RR Anderson, Cultural Arts Specialist for Hire
Jun. 23, 2009 at 12:34am
Tim Eyman Bobble Head (corrected)
"Eyma-winner!"
Joe "Grease Pencil" Turner over at the [Tacoma] News Tribune (TNT) reported earlier today on the existance of the Tim Eyman Bobble head.
Luckily our agents were able to intercept the original design instructions in an electronic cable in route to a Chinese sweat-shop manufacturing facility AND SUBSTITUTE a CORRECTION that more accurately characterizes Mr. Eyman (pictured below).
Jun. 18, 2009 at 10:39pm
Tacoma ReStore: Beachcomber Alert!
USED BUILDING MATERIALS AND HARDWARE
http://www.tpc-habitat.org/pages/restore.htm
Store Location:
505 Puyallup Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98421
View Larger Map
Store Phone:
Office: 253-779-8149
Store Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am � 5 pm
Almost every week I hop on the link during my lunchbreak to check out the latest inventory of the Tacoma ReStore. Vintage Tools, Incredibly cheap hardware including TACOMA SCREW products, paint, hinges and clamps are always coming in. Let the comment thread serve as a weekly alert for items currently available. Maybe you too can join in the fun.
Jun. 15, 2009 at 9:44pm
Tacoma's Manliest Cartoon to be Syndicated in The New Takhoman in "META" Context
Duty Now for the Future: an exercise in Creative Commons
Not going to bullshit you. Being dumped by the Volcano was a hard pill to swallow; Like a pill made of hot slag. Sure we subverted a frightening 'executive' political campaign... had a few laughs... made some sweet ass money (enough to buy this baby i'm holding pictured above from an ex-soviet block orphanage ) but all good things must end.
The thing is I like to turn Aids into LemonAIDS. What I mean is when an opportunity presents itself you gotta jump on (like aids). No Volcano? No Problem.
Enter THE NEW TAKHOMAN
John Hathaway is hardcore Tacoma. Julie Anderson once described him as a cancerous vermin eating away everything decent and good in city politics (to paraphrase). Say what you will about cancer but one thing it knows how to do is innovate, adapt and survive. Come this Tuesday Mr. Hathaway's digital gadfly publication THE NEW TAKHOMAN will be taking advantage of the Tacomic's CREATIVE COMMONS license to re-broadcast my cartoons with added 'worm commentary' maybe we can think of a better gimic name like WORM-O-RAMA, WORM-SCOPE or WORMVISION.SEE EXAMPLE:
Is this a step in the right direction? Who knows! atleast somebody is using the damn things!!!
Sure I've gotten nibbles of interest from the TACOMA WEEKLY but can you honestly see Tacomics in there?
Excelsior!
meanwhile in other news:
- VIDEO: New Tacoma Diaries: COMRADE OBAMA - THE RISE OF RIGHT WING JERK WADS
- follow your friendly neighborhood cartoonist on TWITTER!
- sneak peak at CLAW zine no. 002 cover art:
Jun. 8, 2009 at 9:54pm
F. Russell (investments)
printable banner for moral uplift
Not matter what happens after Russell makes its decision there is a good chance that you--the average Joe Shmuck on the street--will be impacted (read: screwed) by this out of state owned international corporation. So why not let them know how you feel RIGHT NOW! print this sign and paste it up in your window, office, car and sea plane. FREE OF CHARGE!
May. 18, 2009 at 9:36pm
SECRET WARS: Dispatches from TacomaArt Listserv
normal people have no idea!
Are you interested in receiving postings of upcoming events, calls to artists, grant opportunities, live/work space info, jobs in the arts and the ability to share info with other artists, arts organizations, and art lovers? If so, subscribe to the TacomaArt Listserv group!
That's what they tell you, the city bureaucrats. But what really happens on the listserv is at times is down and out human brutality (and the only thing worth subscribing to the listserv for). The flimsy plaster mask of civility cracks and the true face of art is revealed. Behold a new feature we're introducing to feed Tacoma called SECRET WARS in which we highlight behavior strictly forbidden on the arts listserv. Enjoy this REAL LIFE ARTS email thread! Commencing in...
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 - GO
NOTE: NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT
Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 11:19:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: Fark Marson
To: tacomaart@cityoftacoma.org
Subject: [TacomaArt] Studio Intern Wanted
Looking for something to do this summer? I am looking for an unpaid studio intern that would enjoy working in a painter's studio a few hours a week, or whatever you can spare. My studio is located in the Robert Daniel Gallery building on 25th and Fawcett. This could be a paid position eventually. Duties would primarily include cataloguing, website work (mac-based) and gallery correspondence/marketing tasks, organizing, and classroom/painting prep. This would be a great way to learn tricks of the trade, gain drawing and painting skills, and learn how to manage a studio.
Thanks!
Fark Marson
* * *
Subject: RE [TacomaArt] Studio Intern Wanted
Fark,
I'd like to respectfully suggest that if the position is worth paying someone eventually it's worth paying now.
Most of the duties you list (Mac-based website work, marketing) go beyond learn[ing} tricks of the trade.
As someone that works with students I'm very tired of potential employers (that's really all of us in some way) looking to get something for nothing and inflating the tasks that interns should be expected to handle versus what you should be paying someone to do.
I can't count the times I get people wanting to 'hire' students to do a major event under the guise of experience for the student. Usually the line is we have a small budget and thought it would be good experience for your students. Translation: we don't want to pay to hire a professional. I won't even get into the issue of how that undercuts local professionals
Truly, I'm not trying to stir up anything here just looking at it from a different perspective.
Fark, if you broke up the job description into stuff an intern could be expected to do without pay (not a lot) and stuff a part-time/contract employee could do, you'd probably get 2 happy people (3, if you count yourself) and all your tasks done well.
B
* * *
Subject: RE [TacomaArt] Studio Intern Wanted
AMEN TO THAT!!!
Febra FaFue, Sales Associate
* * *
Subject: RE [TacomaArt] Studio Intern Wanted
I honestly hope that either of you have been to Fobert's gallery. You speak as if you know the state of his business. Ever thought abou the possibility that he can't AFFORD to pay anyone at this time. Most of things he's asking for assistance with are marketing things that would increase business and probably place him in a financial position to then PAY someone.
I speak on his behalf because I run the F.A.S.H. Center for the Arts. I am BARELY above water and greatly appreciate all the people who volunteer at my Center and the STUDENTS who work on projects to help the Center grow. Fobert himself is one such person who has graciously offered his business, services, and skills to help others. I speak from first hand knowledge.
One should look at a person intentions before they start to speak negative of that person, especially in such a LARGE FORUM. If that something you felt you need to say to him, you could replied only to him and expressed yourself. This medium is for the community and the uplifting of it. Fobert does just that. You should probably visit his gallery and learn a little about him.
With love in my heart I write to you-- Always always, to yourself be true-- And sweet as -- Fandi
* * *
Subject: RE [TacomaArt] Studio Intern WantedI was speaking from the perspective of not only sending students off to do internships, but also from someone who has come up slowly in the art community. I have used my position here at Flover Fark to give artists within the community a voice (through community ascertainment meetings that involve several media outlets).
It was not a personal attack and I don't think Fark took it as such. I'm sorry you did. From the general positive response I can only say that others seem to feel as I do.
Since I was directing some of my comments based on my experience as an educator I didn't feel it out of line to post from my work address.
B
From: Fobert Thocker
Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2009 1:19 PM
To: B
Subject: Fark Marson
Your response to Fark Marson was extremely unprofessional, I am taking it up with the list serve and your superiors at the College and how dare you slam such a kind man with such a giving soul and do it in front of a thousand people. You obviously have anger management problems I take it?
