This will be edited for more details by the 22 of June
The way junkies crave that sweet brown sugar and build a nest in it; that is how I am coming to love the Raveonettes. One cannot be this into a band without seeing some fairly obvious connections. Here goes...
Listen to Chain Gang of Love. Consider the structure, the sound and the words in their style. There is such an intensely resonant evocation of Jesus and Mary Chain there that birds would fly north early to hear it. Raw coal would hasten its hardening just to shine back at this album. Yet, there is something extra to the sound that prevents it from being a mere rip-off of JMC. There is an edge of southern chic, reminiscent of Tarantino, that also shows up much stronger on the album Pretty In Black. There is more force to the words, by way of example JMC made good metaphors for sex where the Raveonettes say "fuck."
So they are there own band, but the obvious, yea blatant roots are clear and inarguable. I love JMC. I've loved them since I first heard them in ninth grade when I bought an e.p. with Upside Down (one of the songs laying the basis for "Let's Rave On" from Chain Gang). This is a band that was as far reaching in influence as the American notion of democratizing smaller nations. Yup, it spanned the freakin' world!
Without ranting too far about JMC's music, I will quickly touch on Their influences. Yes, they covered old blues material and that was the lyrical side. The actual music in many instances carried a clear tip of the hat to the elder gods of cool, the Velvet Underground. Now if you don't recognize the V.U. as one of the true all time great and influential bands of rock'n'roll, that's your business. I suppose to an extent it's a matter of personal taste, but give the devil his due...
So thinking of this connection, I pay closer attention. I can't help but feel that the song Dirty Eyes (Sex Don't Sell) from Chain Gang, has a powerful feeling of V.U. directly. It reminds me (personally) of Stephanie Says from the Velvets. Okay, I could be wrong, but there are a few places that Chain Gang takes me that make me think Warhol got his musician friends to visit Denmark.
A little more digging was in order and - ahhh, there it is! Who appears as a guest on some of the tracks done by the Raveonettes? Maureen Tucker! That's right, children, one of the original Velvets. Yup. I am happy. These little connections make life and music so satisfying. A tie to the past, with a readiness for the future.
If you haven't heard these three bands, I suggest these albums: V.U. and Nico, V.U. Velvet Underground - both by, you guessed it! Velvet Underground. Darklands, Barbed Wire Kisses, Munki and Honey's Dead - all by the Jesus and Mary Chain. Chain Gang of Love and Pretty In Black by the Raveonettes.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Not done with you yet, God
Further discussion suggests that I like the idea of jealous gods. It just makes sense to me. It must be a dramatic thing to be a god, so jealousy fits. Jealous over what, You ask? Well they Are gods, it could be Anything.
"Hey, Odin's shield is nicer than mine..." - Jealous!
"Do you think Aphrodite has nicer tits than I do?" - Jealous!
"Nice Temple, your followers must really love you..." - Jealous!
"Oh I see Dionysus' wine won a gold seal, There's a surprise..." - Jealous!
"It's My golden apple!" - "No, it's My golden Apple!" - "The apple is Mine, bitch!" - Jealous, Jealous, Jealous!
Yeh, it's petty, but it is important for us little folk to have Some way to control the gods. Control?! Yup. It's one of the things gods are most jealous of, followers. To a Real god, a True, born-to-it-deity, it should always be a mystery why anyone would want to worship anyone else. "Oh, sure, Osiris can let you in on some secrets, but that's nothing compared to [insert your favourite god's powers here] is it?"
"Two arms?! Just Two arms?! I, Shiva have Six arms! Wanna Arm wrestle?"
Even the guy on the Fruit Breezers commercial can best an immortal, under these rules: "The god of War? Juuust War? I got Two jobs!" (^_^)
"Hey, Odin's shield is nicer than mine..." - Jealous!
"Do you think Aphrodite has nicer tits than I do?" - Jealous!
"Nice Temple, your followers must really love you..." - Jealous!
"Oh I see Dionysus' wine won a gold seal, There's a surprise..." - Jealous!
"It's My golden apple!" - "No, it's My golden Apple!" - "The apple is Mine, bitch!" - Jealous, Jealous, Jealous!
Yeh, it's petty, but it is important for us little folk to have Some way to control the gods. Control?! Yup. It's one of the things gods are most jealous of, followers. To a Real god, a True, born-to-it-deity, it should always be a mystery why anyone would want to worship anyone else. "Oh, sure, Osiris can let you in on some secrets, but that's nothing compared to [insert your favourite god's powers here] is it?"
"Two arms?! Just Two arms?! I, Shiva have Six arms! Wanna Arm wrestle?"
Even the guy on the Fruit Breezers commercial can best an immortal, under these rules: "The god of War? Juuust War? I got Two jobs!" (^_^)
knowing how to pic 'em
I firmly assert that we are a visual species. Some insist that men are much more visual women - those people usually have agendas, but that doesn't make them wrong in any measure. I am contemplating people and their visuality because I am noticing a deluge of photos appearing on related sites. (If I link to you, you are a related site). Some are very stimulating and enriching. Some are not. I refuse to comment further on which stimulate or not, but there it is.
In the beginning was the word. It remains true for the entire time that I have been publishing to electronic spaces that I never used pictures. I think that part of me believes - or Wants to believe that the words alone should be carrying over whatever I hope to express here. But we are a visual species. I do love to play in Photoshop....
Beyond the aesthetic, there is also the problem that I use an Apple computer, with Os X. This means no Picasa. No simple fast way to add photo/video/audio blogs. It Can be done of course, but it takes a lot more effort.
Maybe Coming Soon: Photos!
In the beginning was the word. It remains true for the entire time that I have been publishing to electronic spaces that I never used pictures. I think that part of me believes - or Wants to believe that the words alone should be carrying over whatever I hope to express here. But we are a visual species. I do love to play in Photoshop....
Beyond the aesthetic, there is also the problem that I use an Apple computer, with Os X. This means no Picasa. No simple fast way to add photo/video/audio blogs. It Can be done of course, but it takes a lot more effort.
Maybe Coming Soon: Photos!
Friday, June 17, 2005
Listen to your SM
It is commonly held that women make better stage managers than men. It is simply a biological fact that they are better suited to the complex, constant, multitasking required to execute a good performance. I am male and a stage manager - I am not conteding this issue in any way or trying to prove men better. I do, however, expect plenty from my cast.
There is to my knowledge only one cast member who reads this and I fancy she would be too professional to dwell on what is said here, when she is at rehearsal. That is the bet I take; here's the rant.
Goddamn it come up with a Good reason to be absent, people! "I forgot" simply isn't good enough. You do get points for elegance, but not nearly as many as you lose for bad answer. "I was hungover" betrays a brutal honesty that I appreciate deeply, however, If you're adult enough to go out and get sauced then you're adult enough to face your responsabilities the next day. Locked your keys in the car? Take A Bus! In the very least, if you are going to lie about why you aren't there, make an effort and entertain me. Then perhaps I shall forgive you.
