Friday, May 23, 2008
Guess it Doesn't Run in the Family
Cousin Lee -- who'll be attending Comic-Con: San Diego in July -- quips in his blog about hygiene advice extended to Comic-Con attendees.
Cousin Anea takes the opportunity to comment, "[C]omic-cons GROSS ME THE F*** OUT!"
We have two conventions slated for July.
Cousin Anea takes the opportunity to comment, "[C]omic-cons GROSS ME THE F*** OUT!"
We have two conventions slated for July.
Labels: Comic-Con
Do Meds Make McCain the World's Mightiest Mortal?
What happens when you acronymize the first letters of the pills and medications John McCain is taking?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tales of the King
Another link to a Fresh Air segment -- an interview of Mark Evanier about the subject of Evanier's most recent book: Jack Kirby, the late King of Comics.
Is Opportunity Knocking?
Today I received Issue #2 of the official magazinef for the 2008 Comic-Com International: San Diego. It's jam-packed with information about the con, including some helpful tips on how to get the most fun out of a con visit.
But one ad in the magazine -- reproduced above -- gave me pause. It states that the San Diego Bloodbank is "offering Comic-Con attendees the chance to purchase opportunity drawing tickets to win a one-of-a-kind Honda Element . . . ." The statement that one has to "purchase" tickets raised my antennae, because California strictly regulates raffles.
Then we get to the fine print at the bottom of the ad, which states, "No purchase or donation necesary to enter drawing."
To confuse things even more, the ad is accompanied by a coupon that sets forth "suggested" donations, which are essentially $5 for 6 entries and multiples thereof.
There's nothing "suggested" about the website for the drawing; it directs customers to pay for their tickets.
So if someone sends in the coupon without paying a cent, will that person have the same chance of winning as someone who pays a dollar for a ticket?
Labels: Comic-Con, Drawing, Honda Element
In the News Again
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Elder Mistake
Will Elder, 86; original cartoonist for Mad magazine - Los Angeles Times
Yesterday's LA Times printed this excellent obituary for Will Elder, who was a singular satirical comics artist renowned for crowding his comics panels with hilarious throwaway gags.
Well, it's excellent except for an odd mistake: A Mad Magazine editor raves for a couple of paragraphs about Elder's purported work on Mad's classic Superman parody from the '50's, SUPERDUPERMAN.
That's odd because Elder didn't draw SUPERDUPERMAN; Wally Wood did.
Nor is it an easy mistake to make. Wood and Elder have completely different styles -- indeed, two of the most unmistakable styles in comics. Further, Wood signed the SUPERDUPERMAN story in the first panel, complete with a poster with a caricature of himself and a bit of doggerel. And SUPERDUPERMAN is not an obscure story; it's one of the most reprinted stories from Mad's days as a color comic book. (In fact, the reprints below are taken from the SMITHSONIAN BOOK OF COMIC-BOOK COMICS.)
To illustrate, here's the first page of SUPERDUPERMAN:
And here's a page of Elder's satire of Howdy Doody, HOWDY DOOIT:
Both are copyrighted by EC Comics/Warner Communications.
I can tell the difference. I'm sure the quoted editor can too. I am guessing the reporter pulled a quote from the editor before he could confirm his memories by doing some research.
Yesterday's LA Times printed this excellent obituary for Will Elder, who was a singular satirical comics artist renowned for crowding his comics panels with hilarious throwaway gags.
Well, it's excellent except for an odd mistake: A Mad Magazine editor raves for a couple of paragraphs about Elder's purported work on Mad's classic Superman parody from the '50's, SUPERDUPERMAN.
That's odd because Elder didn't draw SUPERDUPERMAN; Wally Wood did.
Nor is it an easy mistake to make. Wood and Elder have completely different styles -- indeed, two of the most unmistakable styles in comics. Further, Wood signed the SUPERDUPERMAN story in the first panel, complete with a poster with a caricature of himself and a bit of doggerel. And SUPERDUPERMAN is not an obscure story; it's one of the most reprinted stories from Mad's days as a color comic book. (In fact, the reprints below are taken from the SMITHSONIAN BOOK OF COMIC-BOOK COMICS.)
To illustrate, here's the first page of SUPERDUPERMAN:
And here's a page of Elder's satire of Howdy Doody, HOWDY DOOIT:
Both are copyrighted by EC Comics/Warner Communications.
I can tell the difference. I'm sure the quoted editor can too. I am guessing the reporter pulled a quote from the editor before he could confirm his memories by doing some research.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
The Big Box Lifestyle
We had a pleasant Sunday morning today. We drove down to the Marina del Rey/Playa del Rey Tanner's Coffee for breakfast; swung by Fisherman's Village to make reservations for our trip to Catalina Island, slated for next weekend; and then pulled into Costco for a combination of shopping and sightseeing.
