Books to Be Took II
Neal Coonerty, uncle of a former colleague of mine and owner of Bookshop Santa Cruz -- with whom I spent time with while traveling last fall -- penned an interesting column about shoplifting for the American Booksellers Association's BookWeb yesterday. He recounts some of the shop's most notable shoplifters -- including a nun in full habit who almost lifted a copy of Buck Naked: A Photographic Guide to Gay Men's Sex -- and a court case in which a young man is torn between three months in jail or a year banishment from Neal's store. "I don't know if I could go a year without going into Bookshop Santa Cruz," he told the judge. I know Abbie Hoffman wrote a tome entitled Steal This Book, but if you do shoplift texts, please don't steal from beautiful independent stores like Bookshop Santa Cruz. Shoplift at Borders or Barnes & Noble. I mean, come on.
Friday, July 12, 2002
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXVII
The Bourne Identity
After hanging out at the Different Drummer for a couple of hours after work, Dan, Dave, Nick, and I headed over to the new Boston Common theater to see The Bourne Identity. I almost didn't go, thinking that 9 p.m. was a good time to head home, but it's a movie I was slightly interested in -- and I haven't gone to a movie with friends for quite awhile. And you know what? Even though it's based on a Robert Ludlum novel (I'm not a fan of the Crichton/Ludlum/Clancy school of writers), it's a pretty good movie. Incorporating elements of The Manchurian Candidate, DOA, and Memento, the movie tells the story of a former government assassin who loses his memory and strives to untangle his web of international intrigue while evading his former employers. Matt Damon has the makings of a solid heroic actor -- much more promise than Ben Affleck -- and I'm sure his role in The Talented Mr. Ripley helped secure this part. Julia Stiles of Save the Last Dance for Me and 10 Things I Hate About You is surprisingly under-utilized, and I was surprised to see her in the movie, her part was so inconsequential. The ending doesn't come as much of a surprise, but it's a nice ride along the way.
The Bourne Identity
After hanging out at the Different Drummer for a couple of hours after work, Dan, Dave, Nick, and I headed over to the new Boston Common theater to see The Bourne Identity. I almost didn't go, thinking that 9 p.m. was a good time to head home, but it's a movie I was slightly interested in -- and I haven't gone to a movie with friends for quite awhile. And you know what? Even though it's based on a Robert Ludlum novel (I'm not a fan of the Crichton/Ludlum/Clancy school of writers), it's a pretty good movie. Incorporating elements of The Manchurian Candidate, DOA, and Memento, the movie tells the story of a former government assassin who loses his memory and strives to untangle his web of international intrigue while evading his former employers. Matt Damon has the makings of a solid heroic actor -- much more promise than Ben Affleck -- and I'm sure his role in The Talented Mr. Ripley helped secure this part. Julia Stiles of Save the Last Dance for Me and 10 Things I Hate About You is surprisingly under-utilized, and I was surprised to see her in the movie, her part was so inconsequential. The ending doesn't come as much of a surprise, but it's a nice ride along the way.
Comic Book Collections
Does your library include comic books in its permanent collection? Bryan Fagan went to last month's annual American Library Association conference to explore why libraries don't stock comic books and graphic novels; how comics publishers such as DC, Dark Horse, and CrossGen are trying to make inroads with libraries; what kind of swag the publishers distributed; and what the publishers did not do: explain why libraries should choose comics over other media. Fagan makes the extremely important distinction between the heavy presence of superhero-related wares -- seemingly a hard sell to libraries -- and Diamond's focus on books such as Maus, Safe Area Gorazde, and the 911 anthologies. He also suggests that "libraries will pay more than $50 for an academic press's thin volume containing the diary of a war refugee, but they won't pay less than $20 for Joe Kubert's Fax from Sarajevo or Will Eisner's Last Day in Vietnam."
