The 1966 movie Fahrenheit 451 remains high up on my top ten list of must-see movies. Based on the 1951 Ray Bradbury novel of the same name, it's about a guy, named Guy (Montag), who is a firefighter in an isolated society where books have been outlawed by a government fearing an independent-thinking public. It is the duty of firefighters to burn any books on sight or said collections that have been reported by informants. People in this society including Montag's wife are drugged into compliancy and get their information from wall-length television screens. After Montag falls in love with book-hoarding Clarisse, he begins to read confiscated books. It is through this relationship that he begins to question the government's motives behind book-burning. Montag is soon found out, and he must decide whether to return to his job or run away knowing full well the consequences that he could face if captured (IMDb.com)
Part of why I love this film is because it highlights the power of literature to the point of where it is feared. The government, drunk on the delusion of domination finds great delight in eliminating education through the destruction of books. And you know what sounds eerily familiar to this in modern society? KINDLE BOOKS. Ordinary books' bratty and electronic baby brother.
Why fix what isn't broken? I'm sorry but there is something disgusting about flipping through a book with a touch screen and battery. In this case, I'm on the side of the hippie's and openly protest the extinction of paper and pen. The smell of formaldehyde and even the dust doesn't bother me as much as the idea of converting classic literature to an application. The thought of a Kindle being read on the beach gives me the same feeling as having a computer at a picnic. It just ain't right.
More so, the mentality behind must-having is part of the consumerist epidemic that is spreading like wildfire all over iLovers everywhere, in the case which Apple has created a frenzy every April where the newest iPad is released, in between a myriad of other products being disposed. What has failed to be recognized by these patron's is the actual indispensability of these products, and the current and long term consequences of fulfilling that drive to have the latest and greatest gadget.
The most heinous of these being Coltan!
Coltan is the industrial name for columbite- tantalite, which is a dull black metallic mineral that is mined in Australia, Brazil, China and Democratic Republic of Congo. The Tantalum from coltan is used to manufacture electronic capacitors, used in consumer electronics products such as cell phones, computers, dvd players and Kindle's to name a few (if you want to get technical about how coltan is specifically used, read this). The ticket here is the blatant statistic that the majority of these minerals are found in the Eastern part of DRC where there has been a constant civil war and crimes against humanity such as rape (1,100 rapes daily!!!) and brutal killings. It is estimated that over 5.4 million people have lost their lives in this conflict. Is this a coincidence that the only region with the richest coltan deposits is in a war zone? The answer is NO.Can you even think of 1,000 people you know personally? Now imagine them all victims of violence. Merry Christmas.
Now, I own all of the above mentioned items, and I have actually obtained all of them for free (how I have done this, unconsciously is a miracle, and a bit of a blessing! It just goes to show that even without a deep desire to own them, one is still capable of easily acquiring them). That being true, I take very good care of them and plan on keeping them all. But any chance I have I am going to opt out of unnecessary upgrades or bait and switch marketing schemes to up sell me. I am most definitely never going to own a kindle! I will instead, buy used books and lend them out to friends, or recycle them back into libraries or alleys where they are discovered (gleefully, for free). In addition, I support agencies like VDAY who actively work with abused women to rebuild their communities in the DRC and furthermore help restore a small hope in humanity.
This holiday season I hope you too will consider doing the best thing, and going green.
Tonight only! Thumbprint Gallery is curating San Diego's Fandom Cult Classic Art Show at Basic Kitchen + Bar.
With original artwork based on films like The Big Lebowski, Scarface, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Pink Flamingo's and my personal favorite: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure.
Artists include:
Jessica Johnson
Craig Hewitt
Jonathan McClintic
Abel Guzman
Mark Richmond
Rod Mojica
William Bucher
MR. DVICE
Mr. Benja
Brian Hebets
Michael Mahaffey
Molly Nicholson
and most importantly, my sister Kristel Boe*
No cover charge, 21+, food and beverage available for purchase at the venue. Music provided by DJ Intraphonic and drdiggs. It starts tonight at 7pm and goes till midnight. Black Nike's are optional.
See you there!
I love Thanksgiving because it's one of the few holidays that doesn't encourage purchasing anything to participate. You just, make something yummy and hang out with friends and family until you are too stuffed to do anything. Then you just watch t.v. (because parents always have cable) and just, hang out. it's nice.