There's something magical about visiting Costco around now, near the cusp of late spring/early summer. You get the feeling that you could have a magical outdoor lifestyle, if you simply picked the right paraphernalia. All you'd need is one of those deluxe patio sets that seats 10 people; one of those ice chests on wheels that could keep the Fifth Army's provisions chilly for a decade; one of those L-shaped barbecue islands, with a built-in sink and a grill big enough for one of Fred Flintstone's racks of brontosaurus ribs; and an inflatable pool toy that could have dramatically improved the survival rate of the Titanic's passengers.
Oh yeah: You also need a yard big enough for all this stuff. And a pool. And a second mortgage, to afford everything. And a lifestyle.
There's something magical about visiting Costco around now, near the cusp of late spring/early summer. You get the feeling that you could have a magical outdoor lifestyle, if you simply picked the right paraphernalia. All you'd need is one of those deluxe patio sets that seats 10 people; one of those ice chests on wheels that could keep the Fifth Army's provisions chilly for a decade; one of those L-shaped barbecue islands, with a built-in sink and a grill big enough for one of Fred Flintstone's racks of brontosaurus ribs; and an inflatable pool toy that could have dramatically improved the survival rate of the Titanic's passengers.
Oh yeah: You also need a yard big enough for all this stuff. And a pool. And a second mortgage, to afford everything. And a lifestyle.
Labels: Costco
Collector's Item?
I had to shake my head when I read that some folks gathered at the California Supreme Court's San Francisco courthouse on Thursday were buying 10-15 copies of the Supreme Court's In re Marriages decision.
Didn't those folks know that the opinion was and is available free on the Web -- right here? Granted, the opinion is around 150 pages long -- including all of the concurring and dissenting opinions, and 10 pages of parties, attorneys, and amici curiae. Still, I hazard that one could print out 15 copies of that decision for less than $150.
Didn't those folks know that the opinion was and is available free on the Web -- right here? Granted, the opinion is around 150 pages long -- including all of the concurring and dissenting opinions, and 10 pages of parties, attorneys, and amici curiae. Still, I hazard that one could print out 15 copies of that decision for less than $150.
Labels: California Supreme Court, In Re Marriages
By George
The front page of the LA Times today featured an interview with Ronald George, presiding justice of the California Supreme Court. The interview is unusual for three reasons.
First, the Times rarely seems to interview jurists -- and seldom do such interviews make the front page.
Second, it's unusual for a judge to comment on a just-decided case -- particularly one as monumental as Thursday's same-sex marriage decision. (The interviewer states that George skirted most questions about the decision, but he does describe, for instance, the scene when the decision hits the streets.) Traditionally, judges intend decisions to speak for themselves; they don't provide editorial comments. In part that's because future lawyers and courts will have to construe the decision's implications, and apply it to other factual scenarios; and any comments by the drafting judges might be used as guides to the jurists' intent.
Finally, it's odd because the Sunday Times generally eschews timely news stories. The Sunday paper focuses on long-term stories -- particularly since it goes on sale Saturday.
First, the Times rarely seems to interview jurists -- and seldom do such interviews make the front page.
Second, it's unusual for a judge to comment on a just-decided case -- particularly one as monumental as Thursday's same-sex marriage decision. (The interviewer states that George skirted most questions about the decision, but he does describe, for instance, the scene when the decision hits the streets.) Traditionally, judges intend decisions to speak for themselves; they don't provide editorial comments. In part that's because future lawyers and courts will have to construe the decision's implications, and apply it to other factual scenarios; and any comments by the drafting judges might be used as guides to the jurists' intent.
Finally, it's odd because the Sunday Times generally eschews timely news stories. The Sunday paper focuses on long-term stories -- particularly since it goes on sale Saturday.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Fresh Air is Kira
More from NPR: FRESH AIR analyzes the manga/anime DEATH NOTE.
Favreau Gets the Treatment
KCRW's The Treatment, with film critic Elvis Mitchell, chats with IRON MAN director Jon Favreau, who waxes eloquent about Marvel Comics, superhero films, popcorn movies, and art.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Gene Colan's Health
As the IRON MAN movie smashes box office records, attention should be focused on one of the all-time great Iron Man comic book artists: Gene Colan, who in the '60's drew perhaps the most invincible-looking Iron Man of all.
Up to now, Colan himself has seemed pretty invincible: He has continued to create fantastic art, and meet his fans at conventions, as he progresses through his eighties.
