My 651st Post

Going out to Chris at the ISB:

Michael Moore Killed Comics

Recently, I found myself watching Michael Moore Hates America, which is a conservative "version" of Michael Moore's films, often using similar techniques to critique Mr. Moore. Upon reflecting on the film, it struck me as interesting that Michael Moore's main fault - an almost narcissistic belief in the rightness of his own cause, often to the point of manipulating facts to serve his side - might be endemic not just of our national discourse (MMHA makes the point that our debate has been shrill in recent years), but also has seeped into the comics blogosphere.

(Warning - Yes, I live in a glass house, and I am throwing rocks. Plus, I am just as guilty of the faults that I am putting forth. Plus, here's the definition of "politically correct" - that way, if you need to accuse me of being PC, everyone knows what we're talking about).

In perusing multiple blogs, people who write blogs (especially when it comes to comics) seem to fall into one of several categories.

• The Silver Ager - This is a person for whom comics stopped being fun at a certain time, resembling how I believe country music died in 1974 with the release of this song. Much like Mr. Peabody, the Silver Ager wishes to get into the Wayback machine and head to the past. Never mind that we live in the dawn of the 21st century - if our comics don't reflect good, old-fashioned values, then they're somehow evil. Plus, characters are considered sacrosanct - if Captain Wonderful had brown hair, you don't dare make him a blond.
  
• The Hipper-Than-Thou Cynic - Whenever there's a problem, this is usually the person who says "it doesn't matter, so why bother?" Of course, it would be easy to stereotype this person as someone who listens exclusively to 8-tracks, who likes certain bands - until they become popular, and who enjoys "kitsch". However, one thing you notice is that, scratch beneath the cynicism, and there's an almost palpable contempt for comics, for the audience, for anyone who dares to like the medium.
• The Snarky Cynic- this is probably the biggest crime that I am guilty of - basically, the hostility and contempt comes out in nasty ways. Flat-out disrespect of others' viewpoints, and/or open sarcasm. For this type of blogger, it's easy to make fun of others, because let's face it, they're right. Of course, it doesn't matter in the end, because - again - they're right. (Or I'm right - hey, I spot it, I got it).
• The "Get-Over-It" Crowd - these are usually the people who, when a blogger attempts to discuss, say, racial and gender issues in comics, respond with "Shut up and get over it." (This is usually followed by accusations of being "politically correct", followed by some insult). As a result, there is no discussion, because all that needs to happen is for the one party to "shut up and get over it."
  
• Everyone Else - Personally, I believe that 75% of the blogosphere falls into this category. It's people with their own perspective who treat others with respect, and who have a legitimate love of comics, pop culture, what have you. They want honest, open dialogues, and are the first to make sure that if there is conflict, they can handle it accordingly. (Hey, check out my blogroll for some examples of "everyone else")

I know what you're thinking: easy for you to say, tough guy, but what's the solution?. I don't know if there is a cut-and-dried solution, but here goes:

1. Diversity is a good thing - if we have diversity of thoughts, opinions, gender, and race, it's not threatening. It only improves us, because we realize that maturity is the ability to accept the thoughts of those different from us.
2. Cynicism is worthless, because you never have to prove it, or justify it, or even provide a rationale.
   
3. If you don't like comics, don't buy them. If that means stopping mid-series, go for it. Do your mental health a favor.
4. Also, if all you blog about is hating comics, or complaining about comics, consider taking up a new hobby. Or get a pet. I hear hamsters are nice.
   
5. Realize that, behind the keyboard, is a human being, except for this blog, which is really done by Dax the Wonder Cat.

Well, I'm sure that I've stirred up some trouble, but please feel free to comment down below (or if Haloscan doesn't work for you, e-mail me at blogthispal (at) gmail (dot) com.) Unlike Michael Moore, I am willing to sit down and talk with people whose opinions differ from my own. I might even learn something, even if it is a reminder of my own pomposity.

Public Service Announcement

This was in the news all last week, and this goes out to all of you 12-Steppers, those with an interest in addiction, or just looking for a decent laugh.

