I've gotten home from shooting tonght. It was a total trip. I had a lot of fun. When I returned, I wanted to listen to "Siamese Dream" by The Smashing Pumpkins. Then I remembered the time back in October, my favorite month of the year, when I met a French guy from an online site. He was like eating ice cream when we kissed and he was really into my lips. I DiD not have sex with this person, even though he came over to my house and brought pineapple juice, cadbury cookies and some other chocolate thing...how francais, how cliche, que aburrida.
The Truck was more than boring...it was really hilarious. It is a gay guy's bar in the Mission. It has a little patio outside where you can sit next to the railing with old truck backgates hanging off as banners. It even has the name of the place crafted from metal...
I walked in and there was some Britpop playing with stage area vibrating with neo-psychedelic images on a silver curtain, with a huge red neon arrow toward the stage. What does this hae to do with French people? I don't know...the costumed aspect of things at a transgender show. One performer, smashed lipstick all over his lips in a dark reddish-purple and sang "Why Can't We live Together?" It must have been the lipstick...and the fact that one of the younger guys there looked like Cat Stevens...moonshadow...moon in aquarius.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
It's about time to be in a New Year...the year of...?
I think it's the year of the pussycat...within. I should look up what year it is in the Aztec cosmology and in other time systems. But the pussycat within me is feeling like playing. Yesterday I was in Rainbow Grocery, noted shopping venue of the trendy and the rich, and, I suppose, the physically and mentally healthy (like me, hahaha). In any case, there in the granola section was to be found a most angelic man with hooded black, sexy, I'm not looking through you just into you, eyes. He was wearing a cloud-blue tight t-shirt that he must have worn in high school or found to look like he was still in high school.
And it goes on...I was putting on make-up in that section of Rainbow--some grass green on the lids and ruby red lip gloss, some chalk-white on the rest of the lids, placed some cream on and etc., turned around after spying in the mirror a few times, and there he was. He was standing with his cell phone trying to look like he was texting someone. Believe me when I say I starED at him when I was putting my goods in my bag in line.
Listening to New ORder...so happy. Maybe Spring is coming early.
Saw two films this past weekend: GOODBYE SOLO and FUNNY PEOPLE. The first was A NIGHT ON EARTH about an Senegalese man with a huge heart who called all the men around his taxi cab "big dog." One of the big dogs was a senior citizen Harley guy from the South (the film is set in one of the Carolinas or something) who pays Solo to take him to a famous peak where the wind blows everything back. Solo doesn't want this man to kill himself. That is the urge of the kitty. To Heal.
Some people say that laughter is the best medicine, right? FUNNY PEOPLE is kind of funny. It is long. It has the old "bossy boy," Adam Sandler in it...as a man over forty!!! Now that's funny.
Reaaaahrrrr. The kitty wants to play this year.
And it goes on...I was putting on make-up in that section of Rainbow--some grass green on the lids and ruby red lip gloss, some chalk-white on the rest of the lids, placed some cream on and etc., turned around after spying in the mirror a few times, and there he was. He was standing with his cell phone trying to look like he was texting someone. Believe me when I say I starED at him when I was putting my goods in my bag in line.
Listening to New ORder...so happy. Maybe Spring is coming early.
Saw two films this past weekend: GOODBYE SOLO and FUNNY PEOPLE. The first was A NIGHT ON EARTH about an Senegalese man with a huge heart who called all the men around his taxi cab "big dog." One of the big dogs was a senior citizen Harley guy from the South (the film is set in one of the Carolinas or something) who pays Solo to take him to a famous peak where the wind blows everything back. Solo doesn't want this man to kill himself. That is the urge of the kitty. To Heal.
Some people say that laughter is the best medicine, right? FUNNY PEOPLE is kind of funny. It is long. It has the old "bossy boy," Adam Sandler in it...as a man over forty!!! Now that's funny.
Reaaaahrrrr. The kitty wants to play this year.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
I do believe that the moon was smiling.
As we approached Amma's ashram in San Ramon this evening, one of the people in the car noticed the new moon. Someone else said, "it's smiling." For me that was a portent of chuckles--and tears--to come.
It has been a quite insanely difficult year for many reasons. In December of 2008 I was not only mourning the loss of a relationship I had had with a tattoed, university-educated guy from Mexico, but I also had to deal with being forced to move out of a place in San Francisco where I felt very grounded; this place also had as a resident one of the most unique cats I've ever known, Buddy Budders. He still lives there, I think. He was jet black like a seal and just as fat with huge green saucers for eyes. Every time I had a nightmare in which I woke up not knowing who I was, Buddy was there on my bed staring at me saying, "You're back. You're here." I still miss him.
For six months thereafter I was losing my mind, piece by piece, in a living situation in which I had NO privacy. I had heard the song "Ticky Tacky Boxes" but I had never thought I would be living in one. How I survived that one was to rely on my kitten Joaquin, a raccoon-striped Maine Coon, to keep me in the present. His little striped face would scrunch up into a tiny kitten-head ball every morning when we had to wake up at seven so I could go to work.
By June I had, through friends, found a huge sunny room in the upper Haight. Work was done and I was free...I painted the walls the color called "hot kiss" and green and yellow... With no money, I couldn't go anywhere. I can't even remember how I spent my days. By August my cousin called, crying, to say that my aunt had a huge tumor in her lungs...So I went to visit her--a three-hour drive and having to pay for a hotel. My aunt was staring at my Tibetan mala I wore around my neck and when she asked to look at it, I handed it over, literally...she put it on her neck! She died a week or so before Thanksgiving.
