tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post6965289443595850440..comments2024-03-24T07:53:37.246-04:00Comments on J.M. DeMatteis's CREATION POINT: SUMMER REPEAT: ZONING OUTUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-5601994282297069462016-07-10T09:18:02.704-04:002016-07-10T09:18:02.704-04:00Yes, one thing that was very true of the Baby Boom...Yes, one thing that was very true of the Baby Boomers (at least the circles I travelled in): they were seekers. I truly hope that need to dive within, to seek the Bigger Answers, is alive and well in the current generation.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-80345991851787838072016-07-10T06:26:42.230-04:002016-07-10T06:26:42.230-04:00As someone born between 1961 and 2000, I don't...As someone born between 1961 and 2000, I don't think I fit into those paradigms either. <br /><br />But, not every baby boomer dropped acid or had massive amounts of unprotected... shall we say extra-curricular activities? They also didn't all become hyper self-absorbed (some would say more so, I'm ducking out) in the 70s and incredibly materialistic and conservative in the 80s. But it was enough to claim a trend.<br /><br />A mass group's actions does not necessarily dictate behavior of an individual. I pointed out that I land in teat 40 year period, and I don't think I could notice these trends if they were wholly descriptive of me.<br /><br />AS for you kids friends... this might shock you, but I have not met any of your kids' friends... at least as far as I know. So I can hardly be considered an expert on them.<br /><br />Keep in mind though, I'm not talking about criminal behavior... at least not for most. More of a drifting, searching, un... look it is hard to really get into it. Lost may be the best term, albeit one that still comes out lacking. <br /><br />I've seen it in the people I know, and I'm not sure it is the kind of thing you can pick up unless you spend a certain amount of time with someone, or know what to look for.<br /><br />The world is a weird place, always has been. It does seem like lost becomes a word more accurate to describe the species. <br /><br />I will say, there was an article a few years ago about how cult members have dropped significantly. It went on to say that while that sounds like a good thing, the reason for it is because our society stopped seeking deeper answers to life.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-84469260675950732892016-07-09T10:50:07.498-04:002016-07-09T10:50:07.498-04:00I remain optimistic.
That said, interesting stu...I remain optimistic. <br /><br />That said, interesting stuff and food for thought, as always. (I keep saying this: but you really need your own blog/website. You've always got such fascinating things to say and you should have a forum.)<br /><br />Also—I have a Gen X son and a Gen Y daughter and I can safely say that neither fits your paradigm. Nor do most of their friends.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-83949387011536542562016-07-09T06:19:57.138-04:002016-07-09T06:19:57.138-04:00Newspaper websites used to get far more visits, ho...Newspaper websites used to get far more visits, however most of them lost those visitors. The reason why is because many of them started charging for full articles. While the Times is the most well known example, it is far from the only one.<br /><br />So, I guess I'm saying that it must be nice to have that kind of faith in people, but the math just doesn't justify it for me. <br /><br />That being said, I do know someone from the comic store who started by opirating comics, and he went through at least big chunks of your captain America, as as his w work by Gruenwald, Englehart, Lee, Kirby, Waid, and Brubaker. So it does happen , just not very often.<br /><br />I will say that this gentleman is a Bernie fan. Also, interestingly he says he remembers the physical comics he buys much better than the digital ones.<br /><br />With him as the notable exception, I don't think simple math backs your optimism.<br /><br />Of course, if you want a more interesting chat about popular culture, it is the reason why it (along with PC culture) have exploded out so much in recent years.<br /><br />Its because the rise of moral and cultural relativity in the 60s left large groups of Generation X (born between 1961-1980) and Generation Y (1981-2000 births) without the philosophical center that previous generations have.<br /><br />So, they use these, along with shallower, yet more aggressive political discourse, and the need to be first to experience things, to fill that void. The void for larger concepts and guiding forces that we as a species need and crave.<br /><br />That ios why there are no more opinions on anything anymore, just personalized facts, nothing is okay just great or horrible, why so much of culture is references, and why the discussion of policy or movies is treated the same as a discourse on the nature of good and evil.<br /><br />And of course, why theft of media is tolerable in their minds. Its all inter connected.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-2576188476359916582016-07-08T20:26:57.820-04:002016-07-08T20:26:57.820-04:00I guess I have a little more faith in the majority...I guess I have a little more faith in the majority than you do, Jack. : )J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-72280460923935655222016-07-08T16:29:41.366-04:002016-07-08T16:29:41.366-04:00Well, unfortunately that's everyone these days...Well, unfortunately that's everyone these days. And it isn't age thing, everyone... or at least most people, want something for nothing. Nobody wants to pay for anything.