Nation's Capital pt. 2

Plus

+ The AFL-CIO held a free cookout last week around lunchtime to celebrate the return of their “Bush Legacy Tour” bus. The inside of the bus basically has documented all the ways in which Bush has blown it via Iraq war, Katrina, environment, etc. The cookout was yummy, free and two blocks from the White House.

+ People read! On the metro or the bus, morning or night, people are reading. In addition, the books seem relatively edifying and not romance novels or US Weekly (not that there is anything wrong with US weekly). I’ve met and know people who use their 40 hour work week as an excuse for why they don’t read very much. I say “boo” to you. If reading isn’t your pastime then fine but don’t blame your work week on it. D.C. proves that one can work a 9-5 and still fit in some literature or non-fic.

+ Madeline is here!

+ Monday happy hour with David Halperin and some other kids from the staff. Good times.

+ Watching the Angels destroy the Nationals on Tuesday

+ Interviewing Maria Teresa Petersen and CNN correspondent Rick Sanchez

+ Going to the SilverDocs festival for work and seeing a great documentary called Forbidden Lies

+ The Raven. Um… am I in Portland? For my Portland friends this bar is like a mix of The Nest and Beulahland but smaller than both. Cheap beer, variety of different kids, a bit seedy, good jukebox of old punk, rock and indie…my kid of place.

Minus

- Fashion: ouch. This may be apart of the down side to their being very few hipsters in town. After a few drinks, I told one of my friends that, “People in D.C. were just way more okay with looking dumpy than in Los Angeles, or even San Francisco.”

Last weekend, I went to dance at three different clubs and people weren’t even trying. I’m not talking thrift store style because that can work sometimes. I’m talking sales rack at Ross.

Having said that I commend the guy wearing the white wedding dress at Black Cat’s 80’s prom night two weeks ago. At least you’re mixing it up, dude. In addition, yesterday on my way to the metro, there were thousands of people out on the street. Most of them were black and killing it style-wise. So I give it up to them as well.

- Dulles Airport. Can anyone tell me why this place still exists? It’s not near anything and once you are there, it is the most convoluted, difficult and unaccommodating airport I have ever been too. Imagine a trailer park in the form of an airport.

- Noise. Yeah yeah…it’s a big city and it gets noisy. However, I cannot walk the streets for longer than five minutes without an ambulance, cop or high-profile brigade of security surrounding black escalades blasting by me.

Neutral

= Weather. So the down side is that it is humid as all hell. However, the interesting/good side is that you get some pretty crazy lightning storms that randomly arrive and then disappear within hours. Plus, when it does finally rain, it is such a different rain that Portland. It is like the world is relieving its stress. It seems like a natural development that the earth and all of us suffering underneath it need. Can I say the strange developments of the weather are a seemingly fitting necessity for the earth and the people on it well? Sure. And to continue being corny and a bit of a hippy, the weather and my body seem to have a relationship that seems to coincide and understand each other. (<--I think my two days in Santa Cruz a couple weeks ago rubbed off on me)

= Softball game. Our organization plays in a pretty competitive softball league. On Thursday we played against The Heritage Foundation. Unfortunately, we lost in the last inning and I didn't get to play which were both down sides. However, the upside was that afterwards we played a "Intern vs. Staff" game in which I was able to prove that I got some skills and shouldn't be riding the pine. Next game is against the Defense Department on Monday.

(image: Lafayette Park)

Spam thrives in the face of our slowing economy…again.

(Note: I wrote this for a Pushback.org blog but it doesn't look like its getting past the editor's desk. Nevertheless, I thought it was funny, gross and interesting.)

An article by ADAge.com has pointed out the recent double digit growth in Spam sales over the past few quarters. In a time when almost every aspect of the economy is doing poorly, the Spam sector seems impervious to all the tumult.

Matthew Creamer reports:

It's a trend explained by the concept of "inferior goods," an economics term that less describes the makeup of a product than its place in consumer-demand theory. They're basically goods or services for which demand increases as income decreases and vice versa. They're staples that are somewhat dispensable in good times but more desirable in bad ones.

[…]

In the current economic climate, the media have given a fair amount of attention to this concept, as part of a tsunami of coverage of how the American consumer is cutting back to deal with rising food and gas prices and the looming threat of an economic apocalypse. Following parent company Hormel's second-quarter-earnings release, which announced a 14% increase in profit, the Associated Press attributed Spam's success to downtrodden simple folk and even quoted a few wretches who seem to have turned to the pork product as a last ditch before gobbling up their own hair clippings.

This isn’t the first time Spam has done well in an economic slowdown. The strange and questionably meaty substance was created in 1937 and was distributed throughout the south pacific to U.S. military personal during World War 2.

My question is: why is Spam even still available? Do you know anyone who actually eats Spam? Somebody must like it and now its sales are increasing? Strange…and…well… gross.
I’ll stick to discount shopping and cutting out coupons before the money crunch causes me to crack a can of SPAM for lunchtime in the office.

