chicks on Speed, Hefner, and the Strokes.
Seems right up ReadyMade's alley.
Thanks to Metafilter.
Burning Bridges
One of the six remaining covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa, burned two days ago. It was the only covered bridge in the county that motorists could still drive over. While the cause of the blaze hasn't been determined yet, investigators speculate that a chemical coating intended to protect the bridge from the elements might have accelerated the fire.
Thanks to Drudge Report.
One of the six remaining covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa, burned two days ago. It was the only covered bridge in the county that motorists could still drive over. While the cause of the blaze hasn't been determined yet, investigators speculate that a chemical coating intended to protect the bridge from the elements might have accelerated the fire.
Thanks to Drudge Report.
Daypop Down!
Something's askew over at Daypop today. Their usual list of the top 40 hot topics cited in blogs sports URL's but no blog titles. Every site is labeled as Untitled. Makes for an interesting exercise in Name That Blog but also indicates how important contextual information is -- even if you recognize a URL, without at least a headline, there's little reason to follow a link.
Similarly, the Daypop Top News Stories page is also down. The page is empty. There is no top news.
Fingers crossed that the Daypop gang didn't get hit too hard by whatever happened.
Something's askew over at Daypop today. Their usual list of the top 40 hot topics cited in blogs sports URL's but no blog titles. Every site is labeled as Untitled. Makes for an interesting exercise in Name That Blog but also indicates how important contextual information is -- even if you recognize a URL, without at least a headline, there's little reason to follow a link.
Similarly, the Daypop Top News Stories page is also down. The page is empty. There is no top news.
Fingers crossed that the Daypop gang didn't get hit too hard by whatever happened.
Wednesday, September 04, 2002
Corollary: Blogging About Blogging XXIII
Henry Copeland has expanded on his essay "Blogonomics" in a new piece entitled "Blogads: Advertising Hand-Delivered at Light-Speed." In it, he calls for the continued emergence of professional journalistic blogs -- and suggests that blogads (adverts in blogs, natch) might be one way for bloggers to support their independent media activities.
His thoughts hit me at a particularly appropriate time, as I close the window on the 50% off hook up at DC Shoes. While not a blogad per se -- my friends at DC Shoes sent me a promotional mailing at work, and I couldn't think of a way to work the hook up via Fast Company so the swag offer made its way to my Web -- offering Media Dieticians a deal like that made me wonder:
Was I comfortable promoting one companies products and services this way?
Would I be open to the idea of doing so for other companies I appreciated -- perhaps even for paid placement?
Was the offer of interest to folks who frequent Media Diet?
The questions intrigued and concerned me. Obviously, I wasn't uncomfortable hooking people up with 50% off -- and I continue to appreciate the people I met at DC Shoes -- but how would I handle this in the future? Why did I do this when I've hesitated to even add book sales via an affiliate program? Would taking money sully the recommendation and appreciation inherent in the hook up? Was I interested in seeking other organizations that might be interested in reaching the people who read these words (yes, you)?
Turns out, I'm not interested. If another hook up falls in my lap, I certainly consider it, but I have no interest whatsoever in soliciting or managing blogads in Media Diet. Which begs the question, "Why not?" One, I have a full-time job and see no need to even come close to breaking even on Media Diet. It's a labor of love. Two, one of the joys of blogging -- a joy that Rebecca Blood touches on in The Weblog Handbook (not a paid placement, heh) -- is the independent voice. Even if you consider your audience and think about appealing to your audience, that's hella different than marketing to, segmenting, or targeting your audience. Which you need to do if you're going to be successful managing ads.
Because ads change the nature of what you do. I don't mean selling out or changing what you do to better meet the needs of advertisers. What I mean is this. Blogads are not a new thing. Recall the early days of personal publishing on the Web -- and when the first Web sites began including ads. Remember Tripod asking its members if they minded Tripod including ads on their Webfarm pages to help cover costs of the service. Think anyone would do that today? Similarly, the discussion about blogads parallels the old and ongoing debates about advertising in zines. Are zines with ads still zines? What a silly question. Yet people argue about the answer.
When I was publishing Karma Lapel in the early and mid-'90s, I played with selling ads. I welcomed the money, and it helped me beef up the production values of the zine -- from photocopies to newsprint, from two pages to 36 -- and it got tiring. When you do a zine or a tape label... or a blog by yourself, do you really want to spend time finding advertisers, managing relations with advertisers, and so on so on so forth? Doing so almost killed Karma Lapel -- I quickly scaled back from my highfalutin' format and size to a more manageable presentation and production.
One that I could handle. One that still met the needs of the folks who read it. And one that -- while not totally adverse to adverts -- wasn't dependent on or driven by them. Blogads could very well become the tail that wags the blog dog, just like with most media. I'd prefer Media Diet be bobbed and docked.
Thanks to Jim and Amy for the vocab assist.
Henry Copeland has expanded on his essay "Blogonomics" in a new piece entitled "Blogads: Advertising Hand-Delivered at Light-Speed." In it, he calls for the continued emergence of professional journalistic blogs -- and suggests that blogads (adverts in blogs, natch) might be one way for bloggers to support their independent media activities.
His thoughts hit me at a particularly appropriate time, as I close the window on the 50% off hook up at DC Shoes. While not a blogad per se -- my friends at DC Shoes sent me a promotional mailing at work, and I couldn't think of a way to work the hook up via Fast Company so the swag offer made its way to my Web -- offering Media Dieticians a deal like that made me wonder:
The questions intrigued and concerned me. Obviously, I wasn't uncomfortable hooking people up with 50% off -- and I continue to appreciate the people I met at DC Shoes -- but how would I handle this in the future? Why did I do this when I've hesitated to even add book sales via an affiliate program? Would taking money sully the recommendation and appreciation inherent in the hook up? Was I interested in seeking other organizations that might be interested in reaching the people who read these words (yes, you)?
Turns out, I'm not interested. If another hook up falls in my lap, I certainly consider it, but I have no interest whatsoever in soliciting or managing blogads in Media Diet. Which begs the question, "Why not?" One, I have a full-time job and see no need to even come close to breaking even on Media Diet. It's a labor of love. Two, one of the joys of blogging -- a joy that Rebecca Blood touches on in The Weblog Handbook (not a paid placement, heh) -- is the independent voice. Even if you consider your audience and think about appealing to your audience, that's hella different than marketing to, segmenting, or targeting your audience. Which you need to do if you're going to be successful managing ads.
Because ads change the nature of what you do. I don't mean selling out or changing what you do to better meet the needs of advertisers. What I mean is this. Blogads are not a new thing. Recall the early days of personal publishing on the Web -- and when the first Web sites began including ads. Remember Tripod asking its members if they minded Tripod including ads on their Webfarm pages to help cover costs of the service. Think anyone would do that today? Similarly, the discussion about blogads parallels the old and ongoing debates about advertising in zines. Are zines with ads still zines? What a silly question. Yet people argue about the answer.
When I was publishing Karma Lapel in the early and mid-'90s, I played with selling ads. I welcomed the money, and it helped me beef up the production values of the zine -- from photocopies to newsprint, from two pages to 36 -- and it got tiring. When you do a zine or a tape label... or a blog by yourself, do you really want to spend time finding advertisers, managing relations with advertisers, and so on so on so forth? Doing so almost killed Karma Lapel -- I quickly scaled back from my highfalutin' format and size to a more manageable presentation and production.
One that I could handle. One that still met the needs of the folks who read it. And one that -- while not totally adverse to adverts -- wasn't dependent on or driven by them. Blogads could very well become the tail that wags the blog dog, just like with most media. I'd prefer Media Diet be bobbed and docked.
Thanks to Jim and Amy for the vocab assist.
Manna for Media Dieticians V
The 50% off online hook up courtesy of DC Shoe Co. USA is now over. Congratulations and thanks to the Media Dieticians who contacted me to snag their 50% off discount codes. Enjoy the gear!
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
The 50% off online hook up courtesy of DC Shoe Co. USA is now over. Congratulations and thanks to the Media Dieticians who contacted me to snag their 50% off discount codes. Enjoy the gear!
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXXV
Sunday: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Sort of a Moonstruck for the 2K's, this well-scripted, well-cast, and, well, hilarious movie tells the tale of a formerly frumpy Greek waitress who -- once she decides to date a non-Greek -- blossoms in, oh, so many ways. The movie focuses on the development of her relationship with a romantic foil played by John Corbett, and while it's somewhat difficult to get past Corbett's previous role of Chris on Northern Exposure, the couple's energy is there. The movie also considers the impact the relationship has on the family, the role education can play with one's self-esteem, and the importance of family. Now that I think of it, if you combine Moonstruck with East Is East, you might very well get this movie. Loads of laughs.
Tuesday: Heavy Metal
Ivan Reitman's flawed but inspired animated take on the European genre comics stories of Heavy Metal magazine isn't all it's cracked up to be. Despite the self-congratulatory tone and sex-drugs-rock 'n' roll posturing of the crew members featured in the additional "Imagining Heavy Metal" documentary, the cinematic adaptation of stories by Heavy Metal regulars such as Richard Corben and Bernie Wrightson is sloppy and slightly disorganized. The loosely knit nature of the film isn't the result of the lame framing device Daniel Goldberg and the other writers developed to add continuity to the feature segments -- instead, the adaptations themselves are weak, and the movie does little to capture the spirit and substance of the magazine itself, especially in the late '70s. The DVD does include some highlights, however. The Captain Sternn segment is perhaps the best of the lot, and it's fun to see Wrightson's big-headed character come to life. Voiceover work by John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Harold Ramis brightens the often-plodding script. And the Kevin Eastman sequences in the "Imagining Heavy Metal" documentary communicates the mistakes that can be made when the wrong people come into a lot of money. Worth watching for all of that, as well as to snicker at the "groundbreaking" rotoscope animation. On the whole, however: Feh.
Sunday: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Sort of a Moonstruck for the 2K's, this well-scripted, well-cast, and, well, hilarious movie tells the tale of a formerly frumpy Greek waitress who -- once she decides to date a non-Greek -- blossoms in, oh, so many ways. The movie focuses on the development of her relationship with a romantic foil played by John Corbett, and while it's somewhat difficult to get past Corbett's previous role of Chris on Northern Exposure, the couple's energy is there. The movie also considers the impact the relationship has on the family, the role education can play with one's self-esteem, and the importance of family. Now that I think of it, if you combine Moonstruck with East Is East, you might very well get this movie. Loads of laughs.
Tuesday: Heavy Metal
Ivan Reitman's flawed but inspired animated take on the European genre comics stories of Heavy Metal magazine isn't all it's cracked up to be. Despite the self-congratulatory tone and sex-drugs-rock 'n' roll posturing of the crew members featured in the additional "Imagining Heavy Metal" documentary, the cinematic adaptation of stories by Heavy Metal regulars such as Richard Corben and Bernie Wrightson is sloppy and slightly disorganized. The loosely knit nature of the film isn't the result of the lame framing device Daniel Goldberg and the other writers developed to add continuity to the feature segments -- instead, the adaptations themselves are weak, and the movie does little to capture the spirit and substance of the magazine itself, especially in the late '70s. The DVD does include some highlights, however. The Captain Sternn segment is perhaps the best of the lot, and it's fun to see Wrightson's big-headed character come to life. Voiceover work by John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Harold Ramis brightens the often-plodding script. And the Kevin Eastman sequences in the "Imagining Heavy Metal" documentary communicates the mistakes that can be made when the wrong people come into a lot of money. Worth watching for all of that, as well as to snicker at the "groundbreaking" rotoscope animation. On the whole, however: Feh.
Must-See TV
Here's what I'd like to see on TV and available on video and DVD:
Your Southernmost Window
A series of half hour programs
What you can do with one south-facing window -- or how to live within a solar budget, including designs viewers can replicate at home to provide heat, light, and ventilation; and stimulate ecological growth.
Program 1: "What You Can See from a Window" -- one square foot of sunlight, orientation to the sun, design principles, window types, glazing, heat loss, infiltration, insulation, heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), air purification, and breathing
Program 2: "Every Window in the House" -- window types take 2, radiation and convection, caulking and weatherstripping, drafts and infiltration, how to chart your airflows, how to use them, window insulation, and whole house HVAC
Program 3: "The Electric Window" -- solar electricity/photovoltaic/PV, small battery charger, solar/dynamo flashlight radio, one window systems, permanent emergency capacity, and battery switching and your car
Program 4: "Hot and Cold Windows" -- windowbox heaters, passive and active ventilators, advanced airflow usage, active and passive water heating, your northernmost window, and a nod to refrigeration
Program 5: "The Greenhouse Window" -- windowsill gardens, bubbling out/bubbling in, heat storage, aquaculture, vermiculture, and ecological housekeeping, and the neighborhood
Program 6: "Most Windows in Town" -- what if everybody did it?, the economics of sunlight, physics is international, a range of possibilities, systems thinking from community to region to country to world
Thanks to George Mokray.
Here's what I'd like to see on TV and available on video and DVD:
Your Southernmost Window
A series of half hour programs
What you can do with one south-facing window -- or how to live within a solar budget, including designs viewers can replicate at home to provide heat, light, and ventilation; and stimulate ecological growth.
Program 1: "What You Can See from a Window" -- one square foot of sunlight, orientation to the sun, design principles, window types, glazing, heat loss, infiltration, insulation, heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), air purification, and breathing
Program 2: "Every Window in the House" -- window types take 2, radiation and convection, caulking and weatherstripping, drafts and infiltration, how to chart your airflows, how to use them, window insulation, and whole house HVAC
Program 3: "The Electric Window" -- solar electricity/photovoltaic/PV, small battery charger, solar/dynamo flashlight radio, one window systems, permanent emergency capacity, and battery switching and your car
Program 4: "Hot and Cold Windows" -- windowbox heaters, passive and active ventilators, advanced airflow usage, active and passive water heating, your northernmost window, and a nod to refrigeration
Program 5: "The Greenhouse Window" -- windowsill gardens, bubbling out/bubbling in, heat storage, aquaculture, vermiculture, and ecological housekeeping, and the neighborhood
Program 6: "Most Windows in Town" -- what if everybody did it?, the economics of sunlight, physics is international, a range of possibilities, systems thinking from community to region to country to world
Thanks to George Mokray.
Comics and Controversy
A professor at MIT recently came under fire for appropriating an image from the comic book Radix in a $50 million research proposal. Here's the back story:
USA Today: MIT's Future Soldier Resembles Comic-Book Heroine
Wired News: America's Might: A Comic Tale
The Tech: MIT Used Comic Art for Grant Proposal
New York Post: MIT Had Designs on Comic Book War Gear
Wizard: MIT Swipes Comic Art
MIT News: Professor Writes Artist to Apologize for Inadvertent Use of Comic Book Image
Slashdot: MIT Steals Comic Book Character
I don't have a lot to say about this, but several things strike me. The Tech notes that the use of the comic art didn't help the proposal. Um, have you read Radix? Secondly, a Slashdot contributor is wise to wonder whether MIT's use of the image negatively affected the comic book's credibility and status (as the creators claim). Um, have you read Radix? Lastly, if Prof. Edwin Thomas is telling the truth when he says that his daughter -- a graphic artist -- selected the image, how good a graphic artist can she be? Have you read Radix?
A professor at MIT recently came under fire for appropriating an image from the comic book Radix in a $50 million research proposal. Here's the back story:
I don't have a lot to say about this, but several things strike me. The Tech notes that the use of the comic art didn't help the proposal. Um, have you read Radix? Secondly, a Slashdot contributor is wise to wonder whether MIT's use of the image negatively affected the comic book's credibility and status (as the creators claim). Um, have you read Radix? Lastly, if Prof. Edwin Thomas is telling the truth when he says that his daughter -- a graphic artist -- selected the image, how good a graphic artist can she be? Have you read Radix?