Cleaning Out My Bookmarks

In lieu of a "real" post, here's some linkblogging goodness:

• Shameless self-promotion: if you're looking for something to do the night of Saturday, March 10th, why not put a team together for Tobacco Free Missouri's first annual trivia night? (I'm helping put the event together, and wrote the questions. No, I won't give you answers, but there are six tables left, and it's a happening.
• Bruce Lee, Motivational Guru
• Just added Doctor Lao's blog. He's kind of like Corey Feldman, only more annoying, if you catch my drift.
• Ask, and ye might receive.
• In fan videos, there's a big difference between the sublime and the ridiculous.

COMING SOON: your quick and easy guide to becoming a musical guru; actual books that I have read; and why Michael Moore is the reason comic books are so bad.

5 Things That Bring a Smile To My Face

Much like Eddie, I'm finding things online to help cheer me up...and I'd like to share them with you.

1. Sloths! (Thanks, Ian)
2. Discovering Sherlock - I participated last year, and it's like revisiting an old friend.
3. New editions of my favorite podcasts!
4. Code Monkey
5. New Doctor Who is coming to Chicago!
   

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some packing to do....

P.S. to Loren - yeah, the Internet was kinda cranky for awhile.....

Words of Wisdom

First, a huge thank you to Dorian, who not only pointed to the two articles listed below, but also gives you a good guite on how not to blog.

Your life will be changed by this open letter from Kevin Church. Honest.

And Ragnell helps put things in perspective.

But our final quote is from Penn Jillette, who once remarked:

"Technology adds nothing to art. Two thousand years ago, I could tell you a story, and at any point during the story I could stop, and ask, Now do you want the hero to be kidnapped, or not? But that would, of course, have ruined the story. Part of the experience of being entertained is sitting back and plugging into someone else's vision."

More of my caffeine-induced ramblings tomorrow.

I Hate Mondays

This morning, I went down to my basement to clean up and pack. However, I noticed that several key items of mine were destroyed by water damage, including

• Old notes from college (no problem - I don't think I'm going to need old notebooks about psychology)
• My freshman year high school yearbook
• An album of photos
• Two boxes of comics (no, they weren't worth anything, but still...

So right now, I'm pretty much bummed. However, in an attempt to cheer myself up - and to spread joy - here's a clip:

When Danger's Near, Exploit Their Fears

On the surface, Reefer Madness: the Musical should have been another been-there-done-that ironic take, much like Little Shop of Horrors. Take a public domain movie (in this case, a 1930's film about the horrors of marijuana use), camp it up, throw in some catchy tunes, and you have an instant show!

However, this musical - now available as a movie originally shown on Showtime - is much, much different. Coming on the cusp of 9/11, this is a very sharp, slightly biting satire, focusing on our tendency to engage in crusades against things which would "corrupt our youth", but more importantly - our unwillingness to engage in critical thinking and our reluctance to challenge authority.

Luckily, the tone of the movie hits the right amount of self-awareness and camp, neither being too self-assured nor taking an extremely jaundiced view. (In fact, the only non-sympathetic character is the Lecturer, portrayed by Alan Cummings, whose dialogue parallels that of our first drug czar). Of course, there is a lot in this movie that will offend more sensitive folk, such as Jesus Christ in a Vegas-style review. However, there is a great sense of fun about this movie - if you're looking for a pro-marijuana film, this isn't it. In fact, its target is much broader, and much more effective. Just watch the last five minutes of this film, after "Tell 'Em the Truth". Some of the images suggest a darkness...it's almost Serling-esque in its simplicity, but will send chills down your spine.

(And for those on either side of the debate, let me suggest that you read Understanding Marijuana, which is a meta-review of every study done on marijuana. It's fair, balanced, and will seriously surprise you. Also check out the bonus features, including the original 1930's film, as well as a mini-documentary which briefly discusses the politics behind marijuana prohibition).

But mostly, the critical factor in this movie - the music. Songs include everything from big band stompers ("Old Five and Ten"), to corny love songs ("Romeo and Juliet"), to Vegas (click on the link above), and you'll find yourself humming them. (Personally, my favorite is "Little Mary Sunshine"...but if you watch the movie, you'll see why).

