Confessions of An Old Punk Chick

One more from Davy....

2012-03-01T22:07:00.001-08:00

Remember the trippy movie Head that The Monkees made? I've always loved this dance sequence and the story within the song. It has an even deeper impact now. He was such a showman (and Toni Basil was pretty rad as his dance partner).

Those twinkling eyes....that sweet smile...

2012-02-29T15:27:00.001-08:00

Just heard the news about Davy. For a latch-key kid like me back in ye olde 1970's...coming home to an empty house and sinking into my yellow bean bag chair for 30 minutes to de-stress and watch The Monkees goof-off was such a sweet escape from the more difficult things I was being forced to deal with. My other tween gal-pals and I knew full-well we were about 10 years late in watching the reruns of their 1960's show, but we loved them just the same. I've always really dug this song from their old Xmas show. Thanks for all the laughs, Davy -- and the squeals & sighs over your Tiger Beat and 16 magazine posters.

[I just read this excerpt of a moving statement by Mike. Really profoundly healing and so right-on: "While it is jarring, and sometimes seems unjust, or strange....this transition we call dying and death is a constant in the mortal experience that we know almost nothing about. I am of the mind that it is a transition and I carry with me a certainty of the continuity of existence. While I don't exactly know what happens in these times, there is an ongoing sense of life that reaches in my mind out far beyond the near horizons of mortality and into the reaches of infinity. That David has stepped beyond my view causes me the sadness that it does many of you. I will miss him, but I won't abandon him to mortality. I will think of him as existing within the animating life that insures existence. I will think of him and his family with that gentle regard in spite of all the contrary appearances on the mortal plane. David's spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us. I have fond memories. I wish him safe travels."]

Rest well, Davy x0x0x

And who could forget this one?

http://youtu.be/3kfLDcVs9Xc

Happy Birthday, Nina x0x0x

2012-02-21T06:17:00.001-08:00

The Queen....The Goddess. Her words and music still echo as loud as thunder in these times we're struggling through.

And here's another fave I adore -- I dare you to stay seated and not get up and swivel your hips :o)
http://youtu.be/LOrqDx5dOp4

78 years ago, an amazing spirit entered this world today...

2012-02-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

...And our wounded world is so much the better for it. Happy Birthday, Audre. You are sorely missed, but you will never be forgotten x0x0x0x

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Creative thought for eternity......

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

"If you want to be a different fish, you gotta jump out of the school." ~ Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart)

Stream of consciousness....

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

If I could close my eyes...and be anywhere right now????

St. Mark's Place outside Trash and Vaudeville
(pic by b.offers)

More St. Mark's....
(pic by Beyond My Ken)

And more St. Mark's. I've got fond memories of those stairs.
(pic by Americasroof)

Sigh. All these years out here in San Francisco...and I'm STILL looking for a good deli
(pic by Beyond My Ken)

To all my dear vegetarian and vegan friends...you may want to look away from this next bit of food porn. Sorry, guys.....

Katz's Corned Beef Sandwich.....One sandwich equals TWO WEEKS of leftovers. Seriously.

3 simple ingredients....

equal one beloved, magical drink...

Mmmmm.....Egg Cream

Mmmmmm...Snake Plissken

Giants and Patriots Super Bowl 2012 Preview with......Flula!!!!!

2012-02-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

"...Giants superpower is they are giant...they are big and strong..."

I ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Flula!

[psssssst....GO Giants!]

He Destroyed ALL Monsters....

2012-02-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

Just heard the news about Mike Kelley. Another phenomenal, gifted artist gone way too soon.

Destroy All Monsters were among the first

punk/noise/garage bands I fell in love with as a kid in the 70's. Really opened my mind to all the subversive edges and the underground that were bubbling up back then. Loved Niagara. She was another major influence who blasted through the rainbows and sparkly disco tube tops and inspired me to believe that girls could rock and hold their own with the boys.

Mike was truly gifted. Amazing point-of-view and vision. So dead-on and brilliant. You are such an inspiration. Your work had such an impact on us (and will continue to do so for centuries to come). Rest well, Mike. You will not be forgotten x0x0x

This is one of my favorite songs --

Miss Piggy nails Fox Schmews.....

2012-01-30T17:27:00.000-08:00

Still as fierce and rad as she ever was. And somewhere in the happy, beautiful beyond, Jim Henson and Mr. Hooper are smiling.....

For the last fucking time -- this shit is NOT as innocent as tanning...

2012-01-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

To my beautiful sisters of color...

Black...Brown...Red...Yellow -- and every beautiful shade, hue and mixture in the vast spectrum of our skin colors...

Discover yourself.

Embrace yourself.

Love yourself.

Be proud of your beauty...

And for all those clueless souls out there who SERIOUSLY think that women (and men) of color who do skin bleaching/skin lightening are on the same innocuous level as white folks who are obsessed with tanning? It's time for some deep history lessons and cultural research -- especially the effects of colonialism and slavery and how prevailing white standards of beauty have damaged so many minds and self-perceptions. Those Jersey kids on that reality show may worship their tanning beds and love baking in the sun, but they don't have issues with their ethnic identities and being proud of who they are. Somehow I don't think they'd be too happy if people believed they were trying to change their ethnicity from Italian to African or Latino.

Click for article:

Calif. Investigates Skin-Lighteners for Dangerous Mercury - New America Media

We are ALL beautiful, unique and amazing.

Just as we are.

Signed Epstein's mother....

2012-01-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

I just heard the news about Robert Hegyes. I had a serious tween crush on him and Travolta and colorful Tiger Beat posters to back it up (along with Foster Sylvers, David Cassidy, Derek from The Bay City Rollers and other beloveds on my festooned orange bedroom walls in the 70's). Without a doubt...he was one of my favorite Sweathogs way back in ye olden tymes. That strut. That awesomely rad fro. That bandana. And those great notes...always signed Epstein's mother. Rest well Robert. Thanks for all the giggles, snorts and laughs x0x0x0x

I had this issue!!!!

Here's a fun bit from a Kotter episode:

Goodnight, sweet, powerful Etta x0x0x0x

2012-01-20T14:34:00.000-08:00

I can never thank you enough for the reminders and helping me get over break-ups and greedy assholes in my younger days. How many mixed tapes did I put your sweet voice on?? How many tears did your wisdom and emotion help dry?? Especially Pushover and Sunday Kind of Love. So many brilliant songs besides just At Last. That was only a sliver of your beautiful gift. Thank you for everything, dear Queen. Rest now. We'll see you again down the road x0x0x

I'll definitely be blasting this one on Sunday morning and thinking of you:

http://youtu.be/nfNLspDL3ns

Today is the big FIVE-O ~ Happy Bday, dear Ari...