I was slightly surprised that publishers pushed superhero-related material. Libraries -- unless they host an extensive underground comics, Golden Age, or Silver Age collection -- don't have room for single issues. So trade paperbacks, anthologies, and comic-related books are better bets. But how do you select what TPB's have a shelf life? The 911 books make sense. As does Maus. But should a library stock the Preacher series? I'm not so sure.
Several librarians and people involved in the comics industry have compiled lists of recommended graphic novels. Here are a few resources to draw on:
That's three Steve's. Why so many Steve's?
Does your library include comic books in its permanent collection? Bryan Fagan went to last month's annual American Library Association conference to explore why libraries don't stock comic books and graphic novels; how comics publishers such as DC, Dark Horse, and CrossGen are trying to make inroads with libraries; what kind of swag the publishers distributed; and what the publishers did not do: explain why libraries should choose comics over other media. Fagan makes the extremely important distinction between the heavy presence of superhero-related wares -- seemingly a hard sell to libraries -- and Diamond's focus on books such as Maus, Safe Area Gorazde, and the 911 anthologies. He also suggests that "libraries will pay more than $50 for an academic press's thin volume containing the diary of a war refugee, but they won't pay less than $20 for Joe Kubert's Fax from Sarajevo or Will Eisner's Last Day in Vietnam."
I was slightly surprised that publishers pushed superhero-related material. Libraries -- unless they host an extensive underground comics, Golden Age, or Silver Age collection -- don't have room for single issues. So trade paperbacks, anthologies, and comic-related books are better bets. But how do you select what TPB's have a shelf life? The 911 books make sense. As does Maus. But should a library stock the Preacher series? I'm not so sure.
Several librarians and people involved in the comics industry have compiled lists of recommended graphic novels. Here are a few resources to draw on:
Steve Raiteri
Recommended Graphic Novels for Public Libraries
Steve Miller
Graphic Novels in Libraries mailing list
Francisca Goldsmith
YA Talk: Graphic Novels
Patrick Jones
Graphic Novels for Young Adults: A Core Collection
Stephen Weiner
The 101 Best Graphic Novels
That's three Steve's. Why so many Steve's?
Thursday, July 11, 2002
Among the Literati X
Neal Pollack is moving to Texas. And he pens a farewell for the Philadelphia Inquirer's daily magazine explaining why he likes the city so.
Neal Pollack is moving to Texas. And he pens a farewell for the Philadelphia Inquirer's daily magazine explaining why he likes the city so.
Blogging About Blogging XXVII
Two of my favorite Netizens, Justin Hall and Cory Doctorow recently discussed linking tactics within their respective sites via email. It's well worth reading, and even though Justin and Cory agree to disagree -- Justin builds links into his writing as I do, and Cory aims to highlight as many links as possible without spending a lot of time researching or contextualizing. Both have their uses. And not everyone uses either well. Justin and Cory are heading in the right direction, though they may be divergent. May diverge? Oh, I don't know how to use that word. Link.
Two of my favorite Netizens, Justin Hall and Cory Doctorow recently discussed linking tactics within their respective sites via email. It's well worth reading, and even though Justin and Cory agree to disagree -- Justin builds links into his writing as I do, and Cory aims to highlight as many links as possible without spending a lot of time researching or contextualizing. Both have their uses. And not everyone uses either well. Justin and Cory are heading in the right direction, though they may be divergent. May diverge? Oh, I don't know how to use that word. Link.
.Conversation
The fine folks over at Play have opened up their blog Pure Content to allow frequent readers to join their street team. Participants will be able to post business, creativity, design, and similar news and resources to Pure Content, as well as the usual contributors -- employees of Play. Media Dietician Charlie Park hopes that the street team will foster an ongoing conversation about business and innovation topics. Seems like a step in the right direction!
The fine folks over at Play have opened up their blog Pure Content to allow frequent readers to join their street team. Participants will be able to post business, creativity, design, and similar news and resources to Pure Content, as well as the usual contributors -- employees of Play. Media Dietician Charlie Park hopes that the street team will foster an ongoing conversation about business and innovation topics. Seems like a step in the right direction!