Cliché? Touché!
Frank Lingua, president and CEO of Dissembling Associates, is the nation's leading purveyor of buzzwords, catch phrases, and clichés for people too busy to speak in plain English. Business Finance contributing editor Dan Danbom interviewed Lingua in his New York City office.
Danbom: Is being a cliché expert a full-time job?
Lingua: Bottom line is I have a full plate 24/7.
D: Is it hard to keep up with the seemingly endless supply of clichés that spew from business?
L: Some days, I don't have the bandwidth. It's like drinking from a fire hydrant.
D: So it's difficult?
L: Harder than nailing Jell-O to the wall.
D: Where do most clichés come from?
L: Stakeholders push the envelope until it's outside the box.
D: How do you track them once they've been coined?
L: It's like herding cats.
D: Can you predict whether a phrase is going to become a cliché?
L: Yes. I skate to where the puck's going to be. Because if you aren't the lead dog, you're not providing a customer-centric proactive solution.
D: Give us a new buzzword that we'll be hearing ad nauseam.
L: "Enronitis" could be a next-generation player.
D: Do people understand your role as a cliché expert?
L: No, they can't get their arms around that. But they aren't incented to.
D: How do people know you're a cliché expert?
L: I walk the walk and talk the talk.
D: Did incomprehensibility come naturally to you?
L: I wasn't wired that way, but it became mission-critical as I strategically focused on my go-forward plan.
D: What did you do to develop this talent?
L: It's not rocket science. It's not brain surgery. When you drill down to the granular level, it's just basic blocking and tackling.
D: How do you know if you're successful in your work?
L: At the end of the day, it's all about robust, world-class language solutions. My vision is to monetize scalable supply chains.
D: How do you stay ahead of others in the buzzword industry?
L: Net-net, my value proposition is based on maximizing synergies and being first to market with a leveraged, value-added deliverable. That's the opportunity space on a level playing field.
D: Does everyone in business eventually devolve into the sort of mindless drivel you spout?
L: If you walk like a duck and talk like a duck, you're a duck. You have a result-driven mind-set that isn't a strategic fit with my game plan.
Thanks to Jonathan Priest of Creative Communication.
Frank Lingua, president and CEO of Dissembling Associates, is the nation's leading purveyor of buzzwords, catch phrases, and clichés for people too busy to speak in plain English. Business Finance contributing editor Dan Danbom interviewed Lingua in his New York City office.
Danbom: Is being a cliché expert a full-time job?
Lingua: Bottom line is I have a full plate 24/7.
D: Is it hard to keep up with the seemingly endless supply of clichés that spew from business?
L: Some days, I don't have the bandwidth. It's like drinking from a fire hydrant.
D: So it's difficult?
L: Harder than nailing Jell-O to the wall.
D: Where do most clichés come from?
L: Stakeholders push the envelope until it's outside the box.
D: How do you track them once they've been coined?
L: It's like herding cats.
D: Can you predict whether a phrase is going to become a cliché?
L: Yes. I skate to where the puck's going to be. Because if you aren't the lead dog, you're not providing a customer-centric proactive solution.
D: Give us a new buzzword that we'll be hearing ad nauseam.
L: "Enronitis" could be a next-generation player.
D: Do people understand your role as a cliché expert?
L: No, they can't get their arms around that. But they aren't incented to.
D: How do people know you're a cliché expert?
L: I walk the walk and talk the talk.
D: Did incomprehensibility come naturally to you?
L: I wasn't wired that way, but it became mission-critical as I strategically focused on my go-forward plan.
D: What did you do to develop this talent?
L: It's not rocket science. It's not brain surgery. When you drill down to the granular level, it's just basic blocking and tackling.
D: How do you know if you're successful in your work?
L: At the end of the day, it's all about robust, world-class language solutions. My vision is to monetize scalable supply chains.
D: How do you stay ahead of others in the buzzword industry?
L: Net-net, my value proposition is based on maximizing synergies and being first to market with a leveraged, value-added deliverable. That's the opportunity space on a level playing field.
D: Does everyone in business eventually devolve into the sort of mindless drivel you spout?
L: If you walk like a duck and talk like a duck, you're a duck. You have a result-driven mind-set that isn't a strategic fit with my game plan.
Thanks to Jonathan Priest of Creative Communication.
Newsletter of Note IV
In the recent edition of advertising firm Killian & Co.'s newsletter, the staff includes a section headed "Cover Letter Klassics." The clumsy job-search correspondence excerpts are but a small example of material archived in Killian's Lost Art of Cover Letters Web page, which analyzes what makes cover letters work well -- or waffle and woof.
Killian also offers a white paper entitled "In Defense of a Low-Tech Secret Weapon" that sings the praises and potential of the humble cocktail napkin as a strategic business tool.
Just two examples why Killian's newsletter has been described as the "best (and funniest) newsletter in the business."
In the recent edition of advertising firm Killian & Co.'s newsletter, the staff includes a section headed "Cover Letter Klassics." The clumsy job-search correspondence excerpts are but a small example of material archived in Killian's Lost Art of Cover Letters Web page, which analyzes what makes cover letters work well -- or waffle and woof.
Killian also offers a white paper entitled "In Defense of a Low-Tech Secret Weapon" that sings the praises and potential of the humble cocktail napkin as a strategic business tool.
Just two examples why Killian's newsletter has been described as the "best (and funniest) newsletter in the business."
Event-O-Dex X
Shows and other activities of note in the near future:
Wednesday, Sept. 4: So & So, Red Zone Cuba, and Sticky at the Abbey Lounge, Somerville
Thursday, Sept. 5: Tunnel of Love, the In Out, and the Anchormen at the Abbey Lounge, Somerville
Friday, Sept. 6: Evan Dando and Chris Brokaw at TT the Bear's, Cambridge
Friday, Sept. 13: Seana Carmody and Victory at Sea CD release party with El Guapo and Suntan at the Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge
Saturday, Sept. 14: Fray Day at the YWCA, Cambridge
Maybe I'll see you there!
Shows and other activities of note in the near future:
Wednesday, Sept. 4: So & So, Red Zone Cuba, and Sticky at the Abbey Lounge, Somerville
Thursday, Sept. 5: Tunnel of Love, the In Out, and the Anchormen at the Abbey Lounge, Somerville
Friday, Sept. 6: Evan Dando and Chris Brokaw at TT the Bear's, Cambridge
Friday, Sept. 13: Seana Carmody and Victory at Sea CD release party with El Guapo and Suntan at the Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge
Saturday, Sept. 14: Fray Day at the YWCA, Cambridge
Maybe I'll see you there!
Alt.Weakly?
Gannett is launching alternative weekly newspapers in Lansing, Michigan, and Boise, Idaho, possibly as a test for the rollout of a national alt.weekly -- or a host of alternatives to the alternatives. Ann Hinch, writing for the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, says that local alt.weekly publishers are concerned. Concerned about the increase in ad competition, concerned about the quality of the papers, and concerned about copycat journalism.
They probably have every right to be concerned. The relative success of cookie-cutter city guides online such as Ticketmaster's Citysearch, the existence of regional visitors' guides stashed in hotel rooms, and the seemingly successful test of a similar alt.weekly -- the Nashville Rage, a Gannnett-Tennessean joint -- indicate that such experiments have merit. In addition, we've already seen some alt.weekly consolidation in Newcity, New Times, and the Alternative Weekly Network, a nonprofit that coordinates national advertising buys for its affiliate alt.weeklies.
We've also seen alt.weekly publishers branching out into multiple publications -- to reach readers in other parts of the country, and to reach local readers in multiple demographics. Cases in point: the Seattle Stranger's sister paper in Portland, the Portland Phoenix; and the Boston Phoenix's foray into the yuppie echelon with Stuff@night (which, while termed a "section" is really a competitor rubbing elbows with the Improper Bostonian.
What does this all mean? I have no idea. But I think that if we -- the "we" in "alt.weekly" -- are going to compete with large media companies such as Gannett moving into our media neighborhoods, we need to increasingly focus on what "alternative" really means. What are alt.weeklies alternatives to? Are they merely weekly ugly cousins to the workaday dailies? Are they actually asking questions, meeting needs, and sharing stories untouched by other local print media? Or are they merely homes for the call-girl and 900-number ads other media outlets refuse?
Here in Boston, I read the Boston Phoenix every week. But I really read it for only three reasons: the editorials and letters of comment, the listings, and the media analysis (kudos to Dan Kennedy). The syndicated columns (News of the Weird, the Straight Dope) don't float my boat any more. The movie, music, and book reviews fall flat far more often than they inspire or inform. And the lengthy feature stories -- and perhaps I'm biased having read the utterly amazing Chicago Reader for five years -- rarely move me beyond a passing glance. Meanwhile, I refuse to peruse Stuff@night or the Improper Bostonian. They're just not aimed at me.
For my news, I turn to the Boston Globe and Boston Herald. And for my "alternative" news, I turn elsewhere. Where will we turn if this mainstream-style consolidation continues?
Thanks to the Utne Web Watch.
Gannett is launching alternative weekly newspapers in Lansing, Michigan, and Boise, Idaho, possibly as a test for the rollout of a national alt.weekly -- or a host of alternatives to the alternatives. Ann Hinch, writing for the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, says that local alt.weekly publishers are concerned. Concerned about the increase in ad competition, concerned about the quality of the papers, and concerned about copycat journalism.
They probably have every right to be concerned. The relative success of cookie-cutter city guides online such as Ticketmaster's Citysearch, the existence of regional visitors' guides stashed in hotel rooms, and the seemingly successful test of a similar alt.weekly -- the Nashville Rage, a Gannnett-Tennessean joint -- indicate that such experiments have merit. In addition, we've already seen some alt.weekly consolidation in Newcity, New Times, and the Alternative Weekly Network, a nonprofit that coordinates national advertising buys for its affiliate alt.weeklies.
We've also seen alt.weekly publishers branching out into multiple publications -- to reach readers in other parts of the country, and to reach local readers in multiple demographics. Cases in point: the Seattle Stranger's sister paper in Portland, the Portland Phoenix; and the Boston Phoenix's foray into the yuppie echelon with Stuff@night (which, while termed a "section" is really a competitor rubbing elbows with the Improper Bostonian.
What does this all mean? I have no idea. But I think that if we -- the "we" in "alt.weekly" -- are going to compete with large media companies such as Gannett moving into our media neighborhoods, we need to increasingly focus on what "alternative" really means. What are alt.weeklies alternatives to? Are they merely weekly ugly cousins to the workaday dailies? Are they actually asking questions, meeting needs, and sharing stories untouched by other local print media? Or are they merely homes for the call-girl and 900-number ads other media outlets refuse?
Here in Boston, I read the Boston Phoenix every week. But I really read it for only three reasons: the editorials and letters of comment, the listings, and the media analysis (kudos to Dan Kennedy). The syndicated columns (News of the Weird, the Straight Dope) don't float my boat any more. The movie, music, and book reviews fall flat far more often than they inspire or inform. And the lengthy feature stories -- and perhaps I'm biased having read the utterly amazing Chicago Reader for five years -- rarely move me beyond a passing glance. Meanwhile, I refuse to peruse Stuff@night or the Improper Bostonian. They're just not aimed at me.
For my news, I turn to the Boston Globe and Boston Herald. And for my "alternative" news, I turn elsewhere. Where will we turn if this mainstream-style consolidation continues?
Thanks to the Utne Web Watch.
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
Magazine Me XVI
Paul O'Brien penned a thoughtful analysis of the state of comics journalism -- pegging his piece on the success of Wizard magazine -- that parallels the publishing opportunities for the industry to that of music journalism, primarily in the UK. He riffs off of a recent column by Warren Ellis, who contends that comics journalism should possess the same passion as music journalism -- as well as cover as much ground genre-wise.
While Warren and O'Brien's points are well-taken (and the idea is attractive), the rub is that music -- and other popcult media segments -- have mass-market audiences. There are enough music fans in general that a magazine like the Wire (O'Brien's lame jab at Norwegian jazz, aside) can survive serving a small segment of that market. Comic books don't have that mass market, so while the industry struggles to support even one high-profile general-interest magazine (anyone remember Comics Scene?), I don't think it's possible to support more than one.
Instead, we're left with smaller-scale magazines -- Wizard and the Comics Journal the most visible, at least on the newsstand (and Hogan's Alley, and...) -- and, well, the fanzines, which seem to be doing a fine job. I'd rather read an issue of the Comics Interpreter than a back issue of Comics Scene any day.
Paul O'Brien penned a thoughtful analysis of the state of comics journalism -- pegging his piece on the success of Wizard magazine -- that parallels the publishing opportunities for the industry to that of music journalism, primarily in the UK. He riffs off of a recent column by Warren Ellis, who contends that comics journalism should possess the same passion as music journalism -- as well as cover as much ground genre-wise.
While Warren and O'Brien's points are well-taken (and the idea is attractive), the rub is that music -- and other popcult media segments -- have mass-market audiences. There are enough music fans in general that a magazine like the Wire (O'Brien's lame jab at Norwegian jazz, aside) can survive serving a small segment of that market. Comic books don't have that mass market, so while the industry struggles to support even one high-profile general-interest magazine (anyone remember Comics Scene?), I don't think it's possible to support more than one.
Instead, we're left with smaller-scale magazines -- Wizard and the Comics Journal the most visible, at least on the newsstand (and Hogan's Alley, and...) -- and, well, the fanzines, which seem to be doing a fine job. I'd rather read an issue of the Comics Interpreter than a back issue of Comics Scene any day.
Manna for Media Dieticians IV
This is your final warning. In 24 hours, this very special Manna for Media Dieticians offer end.
DC Shoe Co. USA, maker of DC Shoes, just launched a new online company store. I still have three (3) discount codes that Media Dieticians can use to snag 50% off of online buys of DC Shoes products. If you're interested in taking advantage of this generous hook up courtesy of DC Shoes and Media Diet, email me by 5 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 4, and I'll send you a unique, single-use discount code. It'll guarantee you 50% off online. I only have three (3) of these left, so first come, first served.
This offer will expire -- as far as Media Diet is concerned -- tomorrow at 5 p.m., so if you're even remotely interested, contact me soon.
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
This is your final warning. In 24 hours, this very special Manna for Media Dieticians offer end.
DC Shoe Co. USA, maker of DC Shoes, just launched a new online company store. I still have three (3) discount codes that Media Dieticians can use to snag 50% off of online buys of DC Shoes products. If you're interested in taking advantage of this generous hook up courtesy of DC Shoes and Media Diet, email me by 5 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Sept. 4, and I'll send you a unique, single-use discount code. It'll guarantee you 50% off online. I only have three (3) of these left, so first come, first served.
This offer will expire -- as far as Media Diet is concerned -- tomorrow at 5 p.m., so if you're even remotely interested, contact me soon.
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
Music to My Ears X
The Stillborns in Greensburg, Indiana, recently emailed me a pointer to their MP3 site, which features about 60 songs. Basically, they play fast, scratchy, guttural punk rock. Shouted vocals, razor-wire guitars. Not totally my thing, but fun for an overcast post-holiday tail-end afternoon at work. It seems that they've been putting out CD-R's for quite some time. Up to eight editions, now, the CD's feature as many as 43 (!!!) songs.