Should an intern sweep floors and never learn anything about truly running and setting up a business???? Is that not what schooling is all about, every accounting firm in the country uses interns, do you think they sweep the floors?
My god woman show some class and reserve in your attack., that was not only a personal attach, but may I remind you, you also used the schools email and signature as XX FM all faced with liability now.
Fobert Thocker
dilbertdipwadgallery.com
The information contained in this email communication if privileged and/or confidential information intended only for use of the individual or entity named and emailed above.
You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication or the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited.
If we need to seek legal action, the Venue will be Penis County.
RR "Cultural Arts Specialist" COMMENTARY:
not to be one left out of the unpaid intern gravy train I quickly crafted a 'seeking intern' notice of my own...Subject: Unpaid Studio Intern Wanted
From: "R. R. Anderson" <andersor42 [at] gmail.com>
To: tacomaart@cityoftacoma.org
Hi
I'm looking for an unpaid intern position for my studio this summer.
This position has a very remote chance of becoming a paid position, but don't hold your breath.
I need somebody willing perform these simple tasks with absolutely no prospect of reward:
- build/maintain grow and enrich my website
- catalog inventory
- do my taxes
- do my shopping
- mow my lawn
- take my raccoon skin fur coat to the dry cleaners
- generate ideas that sell
- do things with pizazz!
- send nasty legal notices to underpaid teachers
- spam the tacoma art listserv
- write annoying emails
- think of cartooning gags for my political cartoons
- maintain public perception of a thin veneer of happiness in my marriage
- keep my car away from the repo man/TPD parking nazis
- answer the phone/hang up on collection agencies
- refill anti-psychotic, anti-depressant prescriptions
Please remember to reply directly to me as directed in the Tacoma Art Listserv rule book.
Thank you, and god bless.
"The lord will guide the crusaders into the heart of the holy land to smite all heathen" ~ D. Rumsfeld 3:16
--
R.R. Anderson,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Webmaster @
http://www.holisticforgeworks.com | http://www.cartoonistsleague.org
++ Cartoonist + Inventor + humorist for hire ++
RR "Cultural Arts Specialist" COMMENTARY:
Idle readers. The responses I received were staggering. However as nobody broadcast them over the listserv (and into the public domain) I cannot share them here with you. Such an act would violate my moral obligation for email privacy with my fans.May. 14, 2009 at 10:09pm
Tacoma's Identity Crisis: Collective Identity, Art, and Revitalization in Tacoma, Washington
Everything You Wanted to Know about ART in Tacoma but were afraid to ask
PHOTO: Ady Olson, UPS student 2009
ABSTRACT:
The art community in Tacoma, Washington plays an active role in many aspects of city life. My research questions included: How is the identity of Tacoma shaped by the art created within the city, and how does it help to shape that art? What is the role of art in fostering a sense of community? How is the conception of the purpose of art in the eyes of Tacoma artists a significant factor in shaping the artistic community in Tacoma?What is the Tacoma art community's role in the process of urban revitalization, and what are the implications of this in how Tacoma's identity is perceived? For my research, I conducted nine interviews with ten Tacomans who self-identify as artists. I found that for many artists in Tacoma, one major purpose of art is as a means of building community and creating a collective identity. Other artists feel that the conflation of art and community is problematic, and therefore criticism of art cannot be openly discussed. The identity of Tacoma is compromised by the cycle of urban revitalization and gentrification as these artists make areas desirable and are consequently displaced by the upper classes.
PLAYERS
My informants were strategically selected. I joined a Tacoma art listserv administrated by the Tacoma Arts Commission, on which postings about art events in Tacoma are regularly disseminated. I posted a request to speak to artists, and upon receipt of responses, I gathered a snowball sample, asking the artists I interviewed to refer me to others. I also contacted people in the city with whom I already had an established relationship, asking if they might put me in contact with any acquaintances. Included in my subject population were: artists who were born in Tacoma and those who moved to Tacoma from elsewhere; artists who rely on their artwork as their main source of income and those who hold other jobs as their primary source of income; and artists who create art about Tacoma and those who do not. Among my informants weredrawers,
ink artists,
a graphic illustrator,
a graffiti artist,
a clothing designer,
a gallery owner,
letterpress poster artists
, an abstract artist,
and a political cartoonist.
Table of Contents
IntroductionReview of the Literature
Building Community and Creating Collective Identity through Art
The Purpose of Art
The Role of Art in Urban Renewal and Gentrification
Research Questions
Research Methods
Findings and Discussion
Art's Role in Shaping Identity and Community
Criticism of Tacoma Art
The Tacoma Art Community and Urban Revitalization
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
RR's Favorite Parts Taken out of Context:
When Daniel moved to Tacoma six years ago, the story he heard about the city
was that of:
A dusty jewel, discarded by the fancy merchant as common ore, found by the peasant with a special eye for that sort of thing and polished into the perfect jewel for the queen's new crown. In that story every one [sic] praises the peasant for the wisdom to look beneath the surface, and everyone regards the perfect jewel as even more special since it was almost lost to the heap. (Blue, 2009)
* * *
Sean, the co-owner of The Helm Gallery, told me that most of the art shown at The Helm comes from outside Tacoma, and the gallery is currently going out of business because local art sells; non-Tacoma art does not. He said that most galleries in town show only local artists because local buyers want contact with the artists from whom they are buying. They support community by purchasing art. A piece of local art on the wall makes possible a conversation about the artist and his or her work, and it encourages pride in the local art scene.
* * *
There is a common critique, however, of art that self-consciously focuses of Tacoma or promotes the community in some way. While most artists in Tacoma are passionate about the community that is built through and around their artwork, some artists are critical of this focus on community and the fact that many Tacoma artists are unwilling to extract art from its context within the local community.
Sean is one such critic. He believes that the majority of the art being produced in this city would not hold up to the standards of quality set by the major art centers of the world. Frustrated with the insularity of the Tacoma art scene and what he saw as a deterioration of the quality of Tacoma art, he and Peter Lynn opened The Helm. They committed themselves to providing a gallery that would bring in art from the outside world that was, in their eyes, more complex and of a higher quality than most Tacoma art. Their focus was more on the art itself than on the context in which the art is shown. They thought this would open Tacoma's eyes to the higher level of skill that goes into art created elsewhere. Sean and Peter believe that by comparing art in Tacoma to art from elsewhere, Tacoma art would increase in quality because there would be more
competition which would breed survival of the fittest. They hoped they could challenge Tacoma artists and spur them to focus on the skill of creating their art, rather than just on the message or community-centric aspect of their artwork.
* * *
When I asked Beautiful Angle what they thought of Sean's criticism, they recognized some validity in it. While their purpose and intent is embedded in the message of their posters, Lance acknowledged that Tacoma's art scene is: A little self-absorbed. We're like an awkward teenager. We want to do great things, but we don't quite know how to do them yet [so] we end up looking at the way our art looks compared to the guy right next to us [and] not the guy in
Paris. Tom admitted that they only occasionally reach the level of what I would consider art.