2012-01-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

Here's to the sublime, unmatched, mad Madussa, Ari Up. This vid gives me such a smile and makes me think of the last time we slowed down to catch-up. It reflects her so well. Sweet spirit. Positive spirit. Funny-as-hell and right-on. Miss you like crazy, chica -- especially that laugh. Rest well. See you again on the other side x0x0x

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Angela Davis speaks at the 40th anniversary of MLK's death

2012-01-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

This was a great speech. Food for thought and a much-needed reminder. There is so much work to be done and each and every one of us has a part to play. It didn't all begin with Dr. King....and it didn't all end with his murder. He was one of many warriors in the great struggle for equality and civil rights. Be inspired. Be sensitive. Stay conscious. Take a stand and do something.

If you can't march in the streets and do civil disobedience or get arrested, take a committed stand in your personal life to raise your voice whenever you're around people (including family and close friends) who make racist jokes...sexist jokes...homophobic jokes.

Raise your voice whenever you're around people who use racist slurs and homophobic slurs.

Raise your voice whenever you hear others calling people "retards" or using disparaging words to describe people with physical challenges and mental disabilities.

Raise your voice whenever you hear/see violence and inequality towards women and girls.

Just...'cause.

2012-01-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

Here's to us old survivors. Bitter, ragged, broken.....patched-up and on our feet again. We're still here.

Who's up for a party-pooper intervention?????

2012-01-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

This reminds me...very few people know of that long lost Bauhaus song: "She poops at parties"

[Bless you for this laugh, sweet Diane GeorgeJetson x0x0x]

Can you dig it?????

2012-01-06T22:25:00.000-08:00

Sometimes...all you want to do is get on your train in the Bronx and ride all the way back home to Coney Island without incident. But sometimes....it always seems like there's no shortage of assholes who'll try to get in your face and fuck with you and end up turning it into an all-night saga. I'm so glad this week is over. This classic scene pretty much sums up how I felt on the bus ride home from work today. Have a great weekend, dearies x0x0x

Goddess, BLESS Dan Savage....

2012-01-05T17:05:00.000-08:00

Seriously. Payback is a bitch -- and the internet is forever. It's been such sweet, sweet righteous schadenfreude to watch this little snowball tumble down the pop culture hill for all of this time growing into this unbelievable cultural meme (is that even the right word for what this has become??) I mean, did ANY of us EVER think this stroke of socially-aware linguistic brilliance dinging a bigoted homophobe would have such strong legs? Is it too much to hope that by Election Day of this year little hip-hop kids from every corner of the globe, with their low-slung jeans and cocked hats, will have a new phrase of patois, like..."fuckyou, you fuckin' santorum-head mutherfucker!"or "man, don't come around here spillin' your santorum!!!" Is it too much to hope for???

Do you know what YOUR state's laws are regarding taping the behavior/words of police and other public officials??

2012-01-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea for a serious New Year's resolution....In this mega-tech age of "smart" gadgets and phones that are not only recording your baby nephew's cute farts or your cat's umpteenth cute YouTube moment rattling around in a brown paper bag...they're also recording numerous cases of brutal police activities and fatal levels of unnecessary brute force to subdue suspects....and if you DON'T where your state's laws stand??? Be thankful there's still a little time to find out. Here's an update on my old friend and art teacher, Chris Drew, as he is still deep in the battle for the right of artists to sell their art in public spaces in Chicago...and for any of us to have the right to record the actions of the police and other public officials.

This article featuring Chris' court case was on the front page today in the Chicago Tribune (did I just say the FRONT PAGE of the Trib???): State's eavesdropping law faces growing challenges

If you'd like to get involved with Chris' case and hear more about other related legal fights check out these links as well as vid interviews with Chris on YouTube:

Archive of the Free Speech Artists' Movement Newsletter: http://community.icontact.com/p/community1112

Press Releases from the Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center: http://www.art-teez.org/pr.htm

Handle With Care

BUM BUM...and a very Happy New Year to you, too!

2011-12-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking of this priceless video from the early 80's by Trio -- remember those artsy German guys?? Anna was always a great fave, but BUM BUM was a close second. For some reason this vid always made me think of New Year's Eve. Nothing says Happy New Year like chopped wood and balloons flyin' around. I swear I knew a skinhead from New York who looked just like Stephan and chewed gum like that while trying to look uber cool. Ah, good times. Have a safe, fab New Year's Eve and here's to a brilliant, healthy, creative new year for us all x0x0x0x

Rest well, dear Helen x0x0x

2011-12-28T17:19:00.000-08:00

"Every canvas is a journey all its own..." ~ Helen Frankenthaler

Thank you for reminding us that it's never too late to follow our artistic passions and bliss.

Helen Frankenthaler -- Magic Carpet, 1964
(96 X 68 inches
Acrylic on Canvas)

As we watch the winter slumber around us....

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Such a sweet song and a gorgeous reminder x0x0x0x

A Tom Waits Xmas carol.....

2011-12-25T21:26:00.000-08:00

Such a classic. Hope all is well with you and yours x0x0x0x

My absolute favorite version of Ave Maria...EVER.

2011-12-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else remember a 1960's/70's era Christmas compilation album that had a batch of rad Xmas songs and carols with this supreme version of Ave Maria by Leontyne Price and the Men and Boys Choir of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in NYC??? I swear it was by RCA -- I can just see the yellow/gold mid section of the album spinning around my old, small portable hard plastic "suitcase" record player. I'm really confused about the cover -- I remember there was a close-up of either a little kid reaching for a shiny glass ornament on a lit Xmas tree...or maybe it was a big stylized sort of mod ornament on the cover?? Or an illustration of people ice skating on a pond while festooned Xmas decor was everywhere?? I wish I could remember. Sadly, my mom's cool Xmas albums are long, long gone, but it warms my heart to see this on YouTube. I used to play this song over....and over....and over. My mom totally understood because she adored Leontyne's other operatic works. My dad....not so much. Her voice hits such an emotional cord. The sound of her voice projecting and filling the hall...and then the graceful moment when the Men and Boys Choir finally join in. It's like a magical breath and such graceful pacing. So simple and so powerful. Truly a classic.

Here's hoping everyone is having drama-free holidaze ahead. If you need a little pick-me-up...look and listen...or close your eyes and put the world on hold for the next several minutes.

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PS......... I still wish she had been cast in DIVA. Goddess help us if someone suddenly gets the idea to remake that wonderful film, too.

Cesária Évora...Sodade

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ciao, bella. Rest well x0x0x0x0x

**Here is another one of my favorite songs -- it was such a sweet love letter to her homeland:

http://youtu.be/TJKF21vy6lY

Christmas Ghosts

2011-12-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

Can't quite believe we're watching the year end. I'm not really feeling any joyous, holiday vibes right now. So much happening...and so much has happened. Happy solstice or whatever holidaze you feel close to. Be safe, be well and be happy. Let's raise a toast to the ghosts of the friends we lost last year....

Here's to you dear Poly. Miss you dearly, chica 0x0x0x0

Remember.....It's Just A Ride

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Bill. We need you now more than ever. See you on the next ride x0x0x

God's Away On Business...BUSINESS.