But now comes the sad news (from Colan's wife) that Colan is in poor health: His liver is failing.
Everyone who enjoys the IRON MAN movies should send their wishes to Colan for a quick and complete recovery.
Up to now, Colan himself has seemed pretty invincible: He has continued to create fantastic art, and meet his fans at conventions, as he progresses through his eighties.
But now comes the sad news (from Colan's wife) that Colan is in poor health: His liver is failing.
Everyone who enjoys the IRON MAN movies should send their wishes to Colan for a quick and complete recovery.
Labels: Gene Colan, Iron Man
Speed Racer: Hi-Octane Colorstorm
I saw two movies this weekend. On Friday, I saw on video MICHAEL CLAYTON, an engrossing drama about a man who stands neutral in the face of evil until circumstances force him to take sides. Today, I saw SPEED RACER, an engrossing drama about a man who shifts from neutral when circumstances force him to drive through psychedelic backgrounds.
I mock, but I truly enjoyed SPEED, even thrown up onto the humongous Imax screen. Granted, there is a perversity of Antoinette-like proportions in spending umpteen millions of dollars to replicate in live-action the look of cheap animation. But against odds, the Watchowski Brothers' directorial follow-up to the MATRIX movies has a lot of heart -- which it wears on its sleeve in an entirely straight-faced way that is rather refreshing in an era of ironic distance. The film benefits tremendously from excellent performances by John Goodman and Susan Sarandon as the Racer 'rents, as well as Cristina Ricci as a Trixie who brightens up the screen (and that's saying something) everytime she appears. Emile Hirsch does a decent job as Speed, whose moral compass is always oriented even if his intelligence is somewhat limited; and Matthew Fox manages a few knowing glances (when he's not masked) as Racer X that communicate more than his laconic lines.
As for the visuals, much derided by critics: Well, sue me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Perhaps because I was weaned on the op-art of the '60's, the eye-stabbing colors and the baroque backgrounds looked great. They reminded me of Jim Steranko's experiments in comic-book art. I have to admit that they often fail to serve the story (did we really need a zoetrope of a galloping zebra lining the walls of a racetrack?), but they never grew tiresome for me.
As things stand, the film will likely never amount to much on the big screen (it's projected to gross about $20 million in its opening weekend, whereas IRON MAN is on track to pull in another $50 million); but I've no doubt that it will pay off its investors through merchandising, home video, and foreign releases.
The latter raises an interesting question: When SPEED RACER is released in Japan, will the translators keep the names imposed by American licensors; or will Speed revert to his Japanese identity as Go Mifune, and the title to MACHGOGOGO?
I mock, but I truly enjoyed SPEED, even thrown up onto the humongous Imax screen. Granted, there is a perversity of Antoinette-like proportions in spending umpteen millions of dollars to replicate in live-action the look of cheap animation. But against odds, the Watchowski Brothers' directorial follow-up to the MATRIX movies has a lot of heart -- which it wears on its sleeve in an entirely straight-faced way that is rather refreshing in an era of ironic distance. The film benefits tremendously from excellent performances by John Goodman and Susan Sarandon as the Racer 'rents, as well as Cristina Ricci as a Trixie who brightens up the screen (and that's saying something) everytime she appears. Emile Hirsch does a decent job as Speed, whose moral compass is always oriented even if his intelligence is somewhat limited; and Matthew Fox manages a few knowing glances (when he's not masked) as Racer X that communicate more than his laconic lines.
As for the visuals, much derided by critics: Well, sue me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Perhaps because I was weaned on the op-art of the '60's, the eye-stabbing colors and the baroque backgrounds looked great. They reminded me of Jim Steranko's experiments in comic-book art. I have to admit that they often fail to serve the story (did we really need a zoetrope of a galloping zebra lining the walls of a racetrack?), but they never grew tiresome for me.
As things stand, the film will likely never amount to much on the big screen (it's projected to gross about $20 million in its opening weekend, whereas IRON MAN is on track to pull in another $50 million); but I've no doubt that it will pay off its investors through merchandising, home video, and foreign releases.
The latter raises an interesting question: When SPEED RACER is released in Japan, will the translators keep the names imposed by American licensors; or will Speed revert to his Japanese identity as Go Mifune, and the title to MACHGOGOGO?
Labels: Speed Racer Movie
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Tokyo International Anime Fair
Here's an English-language report -- complete with photos -- on the 2008 Tokyo International Anime Fair, attended by over 150,000 people.
