Two new portraits of me from the "Heroes & Villians" Project!!!

     So, I now have two new pics in my photo section -- 
courtesy of Tatiana Wills & Roman Cho. These two portraits were
part of their "Heroes & Villains"  Project, which included 
portraits of many of LA's most eclectic artists. It was a true 
honor to be included.

     You can check out the following websites for more info ...


thechillsphoto.com
romancho.com
tatianawills.com

      Thanks!!

         ~Joe 

9:40 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Noah's comic strip interview with me!!! www.noahvansciver. com

1:25 AM - 5 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

A review of my appearance at the LA Book Fair at UCLA.

Hey everyone,

      So,  it was on Sunday, April 27th, that I appeared on a panel discussion at the 7th annual LA Book Fair, that was held at UCLA.

     Below is a link to a review of it ... albeit, not a very criticial review, more like a report.

     So, if anyone cares, here it is ...

       http://www. comicbookresources. com/?page=article&id=16247

       SO LONG, SUCKERS!!

          ~Joe

5:13 PM - 4 Comments - 5 Kudos - Add Comment

LOST, Season One

Hey everyone,

         Haha ... That’s right!! I finally got around to watching LOST, Season One, on dvd. Hmmm ... where do I start?

        Alright, my first disclaimer -- I believe that shows like LOST, and HEROES, and any show that has really good-looking, conventionally "attractive" actors in it, automatically feels cheapened and inferior, just by association with the Hollywood system and all that that implies. Hence, admitting to like, or even having viewed, a show like LOST feels like something to be ashamed of ... at least to an elitest snob like yours truly. (At the very least, it feels like a guilty pleasure.) In other words -- it’s certainly not in the same ballpark as THE WIRE, but ... um ... I still enjoyed it. (No, wait ... make that -- I "enjoyed" it. Haha ....)

         Anyway, if you haven’t touched this series yet, this pretty much sums it up for me: After watching the first few episodes, I said to my friend, Aaron, "It’s okay ... I’m enjoying it ... but do things ever get explained? Are the answers ever coming?" To which he replied, "Right now, the show’s just slapping you in the face a little bit. Just wait ... by the time you catch up to season four, it’ll be kicking you, repeatedly, in the groin."

         Haha ... so, even though I fully expect Aaron’s prophesy to come true, I will continue to watch this highly addictive show ... but, like everything I watch, I will only do so on dvd ... with headphones on ... and the remote in my hand, in case I miss a word and need to use the subtitles.

         As for season one, which I’ve just finished, I did enjoy it, mostly for the following reasons ...

         1) Locke! A great, inspiring character. He’s totally capable and full of new-agey bullshit ... a winning combination as far as I’m concerned!! His drive and determination keep the show very watchable for me.

         2) Sun, the Korean woman! I love her ... and no, not just because she’s asian. I found the moments between her and her husband to be the most touching aspect of the show. And the reason I love her character so much is because (like Locke) she’s strong and capable, but also fiercely loyal and dedicated to her belief system, while at the same time, appearing vulnerable and uncertain. What more could you ask for? She’s easliy my favorite character.

          My least favorite character would have to be Michael, the black guy, for the exact opposite reasons. I find him weak, unsure of himself and lacking depth. His range of emotions seems horribly limited and shallow.

         And of course, the qualities that I like or dislike in these characters are really the qualities in myself that I either can’t stand or most aspire to. It’s actually kind of embarrassing, now that I think about it. Where the hell’s the "delete" button? Haha ...

         What else? The flashback "concert footage" of the band, Drive Shaft, is priceless!! As is the obnoxious highschool teacher, who handles the dynamite in the season finale. These two things provided the biggest laughs for me.

           Oh! And Sawyer! I really like this character. He’s got a TON of great lines, like "Time to cowboy up!" and lots of others I wish I had written down.

         Um ... what else can I say about this show? Uh ... OH! I remember!

         I recommend the following "drinking game" for those who haven’t seen it yet ...

         Every time you hear one of the following lines, you must either take a shot of whatever you’re drinking (or, in my case, you must eat a Necco Wafer) ...

        1) "What’s going on?"

        2) "Are you alright?"

        3) "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

        4) "Y’see ... the thing is ..."

        Haha ... there, that’s enough. Those four lines, alone, will keep you MORE than busy. (Feel free to add this one, though, if you like: "Daaaaad!!" (whenever it’s shouted by the black boy, Walt.))

