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James Elmore sent this link…He thinks it’s better than war….and it’s sort of Gilbert & Sullivan meet The Red Army. It’s the
The India and Pakistan Border Crossing. Watch it in full screen!! A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE! Daily Closing of India and Pakistan Border Crossing…This is both fascinating and hysterical. This is how the border between India and Pakistan is closed every evening!This is not a Monty Python comedy skit, but it does resemble one. Keep in mind that each of these countries has nuclear weapons! [Note from the peanut gallery: Also, imagine this ceremony on the border between the US and Mexico… or Canada! 😀 -Gunilla] |
WATSONVILLE & MEASURE T. It was such great news about the people of Watsonville voting in favor of preserving their land for agriculture instead of copping out for development, by defeating MEASURE T. It’s no different than the people of Santa Cruz voting against a de-sal plant instead of allowing all the growth and development that would come with it here in North County. Three cheers for Watsonville.
TANNERY THEATRE TO OPEN & CABRILLO THEATRE STAYS CLOSED??? Any local theatre company and any actor in the vicinity will tell you that the City and County of Santa Cruz has a terrible shortage of available theatre stages. Yet the Cabrilho Community College stage has sat vacant for years now. Meanwhile our County is spending huge sums of money to build a new theater and stage at The Tannery. Answer me this one…why was our Community Television Station not able to move into The Tannery facilities, but yet they’ll probably be moving into Cabrilho’s deserted stage? Is anybody in charge here??
BILL KOCHER’S MILLIONS DOLLAR BUILDING. Otherwise normal people who work deep within the Santa Cruz City Hall system have asked and are still asking why did, and does Bill Kocher’s Water Department deserve not just the size of, but the millions of dollars spent on re-habbing the Water Department’s Locust Street building. How many other departments get the bucks and attention Kocher gets???
OH SAY…CAN U.C. ??? Yes UC can do pretty much as they like…but according to the latest issue (June 6) of City On The Hill news 16.4 % of the 2013-14 students are from out of state or are from other countries. Also the Student Union Assembly voted not to divest from 5 companies that sell arms, machinery, building supplies and electricity to Israel. Lastly, of all campuses, UCSC had the largest decrease in freshmen admittance numbers.
LIVE OAK DAY WORKER CENTER. Mireya Gomez-Contreras the program director at The Day Worker Center at 2261 7th Avenue in Live Oak writes to say the center is doing excellently, and they want more folks to contact them. One of the biggest surprises at the new Center was when so many women signed up offering services, and looking for work. She said, “We are registering more and more workers each week and we are also continuing to get calls from new and returning employers”. Go here… to get more information. Or call 831 475-9675. Let me know. This would be a great opportunity.
DIXIE RITUERFORD DIED. Dixie died in her sleep last Wednesday night. She was a long time advocate for World Peace and a long time member of WILPF. She was plagued by heart problems. She will be missed.
MID-COUNTY DESAL DOG AND PONY SHOW-A HARD SELL FOR DE-SAL.
The public was invited to a presentation of a “Regional Seawater Desalination Project” at Seacliff Inn in Aptos on June 3. Presenters were polished professionals, as were the handouts at the meeting. It was as if the public had actually voted for desal, and the information was the implantation plan. The SRO audience didn’t seem to agree with that. Over 100 people attended the meeting and 26 signed up to speak after the presentation. Two people spoke in favor of desal, one appeared neutral, and the rest spoke against the “project”. Opponents living on the west side of Santa Cruz were unanimously against, having concerns about just about everything you could expect if a planned seawater desal plant was dumped into your neighborhood.
The meeting was supposed to be about how to read and comment on the draft EIR, and to the consultants credit, a two page document showing how to do this was part of their pitch. It was what people need to plow through the hundreds of pages, and how to comment on them. The show will be repeated on July 1, 2013 at First Congregational Church (900 High Street, Santa Cruz) from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Before you go, check out www.scwd2desal.orgwhich also contains the complete Draft Environmental Impact Report. or DEIR.
(Paul Elerick is co-chair, along with Peter Scott, of the Campaign for Sensible Transportation, and is a member of Nisene 2 Sea, a group of open space advocates).
| HELEN KANE & BUSTER KEATON. Somebody took Helen Kane’s (Betty Boop) vocal and added Buster Keaton’s great moves…take a sneaky peek…
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PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary talks about dog leash laws in both Live Oak and in Carmel. He discusses the city of Greenfield (just off highway 101) and their possible development and taking over valuable farmland. Then he talks about a….
DE-SAL Meeting…The City of Santa Cruz and the Soquel Creek Water District are proposing a desalination project that they sincerely believe is necessary to provide what might be called “water security.” The Soquel Creek Water District serves its customers from underground aquifers that are being over drafted. The City of Santa Cruz mainly uses surface sources, which are inadequate during sequential dry years. Having a “supplemental water supply” could help address these problems. The law firm with which I am associated represents the Community Water Coalition, a community group based in Santa Cruz, which is skeptical about desalination. Another group that is active in the discussion is called Santa Cruz Desal Alternatives. The Desal Alternatives group has identified a number of cost-effective alternatives that they think would meet water security needs at a lower cost, and with a lot fewer environmental impacts. The environmental review process now underway is supposed to provide a fair examination of the issues.
