Thursday, April 25, 2013

MORE ADVENTURES IN PODLANDIA

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed, for the second time, by one of my favorite podcasters: the insightful Wendi Freeman of Double Page Spread. We talked at length about Phantom Stranger, Larfleeze, The Adventures of Augusta Wind, the magical mysteries of the creative process, my Imagination 101 writing workshop—and capped things off with a heated round of Beatles trivia.  (I didn't think I could be easily stumped.  I was.  Several times!)  If you're so inclined, you can listen to the podcast (or download it) right here.

33 comments:

  1. Damn you Dematteis! I was ready to be done with Green Lantern and his jive when Johns left in May, and now I have to pick up Larafreeze. I'm not made of money.

    Far out. That McCartney bed thing was fascinating. Who would think Alice Cooper and Groucho would go into together on a gift?

    Beatles trivia:

    What was the batman comic that depicted the Quarrymen? (hint it was after the Beatles.

    What major literary influence did the Beatles and Bod Dylan share?

    Any way, I dug what you said about manifesting stories... or however you said it. Back when I was 18 I came up with a whole pantheon of heroes that fall. Then the following summer even more pantheons. It wasn't even thinking about it by in large, ideas just popped in when I would be pop into my head when I was for walks alone. Just free time alone stuff and I would have these long complex backstorys I never heard. Character, tons of them all different form the others. God God I am a dork.

    Batman Brave and the Bold. I am embarassed to admit this, since I was an adult when it came out and have no kids, I loved that show. Not wake up early on a Saturday love, but I did always enjoy it when I watched it. It was fun. Is that so wrong.

    You know what else JMD... I just might take you up on that story consultant thing one of these days.

    Now for more interview... favorite (non-comic artist.

    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack

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    1. Stumped again! A BATMAN comic that featured the Quarrymen? I have no clue!

      Re: literary influences. I'd guess Allen Ginsberg. (Or Dylan Thomas or Lewis Carroll.)

      Getting entire superhero universes downloaded into your head doesn't make you a dork, Jack, it makes you creative!

      Favorite non-comics artists? I have a special fondness for Van Gogh, for the drawings of the brilliant poet William Blake, the illustrations of Maxfield Parrish and (although it's been years since I've looked at his work) in college I went crazy for the work of the German artist Albrecht Durer. To name a few.

      If you want to use my story consultant services, let me know. I suspect we'd have a great time.

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  2. The Quarrymen where mentioned, with a panel of John, Paul, and George playing, in Thrillkiller. The idea was to paint the era as a sort of no man's land between the 50's and the more well known ideas of the 60's It was a pretty good read if I remember correctly. Also, I believe there was an issue of Batman that was a reference to "Paul is dead." I'm only guessing, I haven't read it, only seen the cover. #222 according to coverbrowser.com.

    Close, Jack Kerouac. I may be misinformed, but wasn't the beat in Beatles from beatnik?

    You know Dematteis, both can be true... in fact I bet good portion of the time it is. And I think the idea that it was comic book based may lean towards the nerdy. And it was
    universes, with "s." And not just superhero...horror, sci-fi...crime... slice of life... I had it all.

    After taking a look at some of those artists, I knew a couple but I am not great with painter names, I definitely see you digging them. I remember a comic book talking about one of my favorite painters and saying they were sterile and unemotional, I would argue they are full of emotion, just lesser excepted ones. Any way though... I sort of see your nature of story telling in some of them. Fascinating that you work in comics and chose painters, that from what I saw, and remembered, that capture a writing landscape. hmmm, could this be a question all comic book writers should be asked?

    Finally, in way of consultant, maybe.... maybe.

    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack


    "I'll deal with those murderous trolls."
    "Huh?"
    "I mean, I'll deal with those murderous trolls"

    heh heh Sipmpsons.

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    1. The beat in Beatles wasn't for beatnik, Jack, it was for beat groups. Beat was another name for that crazy and dangerous new art form, rock and roll. "Cause it had a big BEAT. (I wonder if the beat in beatnik was a similar reference...? Let's look it up.)

      (According to WikiPedia: The adjective "beat" could colloquially mean "tired" or "beaten down" within the African-American community of the period and had developed out of the image "beat to his socks", but Kerouac appropriated the image and altered the meaning to include the connotations "upbeat," "beatific," and the musical association of being "on the beat".)