In September, on Amma's birthday, my friend Margaret died of cancer. The father I never had, Bro Jud Presmont, died almost a week ago. I could go on and on about how much he meant to me and how much I will miss him. I will write a poem to him instead.
"Nice is nice," was one of yours.
Also: "if it ain't fun it won't get done."
We used to talk about the "Cosmic Opera"
And "Theatre Verite." Of course there
Was Kerista and polyamory and the
University of Utopia and W.A.K.E. ,
The World Academy of Keristan
Education. No one can forget
Your desire to eliminate poverty
And homelessness, with "love
Energy" guiding us "on to the
Next thing," I will miss your
Overriding optimism...a kind of
Sagittarian trait I shared but often
Forgot about, drowning in
Scorpionic desire for liberation.
Sweet angel, Jud, I am happy
You are liberated from this body
"We are trapped in." Now when
I call you up, seeking a confidant,
I will watch the candles burning
Softly with your significance.
It has been a quite insanely difficult year for many reasons. In December of 2008 I was not only mourning the loss of a relationship I had had with a tattoed, university-educated guy from Mexico, but I also had to deal with being forced to move out of a place in San Francisco where I felt very grounded; this place also had as a resident one of the most unique cats I've ever known, Buddy Budders. He still lives there, I think. He was jet black like a seal and just as fat with huge green saucers for eyes. Every time I had a nightmare in which I woke up not knowing who I was, Buddy was there on my bed staring at me saying, "You're back. You're here." I still miss him.
For six months thereafter I was losing my mind, piece by piece, in a living situation in which I had NO privacy. I had heard the song "Ticky Tacky Boxes" but I had never thought I would be living in one. How I survived that one was to rely on my kitten Joaquin, a raccoon-striped Maine Coon, to keep me in the present. His little striped face would scrunch up into a tiny kitten-head ball every morning when we had to wake up at seven so I could go to work.
By June I had, through friends, found a huge sunny room in the upper Haight. Work was done and I was free...I painted the walls the color called "hot kiss" and green and yellow... With no money, I couldn't go anywhere. I can't even remember how I spent my days. By August my cousin called, crying, to say that my aunt had a huge tumor in her lungs...So I went to visit her--a three-hour drive and having to pay for a hotel. My aunt was staring at my Tibetan mala I wore around my neck and when she asked to look at it, I handed it over, literally...she put it on her neck! She died a week or so before Thanksgiving.
In September, on Amma's birthday, my friend Margaret died of cancer. The father I never had, Bro Jud Presmont, died almost a week ago. I could go on and on about how much he meant to me and how much I will miss him. I will write a poem to him instead.
"Nice is nice," was one of yours.
Also: "if it ain't fun it won't get done."
We used to talk about the "Cosmic Opera"
And "Theatre Verite." Of course there
Was Kerista and polyamory and the
University of Utopia and W.A.K.E. ,
The World Academy of Keristan
Education. No one can forget
Your desire to eliminate poverty
And homelessness, with "love
Energy" guiding us "on to the
Next thing," I will miss your
Overriding optimism...a kind of
Sagittarian trait I shared but often
Forgot about, drowning in
Scorpionic desire for liberation.
Sweet angel, Jud, I am happy
You are liberated from this body
"We are trapped in." Now when
I call you up, seeking a confidant,
I will watch the candles burning
Softly with your significance.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Richard Avedon, the sculpture garden and heights.
Thoroughly unmodern willie is what the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has been since it moved from Van Ness to 3rd street. At least tonight when I visited it seemed to be digging itself out a slight bit from the past into the present.
The show of some of Richard Avedon's photographs, while noteworthy, was poorly arranged. There were some photos I have never seen before: Twiggy with long hair, Brigitte Bardot a bit out of focus, a portrait of his wife, the "workers" from Texas. The pictures which really touched me were of people over 60 plus. There were about seven scenes of Avedon's father. It brought up for me the vulnerability of the subject in the artist's hands; the subject/object dilemma.
In the video screening room there was a 1977 video called "Pilot" by General Idea. Back in my early college days I had a fascination for General Idea. There was also a video by a German artist who captured some television footage from Italy featuring tarot card readers...hilarious.
The sculpture garden is a welcome new place to roam and see fabulous sculptures, primarily bronzed and welded but some completely multimedia.
My favorite part of the SF MOMA is the bridge on the 5th floor. I love looking down and wondering if I might fly, sink, or land like a kitten!
The show of some of Richard Avedon's photographs, while noteworthy, was poorly arranged. There were some photos I have never seen before: Twiggy with long hair, Brigitte Bardot a bit out of focus, a portrait of his wife, the "workers" from Texas. The pictures which really touched me were of people over 60 plus. There were about seven scenes of Avedon's father. It brought up for me the vulnerability of the subject in the artist's hands; the subject/object dilemma.
In the video screening room there was a 1977 video called "Pilot" by General Idea. Back in my early college days I had a fascination for General Idea. There was also a video by a German artist who captured some television footage from Italy featuring tarot card readers...hilarious.
The sculpture garden is a welcome new place to roam and see fabulous sculptures, primarily bronzed and welded but some completely multimedia.
My favorite part of the SF MOMA is the bridge on the 5th floor. I love looking down and wondering if I might fly, sink, or land like a kitten!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sometimes it's better to give in and TWO LOVERS.
