Weirdest email I've received all week (and I've already gotten some doozies):
Greetings and salutations!
I would like to let everyone know of our upcoming Permaculture Courses.
RiverSolar in cooperation with the Heritage Foundation is offering weekly courses in Permaculature and Design concepts. Core concepts will be provided in block format on Fridays from 12 - 2 PM beginning July 10, 2009 at the ArtEgg Building.
Students can choose to take one class or all leading to a Permaculture Design Certificate. Please contact Doris for enrollment information.
RiverSolar riversolar@gmail.com 1001 So. Broad St. New Orleans, LA 504-729-8226
Seriously: THE Heritage Foundation? The same ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation that worshiped at the feet of Ronald Reagan? The same war-mongering Heritage Foundation that pushed heavily for the invasion of Iraq (and, less successfully, Iran)? The same Heritage Foundation that looked at the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina and found it a perfect example of the need for relaxed environmental regulations? That Heritage Foundation?
UPDATE: Of course it's not that Heritage Foundation. As commenter Alex just pointed out:
It's actually the Heritage Foundation for Arts and Cultural Sustainability, which shares a space in the ArtEgg building, along with RiverSolar.
Which is great, but also a really unfortunate choice of names. Oh well: at least the world makes sense again.
So yesterday, I had some thoughts, a series of thoughts, and they started like this: Michael Jackson was an object of fascination, speculation, derision, adoration, right? His luster had long since worn off here in the states, but he was HUGE in other parts of the world, like the Middle East. Somehow, and for some reason, people there "got" him. Or at least they liked him. They laughed at him less than we did.
Then another thought crossed my mind: what kind of news will be sacrificed so that CNN and MSNBC and FOX and everyone else can cover the final moments of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett? It's great news for Mark Sanford. Not so great for Ed McMahon. And really not so great for the protesters in Iran. I mean, how are they supposed to stay above the fold when the King of Pop has been deposed?
Then, the third thought: what if Jackson's death is the last straw? What if, six days from now, the Iranian police or the Basij militia approach the wrong group of people in just the wrong way, and that's it: firestorm. Like Judy Garland's death allegedly spawning the Stonewall Riots. Would that be enough? And if so, should we institute some kind of lottery for aging stars so that every so often, one is plucked out and killed, just to keep democracy and civil rights on track?
There's a lot wrong with that train of thought--a lot. But there's some meat on those bones, too. Maybe.
Anyway, given all that, I thought this clip--posted to YouTube via a Hungarian user who may or may not have Iranian roots--was particularly apt for today:
Intact America Launches Campaign to Change How America Thinks About Male Circumcision
NEW YORK, June 25 -- Parents, pediatricians and health and human rights activists today announced the launch of INTACT AMERICA and its website -- www.intactamerica.org -- to change how America thinks about male circumcision. The national campaign argues that painful and medically unnecessary surgery to remove healthy genital tissue from non-consenting baby boys violates medical ethics and human rights.
They were joined by Soraya Mire, the Somali filmmaker who is a global leader in the fight against forced female circumcision.
"The same universal human right to an intact body that I have fought for on behalf of women and girls must apply to boys as well, especially those too young to make an informed decision about the integrity of their bodies," said Mire. "How can it be wrong to surgically alter the genitals of a baby girl without her consent but okay to surgically alter the genitals of a baby boy?"
Crossdressing stoner finds lust amongst the freeweights
Tustin, Calif -- Police say a California man donning a bustier and watching porn on a computer in an apartment complex gym was arrested after officers found drugs in his backpack.
Sgt. Todd Bullock says 45-year-old Stephen Murdoch of Tustin was arrested early Tuesday after a security guard spotted him in a workout room that was supposed to be closed and locked.
When police peered inside, they saw Murdoch — also in a miniskirt, fishnet stockings and heels — hiding behind exercise equipment and watching an adult film on a laptop.
Officers noticed Murdoch was sweating profusely and talking quickly. They arrested him on suspicion of drug possession after allegedly finding marijuana, methamphetamine and pipes in his bag.
Murdoch did not return a call seeking comment Wednesday.
What kind of hot is it when your air-conditioner keeps going out because it can't keep both you and itself cool?