* * *
footnote: In future research, I would suggest focusing more on the economic implications of the art community's creativity. It would also be interesting to compare Tacoma to other peripheral cities that are overshadowed by bigger cities like Seattle, whose artists might focus more on being held to a universal standard. A direct comparison to Seattle might also provide new insights. It would be interesting to find out if the Tacoma art community has a stronger community focus than do other cities like Seattle. This could be a strength for the area. Tacoma might benefit from a serious art critic, but the role of critic in Tacoma would be a difficult one given the strong sense of community among Tacoma artists. Pushing their art into universal molds might also raise the price of Tacoma's art, thereby causing more gentrification. The community focus of Tacoma's artists might be a factor in guarding the city from gentrification.
download the full document:
Tacoma's Identity Crisis: Collective Identity, Art, and Revitalization in Tacoma, Washington
Ady Olson, University of Puget Sound
May. 5, 2009 at 10:39pm
Taking some time off from the INTERWEBS, devoted to family... my book
As some of you may know, I haven't been real active on the web as of late.
I've decided to take some time off to concentrate on things that are really imporant to me.
Things like ART, CULTURE and REAL LIFE.
The internet & feed tacoma has made me alot of friends and money...
But what is really important?
how about my Book for one thing.
I've already started working on it.
You can download the first page so far HERE
I have decided to CLINCH OFF adding new tacomics to the book at NO. 115
Any Cartoons drawn after 115 will be added to TACOMIC BOOK VOLUME 002.
special bonus material 2b included:
title pg: "100 TACOMICS: The Secular & Apolitical Cartoon Life of Tacoma and Her Moral People(s)"
- copyright info
- dedication
- availability for honorary degrees
- table of contents
- FORWARD by long time Tacoma curmudgeon THE New Takhoman
Please register them in the comment thread below. I will make an effort to fit them all in (please remember More absurd the better).
May. 3, 2009 at 11:11pm
Friend of THE CLAW: tnt's Ian Demsky inks Stowe Family at Free Comic book Day.
oh the places you'll go...
enjoy this cool refreshing TNT article
PHOTO: Tacoma News Tribune reporter "Ian Demsky"
Apr. 30, 2009 at 10:49pm
Chris Van Vechten for Tacoma School Board NO.2
This is all you need to know. 
Do you need more reasons?
how about his girlfriend is a babe with lots of BEE KEEPING EXPERIENCE!?
VOTE VAN VECHTEN for Tacoma School Board position NO. 2
Apr. 28, 2009 at 1:01am
List Poems
I'm a poet and I didn't even know it
I Hate You
- Tapco's website
- Bush + Regan
- Clinton(s)
- Neo-Cons
- "conservatives"
- mega churches
- superstar architects
- authority figures
- developers
- found art
- modern dance
- fake wood
- family guy
- strip malls
- mega malls
- driving
- commercials
- billboards
- 'viral marketing'
- art reviews
- censorship
- waste
I Love You
- Herman's Burgers
- Michelle Obama
- Victory Gardens
- fresh eggs
- sun flowers
- Thriftiness
- being con$ervative
- boycotting
- heckling
- hoaxes
- elections
- lesbian kissing
- art
- conceptual
- modern
- dada
- ultra-realist
- hyper-realist
- impressionist
- cubist
- ren + stimpy
- devo
- immortal technique
- vintage anti-capitalist cartoons
- adam the alien
- CLAW zine
- walking
- ReStore
- used books
- used clothing
- stealing clothing from relatives
- getting things done
- making a living
- hobbies
- lists
Apr. 27, 2009 at 7:57pm
CLAW News Digest for April
CARTOONIST NEWS NETWORK
Because Kevin it too busy to add CLAW feed to Feed tacoma!
Apr. 23, 2009 at 1:20am
TV Tacoma All-Stars: Harold LeMay's Ghost in the Machine
Live Blogging Public Hearing SPECIAL EDITION
Author's Statement of Purpose: My goal is to get more people to be interested in the PUBLIC COMMENT + COMMUNITY FORUM on TV Tacoma. I want folks to recognize our civic speakers on the street and have compassion for the thundering engine driving them. "I will forge new connections to people orphaned by civilization." - RR Anderson
* * *
Crystal Judson (Brame) Domestic Violence Lady
"Thank you Mr. Mayor"
Mr. Blue Eyes
[audible blinking noise]
Urban Forrest Woman
"Hi, I am the Lorax I speak for the Trees. "
MLKHD All the Way
"Just wanna say thanks for helping us help the homeless."
Bridge Engineer
"We build you good bridge. Very good bridge."
Captain Fakebake
"Have you seen American Psycho with Christian Bale? Man that's a good movie."
* * * INTERMISSION * * *
City Stooge
"We'll loan our section 108 HUD block grant money to the LeMay Museum at a 2% interest rate and they have 7 years to pay back the money. They say they will pay it back earlier than that however. They're putting the core collection of the LeMay cars up for collateral. Also the parking lot we're giving them is collateral too. We really cant think of anything better to spend our precious HUD money on, let me tell you."
I Salute You
"God Bless you. This museum will really turn things around. We spend all this money helping Russell Investments, but what have we done to help LeMay's mildewy old cars? I salute you."
Eyebrow & Mustache Power Combo
"This is the best thing to happen to tacoma in 100 years. Harold is looking down from heaven right now thanking god in heaven his beloved collection will stay together. I knew Harold. He didn't start seriously collecting till he attended an auction for an estate sale of a big time car collector who died. Everybody kept saying as they fought over pathetic scraps of the dead man's legacy how sad it was that the collection couldn't stay together. Harold told me he wouldn't let that happen to his collection... That's when he hatched the Museum scheme. He didn't want his massive collection of cars to be a burden on his wife and kids. Specially in these hard economic times."
RR Commentary: There's probably no afterlife. Old Man Harold isn't smiling at anything this stage in his life cycle.General Contractor Union Stooge
"Oh man, builders are hurting these days. Nobody's building any more condos! Nobody's building Jack Squat. My people are sucking air. How about you toss us a... dare I say bailout?"
Building Special Interest Group Stooge
"this will never happen again. I urge your vicksiperouszkuii get r dun.... NICEEEE LAAAAAADYYYY"
Retailer Special Interest Group Stooge
"This is tacoma's chance to set yourself apart. Act as an anchor for other businesses. Truly unique will bring more businesses. Nothing else for people to do or see! the economy needs all the help it can get. 100 fold for years to come."
RR Commentary: cuz the Convention Center, Glass Museum, Art Museum and friggin' Washington State History Museum have peaked out the spend-happy supply of tourists. Maybe we'd still have the UPS Store if only we had this one more Museum. Tourists are bored of glass bongs and Indian Blankets already? The're going to sit in I-5 traffic in a sea of cars to come look at more cars?Are you People Insane?
"I question the location of the LeMay Museum. They want to make money off a paid parking garage that will sit across from a free parking garage (tacoma dome station). I would like to see the TNT run the numbers on this one. Sure this car museum will be the best thing since the rail head. But A Museum butted against a freeway AND railroad tracks? How do they plan to expand? This is a bad location for a Museum. And my god the collateral is a parking lot we already own! Come on people... wake up!"
Give Us Money, Do Not Ask Questions, LeMay CEO
"There will be no feasibility studies. If we did one they would say things are not feasible. Why? This is not a feasible project. A feasibility consultant would raise questions about us not having a plan. Raise questions about not having funding... etc. HUD Loans and Tax Credits will make this possible. All you need to do is believe. Everyone please if you believe LeMay... clap your hands... clap your hands if you believe!!! JUST BELIEVE IN US!!! Don't listen to the naysayers! the skeptics!! the realists!! BELIEVE IN MAGIC!!!!!!!!"