The Stillborns in Greensburg, Indiana, recently emailed me a pointer to their MP3 site, which features about 60 songs. Basically, they play fast, scratchy, guttural punk rock. Shouted vocals, razor-wire guitars. Not totally my thing, but fun for an overcast post-holiday tail-end afternoon at work. It seems that they've been putting out CD-R's for quite some time. Up to eight editions, now, the CD's feature as many as 43 (!!!) songs.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Visually Simulating
This entry is rather random, but over the course of the past week, I've taken some photographs that show you parts of my world. Last Friday, I met up with Coco at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education after one of her cooking classes. As Coco and I walked from Harvard Square to Porter Square, the juxtaposition of the full moon and the night-lit spire of one of the buildings near Harvard Yard really struck me.
I don't think it's Memorial Hall.
That's definitely the moon, though.
Walking up Massachusetts Avenue, I showed Coco Three Aces Pizza, a place I used to frequent when I lived on Chauncy Street. Right next door, there's a barber shop. This sign was in the window:
Slick Tracy.
Last weekend, then, there were two festivals in my neighborhood -- the Grecian Festival right across the street from where I live and the 10th Annual Cambridge Carnival International. The Greek fete ran over the course of several days and featured food and live music. They even set up a bulbous white tent over the church's parking lot. They closed off my block and set up tables and chairs in the street. I quite enjoyed listening to the music on the evening breeze through the window. But Sunday morning, I was startled by the carnival parade around midday. While I didn't have a chance to check out the street fair itself, Coco and I did watch some of the parade -- complete with parade floats on flat-bed trucks adorned with enormous amplifiers and young female dancers dressed up in carnival finery.
Flipping the bird.
And then, as if there weren't enough festivals and parades already, last weekend's St. Anthony's Feast in the North End was capped Monday evening with a small processional celebrating the saint. As I left the office after work, I almost walked straight into the processional, which didn't go too far down North Washington Street.
St. Anthony goes marching in.
We're with the band.
A sidewalk serenade.
Lastly, Tuesday night, Coco and I met my friend Hiromi, who just moved to Boston from Orange County, California, for dinner at Charlie's Kitchen on Harvard Square. It's one of my favorite places, and I wanted to share it with Hiromi and Coco, both of whom had never been there. Walking down the alley toward the restaurant, I pointed out the red house that Charlie's owner hopes to fix up and open as a slightly higher-end restaurant to accompany Charlie's (at least that's what I think is going on).
Drafty plans for the future.
Well, there you go. Good to get that out of my system -- and the images off the camera.
This entry is rather random, but over the course of the past week, I've taken some photographs that show you parts of my world. Last Friday, I met up with Coco at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education after one of her cooking classes. As Coco and I walked from Harvard Square to Porter Square, the juxtaposition of the full moon and the night-lit spire of one of the buildings near Harvard Yard really struck me.
I don't think it's Memorial Hall.
That's definitely the moon, though.
Walking up Massachusetts Avenue, I showed Coco Three Aces Pizza, a place I used to frequent when I lived on Chauncy Street. Right next door, there's a barber shop. This sign was in the window:
Slick Tracy.
Last weekend, then, there were two festivals in my neighborhood -- the Grecian Festival right across the street from where I live and the 10th Annual Cambridge Carnival International. The Greek fete ran over the course of several days and featured food and live music. They even set up a bulbous white tent over the church's parking lot. They closed off my block and set up tables and chairs in the street. I quite enjoyed listening to the music on the evening breeze through the window. But Sunday morning, I was startled by the carnival parade around midday. While I didn't have a chance to check out the street fair itself, Coco and I did watch some of the parade -- complete with parade floats on flat-bed trucks adorned with enormous amplifiers and young female dancers dressed up in carnival finery.
Flipping the bird.
And then, as if there weren't enough festivals and parades already, last weekend's St. Anthony's Feast in the North End was capped Monday evening with a small processional celebrating the saint. As I left the office after work, I almost walked straight into the processional, which didn't go too far down North Washington Street.
St. Anthony goes marching in.
We're with the band.
A sidewalk serenade.
Lastly, Tuesday night, Coco and I met my friend Hiromi, who just moved to Boston from Orange County, California, for dinner at Charlie's Kitchen on Harvard Square. It's one of my favorite places, and I wanted to share it with Hiromi and Coco, both of whom had never been there. Walking down the alley toward the restaurant, I pointed out the red house that Charlie's owner hopes to fix up and open as a slightly higher-end restaurant to accompany Charlie's (at least that's what I think is going on).
Drafty plans for the future.
Well, there you go. Good to get that out of my system -- and the images off the camera.
'Tis the Season to Be... AWOL XI
I'm taking the day tomorrow, the first of my Friday's off to use up my vacation time before it expires. Tomorrow night, I fly to Chicago to visit my grandmother in northwest Indiana. Based on your votes, we plan to spend the weekend visiting the John Dillinger Museum at the Indiana Welcome Center, the Yellow Brick Road Gift Shop and Oz Fantasy Museum in Chesterton, Indiana, and perhaps even the South Bend Chocolate Co. if we feel like that long a drive.
Monday I'll spend with friends in Chicago. Coco's also visiting friends in Chicago, so we'll probably spend most of Monday stomping around the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois. I went to college there, and it'll be fun to show her some of the sights and sites that are important to me. I'll report on our activities upon my return next Tuesday.
While I always hope to update Media Diet while traveling, if I don't, that doesn't mean that Media Diet is dead (long live Media Diet!). It just means that it's resting. See you Tuesday after Labor Day.
I'm taking the day tomorrow, the first of my Friday's off to use up my vacation time before it expires. Tomorrow night, I fly to Chicago to visit my grandmother in northwest Indiana. Based on your votes, we plan to spend the weekend visiting the John Dillinger Museum at the Indiana Welcome Center, the Yellow Brick Road Gift Shop and Oz Fantasy Museum in Chesterton, Indiana, and perhaps even the South Bend Chocolate Co. if we feel like that long a drive.
Monday I'll spend with friends in Chicago. Coco's also visiting friends in Chicago, so we'll probably spend most of Monday stomping around the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois. I went to college there, and it'll be fun to show her some of the sights and sites that are important to me. I'll report on our activities upon my return next Tuesday.
While I always hope to update Media Diet while traveling, if I don't, that doesn't mean that Media Diet is dead (long live Media Diet!). It just means that it's resting. See you Tuesday after Labor Day.
These Links Were Made for Breaking? V
I was doing some research on the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo in Sicily, and while checking out Kim Herring's Web site on the subject, I received the following error message after viewing about 12 photographs:
Seems a bit silly, doesn't it? I realize that Tripod is a free Webfarm and needs to manage its members' bandwidth usage somehow, but this reminds of when I was trying to sign up for Yaccs' comments service. Too small a window to bother returning. Might as well not be on the Web!
I was doing some research on the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo in Sicily, and while checking out Kim Herring's Web site on the subject, I received the following error message after viewing about 12 photographs:
The Tripod page you are trying to reach has exceeded its hourly bandwidth limit. The site will be available again in 2 hours!
Seems a bit silly, doesn't it? I realize that Tripod is a free Webfarm and needs to manage its members' bandwidth usage somehow, but this reminds of when I was trying to sign up for Yaccs' comments service. Too small a window to bother returning. Might as well not be on the Web!
From the In Box: Music to My Ears IX
Thanks to Media Diet, I peaked at #16 on the Label Stations charts on MP3.com.
Sounds like an infomercial, huh. -- Johann Zweifel
Thanks to Media Diet, I peaked at #16 on the Label Stations charts on MP3.com.
Sounds like an infomercial, huh. -- Johann Zweifel
Workaday World VI
For some reason, I'm currently unable to access email via Eudora or Outlook. I am able to access the InterWeb. Still, it's freaking me out how helpless and useless I feel without email access. It's like I lost a lifeline, and so much of what I need to do what I'm working on is in my Outlook in box. Sigh. I think I need to go to lunch. Fingers crossed that it's back up when I get back!
For some reason, I'm currently unable to access email via Eudora or Outlook. I am able to access the InterWeb. Still, it's freaking me out how helpless and useless I feel without email access. It's like I lost a lifeline, and so much of what I need to do what I'm working on is in my Outlook in box. Sigh. I think I need to go to lunch. Fingers crossed that it's back up when I get back!
Pieces, Particles VIII
The following media-related stories recently spotted in print publications might be worth a look. Heads and decks, only. Heads and decks.
Anarchists in Medicine and Pharmacy: Philadelphia, 1889-1930, by Robert Helms, Clamor, December 2000
Artspace: The Neglected Frontier? by Sady Sullivan, The Weekly Dig, Aug. 21, 2002
Beauty Tips and Politics, by Lauren Sandler, The Nation, Sept. 2, 2002
Hot media news: Women want hard-hitting reports on issues that affect them.
A Brief History of Skate Parks, by Jered Bogli, Clamor, December 2000
Comic Relief, by Michael Bronski, The Boston Phoenix, Aug. 23, 2002
Making the incipient homosexuality in superhero comics more visible has prompted a backlash far more complex than the one faced by comic books in the 1950s
From the House of the Dead, by Richard Stirling, Fortean Times, July 2002
Richard Stirling invites us to Sicily's spookiest site -- the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo
Guerrillas in Our Midst, by Kate Haegele, Bitch, No. 13 (Triskadekaphilia 2001)
Harriet & Claudia, Where Have You Gone?, by Monica T. Nolan, Bitch, No. 15 (Winter of Our Discontent 2002)
Notes on the gender divide in children's literature
Hero with a Dirty Face, by Michael Bronski, The Boston Phoenix, Aug. 16, 2002
Samuel Roth -- smut peddler, literary pirate, ruthless businessman, rabidly anti-Semitic Jew -- is not easily venerated. But without his stand for free expression, we might still be gagging on state control.
How to Get on a Game Show, by Jon Regardie, ReadyMade, No. 3 (Summer 2002)
Start by selling yourself
How to Go on a Nationwide Book Tour and Not Get Laid, by Steve Almond, The Boston Phoenix, Aug. 23, 2002
A sexual odyssey through a semiliterate nation
I Hear Voices in My Radiohead, by David Hambling, Fortean Times, July 2002
David Hambling takes a look at the puzzling phenomenon of electrophonics.
The Last Sports Column, by Charles Pierce, Esquire, September 2002
For a decade, I've written about America through its games. That's all over now.
A Life of Crime, by Russell Shorto, The New York Times Magazine, Aug. 25, 2002
Fueled by personal tragedy, John Walsh built a national movement and a remarkably successful television career as the host of "America's Most Wanted" and now has his own talk show. But has the medium overtaken the man?
Lost and Found in America, by Jill Hudes, ReadyMade, No. 3 (Summer 2002)
Making art out of what's left behind
Media Alliance Versus the National Association of Broadcasters, by Eric Zass, Clamor, December 2000
The future of television, radio, and the Internet in America. An interview with Andrea Buffa.
Memos from D.V., by Diana Vreeland, The New Yorker, Sept. 17, 2001
How the legendary Vogue editor kept fashion in line.
The Naked Face, by Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker, Aug. 5, 2002
Can you read people's thoughts just by looking at them?
Odd DUKW, by Thomas Allen, Smithsonian Magazine, August 2002
On land and in the water, World War II's amphibian workhorse showed the skeptics a thing or two -- now it shows tourists the sights
Paper Chase, by Jonathan Kiefer, ReadyMade, No. 3 (Summer 2002)
How to seem like you read several newspapers
The Past Decade Has Seen African-American Men Invade the Science Fiction Genre, but What About the Sci-Fi Sisters?, by Elyce Rae Helford, Bitch, No. 15 (Winter of Our Discontent 2002)
Reclaiming Radical History in the Labadie Collection, by Andrew Cornell, Clamor, December 2000
Romance Novels: True Love Returns, The Economist, July 27, 2002
America rediscovers its heartland
Saints Preserve Us, by Dwight Longenecker, Fortean Times, July 2002
There are more than 100 cases of saintly Catholics whose bodies have resisted the corruption of the grave. Dwight Longenecker reviews one of the world's best attested "miracles" and finds the phenomenon is by no means limited to just Catholics or saints.
Shining Independently, by Bruce Costa, Comics & Games Retailer, September 2002
A discussion with Eric Reynolds of Fantagraphics
Taking It to the Streets!, by Matthew A. Donahue, Clamor, December 2000
Art cars in America
Theater's Memory Bank Expands, by Jonathan Mandell, The New York Times, Aug. 25, 2002
Playbill, theatergoers' only record of an ephemeral art, has absorbed Stagebill, its sole nationwide competitor.
This Little Piggy Kicked Ass, by Kate Epstein, Bitch, No. 13 (Triskadekaphilia 2001)
Kate Epstein laments the diminished power of her favorite Muppet
An Uninvited Bassist Takes to the Internet, by Neil Strauss, The New York Times, Aug. 25, 2002
If you work for a magazine and would like to sign me up for a complimentary subscription, please feel free to do so. My address is in the grey bar over on the left.
The following media-related stories recently spotted in print publications might be worth a look. Heads and decks, only. Heads and decks.
Anarchists in Medicine and Pharmacy: Philadelphia, 1889-1930, by Robert Helms, Clamor, December 2000
Artspace: The Neglected Frontier? by Sady Sullivan, The Weekly Dig, Aug. 21, 2002
Beauty Tips and Politics, by Lauren Sandler, The Nation, Sept. 2, 2002
Hot media news: Women want hard-hitting reports on issues that affect them.
A Brief History of Skate Parks, by Jered Bogli, Clamor, December 2000
Comic Relief, by Michael Bronski, The Boston Phoenix, Aug. 23, 2002
Making the incipient homosexuality in superhero comics more visible has prompted a backlash far more complex than the one faced by comic books in the 1950s
From the House of the Dead, by Richard Stirling, Fortean Times, July 2002
Richard Stirling invites us to Sicily's spookiest site -- the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo
Guerrillas in Our Midst, by Kate Haegele, Bitch, No. 13 (Triskadekaphilia 2001)
Harriet & Claudia, Where Have You Gone?, by Monica T. Nolan, Bitch, No. 15 (Winter of Our Discontent 2002)
Notes on the gender divide in children's literature
Hero with a Dirty Face, by Michael Bronski, The Boston Phoenix, Aug. 16, 2002
Samuel Roth -- smut peddler, literary pirate, ruthless businessman, rabidly anti-Semitic Jew -- is not easily venerated. But without his stand for free expression, we might still be gagging on state control.
How to Get on a Game Show, by Jon Regardie, ReadyMade, No. 3 (Summer 2002)
Start by selling yourself
How to Go on a Nationwide Book Tour and Not Get Laid, by Steve Almond, The Boston Phoenix, Aug. 23, 2002
A sexual odyssey through a semiliterate nation
I Hear Voices in My Radiohead, by David Hambling, Fortean Times, July 2002
David Hambling takes a look at the puzzling phenomenon of electrophonics.
The Last Sports Column, by Charles Pierce, Esquire, September 2002
For a decade, I've written about America through its games. That's all over now.
A Life of Crime, by Russell Shorto, The New York Times Magazine, Aug. 25, 2002
Fueled by personal tragedy, John Walsh built a national movement and a remarkably successful television career as the host of "America's Most Wanted" and now has his own talk show. But has the medium overtaken the man?
Lost and Found in America, by Jill Hudes, ReadyMade, No. 3 (Summer 2002)
Making art out of what's left behind
Media Alliance Versus the National Association of Broadcasters, by Eric Zass, Clamor, December 2000
The future of television, radio, and the Internet in America. An interview with Andrea Buffa.