Nation's Capital

In case you haven’t heard I am spending my summer in Washington D.C. as an editorial intern writing for Campus Progress and sometimes Pushback.org. I arrived last Tuesday and so far really love my job/internship. Things are different though now. I live in a living room and sleep on a couch. I wear business casual clothing and work for 40 hours. In a way, I feel like I am living someone else’s life. I’ll get use to it though. Its just really different to go from slinging pizza pies and being a full time student to this new life.

So, I figured that at the end of every week I’ll give a +, -, and an = to various aspects of my life here in D.C. You can figure out what sign means what.

+ Internship and all the kids that work there
+ Hanging with Courtney and crew
+ open bar at Liberation Dance Party on Friday at DC9
+ diversity! D.C. is much more ethnically diverse than Portland. I say this with a certain sensitivity to the fact that there is a slight tension between the minority working class of this town and the well-off. However, there is a wide range of various types of people from all different classes and cultures. I understand that it is not all peachy and that gentrification is in full effect here but it’s a nice change from the bubble that Portland was stuck in at times.
+ Walking by Senator John Kerry’s office door and seeing him standing amongst his interns at the Russell Senate House.
+ 10 dollar Nationals game. They suck but hey…at least I can see the Angels annihilate them next week for cheap.
+ DJ at Black Cat mixing “House of Jealous Lovers” by The Rapture with “Our House” by Madness and Hot Chip’s “over and over”…shit was so impressive, sounded good and basically could make anyone shake their rump.

- No Wells Fargo
- Roaches. See these things everywhere. None at the apartment yet though.
- Waking up at 4 in the morning to gunshots….yeah that ain’t cool.
- 40 dollars for a ticket to a D.C. United game. Um what? Isn’t the MLS struggling for sales. Here’s a clue….lower the price of a ticket.
- Lack of diverse restaurants around my work. Three words: sandwich, soups, salads. That’s it.
- Trader Joe’s being so far away. I have to walk like 8 blocks and change 2 metro trains to get there.
- No internet at the house.

= No Hipsters. Or at least those serious, should be in a American Apparel ad, hipsters.
= Wearing business casual Monday through Friday. You look good but you gotta iron shit and take it to the cleaners and what not.
= Lack of Mexican food. Its probably about time I lay off the Mexican food and try other cuisines. There are many restaurants specializing in food from Latin countries but I still haven’t found a real Mexican Taqueria. I couldn't even find good salsa at the store.

Pushback

A blog written and edited by a diverse group of progressive young people from across the country in a creative, insightful and amusing ways. Pushback is apart of Campus Progress Action. Check it out at Pushback.org

I'll be blogging here a bit this summer. However that is not the only reason why you should go.

hearts.

Where politics and recruitment collide

Enough said.

African Film et l'Occident

This last quarter I took a French film class. However, since my instructor had just spent a year in Burkina Faso, so she decided to focus the class on films that revolved around former French colonies of Africa. Most of the films dealt with the influence and affect France has had on the development of these countries post-independence and the experience of the African immigrant in France. I don't know how many of these films all you Netflix-addicts will be able to find. Burkina Faso is the home to the African version of Cannes and it seems that maybe some of these would be pretty difficult to obtain. Nevertheless, I know many film nerds and thought maybe it would be beneficial to pass on the titles and a short description of some of my favorites. (Plus, by doing this, I am helping myself with my final.)

* Black and White In Color (La victoire en chantant) by Jean-Jacques Annaud (1976)

Taking place in Africa during World War 1, this film exposes the absurdity of nationalism and the attempt to re-inact the war being fought on mainland Europe in Africa between the colonies. I guess this really went down. Except who were the soldiers? Not the colonizers that is for sure. This film makes an interesting social commentary through exposing the absurd and often highly comical actions and events of this strange period in history.

*Chocolat by Claire Denis (1988)

Not not that shitty film starring Johnny Depp that came out a few years ago. This film by Claire Denis examines the various power roles during the last days of African colonialization. In addition, to be an intriguing and subtle film, it is also shot exceptionally beautiful. Highly recommended.

*The Battle of Algiers (La bataille d'Alger) by Gillo Pontecorvo (1963)

This is probably the most famous film that we saw all quarter. This film is kind of a must for all lovers of film. Examines the events that took place in Algiers in the 50's which eventually led to the atrocious and bloody Algerian war for independence against France. The film follows an illiterate criminal who works his way up a terrorists organization in the city of Algeria who commits various crimes against the French occupiers until the French Army is called in to squash the rebellion. There are many great elements to this film. Good acting, great soundtrack by Morricone, etc. However, its impressive how much this film is still relevant today by humanizing all those involved until it becomes not so clear who is right or in the wrong. Interestingly, the Pentagon made this film mandatory for all top U.S. military leaders leading up to the invasion of Iraq.


