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.
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
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
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