24 hour comics day draws nigh
September 26th, 2010 | Uncategorized
Have you heard about this event? Where people produce a comic book in 24 straight hours? It sounds really fun, but not quite so fun that I plan on doing it myself, although it would probably be good for me.
Anyhow, it starts this Saturday, October 2. I know there are a couple places near me in Vermont where it’ll be happening. The Trees and Hills Comics Group is organizing an event at the public library in Montpelier, and Artists Mediums is hosting it in Williston.
I suppose you can also do it at home alone.
56 Responses to “24 hour comics day draws nigh”
She was doin’ it alone
She was doin’ it alone
She was drawing lotsa comics
In her home all alone
Sounds cool.
Wonder if doing this “home alone” would encourage me to take that final step (been dreaming about it for most of my life) to creating my own comic/graphic novel?
Allison – reconsider. Don’t think of it as an odd marathon; think of it as a way to get something done. Really, working on long-running strips like Dykes and thick works like Fun Home, how often do you get to actually finish something? After 24 hours, you’ll have something; if it’s not any good you can bury it and you’ve only wasted a day. And if it’s good? Hey!
(And yes, you can do it at home alone. I’ve found that working besides others lends to a more upbeat feeling, and more upbeat comics. People looking for gatherings near them should check out the event website – there are over 100 gatherings on 6 continents this year!)
–Nat (founder, 24 Hour Comics Day)
Alison – Aw heck, you only live once! If the sleep deprivation is a barrier, I’m sure no one would be offended if you chose to join in with a shorter challenge – we (Trees & Hills) have at least one participant who plans to do 12 pages in 12 hours. And if you just wanted to drop in to say “Hi” and see a library full of people making comics, well, we’d be pretty thrilled!
(Sorry for the double-post, forgot to include the other half of my comment)
Lurk-a-lot – It might do! In any case, I certainly encourage you to take that final step to creating your own comic/graphic novel, whether as part of the challenge or not. Live the dream!
Well, A.B., it sound like… fun? Either that, or the cartoonist union needs to call a strike!
Harkening back to a previous timeline:
(Maggie #49, Lesbian Nation, R.I.P.) No, dear, you didn’t hijack my destiny on that dark, lonely highway. That’s where our timelines diverged. And, it had to be that way. At least, that’s what multiverse theory claims. Interestingly enough, today I live closer to I-70 than I-40. But as hairball knows, thirty years ago I somehow found myself at the University of Oklahoma, just south of where I-40 passes through Oklahoma City. Think of it in terms of Star Trek: Voyager. When the spatial anomaly in the dark matter nebula split Voyager into two fully realized starfleet vessels, the two Captain Janeways had to work together, even though it meant only one Janeway would realize her true destiny. Your the realized Kathryn Janeway, dear! 🙂
I know these timed events are popular (24-hour movies, 1-month novels), but personally, I don’t’ see the appeal of doing one more thing under time constraints.
For me the joy of writing is taking time to envision, mull, write, research, re-envision, rewrite, write more, and polish, polish, polish.
Clearly though, many people love the challenge of a deadline, thrive on pressure and speed, and would never get anything done without a timetable.
Godspeed to all those who take part.
Love the title: “draws nigh”!
That would be fun in a room or hall with others. Exciting, crazy, probably very junk food filled and fun. I wonder if you can do the 24 hours in 24 one hour slots over 24 days if you’re a parent to little ones! Love the stress conveyed in your movieish thing Alison.
When I was working as an event planner, I once worked on a 24 hour play festival. 24 actors, 6 writers, 6 directors. The writers wrote all night long, then everyone showed up in the morning, the directors cast the shows, the actors got their parts, and they had about 9 hours to rehearse, including an hour on stage for tech. Costumes and props had to be gotten during the day, and the show went on before an audience exactly 24 hours after everyone had met for the first time.
It. Was. Awesome.