Learn your lines. There really is no excuse for this one. Just learn 'em. The fact is that with less than a week to go before the production runs, half my cast is still missing lines or using the wrong lines. It's Shakespeare, y'know! What, did you think maybe it would just leap into your heads like a hit song on the radio? Effort, people, Effort. To be honest, this is possibly the biggest problem the play faces right now. I am not too confident it will be overcome.
A quick mention has to be made to the divas and princesses. There are some people who are developing what I like to think of as "Rodney" syndrome. This affliction is characterized by not thinking one needs to follow directions and by getting a tad snotty when directed, then answering with replies like "just be glad I'm here." To the D's and P's with Rodney syndrome may I remind you that it was You who wanted into this production so Suck it Up and do what you're asked Or get the Hell of my stage Loser.
You see I have only been on stage for a short while, but I came on with a simple yet incredibly powerful premise to guide me: "Humility." You see, if I were so good that I didn't need you, I'd be in Hollywood or on Broadway and I wouldn't need you. Yet here I am in Sudbury and the way out is Not assuming I am better than this place, it is Proving it. That is done with hard work and perseverance, so, Humility.
I saved this one Thursday night to finish on Friday evening. It is now Saturday and I have lost the piss and vinegar that was driving this entry.
Suffice it to say at this point that I have brought my whip out from the old Hallowe'en costumes box. I shall practice tonight and woe to the girl who misses her lines tomorrow!
There is to my knowledge only one cast member who reads this and I fancy she would be too professional to dwell on what is said here, when she is at rehearsal. That is the bet I take; here's the rant.
Goddamn it come up with a Good reason to be absent, people! "I forgot" simply isn't good enough. You do get points for elegance, but not nearly as many as you lose for bad answer. "I was hungover" betrays a brutal honesty that I appreciate deeply, however, If you're adult enough to go out and get sauced then you're adult enough to face your responsabilities the next day. Locked your keys in the car? Take A Bus! In the very least, if you are going to lie about why you aren't there, make an effort and entertain me. Then perhaps I shall forgive you.
Learn your lines. There really is no excuse for this one. Just learn 'em. The fact is that with less than a week to go before the production runs, half my cast is still missing lines or using the wrong lines. It's Shakespeare, y'know! What, did you think maybe it would just leap into your heads like a hit song on the radio? Effort, people, Effort. To be honest, this is possibly the biggest problem the play faces right now. I am not too confident it will be overcome.
A quick mention has to be made to the divas and princesses. There are some people who are developing what I like to think of as "Rodney" syndrome. This affliction is characterized by not thinking one needs to follow directions and by getting a tad snotty when directed, then answering with replies like "just be glad I'm here." To the D's and P's with Rodney syndrome may I remind you that it was You who wanted into this production so Suck it Up and do what you're asked Or get the Hell of my stage Loser.
You see I have only been on stage for a short while, but I came on with a simple yet incredibly powerful premise to guide me: "Humility." You see, if I were so good that I didn't need you, I'd be in Hollywood or on Broadway and I wouldn't need you. Yet here I am in Sudbury and the way out is Not assuming I am better than this place, it is Proving it. That is done with hard work and perseverance, so, Humility.
I saved this one Thursday night to finish on Friday evening. It is now Saturday and I have lost the piss and vinegar that was driving this entry.
Suffice it to say at this point that I have brought my whip out from the old Hallowe'en costumes box. I shall practice tonight and woe to the girl who misses her lines tomorrow!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
teh hot and cold
When I was an anklebiter I loved all seasons equally. Each had their strengths and weaknesses. As I grow older I realize that there are some habits associated to the seasons that have come with me through the years. It is possible that these quirks influence me now when thinking of my favourite season.
First and foremost: I used to love the feel of heat from blacktop, on my feet. I have spent entire Summers without wearing shoes. It's not something that I ever thought about until a few days ago. I have been in the park and at the school (rehearsals on the lawn at the chapel), barefoot for a week. I had forgotten how nice it was. Also, being on a severely reduced nicotine intake at the moment, I have been running in the heat a few times. Sure, I lose my breath quicker than when I was young, but it's fine, it feels great all the same. Score one for Summer.
It used to be a great comfort to me in the Spring and the Autumn to have the heat up and sleep with my window wide open. My parents were sure that I just liked to cost them extra money for heating. I am allowed to do this now, to an extent, because I live in an apartment where the rent is inclusive. I have a great landlord, however, so I try not to do this too often as I wouldn't want to incur his wrath. Score one for Spring and Autumn
Connected to this is a joy I discovered when I was taller and could reach high windows. Perhaps it is by coincedence that most places I have lived in my life, have had windows set in with the shower. It is a treat for me to stay in a hot shower with the window wide open and a cool breeze coming in. In winter, of course, one should not open the window All the way. It was not long before I discovered that the process could be inverted in the summer, taking a very cool shower while the hot, dense, humid air envelopes you. It's not As good, but definiely deserves mention. Score one All seasons.
Winter is the season that I have kept the least of my childhood from. I haven't built a snowfort in damn near a decade now. I haven't played hockey in quite a while. I do not own iceskates anymore. Worst of all, I cannot endure the cold like when I was young. On the upside, I find it relatively easy to start the occasional snowball fight, especially given the silly nature of many of my close friends. I have also learned to ski relatively recently, although I don't get to nearly often enough. I look forward to having a good snowball fight on the slopes soon. Score one Winter.
There it is, all seasons tied at two. Sooner or later someone will mention something that prompts round two of the battle of the seasons.
First and foremost: I used to love the feel of heat from blacktop, on my feet. I have spent entire Summers without wearing shoes. It's not something that I ever thought about until a few days ago. I have been in the park and at the school (rehearsals on the lawn at the chapel), barefoot for a week. I had forgotten how nice it was. Also, being on a severely reduced nicotine intake at the moment, I have been running in the heat a few times. Sure, I lose my breath quicker than when I was young, but it's fine, it feels great all the same. Score one for Summer.
It used to be a great comfort to me in the Spring and the Autumn to have the heat up and sleep with my window wide open. My parents were sure that I just liked to cost them extra money for heating. I am allowed to do this now, to an extent, because I live in an apartment where the rent is inclusive. I have a great landlord, however, so I try not to do this too often as I wouldn't want to incur his wrath. Score one for Spring and Autumn
Connected to this is a joy I discovered when I was taller and could reach high windows. Perhaps it is by coincedence that most places I have lived in my life, have had windows set in with the shower. It is a treat for me to stay in a hot shower with the window wide open and a cool breeze coming in. In winter, of course, one should not open the window All the way. It was not long before I discovered that the process could be inverted in the summer, taking a very cool shower while the hot, dense, humid air envelopes you. It's not As good, but definiely deserves mention. Score one All seasons.
Winter is the season that I have kept the least of my childhood from. I haven't built a snowfort in damn near a decade now. I haven't played hockey in quite a while. I do not own iceskates anymore. Worst of all, I cannot endure the cold like when I was young. On the upside, I find it relatively easy to start the occasional snowball fight, especially given the silly nature of many of my close friends. I have also learned to ski relatively recently, although I don't get to nearly often enough. I look forward to having a good snowball fight on the slopes soon. Score one Winter.
