File Under: Misc.

[Matt, I am the Great Went.]

I still say those sports politics/politics/music nerds are not nerds but GEEKS. Geeks get way too into something, but that something can be considered cool by the mainstream. Nerds are geeks into 'uncool' things. All nerds are geeks, but not all geeks are nerds.

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

That was a very nerdy explanation of geeks, Matt.

I'm gonna write a book explaining my position called The Red Badge of Nerdage. I'ma be handing out mad badges, son!!

[Robert]

We don't need no stinking badges!

I tried explaining to my fellow artist undergrads that we were all geeks or nerds in some capacity. But rather than using the word "obsessive", I said, "passionate". This unfortunately, due to either my explanation or to an elitist perspective, often fell upon deaf ears.

I think many people are in denial that the word geek or nerd can be very universal in its context.

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

I would argue that becoming a nerd or geek or whatever is the point where your passion for something becomes annoying to others, because you find it impossible to contain yourself even in front of people who just could not care less.

I'm passionate about Redskins football, opera, stand-up comedy, hating politicians, and reading books and comics. Some of these interests are stereotypically nerdy, but I don't think I'm particularly nerdy about any of them, so I'm not ashamed of any of them.

Hell, the reason I started cussing nerds in the first place is because Hellblazer is getting cancelled--not because sales are low, mind, but because nerds insist on having it that way. I don't think reading Hellblazer makes me cooler than reading Batman or whatever. I'm just annoyed by the attitude that led to something I'm passionate about being taken off the table, all for the sake of a bunch of fucken nerdy bullshit. I've seen the arguments..."But in issue blah blah of Swamp Thing back in 1985 John Constantine clearly meets Batman for 2 panels, so they obviously should be able to share the same universe and you should have to lose something you love so I can see a little bit more from a character I didn't give enough of a shit about to read since, well, 1985."

To which I say, unapologetically: FUCK YOU, NERDS.

[Jeppe]

Matt wrote: "I still say those sports politics/politics/music nerds are not nerds but GEEKS. Geeks get way too into something, but that something can be considered cool by the mainstream. Nerds are geeks into '..."

It's funny, I've always thought about/been told the opposite of your definition of the nerd/geek distinction. I wonder if it's a generational or geographical thing.

[Jeppe]

Dave wrote: "Hell, the reason I started cussing nerds in the first place is because Hellblazer is getting cancelled--not because sales are low, mind, but because nerds insist on having it that way. I don't think reading Hellblazer makes me cooler than reading Batman or whatever. I'm just annoyed by the attitude that led to something I'm passionate about being taken off the table, all for the sake of a bunch of fucken nerdy bullshit. I've seen the arguments..."But in issue blah blah of Swamp Thing back in 1985 John Constantine clearly meets Batman for 2 panels, so they obviously should be able to share the same universe and you should have to lose something you love so I can see a little bit more from a character I didn't give enough of a shit about to read since, well, 1985."

To be fair to these "nerds," I think the specific case of Hellblazer is more about internal DC politics (side-lining Karen Berger and preparing the Vertigo imprint for elimination) than it's about any sort of fan demand or sales potential.

[Robert]

By the way, I love it when you rant, Dave. The shiny quarter gets a lot of mileage doesn't it!

I fear for the final days of Vertigo, too. It's the old guard being relieved by the homogenous new guard of DC. It's low sales, internal politics, and ideology being forsaken by a DDDDDdddidio.

It's. . . frustrating.

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

Hope Karen Berger'll land someplace where she'll be able to do even better things, then. Sounds like DC are cutting their own throats, 'cause Vertigo's their best evergreen seller line and has been since its inception. That sort of decision doesn't make a bit of sense to me, business- or otherwise.

So I'm guessing there are no takers for the official BBoys "FUCK NERDS" t-shirts I had printed up?

[Jeppe]

Dave wrote: "Hope Karen Berger'll land someplace where she'll be able to do even better things, then. Sounds like DC are cutting their own throats, 'cause Vertigo's their best evergreen seller line and has been..."