RR Commentary: in these dark troubled times, perhaps CEO's should be running more feasibility studies as apposed to less feasibility studies. This heap of obsolete vehicles will not solve any of Tacoma's problems. This is no UW Tacoma we're talking about. It's a friggin' permanent CAR SHOW minus the bikini clad car models.Rainbow Bridge of Cars
"Glass Museum? BLAH. Hey! Tacoma has a car museum! Lets go to Tacoma! I believe this car museum will solve all our problems. I'm tired of Seattle getting all the attention. We cant steal the Space Needle, but hey! we stole the Kalakala! CARS and THE KALAKALA will really save Tacoma from financial ruin!"
RR Commentary: Tacoma gets the Kalakala. yeah.Tacoma Dome District Fan
"blah blah blah helps the Dome District."
Lonely University Place Guy
"We're standing before the greatest museum in all time. Any LeMay children here? Please stand up. OK. I have a video of LeMay's last ride of Nancy and Harold together riding in the daffodil parade. Was the last time they were seen together in Tacoma. LeMay Museum asked me to give them a copy of the video... which I will do. It is a pleasure the LeMay Museum will become a focus. That one man can do a tremendous event that will come to the city of Tacoma."
RR Commentary: Saw you at this years Daffodil parade. You were so happy. Knowing you're out there doin your thing makes me happy.Foss Waterway Development Stooge
"LeMay diversifies Tacoma's tax base. For example the tug jamboree which brings in national sponsors folks! NATIONAL SPONSORS!"
RR Commentary: say wa?Captain Excitement
"A world class... art museum! A world class... glass museum! A world class... history museum! A now a world class... car museum! LeMay is frosting on the cake. Collaboration between private entities and public government is a great thing!"
RR Commentary: Tacoma is just one big museum.... one big quiet... cavernous... expensive... look but don't touch video camera surveillance, security guards making sure you don't smudge the windows la de da friggin' museum. Man i'm sick of museums.A Car Collector
"It is a tragedy when car collectors die then their collection gets broken up and sold. We cant let that happen to Harold's cars."
RR Commentary: Is this a common fear of old white men... or just collectors ?The Next Generation
"This is a great thing to hand down to the next generation for the next 100 years!"
RR Commentary: I watched a PBS special recently about how the puget sound is continuing to suffer tremendously the ravages of environment-subsidized industrial commerce. That's a great 100+ year legacy as well. A museum honoring the machines that destroyed our city is probably not something people are going to be all that jazzed about 100 years from now. Rather I think it will just piss off the people of the future. You ever wonder why they aren't coming to visit us in time machines? It's because they think we're all assholes.Mike Lonergan, Executive Excellence Party
"We put at risk the bulk of our community block grant funds which are sorely needed for other city services, I just want to make sure we don't end up with a building, a bunch of cars and OUR OWN PARKING LOT BACK. What reassurance do we have that our money wont vaporize into failed dreams?"
LeMay CEO
"Can't get into the details here I don't have the paperwork in front of me, but we give our word as a gentleman that we'll pay back the money early! We'll sell bricks and pavers... you'll see you'll have your money back lickedysplit... Just you gotta believe. BELIEVE! BELIEVE!!!!! I assure you also that the people of Tacoma will respond to our fundraising efforts."
LONERGAN: Thanks that's what I wanted to hear.READ THE MULTI-FACETED TNT COVERAGE!
The purpose of Citizens' Forum is to assist the City Council in making policy decisions. Items of discussion will be limited to matters over which the City Council has jurisdiction and speaker's remarks are limited to up to three minutes per person. Arguments shall not be made in support of, or opposition to, any matter on this week's agenda. Each person may address the City Council one time only during this forum.
previously on TV-Tacoma All-stars
You May Already be a WINNER!
Apr. 15, 2009 at 9:30pm
Frost Park Chalkers Hijack the Tacoma Art Museum This Sunday
Recession Proof Activities of Moral Uplift
Recession Proof Activities of Moral Uplift? You bet your unemployment check!
CARTOONIST'S LEAGUE of
ABSURD WASHINGTONIANS
(whereas known as the C.L.A.W.)
form a binding resolution with:
THE FROST PARK
COMMUNITY
CHALK MILITIA
SUNDAY, APRIL 19TH 12 - 5 PM
please consider joining me of your own free will and together we shall forge our will upon the land... and thus:BLOW THE PEOPLE'S FRIGGIN' MINDS!
And hopefully trigger some civilian unrest through the mental process called THE LIBERAL ARTS as realized through the glory of sidewalk chalk.And now: YOUR MOMENT OF ZEN
Apr. 9, 2009 at 8:45pm
Tacoma Spammers Caught on Camera
You don't Have to Drink Their Bullshit Milkshake
It is time for you, dear reader, to start pushing back against people who choose to disrespect our city with plastic wrapping paper. Before I became engaged in my city I would walk by these people thinking to myself... "not my battle, who cares?" Those days are over. The bush corruption era of hands off, blindfolded regulation is dead. Now is the age of community organizing. LIFE!!!!
God damn it, If you don't stand up how do you expect anybody else too?
YOU. You reading this sentence. YOU ARE NOT ALONE ANYMORE.
Apr. 8, 2009 at 11:52pm
CLAW Secret Cartoonists Agenta Notes
meeting notes
TOP SECRET CLAW MEETING NOTES AGENDA MINUTES for APRIL 2009 // posted just for you, my close personal friends of cartooning. Cover of the next City ARTS? //Tacoma Art Museum joining forces with THE CLAW??? //Cartoonist Tacoma Laureate??
also
New ZINE ARCHIVE! never miss an issue of CLAW-TU Verata Nikto!
classified ultra-secret:
Lance has been targeted for invisible hand membership grooming. Stan Shaw has been inched closer to full membership... fez order TO BE ANNOUNCED!!!!!
Apr. 5, 2009 at 8:25pm
A People's History of Frost Park Chalk Challenge
City Arts Fact Checking
Hello R.R.,
Just doing some last-minute fact checking for my City Arts story. I'm talking a bit about Frost Park as kind of being the spawning ground for the CLAW. What's the story with the proposed fence? I can't seem to find anything about it.
Your quick response is very much appreciated.
Thanks much,
Mark Deming
RE: City Arts Fact Check |
Pierce county Councilman Tim Farrel would know more details
but he gave soapbox speech early on in frost park gathering history
saying that the TPD were pressuring him to install a fence (like they did to the little parks across from the library (making it look like GTMO)). Later on Matt Driscoll of the cutting edge investigative journalist rag Weekly Volcano asked Tacoma city manager Eric Anderson about the frost park fence and Mr. Anderson I would say scauffed at poor Matt like he had lobsters clinging to his ears. I believe his words were "There are no plans for a fence."
What is fact? What is fiction? All I know is The CLAW is real now and folks had better respect our invisible hand gripped tightly around all chalk in this stinking (literally) town.
SDFAVEAVETASAEVAASEAVERVERGHGHSAFDFASSDDFSFADSF!
(slams fist into keyboard for dramatic emphasis above)
Thanks Mark!
- RR
RE: City Arts Fact CheckRE: City Arts Fact Check
That's pretty good. there was an awkward transition between 'take back the park' which was people gathering to eat lunch before we broke out the chalk. Also there is the Cartoonists Northwest which Mark and I are members... we hated driving to Seattle for meetings. I had created a benign phishing website called "tacoma cartoonist society" a spoof of the national cartoonists society that Electric Elliot found and wanted to make real. A real Tacoma Cartoonist Society needed a snappy acronym so we came up with CLAW then we threw in the secret society fez angle to make it interesting. those are complimentary details though and what you have is nice :) |
challenges YOU to a sidewalk chalk sketch-off
this FRIDAY at DEAD NOON, in DOWNTOWN TACOMA.