Wi-Fi Watering Holes: Velocity Cafe
The Velocity Cafe sits on Lincoln Boulevard, south of Pico, in Santa Monica (or, as the cafe's Website describes it, "Satan Monica"). It features the usual bohemian decor, including a swordfish, giant mirror, and funky mural behind the coffee bar and a motley assortment of kitchen chairs, armchairs, and a futon. There's a rack of books to read, and magazines racked along the walls.
Pluses: Good strong wi-fi, with no password. Lots of electrical outlets along the walls. There's a breakfast and lunch menu. I had the Grommet wrap, which was tasty. The lattes and green tea freezes are pretty good. It's freeway convenient.
Minuses: Noisy Lincoln boulevard is right outside. The bar was out of soy milk.
Pluses: Good strong wi-fi, with no password. Lots of electrical outlets along the walls. There's a breakfast and lunch menu. I had the Grommet wrap, which was tasty. The lattes and green tea freezes are pretty good. It's freeway convenient.
Minuses: Noisy Lincoln boulevard is right outside. The bar was out of soy milk.
Labels: Wi-fi Watering Holes; coffee
Up, Up and Away in My Beautiful Balloon
Walla Walla Barer
My brother Steve has posted an item to his blog about the 34th annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, which is being held this weekend.
For decades (as indicated by the "34th") hot-air balloonists have congregated in Walla Walla, Washington for a spring weekend and engaged in daring aeronautic feats, most of which involve wind, champagne, and squashing a portion of some local farmer's asparagus or wheat crop. (The stampede thus continues a love-hate relationship between farmers and balloonists that probably stretches back to ballooning's origins in the countrysides of 18th-century France.)
When members of my family besides my brother lived in Walla Walla, my parents would volunteer for "chase crews" that aided the balloonists. A chase crew is necessary because a balloon's ability to navigate is limited; it is largely at the command of the prevailing winds, much like John McCain. The crew helps stretch out the deflated balloon on a large field (when I was a kid, the Walla Walla High School athletic field); then holds onto ropes to keep the balloon straight as the balloonist inflates it with the burner mounted above the basket. Once the balloon sails off, the crew hops into a van or pickup truck; and follows the balloon as it floats through the atmosphere. When the balloonist brings the balloon down for the final time (by controlling the influx of new hot air into the balloon), the crew gathers up the balloon, rolls it up, and stashes the balloon and basket in the back of the chase vehicle.
When I was about 12, my parents got me involved in chase crews. That involved waking up at 4 O'god on a weekend morning, grabbing a pair of canvas gloves from my dad's store, and enjoying a primo view of the balloons as they inflated and sailed off. I got to ride in the balloons twice, which was a transcendent experience. Since balloons move with the wind, there is almost no wind on a balloon flight, resulting in a smooth sailing experience.
If you live anywhere near the Walla Walla area, I recommend heading over there, sampling some wine, and watching the flight of man's oldest flying machine.
My brother Steve has posted an item to his blog about the 34th annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, which is being held this weekend.
For decades (as indicated by the "34th") hot-air balloonists have congregated in Walla Walla, Washington for a spring weekend and engaged in daring aeronautic feats, most of which involve wind, champagne, and squashing a portion of some local farmer's asparagus or wheat crop. (The stampede thus continues a love-hate relationship between farmers and balloonists that probably stretches back to ballooning's origins in the countrysides of 18th-century France.)
When members of my family besides my brother lived in Walla Walla, my parents would volunteer for "chase crews" that aided the balloonists. A chase crew is necessary because a balloon's ability to navigate is limited; it is largely at the command of the prevailing winds, much like John McCain. The crew helps stretch out the deflated balloon on a large field (when I was a kid, the Walla Walla High School athletic field); then holds onto ropes to keep the balloon straight as the balloonist inflates it with the burner mounted above the basket. Once the balloon sails off, the crew hops into a van or pickup truck; and follows the balloon as it floats through the atmosphere. When the balloonist brings the balloon down for the final time (by controlling the influx of new hot air into the balloon), the crew gathers up the balloon, rolls it up, and stashes the balloon and basket in the back of the chase vehicle.
When I was about 12, my parents got me involved in chase crews. That involved waking up at 4 O'god on a weekend morning, grabbing a pair of canvas gloves from my dad's store, and enjoying a primo view of the balloons as they inflated and sailed off. I got to ride in the balloons twice, which was a transcendent experience. Since balloons move with the wind, there is almost no wind on a balloon flight, resulting in a smooth sailing experience.
If you live anywhere near the Walla Walla area, I recommend heading over there, sampling some wine, and watching the flight of man's oldest flying machine.