Ravaging Radio VI
Laura Holson contributes an excellent article to the New York Times today about radio station marketing research and how playlists are developed. She details the rise of radio conglomerates such as Clear Channel, which operates about 1,000 stations, and analyzes how commercial playlists are constructed. Mainstream DJ's don't take requests any more. They can't. And what they can and do play is determined by what are now mostly automated playlists -- which are created based on test marketing, telephone surveys, and other research. Commercial programmers say it makes for more democratic radio. I say that it makes for bland, white-bread radio that represents no regional variation or DJ-driven exploration of new music. I want my WMBR and WNUR, thank you very much.
Laura Holson contributes an excellent article to the New York Times today about radio station marketing research and how playlists are developed. She details the rise of radio conglomerates such as Clear Channel, which operates about 1,000 stations, and analyzes how commercial playlists are constructed. Mainstream DJ's don't take requests any more. They can't. And what they can and do play is determined by what are now mostly automated playlists -- which are created based on test marketing, telephone surveys, and other research. Commercial programmers say it makes for more democratic radio. I say that it makes for bland, white-bread radio that represents no regional variation or DJ-driven exploration of new music. I want my WMBR and WNUR, thank you very much.
The Movie I Watched Last Night XXVI
Tuesday: Stephen King's Rose Red
Most Stephen King stories and novels haven't translated that well to the TV or silver screen. This TV miniseries -- which hasn't been published previously as script, story, or otherwise -- stands up well. I usually wouldn't even be interested in a show like this (my days as a King fan are behind me), but I stayed in the castle used as the primary exterior set for the miniseries -- Thornewood Castle near Tacoma, Washington -- while traveling last fall. Awesome to see what the filmmakers did with the property! The story, like many of King's recent writing, is a hodgepodge of themes and models he's used previously. At one level, Rose Red is your classic haunted house story -- a locked-room mystery of sorts. But it also incorporates King's penchant for possession (a la Christine) and organically growing horror (a la Thinner). Throw in a little telekinesis that evokes Carrie, and it's clear what made it into the equation. I made the mistake of watching this in one sitting -- it's almost five hours long, and I recommend taking a break -- but I was riveted the entire time. The acting is solid, the special effects are impressive, and the plot progresses at a good pace. On the DVD, there's an additional documentary about the making of the series, so you can learn more about Thornewood, the special effects, and how the producer and director worked around the untimely death of David Dukes, who passed away playing tennis during the shoot.
Tuesday: Stephen King's Rose Red
Most Stephen King stories and novels haven't translated that well to the TV or silver screen. This TV miniseries -- which hasn't been published previously as script, story, or otherwise -- stands up well. I usually wouldn't even be interested in a show like this (my days as a King fan are behind me), but I stayed in the castle used as the primary exterior set for the miniseries -- Thornewood Castle near Tacoma, Washington -- while traveling last fall. Awesome to see what the filmmakers did with the property! The story, like many of King's recent writing, is a hodgepodge of themes and models he's used previously. At one level, Rose Red is your classic haunted house story -- a locked-room mystery of sorts. But it also incorporates King's penchant for possession (a la Christine) and organically growing horror (a la Thinner). Throw in a little telekinesis that evokes Carrie, and it's clear what made it into the equation. I made the mistake of watching this in one sitting -- it's almost five hours long, and I recommend taking a break -- but I was riveted the entire time. The acting is solid, the special effects are impressive, and the plot progresses at a good pace. On the DVD, there's an additional documentary about the making of the series, so you can learn more about Thornewood, the special effects, and how the producer and director worked around the untimely death of David Dukes, who passed away playing tennis during the shoot.
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
Technofetishism X
I have been playing with my new PowerBook all day. It is absolutely beautiful. Tomorrow, I'll be able to start using it full time. Yay!
