"Time Is Slower Still"

So the internet here at the apartment was wonky for most of the weekend. We had those lovely periodic downtimes that would last for hours and hours several times this week...including one last night, right as I was getting ready to post today's comic (which I was able to put up this morning before class instead). I swear, the only thing that keeps me from really complaining about the damn network is the fact that it's basically free (well, it's included in my rent, and amounts to about $10-20 for high-speed access...when it's working).

Got a voice mail from Clif last night telling me that the Ozarks radio station was playing Cross-Eyed Yeti. "Substance Abuse," to be more specific. This sort of thing makes me happy, 'cause I was unaware there was anyone at the radio station there who was a Yeti fan. I know Adam tried to slip us in every chance he got last semester when he was doing a DJ stint, but I didn't know there were others out there. Clif said they played Sting right after us, so we're obviously of that calibur of performance and ability, he believes.

Wednesday will mark the end (finally!) of the Yellowstone Saga in Crooked Halo. I'm pleased with the way it's turned out, and happy with the way most of the comics look (there are a couple that could've been better, but so it goes). I'll probably do a couple of one-shot gag comics to give myself time to plan out my next storyline, which will be political in nature.

Here's my take on politics--I hate them. Can't stand politics, really. Like religion, someone's political views are something that you cannot change by the power of your logic and arguments. These are deeply-held beliefs and often part of the very foundation of who an individual is. Liberals and conservatives don't get along because they have fundamentally different approaches to society, policy, and the purpose of the government and law.

That being said, I'm a fairly moderate person politically. I'm what Ev calls a "traditionalist" (which is like old-school conservative, the kind that are in favor of ethics for the sake of treating other people fairly and well), but I also have some liberal leanings. Personally, I can't stand either candidate in this year's election, but I'll probably vote for Kerry. The way I see it, I don't know what Kerry will do. He may screw things up, he may not. But I know Bush will continue to do things I disapprove of, so it makes sense to vote for the unknown quantity in this case.

So the next Crooked Halo storyline will delve into politics. It's not a topic I take up lightly, though I will make light of the topic because it keeps me from weeping over the stupidity of our electoral system. The storyline will probably annoy some people. It'll probably amuse others. It might step on toes, cross lines, make people think more or think less of me, and generally hopefully stir up some sort of reaction, even if that reaction is "Chuck, you're a bad person, and there's a special hell reserved for the likes of you." That's better than folks being indifferent, and at least that way I know I've hit close to the mark.

Anyway, a few one-shots will give me the chance to work on that story, and hopefully develop it into something thought-provoking and entertaining. Who knows--I may even change some people's minds about politics.

~chuck

Song of the Moment: Counting Crows, "Rain King (Live Acoustic)"