FIRST EVER EVENT OF ITS KIND ON THE PLANET!
RE: City Arts Fact Check
Thanks, R.R. Due to space limitations, I've had to kind of gloss over some details. The trick is to get the heart of the story across, keep a narrative line and be "not unfactual." If you think I've succeeded in this, I'm going to run with it.
Thanks so much for your time.
- Mark Deming
RE: City Arts Fact Check
This offer was recinded when the community led by bloggers and artists decided to take the park back. Because of the community commitment and involvement, the park is now a place where families take their kids to picnic during the summer days and artists led by Mr. Anderson hold weekly contests weather permitting. It was a positive community solution to a vexing problem.
Well done, Mr. Anderson.
- Tim Farrell
Sorry for the delay.
- Eric Anderson
From: Ramsdell, Don
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 1:49 PM
To: Anderson, Eric; McKinley, Dick
Subject: FW: City Arts Fact Check
Eric,
Below is a response from Lt. Shawn Gustason in response to the email that you received the other day regarding Frost Park at the corner of 9th and Commerce St. As you will see, many folks were involved in a very nice effort to make the park a safer and cleaner place for citizens to be. If you have any further questions please let me know.
Don
P.S. Just a little history about the park � Frost Park was named after Police Patrol Officer Larry Frost, who was shot and killed in the line of duty with his own gun back in the mid 1970�s in South Tacoma. After the shooting, the suspect stripped off all of his clothes and waited for officers to take him into custody a block away without incident. I believe that the suspect was eventually acquitted at trial due to a diminished capacity defense.
From: Gustason, Shawn
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 4:32 PM
To: Ramsdell, Don; Sheehan, Bob; Langford, Mark
Cc: Wojtanowicz, Lisa
Subject: RE: City Arts Fact Check
Chief, Early 2008 a CPTED review of the park was done due to the increase in criminal activity around the park and transit center. The CPTED review included ornamental fencing around a large portion of the park. There was some public concern with the fencing. Due to this concern, we modified the plans and only fenced in the alcove at the northwest corner of the City owned Park Plaza North Parking garage. The alcove was a covered and secluded spot which doubled as a restroom and drug use area for the transit/park patrons. The fencing of the alcove coupled with camera improvements by Pierce Transit and the extra park Plaza North Patrols eliminated the criminal element from the park. Also around the time of the CPTED review several groups became active with using the park, I�m not sure if the initial info of fencing started this or not but it became an extremely positive force in the park. The Chalk Art group is the most noticeable and I believe the attached email is associated with the group.
To sum it up, we now have no intentions of fencing the park. When we proposed fencing we received public concern and readjusted our plans to accommodate the concerns. The end result was a park that is safe and secure and now hosts several positive public events throughout the summer.
From: Ramsdell, Don
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 12:29 PM
To: Sheehan, Bob; Langford, Mark; Gustason, Shawn
Subject: FW: City Arts Fact Check
Could any of you shine some light regarding the email below?
Thank you!
From: Anderson, Eric
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 10:29 AM
To: Ramsdell, Don; McKinley, Dick
Subject: FW: City Arts Fact Check
Can you help me answer this. I do not believe we have any plans for a fence, but perhaps I am unaware of approach either of you are taking.
- Eric Anderson
Apr. 1, 2009 at 10:14pm
YO yo yo, sup dawg Come on doWN to the TEEN AREA at the TAcoma Library yall!!! lOL LOL
the teeeeeen area the TEEEEEEN area!
Think the library is just for squares and homless people that smell like goats? Naw, we don't be like homes! For REAL. Check it. This is the TEEEN AREA at da TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY! This shit is TIGHT! A'ight!!!
check out my peeps. also you know how the man came down on the brotha during the rap show at the broadway center for the arts for flashing 'gang signs' on a brotha's myspace page (so say TPD)???? well at the LIBRARAH we don't ROLLLLLL like that. It's cool dawg!
CHILLLLin like a villin>>
peace
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tacomalibrary/
Mar. 31, 2009 at 11:28pm
MY Struggle: From Harbornet to Rainier Connect
Click! ISP's Who the Hell Need's em?
the strange tale of a defective cable modem, followed by 4-5 days of no internet.
2009/03/31 :31:23 New Chat Session Started by Richard R Anderson
-
2009/03/31 :31:30 AGT assigned Session Assigned to: Thomas S
-
2009/03/31 :31:40 AGT Msg Thomas S: Hello, how may I help you today?
2009/03/31 :31:57 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: can you check the status of a ticket?
2009/03/31 :32:12 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: was told I would have internet working again by monday.
2009/03/31 :32:33 AGT Msg Thomas S: Ok just one moment.
2009/03/31 :32:36 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: my wife called from my house and says still no internet
2009/03/31 :33:31 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: almost a week now without service
2009/03/31 :34:15 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: she's getting the 'click network' error contact your ISP
2009/03/31 :34:21 AGT Msg Thomas S: Looking at the
ticket, they say it should be working, you just need to release and
renew the ip if you do not have a router
2009/03/31 :34:29 AGT Msg Thomas S: Or power cycle the router if you have one.
2009/03/31 18:35:02 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: we just tried unplugging the modem for 30 sec thing.. ?
2009/03/31 :35:22 AGT Msg Thomas S: It says they also
tried contacting you but were unable to get ahold of you by the phone
number that was listed. Is there a better number for the office to get
ahold of you at?
2009/03/31 :35:33 AGT Msg Thomas S: And yes pull the power out and wait 30 secs and plug back in.
2009/03/31 :35:42 AGT Msg Thomas S: Do that to the router if you have one as well.
2009/03/31 :35:58 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: oh my god.
I don't know how many times I updated my new phone number with you
tech guys!!!
2009/03/31 :36:10 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: 9022 number is old!
2009/03/31 :37:00 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: 253 576 9022 is old. that number wont work. please update
2009/03/31 :37:10 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: to 253 272 3138
2009/03/31 :37:20 AGT Msg Thomas S: The number I show in the ticket is 253-272-3138
2009/03/31 :37:38 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: he he . ok
2009/03/31 :37:44 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: yeah thats correct :)
2009/03/31 :38:13 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: can you call my wife and go through the process with her?
2009/03/31 :38:47 AGT Msg Thomas S: Yes I can, she can be reached at the above number correct?
2009/03/31 :38:59 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: yes sir :)
2009/03/31 :39:16 AGT Msg Thomas S: Alright I will give her a call and see if we can't get your internet working.
2009/03/31 :39:53 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: had to
upload a cartoon in the parking lot of mandolin after they closed.
don't want to miss another deadline :)
2009/03/31 :41:24 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: If we cant
get my internet working this week i'll probably go insane
2009/03/31 :41:51 AGT Msg Thomas S: If we cannot get it
working, I will send it to the office again with updated info and state
that phone number in the ticket again for them.
2009/03/31 :43:44 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: please lord not another ticket
2009/03/31 :44:25 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: heavens to Betsy
2009/03/31 :44:29 AGT Msg Thomas S: Well if we cannot get
it to work we will unfortunately have to send them another ticket. But
looking at the ticket it has been updated a couple fo times by our
tier3 technicians.
2009/03/31 :45:32 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: is there
any hope for internet tonight? we like to watch buffy the vampire
slayer on hulu.com
2009/03/31 :46:30 AGT Msg Thomas S: According to the last thing that was updated, it should be working.
2009/03/31 :47:19 AGT Msg Thomas S: I am currently
talking with your wife, to see if we can get this back up for you/
2009/03/31 :48:03 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: please
don't tell her I was snippy with you. she will yell at me when I get
home.