They weren’t the best plays in the universe, but some of them were funny and some of them were sad. The actors were clearly having an amazing time. Some of them were a little terrified, but exhilarated, facing up to a challenge they rarely experienced in their professional lives.
Just my .02 on 24 hour events. Overall, it was a more joyful and energetic experience than I had expected it to be. But a lot of that had to do with the community that was brought together to create the plays – I don’t know how it would be for a lone writer to do. If anyone does got it alone, my suggestion would be – SNACKS.
@#5 Colin Tedford. Thank you for your encouraging words!
Other comics news of note:
SOLD-OUT KEVIN KELLER DEMANDS FIRST REPRINT IN ARCHIE HISTORY
New York, NY (September 27, 2010): Archie Comics’ teen sensation Kevin Keller—the first gay character in Archie Comics’ line of books—has been welcomed enthusiastically by Versace, the New York Times, and fans from every corner of the world. To celebrate the SOLD-OUT first printing of Kevin Keller’s debut issue, Veronica #202, Archie Comics is going back to the press for a special limited edition variant cover print run of Veronica #202.
Already selling wildly back and forth on online auction sites like eBay, Kevin Keller’s debut issue has become highly coveted world-wide. The special limited edition variant cover print run of Veronica #202 will feature a remastered and recolored cover.
“We never thought Kevin Keller would become so hot so fast!” exclaimed Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater.
“It’s been a thrill to see how well people have welcomed Kevin into their lives,” continues Goldwater. “His introduction was always just about keeping the world of Archie Comics current and inclusive. It just made sense at the time and we couldn’t be happier to have such widespread and enthusiastic support behind Kevin’s continued presence at Archie Comics!”
Kevin Keller’s full debut story “Isn’t it Bromantic?” will be re-released in the limited edition variant cover print run of VERONICA #202 featuring the full-issue story that introduces Kevin, Archie Comics’ first gay character.
Kevin’s limited edition variant cover issue of VERONICA #202 will be available through ArchieComics.com and in comic shops beginning October 6th and in limited quantities at the 2010 New York Comic Con taking place October 8-10.
Kevin’s next appearances will take place in VERONICA #204 & #205.
For more information about Kevin Keller, Archie Comics or Archie Comics’ presence at New York Comic Con, stay tuned to ArchieComics.com!
It feels awfully journalist/stenographer to simply repost a press release, but it’s a topic of interest to this group.
To the extent that introducing a gay character is a publicity stunt for Archie, it seems to have worked. To the extent that it’s a genuine attempt to promote inclusiveness and diversity, we’ll see.
The more I think of teams of cartoonists turning out a comic book in 24 hours, the more I’m reminded of the Simpsons opener that portrayed the show’s Korean animators as being chained to their desks and under armed guard…
A new Politico/George Washington University poll shows the majority of “likely voters” who are currently giving the edge ot Republicans in most polls get their news from Fox News Channel, and don’t even know who Rachel Maddow is. This suggests to me that possibly, just possibly, at least in polls by this particular polling organization, they may be overestimating Republican voters and underestimating Democatic voters when they decide who is likely to actually turn out and vote in this November’s general election in the U.S. Polls of all registered voters are much more even or even show the Democrats ahead. Usually, likliness of voting is determined by asking if voters are “enthusiastic” about voting. If Democrats head to the polls expecting the Republicans to win, but still vote, this may not be an accurate guide to who will cast a ballot.
@ # 12
I just got home after doing some shopping at a supermarket, where I found Veronica #202 on the shelf in a corner where they stock the latest bestsellers. When I bought it a few hours ago, I had no idea that it contains the introduction to the first gay character in Archie comics. Thanks for that eye-opener. Can’t wait to read my copy.
In fact, since I live in a country where it’s illegal to be gay and since there is monitoring of what books and movies can be sold/shown here, I will add this to my collection of treasures that have slipped under the radar…the Batwoman Detective series that I found in one tiny bookshop and Alison’s ‘Fun Home’ that I found in one of the largest stores in the city…I guess they had no idea that a bestselling graphic novel could be an account of someone coming out…I’m laughing out loud!