If you would like to start learning more, think about attending a meeting, Thursday, June 13th, to be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Quaker Meetinghouse, located at 225 Rooney Street in Santa Cruz. That is where Morrissey Boulevard meets Highway One. James Bentley, retired City Superintendent of Water Production, will discuss alternatives to desalination. Read all of above at Gary’s KUSP Land Use scripts http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse (Gary Patton is “Of Counsel” to the Santa Cruz law firm of Wittwer & Parkin, which specializes in land use and environmental law. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. Gary has his own website, “Two Worlds / 365” – www.gapatton.net)
VINTAGE DE CINZO. DeCinzo shows us the real terrorists in our midst, scroll down a little.
EAGANS DEEP COVER. Tim reveals an honest politician.(snicker, snicker) see below.
| FANCY WRITING DESK. My cousin Dean Hagen sent this clip. He lives in Florida, so that explains it. And it probably didn’t have an instruction book, a pdf operations download, or a support phone number either. |
LANDAU’S PROGRES. Saul Landau looks back at FDR in his article titled, “Fear Itself After 80 Years“. He writes, “My parents, like many millions more who voted for Franklin Roosevelt and ousted Republican Herbert Hoover, sat glued to their radios to hear FDR’s first Inaugural Address (March 3, 1933) hoping to understand how this witty and affable member of the elite was going to help them get over their depression, a product of the country’s economic depression. FDR had not said much of substance during the campaign, but that changed dramatically when he told the radio public “that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” And Saul ends by saying…”FDR affirmed his faith in “the future of essential democracy. The people of the United States have not failed. In their need they have registered a mandate that they want direct, vigorous action. They have asked for discipline and direction under leadership. They have made me the present instrument of their wishes. In the spirit of the gift I take it.” What could Obama’s speechwriters do with a new version of Fear Itself? Lay out a modified version of FDR’s promise to help the poor? Could we expect such a commitment from President Deeply Disappointing? It would be nice, but don’t hold your breath”. Read all of it here…
Saul Landau is an Institute for Policy Studies fellow whose films are on DVD from roundworldproductions@gmail.
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Ever wonder where writers get their ideas? The answer may surprise you this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.
…THAT IS THE QUESTION
WE STEAL SECRETS: THE STORY OF WIKILEAKS. Alex Gibney directed this documentary. He also did the wonderful and absorbing “ENRON” and “The Smartest Guys In The Room”. There’s a lot of background of Bradley Manning and Julian Assange, and of course we all love these two heroes for their courageous stands against our Governments secrecy and their terrible anti civil rights actions. BUT…and a large BUT I had to remind myself that documentaries (or biographies or auto biographies) do not represent truth, they are only the opinion and choices of the author/director of what part of the truth do you include?? I wonder why for instance Gibney had to include any of the sex life of Bradley Manning? Is Manning’s homosexuality and miserable childhood necessary to the understanding of this case? Did we need to know about Assange’s extra-marital affairs (those did surface as a distraction in his legal battle) But see this film. We didn’t know one –half of this story, the mass media never printed it, NPR sure won’t deal with it. See it quickly; it’ll leave in a week or less, if you don’t go now. Just remember it’s a documentary, and that doesn’t mean it’s true.
THE PURGE. Ethan Hawke stars in this odd horror film, It’s the old save the family against the crazed neighbors. But there are many political gimmicks thrown in. A Black homeless man is the hero savior, when the film finally ends.. The mob looks like Occupy crowds, the acting is lousy, and it’s based on the idea that for 24 hours once per year it’s ok to do any and all violence with no penalty. The local connection for Santa Cruz is that Melanie Paizis Jones former local, and who directed Blue Like The Morning was production designer on this film. Melanie’s the daughter of Suzanne Paizis who ran for California State Senate back in 1972….when women weren’t supposed to be in politics. We were good friends.
SYRUP. It may be an attempt to satirize the advertising/ marketing business. They create new supposedly clever brand names like Fukk or Coqq high energy drinks. The lead actors are named “Scat” and “6”. It’s not hip, smart, clever, nor does it have any meaning whatsoever!! Avoid it at all costs or even if it’s free.
THE INTERNSHIP. Why Google would allow this movie to exploit their name and reputation is beyond me. Maybe this internet giant is so out of touch with the movie going public…they remained ignorant of how stupid Google appears (and for what reason???) Vince Vaughn (whom I have never liked in any film) and Owen Wilson (who has created about three minutes of solid acting on screen) play very dumb jerks trying to get jobs at Google. Just don’t go, it isn’t funny.
ONCE REVIEWED HOLDOVERS – WORTH SEEING IN THEATERS
WHAT MAISIE KNEW. This heart ripping film is based on Henry James novel. Julienne Moore plays Maisie’s screwed up, unlikable mother, and is a perfect horror. It’s an amazing movie that will grab you in some unexpected ways. Little Onata Aprile who plays Maisie is one of the finest child actors I’ve ever seen. At least 10 stars (out of 5)
IN THE HOUSE. Directed by Francois Ozon means it’s a sensitive, clever deeply absorbing film. A teen age boy manipulates adults and we’ll never know why. It’s in French with subtitles and don’t miss it.
