Breaking the Silence... again.

So I get done telling you all about how I want to be writing more, and then I go and skip three more days. Classy, eh?

Today I made an attempt to re-inject myself into some form of educational environment for the next semester. I wasn't... entirely successful, but the matter is hardly closed. One way or another, I pretty much need to be taking classes.

On the way back, I stopped by the Dunkin Donuts to grab a latté. I suddenly remembered why I haven't bothered with them for a while. In my area, the places where you can get espresso fall into two categories: Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks. I tend to avoid the latter because I like to support local brands, and because the people at the nearest Starbucks have fallen into this nasty habit of giving me a cup of steamed milk and letting me pretend that there's some gorram coffee in there.

As for Dunkin Donuts? Well, first off, the whole espresso thing is hardly the boat they came in on. And second? I don't know how universal their hiring practices are, but I can't remember the last time I was able to clearly communicate with someone behind the counter at a Dunkin Donuts. I mean, its rather an easy thing to order drip coffee. Or, should you be masochistic, one of those stale shitty doughnuts. (fuckers cold chased Krispy Kreme out of town. You have no clue to what degree I am not cool with that) I mean they're right there in front of you. you can point. There is a bit more complexity when it comes to orders involving espresso though, and that can be a bit of a stumbling block

I ordered a large french vanilla latté with two extra shots of espresso and a caramel swirl. The beverage I recieved was normal strength. It had the caramel, and the vanilla, but with sugar added, which I didn't ask for. It wasn't a total loss, I was charged properly for the beverage I got, as opposed to the more expensive one I ordered, and it was tasty, just not in the manner and octane I was hoping. Still, I can't help but wish I could be back in Chicago, with a fantastic place for coffee and company was a short walk away. Failing that, I'm considering expanding my DIY ethic when it comes to food and beverages. Probably something I'll back down from, but it's a nice thought. And if you're thinking, "if coffee is the greatest of your worries you've got it good," it isn't the greatest, just the one on my mind at the moment. Nothing like elaborating on the small things to take your mind off the big things. Of course, I've got to take care of them, but it can be an unnecessary burden on the mind at times where there's nothing to be done.

Inaccurate beverage in my hand, I made my way to New England Comics, my local incarnation of which is run by a dude who is like Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons, only cool. I was talking to him about what's going on in the DC Universe. Apparently I've got some serious catching up to do. As I didn't feel much like buying a shit-ton of books, I instead opted to buy Attack of the Bacon Robots, a collection of the first two years of Penny Arcade strips, with creator commentary. Of course, the strips are all there, so the book might seem a bit pointless, but I find it worthwhile for a number of reasons. Those guys have been entertaining me for seven years, and the first I've paid for it is this book. Furthermore, there is a sort of candor to the commentary that feels as if the writer was looking over my shoulder as I read. Adding to this experience was the fact that he himself hadn't read through those archives in a couple of years.

At the end of the book there's a webcomics manifesto. Of course, the whole text is lost on non-webcomics geeks, but I thought I'd quote part of it that I find particularly resonant.

Typically, when people discuss the "ramifications" of webcomics, the discussion adopts a kind of revolutionary tone. The more serious proponents of the medium think of the mysterious internet as ameans by which the yoke of oppression may be cast off... The dialogue tends to focus on how digital distribution... alters the power dynamic between creators and publishers. I guess so. The most startling change we've seen hasn't been between creators and publishers, it's between creators and readers.

A lot of the same has been said of blogging vis a vis the traditional press. And don't get me wrong. That aspect is signifigant, too. There have been great shakes in the way blogging has taken on roles previously filled exclusively by newspapers. A shining example is Bring it On, in which I am proud to play an (albiet miniscule) part. But if that were all, I wouldn't be here. I've said it before, but it bears repeating. You, people on my sidebar. You're awesome. And while in its recent fascination with blogs the media has focused on the first aspect, as far as I'm concerned the greater part of it lies in my correspondance with all of you, both as a reader and a writer.

Speaking of which, here's another thing I'm proud to be a part of. I don't think any more needs to be said. ^_^

That's it for now. Maybe something of more substance when I have the inclination. I make no promises though. Also I just might participate in the meme if I'm in the mood.