Bechadelic1, you must be kidding. Where, other that uganda, is it illegal to be gay, or do you live in Uganda? Won’t the Big Homophobes get you for regularly contributing to a website where gay people hang out? Please say more.
@ # 16
Hi T and St. J. It’s illegal all over the Middle East to be gay. Most of the websites with the words ‘gay’ and ‘lesbian’ in them or with any related content are blocked. Very strangely, afterellen and afterelton are not blocked. I live in a slightly more (on the surface at least) liberal country because of the high number of expatriates from all over the world here. So, a lot flies under the radar and opposed to that, a lot also tends not to be reported. The general understanding is that if you’re going to do something (especially against the law) then don’t do it openly and don’t do be stupid about it unless you want them to enforce the law…mostly the authorities are not that concerned with ‘small fry’ like me. Fingers crossed it stays that way 🙂
Alison’s website has also flown under the radar because the domain name is one continuous word and so the first part of it tends not to be noticed…at least this is what I think. I identify as bisexual (yes, I understand that is a bad word in some pockets of the gay community), and I have met several gay people in this part of the world. At the end of the day, I can go home and I will do so soon enough. It’s the people who have to stay here forever who I feel bad for.
Completely off topic, I’m afraid…
I think Jessica Bessica mentioned this in another thread, but I just wanted to give a little more publicity to Dan Savage’s “It Gets Better” project:
http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject
Basically, it’s a set of videos directed principally at lesbians and younger gay men still in high school, particularly those who are suffering bullying and other peer abuse because of their sexuality. The videos are from lesbians and gay men who have got through high school and are out in the real world living their lives, and aim to convey the message that after high school “it gets better”. Strongly recommended!
I’d particularly like to encourage participants in the conversations that go on here to consider making videos for the project – not just Alison, but everyone else. Teen suicide as a result of homophobic bullying is an under-recognised problem, even in the lesbian and gay community, because it is under-reported even in the most enlightened countries. If this project can show just a few younger people that their lives will get better once they graduate from high school, and gives them the strength to keep going, it will be well worth our support.
to get back on subject….
Alison please consider the 24 hrs comic draw….even if its only for a shorter time like Colin suggested. I’ve been trying to ‘get to it’ for a couple years but never have the day off when the event is happening. This year i’m going to commit to a shorter time (maybe 6 hrs? have to do it after my day job;) )just as a challenge to myself.
If you’re around where the Hills and Trees gang is going going to be please stop by. They’re a great group of folks who have published some interesting comic collections.
I just saw this on Towleroad and felt I had to share it:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/cartoons/092410_Tea_Party/
Ward Dutton doing a few spoof strips from the Tea Party’s POV for the Boston Globe.
@ #12 Dr. Empirical
I haven’t read an Archie comic for years because it no longer resembles the comic book I grew up with. However, I am very interested in the Kevin Keller character and how this subject will be treated. Thanks for letting us know.
In other comics news, today I read about a new comic that will introduce a Superhero character who is both: disabled (in wheelchair) and is muslim. Very interested in this comic too.
@ #14 Kate L
If you haven’t already, you should check out Guy Delisle’s comic
Pyongyang. The Simpson’s opener with the Korean’s chained to their desks isn’t as much of a stretch as one might think.
Lurk-a-Lot (21): Barbara Gordon, the second Batgirl*, has been in a wheelchair for over a decade now, ever since the Joker put a bullet through her spine in Alan Moore’s The Killing Joke.
She’s evolved into a character called Oracle, a computer hacker/information specialist who does surveillance and acts as a sort of superhero dispatcher. Oracle is a much more interesting character than Batgirl ever was.