Also: what kind of hot is is when you can't leave bananas on the kitchen counter because they rot in their peels?
Those aren't riddles or knock-knock jokes or weak Match Game references: they are serious questions. Is there a word for that kind of heat--perhaps a scientific term? Because otherwise, I'm just left saying that it's just damn hot, y'all.*
* Yes, I am reduced to talking about the weather. BECAUSE IT IS THAT HOT.
I SAID ON FRIDAY HOW CURIOUS it was that the fate of the protesters in Iran is so strangely entwined with the sleep schedule of the geeks maintaining the servers at twitter and YouTube.
THAT THE PROTESTORS’ STRUGGLE IS VISIBLE, on a granular, person by person level, gives them optimism, and it gives us a new window upon a remote land and culture.
WHAT WE SEE: similarity.
YOUNG PEOPLE, CLOSER TO US in wardrobe, vision, and optimism, than we might have thought. And though great divides may yet separate us, the protestors are similar in at least one way: they all use the internet. And not in the insidious, demonizing way we were warned of, to recruit terrorists and plan attacks on civilians. But in the most geekish way: to subvert authority with an idea.
Damn, I love John Hodgman. For that piece, for his speech at the Radio & TV Correspondents' Dinner, for his impeccable comic timing--oh, what? You missed his speech at the Radio & TV Correspondents' Dinner? Please stop now and watch:
The victim: An early-morning patron at a French Quarter bar known for welcoming drag queens and their paramours.
The perpetrator: Walter Black, 41, of Belle Chasse, who had already racked up convictions for robbery and extorting some $10,000 from a priest he was having sex with and blackmailing in 2001.
Yeah, I know a lot of people are frustrated with the HRC--in fact many of my friends think the organization does nothing at all. People are also annoyed with Obama and his seeming lack of interest in pushing the gay agenda. (Did we ever decide what that is, BTW?) But as someone painfully familiar with lobbying, advocacy, and legislative process, I can say with certainty: things on Capitol Hill move slower than you think. MUCH SLOWER. Even resolutions commending blind, destitute war widows have to float through three committees and a couple of tablings before they finally come up for a vote--and even then, they may not pass by acclamation.
Full disclosure: I'm a patient person--possibly too patient--so I don't really mind waiting for change. Also, as a white guy of a certain age and socio-economic status, I'm in a somewhat fortunate position, and I don't need things to alter radically by tomorrow. In other words: although Obama and the HRC seem to move slowly, I'm built to handle it. Your results may vary.
More full disclosure: I'm completely appreciative of the noisy folks who are pushing and shoving for change. If there weren't aggressive people on the front lines, that would leave ME at the front line, and then we'd never get anywhere. However, certain people at the vanguard should consider swigging a spoonful of reality: for the past 28 years--since GRID, and subsequently AIDS began the long, deadly trek across America in 1981--the LGBT community's political progress has come in fits and starts. Today, it feels as if we've finally re-gained the momentum we lost way back then. I'm all for capitalizing on that and bringing everyone up to speed, but I'm not about to shoot the folks driving the bus.**
* I'm not a major HRC contributor by any stretch, and I don't attend their annual fundraisers--which are too expensive by my estimation and too full of people who give me indigestion. But I do give, and I give regularly, and I'm happy to do it.
** Despite the bus reference, that was not meant to be an allusion to Speed.
An e-mail featuring a picture of two cartoon eyeballs set against a black background and meant to depict President Obama landed a Republican Tennessee state Senate aide in hot water, but not on the unemployment line.
Sherri Goforth, a legislative aide to Republican state Sen. Diane Black, was reprimanded -- but not fired -- for sending the image, which featured a succession of presidents in dignified and stately positions until the final picture of Obama.
Goforth, who is white, was issued a verbal and written rebuke for sending the e-mail from a statehouse account on May 28. Goforth called it a "bad decision" and said she sent it to the "wrong list of people," The Tennessean reported.
Democratic legislators have called for Goforth's resignation, but Black defended her decision not to fire her, telling the newspaper that Goforth has always been a friend to "people with black skin."