      I'm sure the Beatles were aware of Kerouac, but I never heard that he was a major influence on any of them. Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters -- who were the inheritors of the Beat Generation ethos -- were an influence. The Merry Pranksters' crazy bus rides across America, detailed in THE ELECTRIC KOOL AID ACID TEST, were part of the inspiration for Magical Mystery Tour.

      Good luck with the trolls!

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    2. The beat in Beatnik actually originated from circus slang. Meaning beaten. It largely refereed to traveling circus workers... the traveling was the largest part that influenced beat culture. My source an interview with beat poet, one of many that I have on CD.

      Now I'm sorry I got the Beatles origin wrong. As I said though, I believed, not was certain. I do very distinctly remember hearing that the Beatles where fans of beat culture. This was of course not uncommon, English young people in the post war years devoured the stuff. Often times Beat, greaser, and rock and roll ideas would get mixed all together... sort of like what the U.S. has often done, especially in eastern philosophy although that is more deliberate picking and choosing. Of course the best example of Beat and Rock n' Roll mixing in England was the Yardbirds.

      And let us not forget the hippie movement evolved out of the Beatnik one, so no matter what the Beatles where affected.

      And as far as trolls go... that's why I don't trust jockeys to this day.

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

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    3. I totally agree, Jack: even if Kerouac and company weren't a direct influence, the Beats absolutely laid the groundwork for a lot of what flowered in the sixties. That said, the Beats were more jazz than rock and roll and, in the beginning, what galvanized the young Beatles was the music: Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Elvis. That's the core of what created them. As the sixties went on, more of that evolving Beat influence seeped in.

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    4. Agreed, Professor Bop sure isn't rock n' roll, but English youths had a habit of playing mix and match with American culture in post war England. How much that affected the Beatles? Well, I really can't say. I know that the Beat movement was a big part of the Yardbirds. And the mix and match thing was very present in the Stones. The Beatles early years were largely trying to be Buddy Holly if we are being honest, but what does that really mean? That doesn't dictatee all of their tastes.

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

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    5. They were trying to be Buddy Holly and Elvis and Goffin & King and Little Richard and Chuck Berry and on and on. They absorbed, and transcended, so many influences.
      Musical alchemists.

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    6. Fair enough, and don't forget the classical influences in later years. But to me it always felt like trying to be Buddy Holly... until they later found there unique voice. Sure Chuck Berry and Elvis had some say, especially since I remember more than one cover of a Berry song, but I always heard more Buddy Holly, in fact part of the reason why I was never as big into the early years as the later was that there was too much Buddy Holly in them... like they were trying to be him. Of course this isn't uncommon many musicians and writers start out trying to be like those they emulate before finding their voice. Any way the point is with that much Buddy, I like it.... but often just rather listen to Holly.

      Musical alchemists? Does that mean that Golden Slumbers was originally Lead Slumbers?

      We better start talking about comics again soon or new comers to the site might get confused. So how about that MArk Waid Daredevil? Pretty far out huh?

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

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    7. Much as they loved Buddy Holly, Elvis was The One for them (especially John). There's a great line where Lennon talked about seeing an Elvis movie: "And they'd all scream
      when he came on the screen. So I thought, "That's a good job."

      Haven't read Waid's DAREDEVIL, but I've heard only great things about it. Apparently he's bringing back the more light-hearted DD of the early years? That was my plan when I was writing Daredevil, but I left the book just as that round of stories was going to really kick in.

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  3. Well, I'll have to take your word on that, I'm no Beatles historian. Just going by my ears.

    Waid's run is really good. The last issue I just meant to skim since I had to go, but I wound up reading the whole thing and wanting to know what happened next. I keep meaning to write a letter in sayin how much i love the book.

    It is a shame we didn't discuss this before Wonder Con. You could have rallied up the crowd into verbally strong arming Waid into giving you his run for free. Also, your first step to building the worshipful base of soldiers that serve you as a Bondesque villain. Oh well there is always the next show.

    I don't now though, Karl Kessel did a pretty good job continuing your lighthearted DD approach. Both very underrated.

    I like the fact that both Waid, Kessel, and you, showed/show a fun-loving DD, but also have/had really good drama ad serious threats. Just like Stan wanted. What is wrong with fun anyway? You would think some jackass swinging from roof to roof in bright read athletic gear and horns would have a sense of it.