I'm not going to pretend like I know anything about the internal politics of DC, but my best guess would be that it's all about IP. You're right, of course, in that the Vertigo trades are selling fairly well compared to most other DC collected editions in the long run. But the majority of these (with the exception of Sandman and Watchmen) are still only peanuts compared to a potential movie deal. I think DC is becoming a lot more hesitant to allow artists to retain even a modicum of rights to their properties, and this makes the Vertigo model sort of untenable.

Superhero comics, and their two main companies, have truly become a soulless sandbox for a select handful of writers and artists to play around in, with the sole underlying goal of retaining the copyright to a small number of iconic characters in the hands of even larger corporate entities. I don't think many people on the business side of things even give a shit about the remaining 40-year-old fanboy nerds, beyond being able to sell just enough issues to justify keeping the printing presses going.

/rant off

[Jason, Walking Allergen]

You nailed it, Jeppe. That's how all these decisions are made now, and those in leadership positions at DC who used other criteria in their choices (Levitz, Berger) have been, or are being, phased out. Only corporate whores remain.

Hand in hand with the cancellation announcement has been a fresh round of speculation about a second Hellblazer (er, sorry: "Constantine") movie. Obviously, they already made one neutered film, but they apparently feel they need to clear the deck in order to make another one and properly cross-market it. (*Snicker* They're probably thinking that, but the next time they properly cross-market their properties will be the first.)

Most importantly, like Jeppe said, they don't want any confusion whatsoever about who will reap the financial benefits from said movie. Make John unrecognizable enough, strip him of the characteristics than a generation of talented writers gave him, and I guess it's easier to argue that the movie version of Constantine owes nothing to their efforts.

By the way, in addressing this move and others, a marketing suit at DC said the word "creatively" a few times, as if, for them, that had anything to do with anything. Frustrated with some of the interviewer's questions, he finally responded with candor: "It's a business. We run it like a business."

[Jason, Walking Allergen]

And since this has become the nerd episode, here's how I define the difference.

"Geeks" can be geeky (enthusiastic and knowledgeable) about almost anything, and can be annoying in how geeky they are about it (annoyance being measured to the degree by which those unfamiliar and uninterested in said subject don't enjoy hearing about it.)

"Nerds" don't even necessarily have to be interested in traditionally nerdy pursuits, those they often are. What they always have is a lack of a feel for the volume level, amount of gesticulation, awareness of when and how much to bring up their favorite subjects, etc. that is enjoyed by the rest of polite society. These are people who not only love playing WoW, but also dress up as their character for a wedding, and regale the bride with tales of how they aggroed a mob of Orcs off a bridge.

A spaz is someone who takes that lack of social awareness to an extreme, while being physically awkward in the extreme as well.

[Jeppe]

Judging by this graph, I think I'm in the wrong and you guys are in the right - geek is basically a nerd without the social ineptitude. http://www.greatwhitesnark.com/2010/0...

But then I found this site, that seems to jive more with my interpretation. http://www.goingthewongway.com/differ...

Of course an actual etymological investigation seems to shoot holes through all of our careful distinctions.
http://www.mentalfloss.com/difference...

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

Yeah... all this is a lot of why I stopped reading (most) comics a year and a half ago.I don't even really like talking about comics anymore unless it's something like Love and Rockets (I might bring up New Stories Volume 5 on the next show if I'm not already too comic-ed out).

[Jeppe]

Dave wrote: "Yeah... all this is a lot of why I stopped reading (most) comics a year and a half ago.I don't even really like talking about comics anymore unless it's something like Love and Rockets (I might bri..."

Dave, have you (or anyone else for that matter) listened to the Comic Books Are Burning in Hell podcast? It's Tucker Stone, Joe McCulloch, Matt Senecea, and Chris Mautner riffing on comics in a format not unlike that of the BBoys. It's a lot of fun, there's almost no capes (with the exception of their most recent episode), they spend a lot of time talking about the type of works you like, and it is definitely one of my favorite new podcasts in terms of entertainment value.

