September 2003

September 29, 2003

The Anarchist, Activism & Alternative News
(RLichtenstein)
I'm so disgusted with whats going on in this country and the middle east. I can't bear one more minute of George W. and his corporate co-horts; 2004 Bush has to go! This war is completely unfounded Saddam at large, Bin Laden.... who knows. As the race for oil rages on, our health care and education system is collapsing, and the Democratic party is a joke! I have begun a journey of looking for other like-minded people regarding the politics of my country.
I have been checking out anarchists websites and reading college newspapers and viewing films,reading books that address what I feel are the real issues. I went to London to hear Marianne Williamson speak about peace and question myself about the larger consequences of what I do, where I work and how I don't participate. I want to use what few resources I have, namely this blog and my big mouth, to bring up the real issues. I want to live my life according to a belief system that comes from my basic roots. One of the working class in America, who just wants fair wages and a decent life. I don't want to slap an American flag on my car and feel I've done my part. Clearly as I look around and talk to people, there is much more that needs to be done.
Posted by Liz at 10:19 PM Feedback (11)
September 27, 2003

Trendy Is As Trendy Does
I was reading GameGirlAdvance this morning and Jane is talking about fashion in video games. She happened to mention the LV* Murakami bag, that everyone and their brother is carrying these days (Just click the link, you'll recognize it). It reminded me of being in London where I purchased my Longchamp bag. Anne, already a convert from her Paris days, talked me into it, stating her case rather well. She emplored,
"Get something different. Don't get what everyone else has, this is elegant."
Sure enough, the brand has an ad in VOGUE in this month! I guess the next step will be knockoffs turning up on Canal Street in NYC. A fate worse than death, I could end carrying a trendy, over done item? Ahh, I doubt it.
Longchamp was founded in 1948 by a French family, as a company that made leather covers for pipes. The bags they make today have that certain "savoir faire" and class. It wouldn't appeal to teens the way the LV* Murakami bag does. My bag is cranberry colored and weather proof, as well as sophisticated. People compliment me on it all the time. *sighs* I think I'm safe for now.
Posted by Liz at 01:04 PM Feedback (4)
September 26, 2003

George Plimpton Dies at Age 76
When I heard about Mr. Plimpton's passing I immediately thought of one of my all times favorite books. It was a book I patterend my life after in the 80's (minus the drugs.) Edie: An American Biography, was a book I read at least ten times.
This was a book that opened up a new world of fashion and music and what it meant to inspire others, for me. The back drop is the factory in New York City in the 60’s. A place that was a dream land filled with artists and drug addicts and Andy's camera. I felt I understood these people and they held a glittery attraction for me. I wore a tee shirt back then with Edie face. I read all that I could lay my hands on about her and the factory and Andy Warhol’s work. I purchased her underground star vehicle film, Ciao Manhattan, in Philadelphia at an artsy video store for $80. I both admired and aspired to be Edie.Originally I had seen George Plimpton on Johnny Carson talking about this book. He explained that Edith Sedgwick was a Warhol muse in the 60’s that had come from a wealthy New England, old money, family. Her clan was large and they lived on a sprawling ranch, where drugs and incest dominated. Two for her brothers eventually committed suicide and Edie herself finally died at the age of 28 of a drug overdose; I was intrigued as you can well imagine. The next day I went to the school library and found, to my dismay, the book had already been checked out for a week.
I was sitting in a college English class and spotted the book on another student’s desk. I knew the guy and asked when he would be done reading it. I made an attempt to pressure him into handing it over but he didn’t cave in. When I finally got my hands on it, I checked it out a few times; I couldn’t put it down. Anyone that knew me was made aware of the “fabulous” (an adjective Edie often used) book I was reading.
What attracted me to this sad, troubled woman? Well, let’s start with the fact that she was from a wealthy, Harvard educated, blue blood family. If that wasn’t enticing enough, she was beautiful; every man that saw her fell in love with her. For me, a young woman of 19, that was compelling. She was named “Girl of The Year” in New York City. I was never one for titles, but that seemed like a damn hip title to have. She was a fashion model and actress, a muse to Andy Warhol. Being the muse of an artist seemed so dreamy to me.
Sure there were countless tragedies in Edie’s life from conception. Family secrets, abuse, addiction, eating disorders, and mental illness, to a 19 year old girl, all I saw was everything I aspired too be, the desirable leading lady to cool artists and musicians. A poor little rich girl, who would inspire generations to come.
I took what I could from this book and applied it to my life, mostly physical aspects of this character, Edie Sedgwick. I wore my hair short; I don skirts, black tights and black pumps. I put on the biggest earrings I could find and I danced in clubs as often as possible.
As time went on, I would hang around people who lived on the edge, I watched from the fringe, always playing it safe. I would soon realize that was an illusion and a life lesson I carry with me to this day. I did manage to turn my friends on to all kinds of installation art and musicians like Lou Reed and Patty Smith. I swirled around in the middle of 80’s pop culture, captivating people with my avant-garde outlook. If you knew me back then, chances are I gave you a copy of my favorite book for some occasion.
Rest in peace Mr. Plimpton, your work certainly did impact my life.
Posted by Liz at 07:19 PM Feedback (2)
September 23, 2003