It's pretty often that someone from cyberspace e-mails me on the various sites for single and attached people like Facebook, Hi5, OKCupid!, and etc. It is also common that the conversation lasts about a week and then we NEVER MEET. I remember back in February I was texting this guy from Spain who lives here. We met on OKCupid! I am older than him. He is in his twenties and I am in my forties. But does ageism equivalent to cruelty to persons!!!??? I should start a society similar to the Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals called the Society for the Protection of Cruelty to People on the Internet! Everyone is just a delete-a-way!
Fortunately, in TWO LOVERS, Joaquin Phoenix's character, Leonard, does not go on the internet to find a date. His parents are trying to set him up with one wholesome woman and he meets his vixen in the hallway of the building where he lives with his parents. Do we feel sorry for this character? He's supposed to be "bipolar." Excuse me, but this word is used to often to describe EVERYONE........................
Joaquin, I love your acting, but you didn't come off as a DSMV-IV version of a person with bipolar disorder. AND, it is a tragedy when this disorder cannot be properly treated. AND, it is a tragedy that so many people cannot communicate the fact that something better came up or that in the words of Boris and Natasha, "easy come, easy go."
While we were watching the film, my friend showed me a YouTube excerpt from the Letterman show in which Mr. Dave makes fun of Joaquin. My friend thought he was having a nervous breakdown. I thought he was bringing some dignity to an otherwise unfriendly world.
Fortunately, in TWO LOVERS, Joaquin Phoenix's character, Leonard, does not go on the internet to find a date. His parents are trying to set him up with one wholesome woman and he meets his vixen in the hallway of the building where he lives with his parents. Do we feel sorry for this character? He's supposed to be "bipolar." Excuse me, but this word is used to often to describe EVERYONE........................
Joaquin, I love your acting, but you didn't come off as a DSMV-IV version of a person with bipolar disorder. AND, it is a tragedy when this disorder cannot be properly treated. AND, it is a tragedy that so many people cannot communicate the fact that something better came up or that in the words of Boris and Natasha, "easy come, easy go."
While we were watching the film, my friend showed me a YouTube excerpt from the Letterman show in which Mr. Dave makes fun of Joaquin. My friend thought he was having a nervous breakdown. I thought he was bringing some dignity to an otherwise unfriendly world.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
What would we do without Foucault, et. al.?
I watched some of the UC Santa Barbara television tonight. I don't know if it's a course or something, but I've seen some thoughtful things on the University of California tv station. ONe program was on the necessity of helping students with autism at the university become more social and socially conscious. Too bad Bill Gates didn't get the help he needed to think more about others and how to interact with them.
Which brings me to another computer-related issue. Tonight's program was from UC Santa Barbara on Web 2.0. The instructor (a former employee of some major US corporation) asked the question, "What is Web 2.0?" A student answered that it was a way for many people to create their own websites for major networking Another student said that it is "a buzzword that doesn't mean anything." Gracias a Dios, there is someone thinking about the power of language over consciousness--and therefore belief systems.
Which brings me to another computer-related issue. Tonight's program was from UC Santa Barbara on Web 2.0. The instructor (a former employee of some major US corporation) asked the question, "What is Web 2.0?" A student answered that it was a way for many people to create their own websites for major networking Another student said that it is "a buzzword that doesn't mean anything." Gracias a Dios, there is someone thinking about the power of language over consciousness--and therefore belief systems.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Facebook and Celebrities, Berkeley and St. Patrick's Day
What the hell is a "celebrity"? Back in the late eighties there was a band in San Francisco called "Celebrity Skin." I got to know a couple of them in passing situations. One of them really cracked me up when we walked through a big grocery store and pointed out all the people from tv and the media on magazines. I didn't know who alot of them were. Now, I suppose I have my favorite people who might be on a magazine in a large grocery store...or hair salon...or skin care places, for instance. Some of these celebrities have Facebook profiles. I think this is really funny and fun and very Planet Glee. Let's give everyone someone to play in their minds about That's what art does. We are all artists.
Some people get paid very well to be artists. These people are in the mainstream media, television. I am also on television on my call-in show. A friend who played guitar with me on Bro Jud on Love Energy on cable said I should call the show "Jammin' with Jennifer." That was really a compliment But I don't play guitar on Planet Glee. I play the bayan of the tabla--badly!!!---by the standards of the "classical. folk, and spiritual Indian music (bhajans) with the musicians who come on the show.
Last night we didn't have the phone lines running. Too bad. That makes Planet Glee even more fun. The guest had won 2008 singe/songwriter by voters in the local San Francisco paper The Bay Guardian. I can say this: his songs were quite uplifting in terms of lyrics. I really need to listen to the cd he gave me of his music. I was curious about what songwriters in San Francisco should be about.
Meanwhile, since Facebook has celebrities in there I looked up Naveen Andrews. I had had a huge crush on him since BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA although I also liked him as the Sikh in THE ENGLISH PATIENT. There were a few comments in there about how sexy he is in the tv show Lost. Earlier I had looked up Rafael Nadal because he is so funny. Actually I think these two men are bedworthy but it is because they can laugh at their situation. That's appealing to me. Here in cable tv world--and in the performance realm at all. I still read on Bro Jud on Love Energy. I get to pick out the stuff to read from what Jud gives me. Sometimes I completely disagree with where the reading is politically, I have to find something funny in it...glee.
Today I went to Berkeley. That's where I went to school and where I learned that I wanted to be moved by what I studied. I spent alot time writing papers--academic stuff. Let's play the scholarly game. It's a very fun game. But when I go to Berkeley I have no desire to be working there as a teacher or something. One has to have a job. I teach children with severe disabilities. I want to be an artist.