However, in our current time, when the national trend is to provide almost unquestioning support, this is a movie that encourages us to think for ourselves, and shows us that behind every crusade, there's someone who's in deep fear.

Don't be afraid. Watch this movie. You'll dig it. I promise.

Stop the Insanity!

I hate to quote Susan Powter at a time like this, but just some of the usual link blogging and random thoughts this blog engages in from time to time:

• Get well to both Mike and Kevin - Mike's got a cold, and Kevin food poisoning. The blogosphere will be empty without out.
• RIP to the Brill Building - it was one of the first blogs I ever encountered, and was one of the few that led me to think, "Hey, I can blog about comics too!". Ian, you'll be missed.
  
• Dear Joe Quesada: Please explain this to me: it was not OK to have a naked Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Reign # 1, but it was OK to have Mary Jane die from "radioactive man chowder" two issues later. For some reason, the words "double standard" seem to apply...or am I wrong?
• All I gotta say about new Lost is that, despite ratings being at their lowest, the storyline is now starting to pick up again. Yay!
  
• If you like cheesy, old science fiction movies, head here and watch them free.
  

And finally, a video, because I can:

February's Record You Should Own

In the 1960s, there was James Brown, the Godfather of Soul...and his four godchildren, who spread the word of righteous soul music: Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett...and Levi Stubbs.

But who is Levi Stubbs? you ask. He was the lead singer of the Four Tops, one of the more underappreciated (in my opinion) groups that came out of Motown. Want proof? Then check out the Four Tops 50th Anniversary Anthology, which is this month's "Record You Should Own."

Ah, but Gordon, you ask in an almost Greg-ian manner, Isn't Motown a little too overexposed?. Ok, in the 1980s you couldn't move without hearing some old Motown song used in a commercial, but the Four Tops were somehow...different. Considering that Motown was a major source of influence in the 1960s (not just in terms of sound, or adapting mass production techniques to pop music, but being owned by an African American in a racially turbulent time), the fact remains that the Four Tops never seemed to get their due, with Levi Stubb's yearning, strong-yet-restrained vocals never crossed into melancholy or cheap sentimentality (yes, I'm talking to you, Michael Bolton) and the other Tops' harmonies serving to bolster that strength.

Don't believe me? Check out "Bernadette", which makes Holland-Dozier-Holland's song of dedication sound almost like addiction. Or the classic "Reach Out, I'll Be There", which Phil Spector once remarked sounded like "Black Dylan". Or even the ABC-Casablanca tunes on side two, after the Tops left Motown, which is rather consistent. Plus, this collection even contains the Oscar-nominated "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space" from this movie. All in all, an extremely consistent collection.

Unfortunately, the Four Tops have not fared well in recent years, as Wikipedia reveals - however, if you're looking to expand your musical palate, or want to have a little taste of Motown, this collection will not do you wrong.

Obligatory Valentine's Day Post

Since I hate Valentine's Day (way too many breakups on that day), here are sorta related lyrics by a great band (album information following)

Well you wish upon a star
That turns into a plane
And I guess that's right on par
Who's left to blame?

If you were a pill
I'd take a handful at my will
And I'd knock you back with something sweet and strong
Plenty of times you wake up
In February make-up
Like a fool and the morning star you're gone

Tonight makes love to all your kind
Tomorrow's pickin' Valentines

Hey you pop up in this old place
So sick and so divine
Are you strung out on some face?
Well I know it ain't mine

If you were a pill
I'd take a handful at my will,
And I'd knock you back with something sweet and strong
Trouble keeping your head up
When you're hungry and you're fed up,
Like a moon and a northern star you're gone

If you were a pill
I'd take a handful at my will,
And I'd knock you back with something sweet as wine
Yesterday was theirs to say, this is their world and their time
Honey, tonight belongs to you, tomorrow's mine

Bork

Bork

Bork

Reflections on a Snowy Day

Today is one of those days that I am so grateful to be able to stay home - the weather outside is snowy. Chicago-style snowy, the sky blanketed in white, with a swarm of flakes falling furiously towards the ground.