There it is, all seasons tied at two. Sooner or later someone will mention something that prompts round two of the battle of the seasons.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Downfall
I saw the film Downfall the other day with some friends. Friends who are in full cognizance of how much I tend to talk through a film, especially in the theatre. Yet they brought me. In fact my roommate, bless her cotton socks, Took me to the movie (which is to say paid my way in). Such a generous soul; may that trait never cirlce back to bite her in the ass.
Much to my surprise, I said very little during the film. I was rather engrossed in fact. It is about the final 11 days in Hitler's bunker as the Red Army closes around Berlin. I cannot account for the accuracy of the film in a historical sense, but I presume they did their research.
Downfall is a pretty good film, if you don't mind subtitles. There are those out there who cannot tolerate subtitles, so consider yourself warned. Otherwise, go see it.
Much to my surprise, I said very little during the film. I was rather engrossed in fact. It is about the final 11 days in Hitler's bunker as the Red Army closes around Berlin. I cannot account for the accuracy of the film in a historical sense, but I presume they did their research.
Downfall is a pretty good film, if you don't mind subtitles. There are those out there who cannot tolerate subtitles, so consider yourself warned. Otherwise, go see it.
Deity
I slew the dark god last night. It was a difficult and gruelling fight and as exhaustion had lain my compatriots and l out across the lawn, I mused on the nature of some gods.
It wasn't deep or metaphysical I have to say, just dwelling on the aesthetics of each god's appearance. By any rights, the dark god was decent enough - Frightening, imperious, appearing with a Lovecraftian sky full of ancient stars as his backdrop. I gave him a 7.5 overall. Oh, did I mention the dragonhead? The dark god was dragonheaded.
So I mentioned to a friend that I slew said god and we began to contemplate gods together. He says he would like to see a god with horns. Now of course dragons have horns, as a rule. It seems to me that my friend, who has a distaste for things reptilian, might not have been interested in a dragonheaded god. What other logical options would there be then?
My first impression was based on Minotaurs. A Gigantic, bull-horned god with muscles that look like VWs moving around each other in a tight parking lot. An Axe seems to be the obvious choice of weapon, but I think a pair of giant long steel bats with spikes would also look right. A rhinoceros theme may also work I suppose, but it the rhino has always taken second place to the bull in the western mind. The rhino-horned god would be a lesser god.
For my own sense of aesthetics, I insist that a horned god must have two horns or more. Two is the minimum. Unless possibly if the god were cyclopean. One eye, one horn, one temple for all. I'm not fond of this god anyways, it gets mention because it's the only viable single horned god. Maybe there could be an aquatic god with one horn, sweeping way back past his head. Maybe, I will get back to you on it.
Other horned gods? Well the lizard based gods are most obvious, being followed closely by the humanoid who just happens to be growing horns for no reason. The latter resembling the devils that Xianity likes to think it was the creator of. Heheh, naive buggers. I see no violation of aesthetics to have an avian god with a horn. If one can have a beak, I reason it is entirely plausible to have a horn or two or three. It is fantasy, after all.
Human based and anmal based gods are standard all the way through history. I like them a lot too (the animal based especially). The only other format that springs to mind is based on things that are completely unnatural and do not follow the patterns of established reality. Sorry to mention him a second time, but Lovecraft inspires some truly fearsome horned gods.
I have a current disposition to dismiss deities that are not fundamentally biologic in nature. This is a temporary thing which comes and goes. Once I am over it I may come back and promote mechanical gods with great horns that do double service as cogs in the automata of their universal workings. Part of the reason I could (currently) accept a god made of stone and not one made of constructed steel is that stone is natural. I think the god must be natural in some respects. and capable of bringing itself together.
In fact, if built by someone or something else, my sense of aesthetics demands that one could only be a demigod. All the PC types who are gonna piss and moan about this can shut up too; If you don't have the power to make yourSelf a god, then you just ain't qualified.
I wonder now, what would my friend's god be like?
Quickly, before I go, and offering only as much detail as my friend, I think I want (at the moment) a god with wings. Aimee Leonard, who is cute, has this to say on the subject: "i would like to see a woman god with luscious blond locks and huge angel wings."
I would really like to hear about your own gods, whoever reads this. It is rare that i solicit reaction but take the plunge this time.
It wasn't deep or metaphysical I have to say, just dwelling on the aesthetics of each god's appearance. By any rights, the dark god was decent enough - Frightening, imperious, appearing with a Lovecraftian sky full of ancient stars as his backdrop. I gave him a 7.5 overall. Oh, did I mention the dragonhead? The dark god was dragonheaded.
So I mentioned to a friend that I slew said god and we began to contemplate gods together. He says he would like to see a god with horns. Now of course dragons have horns, as a rule. It seems to me that my friend, who has a distaste for things reptilian, might not have been interested in a dragonheaded god. What other logical options would there be then?
My first impression was based on Minotaurs. A Gigantic, bull-horned god with muscles that look like VWs moving around each other in a tight parking lot. An Axe seems to be the obvious choice of weapon, but I think a pair of giant long steel bats with spikes would also look right. A rhinoceros theme may also work I suppose, but it the rhino has always taken second place to the bull in the western mind. The rhino-horned god would be a lesser god.
For my own sense of aesthetics, I insist that a horned god must have two horns or more. Two is the minimum. Unless possibly if the god were cyclopean. One eye, one horn, one temple for all. I'm not fond of this god anyways, it gets mention because it's the only viable single horned god. Maybe there could be an aquatic god with one horn, sweeping way back past his head. Maybe, I will get back to you on it.
Other horned gods? Well the lizard based gods are most obvious, being followed closely by the humanoid who just happens to be growing horns for no reason. The latter resembling the devils that Xianity likes to think it was the creator of. Heheh, naive buggers. I see no violation of aesthetics to have an avian god with a horn. If one can have a beak, I reason it is entirely plausible to have a horn or two or three. It is fantasy, after all.
Human based and anmal based gods are standard all the way through history. I like them a lot too (the animal based especially). The only other format that springs to mind is based on things that are completely unnatural and do not follow the patterns of established reality. Sorry to mention him a second time, but Lovecraft inspires some truly fearsome horned gods.
I have a current disposition to dismiss deities that are not fundamentally biologic in nature. This is a temporary thing which comes and goes. Once I am over it I may come back and promote mechanical gods with great horns that do double service as cogs in the automata of their universal workings. Part of the reason I could (currently) accept a god made of stone and not one made of constructed steel is that stone is natural. I think the god must be natural in some respects. and capable of bringing itself together.
In fact, if built by someone or something else, my sense of aesthetics demands that one could only be a demigod. All the PC types who are gonna piss and moan about this can shut up too; If you don't have the power to make yourSelf a god, then you just ain't qualified.
I wonder now, what would my friend's god be like?