<br /><br />People wonder why almost every movie is an adaption, well that is because that is what is guaranteed to bring in large groups of people. This is needed to off set the thousands if not millions who will pirate it.<br /><br />Almost every major form of entertainment has contracted in some way over the past decade and a half. With the exception of TV, which you don't pay for an individual showing. Do you think that's a coincidence?<br /><br />Pirating doesn't just take money from creators, or the companies that own them. It creates stagnation in various ways across entertainment, whether it is through stunts, hitting the same note over and over, or just lower quality.<br /><br />And while I do respect the idea that you are okay with it as sampling, and think that shows a good over all view, I think it is unrealistic to think that the majority of people will pay when they are used to getting it for free.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-16532982796175731432016-07-07T09:15:16.915-04:002016-07-07T09:15:16.915-04:00I know what you mean about the show screening lat...I know what you mean about the show screening late. For years, in New York City, a local channel used to play TZ at midnight...and the episodes played even better at that hour, when the world was quiet, the streets were dark and the imagination was wide open.<br /><br />Glad you enjoyed the list...and thanks for checking in!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-88700028318563475042016-07-07T09:12:39.480-04:002016-07-07T09:12:39.480-04:00The Twilight Zone, for whatever reason, never got ...The Twilight Zone, for whatever reason, never got the love and respect it deserved over here in the UK. A real shame, and our collective loss. <br />I remember hungrily chasing episodes across the TV guides, all shown in the wee small hours, as a teenager and of the few that were shown almost all were wonderful TV.<br />There was something entirely apt about the show being screening late, late at night, and I was more than happy to stay up to be suitably chilled.<br />I can still recall clear as anything seeing the first episode one dark Friday night – Where Is Everybody? – and just loving it. <br />Thanks for the awesome reminder, Mr D – you’ve got me Jonesing to see some again!<br /><br />KarlosAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-90481339178972256042016-07-07T09:11:57.974-04:002016-07-07T09:11:57.974-04:00Yep, it's a thorny issue. My main point is th...Yep, it's a thorny issue. My main point is that, as a creator, I don't mind people sampling the work if it leads them to become fans and regular buyers. I DO mind people who want it all for free and don't take into consideration the fact that the people creating the work actually need to MAKE A LIVING.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-12237607356163736682016-07-07T07:03:00.902-04:002016-07-07T07:03:00.902-04:00That's not an entirely accurate view of media ...That's not an entirely accurate view of media in the 30s-50s. Though, yes it has been less than even handed, it isn't quite that total.<br /><br />One of the most remembered movements of the era was Film Noir, which often would portray women in less domestic, and more complicated roles.<br /><br />Just look at your own genre, Lois lane may have had issues but, especially in the early days, was still a competent, strong, and brave reporter. This created a template for what superheroes needed in a significant other, and planted a seed for males to seek out more healthy relationships than their female counterparts.<br /><br />Beyond that, the Rosie the Riveter, and army nurse pushed the idea of women having strong place in society, and capable of taking on responsibility. This went beyond just propaganda and permeated the popular culture.<br /><br />And before that, the Great Depression pushed more women into more worldly roles, which is seen in the fiction of the era. Think how many movies of teh era have women able to keep up with the men, at least in verbal jousting.<br /><br />Before even that The 20s created a prelude to the liberated woman.<br /><br />Of course the nature of frontier life, factory work, and farm life had a view that American women had to be strong in some capacity from a long while before that.<br /><br />Some might even say it was classicist view, if you look at it, it was wealthy women in the 30s and 40s which would be more likely to have this trait, with poor or working class women shown as more capable.<br /><br />The idea you speak of has always had its place in AMerican culture, but it didn't become the de facto view until the first 15-20 years of the post war years, with the giant economic up step changing how many women NEEDED to work, and therefor creating a greater gap between the genders.<br /><br />Interesting fact, teh Quakers were among the first group to say that women should have equal say with women in the home, in teh 1600s. ANd given the fleeing to America for religious freedom in large numbers, they did have a certain amount of impact on the country as ti grew. Most notably, in becoming the backbone (and some even say genesis, but that is murky) of the abolitionist movement. <br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-91715656253713273172016-07-07T06:45:12.815-04:002016-07-07T06:45:12.815-04:00Complicated. There is a difference between borrow...Complicated. There is a difference between borrowing something and going through means that exist only to pirate media.<br /><br />I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I never did things that were questionable involving media. In the end, a mix tape, burned CD, or other recording, is lesser but still related.