Learning to Swear

I still remember the first time I first heard all the major curse words. One of the neighbor kids went through a string of them, all in a row like it was no big deal. His siblings snickered and then started telling dirty jokes that I'm sure none of us understood. I sure didn't. I just laughed in that awkward way that's a little too loud, trying to convince everyone that you're cool and hip and in the know about such things.

I still do that but it's usually because I didn't quite hear the punchline (has my beloved iPod ruined my hearing forever?) and I don't want to ask them to repeat, which just kills a joke or witty comment flat.

"I'm sorry, could you take what you just said and repeat it completely out of context?"

"Ummm, okay. Pancakes."

See? In the moment, that would have been f'ing hilarious.

Anyway, on the bus today we stopped next to a speed limit sign in a school zone, so it had a big yellow School sign beneath it. Then I noticed (in the way that I do) that someone had taken a knife and etched in the words "Fuk Scool." Which was great for two reasons: 1) Had this guy not forgone school, he would have been able to spell the phrase correctly and therefore connect his message to many more fellow rebellious teens. The very thing he despises most is what he needs to spread his dissent to the world. It's practically Shakespearean in its simple tragedy. 2) His misspelling of "scool" is even more mind-boggling because less than one inch below his etching was the word "SCHOOL" in all caps, bold against the yellow sign. It was right there! I get that you don't carry around a dictionary/thesaurus when taking to the streets to deface shit (although, word to wise, 10-letter words get you hell of street cred), but come on! How do you not see that? This just further emphasizes point one.

Not to get all old man on you, but back in my day, if you were going to permanently ruin a public display, you made sure you double-checked spelling and grammar before ever putting ink to brick. If it was really important, maybe include footnotes or a bibliography around the corner where one could go for more information. It's just common courtesy, people.

Persepolis

Finally saw this movie and fell in love. Wonderful for too many reasons to list here. See it when you can.

Best. Review. Ever.

Here's this review for the new film "Prom Night" on one of my favorite new film sites, Pajiba.com. It pretty much sums a lot of what I've been thinking lately about the state of our society, but wrapped in the guise of reviewing this horrible, horrible movie.

Trust me. I wouldn't send you to review for "Prom Night" if it wasn't something special.

Last New Comic

At least for now. More as I draw them. Collin and I talking about creating a new site just for our comics, pitting us against each other for your favor. He can actually draw but I'm quicker. Quantity over quality, baby!

On Anarchy

So I'm doing lots of research on anarchists and the modern state of anarchy for this new project and I've come to a rather disappointing discovery: anarchy is kinda boring. Most people, I think, have in their minds the stereotypical DIY punk who wants to smash the state or the revolutionary guerilla that tosses molotov cocktails. But if you look beyond the cliche, it's a lot of theory and repetitive assertions about consumerism. They also don't believe in voting. I agree with about half of what they say (multi-national corporations are indeed at the root of much of the world's evil) but found myself dozing off reading through a lot of it. Why must manifestos be so dull?! When I eventually write mine, it will have hilarious cartoons scrawled in the margins. Or maybe a flip book on the corners of a guy doing backflips or something.

Check it out if you're so inclined: Anarchy FAQ

I need to find a blend between the reality and the stereotype of the modern day anarchist for the character of Desdemona. She's not really the type to spout theory. Let's face it: the stereotype is so much more fun to watch!

p.s. Did you know there's an anarchist bookstore in Austin? I've always wanted to check it out and now I have a reason. Will report back.  

Your New Obsession

Let me introduce you to your new obsession:

www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab

It's the most amazing podcast out there, especially for people who like science and pop culture. It's a nice blending of both and some of the finest radio production value I've ever heard. And I just realized that the last three topics are all thematically related to April Fools Day:

Laughter, Deception and the infamous "War of the Worlds" broadcast.

This show will change the way you look at the world. That's not hyperbole. It's a simple fact. You can subscribe on iTunes and I think it lets you download all the episodes from seasons past. Trust me - you'll love it.