         Alright, I guess that concludes another shitty review of a tv series! I’d just like to say, for the record, that I still can and do read, but let’s face it -- tv shows are easier and more commonly watched amongst us all. I mean, how many of you are reading "The Adventures of Father Brown" at the moment? (How many can even name its author?)

         As for comics and comic strips, all I can say is -- I’m totally gay for Popeye at the moment. It’s easily one in my top 8, all-time, favorite strips.

         But to get back to LOST -- I’ll continue to watch the subsequent seasons, even though it means a sore groin is in my future.

        SO LONG, SUCKERS!!!

            ~Joe

3:46 PM - 6 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Italian Interview!!

Hey everyone!

          So, for anyone who’d like to read this Italian interview, the links are below ...

           It’s a short, but boring, interview!!

          "Enjoy!!"

           SO LONG, SUCKERS!!

               ~Joe

3:53 AM - 3 Comments - 9 Kudos - Add Comment

Eckhart Tolle’s "A New Earth"

Hey everyone!

      YES! I’ve recently read Eckhart Tolle’s latest book, "A New Earth."

      In fact, I finished it about two months ago, and I really should’ve "blogged" (as we kids say) about it then, but I wasn’t in the mood, I guess.

      For starters, the book took me FOREVER to finish. (I think I renewed it three times from the library -- so that’s nine weeks!!) It was slow... slow reading ... and I often would reread paragraphs over and over again, to engrain its mesage upon my mind.

      The thing is: just like with his previous book, "The Power of Now" -- I’m driven to recommend "A New Earth" to everyone, but -- I also hate being one of  "those people" who act like they’ve got the answer to everything and are shoving it at you ... like Bible-thumpers.

       Plus ....  people always want you to boil a book’s message down into a quick catch-phrase and it’s never as simple as that. It’s a lot like meditation in that way -- it’s best experienced, not described. And maybe even more crucially, the TIMING for each individual has to be right. They have to be ready and receptive to Tolle’s message, otherwise the effort’s wasted, if undertaken at all.

       So, that being said -- the book’s about expanding your consciousness and trying to evolve to a higher level of awareness. And it’s also quite dry.

       "The Power of Now" was (in my opinion) more urgent and vital in its tone. "A New Earth" seems heavier and more serious, but that’s also a good thing. It moves on to higher ground. I just don’t recommend reading the two books out of order.

        Also, and this is probably the highest testimony I can give to BOTH of his books -- a single day  (maybe even a 6-8 hour period) doesn’t go by where I don’t think of these books and their teachings and try to implement them. In fact, the same can be said for Buddhism or even Vipassana Meditation in my mind. I find all of them are basically saying the same exact, almost timeless things.

        However, I think there is one crucial difference worth pointing out. To put it bluntly -- I sort of think of Tolle’s works as "Buddhism for Dummies." And I don’t mean that derogatory sense. I mean, everything he’s saying is good and the world’s a much better place with his books in it, but I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that his popularity appears to be in proportion with the simplicity of his messages.

        And what I mean is -- he seems to preach or imply that progress, enlightenment, maturity, growth, evolution, etc. ... all of these things and more ... can be attained, almost magically, by simply accepting and understanding the premises that he puts forth. In other words -- without great effort.

         I’m more inclined to take a stricter Buddhist viewpoint that real progress is only achieved through great effort ... such as meditation, practice, vigilance, etc. .... but mostly through meditation. Buddha, himself, repeatedly stressed the singular, indispensable nature and benefits of meditation -- all of which feels incredibly glossed over in Tolle’s books.

         So, in addition to "A New Earth," I have to just as vehementally re-recommend another book, "Seeking the Heart of Wisdom: The Path of Insight Meditation" by Joseph Goldstein & Jack Kornfield. (It’s also a more enjoyable read, in my opinion.)

          *ugh* Alright, I guess I’m done here ... except for feeling the need to apologize for the utter lack of humor in this blog!!!  This is another thing I detest about anything "spiritual" (for lack of a better word )-- it always seems totally devoid of humor! And I mean, REAL humor -- not that weak stuff, where everyone laughs WAY to hard at even the slightest thing resembling a joke, during a spiritual discourse.

           The problem with humor is -- it’s always pain-based and at odds with moving beyond suffering. It’s just so unfortunate. Tragic, really.

           I mean, I looked through countless YouTube clips of Eckhart Tolle giving talks and lectures, but I just couldn’t post them! They’re all too goddamn BORING!!