* Twisting in Poponguine (Ça twiste à Poponguine) by Moussa Sena Absa (1994)

One of my favorites of the quarter, this film takes place in a small town in Senegal and follows two teenage gangs imitating their favorite Western rock n roll stars. One names themselves after all American rock stars while the other are named after French rockstars. This film examines the search and struggle for identity in the first years of post-colonial Africa. Once again, the film makes a poignant social commentary through absurd, entertaining and extremely funny moments. In addition, Absa uses almost no professional actors in this film. Find this.

*Sango Malo by Bassek Ba Kobhio (1991)

Kobhio first wrote a novel and then turned his own book into this film that examines the role and importance of education in helping Africa develop. Kobhio brings up an interesting power struggle between communist-style and Western, capitalist influenced style education. This film contains many different elements that seem important in the development of Africa. It exposes contemporary corruption and the problems that exist but then questions the alternatives. There are a few, overly dramatic moments of this film but overall I found it to be enjoyable while enlightening me on something I wasn't entirely aware of.

Dakan by Mohamed Camara (1997)

This is the first film about homosexuality in sub-sahara Africa where many countries still openly state that such does not exist in their country. I feel like films that are specifically about the subject of homosexuality tend to overemphasize their themes and thus making the film feel very cliche and trite. However, Dakan successfully avoids falling into these trappings in telling the story of two boys, from different economic backgrounds, who fall in love in a society that doesn't even recognize the existence of such occurrence even being able to happen. The first half of this film trots along with relative ease while the second half gets suddenly way more complex resulting in a much more powerful film that originally indicated. Some of this has to do with the introduction of a white girl who is African and has a black mother. This never really gets explained but adds an interesting element that reminds of colonialization and its continued presence in Africa. Recommended.


No Fear, No Die (S'en fout la mort) by Claire Denis (1990)

Another film by Claire Denis that now examines the experience of two African immigrants living in France working as cock-trainers in an underground cock-fighting circuit on the outskirts of Paris. The theme of power once again returns and while this film doesn't specifically focus on Africa or colonialization, it does bring up many interesting themes regarding not just race but gender and class as well. In addition, this stars Issach De Bankolé who is a bad ass French-speaking actor from the Ivory Coast who you might recognize from Diving Bell and the Butterfly or Coffee and Cigarettes.

Scarlett Johansson review

My lastest review on Fanbolt of Scarlett Johansson's recent foray into music is up.

Check it out here.


hearts...

Conversations with my mom and the leftist ideals that are causing you communication problems part 1

Over the past few weeks I have engaged in a serious of conversations with my mom that seem to overlap a lot of reoccurring themes in the news, my classrooms and conversations with other people. Many of these themes revolve around the presidential race and regard race and/or various accusations or issues with Barack Obama.

Many of these conversations have delved off from specifically talking about the topical subject in which started the discussion and into bigger themes that seem to overlap or include progressive/liberal/leftist(take you pick) ideology, ideas and attitudes.

The interesting aspect of these conversations is that they tend to be a conglomeration of taking very huge issues and interspersing them with immediate experiences involving these issues. This can be really annoying in some cases. However, this intersecting of extensive issues with personal experiences which are initiated from current events and topical subjects has been interesting and caused some self-reflection upon my generation, political standpoints and you. I would like to expound upon some things in maybe two or three different entries. Here’s number one:

A journalism conference in Los Angeles that I attended in January begin with two hours of panel discussions with various from the west coast news media. Somewhere along the lines, the topic of racism came up and many people were saying that the difficulty in dealing with racism in the news media and with the general public was the lack of discussion going on in academia, the media and general public about the subject of racism. Suddenly, Marc Cooper, contributing writer to The Nation spoke up and completely disagreed. He thought that people do talk about racism all the time. As a part-time professor, Cooper mentioned that in his classes it is constantly brought up. Cooper went on to assert that especially with the elements of race and gender in the presidential elections that people are talking about racism along with a series of other related issues quit frequently.

I have to say that I agree with Cooper’s assessment not just from my recent conversations with my mother but also my experience as a student over the last year as well. I cannot remember another time in my life where race has been so often apart of the headlines in mainstream media whether it’s the Huffington Post or Bill O’Reilly.

However, what this has also exposed is a certain ignorance, inability and general difficulty in talking about such issues as racism. I think this exposure is good though because it gives us a sort of litmus test of where we are as a country and the change that still needs to talk place. However, it also shows though the difficulty in actually talking about an issue like racism.

A recent pro-McCain propagandist video I watched took an Obama quote where he stated, “My grandma was a typical white person…” and asked the question of what would happen if McCain was to say, “typical black person.” Their assertion was that it would be the end of McCain’s presidential run. Maybe…but that’s not why I bring it up. In addition, I have written enough on this blog about such issues and I also trust that you know the intricacies and reasons why it is legitimately different if McCain to say such things. Although, generalizations normally aren’t a good idea whether your black, white or polka dot.