<br /><br />I have done those things, but that doesn't mean that it was right or that now years later I condone it or the more modern methods. It simply means that I did it. End of story. <br /><br />There are plenty of things I did, or even sometimes do (surprisingly I'm not perfect, hold your gasps, please) that I can acknowledge were not the best idea.<br /><br />However, the REAL difference, is that I (and I suspect you didn't g to people and ask for things to bootleg. Why? Because legally they can take it, prosecute, or at the very least will not be fond of you.<br /><br />I burned CDs, but I wouldn't announce it. And borrowing is a very different beast from that. Recording a concert or bootlegging an album is illegal, lending isn't album isn't.<br /><br />Okay, I'm getting off topic, sorry.<br /><br />The issue, is that unlike you and I, this guy legitimately didn't consider it theft. Or is incredibly stupid, and voluntarily mentioned his crime to the victim, and if I remember correctly said he planned to still do it.<br /><br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-10696492206386950862016-07-05T13:27:04.334-04:002016-07-05T13:27:04.334-04:00"It's a Good Life" is a great argume..."It's a Good Life" is a great argument for the power of understatement, for not hitting the audience over the head with everything. Today, when CGI gives us the ability to show anything we can imagine, we can sometimes rob the audience of imaginative power by spelling too many things out for them. <br /><br />Agree re: the portrayal of women in the 30's and 40's. The 50's were a decade where (in popular culture, at least) everything got squeaky clean, all the sharp edges were shaved off, and everyone got shoved into a pre-determined pigeonhole. But beneath that false surface was the crackle of the Beats, the Civil Rights movement and all the things that would explode through that facade in the 60's.<br /><br />One of the things that I still love about I LOVE LUCY is the fact that, in the heart of that ultra-white, sanitized decade, you had a show that featured a mixed marriage: a conga-playing, long-haired (for the time), hip-swiveling Cuban (in many ways, Desi was the Proto-Elvis), married to a woman who was desperately trying to explode out of her pre-determined role. And America loved it!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-64788190535621504122016-07-05T13:18:55.740-04:002016-07-05T13:18:55.740-04:00I agree, Serling was a product of his times, and w...I agree, Serling was a product of his times, and women were often a scapegoat in the 1950s. It's fascinating (and exasperating) to see how the images of independent, competent women that appeared in so many 1930s & 1940s films suddenly disappeared in the 1950s. (Even in something like the Tarzan films, compare early 1930s Jane to 1950s Jane -- wow!)<br /><br />Anonymous mentioned the ability of shows like TZ to provide thoughtful commentary without sacrificing any of their entertainment quality. Yes, that's something that largely did get lost along the way -- at best, reduced to simplistic Very Special Episodes by the 1980s & beyond (And I do realize that I'm painting with a VERY broad brush here for emphasis.)<br /><br />I caught "It's a Good Life" last night, and that scene of poor Dan Hollis being turned into a jack-in-the-box IS one of the most disturbing things I've ever seen. And for the whole episode, how much is conveyed by Anthony's casual, cheerful mention of the things he's done, and the horribly shifting expressions of the faces of the adults, trying desperately not to think of their horror. Brrr! The shot of Dan's wife being restrained by her friends, their hands clasped over her mouth, her eyes wide with something far beyond shock & grief -- double Brrrr!Tim Lukemannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-56640206970905669132016-07-05T13:08:28.505-04:002016-07-05T13:08:28.505-04:00And of course I meant "WASN'T burned into...And of course I meant "WASN'T burned into my brain as a kid"!<br /><br />Don't know if that was auto-correct or me typing too fast!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-5217937869871128142016-07-05T13:06:37.199-04:002016-07-05T13:06:37.199-04:00I'll be happy to sell it to them! : )I'll be happy to sell it to them! : )J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-10322157596901932532016-07-05T13:05:21.136-04:002016-07-05T13:05:21.136-04:00Good point about the "harpy wives," Tim....Good point about the "harpy wives," Tim. I've known women of that era who would have done superbly out in the (so-called) Real World but, because of the times, never had that opportunity—and they were incredibly frustrated because of it. That said, Serling was a product of those times and I don't think that (consciously at least) he was commenting on that syndrome. Of course I could be wrong, I've certainly been wrong before!<br /><br />"Miniature" is another wonderful episode that I don't always think of because it was a rarely-seen hour long episodes that was burned into my brain as a kid. And I agree about Duvall's understated performance. You could say he went for the miniature in "Miniature" and it worked.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-83473635822674937822016-07-05T13:00:51.045-04:002016-07-05T13:00:51.045-04:00That "The Howling Man" is your favorite ...That "The Howling Man" is your favorite doesn't surprise me, David. Seems right up your alley. <br /><br />All excellent choices. Making a list of "best" (or even favorite) TZs is like making a list of "best" Beatles songs: There are going to be so many classics left out. That's the mark of greatness. J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-10846039023580001312016-07-05T12:59:50.496-04:002016-07-05T12:59:50.496-04:00I think "You don't even have to get off y...I think "You don't even have to get off your ass" is the most perfect comixology slogan ever. <br /><br />--DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-28495294929654871002016-07-05T12:55:47.802-04:002016-07-05T12:55:47.802-04:00Yes, we need payment and yes DC needs those sales ...Yes, we need payment and yes DC needs those sales figures!