And this year just got a bit nicer... I heard Tim Burton is making a float for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!
The balloon is the latest entry into the holiday parade's “Blue Sky Gallery” series, which invites artists to create flying wonders for the procession (previous works made by Jeff Koons, Keith Haring and Murakami to name a few).
This year Burton's floating art is his character called "B. Boy" or "B." for short, who has his own darkly beautiful Burtonian backstory. B. is a Frankenstein-like creature who was created from leftover balloons used at kids' parties at a London children's hospital. Isolated from playing with other children because of his jagged teeth, B. instead spent his days in the basement watching The Red Balloon and dreaming of flight.
Burton says it best, "there's always been something about balloons. You see them deflated and you see them floating. There's something quite tragic and sad and buoyant and happy, all at the same time."
On Thanksgiving Day, B. Boy’s dream will come true, and I'll be watching!
I'm gonna bitch, but hear me out.
I want to support local art, especially made by people who just love to make it, without the pretension of who will see it or where it is placed. I sincerely enjoy a collection of work labeled "outsider" because I have worked with, and continue in the social field of working with people with different abilities. Furthermore, I have several connections to this particular gallery and feel bad saying anything negative... but hear me out!
Edgeware Gallery is boasting a new opening titled "the Money Show" and I have to admit the theme feels a little, unworthy.
They have accumulated a collection of different artifacts to show, including 'hobo nickles' and roman coins, along with screen printed dollar bills as a tribute to Andy Warhol's famous $ series. Steve Edelson, Edgeware Gallery’s director explains the idea behind the exhibit: “Money is on the minds of many people in the San Diego community and throughout the country. Although it was a challenge to organize this special event, we thought it was timely given the ‘Occupy San Diego’ protests and, of course, the upcoming presidential election.”
Um...
Ever listen to the The Beatles "You never give me your money" song? The genius behind the chorus "...you only give me your funny paper..." is a quote I refer to too often. In this economy, with the election/ protests/ deficit, I am a little suspicious about an "art" show that feels more like a theme park than a community event. I just question how any of these items communicate anything more than a common symbol. Can't we do better than that? What's the money here anyway? There is a man here with a disability who is lucky enough to have the financial support to open a gallery where he can show his work, and what he does is phenomenal. It should be shown. However, his residency at this space is secondary to some trivial idea's that don't encourage expression or individuality, but instead squash it.
In fact at the end of the press release, Edgeware states that 100% of the proceeds from the show benefit Autism research, as "autism now affects nearly 1 in 100 children born today; and unfortunately, the epidemic shows no sign of retreating." What could be more offensive than placing a local artist in an inclusive space where his own community is invited, then display his work under the guise that somehow, he should be fixed, and "unfortunately" that is never going to happen. But give us money so that we can continue to look into it, 'cus somehow, someday there might just be a way we can make everyone the same! Say what, now?!
I can't quote it enough, "diversity is a normal aspect of humanity" (Norman Kunc) and it's unfair to commodify someones talents then disregard their makeup as something less than.
I almost can't stand to attend. I almost want to silently step back and never set foot in there again. And a part of me, a big, hard-to-calm part of me wants to stand out there and loudly protest like the Occupiers downtown. But instead I'm going to go to the opening for one reason. I like Mark Rimland. As a person, as an artist, as a human being I have met and enjoyed. As a neighbor and a friend, I will support him through the highs, lows and moments of complete bullshit in his life. And to me, that's money.
Halloween is a week away... yet if you're like me you're just beginning to feel festive. Here are a bunch of things to do next weekend that are free and fun, before the season's over.
Around an hour away in the little town of Rainbow, yes it is actually called that (!) is a a hoarder's dream called Silverado Salvage Farm.
This outdoor thrifting adventure is full of discarded lumber, windows, furniture, knobs, canisters, figurines, light fixtures, street signs, horseshoes, and coffeemakers, all under a beautiful canopy of huge oak's. They push the limits of what one can dream up, producing not one but several old buggies, vintage piano's and chandeliers.
A quick walk through will show you the more time you spend there, the more you will uncover!