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
I haven't posted in a while and I really miss it. I've been totally overwhelmed with dogging my math test and have become new best friend to Bill, the math tutor. Thank goodness he knows what he is doing!
I have been getting some great feedback on my interview with Ian Christy (see Scene & Heard page). Thankyou to everyone for your comments.
On a whim, and in between studying (why did I bother again)? I emailed none other than Michael Musto himself! Who is Michael Musto you ask? Well, obviously you weren't a club kid from the 80's (not that I was either, but it was one of the many delusions I was operating under back then). I emailed Mr. Musto at the Village Voice just to let him know that I was a card carrying subscriber to the one and only, Details magazine. Not the Details men's magazine of today (gag, barf) with its I'm too sexy for my shirt articles, but the Details it once was before it was sold. A chronicle of a glittery day gone by, before we knew there was any such thing as AIDS; before Boy George was a drugged out has been (he is back and better than ever, thankyou!), and Andy Warhol and Keith Haring (I met him back then and he was a doll) were alive and well and making the scene. *Sigh* I just had to tell Michael how much I missed him and how I, for one, have not forgotten! The following is our much treasured (by me, of course) exchange, via email..........
A Fan From The Old Details Days..."Gosh Michael I loved that magazine back then! Every issue was a way for me to keep track of Andy and all the DJ's and James St. James. I miss that damned magazine. I still have a few old issues and I treasure them. What happened to some of the old gang? What a great book that would make. Remember the cool pics in every issue where the person hid their face? I seem to recall a Santa pic that was Keith Haring ahhhh the good ole days, huh?Take good careWarmly, Liz FinePhiladelphia, Pa."
Michael's Reply....
"Yeah, it was great. I'm still around and James did the movie Party Monster,and Saban moved to LA. Patrick McMullan's coming out with a book about the '80s that should includethe whole gang. Take care!"
Posted by Liz at 11:24 PM Feedback (10)
September 15, 2003

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
In my lifetime, I have fixed up two couples that are now married. I do have this weird way of fixing people up. I have done it more than once, but when I say nay (no), I mean no to a pairing up.Here are two that I knew would never make it down the isle!
Posted by Liz at 11:41 PM Feedback (11)