***
The born-again geek in me is kinda wishing I was going to MacWorld next week, but I'm not. Maybe someone will blog the conference like Dan Gillmore did for the Berkman Center for Internet & Society's Internet Law Program.
Meanwhile, especially because MacWorld pulled about 30 press passes from folks who'd hoped to cover the conference online, you might want to keep up with RumorTracker, which draws on a handful of Apple news services.
***
In other Mac news, I recently learned that Chris Imlay is the art director for MacAddict magazine. "Who he?" say you? Well, he's guitarist for the Hi-Fives, and he was in the Ne'er Do Wells, as well as Thee Shatners, previously. Awesome, awesome. Not sure how much I like the redesign -- I haven't really read the magazine before -- but subscription ordered solely based on Chris working there. Mac punks, unite!
I have been playing with my new PowerBook all day. It is absolutely beautiful. Tomorrow, I'll be able to start using it full time. Yay!
The born-again geek in me is kinda wishing I was going to MacWorld next week, but I'm not. Maybe someone will blog the conference like Dan Gillmore did for the Berkman Center for Internet & Society's Internet Law Program.
Meanwhile, especially because MacWorld pulled about 30 press passes from folks who'd hoped to cover the conference online, you might want to keep up with RumorTracker, which draws on a handful of Apple news services.
In other Mac news, I recently learned that Chris Imlay is the art director for MacAddict magazine. "Who he?" say you? Well, he's guitarist for the Hi-Fives, and he was in the Ne'er Do Wells, as well as Thee Shatners, previously. Awesome, awesome. Not sure how much I like the redesign -- I haven't really read the magazine before -- but subscription ordered solely based on Chris working there. Mac punks, unite!
Tuesday, July 09, 2002
Movin', Groovin'
It's official. T-Dev of Highwater Books has up and moved to Brooklyn. Now he can hang out with all those bands we read about. And Gary Panter. Let's not forget Gary Panter.
It's official. T-Dev of Highwater Books has up and moved to Brooklyn. Now he can hang out with all those bands we read about. And Gary Panter. Let's not forget Gary Panter.
Blogging About Blogging XXVI
BlogChalking is a self-described movement attempting to create a region-sensible blog-search system. Who knows if it'll take off, but another little icon can't hurt Media Diet. I'm also supposed to post the following text:
Also, I can't always see the comments attached to posts. I think it's our new firewall. Firewalls are frustrating -- and I'm on the inside.
Also, also, Mr. Madsen-Mygdal refs a news and commentary service focusing on corporate and organizational blogs. Worth checking out if you're interested in the business applications of blogging.
BlogChalking is a self-described movement attempting to create a region-sensible blog-search system. Who knows if it'll take off, but another little icon can't hurt Media Diet. I'm also supposed to post the following text:
Google! DayPop! This is my blogchalk: English, United States, Cambridge, Central Square, Heath, Male, 26-30!
Also, I can't always see the comments attached to posts. I think it's our new firewall. Firewalls are frustrating -- and I'm on the inside.
Also, also, Mr. Madsen-Mygdal refs a news and commentary service focusing on corporate and organizational blogs. Worth checking out if you're interested in the business applications of blogging.
Technofetishism IX
Back from Wisconsin and Texas, and I'll have some trip reports soon. Today, though, after arriving back in Boston around 1:30 p.m., I've spent my time catching up on 1,500 emails, skimming about 900 posts in an Atlantic Unbound discussion, and playing with my new PowerBook. Sigh: My new PowerBook. Life is good.
Sorry so silent!
Back from Wisconsin and Texas, and I'll have some trip reports soon. Today, though, after arriving back in Boston around 1:30 p.m., I've spent my time catching up on 1,500 emails, skimming about 900 posts in an Atlantic Unbound discussion, and playing with my new PowerBook. Sigh: My new PowerBook. Life is good.
Sorry so silent!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