Speaking of painting and images and illusions (maya), why is the rainbow associated with leprechauns? Why did San Francisco have its St Patrick's Day parade on a Saturday? If these people are allowed to go to large parking lots behind bars to drink in the wind and cold why did they have to do it on Saturday? What sacrilege? And have you heard any snake charming music lately? I almost bought a snake charmer cd at Amoeba in Berkeley today.
"
Some people get paid very well to be artists. These people are in the mainstream media, television. I am also on television on my call-in show. A friend who played guitar with me on Bro Jud on Love Energy on cable said I should call the show "Jammin' with Jennifer." That was really a compliment But I don't play guitar on Planet Glee. I play the bayan of the tabla--badly!!!---by the standards of the "classical. folk, and spiritual Indian music (bhajans) with the musicians who come on the show.
Last night we didn't have the phone lines running. Too bad. That makes Planet Glee even more fun. The guest had won 2008 singe/songwriter by voters in the local San Francisco paper The Bay Guardian. I can say this: his songs were quite uplifting in terms of lyrics. I really need to listen to the cd he gave me of his music. I was curious about what songwriters in San Francisco should be about.
Meanwhile, since Facebook has celebrities in there I looked up Naveen Andrews. I had had a huge crush on him since BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA although I also liked him as the Sikh in THE ENGLISH PATIENT. There were a few comments in there about how sexy he is in the tv show Lost. Earlier I had looked up Rafael Nadal because he is so funny. Actually I think these two men are bedworthy but it is because they can laugh at their situation. That's appealing to me. Here in cable tv world--and in the performance realm at all. I still read on Bro Jud on Love Energy. I get to pick out the stuff to read from what Jud gives me. Sometimes I completely disagree with where the reading is politically, I have to find something funny in it...glee.
Today I went to Berkeley. That's where I went to school and where I learned that I wanted to be moved by what I studied. I spent alot time writing papers--academic stuff. Let's play the scholarly game. It's a very fun game. But when I go to Berkeley I have no desire to be working there as a teacher or something. One has to have a job. I teach children with severe disabilities. I want to be an artist.
Speaking of painting and images and illusions (maya), why is the rainbow associated with leprechauns? Why did San Francisco have its St Patrick's Day parade on a Saturday? If these people are allowed to go to large parking lots behind bars to drink in the wind and cold why did they have to do it on Saturday? What sacrilege? And have you heard any snake charming music lately? I almost bought a snake charmer cd at Amoeba in Berkeley today.
"
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Moving and SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
I moved at the beginning of January (The period key on my computer isn't working!!??) The sentences look like they're floating, without periods In any case, I moved to a neighborhood that is weird in San Francisco I try not to think about it!!?? BBBBUt I have hope that I will return to writing again in my blog and playing my guitar and painting and all things good and meditating
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is a film that is a meditation on Love, l-u-v It is also a portrait of a a world that is Hollywood film noir and Bollywood and reality tv with some pans of "slums" in India For those of us how have never been to India, these slums seem so far away, removed There is a reification of the spectacle
However this film, due to the healing nature of the music, the sound of love and the hints at spirituality of different kinds, helps one get a slight bit closer to edifying the spirit while accepting what is
Accepting what is means seeing the Orwellian nightmare and yet keeping it at bay
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is a film that is a meditation on Love, l-u-v It is also a portrait of a a world that is Hollywood film noir and Bollywood and reality tv with some pans of "slums" in India For those of us how have never been to India, these slums seem so far away, removed There is a reification of the spectacle
However this film, due to the healing nature of the music, the sound of love and the hints at spirituality of different kinds, helps one get a slight bit closer to edifying the spirit while accepting what is
Accepting what is means seeing the Orwellian nightmare and yet keeping it at bay
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
How long it's been since I blogged and LILA DIT CA and THE DREAM LIFE OF ANGELS
I haven't been looking at my Facebook stuff either. Although I can't go into great detail about these films right now, I intend to get back into thinking about what I've seen through one medium, i.e. film or video, and what it means--or doesn' t mean for that moment. Some of the films I've seen are nameless right now for me. In addition to the aforementioned, DAS FRAULEIN, THE BEST OF DR. KATZ, MECANIQUES CELESTIALS are a few more.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
DEATH AT THE FUNERAL
Am I missing something with this film? It was so deadpan that one could definitely say it wasn't cute like FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL. I really shouldn't be writing about it since I only watched 10 minutes. I will let it put me to bed tonight.
I have a kitten, or what about Amma's ashram?
My kitten's name is Joaquin. I have had him since the middle of September. He is very playful. I can't determine whether he is "smart" or what would call "wild." While I'm sitting here typing, he is clawing my bare heels from behind the chair I'm sitting in. It hurts! I threw him one of his cloth mice. Mice like to be played with.
Amma's ashram is in San Ramon. It is one of the most restful places I've been to...no matter how much chai I drink there. Back in September I got to make a Ganesh out of clay. I really liked him. All the people at the ashram that day made Ganeshes, and the figures were to be put into the lake on for Ganesh Charthurti. Tonight was a pleasant night. I hadn't seen so many stars since I've been in the woods. I'm sorry I missed the talk and more bhajans. But that is because I don't meditate enough! This is my New Year's resolution at the end of October.
One of the books I'm reading is A Beginner's Guide to Tibetan Buddhism. I remember having read Georg Feuerstein's Tantra... and getting a sense of the abstraction that is belief.