Memos from D.V., by Diana Vreeland, The New Yorker, Sept. 17, 2001
How the legendary Vogue editor kept fashion in line.
The Naked Face, by Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker, Aug. 5, 2002
Can you read people's thoughts just by looking at them?
Odd DUKW, by Thomas Allen, Smithsonian Magazine, August 2002
On land and in the water, World War II's amphibian workhorse showed the skeptics a thing or two -- now it shows tourists the sights
Paper Chase, by Jonathan Kiefer, ReadyMade, No. 3 (Summer 2002)
How to seem like you read several newspapers
The Past Decade Has Seen African-American Men Invade the Science Fiction Genre, but What About the Sci-Fi Sisters?, by Elyce Rae Helford, Bitch, No. 15 (Winter of Our Discontent 2002)
Reclaiming Radical History in the Labadie Collection, by Andrew Cornell, Clamor, December 2000
Romance Novels: True Love Returns, The Economist, July 27, 2002
America rediscovers its heartland
Saints Preserve Us, by Dwight Longenecker, Fortean Times, July 2002
There are more than 100 cases of saintly Catholics whose bodies have resisted the corruption of the grave. Dwight Longenecker reviews one of the world's best attested "miracles" and finds the phenomenon is by no means limited to just Catholics or saints.
Shining Independently, by Bruce Costa, Comics & Games Retailer, September 2002
A discussion with Eric Reynolds of Fantagraphics
Taking It to the Streets!, by Matthew A. Donahue, Clamor, December 2000
Art cars in America
Theater's Memory Bank Expands, by Jonathan Mandell, The New York Times, Aug. 25, 2002
Playbill, theatergoers' only record of an ephemeral art, has absorbed Stagebill, its sole nationwide competitor.
This Little Piggy Kicked Ass, by Kate Epstein, Bitch, No. 13 (Triskadekaphilia 2001)
Kate Epstein laments the diminished power of her favorite Muppet
An Uninvited Bassist Takes to the Internet, by Neil Strauss, The New York Times, Aug. 25, 2002
If you work for a magazine and would like to sign me up for a complimentary subscription, please feel free to do so. My address is in the grey bar over on the left.
Manna for Media Dieticians III
DC Shoe Co. USA, maker of DC Shoes, just launched a new online company store. I still have three (3) discount codes that Media Dieticians can use to snag 50% off of online buys of DC Shoes products. If you're interested in taking advantage of this generous hook up courtesy of DC Shoes and Media Diet, email me and I'll send you a unique, single-use discount code. It'll guarantee you 50% off online. I only have three (3) of these left, so first come, first served.
This will probably be the last time I post about this special offer -- before I use the discount codes myself, snagging a full 150% off (That's how it works, no?) -- so if you're even remotely interested, contact me soon.
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
DC Shoe Co. USA, maker of DC Shoes, just launched a new online company store. I still have three (3) discount codes that Media Dieticians can use to snag 50% off of online buys of DC Shoes products. If you're interested in taking advantage of this generous hook up courtesy of DC Shoes and Media Diet, email me and I'll send you a unique, single-use discount code. It'll guarantee you 50% off online. I only have three (3) of these left, so first come, first served.
This will probably be the last time I post about this special offer -- before I use the discount codes myself, snagging a full 150% off (That's how it works, no?) -- so if you're even remotely interested, contact me soon.
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
Fan Friction
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recognizes the existence of TV-related fan fiction, juxtaposing '80s mainstay "Remington Steele" with the InterWeb in the lead. MIT media mind Henry Jenkins is quoted in the piece, which indicates that reporter Sonja Lewis did her homework, and she nods to fan fiction's pre-InterWeb past... as well as the seamy backside of slash fiction. Overall, the feature is fair. It doesn't belittle the authors, recognizes the social networks that fan fiction can help solidify, and intersperses fan fiction excerpts throughout the piece.
Interesting timing, because I stumbled across a "Gilmore Girls" fan fiction site yesterday, as well as a site detailing the legal action taken by 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. against another TV fan site. Why don't the networks realize that fan sites have value as promotional tools? Why clamp down on something that only shows how dedicated and engaged your audience is? Why nix the free publicity?
Thanks to I Want Media.
Interesting timing, because I stumbled across a "Gilmore Girls" fan fiction site yesterday, as well as a site detailing the legal action taken by 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. against another TV fan site. Why don't the networks realize that fan sites have value as promotional tools? Why clamp down on something that only shows how dedicated and engaged your audience is? Why nix the free publicity?
Thanks to I Want Media.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Cover Story III
The fine folks at PopCult decry the evolution -- or, shall I say, devolution -- of magazine cover design, contending that photographs of celebrities make a poor substitution for the elaborate, lush illustrations of yesteryear. As part of Coury Turczyn's critique, PopCult offers a magazine cover design face-off comparing old-school covers with their less-palatable new-wave counterparts.
Thanks to Bookslut.
The fine folks at PopCult decry the evolution -- or, shall I say, devolution -- of magazine cover design, contending that photographs of celebrities make a poor substitution for the elaborate, lush illustrations of yesteryear. As part of Coury Turczyn's critique, PopCult offers a magazine cover design face-off comparing old-school covers with their less-palatable new-wave counterparts.
Thanks to Bookslut.
Event-O-Dex IX
As if you don't have enough choices for what to do tonight between the Sinkcharmer/Spoilsport SCAT shoot and the Star Star Quarterback show at the Druid, there's also a show at the Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain featuring So & So, Choo Choo La Rouge, and I Love You. Is Santa Claus omniscient or omnipresent? I forget, but I want to be him tonight.
As if you don't have enough choices for what to do tonight between the Sinkcharmer/Spoilsport SCAT shoot and the Star Star Quarterback show at the Druid, there's also a show at the Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain featuring So & So, Choo Choo La Rouge, and I Love You. Is Santa Claus omniscient or omnipresent? I forget, but I want to be him tonight.
From the In Box: Television-Impaired V
Have you seen this? The best (obsessive and funny) reviews of any shows ever -- this is the Gilmore link. Oh, and last season was season #2. The upcoming is the third one. I'm totally and hopelessly addicted to this show. -- Joe Szilagyi
Have you seen this? The best (obsessive and funny) reviews of any shows ever -- this is the Gilmore link. Oh, and last season was season #2. The upcoming is the third one. I'm totally and hopelessly addicted to this show. -- Joe Szilagyi
Television-Impaired V
I think I'm in love. Oh, you might think you know who I'm in love with based on names that pop up in Media Diet entries every so often, but today I'm in love with a TV show. The Gilmore Girls on the WB, to be precise.
Now, I've only seen two or three episodes of the program, all video-taped reruns at this point, as the season premiere doesn't hit the airwaves until late September, but this is one of the best TV programs I've ever seen. In the show's first season, there were more than 20 episodes. In the three that I've seen, I was struck by the character development, the impressive relationship between the main mother-daughter characters, and the quick-witted pacing of the show. Much of the program's dialogue is delivered in a highly caffeinated, rapid-fire, extremely clever manner, and it's a joy to just listen to the banter.
The show is populated by characters you can't help but love, characters you can't help but hate, and relationships you can't help but wonder about and hope for. Until the second season starts, I'm not sure how I'm going to get my Gilmore Girls fix. Maybe I'll have to pick up the Gilmore Girls books.
Mmm, to be young and in love -- with the Gilmore Girls.
I think I'm in love. Oh, you might think you know who I'm in love with based on names that pop up in Media Diet entries every so often, but today I'm in love with a TV show. The Gilmore Girls on the WB, to be precise.
Now, I've only seen two or three episodes of the program, all video-taped reruns at this point, as the season premiere doesn't hit the airwaves until late September, but this is one of the best TV programs I've ever seen. In the show's first season, there were more than 20 episodes. In the three that I've seen, I was struck by the character development, the impressive relationship between the main mother-daughter characters, and the quick-witted pacing of the show. Much of the program's dialogue is delivered in a highly caffeinated, rapid-fire, extremely clever manner, and it's a joy to just listen to the banter.
The show is populated by characters you can't help but love, characters you can't help but hate, and relationships you can't help but wonder about and hope for. Until the second season starts, I'm not sure how I'm going to get my Gilmore Girls fix. Maybe I'll have to pick up the Gilmore Girls books.
Mmm, to be young and in love -- with the Gilmore Girls.
Magazine Me XV
Last night I picked up the Aug. 12 issue of Publishers Weekly, a special 300-plus page edition dedicated to fall titles. Reading PW on the train to work today, aided by a delay at Government Center, I was struck by the feeling that this -- this magazine, but particularly this issue -- is pornography. Just as Folio: magazine strikes me as pornography for magazine publishers (even moreso than Samir Husni's annual guides to new consumer magazines) PW is pornography for book publishers. And booksellers. And active readers.
The Aug. 12 issue is a veritable catalog of forthcoming books, with the first 130-plus pages devoted to publisher-specific display advertisements, a slim news and feature well, and about 150 pages of book listings organized by format, subject, and publisher. My copy is already dog-eared because I've started to fold the corners on pages featuring books I want, books that sparked story ideas for Fast Company, and books by authors I'd like to interview some day.
Publishers Weekly: Nervy, pervy. Who'da thunk?
Last night I picked up the Aug. 12 issue of Publishers Weekly, a special 300-plus page edition dedicated to fall titles. Reading PW on the train to work today, aided by a delay at Government Center, I was struck by the feeling that this -- this magazine, but particularly this issue -- is pornography. Just as Folio: magazine strikes me as pornography for magazine publishers (even moreso than Samir Husni's annual guides to new consumer magazines) PW is pornography for book publishers. And booksellers. And active readers.
The Aug. 12 issue is a veritable catalog of forthcoming books, with the first 130-plus pages devoted to publisher-specific display advertisements, a slim news and feature well, and about 150 pages of book listings organized by format, subject, and publisher. My copy is already dog-eared because I've started to fold the corners on pages featuring books I want, books that sparked story ideas for Fast Company, and books by authors I'd like to interview some day.
Publishers Weekly: Nervy, pervy. Who'da thunk?
Manna for Media Dieticians II
DC Shoe Co. USA, maker of DC Shoes, just launched a new online company store. I now have three (3) discount codes that Media Dieticians can use to snag 50% off of online buys of DC Shoes products. If you're interested in taking advantage of this generous hook up courtesy of DC Shoes and Media Diet, email me and I'll send you a unique, single-use discount code. It'll guarantee you 50% off online. I only have three (3) of these left, so first come, first served.
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
DC Shoe Co. USA, maker of DC Shoes, just launched a new online company store. I now have three (3) discount codes that Media Dieticians can use to snag 50% off of online buys of DC Shoes products. If you're interested in taking advantage of this generous hook up courtesy of DC Shoes and Media Diet, email me and I'll send you a unique, single-use discount code. It'll guarantee you 50% off online. I only have three (3) of these left, so first come, first served.
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
Tuesday, August 27, 2002
From the In Box: Event-O-Dex VIII
Ever since receiving one of Brett Rosenberg's emails regarding your review of his album, I've been a fan, daily, of your diet. Thought I'd let you know about a show taking place tomorrow (8/28) at the Druid. I, Star Star Quarterback (Andrew Brooks, Sportswriter), will share the stage with two really great song-players in Soltero and Alexander McGregor. I had the fortune of playing with Alex some weeks ago. Very special. Very Os Mutante. Show starts at 9 o'clock. -- Andrew Brooks
Media Dieticians can look forward to a forthcoming review of the Star Star Quarterback CD. For those of you who might not know, the Druid is on Inman Square in Cambridge, an easy walk from Central Square. Interesting historical tidbit: "The Druid Pub is housed in the oldest wooden mercantile structure in the city of Cambridge." Go for the history; stay for Star Star Quarterback. You can even make it to the Sinkcharmer/Spoilsport TV shoot beforehand.
Ever since receiving one of Brett Rosenberg's emails regarding your review of his album, I've been a fan, daily, of your diet. Thought I'd let you know about a show taking place tomorrow (8/28) at the Druid. I, Star Star Quarterback (Andrew Brooks, Sportswriter), will share the stage with two really great song-players in Soltero and Alexander McGregor. I had the fortune of playing with Alex some weeks ago. Very special. Very Os Mutante. Show starts at 9 o'clock. -- Andrew Brooks
Media Dieticians can look forward to a forthcoming review of the Star Star Quarterback CD. For those of you who might not know, the Druid is on Inman Square in Cambridge, an easy walk from Central Square. Interesting historical tidbit: "The Druid Pub is housed in the oldest wooden mercantile structure in the city of Cambridge." Go for the history; stay for Star Star Quarterback. You can even make it to the Sinkcharmer/Spoilsport TV shoot beforehand.
Event-O-Dex VIII
This Wednesday (tomorrow), Aug. 28, at 7:45 p.m., the rock bands Sinkcharmer and Spoilsport will tape a live performance at Somerville Community Access Television. They want you to be the audience, or at least a portion thereof.
Kind of like Soul Train but without the soul and any railed forms of transportation. Sort of like American Bandstand but without Dick Clark. Resembling MTV's TRL but without Mariah Carey's surprise nervous breakdown (though you never know) and Carson Daley's non-stop butt kissing.
Sinkcharmer is a member of the Handstand Command Somerville-based music collective and conists of Jen and Paul from the Operators and Jef from the Anchormen and the Tardy. Sinkcharmer is the winner.
Spoilsport are Jamaica Plain's most valuable export. Two guys, two gals, sweet melodies, rocking guitars, and beach-party drum beats. For those who like their Pop Rocks mixed with Pepsi.
Free!
All ages, kids welcome!
Bring friends!
For more information and directions, call SCAT at (617) 628-8826, or visit their Web site.
This Wednesday (tomorrow), Aug. 28, at 7:45 p.m., the rock bands Sinkcharmer and Spoilsport will tape a live performance at Somerville Community Access Television. They want you to be the audience, or at least a portion thereof.
Kind of like Soul Train but without the soul and any railed forms of transportation. Sort of like American Bandstand but without Dick Clark. Resembling MTV's TRL but without Mariah Carey's surprise nervous breakdown (though you never know) and Carson Daley's non-stop butt kissing.
Sinkcharmer is a member of the Handstand Command Somerville-based music collective and conists of Jen and Paul from the Operators and Jef from the Anchormen and the Tardy. Sinkcharmer is the winner.
Spoilsport are Jamaica Plain's most valuable export. Two guys, two gals, sweet melodies, rocking guitars, and beach-party drum beats. For those who like their Pop Rocks mixed with Pepsi.
Free!
All ages, kids welcome!
Bring friends!
For more information and directions, call SCAT at (617) 628-8826, or visit their Web site.
Music to My Ears IX
Johann, a friend in Minneapolis -- and a fellow I used to work merch for when he booked shows in the vicinity of Janesville, Wisconsin -- has built an MP3 station featuring songs by Dillinger Four, the Vindictives, Moment, Cheap Trick, and other bands. I'm streaming it now, and so far, so good.
Johann, a friend in Minneapolis -- and a fellow I used to work merch for when he booked shows in the vicinity of Janesville, Wisconsin -- has built an MP3 station featuring songs by Dillinger Four, the Vindictives, Moment, Cheap Trick, and other bands. I'm streaming it now, and so far, so good.
Manna for Media Dieticians
DC Shoe Co. USA, maker of DC Shoes, just launched a new online company store. I have four (4) discount codes that Media Dieticians can use to snag 50% off of online buys of DC Shoes products. If you're interested in taking advantage of this generous hook up courtesy of DC Shoes and Media Diet, email me and I'll send you a unique, single-use discount code. It'll guarantee you 50% off online. I only have four (4) of these, so first come, first served.