<br /><br />That said, I honestly don't mind people indulging in digital sampling. But if you sample an issue of (to use your example) a Busiek book and like it, then get off your ass and BUY it and SUPPORT THE CREATOR whose work you're enjoying. Hell, if you're into digital comics, you don't even have to get off your ass, just click on over to Comixology.<br /><br />It's not that different from when I was a teenager and a friend would loan me an album (remember those?) If I liked it, I would sometimes record it, taking the time to get to know it. And if I really liked the artist I made sure to go out and BUY THEIR STUFF. The sampling made me a hard-core fan and a hard-core consumer. <br /><br />It's the people who think it's okay to get everything for free that drive me nuts. J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-19362472465558659772016-07-05T12:37:13.626-04:002016-07-05T12:37:13.626-04:00Well, I can't argue with any of these. :)
&qu...Well, I can't argue with any of these. :)<br /><br />"Walking Distance" has became even more poignant since the death of my father some 9 years ago. As with "Field of Dreams", the idea of being able to talk to my father once more, grown man to grown man, is both heartbreaking & hauntingly beautiful.<br /><br />I'd add "Miniature" to that list, with the always wonderful Robert Duvall giving a fantastic performance, always going for the understated approach & making the scenes all the more powerful because of it.<br /><br />I recall reading that Serling admitted he couldn't write women well. In the case of "A Stop at Willoughby", it's true that Gart has a monstrous harpy wife ... but it can also be seen as a commentary on the 1950s, at least from our perspective now. Clearly things would have been better if she had the high pressure ad agency job -- she would have thrived at it -- while he stayed at home & pursued his inner dreams. But the times would never allow that. I wonder of a lot of harpy wives in 1950s dramas were unconscious depictions of capable, frustrated women denied the chance to develop their own considerable abilities. But of course the real monster in this episode is the "push-push-push" mentality of success, which is just as monstrous & powerful today.Tim Lukemannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-70130578086276759182016-07-05T11:47:43.046-04:002016-07-05T11:47:43.046-04:00"The Howling Man" remains my personal fa..."The Howling Man" remains my personal favorite. <br /><br />I like the mention of "Mr. Denton on Doomsday," Jack. An underrated classic to be sure. And the way it's played, you really don't know if Henry J. Fate is a devil or an angel until the very end. <br /><br />"To Serve Mankind" is one of those that you can take deadly seriously or just laugh at the pun, depending on your mood. Great ep either way. <br /><br />Another personal fav of mine that's not mentioned here? "A Nice Place to Visit." Pip's laugh at the end really sells it. <br /><br />"What You Need" is another one that always sticks out. Perfect story of a greedy man who brings retribution on himself. <br /><br />These lists are always fun. I almost feel like I'm doing a disservice to the show, as there will be another list of favorites that pop into my head on any given day. <br /><br />So many to choose from! I could go on forever...<br /><br />--David<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-60486302670410308782016-07-04T16:44:33.882-04:002016-07-04T16:44:33.882-04:00And in honor of America's day...
https://www....And in honor of America's day...<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDgHT-5SdAw<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-71415444403963297852016-07-04T16:37:11.807-04:002016-07-04T16:37:11.807-04:00I heard a funny yet depressing anecdote.
Apparent...I heard a funny yet depressing anecdote.<br /><br />Apparently someone really liked some of Kurt Busiek's creator owned work. Makes sense, he's a good writer. <br /><br />So he contacted him and asked for recommendations. The thing is he pirated all teh work, and flat out told Busiek.<br /><br /><br />Pretty funny.<br /><br />Also very depressing. People just don't consider theft, theft anymore... do they? Pfff internet.<br /><br />Here I am BUYING comics like and idiot... AN IDIOT, DEamtteis. I guess there is only one course of action. I'm going to have to pirate Scooby Doo Apocalypse.<br /><br />I mean come on do you need payment, and does DC REALLY need sales figures to know if people like something.<br /><br />Its a wacky world, Dematteis.<br /><br /><br />Jack<br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-34643660796269583692016-07-04T16:32:53.484-04:002016-07-04T16:32:53.484-04:00Wel, I'll see what I can allow when that is do...Wel, I'll see what I can allow when that is done. Just don't dillydally. We're trying to business here, Are we? I don't know, just get to work,... CHIP CHOP CHIP!<br /><br />JAckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-52623439000900205712016-07-04T16:29:59.777-04:002016-07-04T16:29:59.777-04:00I'll get to work on the Creation Point theme s...I'll get to work on the Creation Point theme song right away.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.com