Amma's ashram is in San Ramon. It is one of the most restful places I've been to...no matter how much chai I drink there. Back in September I got to make a Ganesh out of clay. I really liked him. All the people at the ashram that day made Ganeshes, and the figures were to be put into the lake on for Ganesh Charthurti. Tonight was a pleasant night. I hadn't seen so many stars since I've been in the woods. I'm sorry I missed the talk and more bhajans. But that is because I don't meditate enough! This is my New Year's resolution at the end of October.
One of the books I'm reading is A Beginner's Guide to Tibetan Buddhism. I remember having read Georg Feuerstein's Tantra... and getting a sense of the abstraction that is belief.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
THE GITS, Eugene Debs and Revolution
I have been watching alot of documentaries lately. I like them. The latest one I've seen, THE GITS was a disturbing but revolutionary one. This film gave me alot to think about. It is the story of the the late eighties/early nineties punk band from Ohio via Seattle called THE GITS.
In 1993 I saw the band the Gits at a club in San Francisco called The Bottom of the Hill. I think they were a part of the Noise Pop festival, but I don't remember exactly. At that time I was playing music with my boyfriend. This band had a very memorable line-up. Their music was unlike anything I'd heard before--much more melodic and faster than Green Day or whatever.
The film is the story of the rise to signed status for the band as it coincided with the murder of the singer. It actually is a horrible story of her beauty, creativity, soul and chilling death. It is the story of how her killer is sought. Her strangler is shown which makes it even more disturbing. But for those about to rock, this band and its story is so important.
Revolution is important. Revolutionary ideas are important. The band THE GITS and its documentary are revolutionary. Eugene Debs was a revolutionary. Where is he now? Tonight I went to the cafe Revolution in the Mission. I saw a quote from Eugene Debs on the bathroom door about the word 'revolution' being one of the most important words in any language.
Recently I saw a singer who was visiting from France. She was out playing in San Francisco. She told me while we were waiting for the bathroom that she was playing all over Paris and that it's possible to play all over Paris. She sang a cover of Edith Piaf's 'Je ne regrette rien.' There were people speaking different languages at this cafe. I felt like I was in Europe again...and I wondered how she would sound in a cafe in Paris.
T
In 1993 I saw the band the Gits at a club in San Francisco called The Bottom of the Hill. I think they were a part of the Noise Pop festival, but I don't remember exactly. At that time I was playing music with my boyfriend. This band had a very memorable line-up. Their music was unlike anything I'd heard before--much more melodic and faster than Green Day or whatever.
The film is the story of the rise to signed status for the band as it coincided with the murder of the singer. It actually is a horrible story of her beauty, creativity, soul and chilling death. It is the story of how her killer is sought. Her strangler is shown which makes it even more disturbing. But for those about to rock, this band and its story is so important.
Revolution is important. Revolutionary ideas are important. The band THE GITS and its documentary are revolutionary. Eugene Debs was a revolutionary. Where is he now? Tonight I went to the cafe Revolution in the Mission. I saw a quote from Eugene Debs on the bathroom door about the word 'revolution' being one of the most important words in any language.
Recently I saw a singer who was visiting from France. She was out playing in San Francisco. She told me while we were waiting for the bathroom that she was playing all over Paris and that it's possible to play all over Paris. She sang a cover of Edith Piaf's 'Je ne regrette rien.' There were people speaking different languages at this cafe. I felt like I was in Europe again...and I wondered how she would sound in a cafe in Paris.
T
Sunday, October 05, 2008
REBEL MUSIC, The Story of Bob Marley
Anyone who wants to document through the medium of film should watch REBEL MUSIC. It is the most humble and thoughtful film I have seen in a while.
Of course, even thinking about Bob Marley one can hear one of his songs. The film lets primary people in the political world of Bob's Jamaica define how essential he was to the heart of the country and its people, landscape, "reality."
Not much more to be said right now but that my mind and heart became full of what one probably calls love and compassion and a fascination for the music, musicians, and people of Jamaica.
Of course, even thinking about Bob Marley one can hear one of his songs. The film lets primary people in the political world of Bob's Jamaica define how essential he was to the heart of the country and its people, landscape, "reality."
Not much more to be said right now but that my mind and heart became full of what one probably calls love and compassion and a fascination for the music, musicians, and people of Jamaica.
Friday, September 26, 2008
BURN BEFORE READING, or RUN AWAY BEFORE READING
Yes, the beginning of the eighties was really gross and the real sign of the end. What comes after the end a few people have guesses about, but enlightened beings know better: mediation, love and compassion are necessary before succumbing to the end.
Meanwhile, there are quite a few films on the commercial American market that are "political" in nature. They depict political figures and etc. I don't much about the Coen Brothers and their politics, but since they too are putting out a film that is setting in the United States capital, Washington, D.C., they are jumping onto the political swingset.
BURN AFTER READING is a most forgettable film. Although I liked some of the acting, the script was painful. The lighting in this film is film noir meets greyed out color lamps. Visually, this film is a nightmare.
And far be it from me to guess what these directors have intended. Yet the fact that they have put out a political film--"dark comedy," ridiculousness with the callous edge of the mind celebrated, I can't see anything positive in viewing this film. Supposedly Joel Coen reads Physics. He should try reading Gary Zukav and give us something to really think and feel about.
Meanwhile, there are quite a few films on the commercial American market that are "political" in nature. They depict political figures and etc. I don't much about the Coen Brothers and their politics, but since they too are putting out a film that is setting in the United States capital, Washington, D.C., they are jumping onto the political swingset.