2009/03/31 :48:18 AGT Msg Thomas S: I won't.
2009/03/31 :49:09 USR Msg Richard R Anderson: god bless you
-
2009/03/31 :50:09 End Session Chat Session Ended
Mar. 23, 2009 at 8:23pm
The Invisible Hand of CLAW: The conspiracy photo blog
No God, No Kings, Only Men.
To anyone who thinks THE CONSPIRACY is a fabrication I would like to present to you photographic evidence of our INVISIBLE HAND... or THE STARK FIST OF THE CLAW!
CLAW as seen in the SEATTLE TIMES.
CLAW as seen in the TACOMA DAILY INDEX.
a HAUNTED TYPEWRITER as seen in the SEATTLE PI (photographed by THE STRANGER).
a HAUNTED BILLBOARD as seen in....?
a MYSTERIOUS CARTOON drawn by hypnotized CULTIST!
RIVAL CURMUDGEONS shrink away in fear of THE CONSPIRACY
our SLEEPER AGENTS have infiltrated all media outlets to feed us PERTINENT CLUES
RIVAL CULTISTS are DECONSTRUCTED!
the WORLD WIDE FRANKENSTEIN COMPUTER GOD is reduced to INFANTILE BABBLING(s) in our presence.
THE PEOPLE cry "Save us!" We look down and say: "NO"
beware FALSE PROFITS AND TOXIC ASSETS!
NOW is the time to RISE UP AGAINST YOUR CORPORATE OVERLORDS!
THIS IS A REVOLUTION 2.0
Talons of Influence Sink Deeper
How can our agents be everywhere yet seemingly nowhere? Because we are a self-existent uncaused eternal CONSPIRACY. Whatever THE CLAW does not reveal about THE CONSPIRACY is none of your business. We fight the conspiracy, that is all you need to know at this time.
How Can YOU Help?
if you are reading this you are most likely already an AGENT OF CLAW whether you know it or not. Thanks.
Mar. 16, 2009 at 9:20pm
TACOMA FILES: Throax O'Tool
who are the people in your digital neighborhood?
Codename: Thorax O' Tool
Real Name: classified
Birthplace : Classified
Primary Specialty: Prolific Exit 133 Commenting abilities.
Secondary Skills: Wheatpaste Art, Poetry, heartbreak, personal hygiene, mentalist sorcery
homeland security bio:
The son of a wealthy newspaper tycoon it is widely believed that Thorax O' Tool once witnessed a bar fight between Art Chantry and Dale Chihuly (resulting in the later's loss of an eye) that was to influence him forever. "I will never let art imitate reality" Thorax O' Tool cried as he ran away from that violent scene.
A union man, Thorax became wedded to the hardscrabble road of a red agitator like that one dude from the grapes of wrath... or Jane Fonda.
This is his legend.
ONE DARK AND STORMY NIGHT, Bothered by the whistling of workers first settling the city of
Seattle, Thorax O' Tool was unable to sleep and became irritable,
eventually moving to Mount Rainier
to escape the noise. Thorax O' Tool slept there peacefully for many years,
his red nose blinking, until the region's growth brought people- and
their whistling- to his doorstep once again. In an effort to silence
the noise, Thorax O' Tool gathered clouds in a large sack atop Mt.
Rainier, returned to Seattle, climbed atop the Space Needle,
and threw them into the sky to make it rain. With their lips wet from
precipitation, the city's residents were unable to whistle, and Thorax O' Tool once again had some peace and quiet. Upset, the people sent
the mayor to try and convince Thorax O' Tool to stop the rain; when Thorax O' Tool explained his problem, the mayor had a giant pair of earmuffs
constructed to drown out the disagreeable warbling. When they were
presented to him, "Thorax O' Tool placed them over his ears, and smiled
for the first time in years." In appreciation, Thorax O' Tool gathered up
all the clouds, put them back in his bag, and fell fast asleep - and
once again, his big red nose began to blink.
Thorax O' Tool legend ends with a short
poem:
There's a Thorax
On the Needle
I know just what
You're thinking
But if you look up
Late at night
You'll see
His red nose blinking.
Mar. 15, 2009 at 1:03pm
Tacoma - March 15th: Nine inches of global warming in my pants
5views dot com companion reader
global warming is real. There's no debate. Global warming kills billions of harp seals each second. But Harp seals have another natural enemy: CANADA. CANADA kills TRILLIONS of baby harp seals each centon. Tell the government that global warming and seal hunts must end. What is more, Scientists agree that creationists are nincompoops living a fantasy.
Christ in a Dump Truck
Even the pope agrees that humans cause global warming and that evolution is real. YOU, SON HAD BETTER GET REAL. BECAUSE SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN. HE KNOWS WHEN YOU'RE AWAKE. HE KNOWS IF YOU'VE BEEN BAD OR GOOD SO BE GOOD FOR CHRIS' SAKE.
Not only will technology harden hearts and enslave minds, technology will be the key to human DE-EVOLUTION (D.E.V.O.). So act now while our operators are standing by and Pull the wool over your OWN EYES!
ETERNAL SALVATION OR TRIPLE YOUR MONEY BACK!
Mar. 12, 2009 at 10:00pm
Saddest Thing In the World
Kevin says good bye to his dying cat.
Maybe I'm being influenced by all the bad news from the economy, friends job losses etc... but this is a sad final kicker to my week.
My friend Kevin has lost so much lately. God, he has to lose his little cat too?
Screw you universe!
Mar. 5, 2009 at 5:26pm
Jen Graves: Tacoma Is A Great Place to See Art Right Now
tacoma in the stranger
"Helm Gallery, where Eli Hanson and Joey Piecuch have a funny and fabulous show that includes bits of brick from Ted Bundy's house (the artists got the address from Ann Rule's book), moonshine being made illegally right in the gallery on the art pedestals, and a Weider 245 weightlifting machine."
FULL JEN GRAVES TACOMA ART BLOG POST
Mar. 5, 2009 at 12:34am
Barter>>Feed>>Tacoma
Mashup Ideas from "The Women", making it better
You've probably seen the article in City ARts about the art babes who started this Barter System to draw clowns into their shops. Well, I've done the same thing but done it LIVING AND WORKING IN A VIRTUAL WORLD111!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you handle my BARTER TACOMA 2.0: How to Survive And Thrive in a DIGITAL AGE, POST APOCALYPTIC COLLAPSE! UPPERCASE BUZZWORD KEYWORD!
DO IT YOURSELF (DIY)! DOWNLOAD GRAPHIC,
write in with MS paint or your favorite word processing photo editing software, and post to flickr, feed tacoma, or picasa.
Mar. 4, 2009 at 10:48pm
TV Tacoma All-Stars: TEAM ACORN GO!
Live Blogging
Author's Statement of Purpose: My goal is to get more people to be interested in the PUBLIC COMMENT + COMMUNITY FORUM on TV Tacoma. I want folks to recognize our civic speakers on the street and have compassion for the thundering engine driving them. "I will forge new connections to people orphaned by civilization." - RR Anderson
* * *
Lonely University Place Guy
"Mr. Mayor and City Council. I, I, I want to thank the council for recognition of and to for so we can move together and I think that for example working hard and seeing ACORN here, we're glad to have them here, I was proud to be for commenting. And and We were here for the--"
The Mayor
"I'm sorry there was a point of order raised, council member Fey. What is your problem? Nevermind, please continue Mr. Douglas, sorry to interrupt you."