David Blaine
Besides being cute as hell, I wonder how is doing with living in a box for 44 days.
David leaves the box on day 44 as planned.
Update: in case your interested in what the cute guy is up too.
Man Arrested for Harassing David Blaine
The Associated PressTuesday, September 16, 2003; 8:46 AM
LONDON - Police arrested a man Tuesday for allegedly trying to cut the water line sustaining a magician who hopes to dangle 44 days in a box near Tower Bridge without food.
Magician David Blaine reportedly was awakened by the suspect but was not injured. London's Metropolitan Police said they received a report early Tuesday that a man had climbed on to the water tower near Blaine's box.
"The man threw water bottles and other objects from the tower and tried to cut through water and cable lines connected to the tower, but without success," a police statement said.
The man, who is in his 40s, came down of his own accord about a half-hour later, police said. He was arrested for criminal damage, police said.
Posted by Liz at 01:29 AM Feedback (19)
September 14, 2003

I'm Bored, Can You Tell?
Your romance is more of a love that needs to bloomwithin, just like Hedwig of Hedwig and theAngry Inch. The film features an East Germantranssexual who is seeking her "otherhalf" after constant betrayal. You mustlove yourself before you can need another.You're starting to realize this, along with thefact that you don't need a significant other tobe a complete person. Your "otherhalf" has been inside you all along.What Romance Movie Best Represents Your Love Life?brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by Liz at 01:39 PM Feedback (2)

Nice Tee's & Other Stuff
Click here for cool shit. I'm already thinking about my holiday gift giving list. If you want to be on my list, let me know. ;)
My Amazon wishlist, do you have one?
Posted by Liz at 12:12 PM Feedback (4)

Victorian Murderesses
A True History of Thirteen Respectable French and English Woman Accused of Unspeakable Crimes.(photos(c) 2003 Edward Gorey)
A friend lent me this book she picked up at a book sale. She knew I would be interested in the topic. Funny thing about this book, written in 1974 by Mary S. Hartman, is the "unspeakable" crimes are killing off their husbands and various lovers. The book details some famous Victorian murder cases of the "polite" lady of the day. These are stories of woman accused of suffocating, beating, stabbing, shooting and poisoning the troublesome men in their lives. What is interesting is the drinking, pill popping and fainting spells, well-mannered woman used as ways of acting out the unhappiness they felt but were not permitted to express. Now of course we all know murder is wrong, but "unspeakable?" I'm enjoying this light reading at bedtime. ;)
Posted by Liz at 12:20 AM Feedback (0)
September 13, 2003

Fingers Crossed for Björk's Greatest Hits
I just ordered this CD from Amazon and then realized the seller has a horrible rating, per 1 person. I have really wanted this CD for a while, so cross your fingers I recieve it. Next time I will be more careful about picking a seller rather than the least expensive price.
Posted by Liz at 11:06 PM Feedback (1)

When Anne & Liz have PMS
Its not pretty folks. (Do not click these links if you have a fragile constitution or a weak heart.) The following are visual examples of a real medical condition called premenstrual syndrome. Consider yourself warned hehe.....
We feel relaxed and sane!
Posted by Liz at 01:05 AM Feedback (4)
September 12, 2003

Until Then I Study!
"Tokyo I'm excited for especially because of the people we know there. Seoul I'm excited for because it's a place I haven't explored terribly deeply. So those are reasons, above and beyond the discourse around video games, that have me excited to be travelling without assignment. Make your own assignment!
As long as I'm taking notes, writing for some venue, and meeting interesting people, I figure I'm doing good by my career. Though sometimes it does appear to be deferred compensation. I have faith that I will be supremely able to help with something, some day, when I'm called. Until then I study!"~Justin Hall of Links.Net
Yet another inspirational line from Links.Net via the blogfather himself, Justin Hall . People are always questioning J&J about how they finance their lifestyle of freelance writing & travel. I go through a similar dilemma, when people find out where I work, and some of the places I have traveled too. I like Justin's approach, make your own way, study and trust that your career will benefit from your experiences in the long run. I'm in the process of doing that right now. I try not to project on to the future. Limitations, I try never to set them for myself.
Posted by Liz at 10:29 PM Feedback (1)
September 11, 2003