BURN AFTER READING is a most forgettable film. Although I liked some of the acting, the script was painful. The lighting in this film is film noir meets greyed out color lamps. Visually, this film is a nightmare.
And far be it from me to guess what these directors have intended. Yet the fact that they have put out a political film--"dark comedy," ridiculousness with the callous edge of the mind celebrated, I can't see anything positive in viewing this film. Supposedly Joel Coen reads Physics. He should try reading Gary Zukav and give us something to really think and feel about.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Why not some Joy Division to cheer me up.
When I return to work after a vacation of less than 2 months, and the conditions seem unbearable the first day back, and I want to walk our and I almost do walk out, knowing I have no other economic recompense, I get tired and wish for the past. I used to live on a little over $300. per month. I don't think I ate much. And I never bought new clothes. And I didn't have a car. And life weren't so tedious sometimes.
Nevertheless I have felt like there is a wealth of experience beyond the "job" that, as long as it isn't over 7 and 1/2 hours per day, it's maybe do-able. Maybe.
In any case, the experience of watching the 2007 documentary on the band Joy Division, really helped me overcome the braindeadness of suprastress. The footage of the band and how they sounded in the beginning and their having come from an industrial place in England were the threads that wove themselves through the film. The film itself with the band members and other players in their success be interviewed in 2007 looking back, all of them set against a typical black confessional background, was kind of corny and pretentious. I had never seen the band although I had both of their records and played them all the time when I was about the same age as they were. I was going through a break up with my husband.
Ian Curtis got married at 17. He later had a French-speaking Belgian girlfriend. He read incessantly and had untreated bipolar disorder. When I listened to the band, I had no idea how Ian writhed all over the stage or what he looked like. I guess I didn't care. I was a punkette but had to work to pay for some expensive studio I had gotten in the upper Haight.
But the experience I had of Joy Division was not all about me. It was about other lives of my own of those of others and somehow transporting myself out of this lifetime to another my own --or someone else's.
Nevertheless I have felt like there is a wealth of experience beyond the "job" that, as long as it isn't over 7 and 1/2 hours per day, it's maybe do-able. Maybe.
In any case, the experience of watching the 2007 documentary on the band Joy Division, really helped me overcome the braindeadness of suprastress. The footage of the band and how they sounded in the beginning and their having come from an industrial place in England were the threads that wove themselves through the film. The film itself with the band members and other players in their success be interviewed in 2007 looking back, all of them set against a typical black confessional background, was kind of corny and pretentious. I had never seen the band although I had both of their records and played them all the time when I was about the same age as they were. I was going through a break up with my husband.
Ian Curtis got married at 17. He later had a French-speaking Belgian girlfriend. He read incessantly and had untreated bipolar disorder. When I listened to the band, I had no idea how Ian writhed all over the stage or what he looked like. I guess I didn't care. I was a punkette but had to work to pay for some expensive studio I had gotten in the upper Haight.
But the experience I had of Joy Division was not all about me. It was about other lives of my own of those of others and somehow transporting myself out of this lifetime to another my own --or someone else's.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
FRIENDS OUT WEST!
Yes, it has been one of those weeks in which one just looks for something to read to take one's mind off all the "problems," and for me that transportative book tonight is Dora's trip out west. THe first page has a giant Dora with her hands on her hips standing next to a giant cactus with a couple of pretty pink flowers. Dora says "Howdy explorers! I am Cowgirl Dora..." She then opines that the horses must be fed. Map says she must go through "Echo Tunnel" but how will she know it's Echo Tunnel?
"Right!
Make an echo.
Will you help me?"
The tunnel has to say 'hello' back for it to be an Echo Tunnel of Dora's 'hello.'
(This is hard to write while listening to Vinnie Vincent but it's more fun.)
Map tells Dora to go through the rocks and sees something red. It's Benny's barn. Off she goes, saying 'Happy Trails.' Just like some old man said back in the eighties. The one who feared the reds and wore cowboy boots. The one who made cruelty only a precursor to Alzheimer's. There have been two clones of him in the capital of the U.S.
You can throw away your cowboy boots!! Feed them to your pet dog. Endangered!! This country can't go down any further down these 'Happy Trails.'
"Right!
Make an echo.
Will you help me?"
The tunnel has to say 'hello' back for it to be an Echo Tunnel of Dora's 'hello.'
(This is hard to write while listening to Vinnie Vincent but it's more fun.)
Map tells Dora to go through the rocks and sees something red. It's Benny's barn. Off she goes, saying 'Happy Trails.' Just like some old man said back in the eighties. The one who feared the reds and wore cowboy boots. The one who made cruelty only a precursor to Alzheimer's. There have been two clones of him in the capital of the U.S.
You can throw away your cowboy boots!! Feed them to your pet dog. Endangered!! This country can't go down any further down these 'Happy Trails.'
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Mt. Shasta and THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS 2
What I won't do for a thrill or because I'm bored. The Mt. Shasta trip was quite thrilling in that the drive to the mountain on the main highway was really a roller coaster ride around massive trucks. My palms were sweating. I think I was having a panic attack, but I had to keep driving. There were no turn-outs except those to get to different roads off the main track. What a relief it was to finally get there, close to darkness setting in.
It was difficult to see the mountain the second day because it was surrounded by smoke from all the fires that Northern California experienced all summer. But the presence of the mountain could most definitely be felt. When I meditated, I felt some energy in my solar plexus (the third chakra) that I hadn't felt before. The energy was empowering. I was so glad to receive it because I didn't sleep well any of the nights we were there. I wish I could remember those dreams I had, because I was very close to the waking state while sleeping.