Blogged with Flock
Some Words on the Last Words in IRON MAN
Ok, Jinxworld Exclusive Time, I Can't Hold It In Anymore... The Iron Man Epilogue... - Jinxworld Forums
Here's an odd factoid: Marvel Comics scripter Brian Michael Bendis partially scripted the post-credits epilogue to the IRON MAN movie.
Another is that the epilogue was left off of advance screenings of the film, just so that it would be a surprise.
Fun stuff.
Here's an odd factoid: Marvel Comics scripter Brian Michael Bendis partially scripted the post-credits epilogue to the IRON MAN movie.
Another is that the epilogue was left off of advance screenings of the film, just so that it would be a surprise.
Fun stuff.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
News so Fresh It Hasn't Happened Yet
The LA Times is so eager to report the weekend box office grosses that it published them in yesterday's paper -- before the weekend even started. Have they handed their movie reporting to the cops from "Minority Report"?
Monday, May 05, 2008
The Spirit of the Web
Here's a widget from the folks who are producing next year's movie adaptation of THE SPIRIT.
More Movies to Make Mobs Marvel
Flush with success from IRON MAN's box-office barrage, Marvel Entertainment today announced Marvel Studios' 2010 and 2011 film slates:
April 30, 2010: The inevitable IRON MAN 2.
June 4, 2010 : THOR.
May 6, 2011 : CAPTAIN AMERICA.
And in July 2011, the movie Marvel cognescenti would expect following the release of flicks starring Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, and Captain America: THE AVENGERS.
No word yet on the oddball project Marvel announced along with IRON MAN and THE HULK at the 2006 San Diego Comic-Con: ANT MAN.
Thanks to Superhero Hype.
April 30, 2010: The inevitable IRON MAN 2.
June 4, 2010 : THOR.
May 6, 2011 : CAPTAIN AMERICA.
And in July 2011, the movie Marvel cognescenti would expect following the release of flicks starring Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, and Captain America: THE AVENGERS.
No word yet on the oddball project Marvel announced along with IRON MAN and THE HULK at the 2006 San Diego Comic-Con: ANT MAN.
Thanks to Superhero Hype.
Labels: Avengers, Captain America, Marvel, Superhero movies, Thor
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Hulk Smash Puny Blogger!
The Bridge's lobby features quite the display for the upcoming INCREDIBLE HULK movie.
Tony Stark is So Money
I am pleased to report that the IRON MAN movie lives up to its hype. It not only joins the ranks of the first two SPIDER-MAN and X-MEN movies as superior Marvel adaptations, it rates as the most Marvel-like of the movie adaptations so far.
It not only features superior performances from Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and an extremely disturbing Jeff Bridges (who uses his lovable-guy persona to nasty ends), but the scenes with Iron Man himself are delightful wish-fulfillment. Further, it features a 40-something hero who lives on the westside, and who spends his maiden flight soaring over the Santa Monica Pier and buzzing Sunset Boulevard. What more could I ask for?
That question was answered by the bit after the closing credits.
Jon Favreau (the first Marvel director who has already played a Marvel character -- he was Foggy Nelson in the DAREDEVIL flick -- and who plays a supporting character in this one, the dour "Happy" Hogan) has a wonderful feel for both the dramatic and the action bits. And it looks like the movie has benefited from beating all the other summer movies to the door.
Labels: Iron Man, Marvel, Superhero movies
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Iron-Clad Memories
Last week was my birthday, and one of my birthday presents from my
wife (besides the dinner at Lawry's Prime Rib -- I got to enjoy two extremely important dishes to natives of Southeastern Washington, prime rib and shrimp cocktail) was a pair of advance tickets to a showing of the IRON MAN movie tomorrow night, at The Bridge Cinemas.
With Iron Man on my mind lately, thanks to the media blitz accompanying the movie, my memories harked back to the very first Iron Man comic I read, the cover of which looked, well, exactly like this:
I recently picked up a copy on Ebay (where memories can be had for the right bid). When I read it, most of the story (written by Mike Friedrich, drawn by veteran artists George Tuska [who celebrated his 92nd birthday last month!] and Vince Colletta) was unfamiliar to me, which indicates to me that most of the tale either went right over my seven-year-old head or eluded my nascent reading skills. About the only scenes that rang a bell to me were the cover scene (where Shellhead's armor is melting like candlewax -- as he thinks, "My armor -- melting like candlewax!") and a bit where Tony Stark hears about trouble at one of his plants while out driving with his fiancee, and then changes into the Iron Man armor in front of her. The fiancee sighs, and thinks, "It's like being married to a doctor!" (I don't know if I was more surprised by Stark changing into his secret identity in front of the young woman -- a startling concept to one who was used to the idea of inviolate secret identities -- or by a man dressing in front of a woman to whom he wasn't married. Hey, I was seven.)