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
DC Shoe Co. USA, maker of DC Shoes, just launched a new online company store. I have four (4) discount codes that Media Dieticians can use to snag 50% off of online buys of DC Shoes products. If you're interested in taking advantage of this generous hook up courtesy of DC Shoes and Media Diet, email me and I'll send you a unique, single-use discount code. It'll guarantee you 50% off online. I only have four (4) of these, so first come, first served.
Thanks to DC Shoes for the hook up.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXXIV
Sunday: Serving Sara
Well, Coco saw it. Here's her review in Film Monthly.
Sunday: Serving Sara
Well, Coco saw it. Here's her review in Film Monthly.
The Dangers of Auto-Fill
I was just bidding on a postcard of a hotel in Evanston, Illinois, on eBay, and my browser auto-filled a field. I hit Place Bid before I realized that auto-fill had kicked in. This is how eBay replied:
Phew! Thanks, eBay. Good to know you've got my back.
I was just bidding on a postcard of a hotel in Evanston, Illinois, on eBay, and my browser auto-filled a field. I hit Place Bid before I realized that auto-fill had kicked in. This is how eBay replied:
Sorry, your bid amount of $6,179,730,300.00 is too large. Please go back and check it again.
Phew! Thanks, eBay. Good to know you've got my back.
Rock Shows of Note XXXVII
Coco and I arrived at the Middle East Upstairs to find an empty room and a flier saying that the Tommy and the Terrors and Toxic Narcotic show was moved to an address on Boylston Street. Instead of trying to find the new location, we walked around the corner and went to TT the Bear's Place to see the Mayflies USA, Ad Frank and the Fast Easy Women, and Tommy Keene show. That's one of the best things about living on Central Square. If you aren't sure whether you want to go to a show, you can go for a short walk and decide. And if you want to go to a show but don't know who's playing where, you can go for a short walk and have plenty of choices.
The Mayflies USA were energetic pop featuring dual guitars. None of the songs stuck in my head, but I enjoyed their set. We ran into Lisa from Scrapple, who told us that one couple dancing up near the stage lives in Western Massachusetts and comes into Boston every time the Mayflies play in town. The Mayflies are from North Carolina, so both the couple and the band come a long way for these shows. That's dedication! Oh, one song did stay with me. They performed a number with a scaled-back lineup (one guitar) and one band member playing a wonderful organ part. The organ song was definitely my favorite.
Ad Frank played with his full band, the Fast Easy Women. He was dressed up in a somewhat fey sailor get up, complete with cap, and was -- as always -- a front man worth watching. Between his songwriting, his dynamic stage presence, and his penchant for drama, Ad's a lot of fun live. I've seen him play solo at the Washington Street Art Center, which was awesome, but the full stage band does his work more justice. I'm loath to try to describe his sound, but it's slightly '80s drama poppy, slightly gothy, and slightly singer-songwritery a la Leonard Cohen. Fun, fun, fun.
Coco and I left a couple of songs into Tommy Keene's set because we got to talking and needed to go somewhere more quiet. But what I heard sounded more similar to the Mayflies than to Ad -- straight up power pop with a roots element -- and I'd need to hear more to understand why he's one of Coco's friend's favorite musicians.
A happy accident, for sure. I wonder how the Tommy and the Terrors/Toxic Narcotic show went! I picked up the new Toxic Narcotic CD on Go-Kart Records yesterday as preparation for the show, and true to their local releases on Rodent Popsicle, it's heavy, heavy hardcore.
Coco and I arrived at the Middle East Upstairs to find an empty room and a flier saying that the Tommy and the Terrors and Toxic Narcotic show was moved to an address on Boylston Street. Instead of trying to find the new location, we walked around the corner and went to TT the Bear's Place to see the Mayflies USA, Ad Frank and the Fast Easy Women, and Tommy Keene show. That's one of the best things about living on Central Square. If you aren't sure whether you want to go to a show, you can go for a short walk and decide. And if you want to go to a show but don't know who's playing where, you can go for a short walk and have plenty of choices.
The Mayflies USA were energetic pop featuring dual guitars. None of the songs stuck in my head, but I enjoyed their set. We ran into Lisa from Scrapple, who told us that one couple dancing up near the stage lives in Western Massachusetts and comes into Boston every time the Mayflies play in town. The Mayflies are from North Carolina, so both the couple and the band come a long way for these shows. That's dedication! Oh, one song did stay with me. They performed a number with a scaled-back lineup (one guitar) and one band member playing a wonderful organ part. The organ song was definitely my favorite.
Ad Frank played with his full band, the Fast Easy Women. He was dressed up in a somewhat fey sailor get up, complete with cap, and was -- as always -- a front man worth watching. Between his songwriting, his dynamic stage presence, and his penchant for drama, Ad's a lot of fun live. I've seen him play solo at the Washington Street Art Center, which was awesome, but the full stage band does his work more justice. I'm loath to try to describe his sound, but it's slightly '80s drama poppy, slightly gothy, and slightly singer-songwritery a la Leonard Cohen. Fun, fun, fun.
Coco and I left a couple of songs into Tommy Keene's set because we got to talking and needed to go somewhere more quiet. But what I heard sounded more similar to the Mayflies than to Ad -- straight up power pop with a roots element -- and I'd need to hear more to understand why he's one of Coco's friend's favorite musicians.
A happy accident, for sure. I wonder how the Tommy and the Terrors/Toxic Narcotic show went! I picked up the new Toxic Narcotic CD on Go-Kart Records yesterday as preparation for the show, and true to their local releases on Rodent Popsicle, it's heavy, heavy hardcore.
Monday, August 26, 2002
Television-Impaired IV
Despite the fact that several friends and acquaintances are long-time fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I've never really watched the show. But Friday, Coco and I stayed in and watched a DVD bootleg of "Once More, with Feeling," the Buffy musical, and now I can understand part of the allure and appeal of the program. Of course, this episode, an episode in which most of the dialogue is delivered in song, is unlike most (if not all) episodes, so my exposure and opinion isn't totally accurate or representative. But if most of the scripts show this level of humor and energy, I might have to see more of the show.
I was struck by several aspects of the episode, least of which was the musical framework. While the songs were interesting, I was more intrigued by the characters' self-consciousness during the musical moments. Instead of merely couching the plot in the guise of a musical, the writers worked the very idea of the musical into the plot itself. An accidental summoning of a demon brings on a curse that causes people to spontaneously break into song and dance -- and eventually spontaneously combust. During the musical numbers, characters reveal aspects of themselves and their relationships that they wouldn't otherwise, which makes for some nice exposition as well as epiphany. Several writers and producers of the show were worked into the plot as incidental characters, as well, which Coco had to point out to me (I wouldn't have realized it otherwise). And I didn't realize that Buffy included a lesbian relationship subplot -- a pleasant surprise.
Solely on the basis of this one episode, I'll be less hesitant to watch Buffy in the future. What that says about me, I'm not sure.
Despite the fact that several friends and acquaintances are long-time fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I've never really watched the show. But Friday, Coco and I stayed in and watched a DVD bootleg of "Once More, with Feeling," the Buffy musical, and now I can understand part of the allure and appeal of the program. Of course, this episode, an episode in which most of the dialogue is delivered in song, is unlike most (if not all) episodes, so my exposure and opinion isn't totally accurate or representative. But if most of the scripts show this level of humor and energy, I might have to see more of the show.
I was struck by several aspects of the episode, least of which was the musical framework. While the songs were interesting, I was more intrigued by the characters' self-consciousness during the musical moments. Instead of merely couching the plot in the guise of a musical, the writers worked the very idea of the musical into the plot itself. An accidental summoning of a demon brings on a curse that causes people to spontaneously break into song and dance -- and eventually spontaneously combust. During the musical numbers, characters reveal aspects of themselves and their relationships that they wouldn't otherwise, which makes for some nice exposition as well as epiphany. Several writers and producers of the show were worked into the plot as incidental characters, as well, which Coco had to point out to me (I wouldn't have realized it otherwise). And I didn't realize that Buffy included a lesbian relationship subplot -- a pleasant surprise.
Solely on the basis of this one episode, I'll be less hesitant to watch Buffy in the future. What that says about me, I'm not sure.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXXIII
Saturday: The Omen
Gregory Peck stars in this atmospheric 1976 horror film that's heavy on the suspense and relatively light on the terror. A moody, slow-paced movie, the film errs on the side of dramatic effect rather than gore or actual horror. The story is relatively basic. An up-and-coming politician adopts a newborn child as his own -- and the boy is the child of Satan! Harvey Stephens' role as Damien is understated and subtle -- no surprise given the actor's age at the time -- so the movie depends on the acting abilities of the supporting cast, as well as on the pacing and intensity of the plot. While I found the film dragged at times, there are several effective scenes, including the suicide of Damien's nanny at his birthday party, Damien's terror as his family nears a church, the baboon attack on Damien's mother's car, the scene in which the mysterious and tenacious priest runs through the cemetery as the wind picks up, and the sequence in which the photographer realizes his photos capture characters' methods of death. Plenty of good scenes and sequences even if the movie as a whole falls a little flat.
Saturday: The Omen
Gregory Peck stars in this atmospheric 1976 horror film that's heavy on the suspense and relatively light on the terror. A moody, slow-paced movie, the film errs on the side of dramatic effect rather than gore or actual horror. The story is relatively basic. An up-and-coming politician adopts a newborn child as his own -- and the boy is the child of Satan! Harvey Stephens' role as Damien is understated and subtle -- no surprise given the actor's age at the time -- so the movie depends on the acting abilities of the supporting cast, as well as on the pacing and intensity of the plot. While I found the film dragged at times, there are several effective scenes, including the suicide of Damien's nanny at his birthday party, Damien's terror as his family nears a church, the baboon attack on Damien's mother's car, the scene in which the mysterious and tenacious priest runs through the cemetery as the wind picks up, and the sequence in which the photographer realizes his photos capture characters' methods of death. Plenty of good scenes and sequences even if the movie as a whole falls a little flat.
Rock Shows of Note XXXVI
Another awesome Anchormen show this Saturday at the Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain. I just love playing shows with friends' bands, and the whole friends of friends dynamic has helped our shows immensely. The audiences are so much more receptive and fun to watch. Saturday's show featured two awesome bands, the Mary Reillys, Deb of Hi-Fi Records' band, and Spoilsport, only the cutest queercore band currently active in the Boston area.
True to form, it rained -- just like it does almost every time we play -- and I was early enough to grab a burger at Doyle's across the street before heading to the Midway for load in. After setting up and hanging out with the Anks and Spoilsport for a spell, we were treated to the "mighty pop" pretense of Top Heavy, which drew a sizable sorority girl crowd and played radio-friendly alt-rock, even name dropping Coldplay. Coldplay? Turns out that the Midway booked Top Heavy before learning that the Spoilsport kids had made plans with the Anks and the Reillys. They were definitely the outlier of the evening and went so far as to describe themselves to one showgoer as follows: "We're from Boston, but we're not really a Boston band. We usually play in New York and DC. When you hear us, you'll understand why we're not a Boston band." Um, because you tease the audience with a Kiss cover and don't deliver? Because you end your set with a Neil Diamond cover? Because you leave early without sticking around to hear the other bands? Huh.
Notice the Tardy T-shirt. Support the scene!
This was the first time I've seen a full set by the Mary Reillys, and they didn't disappoint. A three piece, the Reillys traffic in power pop by way of garage rock and feature some excellent boy-girl vocals. The crowd seemed to respond well to their sing-along choruses, and they finished with me needing to see them play again soon. Perhaps this Thursday? After their set ended, I was lucky enough to snag their set list. Here's what they played:
Kudos to the Reillys' drummer Kira for helping her friend deal with a low blood pressure moment. We were concerned!
The Anchormen make their move.
Then we played. Scan gives me a hard time about reviewing Anchormen shows, so I'll go light on the Anks this time. We had a lot of fun, and we hope everyone else did, too. Chris encouraged us all to do tequila shots just before we took the stage, and as someone who never, ever does shots, I was a bit surprised by the warmness in my gullet. Fuel for the fire, I suppose. Our set was fast-paced, raucous, and pretty tight. None of us really screwed up -- unless you count me not knowing the words to Billy Idol's "White Wedding" -- and folks were bopping along on the dancefloor. Hooray to everyone who came out to see us play.
Suzanne and Craig rock the casbah.
Last up, Spoilsport. And you know what? This is the best show of theirs that I've ever seen. In the past, I've described them as unabashed, fun-in-the-sun pop, but Saturday, they rocked. Their sound was bigger than I've ever heard it before, they didn't seem as shy and awkward as they have in the past, and Suzanne, the guitarist, was all over the place! So much fun to listen to. So much fun to watch. I was especially impressed by the new vocal parts they've added to the older songs, and I look forward to more gang vocals and boy-girl harmonies in the future. Spoilsport just keeps getting better and better. Check 'em out.
As an added Media Diet bonus, here's what Jef had to say about the show:
Indeed, it was a fun night. I even avoided a wrestling match with Scott. Oh! And Mike Faloon, publisher of the zine Go Metric! even came up from New York for the festivities. It was super cool to finally meet him.
You can also read Koshka's review of the show. Photographs courtesy of Koshka.
Another awesome Anchormen show this Saturday at the Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain. I just love playing shows with friends' bands, and the whole friends of friends dynamic has helped our shows immensely. The audiences are so much more receptive and fun to watch. Saturday's show featured two awesome bands, the Mary Reillys, Deb of Hi-Fi Records' band, and Spoilsport, only the cutest queercore band currently active in the Boston area.
True to form, it rained -- just like it does almost every time we play -- and I was early enough to grab a burger at Doyle's across the street before heading to the Midway for load in. After setting up and hanging out with the Anks and Spoilsport for a spell, we were treated to the "mighty pop" pretense of Top Heavy, which drew a sizable sorority girl crowd and played radio-friendly alt-rock, even name dropping Coldplay. Coldplay? Turns out that the Midway booked Top Heavy before learning that the Spoilsport kids had made plans with the Anks and the Reillys. They were definitely the outlier of the evening and went so far as to describe themselves to one showgoer as follows: "We're from Boston, but we're not really a Boston band. We usually play in New York and DC. When you hear us, you'll understand why we're not a Boston band." Um, because you tease the audience with a Kiss cover and don't deliver? Because you end your set with a Neil Diamond cover? Because you leave early without sticking around to hear the other bands? Huh.
Notice the Tardy T-shirt. Support the scene!
This was the first time I've seen a full set by the Mary Reillys, and they didn't disappoint. A three piece, the Reillys traffic in power pop by way of garage rock and feature some excellent boy-girl vocals. The crowd seemed to respond well to their sing-along choruses, and they finished with me needing to see them play again soon. Perhaps this Thursday? After their set ended, I was lucky enough to snag their set list. Here's what they played:
No Way Fuck You Pollyanna Shoot the Moon Love You More Almost Lost Enron Girl (Way Somewhere) (Marni & Luara) Hot Rod A Match Made in Dedham
Kudos to the Reillys' drummer Kira for helping her friend deal with a low blood pressure moment. We were concerned!
The Anchormen make their move.
Then we played. Scan gives me a hard time about reviewing Anchormen shows, so I'll go light on the Anks this time. We had a lot of fun, and we hope everyone else did, too. Chris encouraged us all to do tequila shots just before we took the stage, and as someone who never, ever does shots, I was a bit surprised by the warmness in my gullet. Fuel for the fire, I suppose. Our set was fast-paced, raucous, and pretty tight. None of us really screwed up -- unless you count me not knowing the words to Billy Idol's "White Wedding" -- and folks were bopping along on the dancefloor. Hooray to everyone who came out to see us play.