Captain Combover
"[blubber blubber]"
Grigori Rasputin, The Mad Monk
"Григо́рий Ефи́мович Распу́тин"
Deputy Mayor Anderson, Champion
"Sorry to interrupt, Can you please specify what action is in our jurisdiction you're trying to address. Also does anybody speak monk?"
"Григо́рий Ефи́мович Распу́тин"
Government Henchmen I
"[blah blah]"
The Executive Excellence Party (aka Mike Lonergan)
"So, i'm sorry to interrupt... just wanted to clarify that our debt is going up this much? Is that correct? Ok. Thank you."
Government Henchmen I
"[blah blah blah!]"
Lonely University Place Guy (second appearance)
"Mr. Mayor, City Council I am Alan Douglas of University Place. This isn't what I actually said. Seems like words are being put into my mouth as if by some unseen intelligence matching up my likeness with malicious captions... perhaps we should investigate this phenomenon."
* * * INTERMISSION * * *
Feb. 28, 2009 at 9:18pm
Free CLAW-TU Verada Nikto! Comix at Kings Books Tomorrow (Wayzgoose)
Underground Pre-release Event
I have 20 zines printed, cut and folded. If you approach me [RR Anderson] at the KINGS BOOKS WAYZGOOSE letter press event...
You will have to be
there just as the action starts as the talons of the CLAW are scheduled
to up on the list. Here are the event details:
When: Sunday, March 1st 2009
The tentative schedule of events:
12 – 1 pm = Ric Matthies & C.L.A.W.
[12:30 – 1:30 pm = Jessica Spring/ Chandler O'Leary]
1 – 2 pm = Beautiful Angle & Stadium High
2 – 3 pm = Chris Sharp & L’Arche Farm
3 – 4 pm = Marc Dombrosky & Shannon Eakins & Jennifer Adams
Where: King’s Books
218 St. Helens Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
toll free: 877.529.9525
or local: 253.272.8801
www.kingsbookstore.com
SAY THE MAGIC WORDS: "CLAW-TU [COUGH-COUGH*] NIKTO!" an ye shall receive your FREE UNDERGROUND C.L.A.W. ZINE!
* army of darkness reference
while supplies last!
Feb. 26, 2009 at 9:05pm
CLAW and The Frost Park Community Chalkers invited to mainstream Tacoma Art Museum event
So how does that make you feel?
I had a nice power lunch with the Tacoma Art Museum's Community Programs Coordinator, the lovely Ms. Melisa Jennings. We examined the proposed chalking area in front of the museum. Discussed the possibility of guerrilla expedition parties into tollefson (as to avoid any imperial entanglements). Said I would talk to my constituents and get back to her. She seemed pretty cool and would work with us to come up with strange and wonderful chalk-off prizes. A woolly mammoth from the David Macaulay exhibit or maybe a romantic evening with world famous illustrator/author David Macaulay himself.
I'm down. Anybody else want to join me in some quasi-illicit community chalk battle art?
emailed event details:
Hello!
Well, I'm working on planning our next free community festival on Sunday, April 19, The Big Draw with David Macaulay. I am going to be the lead on this event and would love to connect with you about details of the day and your potential involvement with the program! Right now, I am looking to get many artists involved in creating either drop-in activities or experiences surrounding drawing. The goal is to get as many people as possible from the community to get their hands in and draw, using a variety of techniques and materials. My hope is to go big and crazy with activities really out of the box!
Well, I've seen your name all over the listserv and I'm hoping to give you an opportunity to chalk art your way around the museum! I have some programming happening out on our front plaza and would love to see some chalk art out there, too. I am not sure if you're the right person to contact to get this going and/or the best way to contact you. If you're interested or would be willing to point me in the right direction, please give me a call. Thanks so much!
Melisa Jennings
Museum Educator and Community Programs Coordinator
- - - - -
Ms. Jennings was going to supply the chalk (Hello Warren from Tacoma Art Supply!) I said Warren has some good vibrant colors. Also Cowboy charcoal for BBQ works great for black. Also crates of the cheap chalk from target are good for base colors...filler. I said nothing about glitter. You guys know how I feel about glitter.
Just hope it doesn't rain that day.
Feb. 21, 2009 at 7:38pm
Cutting CLAW Comrades
at the HFW Corporate Safe Haus (compound)
See what Mark Monlux misses out on? While Ms. Darcy is up visiting Auntie Lisa with our baby, A lonely RR Anderson entertained members of CLAW (and their offspring) doing some serious linoleum slab carving.
MARCH FIRST! Come see CLAW create letter press posters with a STEAM ROLLER! Only at KINGS BOOKS, TACOMA WA!
Feb. 19, 2009 at 10:01pm
Nazi Republican Pierce County Council Kills Pierce County Arts Commission
Melon Scoop!
Pierce county arts commissioner Chris Van Vechten commands a troupe of Citizen
forum commenters lamenting the absolute loss of funding ($0) for 2009.
Watch the video... read the article
it looks like their citizens forum has its own version of Charles Creso too.
Feb. 17, 2009 at 8:35pm
City of Tacoma onboard for Tacomic Cartoon Book
A Dynamic Victory for Self Pubishing
**NEWS FLASH** $2500 arts grant awarded to friendly neighborhood cartoonist RR Anderson to self publish 100 Tacomic Collectors Volume NO.1
TACOMIC PROJECT DETAILS FROM APPLICATION
Project Title:100 Tacomics: The Secular + Apolitical Cartoon Life of Tacoma and Her Moral People(s)
project description:
Bulk of the funding would go towards self-publishing costs for a hardbound collection of 100 of the best, most popular and celebrated feedtacoma.com editorial cartoons (Tacomics) that have been or will be produced from now until late 2010. I have ambition to print upwards of two hundred 8x10 books--first editions that could then be sold at more reasonable rate to the people of this fine city--personally autographed/inscribed by the cartoonist for added sentimental value.
How will your project be publicly presented in Tacoma?
The 100 Tacomic Book will be presented to the people during a Kings Books event in downtown Tacoma. At the Kings Books event a free Symposium titled: "How to Draw Tacomics: A rogue cartoonist's guide to prosperity in an era of extreme newspaper decline" will also be given.
How will your project be affected if you do not receive full funding from the Tacoma Arts Commission?
More money translates directly into more books published. Ideally I would like to have over 100 books on hand to sell at the Kings books symposium to sign and inscribe. Also I would like books on hand to sell or give away as prizes at community events like the Frost Park Chalk Challenge. Without funds to build up the inventory of books, people would still have the option of purchasing books online from one-off self-publishing website like lulu.com
RR ANDERSON'S ARTIST RESUME
* * *
Special Thanks to everyone who volunteered as a reference!
Personal Goals:
- John Hathaway The New Takhoman Introduction paragraph(s)?
- THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK page
- FOR YOUR NOTES page
- Cross-Sell C.L.A.W. CartoonistsLeague.org
- Include favorite feed tacomic comments
Feb. 17, 2009 at 4:25pm
HAppY TiME FUnshoW launched in Juneau, AK
new media injections inside of old media
on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ_8H3KbumE Play written by BO Anderson (backdrop designed by RR Anderson).Feb. 15, 2009 at 6:02pm
Exclusive Behinds the Scenes Look at American Museum of Alaskan Entrepreneurship
Secrets Revealed!
But first,
TACOMA RESTORE BUYS for February!
At long last I can cross BELTSANDER off my list of lifetime achievement goals. This vintage 4inch Craftsman in black PVC and Non-Reflective Aluminum is self grounded, but still uses a great many metal parts. Note: rubber mudflap. This sander is a BEAST; ONLY $12 DOLLARS!!!!