As many of you know, I'm getting ready to move back to Chicago in late March, and quite frankly, I'm shocked at how rapidly things are moving. I have been able to get a lot of packing done (but that, and a clean-up of my basement storage unit, are still on the books), and networking for a job has...well, exploded.

My last attempts at networking were intensive, but fortunately, I was able to establish some contacts. However, I find many of my colleagues here in town don't "get" networking, or worse, think of a job search as relatively simple. Case in point - on a trip to Columbia MO for a meeting, a position about 30 miles away was going to be opening up in mid-March. Of course, without a beat, one of my colleagues said, "Hey, Gordon, there's your job."

However, for every person here who tells me, "I'll let you know when something's opening up," I've had complete strangers in Chicago offer feedback, insight, and contacts. You would almost think that there was this grand conspiracy to get me out of here....but that would be telling. In many ways, St. Louis is like the person in high school who always complains that they never get dates/get invited to social gatherings/do social stuff, but lack the self-esteem to shake it off.

But enough of my whining - it's exhilarating and scary at the same time. Having people who will miss me when I go. Moving back to reconnect with family.

Almost like walking in a snowstorm.

On the Up Escalator, Going Down All the Cracks

Just another in our continuing series of random thoughts that don't really warrant a full post. I do this because - let's face it - I care about my audience. You're the ones who have this blog the relative success it is. I am merely your humble blogging monkey boy.

And away-y-y-y we go!

• Be sure you head over to Andy's blog and wish him well, since he's going through one major sinus infection. And while you're at it, give Podcrapular a listen.
• Blogging about blogging is a sin, but especially if you neglect to mention the Legion Abstract. So please also show them some blog love.
• Here's everything you need to know about Graham Parker.
• I think I got this from Laura's blog, but here's an inspirational story if you want to release a favorite cult classic on DVD.
• I've updated the blog roll, and have added Bully's Comics. He's 6 and a half years old, he's a stuffed bull, and he's a great read.
• Dear Eddie Berganza - please hire this gentleman from this television show to write Supergirl, and I'll read it. I promise.
• Finally, online Doctor Who adventures - just scroll down and click.
  

5 Reasons I'm Glad I Bought Comics This Week

Since I'm straining to think of something substantial to write, here are five reasons why I'm glad I bought comics this week:

1. Shazam: The Monster Society of Evil - I was never really a big Captain Marvel fan; however, Jeff Smith has convinced me. It's nice, angst-free, and quite frankly...I think Jeff Smith should be doing a regular Shazam book. Some clever touches, and it's nice to know that the Big Red Cheese enjoys hot dogs. Plus, it has secret messages that you can decode here.
2. This Post By Mike Sterling - all I can say in response, using a secret code, is ZOO SZRO GSV XOLHVG KZHGIB
3. Justice Society: Volume 2 - Completing the 70's All-Star/Adventure run, I have to admit, this appeals to the Golden Age fanboy in me. However, the touches I really liked were not only a burgeoning Power Girl/Huntress friendship, but that unlike modern portrays, the Huntress doesn't seem to be as...er, "top heavy". (I'm trying to keep this PG), folks. Plus, the writing seems to be a mixture of old fashioned 30s melodrama (as pointed out by the I Read Comics podcast) and 70's burgeoning feminism. Both volumes are well worth your time.
   
4. All-New Atom # 8 - I have to admit, I had my doubts, but this is one of the few Brave New World reboots that actually exceeds the hype. Personally, I know Gail Simone intends to do a "hunt for Ray Palmer" around issue 12...but please, Ms. Simone, take your time. I like Ryan Choi- he has a great sense of humor, and is a relief from the usual angst-ridden heroes, and has done what very few characters have: make me want to learn more about him. In an age where some fans have temper tantrums over the return of old favorites (Hal Jordan, anyone?), I would like for Ryan to stay awhile. (Plus, this issue has Supermobiles versus Batplanes, with a Krypto-driven dogsled. How cool is that?)
5. Billy Hazelnuts - Mix a little Windsor McKay, Jules Verne, give the story a wonderful, almost dreamlike quality, and unconventional protagonists (a young girl who's a whiz at science; a young boy who wants to woo her, and an imp made from suet and waste with hazelnuts for eyes), and you have a very enjoyable read. If you're looking for a little something out-of-the-blue, why not pick this up and give it a try? You'll thank me for it later.
   

