Who wants peace?
THE MORNING BRIEF, Vol. V, #14 (April 8, 2002) --- I do! I do!
CONTENTS
Middle East
fracas
TUBEAGE: "The Bachelor"
Job Market
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The Celebrity Box-Out
"Teddy Bears Picnic"
TUBEAGE: "The Sweet Spot"
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TUNEAGE: Fila Brazillia @ Knitting Factory Hollywood
TUNEAGE: Enya
TUNEAGE: Spiritualized @ The Mayan
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SIX DISK CHANGER
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UPCOMING
CONCERTS
MIDDLE EAST FRACAS >>> It may be the oxymoron of all human civilization: Middle East Peace Talks. As the conflict rages into its 60th century, you might be thinking: "There's no way that there will ever be peace in the Middle East." And history would be on your side. For years I've gone through the mental exercise of trying to figure out a way, any way, for it to end peacefully - move Israel to Montana/Utah/Wyoming - always giving up in a cloud of despair and denial. "Maybe it doesn't matter if they're always fighting," goes the logic. But, of course, it does. What a big, unwieldy mess.
To understand the root of the problem in this he-started-it no he-started-it scenario, you have to go all the way back to the very beginning when people first started hating Jews. As constant as war in all the world is the ongoing hatred of Jews. It's a very unfortunate thing for all of us, whether or not we are Jews, because this sort of baseless, generational hatred (in any direction) diminishes all of us. It irrationally dictates that all Jews/Palestinians/Nebraskans are bad, even those who haven't been born yet. And no one is bad who hasn't even begun to be.
Only 60 or so years ago, less than 1% of the time that Jews have been hated and persecuted throughout the world, a psychopath tries to kill them all, and does away with six million or so. Those who are left, who believe in a homeland or want to live there, are rewarded a sliver of Promised Land by the United Nations in an area surrounded by millions and millions of the people who hate them most. So as a reward, Israel gets to keep doing what Jews have been doing as a matter of cultural course forever: defending themselves. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Fuck the Promised Land, I'm moving to Florida.
But of course, if you've been fighting six thousand years for a piece of the rock, there comes a sense of entitlement. Just ask the Palestinians, who believe that they are entitled to the same piece of the same rock, and they're not going to Florida, either. So what do you do? You negotiate a peace. And thus the Peace Talks which are as old as the State of Israel. And about as likely to succeed without compromise.
So, what is the compromise? Well, if you can't live in peace, people are going to die. You send teenagers into grocery stores with a bomb strapped to their back, and you're not negotiating a peace. You're committing an act of terror, and there's no negotiation. There's escalation, and retaliation, and more and more death. There is a difference between senseless killing and retaliation; however, when both sides feel they have senseless killings to retaliate against, how do you get to peace?
Someone or something has to make it stop. Maybe it's the Palestinians. If they stopped encouraging their teens to become human time bombs, then Israel would have no reason to point tanks at Arafat's headquarters. Not only would they stop on their own, if they didn't the United Nations would make them stop because they'd have so little sympathy on their side that no one couldn't defend them. The Israelis are led by a hawk, and they have the firepower to kill all of the Palestinians and then some. But they don't, not only because they can't do it strategically, but because there's a difference between wanting your enemies dead and actually killing them. Israel may do and be a lot of things, but genocide isn't in the charter. If the Palestinians had the Israeli's firepower, do you think they'd use it? The stalemate exists because of this; it wouldn't, and couldn't exist the other way around.
No compromise, no peace. If the Palestinians just don't want the Israelis around, and I believe they don't, they keep on killing civilians, which is what they're doing. Their only hope with that tactic is to martyr themselves, and enflame the historical hatred of Jews. Very Osama vin Laden. But not likely to lead to a peaceful coexistence. On the other hand, if the Israelis don't want to live in a negotiated peace with the Palestinians, they've got a bigger problem. With all their firepower, they cannot kill them without turning the world (rightly) against them. So either they continue to retaliate, or stabilize and negotiate. Unless they've been secretly developing real estate in a more hospitable political climate, they're definitely not moving anywhere. And leave behind all of that holy stuff???
For peace to even be realistic, the terrorism has got to stop, and thus the escalation and retaliation stops, too. Negotiation can't come from terrorism. It comes from people willing to work out a relationship. Israelis and Palestinians may or may not ever live in peace and harmony. However, they could live in a negotiated peace mutually beneficial to both parties. If that's what both of them want. If not, then peace doesn't stand a chance. So when the violence in the Middle East gets you down, ask yourself, "Who wants peace?" When the day comes that both Israel and Palestine say "We do," that's when the Middle East can really talk.
Meanwhile, back in the States...