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's to a mighty special man who entered this world today in 1949. I've loved him ever since I watched him on The Mike Douglas Show way back when. Those curls. That hat. Those fingers. That voice. For as much as I was falling deeper and deeper in love with punk rock, I was totally fascinated by the music he was creating and the depth of his character. What do people say about wine getting better with age?? Not a lot of musicians and singers fall in-line with that analogy...but Tom is definitely one of them. We are so blessed to have him here.

This is seriously one of my favorite Tom Waits songs...and one of the coolest, creative music videos I love.

*And here's another fave from an old Letterman show -- perfect slice of what his live shows have been like all these years: http://youtu.be/1wfamPW3Eaw

I'm in the mood for some Lumpy Gravy...

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

I still remember that day in 1993. It was so sad to see him go, but his wisdom burns as bright today as it ever did when he was here. This segment on the record industry and Mtv was and still IS so right on. Rest well, Frank. We'll see you again down the road -- thanks for the warning about the yellow snow x0x0x

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*Remember the time he and Mike
Nesmith goofed around on The
Monkees?? So classic:
http://youtu.be/RgNxuNaYHsk

*And here's some insanity for insanity's sake thanks to Ahmet (I don't think I will EVER be able to get the image of his hips wiggling in his classic Tom Jones imitation out of my head) and Dweezil Zappa...and the mighty John Tesh: http://youtu.be/8k8yL1AXhsI

What are you doing on December 1st??

2011-11-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

Reach out...

Connect...

Stay educated and mindful of what's happening with new rates of infection (particularly among young queer African-American and Latino men and straight African-American women), drugs therapies and alternative/integrative health options.

Never lose sight of how far things have come....and how much further things need to progress towards a cure (and if you know any loved ones who like to "party -n- play", share needles or prefer to bare-back instead of wearing condoms, feel especially empowered to give them some extra loud extreme wisdom and love).

Here's to all of the survivors and loved ones who are still standing tall 20 plus years later in the face of this evil epidemic....

Never forget those amazing, beloved souls we've lost.....x0x0x0

*Looking for something to do or how to get involved?
Check out these links.....

http://blog.aids.gov/2011/10/ready-to-join-us-in-facing-aids-for-world-aids-day-2011.html

http://aids.gov/awareness-days/

http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/2011/11/unaids-world-aids-day-report-2011/

http://www.worldaidsday.org/

Reflections on Greedy Friday....

2011-11-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

Seriously????

People shoved?

Trampled?

Punched?

Tasered?

Shot?

Pepper-sprayed?

Over a bunch of plastic, silicon and wires??

Over clothes and shoes sewn by children and women in Asian sweatshops?

Over toys that will be tossed aside by New Year's Day 2012?

Over electronics and other distracting doo-dads that will be obsolete in a year or so and ripe for yet another pricey upgrade?

[This shit passed the boundaries of capitalist insanity a long, looooooong time ago, but it's times like this when I can almost hear the laughter of the aliens many people believe are monitoring our planet -- I can't help but picture the 2 one-eyed, tentacled guys from The Simpsons...drooling and laughing maniacally....while another silver-haired grandmother tackles a 15 year old for a flashy $500 electronic gadget. Beam me up, Scotty]

http://news.yahoo.com/much-crazier-black-friday-221456950.html

Happy Unthanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Never stop learning the lessons of the past and how deeply the threads knot into how things are in the present. Never forget the power that just one person can have to inspire change. What are you thankful for today?

Creative thought for the week.....

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Everything is so dangerous that nothing is really very frightening." ~ Gertrude Stein


Gertrude Stein -- by Pablo Picasso, 1905–6

It's November 20th...Do you know what this day is??

2011-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

For some it may be all about football...others may be starting to enter Xmas shopping madness. But every year in November, there's a special day of remembrance for transgender murder victims. In this year alone over 200 transgender women and men were brutally murdered and cast aside like trash. If you have any loved ones who are transgender, reach out and let them know how much you love and respect their presence in your life. Take a stand against hateful remarks and jokes people around you may say about transgender women and men. Never forget that silence equals consent.

*Check out this article in the Advocate and the link to the Transgender Day of Remembrance website honoring the many beautiful souls who are missing from this world:

http://www.advocate.com/News/News_Features/In_Memoriam_2011s_Transgender_Murder_Victims/

http://www.transgenderdor.org/?page_id=1663

The west coast Pope of Punk.....

2011-11-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

Hilly had the east coast covered with CBGB's....and Dirk Dirksen definitely had things covered out here in San Francisco. He helped give so many punk bands a literal stage to find their legs and define themselves. I'm grateful for the chances I had to travel out here from Chicago in the 80's and check out punk shows at The Mab and On Broadway. There was really something powerful happening.

We miss you x0x0

Creative thought for the weekend....

2011-11-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

" Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace." ~ Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart

Harriet Tubman

Annie Mae Pictou Aquash


Oscar Romero

Rigoberta Menchú Tum -- photo by Rino Bianchi

Leymah Gbowee -- photo by Michael Angelo

Powerful thoughts from Audre Lorde...for today...tomorrow...and eternity....

2011-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." ~ Audre Lorde

Audre in 1980 -- by K. Kendall

"The learning process is something you can incite, literally incite, like a riot."

"There are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt."

"If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive."

Rest well, dear sister x0x0x

Creative thought for the week.....

2011-11-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

"Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it there will be a fish." ~ Ovid

Los Dias de Los Muertos.....

2011-10-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

Remember....

Reconnect...

Honor....

Celebrate...

By eddpriest

By SLEfotos

By mrshmllw

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

2011-10-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, kiddies. Do you remember where you were when you first heard this theme?? I remember going to see John Carpenter's Halloween when it first opened in 1978 with my friend Angie. We thought we were sooo tough. We held on to each other for dear life as these opening credits rolled. I still say Carpenter's original films are the best. Have a safe and happy Halloween weekend x0x0

One year ago today.....

2011-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Miss you dearly, chica. Rest well. We'll see you again down the road x0x0x

1979 -- were we ever that young???

Some loving wisdom for the week.....

2011-10-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

"When an attractive but aloof man comes along, there are some of us who offer to shine his shoes with our underpants." ~ Lynda Barry

(and YES, fab ladyboys and beloved guy friends, this wisdom applies to YOU, too, in your search for "Mr. Right" x0x0)

Lynda Barry -- self-portrait

Creative thought for today...tomorrow...and forever....

2011-10-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Everything is impermanent.....


Theirry Noir's graffiti at the old Berlin Wall

....So get out there and create something.

WRITE something.

SING something.

DRAW something.

PAINT something.

SAY something.
DREAM of something.

FEEL something.

STAND for something.

[Thanks, Liz. You made my day :o)]

Happy Indigenous Remembrance Day weekend

2011-10-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

It's not just another long holiday weekend or a simple day off to eat BBQ and buy stuff. Rethink Columbus Day. Never forget how the horrors of the past are closely linked to the unrest of the present.