I bring this up though because it does reveal another difficulty of explaining these reasons especially to the generation of our parents or grandparents. It is even difficult to explain such reasons to some of our peers, even our college educated peers. I don’t say this to scoff or chastise these people but to reveal yet another real issue: How do we, as a left-leaning, progressive, young generation actively discuss these issues in a productive manner? It is a difficult task and if one thing seems for sure, it is that we aren’t doing a good job so far.

Imagine something that you passionately believe in or something that is so apart of the way you think that it almost comes natural. Now imagine engaging in a conversation with someone who is radically opposed to that? Difficult to talk to them? How do you engage in a conversation with this someone? We’ve probably all experienced this with a family member at the dinner table resulting in a loss of appetite or an uncomfortable silence.

I think it is imperative that we learn the tools and how to engage in a real conversation with these people. I also think that it is our biggest fault that we don’t or have difficulty in doing so. (When I say “our” I am meaning the American political “left”- which I know is a bit elusive but roll with me.) It seems that our reactions now usually consist of frustration, name calling or a general lack of participation on our part. Yet, we are all so willing to spout our opinions over a beer amongst our friends. What do we actually do though?

It’s difficult to set the feelings aside sometimes and have a real conversation with those who disagree. However, by not engaging in such discussions then how can change come about? Perhaps, we can not change their vote but I still find it advantageous to reach a point where they can at least understand our point of view. Conversely, I find it equally important that we learn their points of view as well. And if we reach that level field where we understand each others reasons and motivations that fuel our beliefs and vote then real development towards a possible change can occur.

Before concluding I think it is important to point out that there are numerous methods which tend to distract from the real issues and motivations. I am addressing mainly those chain emails you might get from that conservative relative. Perhaps, it’s a photo, video or declaring the lack of patriotism with subtle tones of racism and classism (i.e. Barack’s lapel pin, etc.). They are usually not very logical and tend to be aimed at getting under you skin-which they often do. However, these are probably not the reason why Grandpa is voting republican. Underneath the distracting BS, are the real reasons and it probably has to do with where they come from, their experiences, where they work or their current quality of life.

My mom mentioned these differences in talking about my grandmother (her mom). My grandma doesn’t have any children living at the house, she is retired and I assume apart of an upper-income bracket. Thus she is against Obama probably not because he doesn’t wear an American flag lapel pin but because she disagrees with socialized healthcare. There are other reasons which are not entirely illegitimate and I wouldn’t mind having a conversation with her about it. I think it’s important to know, understand and learn these opinions if any of us have any real desire to create change or swing the pendulum towards our direction in any small or big way.

I realize that the issues I brought up are things that have always occurred and will continue to. I don’t plan on anyone being able to evr permanently alter change this. However, I think, from what I have seen, there is a sincere lack of self-reflection on our part when it comes to these issues and it might do us all a bit of good in our own lives if we learn to step back, look how we are reacting to those opposed to us and maybe change our attitudes in hopes of changing theirs and making even a small difference.

Cult Film ressurection

Is it strictly an American tradition where we celebrate low-budget B-movies, horribly shallow action films, or simplistic teen dramas? Perhaps. Almost all of us have some crappy film(s) that we secretly love and watch faithfully every year that can be categorized in one of the prementioned genres.

If i wrote out a list of my top 25 films, amongst the Czech new wave, Godard's and Antonioni's, you would also find Space Balls, Major Leagues and maybe even Weird Science. That being said, I excitedly await the next installment of...

Point Break 2? Yep. Written by the same dude who wrote the original. Oh man...i can't wait.


Heres the description (now over a year old) taken from SlashFilm:
The new movie will be set in Southeast Asia and uncover the fate of the surfers’ leader Bodhi (played in the original by Patrick Swayze) who was supposedly (spoiler alert) killed by a giant wave at the end of the first film. The sequel will not feature the return of FBI Special Agent John ‘Johnny’ Utah (who was played by Keanu Reeves in the original), but will instead follow a surfer-turned-SEAL who is on the trail of “a criminal gang.” They hope to cast “a young male action star at the same stage in his career as Keanu (Reeves) was.”

Sounds horrible. Horribly amazing.

Think they'll have Clinton and Bush Jr. masks now? God, I hope so.

Post-Script: Screw artistic integrity. Who wants to put their creativity to good use and assist me in writing the next cult film? We can be the laughing stock of Hollywood but still get all the perks(wink wink).

Terry's miss

Sports- art with muscles.

I saw one of the most heartbreaking moments ever in sports today. It nearly brought me to tears. For those of you that scoff at sports there is certain elements of theater, drama, spectacle and even art that it contains which cannot be denied. They say sports players get paid too much. If that is true then so do actors and so do some artists,writers and even musicians. Film, television and sometimes to a lesser degree music and literature, are just often more easily related to than sports. Either that or there is a certain element of fantasy that taps into the realms of our imagination that fits our dreams and desires and expresses them onto a screen, a canvas, a book or into a song.