TUBEAGE: "THE BACHELOR" >>> Once in a generation a mass entertainment comes around offering just the right combination of schlock, kitsch, melodrama, sex, and good old human pathos. "The Bachelor" puts the guilt and the pleasure back into guilty pleasure. The premise is simple, subtle: 25 women, 1 guy. He gets to choose 15, then 8, etc., on his way to his final choice. Fun for him, a psychic bloodbath for the women, who back-stab, catfight, initiate (gasp!), and increasingly freak out over some guy none of them would look at twice in a bar.
The brilliance of this conceit is that while the man has all of the power, he has to figure out if the woman he ultimately chooses really digs him, or just wants to win the game. Powerful, powerful, important stuff. OK, not, but stupidity raised to an art form. Enjoyable, hysterical. Not necessarily in that order.
HYPOCRISY ON PARADE >>> NPR report from a job fair mentioned that while jobs used to be plentiful in finance, technology, and media, now the only entity doing the hiring is the United States Government. Glad we elected the party that's for smaller government into power. The only jobs they're manufacturing are for themselves.
@ @ @
THE CELEBRITY BOX-OUT >>> Here's a nifty power move for the starfucker in you: when you're standing next to your favorite show biz constellation, showing them how worthy you are to bask in their opulence, if some nobody comes up and tries to join the conversation, simply turn your back on them and box out with your hips. Time with a star is like having your own special moment in the sun. Why share it with another prole? Do the box out, and the stars are all yours.
"TEDDY BEARS PICNIC" >>> Although I haven't seen it, all buzz on this new film by Harry Shearer is that it blows. Too bad; it's based on the fabled yearly retreat to Northern California's breathtakingly beautiful Bohemian Grove by a "secret society" of America's richest and most powerful. Tales of Kennedys racing naked through the woods, Richard Nixon starring in a makeshift version of "Showboat," etc., add to its legend. Seems like fodder for a very funny, very dark comedy. Evidently, "Teddy Bears" isn't it. Of course, if you don't trust the critics, you can always go see for yourself.
TUBEAGE: "THE SWEET SPOT" >>> You must have some serious issues with time management if you've got the bandwidth to watch this show starring Bill Murray and his three brothers playing a round of golf. Apparently intended to be a cross between Laugh-In and The Monkees (on the golf course), the target demographic is obviously those with morbid curiosity. Yet another compelling reason to pick up a book.
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TUNEAGE: FILA BRAZILLIA @ KNITTING FACTORY HOLLYWOOD >>> After two hours of warm up DJs, and 30 minutes of top-notch spinning by FB's Steve Cobby, the four man band led by Cobby and partner Dave McSherry almost lost everyone in 10 minutes. Their opener, "Bumblehaun," the first track from the new album "Jump Leads" was nice enough. But track number two took the energy down to a level that hadn't been experienced all night...it's not easy to follow up phenomenal, live-wire DJing with a mere trio, especially given Fila Brazillia's relative inexperience as a live act.
Thankfully, within minutes the band proved what the sold out crowd seemed to know instinctively: an act that composes, compiles, and remixes with such brilliance is going to deliver live. And so, by minute 15, the music and show took flight. As the crowd came to life, rapper/poet Djinji Brown took the stage. Mr. Brown did a great job pacing the band and leading the crowd, taking all on a high energy, upbeat journey through most of the songs on "Jump Leads", plus a couple of Fila ringers. Cobby and McSherry's innate ability to please the crowd, combined with the band's less than slick presence created a rare, personal, feelgood vibe. You can't bottle heart; it's either there or it isn't. Saturday night, Fila Brazillia put it on stage.
The live performance lasted about 80 minutes, with the usually turgid L.A. crowd managing some serious back dancing (dancing with the back of the stranger in front of you; god forbid eye contact) in front of the stage, and some real dancing in the back of the room. Then the band said goodbye, leaving Cobby to spin another hour's worth of dance music for the true faithful in the house. Some of the best just-outside-of-the-mainstream dance music I've heard in L.A. since the last time Fila Brazillia came to town. Everyone into it, moving and grooving with flow. Who knows if the live experiment will continue, or how this new wrinkle will effect their music? As long as Steve and Dave keep their heads and hearts in tune, good things will undoubtedly follow.
TUNEAGE: ENYA >>> Have you ever noticed how "distinctive" is Enya's sound? Even the musically illiterate can tell when a song is hers. This is because she only has one song. The chorus and verses are occasionally swapped around, but the general translation from the Gaelic is: "I am the mystical Goddess who rules your id."