* The Batgirl of the ‘Fifties only appeared a handful of times, mostly to pester Robin, on whom she had an infantile crush. I think we’re currently on our fourth Batgirl, but I may have missed one.
As a self-directed, disciplined writer who practices my art daily because it makes the day feel right, I’ve never wanted to go to events where ideas are handed out and I write in the presence of others. I do much better alone. Now, when it comes to rewrite, editing, and questions of craft, yes, the interaction with other writers at a similar stage is not just useful but often essential.
I know that doesn’t necessarily translate to visual art/graphics. But Alison has worked very well on her own for decades now, and just as her comments on this blog are rare because the time and energy it takes to read/respond leeches from creative time, so I can understand and support her decision to, like the Little Red Hen, “do it herself.”
@Lurk-a-lot 21 & Dr E #22: I believe Marvel Comics has launched several disabled superheroes over the years, such as Iron Man (has an artificial heart, uses a full-body mobility aid) and Daredevil (blind, apparently a character inspired by with all the stuff people say about the “wonderful compensations of blindness” when it makes them nervous to talk to a blind person.) I was never a Marvel fan, it was DC that stole the wasted hours of my childhood, so for all I know they might have lots more. I doubt many of them are Muslim, though.
@Acilius (#24)
Ah, the “wonderful compensations of blindness.” Saturday Night Live has been mocking NY State’s accidental governor, David Paterson, since he ascended to the governorship in the wake of Elliot Spitzer’s resignation due to a prostitution scandal (“client #9,” according to the madam’s records).
Paterson is legally blind, I think he can see shadows/light/dark in one eye, but that’s it. SNL has been portraying him as a bumbling fool (which he is), and bumping into furniture (which I haven’t witnessed).
The opening SNL show of the season this past weekend had Paterson on as a surprise guest, confronting the guy who usually portrays him. Paterson got apologies from some of the cast for the blind jokes. Paterson got the last laugh when he referenced the supposed heightened senses of the blind, “Just by my sense of smell, I can tell that there are 15 people in this audience from New Jersey.”
Also funny was his line, “You have poked so much fun at me for being governor, that I forgot that I was black.”
Which brings me back to the heightened senses thing. I have a blind acquaintance who also happens to be black. She HATES Paterson, and bemoans how he is making blind people look stupid.
I asked her about Paterson over coffee in a diner recently.
“He’s black, aren’t you worried that NY’s first black governor is making blacks look stupid?” I asked.
“No, because there are plenty of smart black people in public life to counteract that impression. But there aren’t many blind people in public life, so the blind thing is worse.”
“Ok, so how can you tell someone is black without feeling facial features or hair?” I asked.
“The voice, the accent… I can just tell, I’m not sure why or how beyond that.”
George the waiter ascribed it to the supposed heightened senses of the blind.
“Oh yeah, I’ve got special senses,” she said, tongue in cheek. “For example, being blind I can tell if a guy is bald just by his voice.”
George, never one to turn down a gambling opportunity, bet her a dessert if she could tell if he was bald.
“Oh, you’re bald alright.” Then she stood up and felt his head, a chrome dome with just a ring of hair around the back. The customers and other waiters howled in laughter. She got her dessert on the house.
Score one for the blind lady.
(… goes back to he own heightened senses, that of the weather forecaster, thanks to her aching body parts …)
@h_o_h: Love the story, agree about Paterson. Too bad he won’t be succeeded by another blind person, this time of the non-ridiculous variety. But then, what non-ridiculous person would want to be governor of New York in this day and age?
@Dr. E #22 & Acilius#24
I didn’t know there are so many characters with disabilities. I’m happy to hear it. But, as Acilius agreed, a muslim superhero character seems to be new.
I haven’t kept up with the superhero genre of comics. Mostly I read stuff by Alison Bechdel, Adrian Tomine, Chester Brown, Harvey Pekar, Guy Delisle and various others.
Currently, I’m reading (and loving) a graphic novel version of Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids dream of Electric Sheep?