Quickly, before I go, and offering only as much detail as my friend, I think I want (at the moment) a god with wings. Aimee Leonard, who is cute, has this to say on the subject: "i would like to see a woman god with luscious blond locks and huge angel wings."
I would really like to hear about your own gods, whoever reads this. It is rare that i solicit reaction but take the plunge this time.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
...Two Biiits
I've always seen shaving to be one of the great parts of being a guy. To whatever ends, I look forward every second day to taking an extremely keen edge to my face; using quick, precise movements to keep my face smooth. It is nice to have the occasional shave in a barbershop, yes, but overall I prefer to guage my own skill with the blade.
Perhaps it is because one is legitimate in taking as much time as they wish to shave. After all, who would fault someone for rushing when they could lop their nose off? I like to spend this extra time thinking. One is free to think as deeply or shallowly as one wants when shaving, but it is always very conscious thought. It is clear thought, focused by surgical steel. Thanks to this clarity ideas seem more poignant, resolutions carry more gravity, commonalities become profound.
Once, I was lucky enough to be shaved by a girl I was going out with. Her father was (alledgedly) a barber. I never met the man himself, but I reckon he was good at his work if his daughter was any way to tell. That was a lovely experience and I would repeat it in a minute. It is a deeply sensual thing to be shaved by someone else. If done well, you will have a very deep sense of trust with that person as well. Experience this if you can, but I digress...
There are those who believe shaving is unneccessary. Many a Uni prof make the mistake of growing their beards out to look all intellectual. Here's a hint: Glasses make a body look intellectual, not beards. The fact is that very few people look good with facial hair. To further the problem, those who do look good with it often need a period of experimentation to figure out Which style actually looks good on them.
Admittedly, I can't grow a proper beard or moustache. If anyone is inclined to accuse me of being jealous, by all means do it now. I have had facial hair cosmetically applied. I can tell you it is not becoming for me. Therefor I shave and revel in doing so.
This may be old fashioned, but I don't use an electric razor. Electrics interrupt the thought process. I have no enmity for electrics of course, indeed some guys should use exclusively an electric because it suits his personality. No, I have a standard safety razor, nothing unique. I once shaved with straight razor. The girl mentioned earlier also used one. I think I would invest in one later on, when I have the time to explore the true zen of shaving.
Now, there is a sink of hot water, steam rising to cloud the mirror of the medecine cabinet, and a keen edge waiting for me. My face is lathered even as I write this...
Perhaps it is because one is legitimate in taking as much time as they wish to shave. After all, who would fault someone for rushing when they could lop their nose off? I like to spend this extra time thinking. One is free to think as deeply or shallowly as one wants when shaving, but it is always very conscious thought. It is clear thought, focused by surgical steel. Thanks to this clarity ideas seem more poignant, resolutions carry more gravity, commonalities become profound.
Once, I was lucky enough to be shaved by a girl I was going out with. Her father was (alledgedly) a barber. I never met the man himself, but I reckon he was good at his work if his daughter was any way to tell. That was a lovely experience and I would repeat it in a minute. It is a deeply sensual thing to be shaved by someone else. If done well, you will have a very deep sense of trust with that person as well. Experience this if you can, but I digress...
There are those who believe shaving is unneccessary. Many a Uni prof make the mistake of growing their beards out to look all intellectual. Here's a hint: Glasses make a body look intellectual, not beards. The fact is that very few people look good with facial hair. To further the problem, those who do look good with it often need a period of experimentation to figure out Which style actually looks good on them.
Admittedly, I can't grow a proper beard or moustache. If anyone is inclined to accuse me of being jealous, by all means do it now. I have had facial hair cosmetically applied. I can tell you it is not becoming for me. Therefor I shave and revel in doing so.
This may be old fashioned, but I don't use an electric razor. Electrics interrupt the thought process. I have no enmity for electrics of course, indeed some guys should use exclusively an electric because it suits his personality. No, I have a standard safety razor, nothing unique. I once shaved with straight razor. The girl mentioned earlier also used one. I think I would invest in one later on, when I have the time to explore the true zen of shaving.
Now, there is a sink of hot water, steam rising to cloud the mirror of the medecine cabinet, and a keen edge waiting for me. My face is lathered even as I write this...
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Purchasing the Privilege of being 'Right'...
Mr. Root, that friend of mine with the nice hounddog, recently wrote about some of the proclivities of the consuming public. It was inspired by his experiences at the art gallery where he works. He mentioned how the old adage "the customer's always right" is stupid and wrong.
I worked in retail for roughly seven years and for what it's worth, here's my two cents on it. Firstly, the customer thinks that every single penny above the cost of production and distribution of a product is pure profit. Perhaps this is why they so often think services should be free. What could account for the difference? - The fact that although not Always right, the customer is Often right.
You see, if you buy my widgets, produced at JCo. for example at a price of $8, you may think the markup from the $2 it took to make and distribute the widget is excessive. Consider that it also costs on average $1 to pay the person who sets the widget up for you. Consider next that the actual group selling it, needs to make a small profit, say $1.
Now, if by some chance it breaks you can come back to me (or my representative at the place of purchase) and simply get a new one, $2. There are other costs, but let's ignore them for a moment and say they don't exist. One can see that in truly bad circumstance the replacement widget would also have to break to prevent me from making my measly $2. This Does happen, occaisionally.
I mention all of this by way of pointing out that the customer, instead of Automatically being right, has Purchased the privilege of being right - even when they have no clue what the realities of the matter might be*. As true as this is (completely), one must keep in mind that the customer must first pay over their money to be right.
Didja get that? At purchase, you have given enough money that I can replace the widget without a loss to me. No loss to me = your privilege of being right.
"Hey this thing sucks! I want another!"**
"Here ya go!"
-no loss.
That said, I offer an important reminder to the consumer. Most widgets can be had most anywhere. It is Your responsability alone to prove that you bought the widget and where said transaction took place. Yours, see? Because it's not so much that retail workers aren't psychic. To a surprising extent they are. They have to be, sometimes. No the real issue is that retail staff are rarely paid more than $10/h. This amount is certainly enough for a company to induce people to show caring and concern for those who have paid, but nowhere near enough to give two shakes of the goat's tail if a consumer can't even produce the receipt that states clearly: Retain Receipt.
Now this probably sounds harsh and mean-spirited, but even to this there is a response. Look, people, these are the laws of the land. Don't pretend you didn't grow up with them. This is the environment you lived in and fostered. That 19 year-old girl at the cash-desk in Sears? You Taught her these things, Raised her to work in this arena. So stop acting so shocked and distressed, because anyone who ever worked retail Knows you're a faker.
Even after buying the privilege of being right, it is important to remember that your 'rights' are still not Absolute. A receipt does not allow you to kill, maim or crucify anyone. Again, the onus is on the consumer to ask a few basic questions about what they are buying and how the retailer is going to cover them.
Finally, to all the truly Great Consumers (there are Many) I would like to say Thanks
"Thanks for being great consumers and not complaining about the rules of a game. You are what makes it all worthwhile."