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I've been checking to see what's new on ReconsiderColumbusDay.org and it doesn't appear to be an active site right now, but there are other blogs and activists out there supporting the idea of celebrating Indigenous Peoples on this day instead of a greedy, conniving conqueror with blood on his hands.

Check this out:

http://tempxyp2440ym0wn.blogspot.com/2011/10/time-to-rethink-columbus-day.html

Bunny Dips and Jiggle TV...

2011-10-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Being from Chicago and of a certain age, it's kind of hard to not think of Hugh Hefner and the origins of his clubs, his north side mansion, his bunnies and their famous "Bunny Dip". I still have a strange memory of going to classes in his old mansion near Division street when I was at the School of the Art Institute for my Masters (he donated it to the School). I remember walking into echoing clean, wooden halls with shiny suits of armor and trying to imagine the parties those walls had seen. I must say, my favorite spot was where all the pinball machines were. It was always great to get in a few high scores before class. Hmmm...somehow I'm sure a few of the male guests at his infamous parties might've used similar words way back when.

Anyways....where was I?? Oh, yeah....Bunny Dips and Jiggle TV. Saying there's nothing to watch on tv is a huge cliche, right?? Granted, I don't watch a lot of network tv (or any tv these days, really)....but it's been the trippiest thing watching all of the retro-revisionist shows like Mad Men and now the newly axed (thank the friggin' gods) Playboy bunny show and lest we forget the show about flight attendants back in the days when they used to be called stewardesses. I forget the name, but Christina Ricci is in it. I think it's extremely telling and troubling to see these sorts of shows cropping up and repainting history -- particularly women's history and the history of people of color during powerful eras like the 50's, 60's and 70's -- with strange, broad brushes and nifty vintage wardrobes. Seriously...does Hollywood think everyone has selective amnesia with no solid memories of how things really were back then??? Is there any hope for some originality, truth and real diversity??? I understand the concepts of distraction and escapism...but that doesn't have to mean poorly conceived storylines and predictable characters.

Creative thought for the week....

2011-10-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

"The hallmark of courage in our age of conformity is the capacity to stand on one's own convictions"

~ Rollo May


Camille Claudel -- L'implorante, 1905

John Waters

Studs Terkel


Langston Hughes in Harlem with some brilliant young minds

Ryan White

Winona LaDuke

Frida Kahlo


The incredible Chris Drew

Bea Booze -- Rhythm and Blues goddess and rock pioneer

Annie Mae Pictou Aquash

Angela Davis

Tura Satana

Leontyne Price

The mighty Madussa....Ari Up

Diane Arbus -- Two girls in matching bathing suits, (Coney Island, NY, 1967)

Diane Arbus -- Untitled (1970-71)

Diane Arbus -- Female Impersonators in Mirrors, (New York, 1958)

The momentum is growing everyday.....
http://occupywallst.org/

Creative thoughts for today...tomorrow...the weekend...and every day until this corrupt madness ends....

2011-09-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Stand up. Stand strong. Make noise.

https://occupywallst.org/

Thoughts about "the R-word" (REVOLUTION)...and the 40th Anniversary of the Attica Prison Rebellion...

2011-09-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how much I've respected Cornel West over the past 30 plus years?? His voice has always been a steady stream of dignity, integrity and powerful discourse on the effects of imperialism, colonialism, and all forms of discrimination and corporate domination. I just mentioned this to a dear friend earlier today, but it feels like there are glimmers of hope shining through the acrid smoke and ash we're all engulfed in right now. I've been thinking so much about what's happening with the Wall Street protests and the calls for revolution. I never imagined we would be living in times like these. Where "union" has become a dirty, despised word. Where a president, who showed such promise, determination and (dare I say it) "change and hope"...has surrounded himself with the same Wall Street cronies and corporate elites like so many presidents before him. The rich, wealthy and corrupt are kept safe while the people languish and suffer. I feel like I'm stuck on the old "Tilt-a-Whirl" ride at Coney Island -- but it's broken and just keeps everyone stuck in the same jerky, spiraling, endless motions. I know I'm not the only one who's puking her guts out and wants this fucked up ride to end.

CLick for the incredible Democracy Now! segment highlighting Dr. West's speech on the 40th Anniversary of Attica:

Attica Is All of Us: Cornel West on 40th Anniversary of Attica Prison Rebellion

And here's a little Nina Simone to stir the soul:

http://youtu.be/16a3BX-uV4k

Just 'cause......

2011-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

....It never hurts to be reminded that if you put your heart into something you love, great things can happen.

Remember the blog post I did a bit ago on little Niizhoo Sullivan in the Honor The Earth Pow-wow's Hand Drum Contest this past July?? Here's how the finals played out...

**Click for Niizhoo's performance in the pre-finals competition: http://youtu.be/okXVgh3SXic

And Happy B-day to you, too, Nick Cave! x0x

2011-09-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

...God exists, but he ain't talkin'...

I'm so glad he survived his darker, self-destructive days to evolve into the incredible artist he has become . I remember a show when someone threw a bottle of pills on stage and he downed the whole bottle not knowing what they were. I've loved his music ever since the early days with The Boys Next Door in the 70's. Seriously dug the Birthday Party -- one of my absolute favorite shows of the early 80's was seeing them play at my fave punk club in '81 ('82?). LOVED the Bad Seeds (although I had some troubles with the last several albums after Let Love In -- with the exceptions of No More Shall We Part and the stellar Dig, Lazarus, Dig). And now this new project with Grinderman has blown my mind completely. It's like he's found himself all over again. Great garage noise of the Birthday Party blended with the great dark post-punk of the Bad Seeds and so much more added to the sonic gumbo. If you haven't heard their 2 albums yet they're definitely worth checking out. I can't wait to hear what's next -- and that includes the great soundtrack work he's been doing with Warren Ellis, too. Brilliant stuff.

Happy Birthday, Joan! x0x

2011-09-22T00:24:00.000-07:00

I've always liked her cover of this song better than Gary's version (I still can't get past the sordid stuff he entangled himself with). I remember what it was like to see her live at ChicagoFest in '81 (or '82??). The whole place shook. Here's to a rocking chick who still knows her way around a fierce guitar and has still held on to her rocker edge. Happy B-day, chica x0x0

Happy Birthday, OLGA!!!!! :oP x0x

2011-09-21T00:35:00.000-07:00

"Hang in there, if you believe what you're doing is unique. Otherwise, give up or sound like Nirvana or Pearl Jam." ~ Joey Ramone

Remember how everyone used to chatter about Dick Clark being a vampire because he never seemed to age??? Over these past few decades, has anyone else been noticing how dear Michael "Olga" Algar still has the same youthful cuteness and vigor as he did in 1979?? I'm still just as mad for him as I was when I saw the Toy Dolls in L.A. with the Adicts back in '84('85??). Here's to 49 years of mischief and madness -- and a HUNDRED MORE to come!!!! x0x0x0x

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus...and, NO, Marcus and Michele...You Can't Pray the Gay Away....

2011-09-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my dear friend Michelle C. for sending this to me. This is the kind of flash mob that gets 2 thumbs up from me. No umpteenth Thriller tribute or tired Gaga/Britney insanity. I'll admit it...it made me smile and cry. I couldn't help but think of so many of the ones we've lost to AIDS, murder and suicide. The more the cameras did close-ups of the dancers, I kept thinking of how much so many of the fabulous, dearly departed queens I knew would've LOVED to be a part of this and support the Courage Campaign (FACE, dahhhling, FACE!!!! Rest well, dear ones x0x0x)

I'm starting to get that sinking feeling again....

2011-09-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

Every time I look at Rick Perry, guess who he reminds me of???? Christ, if you close your eyes...he even SOUNDS like him. I just can't shake the feeling of PR people and spin-gurus playing up that hypnotic, comforting notion of having a very white, rugged male president with a safe, anglo/Euro name. You know...someone you would feel more relaxed to have a beer with as opposed to a dark-skinned, multicultural, educated thinker who has a command of polysyllabic words and deep knowledge of the true history and dire issues of this country and its relations with the world around us.

Either way...I'm reminded more and more of that old South Park episode where the kids were trying to choose a new mascot for the school...and their 2 choices came down to either a turd sandwich....or a giant douche. No matter how old I get, this lesser of the 2 evils thing just kills me. Is it too much to hope for a progressive candidate who would really walk-his-talk, hold-fast and advocate more for labor, the poor and disenfranchised citizens of this country than banks, corporations and the wealthy?? Do you think Perry likes to jump into his jeans and clear brush on his ranch just in time for the clicks of the cameras, too??

Click for a great article featured in Truthout.org:

Between Race and Reason: Anti-Intellectualism in American Life | Truthout

48 years ago today....4 little girls....

2011-09-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

Were robbed of the chance to live full, amazing lives.

11 year old Denise McNair, and 14 year old Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Addie Mae Collins were getting ready for their church service just like any other Sunday at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. But white racist cowards with a dynamite bomb had other plans for that morning.

We're living in strange times where the past is being forgotten and re-written like a script to a television show. There are still so many lost chapters of the struggle for racial equality and civil rights and what people of color in the south truly struggled with under slavery and jim crow. In my own family there was a lost cousin...a promising young man who was violently denied his future after being lynched and mutilated by the klan. His death was never solved. No justice. No responsibility taken. But the message was as clear as it was deeply carved into his bloody chest when my father and his male relatives cut his body down from the tree: "Niggers, die". That pain still resonates deeply today. There is so much work that still needs to be done. Each and every one of us -- all races...all backgrounds -- have a part to play. If you have a child or children in your life, dare to sit down with them and talk about the story of these 4 little girls and how important it is that they never be forgotten. Dare to make a difference.

Healing thoughts for the week....

2011-09-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of
political warfare.”

~ Audre Lorde

Audre in 1980 -- photo by K. Kendall

Frida Kahlo -- The 2 Fridas, 1939

Creative thoughts for the week....

2011-09-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

"The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity."
~Alberto Giacometti


Head of Diego, 1965

This song has been in my head all week....

2011-09-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

Music and art have such an amazing healing power. When my mom was dying, I was totally numb and devastated. I isolated myself, lost interest in things I loved. But somehow during all of that time, and for a long time after her death, I used to hear this song played so much everywhere around me. Sure, it could've been simple coincidence by just walking into a diner at the same time it was being played on the jukebox...or scanning radio stations and suddenly hearing it ring loudly over the crackling static....or hearing it flow out of a car passing by on the street...but I'll always believe it was a little something more. Even today, whenever I hear it I feel such a swell of emotion....like a gentle squeeze of my shoulder, it reminds me of where I am and what I've lived through.

I have several beloved friends going through some really hard times right now. Here's sending you guys some major love and hope. It will ease. Change will come. Love you dearly x0x0x0xox

Happy Birthday, Freddie X0X0

2011-09-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Today would've been your 65th birthday. Has it really been 20 years since you've been gone?? I still remember where I was when I heard the news. My dear friend Cliff and I were sitting on the floor of my studio apartment in Chicago smoking cigars and listening to music. Turned on the radio and there was the news like a raw slap in the face. I was losing so many friends to the early AIDS epidemic and I remember how I felt when I first saw the gaunt pictures of him. I felt such a knot in my gut thinking that he, too, was suffering from the madness of this disease. It was hard watching him try to keep his privacy and battling against the tabloids. So much seething intolerance and bigotry. I hoped he was surrounded by love and acceptance instead of the judgment and abandonment experienced by so many of my friends. I'm glad Jim and Mary were with him in the end.

He was an incredible spirit and showman. Who Wants to Live Forever and Somebody to Love are two of my favorite songs along with We Are the Champions and so many more. I still remember how blown away I was to see them play in the mid 70's as a kid. The whole stadium was on fire. You are still so sorely missed. You and Jim are finally together. We'll see you again x0x0x

Can't help resist posting these, too:

http://youtu.be/cxbFLYa0_bw

http://youtu.be/mdXlA6m2qrM

Creative thoughts for the week....

2011-09-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

"...Failure is opportunity in disguise.."
~ author unknown

Thoughts for the week....This week in 1958..

2011-08-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

I've always found it so curious and disturbing that Britain has never had any problem putting their dirty hands in the affairs of other countries -- especially India, China, so many nations in Africa and beyond. But when it came down to the concept of allowing their black, brown and yellow citizens of the Empire to emigrate, fleeing the unrest that was so often brought about by Britain's manipulation of their home countries?? It wasn't quite the compassionate 2-way-street it should've been.

The racist riots of Notting Hill London in 1958 are a not only a powerful chapter in British history, but also the history of race relations in the world. If you've never heard of them, you owe it to yourself to become more aware. We're all in this together. There are so many dots connecting the history of racism in the US, Britain and many other countries and regions of the world with the current state of our economic and cultural affairs. And some people are STILL scratching their heads about the recent riots in London and other parts of Britain?? The more things change...the more things stay the same. We all have a lot of work to do.

** Click for some extra historical perspective on race issues in Britain: http://youtu.be/ptJHO5oJfH4

Help Save The Sea Turtles...Turn down your lights

2011-08-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this special report from IndianCountryTV.com:

A quick interview with Chris Drew

2011-08-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

Chris is still fighting some big battles standing up for Chicago artists to have the right to sell their art in public spaces AND the right for anyone to tape record the police. In light of the troubling issues of police brutality that keep bubbling to the surface around the country and the disputes over the rights of witnesses to photograph/record the abuse and misdeeds, it's critical to keep an eye on Chris' case and all others like it. It's not just about his rights...this is about all of us.

For more info on Chris' case and ways you may be able to help please contact him directly at:

umcac@art-teez.org or cdrew@c-drew.com

Also check out his Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center's page on iContact.com -- there are numerous posts detailing the progress with his case and his tireless efforts on the issue of the rights of Chicago artists to sell their art in public spaces: http://community.icontact.com/p/community1112?page=1,1

Just having one of those days.....

2011-08-24T00:57:00.000-07:00

You know the kind of day...when you close your eyes and get lost in a great Tom Waits song? The ones that really speak to you and reach the dark depths of how you're feeling? How nice would it be to lay your head on his shoulder while he sang this song? My eyes are closed...and I'm there.

Little Niizhoo in the Hand Drum Contest at the Honor the Earth Pow-wow this past July 2011

2011-08-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

You can do it, kiddo. Somewhere I know my ishki is loving this song.

A little Beethoven to stir the soul....

2011-08-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Beethoven is one of my favorite composers and Symphony No. 7 is one of my absolute favorites. So much passion. I love closing my eyes and getting lost in the textures of his music...but missing the great, beloved expressions in Leonard Bernstein's conducting is too much to miss. This is a beautiful performance.


Beethoven at 13

A little Measha Brueggergosman to stir the heart and start the week....

2011-08-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Been sooooo beyond frustrated with the way the economic crises in this country are being tossed around like hot potatoes. The hands of the have-nots, working poor and impoverished are constantly being burned, while the wealthy and wall street thieves are sliding by with golden passes and no foreseeable chance of being taxed properly or finally being held accountable for the corruption that helped feed the desperation we're trudging through . And, as usual, the rich are being painted as somehow being the sad victims who are being bullied and deserve a break....and the rest of us are whiny kids and parasites trying to exploit the system.

Watching the back-and-forth in Washington has been like a Punch and Judy show that just won't end -- and the same goes for the divisive mainstream media coverage. I'm so sick and tired of all of it. I'm just a simple, working-class kind of gal.....no trustfunds or sugardaddies.....just struggling as hard as anyone making much less than $40,000 per year. I have my share of debts to be paid and budget frustrations, but a quiet part of me really has been imagining what it might be like to relocate permanently to Canada or Europe (particularly Amsterdam). Is it too crazy to want to live in a civil society that truly gives a shit about its non-wealthy citizens?? Stable healthcare, education and social programs. Even deep respect for artists and the arts??

I remembered this video today by Measha and it has such a serenity and truth. If you put aside the tones of dogma and see the story of a woman in-need, seeking strength and relief, it really hits a mark. There aren't enough words to express how much I adore her voice and spirit. She's truly a stellar treasure of this modern era of opera. Turn up the volume and enjoy this vid.

Creative thoughts for the week....

2011-08-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Creativity takes courage ~ Henri Matisse

Matisse -- Woman Reading, 1894
Musée National d'Arte Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris

Matisse -- Woman with a hat (Madame Matisse), 1905 - Private Collection

Matisse -- Self-Portrait, 1900 - Private Collection

Matisse -- Madame Matisse, 1907 - Foundation Maerion
Philadelphia, U.S.A

Creative thoughts for the weekend...

2011-08-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint ~Edward Hopper

Hopper's Nighthawks, 1942

Charles Cordier -- African Venus, 1851

One of my own works -- Hot and Cold, 2004

One of my own works -- The Storm - part 2: Full-Force Catastrophic Thought, 2005

Have some respect....

2011-08-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

Have you been watching what's happening with the unrest in Britain?? Through which media's eye??

Darcus Howe is a gifted writer and a wise elder. This brief bit of truth needs to be heard and seen -- loudly. There are endless chapters to many neglected stories. The riots are only scraping the surface.

Um...............Well????

2011-08-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

It does kinda say it all.

Just a few things about the ever-so compassionate, open-minded folks stirring up major objections to the idea of a biracial Spiderman

2011-08-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...Where the hell to begin with this...

#1...RIGHT-ON -- scores some serious points on adding more diversity to an artform that sorely needs a more equal balance of lead characters of color. SORELY.

#2....YAY, for us mixed race, biracial, tri-racial and multi-racial kids and adults seeing more characters out there who actually reflect the realities and experiences of who we are.

#3.....[especially directed towards those making the stinkiest stinks about this issue and truly showing their racist underpants in the process]...Um....you do realize that this story is a work of fiction and takes place in an alternate universe aside from your dear, old white Peter Parker's reality??? This young Afro/Latino Spiderman isn't going to swing into your house and abduct your blonde daughters or whatever else strange musings circulate through your head when you lay eyes on a person you perceive as being black or Latino (or both, for that matter).

and #4....Now.....where were we?? Oh, yes...the desperate debt and budget troubles....the ongoing wars...equal civil rights for all.....the brutal gaps between the haves, have-mores, working poor and impoverished....the struggle over unions and labor rights...political, media and corporate corruption and so much other more serious, pressing shit to worry about and bicker over. Any ideas?????

Happy Birthday, Elliott x0x

2011-08-06T00:13:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that he's really been gone for all of these years, but the love for his work will always endure. If you've never heard of him, try checking out his music and listen to what flowed out of his creative gift. Truly one of the great singer/songwriters of this modern era of music. No auto-tune. No over-production and empty lyrics. No flashy tabloid attitude. No back-up dancers and wardrobe changes. Just his voice...sweet guitar work....beautiful piano. This world is a little darker without him.

A lament for Makh...

2011-08-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last year on this day, a brilliant young singer named Makh Daniels was killed in a car crash. He was traveling with his band, Early Graves, on their way from one show traveling to another. There were so many great things happening for them -- they were working hard on the tour and their second album was being released. So many great possibilities and well-deserved praise. It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by. It's still so hard to accept. You are sorely missed, kiddo, but we'll see you again x0x0x

*Click for the vid of one of their last interviews and part of a live performance:

http://youtu.be/SyXoY4-05aM

This poem has been running through my mind lately

2011-08-01T00:07:00.000-07:00

For all the inquisitive, passionate minds out there. Young and old. Keep expressing, creating and reaching. There is much work to be done.

Langston Hughes and a bunch of bright, young minds

Genius Child by Langston Hughes

This is a song for the genius child.
Sing it softly, for the song is wild.
Sing it softly as ever you can ---
Lest the song get out of hand.

Nobody loves a genius child.

Can you love an eagle,
Tame or wild?

Wild or tame,
Can you love a monster
Of frightening name?

Nobody loves a genius child.

Kill him - and let his soul run wild

I'm really feeling this song today...

2011-07-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

Dear, brilliant Nina. One of my absolute favorite songs. This is such a beautiful video tribute to her. The horn section and strings combined with the power of her voice shake me to my soul.

A reality check on tattoo reality shows

2011-07-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Dear Amy....

2011-07-24T00:29:00.000-07:00

So young with so many possibilities. It's beyond a shame. A part of me held a bit of hope for her...to see her grow older and finally find her footing on a straight, sober path. I definitely have my issues about the wave of Brit girls doing their versions of "classic soul" over the past decade -- while African-American singers doing the same style of "classic soul" have been horribly over-looked, particularly Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings (there's a sad irony that the Dap-Kings were the band who sat-in with Amy on the Back to Black album and helped her score such a phenomenal record). In my eyes, Amy was lightyears away from Joss, Adele, Duffy and the like. There was a depth and sharp emotional edge to her voice, no doubt because her art was truly imitating her life, but also because the deeply entrenched musical background she had in jazz, blues and soul.

With all of the awful, brutal performance vids that have been circulating about her lately from her most recent difficulties during her last tour several weeks ago, the video below is one of my absolute favorite live performances she did several years ago of a song I really loved from the Back to Black album -- it's the title song. The entire album was very well done, thanks again in huge part to the Dap-Kings, but Amy really seemed to find herself...much more than what she did on Frank. I know so many people really jammed to Rehab and laughed a lot at her for how closely her life shadowed the song, but, for me, the title song, Back to Black, along with You Know I'm No Good, Love is A Losing Game and Tears Dry On Their Own were my favorite songs on the album. They touched real chords for me and made me take notice of her voice. I mean, here was this little Brit girl singing these deeply soulful songs fit for seasoned, mature soul singers twice her age. This kid really had a gift.

Rest well, Amy. I hope you find the peace you deserved in this life and never ever have to struggle again with the demons you battled here xOxOx

Some old wisdom from Studs in the face of all the political and media insanity we're witnessing...

2011-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

"You've got to remember to question the official truth..."
~ Studs Terkel

I used to see him riding the bus a lot in Chicago (I think it was both the 147 and the 145). Just reading his paper or a book like any regular Joe. Almost always wearing his sweet blue sportscoat and red gingham shirt, and always with a wink and a smile.

In that great old red gingham shirt

Firing up the masses at Bughouse Square in Chicago

This world is really missing your incredible wisdom and perspective. Rest well x0x0x

Click for a great comprehensive list of his books: http://timeoutchicago.com/things-to-do/59240/studs-by-the-book

If you say a word often enough....

2011-07-22T00:07:00.000-07:00

"If you say a word often enough....it becomes you..." (author unknown)

nigger

ghetto

stupid
savage
broken

dumb

ugly
unwanted

slut

bitch
lazy
damaged
scum

worthless
hopeless
drunk
crazy
junkie
unwanted
trash

Here's to us anomalies and noticable nobodies...

2011-07-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

The actor and dancer, Thandie Newton, recently gave a powerful TED lecture on the self. This really hits a deep chord for those of us with mixed racial backgrounds. It's a breath of fresh air and opens a dialogue for those who tend to judge others by skin color and physical appearance.

Check it out:

Thandie Newton: Embracing otherness, embracing myself | Video on TED.com

Creative thoughts for the week....

2011-07-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

"A musician must make music....An artist must paint...a poet must write, if she/he is to be at peace with herself/himself. What a woman/man can be, she/he must be..." ~ Abraham Maslow

“Hate and force cannot be in just a part of the world without having an effect on the rest of it.”

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

~Eleanor Roosevelt

More lost history and forgotten truths...

2011-07-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

This is a great interview Amy Goodman recently did with John Sayles on the Democracy Now! tv and radio program. He has a new film out about the American war/occupation in the Philippines (Amigo) as well as an epic novel combining hugely neglected portions of US and world history (A Moment in the Sun). Brilliant stuff. Many truths that have been hidden and never taught. So many crucial pieces of the past that help explain why things are the way they are in our troubled present. It's time they see the light of day.

Click for the entire interview on Democracy Now!:

"A Moment in the Sun": An Extended Interview with Independent Filmmaker, Author John Sayles

Um...Social Security...and Medicare....???????????

2011-07-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm....what is the mark of a civil, strong, incredible society to you??

Priorities concerned with spending trillions on weapons of war, fighting multiple wars and being more concerned for the affairs of corporations and satisfying the wealthy???

Or is it insane to think a civil, strong, incredible society would actually dare to be concerned for its most vulnerable citizens???????? What THE FUCK is this insane tug-of-war over Social Security and Medicare??? Oh....wait....did I miss the memo or some official tweet?? Now I remember....I'm among the insane ones who think that it makes more sense to tax the wealthy citizenry of this country and make the corporate vultures and greedy banks pay up rather than pound the hell out of the poor, disabled, elderly, homeless and disadvantaged citizens of this country (and you'd better believe I'm including military vets in that esteemed company, as well). Yup....we're the dippy hippies and crazy, liberal anarcho/punk radicals for thinking such things. Who are these people living SSI/SSDI paycheck-to-paycheck with Medicare as their only insurance?? Living on foodstamps and facing frequent decisions to choose whether to pay for their meds versus buying food versus which utility/etc. bill to pay for the month?? Suuuuure...go ahead and skip sending their August check (and fuck the rest of the year while you're at it!) -- they'll rebound! Hell, it might just force your lazy 75 year old upstairs neighbor and the bipolar schizoid woman next door to go back to work a job or two -- who was it who once called that "uniquely American??" What the hell was I thinking???

Click if you haven't already seen the latest installment of this absolute political clusterfuck:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-cannot-guarantee-benefits-checks-paid-debt-deal-183025203.html

I can't separate Audrey Hepburn from Mickey Rooney's "Mr. Yunioshi"

2011-07-11T00:48:00.000-07:00

I'm reposting this link from a great old post on Gather.com about the horrifically racist Mr. Yunioshi character in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It was posted a few years ago by a very insightful writer (Gil Asakawa) and, in light of the much-ballyhooed 50th anniversary of the Breakfast at Tiffany's film now being released on Blu-ray in a few months, it definitely still hits the mark. I remember going to see this film with a friend (who happened to be Chinese) when we were in our late teens/early college years. We were so curious to see it after hearing all of the fawning and chatter about Hepburn's character and the New York setting. And when we were finally there, amidst the illuminated pale faces gazing up at the screen, we looked at each other in horror as people all around us began to laugh at the antics of Rooney's portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi. It was just as bad as watching Gone With the Wind and Butterfly McQueen's stereotyped maid role...or the slew of other buffoonish minstrel roles played by blacks in old and present day Hollywood. My friend wanted to disappear and crawl from the theatre. It was a very painful night. And it worsened when a number of asshole guys we knew mimicked Yunioshi at her -- bad teeth, glasses and all -- and did stereotypical "ching-chongy" routines day after day after day.

I was in a conversation with several people recently and this film came up. All of them, several white women and one white male, cooed and glowed about the movie sharing their favorite scenes, dialogue and especially snickering about Rooney's Yunioshi. When I looked at them utterly baffled and asked the question of whether or not they'd consider the fact that his portrayal was a glaring racist stereotype, can you guess the phrase they tossed back at me?? It wasn't racist, it was a comedy -- you're being too politically correct. Seriously??? Since when is having cultural sensitivity and compassion a BAD thing???? Why is it lately whenever I run into white/anglo folks tossing the politically correct label around, it's always about issues like multicultural studies in schools, objections to racist stereotypes and attention being called to accepting ethnic/religious/sexual/etc. diversity??

Click for the insightful post from Gather.com:

I can't separate Audrey Hepburn from "Mr. Yunioshi"

Happy Birthday, Tura x0x0x

2011-07-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

This world is definitely missing her amazing spirit, but her inspiring, powerful story lives on. She was truly an amazing survivor and one of the fiercest pussycats around. If you don't know her story, you should learn it.

This is a video interview with her back in 2008 along with other great B movie bits:

Here's a great snippett of her classic role as Varla in Russ Meyer's Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! I still remember how I felt seeing this flick as a kid in the 70's. While so many other little girls dreamed of being Laura Ingalls and Marcia Brady, Tura's tough-talking-karate-choppin' Varla was one of my heroes:

http://youtu.be/zktang91b4Y

Dare to give a damn about what's happening right outside your door....and KEEP giving a damn.

2011-07-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

Today is Kitty Genovese's birthday. She would've been 76 years old today. Maybe still living a loving, committed relationship with her partner, Mary Ann...with grown children of their own...and loving grandchildren...or at least a crowd of beloved friends and other loved ones who cared for her as deeply as any of us care for the loved ones around us. But on March 13, 1964 her future was violently ripped away from her as she was stabbed and raped near her apartment on her way home from her late shift at work. A very large number of witnesses (some said it was 38 people) heard her calls for help tucked away inside their safe apartments...but no one responded to her screams. Not one.

Dare to care about the community you're living in. Whether it's an apartment building in a densely populated big city or homes in the far-flung suburbs and rural areas, dare to give a damn and get to know the people living near/around you. Fear, racism, xenophobia and ignorance have a mighty hold on our society that gets worse every day. It's too easy to sink back behind our burglar bars and security doors and turn the tv or computer volume up to drown out the life around us. As Kitty's case unfolded, there was no shortage of racist bigots who tried to use her murder as a wedge to keep blacks and whites divided and perpetuating the ideas of wild black men on the loose to rape and kill delicate, white women. Men of ALL races commit violence, rape and murder against women of every race. They did in Kitty's time and they STILL do today. Many people still sink back in the quiet shadows when they see crimes being committed or hear screams outside their windows. Dare to be different. Dare to care. Get to know your neighbors and dare to speak up when you see something bad happening. Honor Kitty's memory and dare to care about the people in your community and the quality of life around you.

Kitty Genovese

Happy Birthday, Frida x0x0x

2011-07-06T00:42:00.000-07:00

"I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy as long as I can paint."

"I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration."

"I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best."

"I hope the leaving is joyful, and I hope never to return."

Sun and Life -- 1947

A message for Cy Twombly...

2011-07-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the inspiration and wisdom. Rest well x0x0x

Twombly in his Houston gallery

from his Roses exhibit

Landscape -- 1951

Leda and The Swan -- 1963

Pan II -- 1980

Happy Birthday, Poly x0x0x

2011-07-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

You're still so sorely missed, luv, but you deserve to dance in the light. Rest well, chica. We'll see you again.

This vid is from an interview she did about the tracks on her last album, Generation Indigo, that was released in March before her death. It's a great, inspired album...full of her wisdom and day-glo energy.

Thoughts for this July 4th weekend (and every year, for that matter)....

2011-07-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

It's hard for me to watch all the frothing red, white and blue nuttiness every year. Flapping plastic flags on everything in sight...hotdogs, apple pies, Uncle Sam caricatures and all the Rah-Rah, USA, we'll-kick-your-ass-any-day fervor charging the air. Ever since I was a kid, I have always felt so disconnected from it all. And no matter how old I become, I can't help but think of what my own American Indian and African ancestors were going through as this nation was being "founded." "All men are created equal" was far from the true phrase it should've been in the Declaration of Independence. And then there are always those troubling racist phrases like "merciless Indian savages" in the Declaration of Independence and referring to African slaves and their descendants as "three-fifths" of a human being in the Constitution. And women of any race didn't have a welcoming spot at the table yet, either.

I remember reading the Declaration of Independence and Constitution as a child and wondering why there were such brutal contradictions. I never felt like those pieces of paper had much to do with me. I didn't feel like jumping on top of a table and waiving a flag or singing patriotic songs. Those divisive, racist statements hit hard like my father's fists. I remember the first experiences with racism I had as a little kid from a predominantly black parochial city school traveling to the far-flung suburbs of Chicago to visit another parochial school for performances and competitions. I'll never forget the first time I heard the words "nigger" or "red nigger" aimed directly at me coming from the mouths of the white kids in front of me. It was the early 1970's and things were still very stilted and segregated in many suburban areas where "white flight" had been the order of the day as more blacks, American Indians and Latinos had settled into Chicago neighborhoods which had once been all-white enclaves. And now all these decades later, it still floors me to see the racism and inequities that still happily flourish in the times we're living in. And the blissful ignorance knows no bounds -- or racial barriers.

You know what else I can't stop thinking of??? I moved to New Orleans over 10 years ago and first lived with a cousin in an area outside the city called Metairie before moving into my own place in New Orleans. If you've never heard of it, one of its claims to fame was being the residence of a renowned white nationalist/supremacist and klansman and electing him to state office in the early 90's. He was actually running for Louisiana's First Congressional District when I arrived in 1999. I still remember the sickening lump in my stomach as my friends and I drove past the "Welcome to New Orleans" highway sign and saw one of his large campaign signs directly alongside it. And when we finally hit the city limits of Metairie, there were "stars n' bars" confederate flags dotting lawn after lawn after lawn after lawn....and a massive confederate flag draped across the rooftop of some store or business that was all-too-visible from an Expressway off-ramp. Absolute madness. I felt like I'd walked into an episode of the Twilight Zone...or off a Freedom Riders bus in 1961. And people wonder why I get pissed when I see clueless people walking around town with "rebel flag" belt buckles, shirts and other crap who are completely ignorant of what that flag means to blacks who fought hard against jim crow and segregation as well as the white racists and other southern folks who hold the fervent belief that "the south will rise again."

From the beginning, this troubled train was off its center. Flooded with lies, greed and the blood of genocides. And now here we all stand as descendants inheriting some majorly dysfunctional, corrupt legacies. We need to make sense of the madness we're living in. All of us have a stake in how to get this train on the right tracks and where its journey will go -- ALL of us...every color...every gender....all sexualities...all economic classes, abilities, ethnic origins, religions, etc. have a part to play.

In his own words....

2011-06-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Remember what it was like, once upon a time, when "newspeople/news anchors" really had true journalism backgrounds, integrity and intelligent minds? Remember what it was like before there was such a media concept as "info-tainment???" For years now I've really been missing the sanity and dignity of Walter Cronkite....

A LOT.

Goodbye, you wacky, bizarro McCarthyish rodeo clown. May flights of racist, conspiracy-ridden chalkboards sing thee to thy rest (and whatever new demented creation Murdoch will allow you to have -- and the damn radio waves you'll still befoul).

Times like this really make me miss Bill Hicks and George Carlin....

A LOT.