I’m back from the Big Easy, and missed you all. I’ve enjoyed catching up tonight. Heart-hugs for Andi. And the “it gets better” video made me cry.
@R2A (#28)
Welcome back. Inquiring minds want to know (awright, my inquiring mind)… What/where did you eat? What did you see/do? Were any of our suggestions useful? Did you have a good time?
(… goes back to her beads… oh nevermind …)
@ Maggie Jochild (#23) – There isn’t really much interaction at these things things except during food breaks (or goofing off, if applicable), just working in a space with others who are doing the same thing. A page an hour is enough of a challenge that’s it’s mostly noses down (I wish there was more time to socialize afterward, but once people are done they mostly just want sleep). The energy in a room full of so many people quietly engaged in focused creative work is something to behold, even if participating isn’t one’s cup of tea.
>>The energy in a room full of so many people quietly engaged in focused creative work is something to behold
I bet, Colin Tedford – it sounds like a great experiment/project/adventure!
——-
OK, so the Big Easy – six busy days, and now I’m a tad delirious. The food kind of sucked for me, as expected. There’s one very veggie friendly restaurant in the Viex Carree aptly called the Green Goddess. Also a fantastic Middle Eastern restaurant (Lebanese, I think) near the edge of Frenchmen’s Street.
Renee, you were right, every doorway had music playing. Brass bands galore. One group of young folks played outside on the street while someone sold beers out of the back of a truck. Who knew life could be so easy? My favorite was an adorable young woman (20s?) who played a kick-ass trombone, along with a (muted) trumpet player, drums, and the tuba part played on a keyboard.
Hairball, you are hearby responsible for one incredibly gorgeous pair of earrings purchased at Dashka Roth. I met Dashka and she was tickled pink that I’d heard about her on this blog.
Original artwork in the Quarter is now sold sans tax, a nod in the direction of tough economic times (and I was astounded by the number of galleries). At 9% tax, there’s incentive in that!
Who knew there was once a big Jewish cmty in New Orleans? Not me. I did a “solidarity tour” of the 9th Ward (meaning, with political activists who provided analyses of the crisis and the ongoing struggle). Sobering to be sure. I’m now reading “1 Dead in the Attic” by Chris Rose.
And in between panels & workshops I snuck in a “swamp tour” to see the bayou, delta, alligators, great blue herons. That was a treat, even though I’m not sure commercial tours through the wetlands is such a great idea.
Queer flags abounded, and more tattoos than I see in Boston, that’s for sure! I think, however, that I walked through an area with some fire ants while in the 9th Ward (well, I know I did) and/or some kind of poisonous plant so now I’m welted in the feet and itchy burning on the brain unable to sleep. It will subside, I’m sure. A small price to pay for a first-time experience, I s’pose.
Didn’t get to the botanical gardens (phooey), not too far outside the French Quarter, or the one-hour National Park tour (leaves at 9:30am daily on foot and is free), or, to the point of this post, to any bookstores.
Had enough “who dat” merch and deluge to last a lifetime (and I didn’t know what it was, either – I’m so ignorant of pro sports). I guess “we” lost on Sunday.
I hope this made sense! Hairball, I do owe you one!
Please excuse the low humour (then again, why change the habit of a lifetime?) but could the respected womyn geologists on this blog confirm whether this is real or just an amazing spoof?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cummingtonite
While I don’t have the credentials that Ian requests, I will point out that if this is a spoof, then at least no less a source than the Britannica fell for it: [CLICK HERE]
Thanks for the clarification, Colin. That does change things a bit. I have scheduled “work sessions” with other writers where we are in the same space, writing, but sans conversation, and it usually enhances production and creativity. Huminz are primates, after all, we like groups. Except when we don’t.