I wouldn't exactly equate such with sports. (Although some would...) In addition, I don't think it is or ever will be something for everybody. However, I will say that for those who understand your game of choice and all the nuances involved, the reactions can often be on the same emotional level than these other forms of entertainment and art. That being said, what I saw today definitely emitted a similar response in me that is usually reserved for other such mediums.

Sure, sports is just entertainment but if anything; what happens out on the field isn't scripted and it can never be replayed the exact same way twice. This only makes it all that more fascinating, affecting and unique.

John Terry-my heart goes out to you man.

Marriage Equality? How about marriage illegalization.

Everyone is texting, blogging and freaking out today over the good news in California that a state Supreme Court ruling of 4-3 stating that "the state’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the “fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship.” Thus, for the time being, marriage equality exist in the fine State of California.

It seems pretty absurd and dated to be against same-sex marriage. Such an attitude is rooted in a archaic judeo-christian morality that if seperation of church and state really exists, shouldn't be so ingrained into our politics. Obviously, they are but its good to see the pendulum shifting.

However...let me ponder a bit and expand on an idealistic pipe-dream in a moment of frivolity....

Why is the institution of marriage so wrapped up in legality in the first place? The fact that marriage is a legal binding agreement between two parties seems absurd as well. Why are the courts even involved in the issues, desires of formed relationships between individuals?

I guess issues like who gets the kids, the dog and the brown sofa are often decided through legal means. But can't such issues that may need legal guidance, counseling or mediation be separate from the actual act of committing your life to someone. Can't the contract you create with someone be simply a binding between you and them on an intimate, personal or spiritual level?

I am stoked on the recent invents in California and I realize that this is the context we exists in but stepping back a minute; the whole issue that we even have to go through courts to establish marriage equality seems a bit absurd in the first place.

Regardless, if you enjoy stand-up comedy, please take 2 minutes and 43 seconds to watch this following clip of Doug Stanhope talk about marriage. Its not even comedy...its just frank, somewhat offensive, yet insightful honesty on marriage put perfectly:

Street Art goes to the Tate

As the street artists community continues to expand, evolve and grow in popularity, the Tate Modern in London has decided to dedicate an exhibition this month to some of its more established and known figures. According The Observer, many of the artists are now beginning to be commissioned to create pieces for millions of dollars in the homes of famous figures. Apparently, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie just had a Bansky piece put up in their living room. Good to know that he no longer needs to throw up his pieces sans permission in the MOMA. Not to mention that his hometown in England has trained the local sanitation department to no longer paint over his pieces.

In addition, May 5th was concluded the last day first ever Cans Festival-a stencil art battle in London under the Waterloo Station Bridge.

More power to the these street artists but it does seem to take away a bit from the ideas which street art is founded off of. Not like it hasn't happen before though...e.g. Basquiat, etc.



Images courtesy of Wooster Collective.
A website dedicated to exposing street art around the globe.

Party Time. Not-so excellent.

So, this was out-loud funny to me. A blog solely dedicated to other peoples parties from photos found on Flickr.

Check it at: Sorry I Missed Your Party

Thanks again to Diana for discovering this. I think this is the second time in less that two weeks I have co-opted a post from her Systems of Operation blog.

Weather Report

Recently, I have been fascinated with the We Can Solve It commercial campaign promoting awareness and activism in regards to climate change and environmentalism.

In case you haven’t seen them yet, they involve supposed opposite politicians and public figures, sitting together on a couch, expressing that despite their differences, they both agree on the need for climate change. Here are the two that have been released so far.

Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich

Pat Robertson and Al Sharpton

Here is an excerpt from the About Us section of We Can Solve It

“The We Campaign is a project of The Alliance for Climate Protection -- a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. Our ultimate aim is to halt global warming. Specifically we are educating people in the US and around the world that the climate crisis is both urgent and solvable.”

Admittedly, there are certain elements of this organization and their ad campaign which could be objectionable. More radical environmentalists tend to reject solving the impending climate issues through big business, special interest groups and the government. I am not well-versed in environmental politics but it seems that tendency from the radical left to work on the peripheries of society while refusing to cooperate or work with the organizations, systems, and/or governments they impose resolves in more conflict than positive, productive outcomes. In addition, it also seems that to take such an attitude is selfish and unconstructive.

Personally, I tend to see this sort of attitude quit frequently in Portland-a city which tends to boast its liberalism, open-mindedness and green consciousness. (side note: In October Business Week voted Portland the third most toxic city in the United States.) Attitudes tend to chastise those who don’t ride a bike or pour Biofuel into their cars. More than once, I have been scoffed at and dismissed for renouncing my 3 years of veganism. This also occurs in regards to political and religious issues. If you are not openly left then you’re possible friend ratio might drop significantly in this town-no joke! Obviously, this can personally frustrating. However, it has gotten to a point where one is tempted to question the foundation of leftist ideals altogether. Are all these kids doing it to be cool or do they really want to instigate realistic change?