Although you will be digging through some major junk (bring wet-naps) their prices will not reward, as I found items to be a bit higher than expected. That being said, they are actually L.A. bound due next summer, and most likely will be anxious for sales in the next few months to help clear out some older inventory. Plus, where else in San Diego can you find basically an entire outdoor kitchen from the 50's?
If you are headed towards Temecula anytime before June 2012, make a stop in Rainbow. Silverado Salvage Farm is right off the 15 North freeway and is worth checking out, especially if you have any wood projects in mind. Their used building materials section is guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing, and the experience alone is worth the gas out there.
Grace Cathedral’s famous Ghiberti doors, labyrinths, and stained glass have provided the backdrop to such guests as Dr. Jane Goodall, the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, Isabel Allende, Carlos Santana, Pharoah Sanders, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Sandra Day O’Connor, among others. And next week, Eve Ensler- the Tony Award winning playwright, activist, V-Day Founder and author of The Vagina Monologues.
Eve has chosen San Francisco's most notable church to deliver her first talk since surviving cancer and will speak about her newest work, entitled CongoCancer, scheduled for release in late 2012.
Grace Cathedral is an especially sentimental and special place to host this event, which is (part of) why I am flying out to S.F. to work as a volunteer. The Cathedral is home to a community where the best of Episcopal Christian tradition embraces innovation and open-minded conversation, where inclusion is expected and people of all faiths are welcomed. To simplify, it has both an indoor and outdoor labyrinth, plus Episco-disco nights!
So, if you live in the area, please join me! Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
Or, if you're into it and want to get involved, go here to learn about hosting your own eve-nt in your city.
Grace 2010
The sun is setting and the power is out.
My first instinct is fear. It is quite possibly the remnant of many, many real truth I have begrudgingly viewed and/or my general Katrina guilt. I panic, inside.
I want, like many others, a safe connection- a thread that spans past my selflessness to a primal need I check daily- letting maternal rule- this time, here is is- uncaged by my youth, an unwanted desire to be even younger. Not responsible for solutions, under cover, excused from the truth. Held safely by something bigger that does not disappoint. A mother, not father.
My second reaction is anger. I am frustrated, disappointed by the blinding realization that we as humans have created this. And we as self-serving, me-first kinda folk don't like it when the rug is pulled up from under, and what is left is our silence.
Our earth undoubtedly was here before any of us, therefore it is the "mother" from which we are all born. However, we have not honored it as good children, but have spent million of years overspending, over-indulging, wasting and abusing, justifying our actions with the feelings we try and avoid. Stuffing discomfort, loneliness, and fear away for a more convenient day. These increasing man-made emergencies and natural disasters reveal that our system of operating does in fact have an end; an end that will not be planned or welcomed but big enough to explain itself.
The moments where all technology is detached, the luxuries of a heated bulb, a computer, a microwave or ice box, are stripped away from our daily access are actual archives of weeks, years and decades once spent 'normally'. Now once removed they trigger looting, riots, irrational behaviors and bad driving. They are a catalyst for irresponsibility- yet at one time resembled the basic procedure for survival.
Looking at the city without street lamps, we seem as small as the stars. Naturally I relate to that disposability. I am human and yearn for that protection and illusion of immortality. That being said, I do not however associate with the sense of entitlement that I feel is the root of our degradation of our society's culture today. Too many people are perpetuating more people to absorb this trend of unaccountability- which leaves leaves who to blame?
I blame guns. War. Pesticides. Advertising. But that's another story...
We are evolving (technology-wise) the fastest in history. The downside is we are adapting to our natural environment less and less, in fact we are practically tuning it out completely. Nights of state-wide black outs are indicators of this decline.
We do not have cable- panic!
We do not have light- panic!
We have no T.V.- panic!
We don't have air conditioning- panic!
What we fail to realize is...
We have books. We have candles. We have conversations. We have sunsets and stars and a natural breeze. We may or may not have family, but we surely have neighbors. Friends.
Besides battery-operated distractions, being unplugged also means timelessness. Less wire-driven connectivity but more intuition. A more organic flow, a much softer glow to life. It's nice.
I challenge my instincts to react negatively and think, wait... slow down... shut it down. Look at the blessings of this. This is a good time to connect with your neighbors. If not now, when?
Why not cook all your perishables and share with your street block? Or take it to the homeless.
Finish some of those books you started. Paint your toenails. Glue down some collages.