          I just want to say (in conclusion I guess) that I truly believe spiritual growth, as well as ANY relationship to a higher power, to be the most intensely personal and intimate aspect of life, and therefore -- it doesn’t lend itself, in ANY way, to discussion, socializing, or even verbalizing for that matter.

           I can’t even IMAGINE a more repulsive sight than something like a bunch of Hare Krishnas, dancing around, joyously throwing flowers. That’s the kind of stuff that truly makes me want to vomit.

          In fact, the exact opposite image -- that of a single person, silently meditating, is, to me, the PERFECT repesentation of spirituality.

           My point being: I think writing and reading about this kind of stuff is the way to go. Any discourses on the subject, by Tolle or even Buddha for that matter, are basically just an easy out for people too lazy to read. Plus, far less information is conveyed  through speech. Also, the crucial aspect of being in control, and able to read and comprehend at ones own speed, is lost when listening to another person speak.

           The only real exception that I can see, is instructional meditation, during the moment of actual practice. Then again, I still think one is best served by being well-read  and prepared beforehand.

           Alright, have I bored you enough? Good. Now go read these f’in books ... if you’re so inclined.

           SO LONG, SUCKERS!!!

               ~Joe

4:46 AM - 6 Comments - 9 Kudos - Add Comment

MR.SKIN interview

Hello everyone,

      Below is the link to an interview I did with Mr. Skin, a few months ago.

   http://www.mrskin.com/articles/interview/221/Joe_Matt_The_Mr_Skin_Interview

       I just reread the interview and a few things bugged me ... just the omission of certain details surrounding a subject ... that irks me. I'm sure I was babbling and needed editing, but still ... *sigh* ... there's just no pleasing me.

   Anyway ... um ... "enjoy"??
 

          SO LONG, SUCKERS!!!

            ~Joe

8:58 PM - 7 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

THE WIRE season 4

Hey everyone,

      YES! I've finished THE WIRE, season 4, on dvd ... and of course, I must now rave about it. (Don't worry ... I won't give anything away.)

      And if you've already seen it, you already KNOW it's the best show in the history of television. And to refer to it as "a cop show" is an insult. It's primarily about Baltimore anyway.

      So, for starters ... my favorite characters in season 4 were: SNOOP! ... first and foremost. I loved her the minute she appeared in season 3. I can't even recall a more compelling character in the history of television! (sorry to use that phrase again) Next ... Chris (Snoop's partner), the Deacon (played by an actual ex-druglord),  Dokie (the smartest of all the children, so naturally, I identified with him ... haha ..) and of course, Omar. (who doesn't love Omar? NO ONE! That's who.)

      Also, like with every season of THE WIRE, I can't begin to describe the satisfaction that accompanies the viewing of each season's closing episode. The minute the musical montage begins, you know you're being slowly eased out ... and thank God it's a gentle parting, because one really wants the damn show to go on forever.

      And I'll say it again -- if haven't seen the show yet, I urge you to keep the subtitles on. They're always an enormous help, especially when easing into a new season, when new characters are being introduced.

      And definitely watch the extras on disc 4 of seasons 3 and 4.

      The Q&A with creator, David Simon, alone (on disc 4 of season 3) was my favorite of all the extras. The guy's so brilliant and earnest ... he kills me.

      Also, I own a 9" screen television, and I found it far more preferable for viewing this show on than at a friend's house, on their gigantic, hi-def television ... the dimensions of which are just too large to remember. I just didn't care for the distance between myself and the larger screen. I prefer the intimacy of a smaller screen. Then again, I'm a freak and I prefer my porn-viewing at close range too.

      Also, I prefer watching the show ALONE, rather than with someone ... which is distressing, in a way, because I find this to increasingly be the case with a number of things.

      What else can I tell you? I'm DYING to talk about my personal life in these stupid blogs, but I'm refraining from it. Any attempt to do so would just detract from the energy and motivation that goes into my comics ... and if you know me at all, you KNOW I can't exactly spare any!! (Haha .. understatement of the year!) Still ... my exhibitionist tendencies are raging.

       Alright, I guess that's all.

      Now go rent, borrow or steal THE WIRE on dvd!! (if you haven't seen it already, I mean.)

      SO LONG, SUCKERS!!!!