    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack

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    1. Well, to bring it back to the Beatles: "Fun is the one thing that money can't buy."

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    2. Really? Then explain miniature golf courses. And isn't your business based on that idea?

      And while we're there money can buy love to.


      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

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    3. Well, money can buy it for sure but I don't know if it's love. : )

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  4. Wow. Jack, JM...I read thru all those posts. Earned a new wrinkle on the brain for sure, at least as far as Beatles trivia goes. Beatles related: my mom-in-law still has her copy of the White album in the wrap, says she'll sell it one day (doubt it.) In my younger days, I confused Lennon with Lenin--the difference is crystal clear now:) Anyway, the non-Beatle reason for my post: JM, your name's attached as a contributor to Black Mask Studios' Occupy anthology, which I have on order. Any info as to what you added?

    Oh, as we have posted-counter-posted about the Center in the past, I'll be headed down to SC the first week of June. Can't wait!

    Best Always,
    Brian

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    1. There's an old FIRESIDE THEATER album, Brian, with a cover that mixed Lenin with Lennon and Karl Marx with Groucho Marx. You're not alone!

      Re: the Occupy book. I wrote, and my buddy Mike Cavallaro illustrated, a story called "That Which Is Most Needed"—which explores the need for compassion for the opposition in all forms of protest. I'm very happy with the way the story turned out and I'm looking forward to finally seeing it in print.

      Have a fantastic stay at the Center. And don't forget to say hello to Meher Baba for me!

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  5. How's this for a discussion topic:

    It seems many classic characters of heroic fashion are chosen. More or less born into the role. From King Arthur to Bilbo, it seems to be about blood lines, or fate. Bilbo's ancestor was mentioned in the Hobbit right? By the dwarves in the beginning, creating golf with a sword if I remember correctly. However, it seems Americans don't accept the being given angle as well. Most American folk tales involve circumstances happening and then the heroic character dealing with them and rising, usually a fairly ordinary, at least in some way. It isn't fate choosing them, or a larger force, it is them responding to fate. Bloodlines are rarely involved in choosing. Even Captain America was not chosen by random, he had to show his willingness to fight over and over again, possibly even defying fate. There are a few exceptions, Green Lantern does not really earn the ring at first. And I think the original Captain Marvel may have, not really a fan of his though.

    Just an interesting topic that is sort of comic related.

    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack

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    1. Interesting, Jack, and well worth pondering. And I suspect, if he's out there reading this, David will have something to say on the subject!

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    2. Well, first things first. Since you opened up the wikipedia can of worms, according to them Kerouac is cited as an influence on Lennon.

      Also, on more thing on the Beatles front: I do think it is important to point out that the band's structure was inspired more by the Crickets.

      As far as David goes, I hope so. But until then:

      The reason for this cultural phenomenon is not really that hard to figure out. Most countries in the world have old cultures. As time went by some groups became more prominent and class systems were formed. Some more light like latter European, and some more extreme like the caste system in India. And as this happened of course stories of heroes, villains and excitement arose. To many people it seemed like the higher class were the only ones set for greatness. This is where ideas like heroic kings and the like come from. On the other side other heroic voices came up, but they where often a product of fate, either a twist before their conscious mind formed or birth where they were secretly noblemen, or more often a higher force literally chooses them. This seemed like the only way out for them. This is more or less how most societies formed.

      Flash forward to the U.S., a form of society is formed that rejects the idea of noblemen. Of family legacy dictating. Now these ideas where not as strong in Europe as they once were, but they are still very oppressive. And of course there was "old money" that formed, but even at its strongest it never really got to the levels of other societies. The idea was that ant man could make his destiny, and as time went by that thankfully became more and more realized. That however is not the only reason. Even before America formed those who came to America were not really from the higher parts of society, not even the wealthy ones. This set things in motion. This idea continued both times America pushed west, both to the Mississippi, and then beyond. People had to build there own selves here and make their own way. Then there is immigration, just like settlers they had and have to decide to pick up and leave a life they know to start over. All of these come from people grabbing there destinies. It formed our culture. And the ideas of all these things allowing second chances is why we as a people love redemption stories so much.