TUNEAGE: SPIRITUALIZED @ THE MAYAN >>> Rarely can a rock concert be described as relaxing...rarer still that this would be a compliment. Spiritualized, then, is a true rarity in the world of rock and roll. A band that takes its time to get to where it's going, both musically and lyrically. Songs build slowly, wandering seemingly without aim, until they sneak up and crescendo with surprising impact. It's a unique sound, and makes for a really different live experience. Very much in tune with their recordings, it's more about the journey than the getting there. Cool light show, too. Opener Black Rebel Motorcycle Club was sonically robust, but the vocals seemed to be hiding behind the music.
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SIX-DISK CHANGER >>> I'm going to stick with these seven, calling special attention to Fila Brazillia, who are an absolute must-see at The Knitting Factory Hollywood on Saturday, April 6.
1. Stanton Warriors, "The Stanton Session" -- Very inventive, high energy dance mix fusing island sounds, hip-hop, and the boogie. For the adventurous who like to move. Progressive and wildly original even by today's standards.
2. Plump DJs, "A Plump Night Out" -- Floor-packing tracks with phat, juicy beats. Lots of good ideas from these UK dancemeisters.
3. Miguel Migs, "Nude Tempo One" -- There's a sort of elegant, controlled fire beneath this very sexy dance music. Among the many great sounds being spawned by dance label Naked Music.
4. Fila Brazillia, "Jump Leads" -- An LP's worth of originals from UK late night mix-masters. Upcoming U.S. tour solo and opening for Clinic could be band's big chance to break through in America. I love their music; think they're ready for the spotlight.
5. Richard Hell, "Time" -- Original punk rock from the Godhead. No commercial pretense, just straightforward guitars and drums with fearless sentiment from a pioneer.
6. Hed Kandi Music, "Deeper, 1.0.2" -- Hed Kandi delivers more musical munchies for the mind. Another top notch deep house mix, this time increasing the energy for a more dance friendly feel.
7. Neil Halstead, "Sleeping on Roads" -- Mojave 3 front-man strikes out on his own with 9 more personal, acoustic gems. There's a sense of intimacy, sincerity and yearning in Mr. Halstead's golden voice. A great singer/songwriter has come into his own.
@ @ @
Have a great week.
Your pal,
David.
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Don't get cast away on an Island of Opulence.
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You can find previous editions of The Morning Brief at www.morningbrief.net if you've got the time. Or load it up from www.avantgo.com and get your Briefs to go.
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DISCLAIMAGE >>> Please feel free to forward The Morning Brief to whomever you like. If you do, in part or in segments, or if you'd like to re-publish, please copy me or just let me know. Thanks for reading!
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Notable shows in and around Southern
California.
Highly
recommended shows this color.
Red
alert; must see!
4.08.02 - Robert Walter's 20th
Congress @ Temple Bar
4.09.02 - Robert Walter's 20th Congress @ Temple Bar
4.11.02
- Plaid @ El Rey Theatre
4.11.02 - Charles Webster @ Sugar
4.13.02 - The Ska-Tallites @ B.B. King's Blues Club
4.13.02
- Soundz of Asian Underground @ House of Blues
4.14.02
- Mercedes Sosa @ Royce Hall
4.15.02
- 311 @ Hollywood Palladium
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4.16.02 - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds @ Wiltern Theatre
4.17.02 - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds @ Wiltern Theatre
4.17.02 - Dark Star
Orchestra @ House of Blues
4.18.02 - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe @ House of Blues
4.19.02 - Supersuckers @ The Roxy
4.19.02 - Bad Manners @ Key Club
4.19.02 - Medeski Martin and Wood @ Wiltern Theatre
4.20.02 - Supersuckers @ The Roxy
---
4.23.02 - Tanya
Donnelly - Vynyl/1650
4.23.02 - NRBQ @ Knitting Factory Hollywood
4.24.02
- Bill Frisell @ Largo
4.24.02 - Mark Isham @ The Mint
4.25.02 - Bill Frisell @ Largo
4.25.02 - Bob Mould @ El Rey Theatre
4.25.02 - The Shins @
The Troubadour
4.25.02 - Lucinda Williams @ Wiltern Theatre
4.25.02 - Reverend Horton Heat @ House of Blues
4.26.02 - Cracker @ House of Blues
4.26.02 - Daniel Ash @ Roxy Theatre
4.27.02
- Coachella - Bjork, Chemical Brothers, Sasha/Digweed, Beta Band,
Cornershop
4.28.02 - Coachella - Oasis, Prodigy, Strokes, Paul Oakenfold, Belle
& Sebastian, Zero 7
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4.29.02 - Billy Bragg @ House of Blues
5.01.02 - Beulah @ The
Troubadour
5.02.02 - Hayden @ The Troubadour
5.03.02 - Alanis Morissette w/Ryan Adams @ Universal Amphitheatre
5.04.02 - Paul McCartney @ Staples Center