Suzanne and Craig rock the casbah.
Last up, Spoilsport. And you know what? This is the best show of theirs that I've ever seen. In the past, I've described them as unabashed, fun-in-the-sun pop, but Saturday, they rocked. Their sound was bigger than I've ever heard it before, they didn't seem as shy and awkward as they have in the past, and Suzanne, the guitarist, was all over the place! So much fun to listen to. So much fun to watch. I was especially impressed by the new vocal parts they've added to the older songs, and I look forward to more gang vocals and boy-girl harmonies in the future. Spoilsport just keeps getting better and better. Check 'em out.
As an added Media Diet bonus, here's what Jef had to say about the show:
I think that was the rowdiest show that I've been in in a good long. Mosh pits! Stripping drummers! Tequila shots! Wrestling! Dancing! A special appearance by the Goo Goo Dolls!
Now I know to start drinking 12 hours before the show for best effect.
Indeed, it was a fun night. I even avoided a wrestling match with Scott. Oh! And Mike Faloon, publisher of the zine Go Metric! even came up from New York for the festivities. It was super cool to finally meet him.
You can also read Koshka's review of the show. Photographs courtesy of Koshka.
From the In Box: Postcards of the Past II
If you're interested in old-school views of Massachusetts -- and I know from your blog that you are -- you should check this out: Taking Photographs from Tall Buildings. -- Ken Gordon
If you're interested in old-school views of Massachusetts -- and I know from your blog that you are -- you should check this out: Taking Photographs from Tall Buildings. -- Ken Gordon
Event-O-Dex VII
Two shows of note this week:
Monday: Dead Pedestrians, Tommy and the Terrors, and Toxic Narcotic at the Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge
Thursday: Faithful, Confront, Mary Reillys, and Chase Scene at the Pond (ex-Hideaway Lounge) in Cambridge
Maybe I'll see you there!
Two shows of note this week:
Monday: Dead Pedestrians, Tommy and the Terrors, and Toxic Narcotic at the Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge
Thursday: Faithful, Confront, Mary Reillys, and Chase Scene at the Pond (ex-Hideaway Lounge) in Cambridge
Maybe I'll see you there!
Friday, August 23, 2002
Postcards of the Past II
Forgive my lazy afternoon geek fest involving postcards, but I've been Googling for vintage views of cities in Massachusetts. There are some awesome resources online, although I've yet to find any collections of postcards from Somerville or Cambridge.
Postcards from Framingham sheds flattering light on what is now a rather uninteresting city. When I first moved to Massachusetts in 1996, I worked in Framingham, and this collection of cards acquired over the course of 25 years shows several sides of the city that aren't visible any more. The cards are organized well, and the archivists include publishing and other information. Who'da thunk Framingham could be so interesting?
Shirley Bruso's online exhibit of postcards from North Adams is not as well organized as the Framingham collection, but the cards are still beautiful. Bruso's archive comprises more than 100 cards depicting scenes between 1900-1970. While it is slightly frustrating to pop back and forth between the cards themselves and the menu, I appreciate Bruso's efforts. Some of the cards are accompanied by personal recollections of the scene in question, and Bruso surrounds the card archive with additional historical and local information.
Lastly, Bob Trachimowicz's Worcester, Massachusetts, Postal History provides just that. In addition to the categorized collection of Worcester postcards, "Track" expands on the history of postal markings and methods in this city west of Boston. I didn't find the analysis of "fancy cancels" and auxiliary markings as interesting as the cards themselves, but his approach is innovative and in depth.
Forgive my lazy afternoon geek fest involving postcards, but I've been Googling for vintage views of cities in Massachusetts. There are some awesome resources online, although I've yet to find any collections of postcards from Somerville or Cambridge.
Postcards from Framingham sheds flattering light on what is now a rather uninteresting city. When I first moved to Massachusetts in 1996, I worked in Framingham, and this collection of cards acquired over the course of 25 years shows several sides of the city that aren't visible any more. The cards are organized well, and the archivists include publishing and other information. Who'da thunk Framingham could be so interesting?
Shirley Bruso's online exhibit of postcards from North Adams is not as well organized as the Framingham collection, but the cards are still beautiful. Bruso's archive comprises more than 100 cards depicting scenes between 1900-1970. While it is slightly frustrating to pop back and forth between the cards themselves and the menu, I appreciate Bruso's efforts. Some of the cards are accompanied by personal recollections of the scene in question, and Bruso surrounds the card archive with additional historical and local information.
Lastly, Bob Trachimowicz's Worcester, Massachusetts, Postal History provides just that. In addition to the categorized collection of Worcester postcards, "Track" expands on the history of postal markings and methods in this city west of Boston. I didn't find the analysis of "fancy cancels" and auxiliary markings as interesting as the cards themselves, but his approach is innovative and in depth.
Postcards of the Past
Thanks to Postcard Collector, one of my new favorite magazines, I've come across several interesting Web exhibits of old postcards. David Clause's Vintage Bethlehem archives more than 300 postcards of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The cards are categorized by location, as well as by subject (such as bridges and waterways and planes and trains). Many of the cards are annotated with historic descriptions of the depicted scene. There should be more local postcard archives like this!
Wait, there are! Casey Weaver has developed a site called Austin Postcard that features old photographs of Austin, Texas. While the initial card-description navigation listings are somewhat daunting, once you're viewing the cards, you can just click through them as a series. The backs of the cards are also included in the collection, which is a nice touch, and Weaver provides rudimentary postmark and publisher information. And the site also collects some historical information about the Congress Hotel, Granite Dam, and other local landmarks.
And closer to home, but not concentrating on antique postcards, the Salem, Massachusetts, Postcard Tour collects almost 45 postcard views of various aspects of the historic city. Every time I've driven through Salem has been a traffic hassle, and I'm not planning on returning any time soon. These postcards will do just fine.
Thanks to Postcard Collector, one of my new favorite magazines, I've come across several interesting Web exhibits of old postcards. David Clause's Vintage Bethlehem archives more than 300 postcards of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The cards are categorized by location, as well as by subject (such as bridges and waterways and planes and trains). Many of the cards are annotated with historic descriptions of the depicted scene. There should be more local postcard archives like this!
Wait, there are! Casey Weaver has developed a site called Austin Postcard that features old photographs of Austin, Texas. While the initial card-description navigation listings are somewhat daunting, once you're viewing the cards, you can just click through them as a series. The backs of the cards are also included in the collection, which is a nice touch, and Weaver provides rudimentary postmark and publisher information. And the site also collects some historical information about the Congress Hotel, Granite Dam, and other local landmarks.
And closer to home, but not concentrating on antique postcards, the Salem, Massachusetts, Postcard Tour collects almost 45 postcard views of various aspects of the historic city. Every time I've driven through Salem has been a traffic hassle, and I'm not planning on returning any time soon. These postcards will do just fine.
Corollary: 'Tis the Season to Be... AWOL X
I have 25 days of vacation that technically need to be used up by the end of September. I can't really do that, so I think I might take one day a week off for the rest of the year instead. That feels kind of weird. The Anchormen might finish the overdubs for "Just Because You Sleep on My Floor Doesn't Mean That You're My Girlfriend" on Monday, so it looks like next week might be my first short week. I'm not very good at taking vacation days.
I have 25 days of vacation that technically need to be used up by the end of September. I can't really do that, so I think I might take one day a week off for the rest of the year instead. That feels kind of weird. The Anchormen might finish the overdubs for "Just Because You Sleep on My Floor Doesn't Mean That You're My Girlfriend" on Monday, so it looks like next week might be my first short week. I'm not very good at taking vacation days.
From the In Box: Poll Position
What about the Yellow Brick Road Gift Shop and Museum? I've never been, but as an Oz fan from way back (books more than the movie) I've always been a little curious.
And speaking of Dillinger, I guess the Biograph Theater reopens today (Thursday) at 6 p.m. with a fancy dinner and a rescreening of "Manhattan Melodrama," Dillinger's last movie, and a reenactment of the shooting afterwards! -- Joe Germuska
What about the Yellow Brick Road Gift Shop and Museum? I've never been, but as an Oz fan from way back (books more than the movie) I've always been a little curious.
And speaking of Dillinger, I guess the Biograph Theater reopens today (Thursday) at 6 p.m. with a fancy dinner and a rescreening of "Manhattan Melodrama," Dillinger's last movie, and a reenactment of the shooting afterwards! -- Joe Germuska
Thursday, August 22, 2002
Poll Position
I'm planning a weekend away in Indiana to spend some time with my grandmother before Labor Day. We're planning some day trips, and you can help. The first dilemma can be voted on in the ever-so-quiet discussion forum. Your choices:
The South Bend Chocolate Factory
The John Dillinger Museum
You can help me make my travel plans. Take the poll.
I'm planning a weekend away in Indiana to spend some time with my grandmother before Labor Day. We're planning some day trips, and you can help. The first dilemma can be voted on in the ever-so-quiet discussion forum. Your choices:
You can help me make my travel plans. Take the poll.
'Tis the Season to Be... AWOL X
I just learned that the vacation days I've been accumulating -- and not using, really -- since I started working for the magazine in 1997 will not roll over at the end of the year. That means that I need to take the vacation days I earned while under our previous management by the end of 2002. One colleague just took a five-week sabbatical and still didn't use up all of his vacation. Another works perhaps two days a week. I'm not sure I can take five weeks -- which I've probably racked up, if not more -- but perhaps I can get away with working four-day weeks for the rest of the year. Email sent to HR. This is kind of weird.
I just learned that the vacation days I've been accumulating -- and not using, really -- since I started working for the magazine in 1997 will not roll over at the end of the year. That means that I need to take the vacation days I earned while under our previous management by the end of 2002. One colleague just took a five-week sabbatical and still didn't use up all of his vacation. Another works perhaps two days a week. I'm not sure I can take five weeks -- which I've probably racked up, if not more -- but perhaps I can get away with working four-day weeks for the rest of the year. Email sent to HR. This is kind of weird.
Mention Me! XV
I'd like to give a special shout out to Carol and her blog RawBrick. She recently showed up in my referral log, and because she's leaving Boston for Atlanta soon, we should all wish her safe travels. All together now: Safe travels!
Another local blogger, Brian Kane, whom I've mentioned previously, also links to Media Diet. I've visited his Web site several times, but because of some awkward formatting -- I have to scroll pretty far to the right to actually read the text of his blog entries -- I must admit that he's not a frequent read. Still, I appreciate the linkage. Thanks, Brian.
I'd like to give a special shout out to Carol and her blog RawBrick. She recently showed up in my referral log, and because she's leaving Boston for Atlanta soon, we should all wish her safe travels. All together now: Safe travels!
Another local blogger, Brian Kane, whom I've mentioned previously, also links to Media Diet. I've visited his Web site several times, but because of some awkward formatting -- I have to scroll pretty far to the right to actually read the text of his blog entries -- I must admit that he's not a frequent read. Still, I appreciate the linkage. Thanks, Brian.
Comics and Community
I helped staff the Somerville Comics Collaborative table at ArtBeat near the end of last month. Local comics wunderkind Jef Czekaj has scanned the resulting pages -- drawn by people ranging in age from early childhood to post-retirement -- and put them on the Web. You can now read the most recent comics story collectively created by the citizens of Somerville. When we get around to it, Jef, Dan, and I are going to record a voiceover narration and make the comic into a Flash slideshow or something, but we beg your patience. As Jef emailed me, "Someday. Someday." Sounds like a good name for a cafe, eh?
I helped staff the Somerville Comics Collaborative table at ArtBeat near the end of last month. Local comics wunderkind Jef Czekaj has scanned the resulting pages -- drawn by people ranging in age from early childhood to post-retirement -- and put them on the Web. You can now read the most recent comics story collectively created by the citizens of Somerville. When we get around to it, Jef, Dan, and I are going to record a voiceover narration and make the comic into a Flash slideshow or something, but we beg your patience. As Jef emailed me, "Someday. Someday." Sounds like a good name for a cafe, eh?
Rock Shows of Note XXXV
After a long day complete with slow, sleepy morning; Summer Camp party at work; an awesome Anchormen practice; and a walk to Central Square from Inman Square (Jef and Chris stopped off at the Abbey, and I was meeting Coco at home); Coco and I went to the Middle East for the Punk Rock Aerobics anniversary bash.
As soon as we got to the club, bumping into Jef, who ended up beating us there, I got hit by a heavy wave of tiredness. I just wasn't into hanging out in a crowded, loud, and smoky club, regardless of how good the show was. Maura and Hilken seemed pleased with the turnout and birthday celebration despite an inattentive sound woman who kept neglecting to turn on the mics so they could MC. I picked up a Count Me Outs CD after ascertaining that, despite two different CD designs, all of the CD's they had on hand featured the same songs. And we lingered long enough to see two of the bands.
Dead Combo was irritating in an art-damaged kind of way. A two-piece featuring guitars, a drum machine, and a keyboard that produced some interesting sounds, the Combo played lackluster, low-energy art rock -- and seemed to take themselves way too seriously. Backed by some projected graphics, the two created a wall of sound but didn't communicate any sense of fun or humor in their set. Perhaps that's what knocked me out so quickly.
Regardless, we stayed for several songs of the Operators' set before heading home for an early night. After Maura introduced them as her favorite PRA students, the Ops opened with "Bottle" and seemed to be playing quite well for the songs we stuck around to see and hear. We ran into some folks we'd hung out with at Chris and Em's cookout earlier this month, and Coco was a sport to leave as early as I needed to. Mmm, sleep. I needed it.
We were bummed to miss the rest of the Ops' set and the Count Me Outs, but I did get that CD. Next time I'll pace myself better throughout the day so I don't fade so quickly!
You can also read Coco's review of the show.
After a long day complete with slow, sleepy morning; Summer Camp party at work; an awesome Anchormen practice; and a walk to Central Square from Inman Square (Jef and Chris stopped off at the Abbey, and I was meeting Coco at home); Coco and I went to the Middle East for the Punk Rock Aerobics anniversary bash.
As soon as we got to the club, bumping into Jef, who ended up beating us there, I got hit by a heavy wave of tiredness. I just wasn't into hanging out in a crowded, loud, and smoky club, regardless of how good the show was. Maura and Hilken seemed pleased with the turnout and birthday celebration despite an inattentive sound woman who kept neglecting to turn on the mics so they could MC. I picked up a Count Me Outs CD after ascertaining that, despite two different CD designs, all of the CD's they had on hand featured the same songs. And we lingered long enough to see two of the bands.
Dead Combo was irritating in an art-damaged kind of way. A two-piece featuring guitars, a drum machine, and a keyboard that produced some interesting sounds, the Combo played lackluster, low-energy art rock -- and seemed to take themselves way too seriously. Backed by some projected graphics, the two created a wall of sound but didn't communicate any sense of fun or humor in their set. Perhaps that's what knocked me out so quickly.
Regardless, we stayed for several songs of the Operators' set before heading home for an early night. After Maura introduced them as her favorite PRA students, the Ops opened with "Bottle" and seemed to be playing quite well for the songs we stuck around to see and hear. We ran into some folks we'd hung out with at Chris and Em's cookout earlier this month, and Coco was a sport to leave as early as I needed to. Mmm, sleep. I needed it.
We were bummed to miss the rest of the Ops' set and the Count Me Outs, but I did get that CD. Next time I'll pace myself better throughout the day so I don't fade so quickly!