[Matt, I am the Great Went.]

Thanks, Jeppe!


As I said, I'm a geek. :)
I'd have to be pretty loaded to have to passionately explain to any non-comics fan why the Clone Saga was rad. Geeks can internalize. They're like werewolves. Nerds are zombies, no missing one of them. :)

[Robert]

Jeppe wrote: "Dave, have you (or anyone else for that matter) listened to the Comic Books Are Burning in Hell podcast? It's Tucker Stone, Joe McCulloch, Matt Senecea, and Chris Mautner riffing on comics in a format not unlike that of the BBoys. It's a lot of fun, there's almost no capes (with the exception of their most recent episode), they spend a lot of time talking about the type of works you like, and it is definitely one of my favorite new podcasts in terms of entertainment value.

Listening now and agreed!

[Robert]

Dave wrote: "Hope Karen Berger'll land someplace where she'll be able to do even better things, then. Sounds like DC are cutting their own throats, 'cause Vertigo's their best evergreen seller line and has been..."

I'd like to see Karen start her own line/business, however in this climate, I can't see that happening. Perhaps if she starts her business model as a digital only publisher, but I'm probably dreaming here.


Dave wrote: "So I'm guessing there are no takers for the official BBoys "FUCK NERDS" t-shirts I had printed up? "

Only if we start another thread to determine the font type, shirt color, and offer a variety of sizes from XL to XXXXL. Plus, we have PLOOOOOOG on the back.

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

Jeppe wrote: "Dave, have you (or anyone else for that matter) listened to the Comic Books Are Burning in Hell podcast?"

Thanks for the recommend, I might check that out. Even good podcasters can't invent good material to talk about, though. I used to cast a pretty wide net looking for hidden gems and never had much luck. Maybe they'll be able to turn me on to a couple good things, though.

[Jeppe]

Dave wrote: "Thanks for the recommend, I might check that out. Even good podcasters can't..."

Here's a few suggestions for newer titles to check out, in case you're finding yourself wanting to read some good comics:

[Jeppe]

Apologies if the above post came off as snarky or pedantic. I've just been unusually excited about comics in the last few months, and always like to share my excitement.

[Jason, Walking Allergen]

Jeppe wrote: "Apologies if the above post came off as snarky or pedantic. I've just been unusually excited about comics in the last few months, and always like to share my excitement."

I appreciate the list. I added Nao of Brown a few days ago, and added Black Lung (?) from your to-read list.

Dave, reading the above, I think your current disillusionment has started to veer into revisionist history... "never had much luck"? Dude, you loved all kinds of comics, not so very long ago. Do I have to start quoting your reviews up in this bitch?

You and comics decided to see other people, and that's fine, if sad, but I see no reason you can't still be friends.

[Jason, Walking Allergen]

Here are some links to the episodes of Marvel Noise that have Matt Howell on them:

ep 116 - http://www.kafraco.com/podcasts/Marve...

ep 125 - http://www.kafraco.com/

ep 138 - http://www.kafraco.com/podcasts/Marve...

[Matt, I am the Great Went.]

Jim wrote: " (Confession time: I was afraid the Ducks would lose last night, and then I'd be eternally hated for jinxing 'em. But the Ducks saved me from that fate.) ..."

Kinda blaming you for this one instead. >:(

I kid. The Ducks looked bad and were definitely outplayed tonight. Now I know how Dave feels half the year.

[Jason, Walking Allergen]

So many missed opportunities and sloppy plays. The play right at the end summed things up pretty well: a Duck gets a key strip, forces a fumble, and the Ducks are about to recover...until #90 jumps onto the guy recovering the ball instead of playing the ball, knocks it loose, and it rolls back to a prone Cardinal lying a foot away. Cardinal recover, kick a short field goal.

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

I'll look forward to whoever #90 is being on the Redskins in 2 years.