5.04.02 - Alanis Morissette w/Ryan Adams @ Universal Amphitheatre
5.05.02 - Frank Black & the Catholics @ Knitting Factory
Hollywood
---
5.15.02 - Dave
Matthews Band @ Staples Center
5.16.02 - Dave Matthews Band @ Irvine Meadows
5.17.02 - Ventures, Nancy Sinatra @ Knitting Factory Hollywood
5.17.02 - Kids in the Hall @ Wiltern Theatre
5.18.02 - Kids in the Hall @ Wiltern Theatre
5.19.02
- David Sylvian @ Wiltern Theatre
---
5.23.02 - Peter Murphy @ House of Blues
5.24.02 - Peter Murphy @ House of Blues
5.29.02
- Trey Anastasio @ Greek Theatre
5.30.02 - Elvis Costello and the Imposters @ Kodak Theatre
5.31.02
- Kronos Quartet @ Royce Hall
6.01.02 - Garbage @ Wiltern Theatre
6.01.02 - Junior Brown @ The Roxy
6.06.02
- Allman Brothers Band @ Wiltern Theatre
6.07.02
- Los Lobos @ House of Blues
6.07.02
- Allman Brothers Band @ Wiltern Theatre
6.11.02
- Bonnie Raitt @ Wiltern Theatre
6.15.02 - Bob Geldof @
House of Blues
6.19.02 - Simple Minds @ Hollywood Palladium
6.20.02 - Third World @ House of Blues
6.29.02
- The Who @ Irvine Meadows
7.01.02 - The Who @ Hollywood Bowl
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HAVE YOU seen something amazing? HAVE YOU figured something out? HAVE YOU found a new haven? HAVE YOU changed your mind recently? HAVE YOU got a bug in your butt? HAVE YOU been remembering to breathe?
RE: MIDDLE EAST >>> Don't you think you might want to comment on the ghastly massacres that are occurring the occupied territories of Palestine???
My comment, although I am sure you will not use it in your periodical, is that we as Americans must stop Israel and the monstrous Sharon, from committing murder in the occupied territories. Israel must leave the occupied territories.
The Bush administration is proving itself to be more hideous then anyone could have possibly imagined. Bush could stop the killing today but instead he continues to endorse it. This situation will spiral out of control and engulf the entire Middle East.
Bush, because he wants to perpetrate his own bloodletting on Iraq, has finally asked Israel to leave but appears to still not really care. The United States is endorsing and abetting tremendous oppression and violence, which would certainly turn in to genocide if Sharon thought he could get away with it.
All Americans of conscience must speak up now and condemn this reprehensible violence by the Israeli government. Write your congressman, call the White House, get out in the streets and make some noise.
-- Alan Zorthian.
RE: MIDDLE EAST, Pt. II >>> The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) has been alerted that the White House is receiving significant numbers of emails protesting President Bush's strong support of Israel. It is very important that we show our support for the President's pro-Israel stand. Please write a short, personal email to the President. Put in the subject line: "Thank you for standing with Israel."
The email address is president@whitehouse.gov. Every email sent to the White House is read and counted. Thank you!
-- forwarded by Larry Langs.
RE: WHOLE EARTH FESTIVAL 2002 >>> "Protect Our Home, Protect Our Future" is the theme of this year's Whole Earth Festival, set for April 20-21st, for the San Fernando Valley's Lake Balboa. Through a range of activities, speakers, and an eclectic World Music Festival, the celebration promises to offer Earth-saving ideas easily achieved at home that have a positive effect on our future. The weekend event is free and welcomes all ages.
A diverse mix of World Music will be featured from headliners Richard Thompson, Michelle Shocked, Michael Franti and Spearhead. The two-day music festival also includes John Tesh, Peter Alsop, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Shannon Curfman, Walela featuring Rita Coolidge, Quetzal, Ziroq, Venice, special guest Lili Haydn and others. Celebrity guests and environmental supporters attending include Esai Morales, Amy Smart, Wendie Malick and Max Gail.
Lake Balboa is located in the San Fernando Valley, 6300 Balboa Blvd. (101 Fwy, Balboa Exit). For additional information, please visit our Website at www.wholeearthfestival.net, or telephone our hotline at (310) 455-3977.
-- forwarded by Woody Hastings.
RE: A LITTLE LEVITY >>> A British Jew is waiting in line to be knighted by the Queen. He is to kneel in front of her and recite a sentence in Latin when she taps him on the shoulders with her sword.
However, when his turn comes, he panics in the excitement of the moment and forgets the Latin. Then, thinking fast, he recites the only other sentence he knows in a foreign language, which he remembers from the Passover seder..."Ma nishtana ha layla ha zeh mi kol ha laylot."
Puzzled, Her Majesty turns to her advisor and whispers, "Why is this knight different from all other knights?"
-- forwarded by Wendy Alter.