I Love You, New York
The human spirit is not measured by the size of the act, but the size of the heart. ~Mural on the side of building at ground zero
Two years ago, I remember sitting at work, listening to the radio, on a bright sunny day. Suddenly a plane has hit the WTC, then another. My head is spinning with disbelief but I just knew this was no accident. These bastards are tearing up my city. How dare they, I am pissed! I want to be home with my family, I want to know they are safe, I want to hide. My work place didn't dismiss us early that day. Instead, I sat there staring out of the window in a high rise. The following song lyrics describe those feelings on September 11th, 2001. The following links are pictures I took of ground zero this past August.
View images of gound zero
In The Waiting Line (edited for space)Lyrics vocals by sophie barker
Wait in line‘Till your timeTicking clockEveryone stop
Everyone's saying different things to meDifferent things to meEveryone's saying different things to meDifferent things to me
Do you believeIn what you seeThere doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me
Do you believeIn what you seeMotionless wheelNothing is realWasting my timeIn the waiting lineDo you believe inWhat you see
Nine to fiveLiving liesEverydayStealing timeEveryone's taking everything they canEverything they canEveryone's taking everything they canEverything they can
Do you believeIn what you feelIt doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me
Ah and I’ll shout and I’ll screamBut I’d rather not have seenAnd i'll hide away for another day
Do you believeIn what you seeMotionless wheelNothing is realWasting my timeIn the waiting lineDo you believeIn what you see
Everyone's saying different things to meDifferent things to meDifferent things to meEveryone's taking everything they canEverything they can
Posted by Liz at 12:14 PM Feedback (0)
September 10, 2003

Making Life Worthwhile
"i've followed your website many years now, and i still find it amazing that you seems to live, and live well.. you give me inspiration to persue the goal of living an interesting life, not making money. it is clearly possible." ~Erik comments to Justin Hall on Links.net
Thankyou Erik, whoever you are. I really took that comment to heart.
Posted by Liz at 09:11 PM Feedback (1)
September 09, 2003

Unanswered Questions
Posted by Liz at 08:26 PM Feedback (0)

From The NYTimes
- QUOTATION OF THE DAY -"A little of our son lives in each and every one of you."
- DEE RAGUSA, at the last funeral for a firefighter killed at the WorldTrade Center.
Posted by Liz at 07:17 AM Feedback (0)
September 07, 2003

An Exotic Beauty?
Jeanna finally colored my hair a very dark brown. It is actually almost black and she went a shade lighter then what I requested. I really love it for now. Its so different than my natural Auburn. I think I'll keep this new color a while, just for fun. Maybe I dreamt of becoming an Asian beauty HA!
Instead, I think I look like an older, less punky version of......Download file
Posted by Liz at 02:18 PM Feedback (4)

Check Out Interviews
Dimi has posted theInterviews page. Check out my first of many interviews with some intriguing people. Enjoy getting to know more about Ian Christy , a really amazing artist. Other interviews will be on the way...stay tuned.
Posted by Liz at 12:07 PM Feedback (0)

Recent Music Purchases
Last night I bought Dealership and No Doubt (Rock Steady) CD's that I have been eyeing for quite some time. I can't wait to blast them in my car on my way to work.
I'm still waiting for the CD's from Camilo. Some cool Brazilan stuff he is sending.