Time for me to give an update here, for all those who don’t follow my saga on FB: The first week in July, my home was invaded by Adult Protective Services who had received a “complaint” that I needed an intervention. APS has never divulged who made the complaint but I’m fairly certain I know who it was. APS’s purview is to help those who are being abused, exploited, or neglected by another. The caseworker was/is young, deeply incompetent, and my “danger Will Robinson” alarm went off instantly. She lied to me and those I offered as references, she offered me no services whatsoever (despite my repeatedly asking if she could offer any help), she very nearly got me evicted, and she aggressively pursued an agenda of having me declared incompetent and forced into a state-run nursing home. I can’t qualify for Medicaid nor will I be eligible for Medicare for another 13 months, but those declared under the control of the state can get emergency Medicaid to be housed in an institution.
I was consumed this summer in battling it and simultaneously trying to get the help I actually do need. Fortunately, she picked the wrong fat dyke crip in poverty to fuck with, and I had enormous resources to draw on. But it took a long time. This week, at last, her supervisor accompanied her on a visit and said point blank my case is being closed, I will not be harassed by them further.
As others on this blog can testify, simply being disabled and poor (add on single, unemployed and a lesbian to make the perfect storm) can bring you into target range for losing your independence and any pretense at respect. And in real life we have no superheroes to call on.
Eventually, through my own efforts (try staying confident and clear through this kind of threat), I have been hooked up with other social service agencies which were never mentioned by the APS demon spawn, and I have two other caseworkers who are working rapid miracles on my behalf. Tomorrow I will be set up with a free hospital bed, which will mean I can sit up independently for the first time in nine months, I can do bedside weightbearing exercises, and, theoretically, regain enough use of my legs to transfer, move around my apartment, and, dare I dream, venture out into the world again.
Also starting tomorrow Meals On Wheels will begin bringing me a hot lunch daily, a manna I can hardly express my relief at receiving. In three months or less, I will begin receiving in-home help for bathing, changing sheets, cleaning, etc, most of which I’ve had to pay for on a tiny SSDI income plus the donations of friends and strangers. My hero caseworker Vanessa is also intent on getting me county-run medical insurance (I don’t qualify for Obamacare, no public option) which will mean not sthelling out hundreds per month for prescriptions, being able to go to the doctor, and dental care. Even better, PY and OT! She has also put in touch with some volunteers who are trackind down a free power wheelchair for me.
Vanessa has a caseload of 200 and she is doing some of this work off the clock. She and my other caseworker, Marjorie, have nothing good to say about APS. Once I am safely covered elsewhere, I will unleash my own hounds and that APS worker will be removed from her position where she is such a menace to those who are not as coherent and self-assured as I am.
My life is immensely improved in the last month, and once I can stop worrying about food, about getting meds and care, about being clean, about making rent, about solitary confinement, I may still be poor and crippled but I will do exponentially more than I have been able to manage. Having this community has really helped me stay grounded and connected, and I thank you all.
Now, Ian — what on earth were you entering into a Google search in order to stumble across cummingtonite? Hmmm?
Maggie Jochild,
I had no idea what you are going through. If I had the resources to help you now, I would. It seems to me that you’ve finally found the path that may keep you comfortable and in the right direction. I’ll definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers, yes prayers!
I wish I had something to add to this blog but unfortunately I’m not as smart and as witty as some of the ones that frequent this site. I only have me and my heart and sometimes it gets me in trouble. I’m for the underdog and I’m not always popular. However, I am a lesbian and I think I’ve found some place that may be a place that I want to come back to visit.
Maggie, you take care of yourself and never give up the fight. You’re worth it and you can never keep telling yourself those words.
Maggie, you give us all courage.
LondonBoy, thanks for the “it gets better” tip – loved it.
I am eagerly awaiting our Womyn Geologists take on the cummingtonite!
R2A, glad you had a good trip!
xo,
j.
@Maggie Jochild #34
You sound like a Superhero to me.