*this is by far the most common scenario in retail.
**astoundingly common fault in the North American mind. Who knows why?
I worked in retail for roughly seven years and for what it's worth, here's my two cents on it. Firstly, the customer thinks that every single penny above the cost of production and distribution of a product is pure profit. Perhaps this is why they so often think services should be free. What could account for the difference? - The fact that although not Always right, the customer is Often right.
You see, if you buy my widgets, produced at JCo. for example at a price of $8, you may think the markup from the $2 it took to make and distribute the widget is excessive. Consider that it also costs on average $1 to pay the person who sets the widget up for you. Consider next that the actual group selling it, needs to make a small profit, say $1.
Now, if by some chance it breaks you can come back to me (or my representative at the place of purchase) and simply get a new one, $2. There are other costs, but let's ignore them for a moment and say they don't exist. One can see that in truly bad circumstance the replacement widget would also have to break to prevent me from making my measly $2. This Does happen, occaisionally.
I mention all of this by way of pointing out that the customer, instead of Automatically being right, has Purchased the privilege of being right - even when they have no clue what the realities of the matter might be*. As true as this is (completely), one must keep in mind that the customer must first pay over their money to be right.
Didja get that? At purchase, you have given enough money that I can replace the widget without a loss to me. No loss to me = your privilege of being right.
"Hey this thing sucks! I want another!"**
"Here ya go!"
-no loss.
That said, I offer an important reminder to the consumer. Most widgets can be had most anywhere. It is Your responsability alone to prove that you bought the widget and where said transaction took place. Yours, see? Because it's not so much that retail workers aren't psychic. To a surprising extent they are. They have to be, sometimes. No the real issue is that retail staff are rarely paid more than $10/h. This amount is certainly enough for a company to induce people to show caring and concern for those who have paid, but nowhere near enough to give two shakes of the goat's tail if a consumer can't even produce the receipt that states clearly: Retain Receipt.
Now this probably sounds harsh and mean-spirited, but even to this there is a response. Look, people, these are the laws of the land. Don't pretend you didn't grow up with them. This is the environment you lived in and fostered. That 19 year-old girl at the cash-desk in Sears? You Taught her these things, Raised her to work in this arena. So stop acting so shocked and distressed, because anyone who ever worked retail Knows you're a faker.
Even after buying the privilege of being right, it is important to remember that your 'rights' are still not Absolute. A receipt does not allow you to kill, maim or crucify anyone. Again, the onus is on the consumer to ask a few basic questions about what they are buying and how the retailer is going to cover them.
Finally, to all the truly Great Consumers (there are Many) I would like to say Thanks
"Thanks for being great consumers and not complaining about the rules of a game. You are what makes it all worthwhile."
*this is by far the most common scenario in retail.
**astoundingly common fault in the North American mind. Who knows why?
Monday, May 30, 2005
The work issue facing Sudburia
I have been here for over four years now and have had the opportunity to make some astute observations about the situation of work in this city. Let's start with a few key issues like ridicuolous wages, hours and accessability, qualifications and nepotism.
First off let's talk hours. I really don't care about what hours businesses choose to employ their workers, but they have to learn to understand that working two jobs in this town means taking a bus or usually two. Two buses means an hour between jobs. Learn to flex just slightly. Secondly, employers Need to figure this out: If a person isn't making at least Double in cabfare home in gratuities, it is Not worth their while to work for minimum wage in the middle of BF-Nowhere until the buses (to which we shall turn shortly) stop running.
Qualifications! Heads up, employers, these are the things you Pay for when shopping for a worker. A university degree does Not mean $9/hr and Especially Not Minimum wage. Bilingualism is a special qualification that is worth at least a couple dollars an hour in the rest of Canada, so it's time to catch up Sudbury! Gamoto!
Okay I will concede that a lot of roadwork is untrained brute labour, without qualifications beyond "can you bend and lift?" This however, does not mean that it goes unpaid. $8/hr? Kiss my pearly northern ass! In case you haven't figured this one outlabour isn't cheap until you're in Mexico. Or is Sudbury just a subdivision of Mexico?
Nepotism. Well I have little against Nepotism for one main reason. Every job that nepotism ever got me was simple enough that I could have trained Anyone to do it. These jobs aren't difficult in the training sense. Waitstaff at a diner? Not hard to understand, but I do give credit to someone who follows through for 10 hours a day. My only Real issue is more a whining complaint: Could the bars just hire a Guy once in a while. I just want to tend your bar. I Know that the Hot Girl is going to sell more in most places, but surely there is Somewhere that can give a guy a start. Actually, Not a Start! I have my start, just no progress
What it comes down to / This is what I see.
This town keeps losing populace, due in largest part to youth outmigration. The City keeps putting together action committees to see why and find out how to staunch the flow. Start with the sad ass work situation. This requires private industry to play ball, but if they don't they won't be able to tap the market.
Employers think they are Mighty Damned Special in this town I tell you. Partly because they have a complacent audience. Oh sure, your old man works in the mine, so you're just killin' time anyhow why Should you mind minimum wage. These people don't intend to leave the Suds. This provides a layer of insulation in a sense. Employers don't Have to offer more and people from outside cannot afford to live here unless they come on high level at work. People don't come in, but youth certainly leaves.
In all fairness, there Are several good places to work here, but they are in the minority. There are not Enough places to work overall, but so be it. That's a separate issue that needs in depth discussion too. Get with it, Sudbury! If you don't shape up I shall return in 30 years in a rented plane, flying over to watch the final cataclysm as the Earth opens wide and this town slides down its gaping maw, swallowed in one go.
First off let's talk hours. I really don't care about what hours businesses choose to employ their workers, but they have to learn to understand that working two jobs in this town means taking a bus or usually two. Two buses means an hour between jobs. Learn to flex just slightly. Secondly, employers Need to figure this out: If a person isn't making at least Double in cabfare home in gratuities, it is Not worth their while to work for minimum wage in the middle of BF-Nowhere until the buses (to which we shall turn shortly) stop running.
Qualifications! Heads up, employers, these are the things you Pay for when shopping for a worker. A university degree does Not mean $9/hr and Especially Not Minimum wage. Bilingualism is a special qualification that is worth at least a couple dollars an hour in the rest of Canada, so it's time to catch up Sudbury! Gamoto!
Okay I will concede that a lot of roadwork is untrained brute labour, without qualifications beyond "can you bend and lift?" This however, does not mean that it goes unpaid. $8/hr? Kiss my pearly northern ass! In case you haven't figured this one outlabour isn't cheap until you're in Mexico. Or is Sudbury just a subdivision of Mexico?
Nepotism. Well I have little against Nepotism for one main reason. Every job that nepotism ever got me was simple enough that I could have trained Anyone to do it. These jobs aren't difficult in the training sense. Waitstaff at a diner? Not hard to understand, but I do give credit to someone who follows through for 10 hours a day. My only Real issue is more a whining complaint: Could the bars just hire a Guy once in a while. I just want to tend your bar. I Know that the Hot Girl is going to sell more in most places, but surely there is Somewhere that can give a guy a start. Actually, Not a Start! I have my start, just no progress
What it comes down to / This is what I see.