[Jim]

Matt wrote: "Kinda blaming you for this one instead. >:("
Sorry.
On the bright side, the Syracuse Orangemen have their longest win streak of the year -- two games.

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

I forgot to mention last night, Matt, that when people say that movie you were talking about is a remake of Badlands, you should counter that Badlands is a remake of The Sadist.

[Matt, I am the Great Went.]

Dave wrote: "I forgot to mention last night, Matt, that when people say that movie you were talking about is a remake of Badlands, you should counter that Badlands is a remake of The Sadist."

Ha! I love that movie.
I forgot to mention when we were talking about movies aping other eras of film that I just watched Beyond the Black Rainbow on Netflix. It was made to look like a late '70s/early '80s movie with some Cronenberg accents. I loved its aesthetic elements, languid/aimless pace, score, and minimalist story, but I'm sure it wouldn't be for everyone.

[Jeppe]

Dammit, you guys are just teasing us at this point!

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

So, there's this giant new multiplex in town that's huge and comfy and has an IMAX, etc. In order to stay competitive, several existing local theaters have started shifting their business model. Now, the theater Downtown (3 miles from my house) is only showing the kind of stuff I LOVE and have been wishing we had in this town for more than a decade, namely indie, foreign, and documentary films.

This transformation happened exactly 5 minutes after the arrival of baby Margot "You Won't Be Going to the Movies For a Looooong While, Daddy" Celeste.

As they say, there are no coincidences. Just further and further proof that god hates me.

[Matt, I am the Great Went.]

Dave wrote: "So, there's this giant new multiplex in town that's huge and comfy and has an IMAX, etc. In order to stay competitive, several existing local theaters have started shifting their business model. No..."

Renee and I will Skype babysit. It's all the rage now.

[Robert]

"Dave wrote:As they say, there are no coincidences. Just further and further proof that god hates me. "

The almighty Cthulhu's hate is omnipresent.

[Matt, I am the Great Went.]

NEW EPISODE: "RAW MEAT"

Jason's show notes to come.

[Matt, I am the Great Went.]

Wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving through my tryptophan and bourbon haze. Hope everyone's having a great time.

[Jason, Walking Allergen]

Matt wrote: "Wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving through my tryptophan and bourbon haze. Hope everyone's having a great time."

Ditto from this corner of Portland.

[Jeppe]

Happy thanksgiving, everyone!

[Robert]

A very belated, yet happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

The in-laws were in town today, so Jen and I took the opportunity to get them to babysit so we could go check out The Two Gentlemen of Verona at the legendary Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA. Wonderful stuff. These guys keep it fast-paced, accessible, and, in this case, very funny. They're not at all stuffy about Shakespeare, preferring instead to keep the plays, y'know, entertaining instead of roping them off as dusty educational museum pieces. We've been meaning to catch a show for a really long time, and now that we have, we can't wait to go back. They're supposed to be doing one of my favorites, Julius Caesar, next year, so hopefully we'll get a chance to go. :)

[Devin]

Happy belated Thanksgiving to you, my Yanqi friends!

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

Today in doofus reviews...

Ever since I read JM Coetzee's Foe, I've wanted to revisit Robinson Crusoe, which I haven't read since I was a kid (and probably never read unabridged). My response to the reviews isn't going to be to jump into the "to be-PC or not to be-PC" argument; I do think it's not only acceptable but important for people of different times to judge their forefathers according to their own standards, particularly as regards the extreme racism and religious pomposity of Defoe's work. That ain't my problem.

The problem is the number of reviews I saw stating that the book is written in "old English":

"It's in old English, so it's hard to read. But I could get through that with enough effort."

"It starts out really boring because the book is written in old english and then it starts to get depressing as Robinson gets more and more bad luck."

"However, despite its old English, slow beginning, and constant capitalization, I found it rather enjoyable."

Okay, for those who don't know: this is Old English. More disturbingly, though: Robinson Crusoe isn't even written in Middle English. It's written in modern, you-should-recognize-every-single-word English.