(Maggie #1)
Everybody’s doing it
Doing it
Doing it
Everybody’s doing it
Doing it, yeah!
dang, maggie – I had no idea. wtf indeed – how *&%!@& to be abused by an agency mandated to defend the abused. I am sorry you had to go through all that. Stay strong (as if you needed ME to tell you THAT!). r2a
Yesterday I posted on my blog a list of the people represented on the Sgt Pepper cover, listing who’s alive and who’s dead. Within hours, one of the people I’d listed as living, movie star Tony Curtis, turned up dead. If I were superstitious, I’d blame myself. Watch out, Shirley Temple, I’ve unleashed the Grim Reaper!
If only I could figure out how to use that power for good, maybe I could protect Maggie from the state of Texas and raise Andi’s house and library from the ashes…
http://losthunderlads.wordpress.com/2010/09/29/who-among-the-people-depicted-below-is-still-alive/
…and sadly, we were all attuned to the “It Gets Better” video by Dan Savage (first posted by Jessica Bessica – thx!), and then today’s NYT has the heartbreaking story of a young man’s suicide at Rutgers as a result of vicious gay-baiting and attempts to humiliate/shame a wonderful, gifted, young man. I wish we could have yelled to him in his isolation and shame: IT GETS BETTER!!!!
(Do not read if you are feeling upset today – it is extremely upsetting:)
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/nyregion/30suicide.html?_r=1&hp
Maggie Jochild #34
You are a superhero indeed! I am so sorry for everything that you have been through and so pleased that you have finally found the assistance that you need. I cannot adequately put into words how I truly feel. Your ability to persevere is beyond inspiring. I could only hope that I have a similar ability to self-advocate. Thank you for sharing your story.
Sincerely,
Lori Armstrong
(I thought that you deserved a real name)
Lurk-a-Lot, then I need a cape! I guess Dinah must be my sidekick. Kinda like Barney Fife.
Khatgrrl, thank you so much — and a name, too boot. However, Dinah prefers your moniker.
Acilius, if you indeed have the kiss of death powers, could you add a few names to that list online? I’m pretty sure I can make out Glenn Beck, Dick Cheney, Sarah Palin, and Dick Armey in the background.
Kate L, I still have the Dory Previl album (vinyl) with both that song and “Did Jesus Have A Baby Sister?” on it.
Today is a big day. I will get my first Meals On Wheels lunch, and later my hospital bed will be delivered. To transfer to it, I will need to call my local Fire Station 6. Four sweet burly guys come to lift me in a sling (we’ve done this before) and deposit me in the new bed. Hopefully this time I won’t flash my ass. Last time, one of the firefighters (the blond guy) was so freaked out that he began speaking to me VERY LOUDLY and condescendingly as if I was either mentally challenged and/or obstructive, but he was interrupted by the captain of the bunch, Scott Esau (I memorize names as I go). Scott modeled the most connected and respectful kind of interaction, and was immediately imitated by the young greenhorn of the bunch. Scott installed a neighbor-alerting fire alarm in my living room and talked with me about how to live more safely when I could afford it, advice I am following.
However, seeing me lifted and carried from one room to another by strangers pretty much blew out the circuits in Dinah’s brain. I will try to sequester her today and keep her from as much stress as possible.
If all goes well, I will be able to sit up for dinner. Major, major accomplishment.
Olivia, always good to hear from you. Funny, whenever I see your name I think first, reflexively, of Olivia Benson of SVU. Nice association.
And j.b.t., me too, I want to hear what our flannel-wearing rockhounds do about cummingtonite!
Via Liza Cowan, here’s a link to an excellent interview with Sarah Chinn of CLAGS who is organizing the upcoming must-go conferences “In Amerika They Call Us Dykes: Lesbian Lives in the 1970s”. Liza will be there as part of a panel on periodicals, and she is currently busy scanning the issues of her (and Penny House’s) groundbreaking magazine from the mid 70s Dyke A Quarterly to post online at its own annotated website. I am counting on this conference to address and help reverse the inaccurate record about my era and my sisterhood, good and bad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xGnq-8v9bw
I thought everyone knew about cummingtonite! It’s not like it’s complicated: (Mg, Fe)7Si8O22(OH)2.