In regards, to these commercials, I have personally found them to be possibly quite effective. It seems that a pragmatic outlook on the issue of climate change is that most people are uninformed and see no immediate incentive in making a change to their daily lifestyles. So regardless of how much money Pelosi and Gingrich are getting paid, and regardless of how much they are realistically attempting to push legislation forward towards creating constructive policy in climate issues, I think these commercials could be a beginning to getting people who don’t ride bikes, are vegan, food-forging anarchists or enviro-terrorists actually aware and maybe even involved with what is going on. It seems that such a cause really needs to target those who don’t live in conscious urban areas where being environmentally friendly is so easy. The suburbs need to know, the lower class need to know the incentives, major cities suffering from urban sprawl need funding to implement such measures.

I don’t see a lot of push for that kind of action with radical leftists. They seem content with their small, close-knit group of like-minded people. How is that ever going to change anything on a broader scale? Or maybe that isn’t the point....and maybe I'm just turning into a sellout.

P.S. I know Portland is a hip city but it’s frustrating that so many people who have ambitions of making social, political or environmental change move here. Portland has got enough people for that. People with such motivation should go to cities that really need to implement such change…like Detroit…or Phoenix….or even Los Angeles...or to the steps of Congress in D.C. Now that’s a challenge.

As they say: Portland-the most over qualified city of hyper-intelligent, MA holding baristas and bookstore clerks.

Diving Bell review...

My recent review of Diving Bell and the Butterfly is up on Fanbolt.

Check it here.

It may seem sort of familiar from a previous post of mine late last year.

Our Duty to Die

First, apologies for the dark subject matter of this blog. Blame it on it still being under 40 degrees outside even though we are in the middle of April. Its dreary, rainy, and the wind is cold. One is suppose to write about such themes in such a dark and dreary environment, right? When in Rome...

So the last broadcast of This American Life was on the theme of "mistakes". Broken up into two acts, the first was a lengthy, bizarre story on the first years of cryogenics on the west coast. Without going into the details of the story (although it is a fascinating listen and I highly recommend it), the ideology behind cryogenics brought to my attention (obviously) the occurrence of death and how it is perceived in America(and possibly a large majority of the rest of the western, first world).

The main concept behind cryogenics for those who are unfamiliar is that "death" might possibly be just another form of illness that someday we may be able to cure. According to the show this idea gained popularity in the early sixties and thus led to the idea of cryogenics. So if you freeze someone in the first few moments of their death, it is assumed that someday, there will be a cure for death and these people can be "resurrected" or "reanimated".

Death is surely something that many of us have trouble coming to terms with. Perhaps this gets easier the older you get, maybe not. Furthermore, it seems to me, although I know this can be argued against, that in a first-world society we are removed/shielded from having to encounter death on a personal, intimate basis. Surely, our lives are not riddled with death due to the absence of war and disease within our immediate vicinity. Nevertheless, the fascination still remains, if not heightened by our disconnect from it, and thus I believe it could be argued that maybe this is the reason why violence is recreated and depicted so frequently in various outlets of media.

I am aware though that there is an argument that we have become desensitized to death. And with that desensitivity, cultural practices that help us to deal with death have deteriorated. (I think Heidegger has some things to say about this which I don't care to look up)

However, I would like to present that if we are so removed from death, as I believe, then it has developed a culture where our ability to understand, cope and accept death has also diminished. The outcome is perhaps ideas such as cryogenics. The outcome is also, perhaps, the development of an attitude which asserts that we exist atop some sort of constructed hierarchy which gives us more of a right to live longer(or forever) than certain"others". I feel that there are numerous events that have taken place just in the last 10 years which could be argued to be connected with the existence of such an attitude.

Finally though, my main reaction to the event of death in regards to this radio program was personal. Immediately, this idea that we could permanently "defeat" death seemed so absolutely selfish and characteristic of an attitude that the first world would produce to me. When I heard that people actually felt a right to be able to freeze someone, in order to at some time possibly reanimate them was something I immediately had a objection to. Upon further examination, I discovered that my objection was because death, to me, is something that we not only obviously all have to endure, but something that is our "duty" to endure. How dare we try and cheat death. And thus for the first time, in a long time, I feel like I came to some sort of small, epiphany on my own mortality. If given the option to live forever, or if cryogenics was much more closer to a possibility than it is today, I would clearly decline. What a strange world we live in where even the idea of never having to die has strongly been considered and undertaken...that is...if you have the money ;)

To not end on a completely dark note... take comfort in this small celebration of longevity:

Brought to my attention by my friends blog Systems of Operation, photographer Mark Story has traveled the world the last twenty-plus years in search of centenarians (people that are over 100) and super centenarians (110 years old) to get their stories and take their portraits. Its called "Living in Three Centuries: the Face of Age"

Check out the site...here is an example:
10 year 115 day-old*
man of German and Irish descent.
Several of his grandparents lived past 100.

