Eulogy For Zhenya

I'm not going to say I know the man, but I knew the man, you know? Sure there were others closer, and I'm sure that they all knew things about him that I don't. But here goes. What I know, and what I saw in that man, was the soul of an artist. Artist in the soul, that's different than an artist with the hands, or artist of the heart, or the arm chair artist that looks and talks about how he could have done it so much better. It's deeper than all of that. No, when Zhenya talked, he breathed art. He saw it in everything, he admired it from every angle in every type of light. There aren't many people that make me feel like my own vision is small and insignificant compared to their own, but Zhenya did. Not because it was better or more refined, I don't know that it was or wasn't, all I have to compare are a few photos and his words. But I know that his talent, and his insight, poured out of him with an intensity that was as magical as Stonehenge, as awesome as the pyramids. It was fluid and natural in a way that makes Michaelangelo look forceful and strained (much less me). He was truely a powerful presence.

His eyes told the whole story. They were bright and joyful -alive with that artistic vision, and when they looked at you, you could see the fire. His smile was warm and full, it spoke in soft subtle gestures about the intensity of the person behind it. I only ever met him once, and only once got to speak with him. In that moment he shared more than a lot of people share in a lifetime. He was warm and insightful, and shared a curiosity and enthusiasm for life and art that was infectious. He was wise beyond his years and took an absolute joy in living. The fact that all of this came out in a single conversation can only emphasis how extraordinary he was.

I hope someone keeps his photos, and that they display them. I hope that the many people that knew him carry a bit of that intensity and joy with them. In a time where the world needs as many bright eyed intelligent people that have the soul and rational of artists as it can get, it's a shame that this man was robbed from us so tragically and suddenly. I pray that the people who stole that light from the world suffer every day of their existence -until they are no more, and can do no more harm.

Fresh Air interview with Richard Clarke

There's an incredible interview on Fresh Air (with Terry Gross) this morning with Richard Clarke who was the former counter terrorism cheif under several White House administrations, including Reagan, Daddy Bush, Clinton, and Baby Bush. He's incredibly well spoken, balanced in his perspective, and makes a number of critical claims against the current and previous American administrations. This is a voice that needs to be heard and not squashed by the Bush spin machine. Please give a listen at the Fresh Air Archives.

SF Gay Marriage Ruling

Looks like Newsom is dealt a blow from the judicial branch today. California has blocked marriages to same sex couples until it can come to a ruling about whether or not it violates state law.

John Kerry Kicks Ass!

I was a little afraid to put my faith in the man at first, but after today, no more. Kerry is willing to stand up to the Republican machine and stand by his words! I got these quotes from the Washington Post:

"I have no intention whatsoever of apologizing for my remarks," Kerry told reporters as Senate Democratic leaders stood behind him. "I think the Republicans need to start talking about the real issues before the country."

Kerry said Republicans were "going to start attack ads tonight" that ignored important matters facing the nation, such as jobs, education, the environment and "making America safer." Kerry added, "They can't talk about those things, because George Bush doesn't have a record to run on. He has a record to run away from."

Get the full article here.

God it's good to see a democrat who's not a total wuss. Esp after the whole Clinton thing. That's why I kind of liked Dean, but if people think he's got anger issues and want Kerry instead, I'll support him. I'm just glad he's man enough to stick by his words and not cow-tow to the republicans who simply want to put on a negative spin. Well Done, JK.

DJ Spooky Interview on NPR

The DJ great was interviewed today on San Frans local KALW. He says some really interesting things about politics and the nature of sampling and blogging changing the face of everything from publishing to campaigning. Great words from a great mind. You can find the archived version at the Your Call Archive. Enjoy!

Lord of the Rings cleans up at the Oscars

... and I think its totally deserved. For the past two years, he's gotten nothing for the other two films that have come out. And now, finally, he wins all the accolades all at once. Granted, the money that he was bringing in, and the audience feedback was probably more than enough, not to mention all the money... but Oscar recognition for somthing that is really worthwhile is rare, and in this case, vary well deserved.

Sean Penn won as best actor finally. A well deserved win, but I would have picked his role in 21 grams, it was a better film all around, but whatever. He deserves it in any account. He's simple one of the best actors alive.

Charlize Theron was incredible in Monster and deserved the best Actress win.

So overall, being a film snob, I can argue with this years Oscars. Thats something I haven't been able to say in a long time. I still talk about the year that Forrest Gump won over Pulp Fiction... so I'm always happy to argue oscar winners and losers... oh well, there's always next year...

The full list of winners...