We met someone who lived nearby who had lived in San Francisco for many years but had been up in Shasta for a couple of years. I think he moved with his girlfriend but now he was living alone. He was asking about the flyers we had put up around the town and the area of the house for a missing macaw. My friends' bird flew up twenty plus feet into a tree the first night we were there. We could hear him in the trees below the house but couldn't see him. Miraculously he flew back to the house the next day after we left. What a miracle. He was famished and ate for hours. He also was making sounds he hadn't made before: growling, hissing, etc.
At the movie theatre the other night there were a few people hissing--politely! There must have been about 20 of us in a huge theatre that holds 150 people. It was a Monday night. The film we came to see was THE SISTERHOOD...2. My friend was the one who wanted to see it. She saw the first one; I hadn't. Now I try to support films that feature women and their stories. There are far too many crime scenes and war films out there starring, of course, men.
THE SISTERHOOD...2 and the pants was a bit too far-fetched. Even the sister of one of the characters explained that she had always been kept out of the pants group...the old high school clique, as it were. I'm not saying that "sisterhood" is a bad thing, but it could be more inclusive. Perhaps women in a group (like, for example, THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB) could have more of a reason to become close and establish friendship beyond clothing-- like pants...blue jeans, for that matter.
More specifically, if a rich person gets into art school it's still kind of a joke. The life drawings done by one of the characters who is studying at Rhode Island School of Design were almost like stick figures. And the character who goes on an archeological dig has to be immature enough to go into the area where danger signs/no entrance are posted everywhere. And the filmmaker is getting information for working on her script by being somewhat punkish and dismissive to the customers. Maybe this film should be re-named THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING POSE.
It was difficult to see the mountain the second day because it was surrounded by smoke from all the fires that Northern California experienced all summer. But the presence of the mountain could most definitely be felt. When I meditated, I felt some energy in my solar plexus (the third chakra) that I hadn't felt before. The energy was empowering. I was so glad to receive it because I didn't sleep well any of the nights we were there. I wish I could remember those dreams I had, because I was very close to the waking state while sleeping.
We met someone who lived nearby who had lived in San Francisco for many years but had been up in Shasta for a couple of years. I think he moved with his girlfriend but now he was living alone. He was asking about the flyers we had put up around the town and the area of the house for a missing macaw. My friends' bird flew up twenty plus feet into a tree the first night we were there. We could hear him in the trees below the house but couldn't see him. Miraculously he flew back to the house the next day after we left. What a miracle. He was famished and ate for hours. He also was making sounds he hadn't made before: growling, hissing, etc.
At the movie theatre the other night there were a few people hissing--politely! There must have been about 20 of us in a huge theatre that holds 150 people. It was a Monday night. The film we came to see was THE SISTERHOOD...2. My friend was the one who wanted to see it. She saw the first one; I hadn't. Now I try to support films that feature women and their stories. There are far too many crime scenes and war films out there starring, of course, men.
THE SISTERHOOD...2 and the pants was a bit too far-fetched. Even the sister of one of the characters explained that she had always been kept out of the pants group...the old high school clique, as it were. I'm not saying that "sisterhood" is a bad thing, but it could be more inclusive. Perhaps women in a group (like, for example, THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB) could have more of a reason to become close and establish friendship beyond clothing-- like pants...blue jeans, for that matter.
More specifically, if a rich person gets into art school it's still kind of a joke. The life drawings done by one of the characters who is studying at Rhode Island School of Design were almost like stick figures. And the character who goes on an archeological dig has to be immature enough to go into the area where danger signs/no entrance are posted everywhere. And the filmmaker is getting information for working on her script by being somewhat punkish and dismissive to the customers. Maybe this film should be re-named THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING POSE.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Unforgettable Tour led to Mt. Shasta
I really love Bollywood. Although I don't know alot about it, every film I've seen I have liked for some reason. The actors are not only remembering lines, they are dancing really well. Consequently the Bollywood actors who performed in Oakland at the Coliseum (now called Oracle?) danced and lip synched. I really don't know which of them sang at all.
Meanwhile, we got there early. That was cool. Indian television was there with their camera. I was really happy when they called me over to talk in front of the camera. I gave my name from Amma (Charuta) and then Jennifer Glee etc. I was such a crazed fool. I couldn't say Aishwarya Rai's name, said my favorite Bollywood actor is Zayed Khan, my favorite actress of the night Preity Zinta. I forgot the name of the major star of the show, Mr. Bachchan. Oh, and, of course, said I always wanted to dance in one of the Bollywood films.
The actual night was quite long--no intermissions! The show was over four hours. We were all riveted to the stage or the huge monitor in the middle. I should mention that the attempt to abate global warming was a major theme of the show. Mr. Bachchan's wife (a former Bollywood actress) came out and addressed the issue.
I can't help but be disturbed by the effects of global warming. I went to Mt. Shasta this week. It was shrouded in smoke. The fires in this area have been going on for 6 weeks now. How many wildlife have been killed and homes lost?
My friends live there. They just moved from the city recently. Their macaw flew away from his cage to a nearby cedar tree. Then he flew out of site the next morning. My friends were crushed. The Humane Society came out and looked around. We spent the day putting up flyers around. I got to see the town of Shasta. Every northern town (Arcata, Mendocino, Eureka, Klamath) in California I've been to where there are a lot of people into alternative health issues has a great health food store. The main one of in Shasta is quite small. In fact, the town itself is quite small. I thought it would be larger.