He served in the Army in World Wars I and II
and then worked as a railroad brakeman.
During the Depression
he traveled much of the country
riding the rails with hobos.

At 102, he was walking ten miles a day.
Now he walks three miles a day and can still
read the bottom three lines on an eye chart.
He gave up drinking in his 60s,
but smoked into his 80s.

He continues to work a few hours a week
at a tanning salon/espresso cafe.

He said, "I still chase
good-looking women around.
I just can't catch up with them —
my legs don't work fast enough.

100x50

So...as you may have already heard, Me and a Ms. Madeline Stevens have begun an experiment in short fiction called 100X50.

Basically, we each will post fiction (or something) original for 50 days straight that is 100 words or less.

If you get a chance, check it out for the next month and a half or so. There is a lengthier description of what its all about on the page.

Hearts...

Translation

Taken from the often entertaining, interesting and totally worth a hit every now and then Litlab.

Can we even do this in our language? Probably, but it would sound silly. In addition, I find the Czech portion really aesthetically pleasing to look at. I want to hear audio of this being read.

enjoy:

ída Sobková: Prosté popisování pátečního poledne / A Simple Describing of a Friday Noon

A short story in Czech where every word starts with the same letter and then translated in English.

In Czech:

Prší. Pátek patnáctého prosince. Pošmourné počasí protíná polední pauzu. Pozdní podzim povzbuzuje pápěří pampelišky poletovat. Plnicí pero popsalo papír poletujíjcí pod podloubím. Proslulý proutník Pavel provází podél podloubí pihovatou Pavlínu. Proč právě Petra? Proradný prostopášník povalil Pavlínu pod platan, poodhalil Pavlínin pihovatý pupík. Pořád poprchává. Pavlína promrzla. Pojď popijeme pro pohodu. Pokračují paloukem, přicházejí k pohostinství „Pod Pařezem.“ Popíjejí Plzeňský Prazdroj, peprmintku, punč – prostě praví požitkáři. Pojď popít pomálu podomácku pálené pálenky. Potřebujeme přejít potok. Pak projdeme pokosené pšeničné pole. Promiň, provlhlo pověšené prádlo. Proč? Prší, pitomče. Pan porybný povídal podivné předpovědi. Pokud povídá pravdu, přijde pravá pohroma. Přehrada potřebuje poopravit proti prolomení. Pak prošel pohřební průvod. Paní Pazderková podlehla příušnicím. Protivný policista Parma pokukuje po plačících pozůstalých. Podívej, pomaličku přestává pršet. První pichlavé paprsky prozařují palouk. Přines pálenku. Pec plápolá posledním posmoleným polenem. Pavlína pomalu přestává plakat, promrznutí přestává. Ponenáhlu poleno praskne, plamen povyskočí, podnapilý Pavel polije Pavlínu pálenkou. Pavlína plamenně poskakuje. Podívej pitomče, pálenka podporuje plameny. Popadne placatku pálenky, praští Pavla po palici. Pavla pohltí plameny. Pospíchejme potopit postavy pod proud potoka. Plameny pohasly. Pavel povídá Pavlíně: Přestávám pít pálenku. Pravím, Plzeňský Prazdroj, Punč, peprmintku pouze. Pitomý pátek.

In English:

Raining. Friday, the fifteenth December. Murky weather passes over a noon-hour. Late fall encourage blow ball to fly. A fountain pen overwrote the paper flying under the arcade. Renowned voluptuary Paul promenades freckled Pauline along the arcade. Why Pauline? Perfidious libertine laid Pauline under the sycamore; he undressed Pauline’s freckled bellybutton. It’s still drizzling. Pauline is freezing. Come, we’ll partake for strain. They continue walking throughout the glade; they are arriving to the pub “Under the Tree Stump.” They drink Pilsner Urquell, Peppermint, and Negus – simply real sybarites. Come drink some of my family style eau-de-vie. We need to cross the creek. Then go through the mown wheat field. Sorry, the hanged clothes soaked. Why? It’s raining, you idiot. Water bailiff told me strange prognoses. F he told me the truth a real disaster is coming. Reservoir needs to be repaired against crashing. Then a funeral procession came. Mrs. Pazderková succumbed to parotis. Mean policeman Parma peeked around on crying mourners. Look, the rain is stopping. First sharp rays are shining on the glade. Bring the eau-de-vie. The fireside flame with the last pitched log. Pauline slowly stops to cry, she is not freezing anymore. All of a sudden the log crack, the flame jumps out, tipsy Paul spill eau-de-vie to Pauline. Pauline falmy jumps around. Look, you idiot, eau-de-vie supports the flames. She snatched the flask and punch Paul on nob. Paul is eaten by flames. Let’s go hurry to sink our bodies under the flow of the creek. Flames die down. Paul is telling to Pauline: No more eau-de-vie drinking. I say, Pilsner Urquell, Negus or Peppermint only. Damned Friday.