The story itself is heady stuff. It's written in the second person, which is practically a guarantee that the prose will be purple. Stark distinguishes himself with Type A behavior throughout the issue: He wrests control of his company back from a renegade board of directors through ham-fisted tactics that send the stock plunging; he swills down cocktails at a party and then goes tearing around dark country roads while his fiancee panics. And as a reminder that the story takes place in the early seventies, the bad guy, Firebrand, is a student radical turned armored supervillain. That fist insignia on his chest is no accident. And true to his name, Firebrand cannot stop giving incidiary speeches.
Ah, the comics of our past -- the ones that imprint themselves upon us, and shape our perceptions of all of the stories we will read in the future
Labels: Iron Man
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
It's Not the Mileage, It's the Years
A 43-year-old anime and manga enthusiast in South Carolina made headlines recently when he showed up at a meeting of a manga club formed by his local library -- only to be turned away as too old. According to the library, it had intended the club for teens, but had forgotten to post the age limit.
A regrettable mistake, but one the turned-away man may be blowing out of proportion: He is reportedly contacting the ACLU to explore an age-discrimination suit.
What are even more regrettable are the comments the story drew when it ran on Anime News Network. Some posters -- apparently young ones -- assumed that any person over 40 (or even over 20) who attended a manga or anime event could only be a pervert trolling for 14 year old girls.
Some quotes:
A regrettable mistake, but one the turned-away man may be blowing out of proportion: He is reportedly contacting the ACLU to explore an age-discrimination suit.
What are even more regrettable are the comments the story drew when it ran on Anime News Network. Some posters -- apparently young ones -- assumed that any person over 40 (or even over 20) who attended a manga or anime event could only be a pervert trolling for 14 year old girls.
Some quotes:
- "Move on and date someone your age, buddy."
- " I agree that the inevitable 40-something year-old fan who shows up to the anime (or in this case manga) club meeting is almost always creepy (as in 'pedophile vibe') and/or incredibly annoying."
On the other hand, the vast majority of commenters -- many of whom are in their 30's t0 50's -- rejected this kind of closed-minded stereotyping. Good for them.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Spellbinding Testimony
The Stanford Law School Center for Internet and Society has put online the complete transcripts of all three days of J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers' suit against RDR Books. I read the opening statements and the direct examination of Rowling, and found them fascinating. It's a rare treat to read the testimony of someone who can actually use words evocatively on the stand. Here's a sample from the first day's transcript, p. 107:
"1 Q. Do you have any views as to the impact the publication of
2 the Lexicon on your relationship with fan Web sites?
3 A. Very definitely, that's part of my concerns about fans. I,
4 perhaps naively, I accept that, perhaps naively, I was very
5 keen to maintain an almost entirely hands-off approach to the
6 online fandom where Harry Potter was concerned. And I say
7 'almost' because there are obvious boundaries of decency that
8 occasionally one would not like to see overstepped. But by and
9 large, I simply let it happen. Maybe that was naive, but I saw
10 massive positives in this amount of fan activity. I saw -- I
11 saw it as a great global book club with a lot of enthusiasm. I
12 met people who had made real life friendships through posting
13 on Harry Potter message boards, which I thought was a wonderful
14 thing. The fan sites, the fan created fan message boards and
15 the essays and so on, they were all fun.
16 I have never read online fan fiction. It is
17 uncomfortable to see your world restated in that way. But, I
18 never censored it or wanted to censor it. I let it all happen.
19 So, what will happen if it is decided in court that by
20 taking that approach, I effectively gave away copyright, I --
21 well, I know what will happen. Other authors -- I mean, other
22 authors are already much more draconian than I am with their
23 view of the Internet. Of course, other authors will look
24 sideways at what happened to me and say I need to exercise more
25 control. She was an idiot. She let it all go."
Hat-tip to Mugglenet.com for the link.
"1 Q. Do you have any views as to the impact the publication of
2 the Lexicon on your relationship with fan Web sites?
3 A. Very definitely, that's part of my concerns about fans. I,
4 perhaps naively, I accept that, perhaps naively, I was very
5 keen to maintain an almost entirely hands-off approach to the
6 online fandom where Harry Potter was concerned. And I say
7 'almost' because there are obvious boundaries of decency that
8 occasionally one would not like to see overstepped. But by and
9 large, I simply let it happen. Maybe that was naive, but I saw
10 massive positives in this amount of fan activity. I saw -- I
11 saw it as a great global book club with a lot of enthusiasm. I
12 met people who had made real life friendships through posting
13 on Harry Potter message boards, which I thought was a wonderful
14 thing. The fan sites, the fan created fan message boards and
15 the essays and so on, they were all fun.
