Not in the moonlight

To dance among strangers in the sunlight. Golden Gate Park is the place for this good-natured human contact, to practice rhythm and laughter. Check it out: http://www.lindyinthepark.com/ .

Every Sunday at noon to...I have no idea what time they turn off the big band music.

Just don't step on my toes..., partner!!!

Review

Exciting roles for supposed titans in the acting world. Very few reviews give such comprehensive appraisal of performances in such comparative approach.

I invite you to read it, as it's very illuminating how one judges good versus bad performances...upon reading it, I thought, yes, acting is that complex to do, and all the more complex to begin to 'talk' about...don't you miss it???...YUP...


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/20/theater/newsandfeatures/20diva.html?hp

I AM A SEX ADDICT

The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts held a private viewing of clips from Caveh Zahedi's new film, I Am A Sex Addict,' at the Red Devil Lounge last night, which included an interview by Mollena Williams.

Apart from the obvious wit and whimsy in which Caveh portrays his very personal account of his sex addiction, the conversation spawned an earnest discussion on its nature and social significance insofar as identifying variant sexual behaviors. One point that stuck with me as he attempts to 'humanize the condition of sexual addiction', that is to say limit the sense of polarization between what we consider 'good' versus 'bad' sexuality and its impact on how we view the whole individual, is the complexity of sex and the problem of sexual violence, particularly directed towards women. The film cannot escape the issue of objectification of women and/or subjugation, given that the subject of the film is male who is dealing with his sexual obssession with women. "We are all in this together," he points out to an audience member who poses the notion that his approach may be a 'throw back of the responsibility to the female who is, after all, the recipient of the abuse; that his depiction may not only provide an explanation but an excuse for the impact of this aberrant outward behavior.'

His retort I felt was salient, inasmuch as he claims an attempt to provide information and thus fosters a sense of understanding that helps us navigate through a complex issue. We ARE in this together-- he's right. The simplistic view of 'bad' sexuality=bad man, has spawned moralistic judgments that cripple our ability to perceive people for their variegated parts instead of a singular, homogenous schema in determining character. He cites Clinton, for instance. How can he still be viewed as a good man, with sound judgment if he fell prey to his impermissible sexual appetite? This kind of instantaneous projection of good versus evil based on sexuality thus create a rupture in the way we may view individuals, who, barring their sexual 'aberrance', may have been deemed as 'good.' It is precisely this quick polarity in our view that Caveh seems to be addressing. That, among other things, I'm sure.

The screening of this and his previous work will be at the Yerba Buena this weekend.

Dance to Marriage

There was rumba, hussle, waltz, salsa, meringue and, of course, tango. I have two weddings to attend to this month and one on account of dancing. There is something to this motion.

Quote of Insignificance

"What you do is insignificant but it's very important that you do it."--Mahatma Ghandi

Olivia is her name-mo

Done!

Zack Rogow revealed her name: Olivia Friedman.

Buffalos and chrysanthemums. Even devoid of context, the words themselves evoke poignancy in their juxtaposition. Buffalos and...

Buffalos and Chrysanthemums

I am tracking down an unknown poet.
The girl turned woman at twenty-three
Blossoming out words of love and
Buffalos and chrysanthemums.

As you can see, I am no wordsmith or poet or any of that. When you see the burgeoning of genius, it's the closest thing to experiencing a miracle. That's what I think.

I went to the lunch poem series at UC Berkeley today and if you were in attendance and know this poet's name, forward her name to me. But what are the chances? I didn't even catch the title of the piece. I only clipped part of a butterfly's wing and marvel at its colors.

For Chad

San Francisco Night Windows

So hangs the hour like fruit fullblown and sweet,
Our strict and desperate avatar,
Despite that antique westward gulls lament
Over enormous waters which retreat
Weary unto the white and sensual star.
Accept these images for what they are--
Out of the past a fragile element
Of substance into accident.
I would speak honestly and of a full heart;
I would speak surely for the tale is short,
And the soul's remorseless catalogue
Assumes its quick and piteous sum.
Think you, hungry is the city in the fog
Where now the darkened piles resume
Their framed and frozen prayer
Articulate and shafted in the stone
Against the void and absolute air.
If so the frantic breath could be forgiven,
And the deep blood subdued before it is gone
In a savage paternoster to the stone,
Then might we all be shriven.

From Selected Poems of Robert Penn Warren, edited by John Burt. Copyright © 2001 by John Burt

Love,
Rocelyn

Nonchalant--Matt Alber

Shouts out to Jeff.

Thank you for the courtesy of providing this link:

http://www.mattalber.com