Questionable Art?

Aliza Shvarts, a Yale art major has decided on something peculiar and controversial for her senior art project. As reported by the Yale Daily News Shvarts has decided to document her nine-month process of artificially inseminated herself "as often as possible" while periodically taking abortifacient drugs to induce miscarriages. She plans to display her relics of the piece by showing video recordings of these forced miscarriages as well as preserved collections of the blood from the process.

Needless to say, the project got national attention and sparked much debate. While it was recently reported that Shvarts was supposedly faking the whole process or re-titled as "creative fiction" by Yale university, the piece brings up an interesting question of when, if ever, can art go too far? Are there boundaries to art when it comes to as one student from Yale stated as, "manipulating life for the benefit of her art"? Without any applicable normative aesthetic to determine what is or isn't art(please argue this..please?!), the question remains if all morality and/or ethnics are also absent from art today as well.

My immediate impulse would be yes. Academically, there seems to be an emphasis on the relativity of morality depending upon what eachh culture we are specifically examining. We are taught to recognize and respect these cultural differences. However, issues do arise. International human rights efforts often encounter problems and/or lack of support when it comes to bringing up issues such as female genital mutilation. While one may be hard pressed to find someone who would actually argue PRO for this, it isn't completely unthinkable to devise an argument which would be founded in a tolerance for such practices in order to not project one's culture,and all the norms and morals that go with it, onto this 'other' culture.

The point is if we look at art then it is easy to see such application of certain ethical standards to have deteriorated due to the arrival of a sort of "liberalism" (i guess...) which emphasizes (may be too much) a tolerance for all people, their way of life and practices. On paper it sounds great. However, when you get into issues like FGM, it becomes a problem. The same goes for art. Anything goes, right? Well, what about Ms. Shvarts?

Personally, I don't have a problem with Ms. Shvarts piece. Actually, I find it fascinating and all that much more disappointing that she actually DIDN'T go through with it. I think her piece speaks to the fascination and sort of "mysticism" if you will of the female body that still exists in today's society.

In addition, art already has a long history of artists who have utilized, manipulated and damaged their bodies for art. Marina Abramovic, Chris Burden, or Tehching Hsieh are a few performance artists who immediately come to mind. Their work was much more taxing on the body than Shvarts proposed piece. Even artists like Eva Hesse who worked with toxic material all her life have sacrifice health for their projects. There doesn't seem to be too much of an issue with these artists because they are not hurting(usually) anyone else in the process. However, what happens when we actually do cross that bridge and effect others? Unwillingly? Are we violating an 'ethics' of art? Or does, and if not should, such a thing still exists?

Costa Rican artist Guillermo Vargas ‘Habacuc’ sometime last year in a gallery in Managua tied a dog up in a gallery, put it on display, then let it starve to death. As reported, People entered and left, day in and day out. The dog remained without water or food and eventually gave up the ghost. The artist has said a number of different things about the piece. Most of what is said refers back to the situation of massive amounts of stray dogs that are throughout the major cities of Costa Rica. One statement the artist suggest that if he had not captured this dog and tied him up he would of died anyways and no one would of noticed. (Google his name for more. Its hard to get a good link to anything that isn't completely biased). Recently, his name has blown up all over the Internet again because he has been invited to reenact the piece in Honduras.

Now, I am an animal lover and yes I find this disturbing. However, apart of me feels that this is an overly-hyped issue that roots back to our westernized, first-world attitudes towards animals and pets. Frankly, animal rights would probably seem like a pretty absurd movement in most third world countries where huge portions of the population are going without food. However, I don't want to go so far as the fully back that assumption so rather I will stick with what I know which is that we, in this country, have the privilege to even have pets. Our attitudes towards domesticated cats and dogs is much different than some countries. And while this piece probably wouldn't fly in the U.S., it certainly seem to go over relatively acceptable in Costa Rica.

So in regards to art, which seems to be without any borders or if it does have borders damn are they fucking broad, do we accept this? And if we don't accept this then under what pretext do we make that judgment call? That it is unethical? That it is morally wrong? If so, then what are exactly are those ethics that we must abide by in art? And if we do make that judgment then I find it imperative to take into account cultural and moral relativity? And furthermore if you are a liberal, progressive, open-minded individual who supports the application of such relativism then by what means do you make that judgment without becoming hypocritical?

I don't like the piece. However, I find it difficult to extract an argument against it that isn't rooted in my own subjective and emotional objection to it. I would almost rather argue against this relativity, and for a moral standard ,than try and argue against the piece within the definitions of such.

Juno Review

Here is my latest review on Fanbolt of the film Juno.

Actually click on the link for me even if you don't want to read it. If I get the my review get the most hits thi month then I win something. Thanks!!!!