STORIES WE TELL. Actor Sarah Polley directed this documentary, which isn’t like a documentary. It’s about her own mom and dad and the complex questions of the lies we live with, and how we bend the truth to make life bearable. Wonderful, complex and intense. Well worth seeing.
SIGHTSEERS.Veddy British dark humor. Loving but insane couple take a tourist route around England and kill several people. More grimaces than laughs, and it’s still worth seeing because you’ve never seen one like this one.
FRANCES HA. If you watch HBO’s series “The Girls” starring and written by Lena Dunham “Frances Ha” will seem like a sequel. These are not your Woody Allen NYC funny residents, the Frances Ha 27 year olds are hip, odd, homely, clever, brilliant and non-directed 27 year old teenagers. These characters are an acquired taste. You either dig their point of view and appreciate it as is…or you’ll detest every minute. Go for it.
ICEMAN.You couldn’t pick a more looney, crazed cast than Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta and Michael Shannon to tell the story of a real life gang-land killer who “did in” over 100 victims. The movie is excellent, acting is superior, it’s a wonderful film. But, caveat emptor be sure you want to see a film that has a lot of killing. Not a documentary, not a Hitchcock and definitely not a Hollywood sensational exploitation. Michael Shannon’s role as the killer Richard Kuklinski makes Clint Eastwood look like David Terrazas or Ben Stiller.
DISCONNECT. This from Rotten Tomatoes… “Murderballdirector Henry Alex Rubin explores the destructive potential of the internet in this ensemble drama starring Jason Bateman, Hope Davis, andAlexander SkarsgÃ¥rd”. Many other critics are calling it the best film of the year“…I loved it as well. Complex, perfectly acted, tricky, intelligent, it’s the first real internet drama, no…the first good drama centered on the internet and connections. You can bet it won’t be the last. The editing and plot cuts are absolutely genius and raise the level of film making. You can’t help but think about your emails, your privacy, and your relationships.
MUD. Mathew McConaughey has never been better than he is in’Mud. So are the two kids who lead and steal the film from vets like Sam Shepard and Reese Witherspoon. It’s a fine film, with a story that doesn’t stop, about life in Arkansas along the Mississippi. Kids coming of age, adults living a very tough life, and the music, the photography all make it one of my favorite films of the year. Just go see it.
KON TIKI. I saw this one about 25 minutes after seeing Star Trek. It’s amazingly similar. A bunch of guys floating around not knowing what dangers are ahead…and joking and fighting about it. AND it’s a fine film. Not a documentary, all acting and halfway remembering the documentary back around 1947 when he made the 101 day voyage. See it, you’ll like it. No character development, no depth (ha!) but good fun.
THE COMPANY YOU KEEP. What a cast Jackie Evancho (don’t worry she doesn’t sing…but she acts like it!) plays Robert Redford’s youngest daughter. Julie Christie and Redford fight in a botox battle, Susan Sarandon has just a little part, and every other Hollywood democrat liberal you’ve heard of is in it too. AND it’s a fine Hollywood film. Full of just enough ethics, politics, facts and fiction to make it a fine film.
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE GET TOGETHERS.Make plans now to see Helen Mirren as The Queen in London’s National Theatre Live telecast Sunday morning June 16 at 10:30 a.m. Santa Cruz audiences are growing fast for these theatrical treats. On 6/16 the Osher Lifelong learners group will be attending this screening…join them for some entertaining discussions before, during and after the telecast at the Del Mar.
“TOUCH” AT CENTER STAGE. Touch is a relatively unknown play by Toni Press Coffman. The Sidereal Theatre Company is producing it and Bill Peters from S.F. State is directing it. It plays June 14-23 at The Center Stage Theatre 1001 Center Street. Davis Banta and April Bennett are the leads. It’s about love, tragedy, the stars, and the human connection. It sounds really good. I’ll save you a seat.
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer (live only, or sometimes old programs are archived…(see next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG.
On June 11th The Winners of Bookshop Santa Cruz’s Short Story Contest read their stories. County Supervisor Neal Coonerty’s 7th annual Grapevine Birthday appearance occurs on June 25th. Assemblyman Mark Stone will be on July 2 bringing us up to date on Sacramento. Anita Monga from the San Francisco Silent Film Festival follows Mark that night. On July 9 Ellen Primack talks about The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, then Carolyn Swift talks about the brand new Capitola Picture book by Arcadia.. Audrey Stanley talks about Shakespeare Santa Cruz season on July 16. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always at bratton@cruzio.com
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click here’http://kzsc.org/blog/tag/
QUOTES. “Chastity: the most unnatural of the sexual perversions”, Aldous Huxley. “The sexual revolution is killing us“, Mel Hocker (nudist camp owner), “There are many ways of proving you’re a man, and shifting your own gears is one of them“, Mort Sahl
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Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
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All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ gunilla@thegoldenfleece.com
BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