Or, get out. Don't call, show up! Be hands on.
If not now, when?
Show your face San Diego.
And then like magic, a friend extends a welcome to her new home, "come have blackout beers with us on our patio" she says. And we do.
We carpool and make our way down to Golden Hill. It is an apocalyptic scene, especially in City Heights. People are lined up at the liquor stores, like a candlelit vigil to ice cream, whiskey and anything cold. Holding flashlights to the windows of closed businesses, pulling on doors. 3 hours in and they're already looking to get their own. Everyone looks like freaking zombie's in the street. It's scary, out there.
But we get to Darci's and it is wonderful. She has started to smartly cook up everything in her fridge, and presents a delightful buffet of foods. Shrimp lettuce wraps and walnut chicken linguine, we have beer and (lotsa) wine and coffee ice cream for desert. We listen to her neighbor playing classic piano tunes like a mad man, and eventually invite him over. There are others there too, elvish-musicians and pretty girls who obviously do yoga...
The night was divine. We just talked and ate and talked and ate... We all agree we have much, so much to be thankful for. My heart bleeds for New Orleans, and the East Coast, for the states who much like us are spoiled then overnight ruined by a much larger force (I also bleed for Iraq-Iran-Pakistan, and the D.R.C, for they suffer a different kind of bondage)... but we have so much accessibility here to something greater beyond our own selfish needs. Instead our culture segregates, labels and isolates differences. We fear the unknown and stay emotionally locked up because of it. We do not explore the earth past our own quick glances at it, and we both suffer. We have an unused opportunity to get to know and grow together, to join forces, to collaborate and move forward fearlessly...
There is a concept in Disability Rights called "time banking", which operates off the belief that we all are/have assets and we can all use each other. We can look at an individuals gifts and build social networks based on reciprocity and respect. As community members, nice neighbors, and stakeholders in this society, we can all use the redefinition of "work" beyond a "price". Especially in this current economic crisis, there is no end in sight. We need to build community connections and break stereotypes so when the power goes out, we don't just survive, we thrive.
It takes one night of complete technological- withdraw to fuel this much introspection. Imagine what would happen if everyone, just one day a week acted as the power was out. Look at what we would gain by knowing our 'hood more thoroughly, and the residents more personally. More so, how we would discover our very own selves? To take personal inventory and recognize what gifts we bring to the table, and what we need help with.
We need to start unplugging more often just to tune in, to get re-centered about what really matters beneath the mask of what we have decided it should look like. We may be surprised at what we find.
I just hope it doesn't take another mess to make that happen.
Hard to believe it has been a year since last summer, when I was asked to participate in the Summer Salon Series at SDMA in Balboa. Josh and I collaborated on a social project we named Prescription Living, which turned out to be a hit, so much so that that we did not get to nearly half of the patient, waiting participants (a situation we still plan on rectifying in the near future).
David White, owner and artist at Agitprop, was asked back to co-curate another series of events happening again at the museum. This year however, has a whole new line up, which has already started and runs through September 1st. Every Thursday night from 5-9pm is a new event with a variety of emerging and already established local artists, offering responses to the civic conversation, "what does a city need?"
How do we build better cities, better communities, and in turn, better citizens?
Through shelter, dialogue, dignity of labor, identity and history, green space, creativity, economy and social consumerism, to start with.
More to consider at Agitprop's new website.
"A souvenir (French), for a remembrance or memory),
memento, keepsake or token of remembrance is an object a person acquires for the memories the owner associates with it. The term souvenir brings to mind the mass-produced kitch that is the main commodity of souvenir and gift shops in many tourist traps around the world. But a souvenir can be any object that can be collected or purchased and transported home by the traveler. The object itself has no real significance other than the psychological connection the possessor has with the object as a symbol of past experience. Without the owner's input, the object's meaning is invisible and cannot be articulated"
Unless that souvenir is thoughtful, and unique, and (hopefully) free! Like the project I am working on with shells I just collected on vacation in Cape Hatteras.
So many beautiful shells washed up during low tide, it became addicting to scavenge the beach for gems everyday. Or sometimes twice... The Atlantic, with it's coarse sand, sea oat covered dunes, and dreamy skies made for a completely different "beach" experience for me and I want to preserve it!