And as an added bonus, this belated Christmas video:

A Near Mixed Bag

Since I will be unable to participate in Lefty's latest Mixed Bag exchange (the move is in late March, and I'm prepping), I thought it might be good to do the next best thing - use YouTube to link to some tunes. Enjoy!

(P.S. I'm leaving off the titles because that way, you have no preconceived notions about what you're listening to. Just be aware - there may be a candidate or two for a Record You Should Own in the future)

Track One

Track Two

Track Three

Track Four

Track Five

Track Six

Track Seven

Track Eight

Track Nine

Track Ten

NOTE: This doesn't hang together well, but as a spur-of-the-moment list, it's worth it.

First Space Lincoln, Now Kras

Although many have cited Lee Begere's passing, I wanted to note the passing of Tige Andrews, who not only has a Star Trek connection, but who also starred in one of my favorite "guilty pleasure" series:

So who do I have to bribe in order to get this on DVD?

Fighting DVD Reviews

Ok, we're all getting over the Super Bowl, but if you need to cheer up...here are some DVD reviews.

First, when I was small and wee, then-Chicago Tribune critic Gene Siskel did an expose on kids getting into R rated movies. It was in that spirit that I watched This Film Is Not Yet Rated, which is one of the better documentaries of recent memory. Ostensibly, it serves as damning criticism of the MPAA Ratings System as well as an expose of the people who serve on their board..in secret. It never veers towards Michael Moore territory, and in all honesty - although it takes its subject matter seriously, director Kirby Dick doesn't take himself too seriously. (And for those comic fans who want a ratings system, this film is a good argument against it). Strongly recommended

For some reason, Find Me Guilty didn't seem to play in St. Louis, and I missed it theatrically. (I also blame Tom the Dog, but I blame him for everything. Directed by Sidney Lumet (who directed one of my all-time favorite movies), this film does the seemingly impossible - make Vin Diesel charming and articulate in real life. (Thanks to Lisa for reminding me of his other major role). Much of the script is taken from real court transcripts, but don't let that fool you - this is a film you're going to dig. Make sure this is on your radar, especially if your local video store runs out of major movies. Strongly recommended

I'd like to consider myself an eco-friendly guy, but what is it about An Inconvenient Truth that leaves me feeling....well, uncaring about its subject matter? I guess I wanted more of the "dangers of global warning" and less of the "close and personal with Al Gore". It seems that this movie is more about "how important Al Gore is in delivering this message" than "it is important that we start taking care of our environment because in 50 years, we'll be living underwater." It's funny, but there's a much more engaging, motivating piece coming up - but unless you're one of the converted, I don't believe this movie is going to change your mind. Not recommended


For every success, there are failures - for every Lost, there's a Threshold or Invasion. In Doctor Who's wake, there's Eleventh Hour. It would be easy to call this Jean-Luc Picard: Scientific Detective, but it's much better than that. Created by Stephen Gallagher (and only spanning four episodes), it's an attempt to mix X-Files and real science. Out of these four, two are brilliantly atmospheric (focusing on cloning and an epidemic), one is pretty good (and did more to connote the danger of global warming than Mr. Gore's film), and one is a solid klunker (featuring a "healing spring") that would provide a good two to three weeks' worth of posting by Polite Scott. However, it's a good, entertaining alternative, and well worth your time. Recommended

Reason to Be Cheerful # 4808

If Wil Wheaton says this will happen, it must be true.

(There just better be Daleks. Or Cybermen. Or really smart female secret agents who know kung fu).

A Public Service Announcement

This one's for you, Lefty:



More blogging to follow.