This town keeps losing populace, due in largest part to youth outmigration. The City keeps putting together action committees to see why and find out how to staunch the flow. Start with the sad ass work situation. This requires private industry to play ball, but if they don't they won't be able to tap the market.
Employers think they are Mighty Damned Special in this town I tell you. Partly because they have a complacent audience. Oh sure, your old man works in the mine, so you're just killin' time anyhow why Should you mind minimum wage. These people don't intend to leave the Suds. This provides a layer of insulation in a sense. Employers don't Have to offer more and people from outside cannot afford to live here unless they come on high level at work. People don't come in, but youth certainly leaves.
In all fairness, there Are several good places to work here, but they are in the minority. There are not Enough places to work overall, but so be it. That's a separate issue that needs in depth discussion too. Get with it, Sudbury! If you don't shape up I shall return in 30 years in a rented plane, flying over to watch the final cataclysm as the Earth opens wide and this town slides down its gaping maw, swallowed in one go.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Jen & Andrew - Here's your musical guide:
Originally these tracks were laid out roughly to tell the story of you guys going to Los Angeles, but how much story is there to: "We're going to Los Angeles"? Instead I decided to group them by similarities and notions. Enjoy.
Track 1 - From New York to LA - Chosen by the inimitable Ms. Woolger. One listen said fun fun fun! Shake your asses for us in your absence.
Track 2 - Hot Buttered Popcorn - We both agreed on this one. Across from the Kodak Theatre, I was thinking of films and your love of film. What else is more natural with good film than popcorn? This one is a fave that had the kiddies poppin' in their seats even when I was a youngster.
Track 3 - Hollywood - Again, Stephanie's choice. I have to agree with her too, if there was Ever a pop star that was worthy of representing the Glamour of Hollywood, it is surely Madonna.
Track 4 - Sex on the Beach - You Better! If only so I can live vicariously through your stories afterward.
Track 5 - Burn Hollywood Burn - An old favourite, a little politic...
Track 6 - Goin' Back to Cali - I listened to this exemplary LL Cool J song a Thousand times when I went to Los Angeles. Dig that down'n'dirty Raunchy horn at the start. As though Kool Herc were messing with the Chicago soundtrack.
Track 7 - California Bound - It's a nice little thing I put in because You like the Pixies, this was done by their ex-lead.
Track 8 - California Sun - A classic! by one of the greatest Rock'n'Roll groups to ever walk the Earth. (Also one of the best bands for cover tunes. You're never gonna stop Rockin'!!!
Track 9 - California Uber Alles - Before the Governator was in office, the Dead Kennedy's wrote this mainstay of punk. 'Course that was the 80s. "Camahhhn de playne is lieeeeving. Paeck yer bags or ah'll keelll you! Get Dauuuuwn! Dauwn South! " ;)
Track 10 - California Dreamin' - This was a natural, we both agreed, but have you ever heard Pennywise cover it?
Track 11 - Los Angeles is Burning - I felt Bad Religion was a good call for this set. The quality of sound maybe slightly skewed, I apologize for this.
Track 12 - California - I didn't even think about the song itself. It's by Weezer. It IS a cover.
Track 13 - Miserlou - You'll be shootin' the waves with the surfer girls... I'm jealous
Track 14 - Malibu - From the album that was the true death of punk. This song just Screams Stevie Nicks, doesn't it? And in the end, what was punk trying to get away from...
Track 15 - LA Woman - Cruise down PCH at about midnight, starting at the top of the geography and play this song. Life will make so much sense. Also play this song on your way to Whiskey A Go-Go, or hear about it from Ulrich...
Track 16 - Screenwriter's Blues - Put on your black beret and darkest shades to listen to this: If Alan Ginsberg were with you on the plane, he'd be listening to this song - a soundscape of LA. You didn't know you were going to Racida, did you? *lol
Track 17 - Leaving on a Jet Plane - Sad & Sweet, Steph and I Had to put this on if only to get away from naming the state again. This version is by Joplin, so you be sure to listen to it as well, while on the way to Whiskey...
Track 18 - Going to California - Ya didn't think I would lay down twenty tracks on such a specific theme and miss This one didja?
Track 19 - Malibu Love Nest - If you haven't heard Luna yet, let me share this awesome band with you now. Then when you get home, go buy all their albums...
Track 20 - Endless Summer - well have a good trip!
Track 1 - From New York to LA - Chosen by the inimitable Ms. Woolger. One listen said fun fun fun! Shake your asses for us in your absence.
Track 2 - Hot Buttered Popcorn - We both agreed on this one. Across from the Kodak Theatre, I was thinking of films and your love of film. What else is more natural with good film than popcorn? This one is a fave that had the kiddies poppin' in their seats even when I was a youngster.
Track 3 - Hollywood - Again, Stephanie's choice. I have to agree with her too, if there was Ever a pop star that was worthy of representing the Glamour of Hollywood, it is surely Madonna.
Track 4 - Sex on the Beach - You Better! If only so I can live vicariously through your stories afterward.
Track 5 - Burn Hollywood Burn - An old favourite, a little politic...
Track 6 - Goin' Back to Cali - I listened to this exemplary LL Cool J song a Thousand times when I went to Los Angeles. Dig that down'n'dirty Raunchy horn at the start. As though Kool Herc were messing with the Chicago soundtrack.
Track 7 - California Bound - It's a nice little thing I put in because You like the Pixies, this was done by their ex-lead.
Track 8 - California Sun - A classic! by one of the greatest Rock'n'Roll groups to ever walk the Earth. (Also one of the best bands for cover tunes. You're never gonna stop Rockin'!!!
Track 9 - California Uber Alles - Before the Governator was in office, the Dead Kennedy's wrote this mainstay of punk. 'Course that was the 80s. "Camahhhn de playne is lieeeeving. Paeck yer bags or ah'll keelll you! Get Dauuuuwn! Dauwn South! " ;)
Track 10 - California Dreamin' - This was a natural, we both agreed, but have you ever heard Pennywise cover it?
Track 11 - Los Angeles is Burning - I felt Bad Religion was a good call for this set. The quality of sound maybe slightly skewed, I apologize for this.
Track 12 - California - I didn't even think about the song itself. It's by Weezer. It IS a cover.
Track 13 - Miserlou - You'll be shootin' the waves with the surfer girls... I'm jealous
Track 14 - Malibu - From the album that was the true death of punk. This song just Screams Stevie Nicks, doesn't it? And in the end, what was punk trying to get away from...
Track 15 - LA Woman - Cruise down PCH at about midnight, starting at the top of the geography and play this song. Life will make so much sense. Also play this song on your way to Whiskey A Go-Go, or hear about it from Ulrich...