Read: Your crappy vocabulary is not Daniel Defoe's fault!

[Jeppe]

Dave wrote: "Today in doofus reviews...

Ever since I read JM Coetzee's Foe, I've wanted to revisit Robinson Crusoe, which I haven't read since I was a kid (and probably never read unabridged). My response to t..."

Oh man, this is too funny! Have these people never read Shakespeare? I mean, reading Defoe is a walk in the park compared to almost any of his early 18th century contemporaries. I hope the majority of people you quoted are either ESL or young teens.

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

Jeppe wrote: "I hope the majority of people you quoted are either ESL or young teens."

I'm guessing (hoping?) the latter, Crusoe being one of those books often recommended for the young. A lot of the reviews seemed to take exception with the book's being considered a classic, too, generally on account of its being "boring"...which might mean some folks picked it up thinking they'd get to read an easy-breezy adventure story and pretend they were literate. For those readers, I might suggest this version.

[Matt, I am the Great Went.]

Dave wrote: "Jeppe wrote: "I hope the majority of people you quoted are either ESL or young teens."

I'm guessing (hoping?) the latter, Crusoe being one of those books often recommended for the young. A lot of ..."

ick i m w8ing 4 teh emoticon edition lol :P

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

FYI, Russell Banks' Lost Memory of Skin (Kindle version) is on sale for $2.99 at Amazon. I discussed this on the podcast a few weeks ago, it's the one about the community of registered sex offenders living under a section of abandoned highway (that's just where the story starts). A little irritated that I paid $12 for it 2 months ago, but oh well, win some, lose some.

Also on sale is Sarah Hall's Daughters of the North ($1.99), which I've tentatively made our reading selection for May. I only say tentatively because I've been meaning to get us reading a Sarah Hall book for a while now and have put several different ones on the list for various months and then ended up moving them for one reason or another. I've already bought this one because of the bargain, though, so I'm pretty sure this one will stick.

[Jeppe]

Thanks for the heads-up, Dave! $2 for the Hall book looks like a steal.

Speaking of dirt-cheap books on Amazon, one of the best books on the financial crisis - All the Devils are Here: The Hidden History of the Financial Crisis - is currently 92% off, selling for less than $3 (in hardcover). Well worth picking up if anyone is interested in well-researched investigative journalism on these issues: http://www.amazon.com/All-Devils-Are-...

[Matt, I am the Great Went.]

Really hoping that Hall book isn't anything like Never Let Me Go :S

[Jason, Walking Allergen]

Matt wrote: "Really hoping that Hall book isn't anything like Never Let Me Go :S"

Sounds a lot like The Handmaid's Tale.

It is also...dun-dun-DUN! science fiction. Which Dave supposedly hates.

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

Sarah Hall's a very good writer. I read The Electric Michelangelo a few years back and loved it. I've read a short story as well that was completely different, but which I also really dug. So I've been meaning to put one of her books on the list for a while.

I was originally going to pick Haweswater: A Novel, but Daughters sounded like something a lot of folks here might like, plus the bargain. I won't lie, it's the one of her concepts that excites me the least, and I still almost passed it over. I'm going out on a limb and trusting her as a writer here.

[Jeppe]

Dave wrote: "Sarah Hall's a very good writer. I read The Electric Michelangelo a few years back and loved it. I've read a short story as well that was completely different, but which I also really dug. So I've ..."

That novel sounds highly intriguing. Added it to my To-Read list!

[Dave Alluisi, Evolution of the Arm]

Jeppe wrote: "Thanks for the heads-up, Dave! $2 for the Hall book looks like a steal.

Speaking of dirt-cheap books on Amazon, one of the best books on the financial crisis - All the Devils are Here: The Hidden ..."

Phew...that's tempting. I keep going back and forth between "I should read this. I have to read this" and "If I read this, my blood will actually begin to boil and I'll wind up in the emergency room getting gnawed by the jaws of life."

Hmmm....