        ~ Joe

4:19 PM - 4 Comments - 7 Kudos - Add Comment

THE WIRE seasons 2 and 3

  Hello everyone,

          After watching THE WIRE (season one), a lot of people kept telling me, "Dude, it only gets better and better with each season ... if you can believe it." And it's true -- it's an amazingly, consistently great tv show.

          Season two changes local (from the slums of Baltimore to the docks), introduces a ton of new characters, all while continuing the older storyline of the black drug dealers, who resurface with a vengence in season three.

          And speaking of the black drug dealers, they continue to be my favorite aspect of the show, through all seasons. If there's a scene with just two, white councilmen or cops talking -- I'm never quite as interested.

          In fact, I love the black characters SO MUCH (including the way they talk .. their "ghetto slang" if you will ...) that I'll continue to hear their voices in my head, long after turning off my dvd player ... for days and days, in fact.

          For example, I'll be in my local post office, buying stamps, and as the woman's handing them to me, I'll be thinking (in my black voice), "Maaaan ... that shit is TIGHT!" and I won't even know what I MEAN by that. (Haha ... yes! This is all true!)

          Or I'll be ordering coffee at Starbucks and as I'm getting my change, I'll be thinking (again, in my black voice), "Nigga ... it better all be there or I'm gonna stomp on yo' ass! Y'feel me?"

          Haha ... I know, I know, it's terrible ... RIGHT? But I can't help it! At least I'm not actually SAYING these things out loud! Haha ... still, these are the voices that are continuosly running through my head.

           Anyway, I don't care. Those who know me well, know that I've ALWAYS  harbored a wish for a deep, resonating voice, not unlike that of a large, black man. In fact, as any ex-girlfriend of mine (either one of them) will attest to -- I usually wake up with an incredibly low, black-sounding voice, and I will lay in bed for about ten minutes, speaking in this voice and saying things like, "I'm feeling miiiiighty looooww ..." or "Make it niiiice and smoooooooth ..." or "Heeey little girl ... ever swiiiiing on a biiiiig, blaaaaack licorice stick? Hmmmmmm?" And of course, while I'm doing this, girls have just looked at me with utter amazement, wondering why I prefer THIS to morning sex.

           ?? What? I was reviewing THE WIRE? Oh yeah ...right.

            Anyway, a lot of people have been calling THE WIRE the BEST show in the history of television ... and they're not far from the truth. Its approach is never lazy ... it's never predictable ... it feels super-real ... and one's perception of the characters is always changing and growing. It's truly an amazing series.

           Oh, one quick criticism (and it's a common one for me) -- how come we never see the characters EXERCISING or WORKING OUT? Everyone's like the friggin' JANITOR on THE SIMPSONS! They tear off their clothes and they're all in amazing shape! Even Lt. Daniels -- the guy's TOTALLY RIPPED! He takes off his shirt and slowly walks around his bedroom like he's on the stage at a Mr. Universe competition! It's TOO MUCH, I tellya!

            And another thing -- I'm sick of the shot of two people talking in a bar (one's usually McNulty) and then suddenly we cut to them passionately kissing and tearing each other's clothes off in a bedroom somewhere. I don't know about you, but that kind of shit NEVER happens to me! (Well ... okay ... it DOES happen occasionally, but I'm always ALONE when it does! Haha ...)

           Oh, and by the way -- I LOVE the dialogue between Herc and Carver! It's murder. All that talk about if they HAD to have sex with a man, who would it be? I was laughing my ass off ... which is all the more amazing, considering that I don't even HAVE an ass!

           Am I still typing?

           Alright, I gotta go! I've got places to be, if you can believe that.

           By the way, I apologize for these "non-reviews." They're really just endorsements and recommendations. I can't review something to save my ass. It's either praise or condemnation with me. And of course, when it comes to THE WIRE, it's all praise. So, if you haven't seen it yet, go out and rent the dvds TODAY!

           Alright ... SO LONG, MY PEEPS!

              ~ Joe

2:48 PM - 7 Comments - 11 Kudos - Add Comment

"Inkstuds" radio interview

Hey Everyone!

     *ugh* I've avoided posting this radio interview from last month, mostly because I hate the sound of my own stupid voice, but what the hell ... here it is for anyone who cares ...


part 1
http://www.inkstuds.com/?p=262

part 2
http://www.inkstuds.com/?p=263


          That's it!
          There's also plenty of other interviews, with far more interesting cartoonists than myself, on the "Inkstuds" website that I urge you to check out.
       
           Thank you!
             Adios!

                 ~Joe

9:53 PM - 9 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment