Dangerous Diane

Christopher Hitchens Mother Teresa & Xmas

2011-12-24T00:46:00.004+13:00

I miss Christopher Hitchens.

Each day I wonder what he would say about new behavior by his fellow man. He said the USA was the best country to live in the world, the reason he moved his family here from the UK. He called Mother Tereas a c_____ for her saying that the biggest threat to world peace was abortion and contraception during her acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize. Is there hope in a world where women continue to be blamed and marginalized? Will the republicans and organized religion continue to attack the other, women, gays. Is there hope? The only hope one has is to hang on to one's self. To live our truth, to not compromise. And stop shopping. Jesus Christ, it's holiday time and everyone is in a spending frenzy. Drives me crazy. How about you?

Breasts are not the same as the Penis Yoga Journal

2011-11-18T06:49:00.005+13:00

Can we just agree that a breast is not the same as a penis?

Why do men and women continually compare breasts to penises? They are not the same. Look in any anatomy book. Or just look at each other, they are not even located in the same body region!

Recently I saw a letter to the editor in "Yoga Journal Magazine" by a reader (with a woman's name) who said she got a chuckle from the woman who found men in lycra doing backbends in a yoga classes unpleasant. She inquired if that same woman would find it wrong if it was a woman with large breasts in a tight top, or was she only disturbed by a man's anatomy. After all, she asked, isn't yoga about getting comfortable with our bodies.

Well Yeah, but I don't have to be comfortable with YOUR body, especially if your penis is looking back at me, at my eye level, as I come down into a flat back for the sun salutation. (It's a bit disturbing that she says "large" breasts. Only big breasts in tight shirts are distracting? not "average-sized" breasts?)

When women's breasts can penetrate and piss and when men's penises can feed babies, then we can compare.

Men in lycra doing back bends know exactly what they are doing. What if your daughter or your son was in the class with you? How would you feel then? What if you were introducing your niece or nephew to his or her first yoga class? If the yoga studio gave you a questionnaire and said, Class A taught by Man in tight lycra and Class B taught by Man in pants, which teacher would you pick for your son? For your daughter?

Even in a gym environment, personal trainers are required to wear comfortable and APPROPRIATE clothing. So what's up with men in lycra anyhow? Yes, women's bodies are distracting in tight shirts in yoga class, but women's dress is distracting in every environment! At least in the office I work in I don't have to see what is in men's pants even if some women are intent on showing cleavage - there is a difference.

Lycra is ugly on everyone. It is not sexy. And it does not look like it is worn to be comfortable. As a teacher, I'm not going to say you can't come into my class, but while we are on the subject, men in shorts can be just as much a problem, especially on the floor for Prasaritta Padottanasana: legs wide, reach up..... Oops.

Sexual Harassment is a Big Fat Lie!

2011-11-17T06:42:00.003+13:00

Sexual Harassment is a Big Fat Lie?
Right?
No one believes these women. No one believes these children. Why should they? Where’s the proof?
Do you believe my story? This is just one of many:

My first job in New York City after moving here from Detroit with my five year old daughter and my husband. I signed with a temp agency that sent me to a garment manufacturer who said he wanted to hire me as the receptionist and secretary to the VP. It was late summer shortly after we moved here in June. By Autumn the VP was giving me letters that had to go out that night. After a few nights of this, after everyone had left, he threw me up against a wall, shoved his knee into my grown, grabbed my breasts and smashed his face into mine, his tongue slobbering all over me. I pushed him away and he said, "Is it because you're married?"

It didn't stop. The VP came to work one day with a black square suitcase, said he wanted to take me to a special lunch, at the 21 Club or the Rainbow Room. After I could have the rest of the day off and we would go to a hotel room. Another woman, (a dark haired angel) in the small office saw the suitcase and told me there were sex toys in it. She said that he had harassed her in the past with the same lunch offer. She offered to stay late at the office if the VP kept me after hours. She never witnessed him touching me but she could see how distressed I was and knew what was going on. Every night she gave up her personal time to act busy at her desk to save me from the VP's "unwanted advances". I was grateful.

Like the battered women who do not leave men who hit them, like those who know exactly what I am toaking about, I still wonder, 30 years later, why didn't I quit? Why was I so desperate? I was young, living from paycheck to paycheck. I was responsible for the family while my husband looked for work (and that VP knew this!) He was a family man. For xmas he bought tickets for me and my family to see the Rockefeller xmas show because his kids enjoyed it so much.

If I say he was the VP of Sweet-Orr, in midtown thirty years ago, do you know him? If so, I am sorry, I am very very sorry. But this is a true story. Respectable men do this! I cannot prove it. I was molested and harassed and I can remember it clearly.

I had to post this. The present sex scandals of women and young boys makes me so daman mad and sad. If we all stand up and tell our story, can we at least make a dent in this? Point the finger. Go on.
POST YOUR OWN STORIES. GO AHEAD.

gypsy journey

2010-06-01T05:36:00.002+12:00

leaving bensonhurst, now in hoboken. i think i have slept in over 100 beds in the last few years, including floors, couches, futons and matresses. in the past year it has been nyc, woodstock, key west, belle river, canada, brooklyn and now hoboken.

hoboken is an easier commute to the job, and the mystery pain in my joints is gone. two possibilities: the microwave units in the building behind mine that faced my bed, or the lead-soaked mosquito netting under the bed that the lease holder of the apartment felt kept the micro waves at bay. I won't miss all the smoke from tenants smoking so close to my apartment it stunk, and the trash in the halls. also, scary fighting in the middle of the night - when the fights stopped I could hear snoring coming from under my bed.
what I'll miss: a short train ride to coney island.

Living in Brooklyn

2009-10-18T01:47:00.002+13:00

After another stay on second avenue and 28th street at frank's for a month, i am now in brooklyn, back to the first borough i lived in when randy dana and i moved to new york in 1983 and lived in what is now affectionately referred to as carroll gardens. this time it's bensonhurst, a foreign land to me, looking for grocery store, health food, etc., and close to the bay with a promenade......

looking for a job and an apartment at the same time has been hell.... but now i have both, and with a job or without a job it can still be hell, but i am grateful to be working even if it is a temp job. it too will come to an end.

having trouble writing in a new space, at a desk with my back to the door, i can't stand it, this feeling of an open space behind me. was a shot in the back in a previous life? i know many feel uncomfortable with this sensation; it is quite palpable. any one else feel it too?

The neighbor who called

2009-08-03T01:12:00.002+12:00

I saw the woman who reported the possible break in at Prof Gates home give a press conference. She was crying and said she just wanted to help, that she is not a racist. How is it possible to live close enough to a house and see a possible crime in action but not know it's the guy who lives there?

Are we really so isolated from each other that we think we should call the police to protect the property, anyone's property -- even property we don't know the owner? Is it more important to protect property over people?

We should know our neighbors. We should say hello or at least wave to our neighbor. Some people will not wave back, so keep waving.

Today I'm in Canada on a lake where neighbors wave to each other all the time, even if we just waved an hour before. I know exactly what the neighbors look like three and four doors down on each side. I also say hello or nod to those I pass when I'm out for a walk. Some people do not say hello back, it's rare, but it happens. You never know when you may need a helping hand. Here I never worry, friendly neighbors are always close by.

Cops acting stupidly

2009-07-26T04:11:00.007+12:00

This is getting really boring. First Obama says something that makes sense: cops act stupidly. Then he tries to clarify it and cool his comments. The truth doesn't need clarification.

No one should be arrested in their own home for doing nothing -- even if Professor Gates yelled and screamed, the police were wrong to handcuff and arrest him. Isn't it the job of the police to know how to deal with these moments? To understand people freak out when they haven't done anything and you try to arrest them? And what about the charge and the fact that it was dropped? Why be defensive now? The police are missing out on an important opportunity here to make this right, rather than being defensive when caught with their racial pants down. Just because they carry guns after a few weeks of training, they think they are certified bullies.

How come you always hear that cops are cops because they can't be firemen. Do cops resent firemen because they have to be fit to do their job? And why don't cops have to be physically fit? Should all public service jobs require employees to be healthy? Surely all those donuts are rotting cops' hearts as well as their colon.

Ginn'd Up

2009-07-25T04:41:00.003+12:00

I watched the Obama Press Conference on July 22 and was stopped cold when he used the words "ginned up". He said.....(we or I) not going to get ginned up about it.....
What does it mean?

Does it have southern roots? Black roots? Is it a reference to the cotton gin? Does it mean the same as don't get your finger caught in the wringer. If the origin is from the cotton gin, which separates cotton from its seeds, is "ginned up" separating your mind from your body? heart from soul? Somehow I don't think it has anything to do with drinking gin.

Whatever it means, I like it. I think I'll try it out at the next family get together and see what kind of a reaction I get. (Not that anyone in my family pays attention to anything I have to say.)

Back to Canada

2009-06-30T10:38:00.005+12:00

After Key West I traveled to Detroit which is looking better than ever. It is a beautiful city, full of life and memories.

Now I'm back in Belle River, the town of my childhood in Canada where I am spending time helping out around the cottage and writing new songs.
While working on the suicide stories, I thought I would post one of my earlier suicide writings, which is also a monologue in my solo show, "The Drunk Monologues."
But I have yet to figure out how to make it larger.

LPJ says just click on it.
Thanks Leonard!

Mile 0

2009-06-06T15:05:00.003+12:00

Mile 0 at Whitehead and Fleming, the cottage where I stayed for an additional week and where the conch train goes by every half hour and where tourists line up to take their picture with this sign.
No tourists at this moment because it is happy hour.

Virgin Mary at Paint Ball Field

2009-06-06T14:59:00.003+12:00

Looking for the virgin mary at the paint ball field.
Salt Ponds. Key West

looking for the virgin mary in the sea

2009-06-06T14:56:00.002+12:00

Paint Ball Field

2009-06-06T14:51:00.001+12:00

Last Hours in Key West

2009-06-06T14:40:00.003+12:00

On my last day in Key West I had a chocolate dipped key lime pie (with crust) on a stick. Frozen of course.

I began a new work: a noir story about a suicide that takes place in the creepy salt ponds with creepy inhabitants while baby boomers disco dance in the clothing optional bar.

Here I was able to meditate and write from a private pool perspective.

Bike near White House, Key West

2009-05-29T06:53:00.005+12:00

Seen around the corner from The Little White House, where President Truman spent half the year, swimming, biking, fishing, lots of fishing.
WELL BEHAVED WOMEN SELDOM MAKE HISTORY.
what does it mean?

Mangoes go Bang

2009-05-29T06:32:00.003+12:00

....in the middle of the night, the mango tree sways in thunderstorms dropping ripe and green mangoes on the upstairs terrace and in the morning ripe mangoes arrive at my doorstep along with Snowball, an all white cat who only wants me to pet her for a moment, then she keeps me company or not. The early mornings here are the best, when a cool air comes through the windows and the fans whirl keeping the heat at bay. I am fortunate to be working so much, long days of writing in the patio, on the couch, at the table, although the mangoes are so ripe now, I have dodged a few on the head and computer.

A note about the writing: a residency can bring an awareness of self in a very short time. I don't have a phone and have no distractions, other than hunger. This is a time for a lot of writing, more than I had hoped for. Finishing an old draft from a year ago I was able to find a reason to complete a story about a disabled girl's sexual awakening with her Maori boyfriend and her drive to be independent despite her disability. It's another suicide story in my series of "the Suicide Monologues." However, they are not monologues; they're stories about other people.

When the work is done, there is always time for a swim, a bike ride, a walk. Taking notes now on my environment, it is rich for the future.

It Will Never Go Away

2009-05-16T03:15:00.006+12:00

Duvall Street, Key West

Filled with fans and offspring spawned by the original fans, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville is still a big draw, with its brand name store next to the bar/restaurant -- like other bars on the Duvall Strip. But unlike other bars that offer live music played by the locals, Margaritaville has a large video screen; last night it was playing hip hop.

Dead: I told you I was sick

2009-05-16T02:37:00.010+12:00

Key West Cemetery

Not the most beautiful plaque in the cemetery, but the funniest. You have to admire BP Roberts' (1979) family who have passed on a family joke to the living.

GM bailout on Duvall Street

2009-05-16T02:34:00.004+12:00

It's hard to believe someone is in there, but he is, complete with goggles, this full sized car made it's way down Duvall with appreciative nods from both sides of the street.

Kew West Cemetery

2009-05-16T02:29:00.003+12:00

Key West Cemetery

What was Arichibold Yate's relatives thinking when they erected this nude bound woman at the foot of his headstone (1966). Or was it picked by him personally, was it is last wish, like another Key West resident -- who was 40 inches tall -- who had one last wish - to be buried in a full adult sized coffin.

Tourists Gone Wild

2009-05-16T02:08:00.004+12:00

Key West. Mallory Square. Sunset.
At the exact moment the sun sets at this SW location, tourists bolt from Mallory Square like extras running from the blob and I move against the crowd towards the sound of a woman's voice coming from a microphone. On stage: three stools: a man with a guitar, a laptop computer with top opened, and a woman behind a keyboard. She turns on the computer and a loud, familiar dance beat is heard, heads in the crowd bob, some people cheer holding up their drinks, arms extended in appreciation. The singer plays electronic keyboards with a high-tin sound; the guitarist joins in, adding a needed real musical instrument sound. People dance in front of the stage, men and women holding on to their bags, cameras and drinks, wearing very little clothing. I wouldn't call it dancing but there's no other word to call tourists gone wild in Key West. It's like they are doing a dance to the objects they are holding.

After a few verses, the guitarist begins a solo, sounds like it's going to be really good when the singer jumps back in much too soon and the guitarist backs off. In the twilight the harbour view is inviting, sailboats have left the docs for their nightly cruise and a photographer hangs photos of tourists on a fence, hoping they will like what they see when they return from their sail. Hopefully a few will go wild and tip him.

Key West

2009-05-14T06:06:00.003+12:00

If this is May, then I am at The Studios of Key West. www.tskw.org where I am the May visiting artist living in the Mango Tree House where each morning i am greeted by falling mangoes for breakfast and where a white cat greets me. The Studio is a performing and studio space for artists, writers and musicians; it offers workshops, classes and sponsors events and artists such as myself. The Director Eric Holowacz has done an amazing job to make this place part of the community and the staff here are also wonderful. A few artists have told me that they wouldn't stay in KW in the summer (this morning at 8 a.m. it was already 80) -- if it wasn't for The Studio.

I took a life drawing class and the Painting Bootcamp Class with Rick Worth. In only two hours I have a painting of KW complete with palms trees. Rick is a local artist originally from Missouri who has been in KW for over twenty years. He teaches the class every Tuesday night.

KW is a rich environment and I am in my second week working on a collection of pieces about suicide. Pics soon to follow.

Tribes 12 is out

2009-04-14T23:56:00.007+12:00

I have the very good fortune to be staying in a loft in soho to care for two gorgeous cats. This place also comes with high speed internet, something I have not had in a very long time.

The reading at the Tribes Gallery for the Gathering of the Tribes Issue No 12 this past weekend was great although Steve Cannon was in hospital from a falling down the stairs accident (but is doing well now.) I was happy to see my poem, "Where Do I Begin?" included. The publishing process is very long. I submitted the poem to the editors five years ago. www.tribes.org

It's not on the website yet, but it was edited by Bruce Weber, Susan Sherman and Chavisa. Many writers and artists were included in the book (Bonny Finberg, Carl Watson, Jill Rappaport, etc.) and it looks great and feels great; although I don't understand the choice of the photo on the back of a scowling woman laying in bed inviting the eye to look up her bum. There were many beautiful and challenging works of art in the book that would have made a more representative bookend to the issue instead of another boring offer of a woman in compliance of degrading herself sexually as art. Even if it is a guy dressed as a girl, it is far from cutting-edge photography and art today, some of which are inside the book.

Banks

2009-04-06T01:43:00.002+12:00

A friend told me a story.
The banks are protected by law to criminally steal money from the credit card holder.

Visa Household owned by HSBC Bank will change the apr to 29.99% (30%) after one late payment. And, the payment was late because they changed the due date without notification. And, the due date changes every month. They keep this high apr until you call them. Then it stays there for 6 months and after this time reverts back to the original apr.

This 30% apr was changed from 9.9%. What can be done? Why are our legislatures not doing something? For many it is difficult to deal with debt and make minimum payments when you loose your job, but it is impossible to get out of debt with this practice, since the minimum payment includes more apr fees than principal on the debt owed. At this rate, there is no relief. Ever.

Only in Woodstock

2009-03-02T04:04:00.007+13:00

View of backyard from bathroom. Budhist flags torn to shreds by two grey squirrels

I am living in a one-room cabin called a carriage house a few blocks south of the center of Woodstock. Here I am close enough to nature to see deer and birds. My view of the backyard, however, is from the bathroom. There is a floor to ceiling window in the small space and the toilet faces out. Here I can watch the deer and birds and I imagine I too must appear as if I am in a glass cage on view to others. I am watched as I watch.

My "Only in Woodstock" moment came when I saw two squirrels fighting over a long line of Buddhist prayer flags. Each grey squirrel was perched at the end of a log at the rear of the backyard. They simultaneously pulled on the flags in a tug of war. Two flags hung in the middle of the line, as each squirrel tried to get hold of their own flag. One squirrel dropped his end and the other squirrel rolled the flag in its front paws as if doing the hullabaloo.

I thought about looking for my camera; but I was afraid the event would not last and I would miss out. So this photo shows what the squirrels left. It is better to have seen it then to try to capture it. It is by far something I doubt will be repeated in nature again, at least to my eyes.

Woodstock is a very groovy place; even the animals here are surprising. As the bumper sticker says, "Woodstock: everyone here is not quite there."

Witnessing this event confirms for me that when the day is done; when the belly is full, squirrels want to have fun too.

Baby deer checking me out while I am answering a call to my own nature.

Another Birthday Has Come

2009-02-19T04:27:00.002+13:00

Here we go again, into the age of Aquarius -- officially. Jupiter is aligned with Mars and here we go spreading peace and love everywhere.

In Woodstock on my birthday I watched two hawks flying above me near the woods where I was walking. They are heavy birds with a wide wingspan of black and silver feathers against a clear blue sky, orange beaks pointed down, legs extended behind them tucked close to their guts. They landed in a tree and again flew above me, coming closer.

In Woodstock on my birthday I listened to Levon Helm, because he lives somewhere near by. The CD was sent to me by Jay who lives in North Carolina. Levon Helm is so full of joy, even when he sings about sorrow, he does it with a joy that makes the day go well. He gives everything when he sings.

In Woodstock on my birthday I looked for work, I listened to the news and cried and went to bed happy because my daughter called me and my family sent me cards. Dad said he knows someone who has a cheap car. A car is what I need in Woodstock, if I stay. It's so groovy here, I like it better than New Zealand, but I really miss my New Zealand friends. My new Woodstock friends say if I like it here in summer I will be ecstatic in the summer!

WHY BLOG

2009-01-31T07:13:00.003+13:00

blah blah blah blah
in these times of enjoying silence in the country, words are precious.
There is less time to blog, less time to download the photos form my country walks; less time to put up another entry.
The Internet does not save me time; with slow connections it eats my time and steals my silence.

I wonder if people feel they have less time because of the internet? Is it another addiction, another distraction?
blah blah blah
The blog network is huge. Facebook wants to own our creativity and claims they do. What I write here is okay if it is not "literary". According to one source, what I write here cannot be published elsewhere.
In 2009 I will have something published in a very good literary journal in which the "story" cannot have appeared any where else -- including my own blog!

Soundclick Update

2009-01-31T07:11:00.001+13:00

soundclick has removed my music illegally sold on their space.
now i'm waiting to see when. they say it was removed "some time back."
And, I'm waiting to hear how many times the music was bought.

My first record

2009-01-23T03:07:00.003+13:00

Here is the cover of my first record, (in its sleeve)
"Potentially Dangerous" about child abuse.
My daughter and her father are both in the picture.
Posting it here to help soundclick remove the illegal selling of this song on their music store page.

Dad in his Obama t-shirt

2009-01-23T03:04:00.002+13:00

This is the first time my parents and I voted for the same person. As I talk to friends and mention this, I am struck by a few things: that I am blessed to have both parents in my life; I am blessed to have a a good relationship with them. But I am curious. How many others experienced agreement within their family on Obama?

Artists Cemetery Woodstock

2009-01-17T08:26:00.005+13:00

who was it that said
nothing ever happens in heaven
well maybe baby,
maybe they've never been there

i'm going to send you to heaven
i'm going to send you to heaven
i'm going to send you to heaven
send you a post card
wish you were here

give peace a chance

2009-01-17T08:25:00.003+13:00

The peace sign is everywhere in Woodstock.
It is very groovy.
as if
wearing sterling silver peace sign earrings is doing your bit against the war

Soundclick Nightmare

2009-01-17T07:46:00.007+13:00

Why do people steal other people's art?
How do people steal other people's art and sell it on the internet?

Susan Clone has put my songs on the soundclick music store claiming she is the "artist" and selling it. Although I doubt she is getting rich, if even one person bought one song, s/he is a thief.

I am waiting for soundclick to shut this down. I am the one that has to prove my work is original. And,
This is the second time this person has posted my music to soundclick, in August, 2006 it was removed.
Although the internet provides instant access to one's art, illegal use, stolen identity and all around annoyance is hopefully burning some old karma.

Woodstock

2009-01-17T07:39:00.002+13:00

This is a colour photo of a stream not far from where I am now living in groovy Woodstock. It is lovely to see snow again after three winters in New Zealand. I'm in a cabin in the woods with no tv and slow internet connection, trying to figure out the meaning of life with my books by Hesse, Thoreu, Emerson and PD James.

Thanksgiving Week

2008-11-25T02:17:00.002+13:00

So much to be thankful for. Back in the USA visiting family down south and watching the tube for the latest news. Politics is the big story. No one can find any fault with President-elect Obama.

In the midst of watching Obama on TV it is clear what an intelligent and dignified President he will be.

Contrast this with the failed VP Republican Sarah Palin who as Governor of Alaska recently gave a press conference while a turkey was slaughtered behind her. She ended the interview with a smirk and a comment that the press will probably find some fault with it. -- As if torturing animals should not be questioned. Nothing is lower than people who torture those who cannot speak for themselves. And those who take pleasure in it? There is something seriously wrong with the education of the American people. The corporations are getting a bailout for greedy faulty investments. Nothing can bailout the poisoned mind that enjoys hurting others.

Looking for an Apartment in New York

2008-11-11T05:21:00.004+13:00

I sublet my Manhattan apartment and the sub letter stole it. So now I'm starting over again.

Looking for an apartment in new york city has been a daunting experience. People who have overpriced dumps are loosing roommates and want a new one to share the love. After looking for a few weeks I know what I want and don't want: I want light, clutter free space with a window that doesn't, 1. have bars, 2. look out on a wall, 3. look out on a roof, all of which I have lived with in the past.

Checking out shares is interesting too. Some apartments have no living/shared space. Just kitchens with rooms next to the kitchen for sleeping.

After house sitting in beautiful apartments in Queens and Brooklyn and visiting friends in Manhattan who respect the space they live in, it is harder for me to compromise. I miss what I left three years ago, a beautiful apartment on the lower east side, on a high floor. I subleased my apartment to a friend of a friend, who promised to return my apartment to me when I returned to New York. So it goes.

The thief is a real estate agent --, oh ironies of irony.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-10T13:42:00.007+13:00

My favorite costume at the Theatre for the New City Party

Reuben as President George W Bush in college

and not to be outdone, this dog was stealing hearts on Avenue A.

Tears for New Zealand

2008-11-09T03:41:00.003+13:00

national party wins in new zealand

New Zealand just elected John Key, (self made millionaire) of the National Party, an extreme right winger who wants to bring in nuclear energy, send troops to Iraq, create more private investing, and cut back on all the layabouts (social services) including health care. Hey, this sounds like the last administration in the U.S. He said New Zealanders want a safer NZ (code for you know what)

While living in NZ I witnessed two campaigns for Prime Minister, 2005 and 2008, although more low key than the US, the drama was high in 2005 because Don Brash's campaign money came from the Exclusive Brethren, a right-wing Christian organization, and personal consultations on how to campaign from George Bush's advisers. When these things were discovered, they were denied (and later proven true) National lost in 2005.

Although I found it understandable that while I lived in New Zealand people were quite rabid haters of George Bush, (as in: "...there's enough of you bloody amerians here already!") it is perplexing now why they have virtually elected him to run their country.

And for the animals

2008-11-06T07:51:00.003+13:00

My heart cannot take so much goodness!

Just as important as who we voted for President, California was also voting for the humane treatment of animals.

California said no to the torture of animals raised for food. Proposition 2 passed by more than 62% of the people (and we know that 62% are not vegetarians!). Could it possibly be a new compassionate age? Proposition 2 will put an end to the inhumane confinement of animals on factory farms. And so we unite in the belief that all animals deserve humane treatment, even those of us who are raised for food. Hooray!

The New President-Elect Obama

2008-11-06T03:03:00.008+13:00

When I left NZ a few weeks ago, people on both sides of the sea wondered about my return to one of "America's worst of times..."
....but it looks like I've come back to America's best.

Perhaps the next time I travel abroad non-Americans will be more generous in their judgment of and hatred towards the American people.
It looks very optimistic indeed.

People are saying they knew Obama would win and at the same time they are saying they can't believe it.

It's going to be very interesting. We owe a huge debt to those who were killed in this country by Americans just because of the colour of their skin. It feels hopeful.

Back in the USA

2008-10-26T09:54:00.003+13:00

Back in New York

Only a week and already, I'm in the New York groove, walking on the wrong side of the sidewalk saying 'excuse me excuse me' wherever I go. I forgot how many people can be crammed into a subway car, how many people can line up at an ATM, and the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables from upstate New York at the Union Square Farmer's Market took my breath away -- heads of green and red lettuce $1.25 and apples $1 to $2 a pound. I bought 8 organic plums for $1.50 and an organic loaf of grain bread with no sugar or dairy for $3.75!

Although I don't have a view of the sea, the amazing diversity of the people here is a view I have missed. The first thing I noticed when I got off the plane at JFK was black people!!! I only knew one American black person in Wellington. Now I'm an Obama volunteer and will help with the campaign to be sure we have a president and vice president who will not turn back the rights of women that were fought for so hard by so many before, or turn their back on ALL the people.

It's good to be back and see everything new again.

There has been little time to blog, since I don't have a home or internet service, but the cafe I'm in at this moment, roots & Vines on Grand Street, offers the service free along with delicious coffee and only $2.00!

Your Dream Home

2008-10-03T11:00:00.007+13:00

For a million dollars, or two, you can live here

and share your beach with SUV's (when the tide is out)

photos shot from a look out point, Wellingtons Beach, Whangarei

According to recent news items in the press, there is crises in New Zealand. Its coastal shores are in danger because of erosion from the usual suspects: over development runoffs from timber, building, sheep, cows, and the weather and god's will according to some religious groups. But one thing the NZ Government will not do is ban cars from the beach because it's a Kiwi tradition. But they are asking people to not be assholes when using the beach. Tell that to the birds who are loosing their habitat.
And
(what you can't see is what I could: I was close enough to houses on my left to see into their kitchens and bedrooms....)

Wild Green Yonder - Great Book on Woofing

2008-09-21T13:50:00.004+12:00

"The Wild Green Yonder: Ten seasons volunteering on New Zealand's organic farms," by Philippa Jamieson. New Holland Publishers (NZ) Ltd., 2007 (www.newhollandpublishers.co.nz)

The Wild Green Yonder is a personal story and an introduction to organic farming in New Zealand from a Woofer's point of view. A woofer is someone who lives on a farm and in exchange for four to five hours of work a day, receives room and board while learning about organic farming. It's also a way some foreigners choose to travel through New Zealand.

Traveling from her home base in Dunedin in the South Island, Philippa Jamieson, a vegetarian who was already familiar with an organic lifestyle and the importance of sustainable farming for the future of New Zealand and planet earth, wrote this book while traveling all over the country.

I enjoyed the book and as a vegetarian myself I was curious how others see their lives in relation to this choice. (Most consume dairy as part of their diet, but the pros and cons of how some farmers use animals is not part of this essay.) This book is well written and lively. As a non-New Zealander though I had to look up some flora and fauna definitions to understand what I was reading about. Gorse is a universal weed and I learned that left to it's own, gorse actually protects native bush. It's the human interferences with weeds that have created the (global) mess it is today.

I also learned that organic is never pure, not anywhere. Just like buying pollution points to continue to pollute, you can get a way with some non-organic practices according to organic regulations. It's disturbing that we are already over the brink and nothing is 100% organic today. If you are looking for an adventure, woofing is a way to discover New Zealand and meet-- according to Philippa -- wonderful people who also cook delicious meals -- and also serve lots of wine. For some reason, Philippa stayed with people who seemed to drink a lot.

The book makes the reader very conscious of where our food comes from. For instance, one farmer uses seaweed for fertilizer, which he buys from Canada. It is impossible to fathom why seaweed has to be imported to a country surrounded by the sea.

Maori had to be the first farmers in New Zealand but they are not mentioned in the book. Either they don't own any organic farms or Philippa did not visit them. The majority of owners seem to be German. There is a large population of Germans in New Zealand as residents and tourists both. (I'm writing this from a tiny sea-town in the North Island called Ngunguru; the local motel down the road has a sign out front: "Die Speiche Deutsche.")

There are plenty of stories about the people the food and traveling that keep this book an enjoyable read. It's also a great guide to woofing and the farms that are listed who are registered as woofer friendly. It may, like for me, make woofing look very attractive; but be warned, it could bring on changes to your sexuality, like it did for Phillipa -- but you'll have to read the book to find out the details about that.

First We Kill The Critics

2008-09-20T11:17:00.002+12:00

In these uncertain economic times everyone's asking:

What will happen to art?

If it means the death of critics,
then at least some good will come of it.

Palin is like a New Car - Lipstick on a Lemon is still a Lemon

2008-09-11T12:46:00.004+12:00

A Riff on Sara Palin
Lipstick on a Lemon is still a Lemon

As told to me by an anonymous man:

Sara Palin is like a new car.
You see her in the lot and she looks really good.
Paint job is real shiney and she smells good too.
Turn the key and she revs up, blasting a nice sound.
She idles like a purring cat.
You take her for a test run, she seems okay.
Is she affordable?
Are there any hidden costs? What comes with her price and what is optional?
And, what if you need to go on a long trip, is she ready?
Could she be a lemon?
Could she be recalled?
When the warranty is up, are you stuck with her?
Will you be able to get rid of her? Or will you be stuck with her in your garage, driveway, eating away at your checkbook with every breakdown?

Maybe now is the time you need to look under the hood a little longer, check all her connections, make sure her lines going in and out are clean.
Lipstick on a lemon is still a lemon.

As told to me on the phone: sept 10 2008 8 pm est

Ngunguru, Northland, New Zealand

2008-09-02T10:28:00.003+12:00

1 September 2008
New Moon
New beginnings

My final days in New Zealand will be spent in a home on a hill in Ngunguru with a black cat named Zakara while its owner, Lilicherie works in Wellington. Ngunguru is in the Northland, 40 minutes from the next town, Whangarei. I'm getting settled with supplies and hope and sadness. This view from my window looks out at the river and a sand spit; to the left it joins the sea. There are glorious walks here, -- when the tide is out -- along the sandy beach, cutting jagged cliffs to one side, the sea to the other. Many rocks from small to large, with jagged edges are covered with oysters. The beautiful sounds of Tui's and the shrill sounds of the oyster catchers accompany you wherever you go. In this photo the tide is in. A beautiful place to live before returning to New York.

Death Threats

2008-08-26T10:17:00.004+12:00

When I exhibited the video art work, "Milk*" at the Detroit Institute of Arts, in 1978, I received death threats. John Neff, the Director of the DIA at the time said that although there was no way to know if those threats were real, it was his job to inform me that the DIA had received them.

I am proud of the work and it still stands up today as a funny commentary on social behavior. I'm also sort of proud that the work moved people to such extremes. It happened again with my play, WINTER. There were two reviews that didn't review the play, they reviewed me, and it's this anti-american sentiment that is driving me away from wanting to continue to work here.

Critics benefit from tearing apart the lives of others. Critics are killers of a what they have not experienced or are not open to experiencing. Those people who support them enjoy a vicarious pleasure in seeing others put down. Negativity, superiority, what's it good for? The same people who are critical of their own country (USA) of being bully's, are bullys themselves as critics. There is a big difference between the artist and the critic. I would have considered a negative review as a possible professional attempt to comment on the play, if it in fact had reviewed the play, which it seems to me should mention something about what a play involves like, the actors, the director, the set design, the lighting, the sound, .... even audience response....

Would a truthful artist spend his/her time tearing apart the work of others? Do mothers send their children to war?

* (Milk went on to receive many awards and is the first video art work from the 70's of a mother expressing her breast milk in a glass and drinking it while discussing breast feeding in public.)

Farwell Party

2008-08-26T09:57:00.003+12:00

Saying goodbye at my party to some women who made a difference in my life in Wellington, NZ: (Me), Vlad, Rose and Kazz Funky Blue

Eclipse: a poem & a goodbye to Wellington

2008-08-23T11:56:00.003+12:00

Eclipse

when the dark side of the moon
becomes two
they huddle together
and walk toward silence

Once again I am leaving Wellington. This will be the fourth time. Each time I left, I thought I would stay away. But in New York I heard the sea calling me, calling me back. And a man. I thought I would give it another go with the man, and again, and again. But it's not meant to be.

In a few days I go to Ngunguru, to live on the sea once more, Ngunguru is a small seaside town east of Whangarei, a few hours north of Auckland. It will be warmer there. The town has a dairy, a cafe and a real estate office. I'm taking my sketch book, pens and pencils and my new guitar. I gave my Drunk Monologues' guitar to Vlad and then Alfred showed up with a guitar for me. That night -- around 5 a.m. - Leonard called from Detroit.

I was half awake but had to laugh at the synchroncity of the call. The last time I asked the universe for a sign to return to music was in 2005. At the moment I said, okay, if I'm supposed to be making music, send me a sign. The Phone rang and it was Leonard. We had not spoken to each other in 25 years. LPJ was (is) the drummer in The Dangerous Diane Band. We put the band back together and did a kick ass reunion in Detroit.

Leonard Paul Johnson

This second coincidence of Leonard calling me on the night I was given a guitar is too Arthur Koestler to ignore, and so I will play some music in Ngunguru. -- It may be the blues this time.

Photos by Jay Yager, The Dangerous Diane Band Reunion Gig, Detroit 2005

KAZZ FUNKY BLUE

2008-08-19T21:26:00.004+12:00

The original oil painting in WINTER is by Kazz Funky Blue. Here's a better photo of it to satisfy those of you who said they wanted to see it up close.

TORN WINTER: A story w/pic Ch Two

2008-08-13T10:17:00.007+12:00

Torn Winter
Chapter Two: opening tease:
"I was at the theatre, but I can't say exactly what happened. The police have put a zipper on it. I don't think Blandhurst deserved to die...."

Note to my blog readers: I have had to remove my entries for "Torn Winter" due to bizarre events (which will be written in chapter 3) and a bidding war for this story. Eventually there will be a book under a pseudonym. It seems that my story about a writer killing critics is hot. But, let's remember critics are people too, somewhere bellow serial killer but above pedophile. We can only hope that someday their brain will go through a high powered car wash and re-adjust the importance of their left brain. In the meantime, send me an email if you want to read future chapters......

I went for a walk to calm my senses. Came across this idyllic scene, until you look closer in the lower right hand corner. It tears you apart but it's the real world.

...to be continued....

Review in Salient

2008-08-12T22:25:00.004+12:00

Jackson Coe in Salient says WINTER is ....

"....an invocation of absurdist influences such as Beckett and Ionesco....." AND,

"Winter is like an absurdist comedy, teetering between reality and a world of dreams and fantasies. If anything, it’s encouraging to know that I’m not the only one who finds the difference between the two foggy at times."

check out entire review at http://www.salient.org.nz/arts/theatre/winter

WINTER the final show

2008-08-11T16:08:00.010+12:00

Photo by Tommaso Barsali

Melissa Billington & Nigel Edgecombe.

Winter closed at BATS Theatre on 9th August. Directed by Sally Richards, it enjoyed a very powerful run with audience members praising the production as one of the most poetic dramas ever. Despite some critics who just didn't get it, and failed to mention it's humour and dark story, -- (as well as the original music, set design, direction, lighting and other elements that are relevant to a live theatre work) -- the BATS audience loved it. Winter was about being the other in a foreign land; how we see others different from ourselves. It asks the universal question, 'how can we expect our world leaders to represent us in peace if we can't find peace in our own homes, in our own hearts?'

In addition to the work of the actors and director, I am grateful to the contributions and work of others who made WINTER a success, including: David Phillips as the lighting designer and operator, Kazz Funky Blue and Anjelica Singer as Co-Stage Managers and Tommaso Barsali as photographer and set helper. They gave their time and input into this production, making the story come to the audience, completing the circle of the first words of the play written in the winter of 2005: "...How was your walk?"

For the record, (since this seemed to be a contention with one critic), the first draft was written in 2005 but many drafts and workshops followed over three years. In 2005 I wrote the first words during the winter while living in Pukerua Bay, on the Kapiti Coast, with my partner. What is fictional and what is autobiographical is deliberately blurred; it's not anyone's business, and more important not relevant to the play, in particular not to critics who speculate about my life which they know nothing about.

Most critics depend on the creativity of artists to write their opinions because they don't have the guts to make art themselves or they make bad art. The late Robert Pincus Witten and (the very much alive) Lucy Lippard are two New York critics I have known personally who in their writing knew how to look at artists' work; they knew that the important thing is to report on what they actually saw, not on what they wish they saw.

Patti Smith Dream of Life REVIEW

2008-08-07T12:07:00.006+12:00

RenCen, Downtown Detroit, shot from Canada

"Dream of Life," 2008, a documentary film about Patti Smith by Steven Sebring

"A" took me to see the Patti Smith documentary, "Dream of Life," at the Paramount in Wellington.

The film was shot over an eleven-year period, following Smith from New York to Detroit and around the world.

These are the things I now know about Patti Smith that I didn't know before:

She is a slob
She's still a friend with Sam Shepherd, her lover from the 70's
She eats hamburgers
She looks great at 60 (in 2006)
She wears Prado shoes (purchased at a Duty Free Shop in an Australian airport before entering New Zealand.)

She and Sam Shepard have tattoos from a wild night in New York in the 70's... we saw his tattoo on his hand, but when Patti pulled up her pant leg, the camera did not get a shot of it. (Sam Shepard never succumbed to Hollywood pressure to have perfect teeth.)
She still spits when she performs (At the Allen Ginsberg memorial there was a nasty piece that hung on her lip for a long time. It was like watching a car wreck.)

She adores her children
She's still political, despite eating meat
She loves her mum and dad
Lenny Kaye adores her (Actually I already knew this because I adore Lenny Kaye)
She eats meat (oh I said that.)
She can pee in a bottle on a small plane, while sitting next to the pilot who didn't have a clue -- (although the pilot from that time was not questioned about this.)
She didn't do drugs. (Well maybe she did but the word 'drug' was not in the film -- not even once, which has to be a first in a film about a punk rocker.)
She doesn't do drugs (Although she never said so, but hey, I wanted to know.)

Most of the performance footage in the film was from a concert where she wore a ragged drenched-in-sweat t-shirt. It's riveting. A few years ago I saw Patti Smith perform in Hoboken, New Jersey at a street fare. My daughter and I watched her from the side of the stage where we dodged her flying spits. (Warning, she spits to the left, stage right.) She wore her 'uniform:' white blouse, dark jacket, rolled up pants and heavy boots. There's something beautiful about Smith's choice to deny the male gaze to consume her body parts tightly wrapped by designer names. Her whole body and soul is her music and her poetry; and although the film is fantastic, it's nothing compared to listening to a cranked up CD, or even better, seeing her live.

"Dream of Life" is also the name of an album Smith produced with her husband, Fred Sonic Smith (guitarist from MC5) in Detroit in 1988. It's not my favorite -- Lenny Kaye is not on it, not that he holds a grudge. I met Lenny Kaye at the Knitting Factory in the 80's (when it was on Houston St.) where we shared the stage for an anti-war poetry reading. Lenny read his own poetry and I told him that on that very day I had cleaned the apartment while listening to him play on the album HORSES. He said he missed Patti since she moved to Detroit but that she was still the greatest living American poet ever. And then he bought my chapbook, "Vulva Poems." I tried to give it to him but he insisted on paying me the $2.00, which I used to buy a beer. Later I walked down Houston with Kate Millett, who was also a powerful reader that night.

A different review of this film can be seen at New Zealand's number one on-line publicaiton about theatre and the arts: www.lumierereader.co.nz. Although I gotta laugh at their title: "Poet Princess: Patti Smith" Princess? For the godmother of punk? The godfather of punk of course is Iggy Pop who is from Detroit, and Smith left New York in the 80's to live in Detroit for 16 years. Detroit has spitted out some great talent from Motown to punk and it is still going.
RenCen, Detroit, Michigan

as seen from Windsor, Ontario, my birthplace

Torn WINTER: A story with pictures Chapter One

2008-08-05T15:18:00.012+12:00

Torn Winter
Chapter One

I spotted the poster as I walked on Lambton Quay near the railroad station. I ran across the street and looked at it up close. Another WINTER poster torn, hanging for dear life while other posters hung strong on the Kiosk, glad that it wasn't them. I examined the tear, it was fresh. A young man on a skateboard skidded at my heels. He pulled his headphones from his ears but I could still hear the familiar sounds of The Phoenix Foundation crackling in the earpieces.

I saw who did it, he said.
Did you get a good look at him?
Yeah, he was bald, old, fat. But so is my Dad and my Dad didn't do it.

He skated off, turned, and looked over his shoulder at me, without slowing down his rhythm. There was something about his look, something familiar. He caught my eye, turned on a dime, flipped the board, and skated back to me. "Oh, one more thing," he hesitated but then quickly said, "I don't know if it's helpful because I hear it all the time from my Dad's mates."

What is it I asked, trying not to look too hopeful.
He mumbled something under his breath when he ripped it.
Could you hear what it was?
Yeah.
What did he say?
He said, Bloody American cunt*.

It felt like someone punched me. The young man smiled with his lips pressed tightly together. He jumped on his board, said cheers and skated away towards the harbour. I I took a picture of the poster on the kiosk and walked to Newtown. When I got to the shops I felt a coffee jones coming on and stopped at the People's Cafe, even though I couldn't afford the $3 for a flat white. I sat outside next to a table with six cab drivers from Africa and listened to them talk about home. I studied the photo in my camera. I took out my journal and wrote, 'Bloody American Cu*t. Next to it I wrote three words: Old. Bald. Fat. Was there a connection? The young man said his Dad was old, fat and bald, but he didn't do it. Was that the clue? If it wasn't his Dad, could it be someone else's father? A priest? Or a monk? Was there a religious connection? Or was he an ordinary man.
...to be continued....

*Note: I did not say cu*t. My character says it because a NZ writer recently said this word is now cool, that everyone said it, that it's so yesterday to be offended by it. So I thought I would put the word in a Kiwi mouth. I have never used the word in my writing before. I still think it's offensive, and so does the narrator, (which is why I, the writer, and the narrator both say cu*t; but the character says 'cunt.')

Winter with Kazz Funky Blue painting

2008-08-05T09:23:00.006+12:00

Painting on the right: The original oil painting in the play, WINTER, was generously donated by Kazz Funky Blue, a Newtown artist. It is a tradition in New York to see original works of art in tv shows and films by NY artists. I am very pleased Kazz said yes so we could display this very sensual work of a woman playing a cello. Not just a 'hang on the wall work,' it appears in scene 2 when Crystal's 'stuff' from the U.S. arrives. It's sensual message adds another level to this play with it's underlying sexual theme.

Radio plays "Nothing Changes" Detroit jam version recorded with The Ghost Band in Detroit in the summer of 2006 in LPJ's basement in Royal Oak -- same city Patti Smith and Fred Smith lived in for 16 years until Fred died and Patti moved back to New York with her two children and picked up her career where she left it when she had met Fred and moved to Detroit. Royal Oak is a suburb of Detroit. Great place because Mary and Leonard are there.

PRAISE FOR WINTER

2008-08-05T08:45:00.005+12:00

Unsolicited texts, emails, and phone calls are coming in after three shows. It is wonderful to have people enjoy WINTER. I will be posting messages from those who have been generous in taking the time to send their thoughts:

"I loved your play. I laughed lots. good messages and really entertaining. Yay 4 u! k8"

"Our American Women's Network had a great evening out. There were 12 of us who attended Opening Night. We really enjoyed the play and seeing the American/Kiwi cultural issues alive on stage. Cheers, J."

"Great piece of writing. M."

"I was so inspired I went home and worked on my own writing. D"

Getting ready for the Olympics

2008-08-04T21:38:00.003+12:00

Some of the Chinese community in Wellington, New Zealand had this to say about Helen Clark, the Prime Miniter of New Zealand signing a trade treaty with China.

The sign: STOP HARVESTING ORGANS.

This theatrical event took place on the back of a flat top truck driving up Willis Street mid day. This bloody scene was acted over and over.

WINTER & Condoleeza Rice

2008-08-04T21:06:00.012+12:00

Nigel Edgecombe as Horse
Melissa Billington as Crystal

Condoleeza Rice flew into New Zealand on the 31 July, same day as the premiere of my play, "WINTER". Although I didn't spot her in the theatre, there were twelve women from the American Women in New Zealand Network in the audience waving American Flags. (Who sent an email saying how much fun they had and how fabulous the play was!!) -- Good on ya American Women -- . Perhaps they were hiding Condee because Auckland University's Student Association offered a $5,000 reward for the citizen's arrest of the U.S. Secretary of State. Pressured by the police, the Association withdrew their offer; however on hearing about the withdrawal, Victoria University's Student Association, in Wellington, offered a $10,000 reward.

Within days of the first performance two reviews of WINTER were published, both of which failed to mention how much the audience laughed. I thought perhaps the two middle aged Pakeha (white people for you non-Kiwi readers) men had no sense of humour, but I was wrong. Check out this statement by AUSA President David Do, who issued this statement to the media why the reward was offered for the citizen arrest for Rice:

"It's hard enough living as a student in Auckland these days without having a war criminal coming to town, so we thought we'd give our students a chance to make a dent in their student loans and work for global justice at the same time."

To read more about this event see the Victoria University student magazine salient, at www.salient.org.nz.

THE SPY BILL & WHY AMERICANS MOVE TO NZ

2008-07-13T09:08:00.004+12:00

I swore I would not write about politics, but I can't resist this one.
THE WIRETAPPING BILL was passed by Congress: 69 to 28. (97 out of 100 Senators!)
More individual rights have been stripped from American citizens.

Senator Obama said he was against it. VOTED FOR IT.
Senator Hillary Clinton said she was against it. VOTED AGAINST IT.
Senator McCain said he was for it. DID NOT SHOW UP TO VOTE.

This vote is indicative of who these people are, and have been from the very beginning. At the end of the day, it's not even that it's one issue. Every thing we do, every move we make, every word we speak indicates who we are.

I'm quite isolated watching U.S. politics from half way around the world because for the most part Kiwis just don't like Americans and American politics. (However, their own National Party, Brash and Key are allied with Bush, and they are in the lead for this year's election.)

Living in New Zealand I feel obligated to read about US politics. There are many websites including: nyt, bbc, guardian, and numerous 'alt' websites. The local papers here publish stories about the U.S. every day, mostly about celebrities. But how reliable they are on world events, I'm not sure, in 2006 they said -- after Katrina destroyed New Orleans -- that sharks from the ocean were swimming down Bourbon Street.

The passing of the wiretapping bill is shocking. The two year debate around it was based on fear. It includes immunity for those who cooperated with the government in illegal wire taping after 9/11. These would be AT&T, Verizon and anyone else the White House asked to conduct illegal spying.

My friend Olivia has a friend who just returned to New York after a trip to New Zealand and she says that if the Republicans win, she's moving to NZ. I got news for Olivia's friend, when you visit here they love you, when you move here it's a little different, like the one Kiwi who said to me, "You're not moving here are you? There are enough of you bloody Americans here already."
Why do Americans move to NZ?
P.S. To Olivia's friend, you can't move here if you are over the age of 54. They don't want oldies retiring here -- unless you invest 5 million -- then age is not a factor. Sigh.

Bonny Finberg

2008-07-04T10:34:00.010+12:00

"How the Discovery of Sugar Produced the Romantic Era" by Bonny Finberg. Published by Sisyphus Press, NY, NY 2007

Finberg's twelve short stories told from the male point of view are a wonderful romp into the land of men. But who are these men? Do we know them? Friends? Lovers? Strangers? Family?

In the introduction Finberg says she wrote these stories from the male point of view as a distraction from the writing of her novel and she discovered, that "…man or woman, we all share the same loneliness, foolish hope and disappointment, and are essentially the same at our core."

"...essentially the same at our core" is a debatable topic, but what is clear is Finberg's talent in creating stories like an artist painting a canvas. She knows just how much to add to what we already know about the human (male) condition and she knows when to end it. As I finished each story, I found myself lingering over what I had read, the images, the person -- wondering if he was okay, or equally wondering if he knew what an idiot he was.

Her observations of ordinary acts are brilliant. Here's a ditty I love in "Basho on the Road:"
"He picks up a Dunkin' Donuts bag next to the clutch and pulls out white gym socks."

Ordinary guys, doing ordinary things offered to us, the reader, by an extraordinary talent.

As I read these stories, all but one in the third person, I found myself wondering how can a third person tale be gender specific? For instance, who else but Dashell Hammett could write from a male point of view, but is it male POV -- in third person when the writer is a woman? In each story Finberg got inside the men she was writing about. It was like she sat down in a café with these men and they opened their hearts and fears to her. And like the best ghost writer she was able to articulate what they thought they could not.

From "Memory":
"He would stand in the courtyard at dusk and play the violin. People threw down change in brown paper bags. This was before he understood that these were not ordinary things."

Brilliant. Humourous. Touching. Surprising. And the best for last: unexpected endings that will touch your heart and sometimes smack you up.

More from Finberg's introduction:
"I wanted to write from the male point of view in order to create a greater sense of distance from my characters. At first I discovered that saying “he” instead of “she” was all it took. Most of them sprang from my head like little Athenas while others were based on fleeting observations of strangers—in the street, at a cafe, parked behind the wheel of a mini-trailer. Sometimes I added elements from people I knew, and one or two were based on women that I turned into men."

2008-04-24T09:04:00.007+12:00

My play WINTER about living on the Kapiti Coast and being seduced by the sea will premiere at BATS Theatre July 31, featuring Melissa Billington and Nigel Edgecombe. Director: Sally Richards.

As I post this I just felt an earthquake. A good sign -- I think.

Melissa Billington & Kapiti Island, Pukerua Bay, NZ

What I do

2008-04-23T10:22:00.010+12:00

Photo: Guler Ugur, Summer New York 2007

Hello to anyone who reads my blog.

In the interest of how little time is left in this present reincarnation, I will continue to document my work and stuff as it occurs here there and everywhere in photos and writing.

Coming up on my two year blog anniversary, (May, 2006), I can see how not much has changed with my approach of photos and musings about where I'm at at the moment.

I am always interested in showing other artists' work as well, with links and photos of your work, or a poem. (Still working on linking stuff to the website.) Those who are in the archives: Petruska, Beens, Dombrowski, Sumaya, Cordula, Guler Ugur, and many more.

This pic of me by Guler is what my flatmate Helen says is a "pretty good pukana" but it was in fact taken last year in New York. I wasn't trying to do a pukana. It was the hottest day of the summer and we were dripping in sweat. The haka, a traditional Maori dance is one of the things that gives me goose bumps in NZ.

SPITZER - Politics the best drama

2008-04-13T08:37:00.002+12:00

Governor of New York Resigns.

Can you believe it? A man caught in a sex scandal? While Governor Eliot Spitzer was representing millions of New Yorkers and working towards cleaning up the state by getting rid of those pesty prostitutes as if he was Mad Max he was doing private research. With his wife by his side, Spitzer said he was sorry and resigned. Mrs. Spitzer looked medicated and tired standing by her man. It was a sober thought about men.

Picture this: Hillary Clinton caught with a 23 year old prostitute who wants to be a singer.

Chaplinopera - a review

2008-04-04T08:31:00.004+13:00

In college we used to watch movies with the sound off and the stereo full blast. It was hilarious. Does it work when the music is live by The New Zealand Stroma Ensemble to the Charlie Chaplin movies projected over the musicians' heads? Created by British composer Benedict Mason it was different because I couldn't lie on the floor, I wasn't high and I couldn't believe that everyone in the room paid $85 tickets to be there. Check out full review in The Lumiere Reader: http://lumiere.net.nz/reader/arts.php/item/1594

30 Horses Killed by SPCA New Zealand

2008-04-03T22:52:00.001+13:00

30 horses were killed today by the SPCA at a New Zealand farm because the horses were so neglected they could not be saved, including a colt who saw its mother killed and then was killed later. The man responsible, who owned the horses, is not being charged with any crime. A world where people abuse those who have no voice, is not a world I want to live in.

The Book of Longing and Philip Glass

2008-03-20T08:34:00.004+13:00

"A" took me to see the Philip Glass opera "The Book of Longing" (Leonard Cohen) at the Fowler Centre (as part of the NZ International Arts Festival). It was great fun, prior to which Glass made a free appearance at the Town Hall. The place was bulging with people in the aisles, hanging from the walls. Glass entered the small stage looking like a frumpy old man in his rumpled casual attire (but very handsome in black during the show). I took this photo of him from the third row. He sat very still but every time I tried to shoot him, he moved. The New Zealanders wanted him to talk but he said, ask me questions. And so they did.

He talked mostly about working with Leonard Cohen over many years because Cohen was up at Baldy Mountain meditating and he had to wait till he came down, which he did after five years, (because of a woman).

He said English is the hardest language to sing -- too many words end in consonants. He consulted singers David Byrne, Laurie Anderson, Paul Simon and Susan Vega to learn how to use the voice with Cohen's poetry in his opera, which he entitled, "The Book of Longing" The same title of a book of drawings, poems and this and that by the Canadian poet/singer. Glass also said he was really grateful when he asked Cohen about his contribution to the opera and Cohen said, me words, you music.

After the show, I wondered why Glass used professional opera singers when in fact a little of Susan Vega would have been closer to Cohen and maybe give the show a bit of a kick. I said to "A" Patti Smith or Deborah Harry would have been a nice addition to the show. "A" gave it careful thought and then said, "They would have been too expensive." Yeah, I guess so, but everyone wants to go to New Zealand, the other alternative is using people here. There is a strong music scene here.

Motown is everywhere I go

2008-03-20T08:31:00.003+13:00

The Four Tops. New World Suupermarket, Willis Street, Wellington.

USA oranges in New Zealand

2008-03-20T08:25:00.005+13:00

New World Supermarket, downtown Wellington
From the "i don't get it" file

USA oranges are $3.99/kg, which is less than New Zealand oranges at $4.99/kg.
1 kg = 2.2 pounds.

How does that carbon footprint calculation go again? Some writers from America refused to come here for "Readers and Writers" week, claiming the best thing anyone can do for the planet is not fly. That may be true but it doesn't apply to New Zealanders. The Kiwis have to fly.

So which America, eh?
Sometimes the sign says "USA...oranges" Sometimes it says, "American..."
Why does everyone assume "American" always means USA. It doesn't!! More on this 'americanismizin in new zealand' in a new essay.....April 1 2008.

The Songs of Kurt Weill - a review

2008-03-18T08:52:00.003+13:00

New Zealand International Arts Festival.
The ensemble of New Zealand musicians opened with "Mack the Knife." I hate this song, never understood the attraction of singing about a man who slices up people. But then I never heard the song sung in German before by a beautiful woman wearing boots reminiscent of the SS.
Read the full review in Lumiere: http://lumiere.net.nz/reader/arts.php/item/1584

Ruthie Bird & The King of Hearts - Review

2008-03-08T20:19:00.005+13:00

Ruthie Bird and the King of Hearts
Written and directed by Ellie Smith
Fringe 2008, BATS Theatre, 29 February - 8th March 2008
photo: courtesy Ellie Smith

"Ruthie Bird and the King of Hearts," may be Ellie Smith's first play but it is a very mature work. Smith, a well-known New Zealand actor and singer brings her theatrical experience to her writing and directing. "Ruthie Bird" is about Ruthie and her son, the King of Hearts who are homeless and living their lives on the street. Two other characters, Ginna, the photographer and Rostyn Kemp, a drugged out sweet talking weirdo weave in and out of their lives.

Read the full review published in The New Zealand Performing Arts and Directory: http://www.theatreview.org.nz/reviews/review.php?id=1307

Zarathustra Said - a Review

2008-03-08T20:05:00.006+13:00

Alan Brunton's Death Song
"Zarathustra Said," by Alan Brunton, Directed by Lilicherie McGregor, at Happy, Wellington Fringe Festival, 2008
photo: courtesy Lilicherie McGregor

"Zarathustra Said" began in the dark, the space softly illuminated by candles around small rocks near pillars. Sounds of live music filled the space as three musicians in white suits entered playing their instruments: a clarinet, a horn, and a plastic toy horn. They marched and strutted, followed by three characters: a nymph in white rags who climbed the bar, her face, arms and legs dusted by white clay; next the Master of Ceremonies in a tux and white face with painted red cheeks and bow lips who greeted the audience with a stance as if she could swallow us whole; the Butcher menacing and proud; and walking on her hands a sexy blonde wearing a very short dress. This was just the beginning of "Zarathustra Said."
To read more see full review at New Zealand's Performing Arts & Directory, Theatre Review:
http://www.theatreview.org.nz/reviews/review.php?id=1274

Tama Tu Tama Ora Review

2008-03-08T07:24:00.004+13:00

Photo: publicity shot for the Festival (very old photo)
Maori Music from New Zealand International Arts Festival, Feb., 2008
Tama Tu Tama Ora performed popular Maori songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s to an enthusiastic audience, many who were familiar with the songs. In between songs, an MC read from a clipboard facts and dates about Maori history, repeating that the songs are an expression of Maori anger, pride, protest, grief, optimism and hope. I don’t know about the anger part; the musicians looked like they were having far too much fun.
To read more see my review published in The Lumiere Reader: http://lumiere.net.nz/reader/arts.php/item/1540

Newtown Festival and Motown

2008-03-03T21:29:00.001+13:00

We were walking down the street when we heard the beat
Man, I can't go anywhere without hearing Motown. The Four Tops' Sugar Pie Honey Bunch was coming in loud and clear and I looked up at the stage and there was a man with a guitar singing my hometown blues, but he was white. Next to him two female singers, backed by the usual rock and roll instruments. They call themselves HEATWAVE, the name of which of course comes from a song by Martha and the Vandellas, a Motown group! They were good so V and I stuck around. The blonde singer introduced the next song by Aretha Franklin, "Think." Aretha was not with Motown but she was from Detroit! I was getting whoozy.

By this point I was so homesick, I just wanted to sit down on the curb and cry. The funny thing is I haven't lived in Detroit since 1981, but here in New Zealand any Detroit reference makes me homesick like crazy.

That's the thing with good music, if you grew up with it, you were lucky because it lives forever. The blonde, who looked to be in her 20's belted out the Motown sound as if she was Cris Clark, the only white chick signed with Motown. She had the hit, "Love's Gone Bad" in the 60's. She was also Barry Gordy's girlfriend; tall blonde, beautiful and she had soul. I guess the Motown sound will never die, people keep performing and recording the songs over and over. I do a mean Love's Gone Bad myself.

American Woman at Newtown Festival

2008-03-03T21:26:00.002+13:00

American Woman in the Newtown Festival.
Moving on, leaving those memories behind we came across a large crowd surrounding a woman alone on top of a soap box, Bruce Springsteen came out of very bad speakers and she was threatening to tear up the Wellington phone book, dressed in red white and blue stripes. First she reminded us that she was from the u s of a, and this was how she made a living and please please please put a ten or a five in the hat.

Big Wall Big Hit

2008-03-03T21:20:00.002+13:00

As part of the International Arts Festival, this wall at the side of the Te Papa Museum was a big hit. Total strangers interacted with each other's shadows, dancing and chasing and in one case, someone reaching down for my camera.

The Beckoning of Hope

2008-02-24T22:51:00.001+13:00

Marjorie McKee
The Beckoning of Hope by Michael Burton adapted by Marjorie McKee for solo actor, from Michael Burton's "It's not permitted to Hope"

A play in four movements. A solo performance with live accompaniment on cello by Sebastian Morgan-Lynch, directed by Andrew McKenzie from an original concept by L'hibou Hornung.

Phew, so many names for a solo show. That is theatre. A solo show is never a solo show. Marjorie McKee embodied two characters: Nadezhda Mandelshtam, widow of the Russian poet Osip Mandelshtam and Becky, a "Western" woman; "a stupid Western Woman," as Nadezhad refers to her in a voice over, admonishing her attempts to write anything worth while since she will never be able to come of anything because she and her country has not suffered enough. But she has, for who can know how much any one person suffers, it is not for others to judge. Toward the end Becky writes her poem on the floor in chalk white, a beautiful testament to her belief in herself, she is enough.

McKee played each character throughout the performance, individually and with strong conviction to living a full life and writing; both women struggle with memory, their writing, and the men, both real and some perhaps imagined. One director's choice of Nadeshda moving down stage placing her husband's poetry on the floor as she moved towards us, blessing it with water from a crystal bowl was very engaging. Marjorie McKee can probably play any role, her performance was simply flawless.

Jay Yager's reply to "Cat Jokes"

2008-02-24T22:23:00.006+13:00

Jay Yager behind the camera, Belle River, Ontario, 2006.

Jay Yager wrote to me after reading my blog on Cat Jokes. With his permission I'm posting his response because it has the word vulture in it.

From Jay:
I read your piece about cat jokes on your blog. While I agree that such jokes are abusive I do think that there's another big issue involved. I recently read Alan Weisman's book "The World Without Us" which elaborates on my longstanding view that human overpopulation is wrecking the planet. An important part of that condition is the parallel overpopulation of dogs and cats and in the case of the latter the serious reduction in population of birds. I certainly don't advocate cruelty to these household pets but neither do I subscribe to the large scale favoring of some species over others. A couple months ago when Leda and Mark were here a turkey vulture landed in our next door neighbors yard and was eying one of the wild cats that live in the woods around our place. Leda ran out and chased the vulture away, a seemingly humanitarian reaction. My view is that that was a pretty even match and I would let nature take its course. It's likely that the cat would have survived anyway but the point is that our human intervention at all levels in the environment (now including the dramatic change of the very atmosphere of the planet) is causing a huge imbalance in the worlds natural systems. Of course we are part of nature but our success and overabundance, if it continues unchecked, is likely to lead to our own extinction along with that of a large number of other species. This prospect troubles me more than any of the other (and there certainly are many) humanitarian disasters in the world. But enough of the heavy stuff.

Mr. Skid

Cat Jokes?

2008-02-12T09:24:00.001+13:00

I like to use this space to be supportive of other people and their work.

However, there are things I read about that I don't get. So I like to use this space to put them out there to see other opinions. Like dead animal jokes. I find them harmful and hurtful. I don't believe in censorship, and I realize I don't always get Kiwi humour (for example the Grammy for best comic album to Flight of the Conchords), but what is so funny about dead animals?

When I read Linley Boniface's essay in Wellington's Dominion Post 11 February, about returning from vacation, I did not laugh at her dead cat joke. She wrote about finding rancid dairy products in the refrigerator and lamented that her cat was still alive: "…(I) … discovered … the vicious and much loathed family cat that had again ignored our instructions to get run over while we were away."

Abandoning cats and dogs while going on vacation is too common in New Zealand. Many homes have cat doors and cats like to roam. A neighbor's cat often comes for a visit in our home and hangs out on the sofa, but the owner would never take off for two weeks abandoning their pet. It's against the law. Boniface may have made arrangements for her cat while she was away, but the intention in the essay is to say otherwise. Why? To be funny?

Why is it funny? What if you substitute another word for cat? Like child. Not funny? Where do you draw the line? While reading this essay I realized how common it is to see and hear dead animal jokes in the media. By laughing at these jokes we are adding to an acceptance of this type of humour which reinforces our already shameful neglect for those who can not speak for themselves. Many years ago I read a book that I will never forget: "The Dreaded Comparison," by Marjorie Spiegel, which shows how slavery was (and is) only possible because of our tolerance to oppress animals. Perhaps Ms. Boniface doesn't realize her own contribution to a long history of cruelty to animals and it's connection to slavery of people of color through mindless jokes.

If she truly has a "...much loathed and vicious cat..." perhaps she should look at her own environment and family. Pets often exhibit the personality of their owners. Maybe her cat needs to be rescued by the SPCA!

Chrysler sells to Men who want to be Pimps

2008-02-08T07:57:00.001+13:00

Pics of car dealership on Courtney Street
Ad reads: Confident Woman seeks muscular American with bad-boy attitude and a hint of bling....

At first I thought the message was directed to women. On a second look it's clear: Chrysler is selling to Kiwi men who want to be imitators of American rappers and gangsters? I know it's supposed to be hip to say bling but the name came from rappers and gangsters who wear gold and silver in a gaudy display on their teeth and body while eating at fast food restaurants with menus with pictures of food because they can't read. The real message? Confident woman seeks illiterate pimp who will treat me bad?

Waitangi Park

2008-02-08T07:44:00.000+13:00

Waitangi Park.
New mural of Bob Marley, the caption says "Don't Forget Your History. Know Your Destiny." Waitangi Day is the same day as Marley's birthday, and so the connection.

Walking by the park the day after Waitangi Day I saw this new mural. What's up with the spliff? Is this a pro drug promotion? In a public park? Sponsored by the government?

I heard a radiio interview with Kerry Pendergast, Mayor of Wellington, on Waitangi Day. She said she has no memories of pop music growing up because it wasn't allowed in her home; and she was too scared to listen to the Beatles, even at a friends, because it was forbidden. I can't imagine growing up without music, or living without it now. How can anyone escape it?

Not that she missed much. The Beatles were okay. They built their sound by imitating (stealing) the melodies and sounds of Motown (Detroit) until The Sargent Pepper's album, which was original; although they were completely stoned on acid, so it is said, when they recorded it. John Lennon on the other hand created beautiful songs on his own. Imagine is one. Although it was written with Yoko Ono, the record company refused to allow her name on the record. Nice of Yoko to agree to that. Of course she owns the song now! To her credit she has refused every major corporation's offer to pay for the song to sell stuff, until she said yes to Greenpeace.

The trouble with women is other women

2008-02-07T08:46:00.000+13:00

Now that Super Tuesday is over, it looks like McCain will be getting the Republican nomination. It's neck to neck for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and the Republicans are hoping for Clinton because Barack would be harder to beat.

Harder to beat the more qualified candidate? Harder to beat the less experienced?

Come November if Clinton is the Democrat candidate, then women will turn out in record numbers to vote against her. As Betty always says, 'the trouble with women is other women.'

Waitangi Day

2008-02-06T08:41:00.000+13:00

Native Fern, Stokes Valley, New Zealand

Waitangi Day February 6, 2008. National holiday since 1974 in New Zealand commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February, 1840 between the British Crown and some Maori Chiefs. On what the agreement actually says though is disputable. There are two versions, in two languages: one in English and one in Maori. According to various New Zealand government websites, the treaty gave Britain sovereignty of New Zealand while granting Maoris the same rights as the British citizens. Sounds good but the treaty was ignored by the courts until sometime in the 1970's. This fact explains a lot about social conditions here that remind me of the black and white problems because of racism in The States. The USA didn't sign the Civil Rights Act until 1964.

Do the Right Thing - Super Tuesday

2008-02-06T08:15:00.000+13:00

Gandhi. Wellington Train Station, New Zealand

I asked my mother who she voted for in the Florida Primary and she proudly said, Hillary. And Dad I asked? Hillary she said. But we don't tell anyone she added. Mom and Dad, 80 and 85 years of age respectively, live in Florida where they find themselves in a minority. Keeping your mouth shut Mom says saves a lot of arguments. Everyone they know, those they play tennis with, play cards with, chat over the back fence with, and share an occasional meal with are all Republicans. Mom says: "It's a status thing they are proud of. It's prestigious to them. They think they are better than anyone else and only vote in ways that affect their own pocket and don't care about anyone else."

Mom's analysis of Republicans sounds as good as any I've heard by political experts. Thinking about our conversation while being here in Wellington, New Zealand, on Super Tuesday (actually it's Wednesday morning here since we are 18 hours ahead of US time) I am proud of both my parents.

I remember eight years ago when many friends and political analysts said we had to vote for the Democrat who could win and not THROW away our vote. This irritated me and I had many discussions about this issue. (Because my vote was going to Nader). Friends were angry with me. But I believed I had to do the right thing since both the Republicans and Democrats were in the same corporate bed. We had to vote independent. Bush won two elections by bulldozing people down with terrorist rhetoric instilling fear into the hearts of the people. What if all the people including independents and democrats had done the right thing and voted independent? Isn't doing the right thing how we create change? We could have had a political revolution if people had voted for the right 'person' rather than throwing their vote away by voting against Bush.

This is not hindsight saying, "if only we knew...." No. Most people believed they were voting the right way and people like me were throwing the vote away. They are wrong of course. No matter the consequences, we must not believe others, we must not believe what polls say, we must not be persuaded by anyone else. We must always do the right thing. We have a conscious. It is our responsibility as citizens of the US to look at people's records and vote for the right person, who will represent ALL the people, not just 'our own pocket' as Mom says. Voting against someone is throwing the vote away. Not the other way around.

This voting against rather than for has now come to a new level we could never predict four years ago. A woman and a black man! I suspect that racism and sexism will be so strong come November, that no matter who gets the Democratic nomination, the people of the US will vote AGAINST women and blacks both. No one will have to steal the election this time. If we admire people who do the right thing, who make sacrifices for the good of others, can't we do the same? What is the alternative? There is talk of a recession. I remember the Detroit riots of 1967. I was there. So were Mom and Dad.

Money & Writers & Bush

2008-02-05T08:52:00.001+13:00

Bush, New Zealand

Writer's Strike.
Looks like a deal is in the making so the academy awards can go forward. What a relief. I really didn't know what I was going to do without the academy awards.

Give me the money! According to the BBC (February 5 2008), "The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation says the strike has cost the region's film and TV industry at least $650 million (£330 million) in lost wages, with the wider economy losing over $1 billion (£508 million)." I know journalists are part of the union, so how is stuff getting written and published in US papers every day? What is the loop hole here? Lawyers must be doing very well.

Pic: Hudson Street, Manhattn "Your Closet's Scarier Than Bush's Agenda."

President Bush's new federal budget is $3.1 trillion. He's asking for the biggest increase for the military since World War II. He's cutting back Medicare and Medicaid (health care for the poor). He's cutting out 151 programs including 47 that involve education.

The federal debt was $3.3 trillion when Bush took office. It's expected to reach $5.4 trillion this year. This is the worst situation for the USA in its entire history. Looks like trouble ahead.

Bush wants to stimulate the economy by offering incentives to spend money. The next time I'm in New York, I'll take the subway instead of walking. That $2.00 one way should help. It was 60 cents when I moved to NY in 1981. In '81 the minimum wage was $3.35/hour. Now it's $5.85; however, New York state has it's own wage at $7. Of course undocumented workers, employed by the wealthy and government servants are paid whatever their employers feel like. The presidential candidates have not said much on immigration. The person I was going to vote for, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, has dropped out. He was the only one who voted against the war. I can only hope that people vote for the right candidate not the one they think can win, which is why the republicans took over 8 years ago in the first place.

Fly Nude

2008-02-01T21:54:00.000+13:00

I don't care what people wear but I know I don't want to sit in a seat that was previously occupied by a naked person, squirming in a tight space. According to the BBC, there is a big demand for this new nude air flight in Germany where people will board with their clothes on and then take their clothes off. What is the point? Once seated you can't see anyone (the stewards and stewardess will keep their clothes on for safety; and no tea or coffee as a safety precaution.) And what about those seat belts strapped across your lap and the large metal clasp cutting into naked flesh? As I recall that clasp sits right about the center of my body just below the naval, where, well let's say, it could be dangerous, especially for men?

And what about the life span of a crab in the upholstery? I don't care if they say there will be a cloth on the seat. Nothing stays put in an airline seat.

My TV is dead. I'm so Sad

2008-01-31T10:57:00.001+13:00

My TV is dead
I'm so sad
we took it apart
and tried and tried
but it died
but it died

Burning Memories

2008-01-31T07:28:00.001+13:00

Lake St. Claire, Belle River, Ontario, Canada, 2006

Comedy Night at San Francisco Bathhouse

2008-01-25T21:49:00.000+13:00

January 24, 2008 the Wellington Comedy Club, San Francisco Bathhouse.

THE STAGE

The MC, Benjamin

Steve Wrigley, Billy T Nominee

The Lonesome Buckwhips (Also Billy T Nominees): Gareth Williams, Miriama Ketu, Arthur Meek, Ben Hutchison

The Wellington Comedy Club presented two of the 2008 Billy T Nominees, Steve Wrigley and The Lonesome Buckwhips, hosted by MC Benjamin. Transforming the space with tables and candles for this stand up event was audience friendly. But you have to book a table in advance or sit on the side, which is okay, unless like my friend Kazz Funky Blue, you have no where to put your drink and wedges.

Wedges? That is funny to a North American like me because we call them fried potatoes. Or French fries. That is until the Iraq war in 2003 when France would not support the US, and in retaliation some restaurants changed the name of this carcinogenic food favorite to Freedom Fries. That's funny too. Why? I don't know. Eating grease-soaked potatoes named freedom as a patriotic act is just silly.

Comedy must be the hardest art form. The best comedians just tell the truth. We laugh despite ourselves, sometimes we feel uncomfortable and are relieved some one is saying what we know, what we feel. Like Lenny Bruce in the U.S. He wrote about everything, calling his scripts "bits." In 1964 he went to jail on an obscenity charge. But that was just an excuse, Lenny was a political artist and, after all, he was Jewish; and, he was jailed the same year the US passed the Civil Rights Act. Bruce died two years later at the age of 40 from an apparent accidental drug overdose.
To read more: go to Lumiere: http://lumiere.net.nz/reader/arts.php/item/1489

Another Anti-American Ad

2008-01-25T20:43:00.000+13:00

Walking down the street in Central Wellington I noticed this ad and how it's obviously anti-Starbucks. This is because the 500 cafes in this town of population of approximately 450,000 make and serve one cafe at a time. Fair enough, there are enough Starbucks in the world.
The ad below it though once again shows Kiwi ingenuity by using women as sex objects to sell something men want. It never ends, the most sexists advertising I've seen is right here in the country that prides itself on giving women the right to vote first.