"This was an inappropriate e-mail," Black told the network. "I regret that this happened in my office."
A shot by one of the photographers I follow on Flickr. He goes by the name Tamishir, and he's based in Iran. I don't know anything about the photo, but I though it was apt that he posted it today.
At this very moment, I'm burning backup copies of sound cues for Valley of the Dolls. And then, ladies and gentlemen, I'm done. Done. Well, except for the part about going to the theatre and doing the show.
When times are bad, it's crucial to make yourself interesting and vital and to let everybody know you're there. "Organizations that are cutting performances and marketing are going to be the losers," [Kennedy Center president Michael Kaiser] warns. He also cautions them against reaching for the most familiar programming--Beethoven's Fifth! The Nutcracker! Grease!--in the hope of drawing guaranteed crowds. "I talked to an opera company recently that has done some adventurous programming," he says. "But this season they were just doing things like La Bohème. It wasn't selling at all, and I'm not surprised. People have seen lots of La Bohème. They don't need to see another one."
More unintentional hilarity from David Vitter's newsletter (which the technologically challenged senator still can't manage to post online):
PHOTO SPOTLIGHT "Last month, Olympic Gold Medalist Misty May Treanor dropped by my office in Washington, DC, to discuss her participation in a program designed to educate children about making healthy life choices and avoiding the dangers of underage drinking. Misty and her teammate Kerri Walsh won gold medals in beach volleyball at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games." (Subtext: "PLEASE NOTE THAT SHE IS COMPLETELY CLOTHED AND THAT MY PENIS IS NOWHERE NEAR HER. IN FACT I HAVE COVERED IT WITH MY TIE TO PREVENT IT FROM SNEAKING OUT.")
STUDYING THE RECORD OF SONIA SOTOMAYOR "As the first Hispanic and only the fourth woman nominated for the Supreme Court, Judge Sotomayor is certainly making hopeful and positive history. Now we must study her record and philosophy carefully to ensure that she understands the proper role of the judge as impartial umpire – not pitcher or catcher." (Subtext: "I HAVE NEVER PLAYED BASEBALL IN MY LIFE. BUT I LOVED THAT MOVIE BASEKETBALL.")
"We didn't kill anybody. We didn't put anybody in a hospital. We're not selling drugs. We're not bad kids, you know. We did some porn. Get over it...I didn't threaten anyone's life. I'm puttin' smiles on people's faces."
-- Kenny Jordan, wrestler dismissed from his college in Nebraska after appearing on an adult website [Outsports via Towleroad]
Belgian artist Jacques Charlier's original plan was to disperse 100 posters depicting the symbolic "genitals" of 100 artists throughout Venice. The drawings are visual puns, with one written clue, and viewers are invited to guess to whom the genitals belong. For example, a Stanley knife stands for the Italian artist Lucio Fontana, a minimalist fond of slashing his canvases (the drawing comes with the clue "often used").
For the man who once wrapped Berlin's Reichstag, Christo's image resembles a parcel, and the clue is "wraps in very special things". Damien Hirst's member is shown sliced and suspended in a tank of formaldehyde.
Charlier's proposal was rejected by the Biennale authorities (for fear of offending the Venetian populace, and the artists whose genitals are represented). But Charlier has used this rejection as a stimulus for a massive publicity drive — a boat emblazoned with "100 Sexes D'Artistes" has been touring the canals of Venice, docking occasionally to let the public board to view the correspondence between Charlier, Biennale director Daniel Birnbaum and other authorities (while being served free prosecco, of course).
The French Human Rights League has also come out in support of the artist — claiming he has been censored. But this censorship has not prevented Charlier and his supporters from handing out booklets containing all 100 genital drawings, and offering free T-shirts to those who can guess the identity of at least 20 of the artists.
Charlier's posters will tour several other European cities, including Antwerp and Belgrade.
Jonno and I went out for dinner last night. Nothing big, but he's been out of town, and I've been busy with Valley of the Dolls, so together, we've been like ships in the night. We needed some time alone, away from the house.