Posted by Liz at 11:14 AM Feedback (6)
September 03, 2003

Northern Nights
There is nothing more luxurious than a divine night of slumber. Recently, I treated myself to a Northern Nights feather bed. My mom and friend, Sharon, have one and I have always longed for the warm and cozy experience of a night on down feathers.
While watching a home shopping channel, the Northern Nights brand appeared, on sale, in all it deliciousness. A representative from the company was demonstrating how a pattoned machine cleans the feathers so well; they are actually rendered hypoallergenic. I watched in awe as the feathers flew and dirt was collected in a pan at the bottom of this marvelous device. Next they went to the actual bed display and explained how firm these feathers actually were. The demonstrator pushed and sat up and down, as the bed sprang back into shape. She described it as a pillow for your entire body. and I imagining myself laying on a white billowy cloud, deep in restful slumber.One of my favorite pastimes has always been sleeping. Even as a teenager, I would come home from school and grab a power nap. Today, the weekends are an opportunity to seize some extra shut-eye. Sleeping is nature’s prescription for gathering energy and gaining a new perspective for the next day.When I’m under a lot of stress, I find it very difficult to sleep. I remember after the September 11th, World Trade Center attacks, I sat at work, in a high rise, staring out the window, completely devastated and scared to death about what was coming next. The following day, I stayed in bed and didn’t move. I didn’t turn on the TV or radio, I didn’t leave the house, I never left my room. Staying in my bed seemed like the safest place, as if the terrorists wouldn’t be able to find me under the covers. My bed felt like a warm, nurturing cocoon that day.
Another reason to feel good about my feather bed is that no birds are killed for their feathers. The down and feathers are a by product of Asian and European food industries. The bed is biodegradable and environmentally safe. When it becomes time to get a new feather bed, the old one can be returned to the earth as an excellent fertilizer for the garden. The makers of the bed say it is earth friendly and that’s a reason to rest easier.
As I shake out the feathers to refluff the fill, I imagine all the restful nights of sleep, I hope to be blessed with. My nieces running in and snuggling as they besiege my bed. These are the most precious moments that make up my life. The new bed will give me the night’s rest that is required to get through the remainder of my classes. I will be invigorated, and rejuvenated to proceed with all the projects I have taken on. As I travel in the years to come, my feather bed will beckon me home. When I am sad, its softness will console me. In happier times, I will be reminded that it is in nature’s bountiful gifts, and in Northern Nights, that the most splendid of times are found.
Sleep well friends ZZZZZZZZ
Posted by Liz at 10:39 PM Feedback (6)

Do You Like Pop Music?
I love some of the old classic singer/songwritiers and in my opinion, some of the greatest pop artists of all time have been The Mama's and The Papas, The Beach Boys, and my all time favorites, The Carpenters. Now, I don't listen to this stuff often, but when I do, I like to listen to it in my car on my way to work. Its happy music.
Years ago, 1996 to be exact, my friend Jonathan, bought me a CD called, If I Were A Carpenter. This is various alternative artists doing covers of Carpernter classics. I especially love Shonen Knife, a Japanese girl group, doing Top Of The World. Also Dishwalla doing It's Going To Take Some Time. The CD also includes Babes In Toyland's rendiction of Calling All Occupants Of Interplantary Craft and Matthew Sweet doing Let Me Be The One. I can listen to this CD often. Richard Carpenter helped with the arrangements. Check it out if you like classic Pop. Its an amazing tribute to an amazing duo.
Posted by Liz at 09:44 PM Feedback (2)
September 01, 2003

Back In The Saddle Again
The long weekend is over and I start that...that...MATH class tomorrow night. UGH! Anne starts her internship and dreaded commute. She has been going on trial runs and calling me with the bad news. Two hours, hour and a half, when it’s said and done, she will have to end up renting another place. Heaven only knows if I will be suicidal after tomorrow night. I doubt it. He’ll probably go easy on us the first night. Maybe I’m in denial. I printed out my schedule, I’ll grab my supplies and I’ll push forward, come what may.
I rented a Chinese film tonight called Beijing Bicycle. I wanted to see the scenery and it was amazing. I read several blogs from China, and Matt tells me I have the wrong impression of China. I hear they have banned the most recent Tomb Raider movie, due to a bad image of China. It looked like an amazing place in what was an otherwise dragged out film.
I finally have my Ian Christy interview in the bag, and when Dimi is up and running again, he and I will get the “scene & heard” link moving. It was my first attempt at an interview with a professional artist, and Ian made it easy. I’m really hoping everyone checks it out. I’m really excited about that way it turned out. Thanks again Ian!
Good luck to Matt, with his first days back at work. And to the J-team and family, I’m thinking of you, hang in there.
Posted by Liz at 10:40 PM Feedback (9)