You can also read Coco's review of the show.
Wednesday, August 21, 2002
Workaday World V
I'm a member of Fast Company and Inc.'s "funkomiti," an informal group that occasionally plans silly little social events and parties for the magazines' staffs. Today, we hosted a Summer Camp party over at Commercial Wharf, complete with a vanilla ice cream taste test, s'mores, a crafts table, and T-shirt tie dying. We even decorated a whiteboard in Inc.'s lunch room with graffiti such as "Please don't feed the maintenance man," "No boys in the girls' lodge," and "You are assigned to cabin #3." Here are some photos from the Summer Camp smashup:
Beware the poison oak.
M&M's are the tops!
I scream, you scream, we all scream.
Campers just love the crafts table.
Tara shows off her God's eye.
Daigo readies the rubber bands.
Sodium bicarbonate: My shirt's soaking in it.
Michael's shirt has to sit here for 24 hours.
I snuck into a doorway down the alley. This is what was inside.
Wires, wires everywhere.
The room I snuck into was dominated by this elevator setup.
Is anybody down there? Hello?
Heading out to sea.
Emma Peel gets her "avenge."
We're not sure where the smoke came from.
Now I know where the string is stored.
The funkomiti's previous event.
We didn't organize it, but St. Anthony's Feast is this weekend.
In addition to coming in a little late this morning, this afternoon's fete has really thrown off my day. I feel like it's not a work day. I haven't eaten anything other than M&M's, ice cream, and a s'more. And I'm aiming toward band practice and the Operators' Punk Rock Aerobics anniversary show tonight. T-minus 42 minutes. Then I'm out of here.
I'm a member of Fast Company and Inc.'s "funkomiti," an informal group that occasionally plans silly little social events and parties for the magazines' staffs. Today, we hosted a Summer Camp party over at Commercial Wharf, complete with a vanilla ice cream taste test, s'mores, a crafts table, and T-shirt tie dying. We even decorated a whiteboard in Inc.'s lunch room with graffiti such as "Please don't feed the maintenance man," "No boys in the girls' lodge," and "You are assigned to cabin #3." Here are some photos from the Summer Camp smashup:
Beware the poison oak.
M&M's are the tops!
I scream, you scream, we all scream.
Campers just love the crafts table.
Tara shows off her God's eye.
Daigo readies the rubber bands.
Sodium bicarbonate: My shirt's soaking in it.
Michael's shirt has to sit here for 24 hours.
I snuck into a doorway down the alley. This is what was inside.
Wires, wires everywhere.
The room I snuck into was dominated by this elevator setup.
Is anybody down there? Hello?
Heading out to sea.
Emma Peel gets her "avenge."
We're not sure where the smoke came from.
Now I know where the string is stored.
The funkomiti's previous event.
We didn't organize it, but St. Anthony's Feast is this weekend.
In addition to coming in a little late this morning, this afternoon's fete has really thrown off my day. I feel like it's not a work day. I haven't eaten anything other than M&M's, ice cream, and a s'more. And I'm aiming toward band practice and the Operators' Punk Rock Aerobics anniversary show tonight. T-minus 42 minutes. Then I'm out of here.
Corollary: Magazine Me XIII
While the person who penned the faux Kurt Andersen article in the August issue of Details hasn't been outed yet, investigations continue. Senior Editor Bob Ickes had to hasten his departure because of his handling of the piece. Despite his contentions that the piece was fact checked and that he secured Andersen's social security number in order to pay the man for services rendered, word is that no one ever actually talked to the writer on the phone. The entire assignment, writing, and editing process was handled via email. Another commentator says that it's good form to call big-name writers just to thank them for working with a publication. Lesson: You don't schmooze; you lose.
Thanks to I Want Media.
While the person who penned the faux Kurt Andersen article in the August issue of Details hasn't been outed yet, investigations continue. Senior Editor Bob Ickes had to hasten his departure because of his handling of the piece. Despite his contentions that the piece was fact checked and that he secured Andersen's social security number in order to pay the man for services rendered, word is that no one ever actually talked to the writer on the phone. The entire assignment, writing, and editing process was handled via email. Another commentator says that it's good form to call big-name writers just to thank them for working with a publication. Lesson: You don't schmooze; you lose.
Thanks to I Want Media.
The Song I Just Wrote II
It goes a little like this:
That's all I have right now. Worth finishing?
It goes a little like this:
I didn't shave. I didn't bathe. I haven't washed these clothes in 23 days.
I didn't call you. I didn't eat. I don't look at the people walking down the street.
I didn't say, "Hi." I didn't wave. I didn't tell you that I love you, that I want to be your slave.
I do not miss you. I do not cry. Yet you're the reason why I can't sleep at night.
I've got a problem, and I think I know what it is.
(Heath's got a problem; it involves a relationship.)
I've got a problem. This is what it is:
Our relationship does not exist.
That's all I have right now. Worth finishing?
It's an Ad, Ad, Ad, Ad World XIV
Taxi cabs in Toronto are equipped with GPS-driven video and audio advertising. Advertising rates are in part determined by what block the cab will be on when the ad is triggered.
Thanks to Utne Web Watch.
Taxi cabs in Toronto are equipped with GPS-driven video and audio advertising. Advertising rates are in part determined by what block the cab will be on when the ad is triggered.
Thanks to Utne Web Watch.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Corollary: Blogging About Blogging XXX
I've also added some section headings in the right-hand column so it's easier to find all of the different kinds of reviews. These are basically Google searches within Media Diet, so the formatting is search engine-driven -- not organized like a section of a Web site -- but it does the trick. I'll continue to add categories as it makes sense and the need arises.
Thanks to Media Dieticians Tom (again) and Jeremiah Brown for pointing out how challenging it is to find past Media Diet entries.
I've also added some section headings in the right-hand column so it's easier to find all of the different kinds of reviews. These are basically Google searches within Media Diet, so the formatting is search engine-driven -- not organized like a section of a Web site -- but it does the trick. I'll continue to add categories as it makes sense and the need arises.
Thanks to Media Dieticians Tom (again) and Jeremiah Brown for pointing out how challenging it is to find past Media Diet entries.
Blogging About Blogging XXX
I've made a couple of changes to Media Diet. One, Atomz is no longer my search engine of choice. Google is. Using their Free Search service, Media Dieticians can now search the Cardhouse domain or the Web. I've positioned the search field at the bottom of the page, near the Archives link.
To accommodate easier searches -- and so you don't have to scroll down so far to find the search field -- I've altered Media Diet's template so three days of entries are on the main page instead of the seven of the past. Those made for some pretty long pages!
Thanks to Tom for helping push me over the edge to fix something I haven't been pleased with for awhile. Atomz just wasn't passing muster.
I've made a couple of changes to Media Diet. One, Atomz is no longer my search engine of choice. Google is. Using their Free Search service, Media Dieticians can now search the Cardhouse domain or the Web. I've positioned the search field at the bottom of the page, near the Archives link.
To accommodate easier searches -- and so you don't have to scroll down so far to find the search field -- I've altered Media Diet's template so three days of entries are on the main page instead of the seven of the past. Those made for some pretty long pages!
Thanks to Tom for helping push me over the edge to fix something I haven't been pleased with for awhile. Atomz just wasn't passing muster.
From the In Box: Subway Soundtrack III
The Chicago Reader has recently introduced a cartoon which illustrates real-life reader-contributed anecdotes of overheard conversations -- primarily to make fun of and embarass cell-phone users. This week's showed someone putting their transit card into the turnstile while telling someone on the phone "OK, so I'm going to hop into this cab..." I've seen funnier, but they aren't online. The Reader is unfortunately stingy with their section-one content on the Web site. -- Joe Germuska
Indeed they are! Does anyone have any links or scans to share?
The Chicago Reader has recently introduced a cartoon which illustrates real-life reader-contributed anecdotes of overheard conversations -- primarily to make fun of and embarass cell-phone users. This week's showed someone putting their transit card into the turnstile while telling someone on the phone "OK, so I'm going to hop into this cab..." I've seen funnier, but they aren't online. The Reader is unfortunately stingy with their section-one content on the Web site. -- Joe Germuska
Indeed they are! Does anyone have any links or scans to share?
From the In Box: Books Worth a Look VI
One request I have for you, as a reader of your blog -- I was digging back through your "From the Reading Pile" and "Books Worth a Look" sections (which, on a side note, are actually easier to track down using Google than Atomz, but that's a critique for another day), and I would love it if you'd include the publisher of each book, if such an entity exists, as well as the title and author and date. Especially since a fair number of the books you write about are independently produced.
(In this case, I was curious to see if you'd reviewed any of the So New Media books, but I only recognized "Words! Words! Words!" from having seen the title in their catalog.) -- Tom Hopkins
Consider it done. With the next edition of Books Worth a Look, I'll note the publisher, as well. On your side note, I, too, have been frustrated by Atomz. It doesn't seem to find much, ever, and the search results are formatted such that the results are masked, even. Tough to find what you found, if that makes any sense. When I have some time, I'll explore a better search tool option. Does Google do microsite search engines? Any other recommendations?
One request I have for you, as a reader of your blog -- I was digging back through your "From the Reading Pile" and "Books Worth a Look" sections (which, on a side note, are actually easier to track down using Google than Atomz, but that's a critique for another day), and I would love it if you'd include the publisher of each book, if such an entity exists, as well as the title and author and date. Especially since a fair number of the books you write about are independently produced.
(In this case, I was curious to see if you'd reviewed any of the So New Media books, but I only recognized "Words! Words! Words!" from having seen the title in their catalog.) -- Tom Hopkins
Consider it done. With the next edition of Books Worth a Look, I'll note the publisher, as well. On your side note, I, too, have been frustrated by Atomz. It doesn't seem to find much, ever, and the search results are formatted such that the results are masked, even. Tough to find what you found, if that makes any sense. When I have some time, I'll explore a better search tool option. Does Google do microsite search engines? Any other recommendations?
Subway Soundtrack III
Overheard on the Green Line this morning:
Little Girl: (showing her mother a religious tract entitled, "What the Hell?") What does this say?
Mother: It says, "What the Hell?"
Little Girl: (shocked) Mommy!
Overheard on the Green Line this morning:
Little Girl: (showing her mother a religious tract entitled, "What the Hell?") What does this say?
Mother: It says, "What the Hell?"
Little Girl: (shocked) Mommy!
Corollary: An Open Book?
Positioning itself in a niche currently occupied by magazines such as Page and Book, the people behind Readerville are planning to launch a print magazine, The Readerville Journal, in September. The magazine will build its circulation on the 20,000 or so people who participate in Readerville's online discussions every month, and the publisher hopes response is early and active. "It's as if a focus group of several thousand people met round-the-clock for two years to lay out an agenda for this content," he says.
Special kudos to Readerville for partnering with Book Sense, the American Booksellers Association's network of more than 1,100 independent bookstores. This alliance might be a worthy challenger to Book, which is backed extensively by Barnes & Noble. Independent bookstores, an online community, and a magazine? What more could we ask for?
Thanks to I Want Media.
Positioning itself in a niche currently occupied by magazines such as Page and Book, the people behind Readerville are planning to launch a print magazine, The Readerville Journal, in September. The magazine will build its circulation on the 20,000 or so people who participate in Readerville's online discussions every month, and the publisher hopes response is early and active. "It's as if a focus group of several thousand people met round-the-clock for two years to lay out an agenda for this content," he says.
Special kudos to Readerville for partnering with Book Sense, the American Booksellers Association's network of more than 1,100 independent bookstores. This alliance might be a worthy challenger to Book, which is backed extensively by Barnes & Noble. Independent bookstores, an online community, and a magazine? What more could we ask for?
Thanks to I Want Media.
Big Brother Is Watching VII
The state of Illinois is spending $4 million to install security cameras and emergency call boxes at more than 50 highway rest stops.
Thanks to Drudge Report.
The state of Illinois is spending $4 million to install security cameras and emergency call boxes at more than 50 highway rest stops.
Thanks to Drudge Report.
Corollary: Rock Shows of Note XXXI
I returned to Toad last night to see Schwang and the Tim Gearan Band with Coco and her friend Mark. I wasn't totally into the idea of seeing the bands again -- they're good but not brilliant -- but I did want to see Coco, so there you go. The show was slightly different. Schwang and Gearan were joined by a new guitarist, Kevin, whose approach was more blues and solo oriented -- not as sparse and ornamental as Dave Goodrich's guitar work. And Schwang was joined by the bartender's sister, who'se visiting from out of town, for several songs. She's got a solid voice and a sultry stage presence. Her harmonies with Anita were especially impressive. Gearan's band added a mohawked hand drum and tambourine player -- who slid in beside us on the side pew, making seating quite tight. He was the most intent tambourine player I've ever seen. Wasn't going to let it get away from him, no sir! The saxophonist was mic'ed this time, which was awesome. You could hear the tenor much better than last week. But still not my thing. We left after several songs to walk home.
Also of note, Andy got a haircut.
I returned to Toad last night to see Schwang and the Tim Gearan Band with Coco and her friend Mark. I wasn't totally into the idea of seeing the bands again -- they're good but not brilliant -- but I did want to see Coco, so there you go. The show was slightly different. Schwang and Gearan were joined by a new guitarist, Kevin, whose approach was more blues and solo oriented -- not as sparse and ornamental as Dave Goodrich's guitar work. And Schwang was joined by the bartender's sister, who'se visiting from out of town, for several songs. She's got a solid voice and a sultry stage presence. Her harmonies with Anita were especially impressive. Gearan's band added a mohawked hand drum and tambourine player -- who slid in beside us on the side pew, making seating quite tight. He was the most intent tambourine player I've ever seen. Wasn't going to let it get away from him, no sir! The saxophonist was mic'ed this time, which was awesome. You could hear the tenor much better than last week. But still not my thing. We left after several songs to walk home.
Also of note, Andy got a haircut.
Among the Literati XIV
David Eggers rates two mentions in the Aug. 19 edition of Advertising Age. Placement one, one of the photographs accompanying Kate Fitzgerald's article "Promoting the Page" about New Yorker Festival sponsorships features Dave sitting in on a panel discussion. Mention two, Richard Linnett's Adages column includes several paragraphs subheaded "Scrambled Eggers." It discusses Dave's book excerpt in the Aug. 12 issue of The New Yorker and suggests that the very premise -- a young man gets paid a lot of money for posing for an advertising logo and, wracked by guilt, gives it all away -- is farcical. Dave builds his book on the idea that the man was paid $80,000 for the use of his silhouette. One ad exec says he would have netted $2,500, max. The caption to the photo adjacent to the blurb is captioned "Dim Bulb: Dave Eggers has money to burn." Well, at least he's flaring brightly!
David Eggers rates two mentions in the Aug. 19 edition of Advertising Age. Placement one, one of the photographs accompanying Kate Fitzgerald's article "Promoting the Page" about New Yorker Festival sponsorships features Dave sitting in on a panel discussion. Mention two, Richard Linnett's Adages column includes several paragraphs subheaded "Scrambled Eggers." It discusses Dave's book excerpt in the Aug. 12 issue of The New Yorker and suggests that the very premise -- a young man gets paid a lot of money for posing for an advertising logo and, wracked by guilt, gives it all away -- is farcical. Dave builds his book on the idea that the man was paid $80,000 for the use of his silhouette. One ad exec says he would have netted $2,500, max. The caption to the photo adjacent to the blurb is captioned "Dim Bulb: Dave Eggers has money to burn." Well, at least he's flaring brightly!