16 I have never read online fan fiction. It is
17 uncomfortable to see your world restated in that way. But, I
18 never censored it or wanted to censor it. I let it all happen.
19 So, what will happen if it is decided in court that by
20 taking that approach, I effectively gave away copyright, I --
21 well, I know what will happen. Other authors -- I mean, other
22 authors are already much more draconian than I am with their
23 view of the Internet. Of course, other authors will look
24 sideways at what happened to me and say I need to exercise more
25 control. She was an idiot. She let it all go."
Hat-tip to Mugglenet.com for the link.
Labels: RDR, Rowling, transcript, trial, Warners
Sunday, April 27, 2008
A Festival of Heat and Words
This weekend we attended the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held on the campus of my alma mater UCLA. The Times boasted today that on Saturday around the same number of people -- 150,000 -- attended both the first day of the Festival and the first day of the big outdoor concert in Coachella.
Both days were marked by heat that set a few minor records (and fueled some wildfires elsewhere in So Cal).
We've generally missed at least the first day of the Festival, because my birthday falls on the 24th of April; the festival invariably runs on the weekend around my birthday; and I'm usually having a birthday party that weekend. This time, we avoided the whole problem by having a birthday picnic at the Festival.
Both days were marked by heat that set a few minor records (and fueled some wildfires elsewhere in So Cal).
We've generally missed at least the first day of the Festival, because my birthday falls on the 24th of April; the festival invariably runs on the weekend around my birthday; and I'm usually having a birthday party that weekend. This time, we avoided the whole problem by having a birthday picnic at the Festival.
We set up on the grassy hill next to the Janss steps; and fed on baked chicken, fruit, veggies, cake, and Japanese canned teas. One of the advantages of holding the party at the Festival was that folks who never make it to my parties (because they're too busy with the festival) were able to attend.
Today, Amy had work so I bicycled over to the Festival by myself. The road from our neighborhood to UCLA is all uphill, so I rode up there in the morning, before the heat became too unbearable. (Then, when I returned later in the day, it was all downhill).
At 11 am, my family laid claim to two booths at the festival. Cousins Linda and Karen signed their new visual-journaling book at the Borders Booth:
while their brothers, Tod (caught in mid-conversation) and Lee signed at the Mystery Bookstore booth:
After their respective booth duties were completed, I joined the cousins (along with Lee's cute daughter Madison) and headed lunchways. Lee and his daughter took one look at the lunch line and peeled off to grab a burger. I ate with the rest of the family. We discussed such topics as Linda's new iPhone, Karen's walking boot, and an annoyed e-mail Tod received from Dr. Laura triggered by a blog post wherein Tod questioned whether the good doctor was indeed a doctor. (Bottom line: She is.)
After lunch, Tod moderated a panel on "Mystery: Crime with an Edge," at which Tod and fellow crime writers discussed the delights of delineating the dark denizens of the demimonde.
Comic books and graphic novels had a larger-than-usual presence at the Festival -- likely a result of the onslaught of comics adaptations on the silver screen. At the Kinokuniya Books/Tokyo Pop booth, I ran into one of my favorite comics creators, writer/artist Wendy Pini -- dolled up in clothes that may have been a liability in the 90-degree heat.
In the background of the photo is Aimee Major Steinberger, an animator who wrote and illustrated a hilarious and beautifully drawn travelogue of her trip to Japan: JAPAN AI -- A TALL GIRL'S ADVENTURES IN JAPAN. (Ms. Steinberger is 6 fee tall.) I bought her book; and quickly read it after returning home from the festival. She depicts in the book several of the places we visited and things we saw during our two trips to Japan, including the Animate Store, Sakura Cafe and Milky Way Cafe in Ikebukuro, Tokyo; the shops in Harajuku; and the Kiyomizu Shrine in Kyoto.
I finished my visit to the Festival with a trip to the Hi-De-Ho Comics booth, where I found Phil Yeh. I've known Phil since I met him at the 1982 Norwescon in Seattle. He introduces me variously as his fan from Walla Walla; as his oldest fan; and as one of his 33 fans worldwide. He's the artist who drew the T-shirt I was wearing that day. (Other folks asked how they could get the shirt. The answer: They can't. It's 18 years old.)
Labels: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Do These Conversations Happen to Other People?
(About an hour ago. I'm walking up Westwood Boulevard toward Pico. A white sedan is stopped at the light just behind me. A 30-something guy in a white t-shirt sticks his head out of the open car window.)
T-shirt guy: Hey, can I ask you something?
Me (anticipating being asked for directions): Sure.