Here is a little Do it Yourself project that makes a nice little memento for summer trips, and it nearly free. It just requires Ziploc bags, glass jars and a big flat space to work on.
The first step is the most fun... just collect! Either stick to a few themes, for instance a certain color ( in this case I was attracted to the black shells), or go for anything interesting. Use Ziploc bags to collect sand or gravel in an air-tight (airplane-safe) way.
Next, probably when you get home, wash everything to get the sea critters off. I enjoy the scent of the sea so I just lighted dusted off what I needed to.
Then, organize the piles of finds into categories so it is easier to put together. This is especially important if you are making several jars, or have collected for different people. You can group items together by a random mix, or by species, color, etc. 
This time, I am including a bit of the sea gravel, sand, and selections of special shells in each. I bought a 4 pack of small mason jars at Ace Hardware for around 5 bucks, plus found a few others at a thrift store.
Lastly, label the jar with the location of where it was collected. And boom! Nice little package for your special someone.
The Summer Solstice, otherwise known as the longest day of the year, is here (and luckily the weather is cooperating!) And since I'm a geek I feel it is my duty to spread some necessary knowledge about it.
Solstices occur twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is oriented directly towards or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices the Sun's apparent movement north or south comes to a standstill.
The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense, as the date (day) that such a passage happens. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. In many cultures, solstices and equinoxes traditionally determine the midpoint of the seasons, which can be seen in the celebrations called midsummer and midwinter.
In Ancient Egypt, summer solstice was the most important day of the year. The sun was at its highest and the Nile River was beginning to rise. Special ceremonies were held to honor the Goddess Isis, since Egyptians believed that Isis was mourning for her dead husband Osiris, and that her tears made the Nile rise and well over. Accurately predicting the floods was of such vital importance that the appearance of the Sirius Constellation, (which occurs around the time of the summer solstice), was recognized as the beginning of the Egyptian New Year.
So, happy New Year! Since you have ample sunlight today, why not go shopping? Inventory has been updated at Lost & Found, inside Pat's. Although we don't have Amulets, we do have several picnic baskets, wicker chairs, and ladies espadrille and wedge shoes, perfect for the summer (with the recent cooperation of this weather). We also have a few mid-century coffee tables still up for grabs, night stands, women and men's vintage clothing, and much more!
It's official, I'm in love with Loving Hut! What started as an occasional treat has bred into a full blown craving that only their Coco Tofu can satisfy. Now, I'm a meat eater (they don't need to know that) but I like to consider myself more of a Flexitarian because I try to limit my intake and actually prefer veggies over beef any day. What has sadly held me back, (and I know this is terrible, but it's the truth), is my laziness. With a schedule like mine it is hard to find time to cook meals everyday. Plus, when you live alone, fresh veggies go bad so quickly. So, sometimes it is more convenient to eat on the go, which as everyone knows is not easy on the belly though. Secondly, organic food is expensive and hard to find. There are maybe, 3 vegetarian "fast food" places in San Diego. None of which are actually "fast."
So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon the Loving Hut. Although I am not a professional food critic, nor do I have an educated palate, it is definitely blog-worthy. For these reasons:
1. They take the guilt right out of eating, with an all vegan menu that is varied and awesome. No animals harmed in making anything, plus no lack of flavor either. Their vision is that "all beings could live in peace, love and harmony with each other and the planet." That's easy to swallow. Apparently this concept was dreamed up by this lady, the Supreme Master of amazing food (hehe). She apparently even has her own t.v channel, wowza.
This is a kinda ridiculous photo for a Master to use , don't you think? A plant-based diet is noble indeed, but a cell phone shot? 
3. They are super cheap! A 3 course meal for my sister and myself cost around $30.00. Seriously. Their entrees are around $6-7 for a large, and only $5 for a medium size.
4. Iced cappuccino's. If only Starbucks could get this right. The Loving Hut does.
Another yummy drink they whip up (not my photo)
(I don't know this dude, but he looks nice. And fast)
So, if I haven't convinced you to try it yet, you're never going to! I really do agree that the Loving Hut is exactly what they advertise: "a beacon of light for an alternative way of living. It’s healthier, it’s compassionate, it’s peaceful and it’s the only way to a sustainable planet."
Word to your mother.