When I worked as a radiation safety tech, I occasionally had to venture into the geology building. T-shirts that said “Are You (Mg, Fe)7Si8O22(OH)2?” were commonplace.
@Dr E(45): That reminds me of a joke (well, I say joke) I saw today.
Q: What goes on the Periodic table?
A: The Periodic tablecloth.
FYI, just had my first Meals on Wheels and it was on the scrummy side. Woohoo!
What did the chemist say to the bartender at the local pub?
“I come in here periodically.”
(Yeah, kind of old, but still a fun joke.)
I just realized that I posted the following two of AB’s blog entries ago! I’ve reread it as I was listening to Maggie’s link to Lesbianism in the 70’s. All I can say is, the 1970’s came early this year!
My misplaced post:
Word reaches me of this morning’s county commission meeting, where opponents of the city’s proposed inclusion of LGBT folk in the local human rights ordinance were out in force. They apparently have given up on blocking the ordinance in the city commission itself, and want the county to block the ordinance’s implementation. Here is part of what I was just e-mailed:
At today’s County Commission meeting, (a local homophobic minister) et al were out in force repeating some of the usual dis-information and encouraging the County Commissioners to block the implementation of the proposed new anti-discrimination ordinance. The county’s attorney gave a very broad stroke summary of the ordinance and brought up issues about how the draft allows people to file claims if “they think they might be discriminated against in the FUTURE.” This caused a good deal of discussion as state law does not include this option. One has to show that discrimination did in fact occur, not that it might occur.It was obvious that (former police chief and now country commissioner) had been briefed by (homophobic minister) before hand. He made statements such as “gender disorder,” “criminal sodomy,” and forcing churches to hire homosexuals.
The most vocal opponent opponent of the human rights ordinance on the city commission was one of the homophobes carrying figurative pitchforks and torches in the county commission audience this morning. The 1950’s came early this year!
Maggie (#34)I didn’t see this post until now. Wow! My own back disorder, with me since 1970, has recently made me afraid to sleep lying down. My dog wonders why I steal her couch every night, but doesn’t figure out that this means my bed is available to her. Recently, I was up at 3 am because of my back, and turned on the television. Dr. G was conducting an autoposy of a woman who had my condition, and who had got up at 3 am and accidentally overdosed on pain medication. When I visited my doctor recently, as she was examining my neck, she stopped and bowed her head, her hands still on either side of my neck. I had the distinct impression that she was praying over my neck. This is not the kind of stuff you want to see!
Just when we think it’s getting better. Brought to you by our Assistant Attorney General here in Michigan:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2010/09/29/ac.asst.da.targets.gay.student.cnn.html
I am typing this SITTING UP. Miracles do happen.
@ Maggie…angels on earth, Vanessa is one of them.
Sitting up! Maggie, that’s fantastic! Ought to make typing a lot easier as well.
Hi Alison and DTWOF tech person….
the links on the next posting aren’t working for me. I can’t navigate from here to there using the link and the comments link isn’t working for me either.
[All should be well now. –Mentor]
Yes, tremendously sad, the recent news of young people committing suicide. Makes me more certain that we need to have resources to educate all kids and specifically to support GLBT kids.
On another note,a friend of mine who is a college English prof was just saying, on her facebook profile, that she is getting ready to read Fun Home because it is the only book on a recent banned book list that she hasn’t read. She lamented Fun Home not being available for her iPad. Thought I’d pass that right on to you Alison. Don’t know if your publisher gives you any say in that but I think Fun Home on iPad would be pretty to look at and fun to read! 🙂
Thanks for letting us know the good news, Mags! Hope it continues.