Monday, August 19, 2002
FAQ 'n' Roll
Jef and I frequently receive emails from people wondering whether Handstand Command can book them a show while they're on tour, put out their record, or otherwise help them in the ways that managers, booking agents, and record labels do. Sometimes we can. But not all the time. So I wrote this little Handstand Command primer this morning so we had something we could reply to these folks with promptly. Rereading it, I figured Media Dieticians might find it interesting, as well. So here you go.
Please remember that this will be sent out as an email. It wasn't really written or formatted to be published on the Web, regardless of its presence here. Move along. There's nothing to see here.
Jef and I frequently receive emails from people wondering whether Handstand Command can book them a show while they're on tour, put out their record, or otherwise help them in the ways that managers, booking agents, and record labels do. Sometimes we can. But not all the time. So I wrote this little Handstand Command primer this morning so we had something we could reply to these folks with promptly. Rereading it, I figured Media Dieticians might find it interesting, as well. So here you go.
HANDSTAND COMMAND SAYS: HELLO!
Thank you very much for writing to Handstand Command! You've either contacted us about participating in a compilation CD project, sharing a show, or needing some help while your band is on tour in the Boston area. We've written this handy-dandy email FAQ to let you know more about what Handstand Command does -- and how -- and, even if we're unable to help you right now, where else you might turn for assistance in our area. Let us know if you have further questions, OK? We're still new at this.
WHAT IS THE HANDSTAND COMMAND?
Handstand Command is a Somerville, Massachusetts-based music collective that comprises a handful of pop, punk, rock, and other bands, with some of those musical groups sharing band members. We're like Elephant Six, only not as famous. Currently, the Handstand Command collective includes the Anchormen, the Operators, the Tardy, Scrapple, Sinkcharmer, and Asian Babe Alert.
We collectively organize and promote shows, often involving bands outside of the collective, cooperatively run a small record label called Unstoppable Records, and otherwise help expand and improve the Somerville and Boston-area rock scene. For more information about how Handstand Command came to be, check out http://handstandcommand.tripod.com/about.html
WHOA. YOU LOST ME. WHAT WERE THE NAMES OF THOSE BANDS AGAIN?
The Anchormen The Operators The Tardy Scrapple Sinkcharmer Asian Babe Alert (for more information, contact Tom of the Anchormen)
YOU SAID YOU RUN A LABEL? YOU MAKE RECORDS?
Do we ever! To date, Unstoppable Records has released many fine musical recordings of high quality and widespread enjoyment. Currently, our back catalog offers CD's, CD EP's, and 7-inches recorded by the Anchormen, the Operators, Scrapple, and Jef Czekaj (of the Anchormen and the Tardy). We are all hard at work to produce further examples of our studio wizardry. Of course, our records are merely pale shadows of the awe-inspiring rock we unleash during our live performances, but if you'd like to learn more about Unstoppable's wares, visit http://handstandcommand.tripod.com/recordings.html
WILL YOU PUT OUT _MY_ RECORD?
To be totally honest, no. We'd like to focus on our own releases right now, and we think everyone in a band should learn how to put out at least one record by themselves. It's not that difficult, and it even borders on fun. Regardless, if you'd like to send us examples of your music, we'd certainly enjoy listening to them, will review them on the Web, will consider you for future live shows, and will share them with other friends who might be interested in your music.
And, not to mislead you, but Heath (of the Anchormen) occasionally toys with the idea of a compilation CD or CD series project, much like a cat toys with a mouse. Nothing has happened yet, and other members of the collective doubt that he'll ever get his act together, but we thought it might be worth mentioning. Don't get your hopes up, though.
WAIT. LIVE SHOWS? WHEN DO YOU PLAY NEXT?
All of Handstand Command's upcoming shows are listed at http://handstandcommand.tripod.com/calendar.html in an eminently useful, standard calendar format. We also manage an announcement mailing list called the Handstand Commandments that is more often than not quite funny, even if you can't make it to our shows. You can sign up for the Commandments mailing list at http://handstandcommand.tripod.com/signup.html
OK. ENOUGH ABOUT YOU. LET'S TALK ABOUT ME. CAN YOU HELP ME BOOK A SHOW?
We'd really like to, but we're not often able to meet other bands' needs when they're touring. Requests like, "We'll be in town June 1. Can you get us a show?" are challenging for us, but if you're just generally interested in playing with us -- or at one of our events -- in the future, we'd love to learn more about you. You see, we like music. A lot. And we especially like independent local music. Well, good independent local music, but you know what we mean.
We also organize a couple of annual events of some scale that we might be able to involve you and yours in in one way or another. We organize occasional series at the Abbey Lounge in Somerville, and we're often looking for new, interesting bands to add to bills that include Handstand Command members. Members of the collective have also organized events like the ArtBeat Sideshow and Bazaar Bizarre, the punk rock crafts fair.
But we probably can't help with time-critical tour needs. Sorry. If we're already working on something that fits your calendar and we really like you, maybe something will click, but in general, chances are slim.
CAN YOU LISTEN TO THE MP3'S ON OUR WEB SITE TO SEE IF YOU REALLY LIKE US?
MP3's and the InterWeb are both amazing things, but we're still rather partial to things like cassettes, records, and CD's, even if they're CD-R's. We're not always near a computer, and even if we are, not all of us have fast Net connections -- so MP3's can be a bit of a bother. If you'd _really_ like Handstand Command to give you a listen, you should send us a tape, record, or CD, regardless of its quality and packaging.
They'll be copied and distributed among the collective members, we'll pass them on to other friends who book shows if we think they can help you more than us, and we'll review them on the Web. So it's really worth your while to send us something.
FINE. WHERE SHOULD I SEND STUFF?
You can send material to one of two places.
Heath Row
P.O. Box 390205
Cambridge, MA
02139 USA
Sending it here will guarantee a review on the Web. Heath (of the Anchormen) runs an independent media news and review blog called Media Diet.
Unstoppable Records
P.O. Box 440422
Somerville, MA
02144 USA
This is the collective's general mailing address and is monitored by one Jef Czekaj (of the Anchormen and the Tardy). He also does a zine. Ask him about it.
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE ELSE WHO MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP US GET A SHOW?
We're not promising anything, but Handstand Command has closely aligned with several other bands in the area -- and we can recommend and vouch for a couple of specific clubs that we're particularly fond of. You might consider contacting them to see if they can help you. Tell 'em the Command sent ya.
First, the bands we rub elbows with:
Spoilsport Fightin Dogs Choo Choo la Rouge The Also-Rans
Now, the clubs we love:
The Abbey Lounge, Somerville O'Brien's, Allston The Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain TT the Bear's, Cambridge The Middle East, Cambridge
Other places you should explore:
Book Your Own Fuckin' Life
Chances are good you tracked us down through this. If not, it's an awesome global punk rock resource listing bands, labels, zines, promoters, and venues. DIY, baby!
Just Another Scene
Currently on hiatus, this is still a good guide to New England scene stuff. The club listings offer info about what kinds of shows they put on, who books bands, and what the space is like.
Tony and Pals
An awesome resource including show listings, reviews, scene gossip, local record reviews, and other local stuff. One of the best local Web sites.
Boston Punk
Mostly show listings and classified ads, this site still has its finger on the local show pulse -- they may be able to connect you with show organizers.
East Coast Hardcore
The Show Booking section features a discussion board in which promoters post notices of band needs, upcoming shows, and the like. Looks useful, although this site is new to me.
WELL, THANKS A LOT. YOU'VE GIVEN ME A LOT OF FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
Happy to help! We hope you send us stuff because we'd really like to consider you for future events. And we wish you the best of luck! Regardless of whether we're able to get you a show, we hope you'll let us know what happens -- we like going to shows, too. Let us know when you're playing here. Maybe the Handstand Command will show up at one of yours!
Love,
Handstand Command
http://www.handstandcommand.com
OH! I HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION. THIS THIRD-PERSON, COLLECTIVE VOICE THROWS ME OFF A LITTLE. WAS THIS EMAIL WRITTEN BY ROBOTS?
No. We have nothing against robots, but in the current economy, we cannot afford to enlist their services because of the pay range they demand. Heath (of the Anchormen) volunteered to write this email, and because we all have better things to do with our time, we figured we'd let the chump make himself useful for once. Nevertheless, Heath, don't think that this gets you off the hook. You're still in the dog house. We'll never forgive you for that one band you booked at the Upstairs Lounge, and we really wish you'd get off your butt and write some new songs. And none of that Screeching Weasel stuff either. Wait... is this thing still on? Did everyone hear that? Oops.
Please remember that this will be sent out as an email. It wasn't really written or formatted to be published on the Web, regardless of its presence here. Move along. There's nothing to see here.
Magazine Me XIV
This struck me as slightly funny and overly self-referential, but MediaBistro, a media-related Web site, offers an article on how to pitch stories to the Columbia Journalism Review, a trade magazine for journalists. Now I'm mentioning it in Media Diet, a media-related blog. If we keep this up, pretty soon we'll all write stories about writing stories for people who write stories about us writing stories. Or something like that.
This struck me as slightly funny and overly self-referential, but MediaBistro, a media-related Web site, offers an article on how to pitch stories to the Columbia Journalism Review, a trade magazine for journalists. Now I'm mentioning it in Media Diet, a media-related blog. If we keep this up, pretty soon we'll all write stories about writing stories for people who write stories about us writing stories. Or something like that.
Rock Shows of Note XXXIV
To help celebrate Lydia's birthday Saturday night, Coco and I went to Tir Na Nog near Union Square to meet with Lydia, Alex, and several other people -- and to hear Frank Morey. Ostensibly a blues musician -- Frank's coming out with a record later this year on a Chicago-based blues label -- Frank's set was a pleasant bit of old-timey country blues featuring him singing and playing guitar and Scott Pittman on drums.
Frank chain smokes, lighting one cigarette with another.
While I enjoyed Frank's singing and the overall feel of Tom Waits-like dramatic folk blues, I spent most of my time watching Scott play drums. He's got an awesome kit -- modeled after vaudeville, he says -- with a tambourine attached to the high-hat, a loosely coiled spring hanging from a stand, a cowbell, wood block, beaded tom, and a bass drum imprinted with a graphic that reads "Art is the handmaid of human good." He played melodica during one song, and the song in which Frank played the jaw harp accompanied by Scott's duck call was quite enjoyable. In addition, his method of singing backups was interesting. He positions himself pretty far back from the mic, so it created more of a suggestion of vocals underneath Frank's up-front singing. Nice.
Scott just moved from Lowell to Jamaica Plain.
Despite a couple of awkward moments -- girls at the bar giggling over Frank's mention of the "mouth organ" and U2 on the radio interrupting the beginning of their second set -- Frank and Scott played an enjoyable, energetic set. The song from O Brother, Where Art Thou? felt a little cliched, but it's a good song, so I can't fault them. Worth checking out if you like this kind of music. They'd fit well on a bill with Gloria Deluxe, I think.
You can also read another person's review of the show. Photographs courtesy of Koshka.
To help celebrate Lydia's birthday Saturday night, Coco and I went to Tir Na Nog near Union Square to meet with Lydia, Alex, and several other people -- and to hear Frank Morey. Ostensibly a blues musician -- Frank's coming out with a record later this year on a Chicago-based blues label -- Frank's set was a pleasant bit of old-timey country blues featuring him singing and playing guitar and Scott Pittman on drums.
Frank chain smokes, lighting one cigarette with another.
While I enjoyed Frank's singing and the overall feel of Tom Waits-like dramatic folk blues, I spent most of my time watching Scott play drums. He's got an awesome kit -- modeled after vaudeville, he says -- with a tambourine attached to the high-hat, a loosely coiled spring hanging from a stand, a cowbell, wood block, beaded tom, and a bass drum imprinted with a graphic that reads "Art is the handmaid of human good." He played melodica during one song, and the song in which Frank played the jaw harp accompanied by Scott's duck call was quite enjoyable. In addition, his method of singing backups was interesting. He positions himself pretty far back from the mic, so it created more of a suggestion of vocals underneath Frank's up-front singing. Nice.
Scott just moved from Lowell to Jamaica Plain.
Despite a couple of awkward moments -- girls at the bar giggling over Frank's mention of the "mouth organ" and U2 on the radio interrupting the beginning of their second set -- Frank and Scott played an enjoyable, energetic set. The song from O Brother, Where Art Thou? felt a little cliched, but it's a good song, so I can't fault them. Worth checking out if you like this kind of music. They'd fit well on a bill with Gloria Deluxe, I think.
You can also read another person's review of the show. Photographs courtesy of Koshka.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXXII
Friday: Nine to Five
An extremely satisfying office comedy that rivals more recent attempts such as Office Space. The basic premise is slightly dated, as the film concentrates on a secretarial pool, its relationship with their male manager -- and their eventual rebellion against the hierarchical structure of their workplace. Lily Tomlin leads the charge with her strong-willed character Violet Newstead, and Dolly Parton shines as the southern-bred and misleadingly ditzy Doralee Thodes. But it is Jane Fonda's Judy Bernly who emerges as the most level-headed and leadership-oriented character, evolving from a mousy, unconfident recent divorcee into the group's conscience and reality check. That said, the chemistry between the three is palpable, and the movie rides on their collective acting force. Worth watching if you haven't ever seen it -- and returning to if you had. The messages still mean something.
Sunday: The Importance of Being Earnest
I've never read Oscar Wilde's play, but it's evident that the movie is infused with and quite fond of Wilde's penchant for playful banter and language usage. Colin Firth (Jack/Earnest) and Rupert Everett (Algy) interact quite nicely, and the cast is well rounded out by Judy Dench, whose society matron role is a highlight of the film, and Reese Witherspoon, who surprises with her portrayal of Jack's ward Cecily. Some commentators have remarked on director Oliver Parker's occasional forays into the world of Baz Luhrmann in terms of updating classics, but even it's true that Parker rearranged some of the story, added some details and back stories for the characters, and updated the story slightly, it's a solid movie. Plenty of Wilde's original cleverness and cynicism, and a solid clutch of actors. Wilde would probably approve.
Friday: Nine to Five
An extremely satisfying office comedy that rivals more recent attempts such as Office Space. The basic premise is slightly dated, as the film concentrates on a secretarial pool, its relationship with their male manager -- and their eventual rebellion against the hierarchical structure of their workplace. Lily Tomlin leads the charge with her strong-willed character Violet Newstead, and Dolly Parton shines as the southern-bred and misleadingly ditzy Doralee Thodes. But it is Jane Fonda's Judy Bernly who emerges as the most level-headed and leadership-oriented character, evolving from a mousy, unconfident recent divorcee into the group's conscience and reality check. That said, the chemistry between the three is palpable, and the movie rides on their collective acting force. Worth watching if you haven't ever seen it -- and returning to if you had. The messages still mean something.
Sunday: The Importance of Being Earnest
I've never read Oscar Wilde's play, but it's evident that the movie is infused with and quite fond of Wilde's penchant for playful banter and language usage. Colin Firth (Jack/Earnest) and Rupert Everett (Algy) interact quite nicely, and the cast is well rounded out by Judy Dench, whose society matron role is a highlight of the film, and Reese Witherspoon, who surprises with her portrayal of Jack's ward Cecily. Some commentators have remarked on director Oliver Parker's occasional forays into the world of Baz Luhrmann in terms of updating classics, but even it's true that Parker rearranged some of the story, added some details and back stories for the characters, and updated the story slightly, it's a solid movie. Plenty of Wilde's original cleverness and cynicism, and a solid clutch of actors. Wilde would probably approve.
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