Track 16 - Screenwriter's Blues - Put on your black beret and darkest shades to listen to this: If Alan Ginsberg were with you on the plane, he'd be listening to this song - a soundscape of LA. You didn't know you were going to Racida, did you? *lol
Track 17 - Leaving on a Jet Plane - Sad & Sweet, Steph and I Had to put this on if only to get away from naming the state again. This version is by Joplin, so you be sure to listen to it as well, while on the way to Whiskey...
Track 18 - Going to California - Ya didn't think I would lay down twenty tracks on such a specific theme and miss This one didja?
Track 19 - Malibu Love Nest - If you haven't heard Luna yet, let me share this awesome band with you now. Then when you get home, go buy all their albums...
Track 20 - Endless Summer - well have a good trip!
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
I just Love those werewolf showtunes!
That's right, I have been trying a program called Konfabulator and it is KonFaaaabulouuuus! For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, it runs little tiny programs,(essentially webpages I am told),which are Java/Flash/HTML based. These are called "widgets," - you may have heard of them if you are familiar with Apple's OS X Tiger, which uses them.
There are four which I am currently in love with. The first is a simple clock, graphically elegant and settable to any place in the world. You can run multiple clocks simultaneously. The second is a to do list. That's it, cross of your items as you go. The third is pure vanity: a very stylish glass widget with which I can control iTunes. It suits my theme very well indeed. Lastly, we come to a sort of frivolity. That is, for Some people it is a frivolity but living in Sudbury it is just a good idea. It is the Werewolf Tracker.
Aside from this exist a number of funky little items, most notably: a gmail tracker, a global earthquake tracker which is connected to the U.S. Geological Survey office and a Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (MST3k)widget that puts Mike, Servo and Crow on your desktop to make the occaisional quip. There was also one to track Xforums, which I have been writing on for over a year now, but I personally would rather open the site and browse it.
A Werewolf Tracker!
- Cuz, you see, I got into a discussion about the supernatural creatures that would inhabit Sudbury IF supernaturals Would inhabit Sudbury. One friend suggested that their would be vampires, but clearly he was wrong. Anybody who has been to Azilda / Chelmsford* could see plainly that it is werewolf territory. No doubt.
For those of you who were on the boardwalk at Lake Ramsey last night, (hallo to you!), it should also be clear that the moon is a clear and obvious influence to the area.
Now, keeping in the theme of the moon, I would like to mention the moth I had on my foot not half an hour ago. I have trod the Urf for three years more than three decades and never seen its like before. As I sat out for the evening's final cig, I see this creature, three or more inches across, mint green with brown and white teardrops on its fragile (and in fact torn) wings. It had beautiful black eyes and a powder white body.
The moth sat in front of the door to the apartment (I am at Rotorooter's & Hazelnut's place tonight). Realizing it is a sure place to get stepped on, I tried to nudge the little beauty aside for its own safety and up it crawls onto my sock! (Now That's trust)! I looked at it (and spoke to it) for quite a while. When my cig was done I tried to let it gently onto a nearby bush.
As it was wounded, I knew I would have time to get the girls and bring them out to show them. When I came in I interrupted Jenny and Stephanie as they were changing into their nightthings. Perhaps because of my enthusiasm they came nearly immediately downstairs with me.
Jenny recognized the creature nearly immediately and for those of you who wonder what the flying jack this has to do with the moon, here's your answer: According to Jenny, it is a Lunar Moth. Well of course! In fact if anyone Did wonder what this has to do with the moon, Think! Moths are nocturnal and seek light. Before cities they would seek the moon. I reckon to some extent All moths are lunar then.
Finally, for as they say good things come in threes, I have been writing a little more for someone very special. Without saying much** I will state that part of the last thing I wrote for said special person included talk of tides, specifically a neap tide, and yes I kept it tidy! There you go, tides of course are driven by the moon.
Ah it is wonderful to be a creature of the night!
*When I have children, assuming I do, I am deeply considering naming one of the girls Azilda Chelmsford. I will only do this if I am living in England and working for some form of upper-crusty situation and make a regular habit of going to the Drones Club.
**For it is really None of your business, yet the the 'comes in threes' reality Must be satisfied. Three. It really is the magic number! (^_^)
There are four which I am currently in love with. The first is a simple clock, graphically elegant and settable to any place in the world. You can run multiple clocks simultaneously. The second is a to do list. That's it, cross of your items as you go. The third is pure vanity: a very stylish glass widget with which I can control iTunes. It suits my theme very well indeed. Lastly, we come to a sort of frivolity. That is, for Some people it is a frivolity but living in Sudbury it is just a good idea. It is the Werewolf Tracker.
Aside from this exist a number of funky little items, most notably: a gmail tracker, a global earthquake tracker which is connected to the U.S. Geological Survey office and a Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (MST3k)widget that puts Mike, Servo and Crow on your desktop to make the occaisional quip. There was also one to track Xforums, which I have been writing on for over a year now, but I personally would rather open the site and browse it.
A Werewolf Tracker!
- Cuz, you see, I got into a discussion about the supernatural creatures that would inhabit Sudbury IF supernaturals Would inhabit Sudbury. One friend suggested that their would be vampires, but clearly he was wrong. Anybody who has been to Azilda / Chelmsford* could see plainly that it is werewolf territory. No doubt.
For those of you who were on the boardwalk at Lake Ramsey last night, (hallo to you!), it should also be clear that the moon is a clear and obvious influence to the area.
Now, keeping in the theme of the moon, I would like to mention the moth I had on my foot not half an hour ago. I have trod the Urf for three years more than three decades and never seen its like before. As I sat out for the evening's final cig, I see this creature, three or more inches across, mint green with brown and white teardrops on its fragile (and in fact torn) wings. It had beautiful black eyes and a powder white body.
The moth sat in front of the door to the apartment (I am at Rotorooter's & Hazelnut's place tonight). Realizing it is a sure place to get stepped on, I tried to nudge the little beauty aside for its own safety and up it crawls onto my sock! (Now That's trust)! I looked at it (and spoke to it) for quite a while. When my cig was done I tried to let it gently onto a nearby bush.
As it was wounded, I knew I would have time to get the girls and bring them out to show them. When I came in I interrupted Jenny and Stephanie as they were changing into their nightthings. Perhaps because of my enthusiasm they came nearly immediately downstairs with me.
Jenny recognized the creature nearly immediately and for those of you who wonder what the flying jack this has to do with the moon, here's your answer: According to Jenny, it is a Lunar Moth. Well of course! In fact if anyone Did wonder what this has to do with the moon, Think! Moths are nocturnal and seek light. Before cities they would seek the moon. I reckon to some extent All moths are lunar then.
Finally, for as they say good things come in threes, I have been writing a little more for someone very special. Without saying much** I will state that part of the last thing I wrote for said special person included talk of tides, specifically a neap tide, and yes I kept it tidy! There you go, tides of course are driven by the moon.
Ah it is wonderful to be a creature of the night!
*When I have children, assuming I do, I am deeply considering naming one of the girls Azilda Chelmsford. I will only do this if I am living in England and working for some form of upper-crusty situation and make a regular habit of going to the Drones Club.