      Now if you want a ponderer, then consider this:
      Batman and Wolverine are both very popular characters. It is no secret why though. The nature of the two being separated from their respected groups, and having there own code is important. They don't take shit from people and are more concerned with what they believe to be right, and don't worry about interpersonal politics that forms among groups of people. People love this, they find it cathartic, because it is freedom that they yearn for. However, in real life people do not seem to like them quite so much. Despite what popular culture (scrubs) says loners do exist, people who prefer to be alone, who don't feel a need to fit in. They are never quite as well received as their fictional counterparts though.

      So Dematteis, any thought or opinions on the subject?

      David... we miss you.

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

      Here, visit these, don't what ever. I've done my part. If you do hope you enjoy them

      http://lisamarr.org/press/downloads/6_Lisa_Marr-UnemplymentLine.mp3

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_k5Aw5YL2E

      P.S. Have fun.

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    3. A lot to ponder there, Jack. (Why do I think you have a book bubbling up in you?) I know David's been having some problems signing on to the comments section: once he works that out, I suspect he'll have a lot to say.

      Re: the Crickets. I don't argue about their influence, but they weren't the PRIMARY influence. I think Elvis and Chuck Berry come in ahead there. And, in terms of instrumentation, I think the British band, the Shadows, had an impact. What they loved about Holly, I think, was that he didn't just perform, he wrote his own music (as did Berry). But, in the end, the only influence I'd put at the top of the list is Presley. And they outgrew him pretty quickly. In fact they outgrew ALL of their influences.

      And that concludes today's Beatles talk!

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    4. One more thing: here's an interesting article that touches on the Beatles' many influences. It gives Holly—and all of them—their due. http://www.liverpoolcityportal.co.uk/beatles/beatles_influences.html

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    5. Note to self: never mention the Beatles on this site, it gets the hippie off track. Oh well.

      As I said though, I'll believe what you say about Elvis, because even though I have been listening to to them literally... LITERALLY my whole life I was never one of those guys, you know ravenous fans who have to read everything about them. Uh... not that there is anything wrong with that. I just thought it was worth mentioning the major contribution of band structure.

      Just remember what Homer yelled to the Queen of England:

      "Our Beatles are way better than your precious Roling Stones!"

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

      Here, visit these, don't what ever. I've done my part. If you do hope you enjoy them

      http://lisamarr.org/press/downloads/6_Lisa_Marr-UnemplymentLine.mp3

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_k5Aw5YL2E

      P.S. Have fun.

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    6. Your SIMPSONS knowledge, Jack, must rival (or surpass) my Beatles knowledge. That's a great line from Homer, never heard it before.

      You have fun, too.

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    7. Well... I don't know much of the backstage stuff. I mean, I know a bit, origins and the like and a bit of what Greoning and Conan have said, not that much though. So with all you understanding of what went on behind the music you probably have me beat. I mean I Don't know why Dan Castenella is a vegetarian, I barely even know he is one, and that was only based on a thing showing the contraction between the characters.

      Of course the Simpsons have the Beatles beat because the cast of the Simpsons still like each other. Take that McCartney.

      Just remember this though, 3/4 of the Beatles have been on the Simpsons. And the one with Harrison had a Yoko type character who ordered a single Plum floating in perfume, and served in a man's hat. You might know, did Ono really drink that or is it a fabrication?

      Also Ned Flanders is a big Beatles fan (He claims it is because they were bigger than Jesus), and Milhouse looks quite a bit like John Lennon.

      BArt even once called a prank of his "Sgt. Peppers."

      that was off the top of my head, for more Check this jive out: http://www.snpp.com/guides/beatles.refs.html

      Any thoughts on my previous points. If no that is fine, just curious.

      Take care.

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

      Here, visit these, don't what ever. I've done my part. If you do hope you enjoy them

      http://lisamarr.org/press/downloads/6_Lisa_Marr-UnemplymentLine.mp3

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_k5Aw5YL2E

      Delete
    8. Thanks for that Beatles-Simpsons link, Jack. Very cool.

      Don't know if Yoko actually did that, but it has a very Yoko vibe.

      No profound thoughts about your previous points; sometimes I just enjoy reading what you have to say!

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    9. Seems to me like JM may have to do a Simpsons themed blog...