Before I left yesterday we meditated on the bird's return. My friend said that the bird was "working." Today they heard the large, loud cries of the macaw a distance away. They somehow called the bird and he flew to a nearby tree and eventually flew into his cage. He seemed different, they said. He was tired!
Meanwhile, we got there early. That was cool. Indian television was there with their camera. I was really happy when they called me over to talk in front of the camera. I gave my name from Amma (Charuta) and then Jennifer Glee etc. I was such a crazed fool. I couldn't say Aishwarya Rai's name, said my favorite Bollywood actor is Zayed Khan, my favorite actress of the night Preity Zinta. I forgot the name of the major star of the show, Mr. Bachchan. Oh, and, of course, said I always wanted to dance in one of the Bollywood films.
The actual night was quite long--no intermissions! The show was over four hours. We were all riveted to the stage or the huge monitor in the middle. I should mention that the attempt to abate global warming was a major theme of the show. Mr. Bachchan's wife (a former Bollywood actress) came out and addressed the issue.
I can't help but be disturbed by the effects of global warming. I went to Mt. Shasta this week. It was shrouded in smoke. The fires in this area have been going on for 6 weeks now. How many wildlife have been killed and homes lost?
My friends live there. They just moved from the city recently. Their macaw flew away from his cage to a nearby cedar tree. Then he flew out of site the next morning. My friends were crushed. The Humane Society came out and looked around. We spent the day putting up flyers around. I got to see the town of Shasta. Every northern town (Arcata, Mendocino, Eureka, Klamath) in California I've been to where there are a lot of people into alternative health issues has a great health food store. The main one of in Shasta is quite small. In fact, the town itself is quite small. I thought it would be larger.
Before I left yesterday we meditated on the bird's return. My friend said that the bird was "working." Today they heard the large, loud cries of the macaw a distance away. They somehow called the bird and he flew to a nearby tree and eventually flew into his cage. He seemed different, they said. He was tired!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
IN BRUGES and The Unforgettable Tour
There is a baby moth flying around the room. I like that about summer: new things having arrived. I had adopted a kitten sometime around the 7th and returned her on the 12th. I felt so bad about that. But she was adopted practically be the time I was about to leave. She had arrived. Summer sometimes means seeing a film I wouldn't otherwise see or a show that is transformational...
The other night I watched IN BRUGES. A British film, it has alot of oddities about it. I was wondering if it were a crafty farce about "hitmen." Colin Farrell plays a "hitman" with the most depth we're allowed to plummet besides his buddy. Is there some thing I'm missing about Bosch and Bruges having something to do with these characters? The Farrell character is supposed to be offed by his buddy in Bruges. I even forget how this film ends. Too much unnecessary violence in the old town of Bruges.
Meanwhile, I 'm looking forward to seeing The Unforgettable Tour. Bollywood!! The colors, the songs, the dance! I forgot: I need a screen with English translations of the songs, like watching a video. Too bad Zayed Khan will not be there. So many Bollywood actors are so fine and comical at the same time.... and great dancers! It's so funny: the show is going to be as LONG as many Bollywood films are--3 plus hours!
The other night I watched IN BRUGES. A British film, it has alot of oddities about it. I was wondering if it were a crafty farce about "hitmen." Colin Farrell plays a "hitman" with the most depth we're allowed to plummet besides his buddy. Is there some thing I'm missing about Bosch and Bruges having something to do with these characters? The Farrell character is supposed to be offed by his buddy in Bruges. I even forget how this film ends. Too much unnecessary violence in the old town of Bruges.
Meanwhile, I 'm looking forward to seeing The Unforgettable Tour. Bollywood!! The colors, the songs, the dance! I forgot: I need a screen with English translations of the songs, like watching a video. Too bad Zayed Khan will not be there. So many Bollywood actors are so fine and comical at the same time.... and great dancers! It's so funny: the show is going to be as LONG as many Bollywood films are--3 plus hours!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Planet Glee for this Friday.
I noticed that accessf doesn't give any information about my show in advance. Some of other call-in shows get a paragraph about the show before it airs.
Anyway, I'm sitting here at the computer planning to how clear it so that I can do some artwork, i.e., Flash. If you want to see three of my four pieces, go to jenniferglee.com I miss painting.
So, I'm sitting here listening to New Order. i don't what's making me think about the notion of love they sing about. I really think they were/are ahead of their time. Maybe it's the disco aspect. Maybe it's because Joy Division had to happen first.
This week I have been cleaning. I found a photo from about 2000 when I had a friendship with a university student (graduating) who lived in a cooperative place. I met him at a music event. He played bansuri. I went to one of their (eventual) nudie parties. It was fun. To begin we all sat in groups that moved around and we were supposed to ask each other a prosribed personal question.
Anyway, I'm sitting here at the computer planning to how clear it so that I can do some artwork, i.e., Flash. If you want to see three of my four pieces, go to jenniferglee.com I miss painting.
So, I'm sitting here listening to New Order. i don't what's making me think about the notion of love they sing about. I really think they were/are ahead of their time. Maybe it's the disco aspect. Maybe it's because Joy Division had to happen first.
This week I have been cleaning. I found a photo from about 2000 when I had a friendship with a university student (graduating) who lived in a cooperative place. I met him at a music event. He played bansuri. I went to one of their (eventual) nudie parties. It was fun. To begin we all sat in groups that moved around and we were supposed to ask each other a prosribed personal question.
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