**For it is really None of your business, yet the the 'comes in threes' reality Must be satisfied. Three. It really is the magic number! (^_^)
Friday, May 20, 2005
Pirish...
Scanning some other parts of the net that I like to read, I noticed that an aquatically oriented friend pulled a great compliment. Somebody wrote tohim saying "Luke! If you were a movie, you'd be rated Arrrrr!"
Now I have to say I am jealous of that compliment. In the ongoing debate between Pirates and Ninjas I have to say that Ninjas kick more ass, but Pirates have more fun. I'd much rather have fun than kick ass. Pirates, unfortunately, get plenty more hangovers than Ninjas.
On that note, I'm off to pillage some Advil™ and plunder half a gallon of water before I finish the day. (which is to say 'before I start the day').
Now I have to say I am jealous of that compliment. In the ongoing debate between Pirates and Ninjas I have to say that Ninjas kick more ass, but Pirates have more fun. I'd much rather have fun than kick ass. Pirates, unfortunately, get plenty more hangovers than Ninjas.
On that note, I'm off to pillage some Advil™ and plunder half a gallon of water before I finish the day. (which is to say 'before I start the day').
Thursday, May 19, 2005
It ain't my fault...
I nearly forgot, but to all the people who have blamed me for stuff in the last couple days (and you know who you are ;)):
IT AIN'T MY FAULT!
You may now find another scapegoat. I will expect payments in Cash for scapegoat services rendered...
IT AIN'T MY FAULT!
You may now find another scapegoat. I will expect payments in Cash for scapegoat services rendered...
If only Bjork could see this...
There is a show called "Isobel" that ran last night for its second time. It is the brainchild of Jenny Hazelton, but it was inspired by the music of the amazing Icelandic artist mentioned in the title.
Jenny brought together a series of songs by Björk and wove them into a storyline that describes the genesis of Isobel, her creation of the world and its subsequent destruction by overzealous, greedy, stupid humanity. Having lit the theatre in nothing but blacklight, Hazelton populated the stage with more than a hundred puppets that she made herself. She brought together an amazing group of performers (best I've worked with!) and choreographed the show.
For a more thorough description of this show I reference http://thisoldshack.blogspot.com/ wherein Andrew Root provides details. By all means check that article out! What I want to say now is simpler, and has been said before.
I remember hearing a live version of a song by the SugarCubes back when Björk was their lead. At one point she screamed like an enraged child and I was so fascinated by her. As time went on I have been continually impressed with this Icelandic wonder. One of the things that has been so wondrous about her through the years is that she seems to Always have a child-like fascination and appreciation for the world around her (so I see in video, interviews, etc...). It is an exceedingly rare thing and when I am getting down on the world it is often Björk that I turn to so that I keep even keel. From discussion, I know that Jenny feels the same - and here's why I am writing at this moment.
I wish Björk could have seen the show we put on tonight, because I know she would have loved it. It is a great thing for an artist to know that they have inspired others. Beyond that I am sure she would have revelled in watching the story, presented with Jenny's genius behind it, as did the 160 children that we played to tonight.
There is a DVD of the first performance which I am preparing here at home, but I wouldn't know how to send it to Björk and even if I could, it's not the same as seeing it live...
Björk, if you ever read this give me a response and we will mount the show again just for you (^_^)
Jenny brought together a series of songs by Björk and wove them into a storyline that describes the genesis of Isobel, her creation of the world and its subsequent destruction by overzealous, greedy, stupid humanity. Having lit the theatre in nothing but blacklight, Hazelton populated the stage with more than a hundred puppets that she made herself. She brought together an amazing group of performers (best I've worked with!) and choreographed the show.
For a more thorough description of this show I reference http://thisoldshack.blogspot.com/ wherein Andrew Root provides details. By all means check that article out! What I want to say now is simpler, and has been said before.
I remember hearing a live version of a song by the SugarCubes back when Björk was their lead. At one point she screamed like an enraged child and I was so fascinated by her. As time went on I have been continually impressed with this Icelandic wonder. One of the things that has been so wondrous about her through the years is that she seems to Always have a child-like fascination and appreciation for the world around her (so I see in video, interviews, etc...). It is an exceedingly rare thing and when I am getting down on the world it is often Björk that I turn to so that I keep even keel. From discussion, I know that Jenny feels the same - and here's why I am writing at this moment.
I wish Björk could have seen the show we put on tonight, because I know she would have loved it. It is a great thing for an artist to know that they have inspired others. Beyond that I am sure she would have revelled in watching the story, presented with Jenny's genius behind it, as did the 160 children that we played to tonight.
There is a DVD of the first performance which I am preparing here at home, but I wouldn't know how to send it to Björk and even if I could, it's not the same as seeing it live...
Björk, if you ever read this give me a response and we will mount the show again just for you (^_^)
Monday, May 09, 2005
Pound it out...
Having deleted two blogs already, I wonder if there is any sense in starting another. There is something fascinating about having one's words available to the world for no other reason than to be heard. - I lie, of course, there is another reason. This one is simple. Sometimes it happens that one faces a huge block and cannot seem to write anything good to save one's life. How frustrating.
I don't like to sound vindictive, but truth is I am glad that I am not the only one this happens to. (The suffering seems so reduced when I watch others twist in the wind with me). At any rate, the best thing for it was pushed on me by my editor (whose name is Ed), during my practicum at the Star. He told me to just pound out any old crap. Stories, shopping lists, even the things you most want to tell a hated authority figure. Turn your mind off and do not worry about which words come or how much sense they make.
This area is going to be where I do just that. Normally I don't believe in leaving what may essentially be very low-grade content strewn about the mediascape. There are two reasons I am willing to in this case. First off, I have noticed that every so often I am inspired by the most common, plain or banal things. If it can happen to me, I reckon, then it can happen to others (just like the damn block). Secondly, it is worth considering that at least statistically, sooner or later, a mountain of soot will produce a diamond. So be it.
If you end up reading any of this and in any way enjoy it - well, cheers! Feel free to comment. Same goes if you don't like it, although in all fairness; You were warned.
Cheers, Ed!
I don't like to sound vindictive, but truth is I am glad that I am not the only one this happens to. (The suffering seems so reduced when I watch others twist in the wind with me). At any rate, the best thing for it was pushed on me by my editor (whose name is Ed), during my practicum at the Star. He told me to just pound out any old crap. Stories, shopping lists, even the things you most want to tell a hated authority figure. Turn your mind off and do not worry about which words come or how much sense they make.
This area is going to be where I do just that. Normally I don't believe in leaving what may essentially be very low-grade content strewn about the mediascape. There are two reasons I am willing to in this case. First off, I have noticed that every so often I am inspired by the most common, plain or banal things. If it can happen to me, I reckon, then it can happen to others (just like the damn block). Secondly, it is worth considering that at least statistically, sooner or later, a mountain of soot will produce a diamond. So be it.
If you end up reading any of this and in any way enjoy it - well, cheers! Feel free to comment. Same goes if you don't like it, although in all fairness; You were warned.
Cheers, Ed!
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