John of God - Comment

2008-01-21T09:55:00.000+13:00

I received a comment from Linelle, the woman I wrote about in my review of a documentary about John of God in Brasil. Scroll down to 16th January and click "comment". Linelle says she felt 'completely safe and happy' with her John of God experience and still does. Linelle said, "...don't feel sad i'm exploited on national tv, cause i was there, in brasil and it was the most fab experience of my life."

I am grateful to Linelle for her kind words. It was after all her experience. Read the full comment below.

Billy Bragg - A Review in Lumiere

2008-01-17T23:23:00.001+13:00

Billy Bragg, San Francisco Bath House, Wellington, January 16, 2008

Billy Bragg can't sing. Or so he said. His actual words from the stage, "I get by."

Political songs, stage presence, two electric guitars, a capo and his motor mouth all came together for a very satisfying good time. Bragg likes to tell stories, many humorous and political. He's called a political performer but his rants are about justice and if that's Radical Left, then so be it. I didn't mind his rants, mainly because I agreed with everything he said. Bragg, from the UK, is an old Clash fan and his punk roots were loud but clear as he segued from his hard core punk songs to more recent songs of love and loss in relationships and in society. His fans know all the words to every single song. My friend "A" and I seemed to be the only ones in the room who didn't sing along.In fact when Bragg lost his place in one song, the audience kept the lyrics going.

This review is also published in Lumiere.net.nz. Click on http://lumiere.net.nz/reader/arts.php/item/1469 to read the full review and see other great stuff on what's happening in the arts in New Zealand.

Mister Skid

2008-01-17T22:29:00.001+13:00

Mister Skid is a gentle soul. He came through the cat door and skidded into the kitchen, and so his name.

He's in great shape; comes and goes as he pleases. I'm sure he belongs to someone, but lately he prefers here. Some day he may go home, but for now, he roams this home to my delight. I've had a lot of cats but none as sweet as Mister Skid.

JOHN OF GOD - From the "I don't believe it" file

2008-01-16T11:13:00.000+13:00

Is John of God a fraud?

I contemplated this question while watching a recent documentary on TV about three New Zealanders who went to Brazil in hopes to be healed. John of god is a Brazilian man, born in 1942, who is not a doctor but does psychic healing for millions of people who have a disease and/or are dying.

I kept an open mind knowing the mind is very powerful. It can heel us. The power of the mind is fascinating and for me no more so than the heroin experiment. Heroin addicts were given a 'fake' drug and still got high and even more amazing went through the usual withdrawal symptoms from the fake heroin. The mind has a mind of its own!

Back to john. He seemed harmless enough; let people believe what they will. He doesn't even charge for his services. What can be the harm? Many claim he cured them. However, there was a moment watching the documentary when I realized the man was indeed a sexual pervert.

The woman in question, a (young and attractive) New Zealander who was skeptical -- but gave her will over to john in the belief that she could be cured -- leaned against a wall with her eyes closed, head back in what seemed like a trance waiting for john to do his surgery. John of God looked her up and down, grabbed both her breasts in his hands, opened her blouse to take a peek at her left breast, exposing her bra, and then shoved -- what looked like a 4 or 5 inches long -- surgical forceps up her nostril and twisted it quite violently -- it caused me to wince.

Later the woman said she wasn't sure how she felt or if the operation worked. (Days later she was hospitalized the moment she got off the plane in New Zealand.) I was sure she would say something about his groping hands, I was embarrassed for her just watching it, but she said nothing about it - nor did anyone else in the documentary. I was perplexed by this. It made me angry and sad to see this woman who completely trusted john -- as well as agree to be filmed for this documentary -- be so savagely violated.

Perhaps the filmmakers believe the film speaks for itself, including this sexual violation, which in some countries is a crime, but obviously not in Brazil. If john, or anyone needs to cop a feel before plugging into the spirit, then it is safe to say, yes, JOHN OF GOD is a fraud and shamelessly a sexually perverted fraud as well.

Cassie Edwards - from the "Laugh Out Loud" file

2008-01-16T10:52:00.000+13:00

From my Laugh Out Loud File:

Cassie Edwards, a popular romance novelist who has written over 100 novels, is accused of plagiarism. In her defense of the charge she said she did not know she was supposed to credit her sources. "When you write historical romances you're not asked to do that." She said.
Reported in The New York Times by Felicia R. Lee, January 16, 2008.

Ha ha ha ha.

According to her website a lot of Edwards' books are about romance between white women and Native American Indian Men. Some sample titles: Savage Intrigue, Savage Quest, Savage Skies, Savage Glory, Savage Darkness, Savage Lies, Savage Heart, Savage Flames...I'm unable to continue. I have to go throw up.

Revenge of the Amazons by Jean Betts - A Review

2007-12-18T06:56:00.000+13:00

Image by Corey Smith

"Revenge of the Amazons" by Jean Betts and William Shakespeare: a 70's re-working of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Bats Theatre, Wellington, December, 2007.

Originally written by Betts in 1983, "Revenge of the Amazons" premiered that same year at the Circa Theatre in Wellington. This current production was directed by Rachel More and Jacqueline Coats with twenty actors, many award-winning performers. Produced by Greg Wikstrom. Designed by Jennifer Lal. Music by Jamie Burgess.

Seeing "Revenge" makes it all clear why live theatre is vital and healing to our souls. Experiencing a good play where the actors are having as much fun as the audience is a wonderful time well spent. Extremely well written, the theme of love and lust is even funnier when roller skates and a disco ball enter a Shakespearean stage. The wonderful play within the play, by the 'Fallopian Thespians', had me rolling in the aisle in memory (and pain) of consciousness-raising meetings, which I organized in my own home in the U.S. in the 70's.

It is not possible to point to any one actor as rising above the rest since this is a strong collaborative ensemble; however, with that said, because I am a new resident of Wellington and don't toe to any favs (yet), I will say that Tanea Heke as Puck was pure joy. Wearing an Afro wig and a psychedelic body suit, she captured the essence of this mischief-maker each time she roller-skated on the stage. It takes great talent to look like you don't know what you are doing -- and be able to do it so well.

In the program notes, Betts is quoted as saying, she wrote Revenge for fun, mostly to provide the more comic parts for women and a better share of the famous lines. And this she accomplished with humour and an original take on this famous play. I think Shakespeare would have approved every bit. The production has closed now but it's probably one of those plays that you can read with equal enjoyment and experience belly laughs. Available from The Play Press. This organization, founded by Jean Betts, is devoted to publishing, new and innovative NZ work. Check it out: www.playpress.co.nz

Godzone - A Review

2007-12-18T06:53:00.000+13:00

GODZONE. 4-15 December, 2007. Production by Ioonesco, formed in 2005 by Will Harris and Sarah Griffiths. Cast: Paul McLaughlin, Peter Rutherford, Will Harris.

Speaking of actors having too much fun. Godzone was a scream. The play delivers all things New Zealand with self-deprecating fun. Some lines you probably had to be a Kiwi to get -- (a few times I was the only person in the theatre not laughing), but for the most part, it didn't matter. All three actors were wonderful. A great Kiwi ensemble.

The night I saw GODZONE, Thursday, 13th of December, there was a perfect improv moment. Mobile phones can kill a moment and I have heard stories of actors stopping a production on Broadway when it happens. But not in GODZONE. During the kiwi sheep scene, a mobile phone began ringing. We all looked to the woman frantically searching her bag for her phone as it continued to ring. Then the sheep moved in, following the sound, as if rehearsed. After turning it off, the woman turned multiple shades of red, while the sheep watched her. We the audience enjoyed every second. Finally, to the relief of the woman, the sheep found her boring and bounced back to the stage. And the show went on. Live theatre is best when the audience can enjoy the unexpected and Godzone delivers.

Cordula Volkening

2007-12-07T17:50:00.000+13:00

"I am on the Right of Your Heart"

"Fire in the Belly"

"Who is Afraid of the Dark"

Cordula is a painter who has been working full time for her show which opens this Sunday. Please support her and go to the opening. Here are the details. And read her backstory about her diagonosis of advance brain cancer.

Opening: Dec. 9th (Sunday) 4pm - 8pm
Dec.10th -13th, 2007 - Gallery hours: 11am-6pm

Brooklyn Artist Gym
168 7th Street, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Park Slope)
Tel: 718 858 9069
http://www.brooklynartistsgym.com/gallery.html

PRESS RELEASE

GALLERY HOSTS SHOW BY PARK SLOPE ARTIST WITH BRAIN CANCER
WHO: Cordula Volkening
WHAT: Art show entitled "YOU: Would you like an invitation to my destination?"

BACKSTORY: In September, Cordula was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma (advanced brain cancer). She quit her job in construction/design and resumed her career as a visual artist. (In the 1980s, her artwork was shown in solo and group exhibitions in NY, Chicago, Washington, Germany and France, and earned a variety of honors, including fellowships, awards and media mentions.) She now paints for hours daily in a borrowed studio, in between undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and what she refers to as "my daily session of: Are You Kidding Me???" Cordula says: "Hey, I got advanced brain cancer - my system kicks me in the butt and screams: Be your authhentic self or you are going to die sooner not later. Any questions?"
BIO: Cordula, 50, comes from "a ridiculous small village in the middle of Germany" and has lived in the U.S., in Brooklyn, since 1985. She holds a degree in fine art from the School of Art and Design in Kiel, Germany, and also attended the Arts Students League in New York. She is the owner of a NYC "design, build and manage company" called Living Art Space. She is collaborating with Kent Jeffrey on two works in progress: "Skye," since 1992, and "Eden," since 1995. (See resume below for details on past art shows and honors.)
ABOUT HER ARTWORK: "My work tells about human mental conditions with the help of a visual language that skips the intellect, therefore asking the viewer to rely on their visceral response," Cordula says. "My work as an artist is to supply language that is unpretentious and allow stories to be told without using tried-out recipes. Once the visuals are created, I become a viewer just like anybody else and surrender to the unique response that each visual solicits."
ON THE WEB: www.myspace.com/cordulavolkening

Backyard in Wellington

2007-12-07T17:14:00.000+13:00

A cup of tea and thee

First Photo in New Zealand

2007-12-07T17:11:00.000+13:00

Kapiti Island, Pukerua Bay

On my back
warm sand
short train ride
from new home
thinking of Dana
tears fall
love is all