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

      Delete
  6. SO, if what you are saying about Elvis and the Beatles is right comics invaded every part of your life. Its like some sort of weird conspiracy.

    Everyone and his brother knows you love the Beatles right? You claim they love Elvis(once again no reason to doubt you). So, who did Elvis love? Captain Marvel Jr.. Yes, his signature hairstyle, his cape all came from that comic book character. Graceland even has collection hidden away, and one of the issues is even sitting on the desk in the recreation of his childhood room. He makes a round about reference to his comic reading here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9HWlYoR40A

    Speaking of Comics and Music, McCartney wrote Magneto and Titanium Man, which referenced a few more Marvel characters. Anyway. Any knowledge passed on about a possible fandom of Paul?

    Also the Ramones did a cover of the Spider-man theme. Pretty good. You should check it off if you have not heard it.


    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack

    Here, visit these, don't what ever. I've done my part. If you do hope you enjoy them

    http://lisamarr.org/press/downloads/6_Lisa_Marr-UnemplymentLine.mp3

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_k5Aw5YL2E

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    1. Didn't know about the Elvis-Captain Marvel connection, Jack: that's amazing.

      Speaking of McCartney and comics, there's a great story about Paul meeting Jack Kirby at a Wings concert in LA. http://dangerousminds.net/comments/when_paul_mccartney_met_jack_kirby

      And speaking of Beatles influences, here's a great Lennon quote I just came across:
      "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'."

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    2. Fascinating. Kirby and McCartney. Maybe Lennon and Lee were in line at a deli together. Good God, I could go for a pastrami on rye right now. You know, a friend of mine once called that the Jewish holy sacrament. He isn't Jewish, but I'm not sure his little joke was so far off...

      S far as Chuck goes... I'm down. I always said that if Elvis was king Berry was Emperor. However, I will say that I think it is unfair that some have called Elvis a thief of black music. I have seen no evidence he ever denied Rock n' Roll's origins. It isn't his fault so many people didn't want to hear it.

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

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    3. Elvis didn't steal black music any more than the Beatles did. They loved that music and wanted to share it with the world. The problem, n the Elvis era, was that the white audience often shunned African American artists. That's how you ended up with things like Pat Boone's cover of Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti"! But by the time the Beatles hit, they were sharing the charts with lots of fantastic black music, not the least of which was Motown.

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    4. That's what I'm saying Dematteis. Of course Jimmy Page was one of the greatest thieves of America black music to ever walk the the earth.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByUjZ80HGRU

      Seriously though. It kind of reminds me of the Lee Kirby Debate. It has become in in vogue to say one was soelly responsible, but it was absolutely collaborative. Just like it is en vogue to say Elvis stole black music, did he never claimed credit and I believe even praised black musicians.

      Society man...

      Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
      Jack

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  7. Lots of great stuff to go over here.

    As far as American narratives go, Jack, I think you're right. Stan Lee's use of destiny is much different than Tolkien's, for instance. It isn't really clear whether Peter's spider-bite is the Destiny he was given or the one he's making for himself. But when you look at all the dark mirror villains, you see a pattern emerge that it's not the power or even the back story that distinguishes a hero so much as their inherent decency. Peter fights mad scientists. Tony Stark fights evil corporate types. Everyone but Steve Rogers is driven mad by the Super Soldier serum. Etc, etc.

    A friend of mine once pointed out that American narratives tend to emphasize persistence and willpower over brains. Makes sense when you think of intelligence as an inherited quality. This even ties into something JMD was saying on the audio from Wondercon, where he talked about musicians who lack natural talent but practice until they're good. When people think of Spidey's greatest moments, they don't tend to list his pseudo-scientific problem-solving (magnetic inverters, anybody?). They talk about him lifting the debris in the Master Planner Saga, or refusing to kill Green Goblin. In other words, they look to examples of persistence, willpower and discipline more than problem solving.

    The American hero doesn't always 'solve' the problem--he just keeps getting back up until the problem is like, "Screw it, I'm going home!"

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  8. David,good to have you back.

    Sadly, we seem to once again be on the same page. Were is the drama for the masses.

    I like how you seem to elaborate on the Captain America point. He was chosen, but he was chosen because he kept trying before.

    Now get to work on that loner analysis chop chop.

    Wishing you nothing, but goodwill and hipness from here to the stars,
    Jack

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