T-shirt-guy: Do you remember the '80's band, The Smiths?
Me (what the hell?): Yeah.
T-shirt-guy: Was Morrissey gay?
Me (??????): [Nods.] He was called a "celibate homosexual."
T-shirt guy (to companion in car): Aww-right!
(T-shirt guy gives me thumbs-up. I give him one back.)
T-shirt guy (driving away): This is why I love L.A.!
T-shirt guy: Hey, can I ask you something?
Me (anticipating being asked for directions): Sure.
T-shirt-guy: Do you remember the '80's band, The Smiths?
Me (what the hell?): Yeah.
T-shirt-guy: Was Morrissey gay?
Me (??????): [Nods.] He was called a "celibate homosexual."
T-shirt guy (to companion in car): Aww-right!
(T-shirt guy gives me thumbs-up. I give him one back.)
T-shirt guy (driving away): This is why I love L.A.!
Labels: Smiths, Weird Conversations
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Kelly Link Who Wasn't There
Amy and I really enjoy several of Kelly Link's short stories (which appear to be called "slipstream" fiction; if they were Latin American they'd probably be called "magical realism," and if they were from a decade before this one they might be called "fantasy") such as "Magic for Beginners." So when we were at Worldcon in Yokohama, we went to a panel for which she was a listed guest. Alas, she had cancelled; she hadn't made the trip to Japan.
So this afternoon, when I was at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and Link was listed as appearing on the panel "Women of Slipstream Fiction," I made arrangements to attend. Alas, just before the panel, it was announced that Link had, yes, cancelled.
So Kelly Link is everywhere. And nowhere.
So this afternoon, when I was at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and Link was listed as appearing on the panel "Women of Slipstream Fiction," I made arrangements to attend. Alas, just before the panel, it was announced that Link had, yes, cancelled.
So Kelly Link is everywhere. And nowhere.
Travelin' Man
This has been one of those peripatetic months for me. During the first week of April, I stayed in San Francisco on business. Two weeks later, I drove up to Paso Robles and stayed overnight, again on business. Then, last weekend, we went to Utah for the Fannutiku Fest convention, at which Amy worked as a dealer, running her magical embroidery machine and wowing the con-goers with its seemingly mystical movements. I, meanwhile, called up one of my past skills (making change on the fly without a cash register) and handled the green stuff. This was the first time I had worked retail at a convention since, oh, around the mid-1980's.
The most startling moment was when the dealer's room closed; and before we could break down our table, the wall behind us disappeared. We were in one half of a divided ballroom; and the hotel was taking the room apart around us to prepare for their next event. ("Did I break anything?" asked the hotel worker as he whipped the sliding wall out from behind us.)
The St. George Holiday Inn where the convention was held had an unusual feature: a pool that began in the lobby and extended outside (with in and out separated by a cat-door-like rubber flap). I spent early Sunday morning swimming laps under the cat-door, while the hotel sound system played seemingly un-rural-Utah-like songs from Elvis Costello, Jamie Blunt and Sound Asylum
The most startling moment was when the dealer's room closed; and before we could break down our table, the wall behind us disappeared. We were in one half of a divided ballroom; and the hotel was taking the room apart around us to prepare for their next event. ("Did I break anything?" asked the hotel worker as he whipped the sliding wall out from behind us.)
The St. George Holiday Inn where the convention was held had an unusual feature: a pool that began in the lobby and extended outside (with in and out separated by a cat-door-like rubber flap). I spent early Sunday morning swimming laps under the cat-door, while the hotel sound system played seemingly un-rural-Utah-like songs from Elvis Costello, Jamie Blunt and Sound Asylum
Labels: conventions, Fannitiku Fest, Utah
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
If you attend this weekend's LA Times Festival of Books at the UCLA campus, the chances are good that you will run into at least one of my cousins. Tod Goldberg is participating in panel discussions; and he, his brother Lee, his sisters Linda and Karen, and their uncle Burl Barer will all be doing booth book signings. See their individual blogs (links are over there on the right side of the screen) for more details.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Last Old Man Boards the Express to Forever
An obituary for Ollie Johnston, train enthusiast and the last of the storied "Nine Old Men" of Disney animation.
Monday, April 14, 2008
And Then the Hulk Sat Down, Robbing American Film of One of Its Finest Thespians
The teaser poster for the upcoming INCREDIBLE HULK movie, the "do-over" being produced by Marvel Productions, has been released. The poster gets props for setting mood, and for conjuring memories of the opening titles for the '70's TV series. But it also deserves some disses for the composition, which suggests that Edward Norton is emerging from an unpleasant portion of the Hulk's anatomy.