As usual, I ate too much. For some reason, I was reminded of a special group of folks in Japan: a long-lived population who have developed a tradition of eating until they're only 80% full. Apart from being totally random, I find that habit kind of fascinating, but I couldn't remember where I'd read about it. Then today, as I was running some errands, I stumbled across The Splendid Table (a recent addition to WWNO's weekend lineup), and host Lynne Rossetto Kasper was interviewing Dan Buettner, whose new book, The Blue Zones, discusses this Japanese community:
Somehow, I am always the last to hear these things:
Wayne Doucet, a City Councilor from Evangeline, Louisiana, was asked on a local live radio talk show, just what he thought about the allegations of torture of suspected terrorists. His reply prompted his ejection from the studio, but to thunderous applause from the audience.
"If hooking up one raghead terrorist prisoner's testicles to a car battery to get the truth out of the lying little camelshagger will save just one Coonass's life, then I have only three things to say: Red is positive, black is negative, and make sure his nuts are wet."
Which is creepy and disturbing for many reasons, but also darkly humorous. Because, really, it doesn't matter if the nuts are wet.
* I should point out that this story is fairly easy to find online, but it is also reported verbatim every time, which is totally suspicious. More eyebrow-raising: it's also attributed to an Australian politician. Sounds like a new meme.
I would just like to point out: all those people who once said that the internet would turn everyone into little Madagascars--lonely and isolated and incapable of communicating with other people--never counted on Facebook or Twitter or the bejillion other web means we've developed to be in constant contact with everyone we've ever met.
Sorry. The voices in my head and on my laptop, they are loud today.
Revised: I need your help if you live in New Orleans and know of an apartment for rent that'll accept dogs.
Backstory: my dear friend Jack and his invisible boyfriend--whom we call "Snuffy" for reasons obvious to anyone over 30--live in Murderville. This is not to be confused with Greater Murderville (aka New Orleans), but Murderville proper, the pulpy, gooey core of Greater Murderville.
Murderville, you might be surprised to know, is a dangerous place. I have no doubts about Jack or Snuffy or their ability to prevail should an incident come to fisticuffs. However: Jack is also a very talented actor (photo above!) and is playing the role of Lyon Burke in our upcoming production of VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, which I believe I have mentioned before, and if Jack has to go to the hospital for a shiv wound, someone will have to replace him onstage. Yes: me. That cannot happen.
So please: spare me the trouble and Jack the pain and New Orleans theatregoers the exquisite torture and find Jack an apartment so he won't get stabbed and the show can go on as planned, with no understudies or directors filling in at the very last minute.
Seriously: got a place? Know a place? Email me or leave a note in the comments.
I admit it: I'm nerdily excited about Facebook Connect. If it takes off--as it probably will--it'll help shrink the web. Which would be nice, because girlfriend is getting too big for her britches.
If you haven't fiddled with Facebook Connect, it's a lot like OpenID (not that you'd know what that is, because you don't use it and neither does anyone else). Basically, it's a third-party system that allows you to log into multiple sites via a single user account. So, for example: think of Gawker, where you have just one identity that you use on every Gawker site, meaning that your comments on Gawker, Jalopnik, etc. are all viewable on your one Gawker profile page. Facebook Connect is a lot like that, but it's not limited to a particular family of websites; it works on any website where it's enabled.
On the one hand, that'll probably save me a lot of time that I'd otherwise spend trying to remember usernames and passwords I haven't typed in months. It'll also allow me to stay in closer touch with friends and interact with them outside the relatively small Facebook playground.
On the other hand, it'll seriously impinge on web anonymity--if such a thing even exists anymore. College-age folks aren't so concerned about privacy, but I've always found that a little mystery is a good thing.
I wish I were as excited about Twitter, but honestly, I think it's overblown. As a toy, it's great fun, and it has some nifty applications here and there, but there are idiots out there ready to dump their RSS readers and use Twitter exclusively, and, well, that's just dumb. RSS is news and full posts and all the info I need in one little ol' place. Twitter is 140-character updates from friends about lunch and rush hour and hey, do you know of anyone with an apartment for rent that takes dogs. I don't even subscribe to my Twitter timeline in my RSS reader--that's how separate I think they are. I'll be glad when Twitter gets consumed by Google or Facebook or some other entity so I'll have one less tab open in my browser.