I also picked up some giant files and one huge wood rasp & Tack hammer for a buck each.
My fingers are already thanking me for the tack hammer. It's really hard to pound finishing nails with a 2 pound cross-peen.
and now the moment you've been waiting for:
Behind the Scenes at THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF ALASKAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Laboratory (aka Phantom-Turtle Werks)
Grand South Hall Art Gallery
Natural History Specimen Exhibit
Minerals of the Solar System
Feb. 11, 2009 at 11:04pm
CLAW Digest
new business
ha ha ha! Did you see the blurb about CLAW in the latest edition of city arts?
Well this is even better than that! Get a behind the scenes look at
CLAW MEMBERS ONLY MEETING NOTES
We're getting closer to pubishing our first mini comic. Anybody interested in sponsorship/ad space?
Feb. 10, 2009 at 12:49am
DIY Bellybutton Bush Birdhouse
Something I Invented over the weekend
If you ever find yourself the owner of a giant bush it can be a bothersome thing. What do you do with it? For the most part it just sits there filling up valuable yard space which could be farmed in a victory garden. No sir there is only one thing to do with that worthless bush. Turn it into a massive bird habitat with my latest invention: THE BELLYBUTTON BUSH BIRDHOUSE!step 1, cut a 19inch circle out of scrap lumber. Paint it a contrasting color to the said bush. cut a hole for bird passage and add a small stick for the bird to stand on when it isn't in flying mode.
step 2, mount disk in bush.
step 3. admire your handy work.
Feb. 8, 2009 at 6:27pm
PitBull Home Lobotomy Kit!
Protect your Family from the TERRORIST within your dog
FROM THE CREATORS OF "PROFESSOR FRY'S WONDER DIGITAL CONVERTER BOX™!"
It's a sad fact that pitbull attack stories are on the rise. Pitbull owners are helpless against the onslaught of ultra-violence their dogs thirst for constantly like a pulsing in their brains that reads: "kill...kill...KILL...KILLLL!!!" Well the dark times are over my friends! for only 3 easy payments of $19.95 the safety conscious pet owners can send away for the E-Z Pitbull Home Lobotomy Kit™. Your dog will thank you!
ITEMS:
- E-Z Home Lobotomy Tool™
- Magnum Hole Shooter™ (not included)
- Surgical E-Z Heal Tape™
- Safety Glasses - protects against dog mauling(s) while performing lobotomy ADDED BONUS: protects against splatters and sharp particles of skull bone.
PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY:
BEFORE™:
AFTER™:
(pitbull E-Z home lobotomized dog-diapers™ not pictured)
Feb. 8, 2009 at 6:23pm
Living and Working Virtually with Microsoft SongSmith!
second attempt after Archive.org messed up
If I was forced at gunpoint to describe microsoft songsmith I would say it was like a downloadable karaoke machine but filled up with lame melodies nobody has ever heard and you make up your own words to the songs.��� The trial software gives you six hours of fully functional songsmithing.�� You can listen below to my own handiwork.���� PLease give Microsoft Songsmith a try yourself.�
To download MP3 versions of my own singing, check out my new Internet Archive RR Anderson Sings! page.
Feb. 5, 2009 at 9:47pm
How to Draw Credit Union Cartoons. A True story of teamwork with special forces team: RR, Daniel Blue and Jamie Chase
How local creative people came together to save America from Financial Ruin
As we all know I do freelance cartooning on the side. Some jobs are more interesting than others. This is one of those interesting jobs. Mostly because of the current reality we as Americans have reluctantly sobered up to. I'm no thorax o'tool so i'll just paraphrase:The debt orgy going on since the days of Reganomics was so big that a massive overcorrection is inevitable. It is equally irrational to think that folks looking for a helluva deal are causing this. What we see is the end result of over a quarter century's worth of poor regulatory, banking, fiscal and economic policy.Not sure the above sentiment fits here exactly but I like the sound of it. The bottom line is that the blood sucking banks are going down in flames and they'll try and take you with em. What can you as an individual do? Be like me... consider putting your money in a Credit Union. This is a blog post about how I was hired to draw cartoons to provoke people into thinking about Credit Unions. The main thing I was happy to find out is that Credit Unions aren't receiving any god damn bail out money. I like that. I like that alot. Anyhow this is that story.
The Players
- Jamie "Fearless Leader" Chase - Freelance marketing expert, fire eating red-head, Credit Union expert.
- Daniel Blue - Creative Director, Underground Burlesque Proprietor, Poet, Fashion Designer, Volcano Writer? Exit133 contributor, dude in a band.
- RR Anderson - Rogue Cartoonist (for Hire).
Thumbnail Sketches
ROUND ONE - Sketches w. Feedback from Daniel Blue
"Hero needs to be defending something, not on the attack. Make monster less horror show, more mother goose. Should be cutting credit card, not arm off. We cant show a bloody mess. You should have heard the phone message from Jamie. Next time don't CC her... send cartoons only to me."
"I like your parody of the Credit Union man with umbrella. He needs to look less crazed though. Umbrella should not be ripping apart. Umbrella should be protecting him. Also don't make him running away. He should be more hunkered down. Other than that this one is good."
"The banker is too freaky. Needs to be fatter and not a vampire. We should not have a needle sticking in somebody's neck. Like the concept just needs to be Less creepy."
"Love that the credit union is a rescue helicopter. Love that metaphor. Corporate suits should not be headless. Fake plastic looking heads instead. Also they should all be trying to give her credit cards. Banner needs to be more legible. Make the bodies look like they're trying to really grab at her. Right now it looks like a holocaust body pile."
ROUND TWO - Sketches w. Feedback from Daniel Blue
"Yeah we need to try something else. Jamie suggests a burning house and a fire truck as the hero. Lets put a mustache on the firetruck though. A heroic mustache. I'm thinking African safari mustache. Jamie wants the sparks from the fire to be credit cards and the fire labeled credit card debt."
"Perfect! This one is ready to go."
"This one is ready to go too."
* * FINAL CARTOON DELIVERY * *
"Perfect."
"Beautiful"
"Right on."
"Love it."
Feb. 4, 2009 at 11:01pm
TV Tacoma All-Stars: Oh Classic Taste
Children are Our Futrue, Let the Homeless Lead the Way, Show them all the Baretta They Possess Inside.
Author's Statement of Purpose: My goal is to get more people to be interested in the PUBLIC COMMENT + COMMUNITY FORUM on TV Tacoma. I want folks to recognize our civic speakers on the street and have compassion for the thundering engine driving them. "I will forge new connections to people orphaned by civilization." - RR Anderson
* * *
The Mike Price Conspiracy
"How much did the City of Tacoma pay to get the bond rating boost that the wall street bastards used to swindle everyone of their money--causing the financial crisis? To find out more to to pbs.org"
The Mayor
"The issue was brought up about the sudden bump in Tacoma Bonds rating... how much did we pay? Not.... one.... red.... cent. period."
Idea Woman
"How many children sleep on the streets right now? How many!!!?? While hotel and motel rooms sit vacant. That is a crime against humanity. The motel owners should let the homeless in and they could get a tax credit. Thank you."
* * * INTERMISSION * * *
Phylis Barret AKA DiscoverTacoma.com
"Someone from Italy visited my website while I was in Las Vegas following a lead on the surplus gun cop lies/mystery."
Trio of Kids from Lincoln High
Ms. Willie
"I just wanted to relate my story because I'm on social security and food stamps. Sometimes they dont come. you see. and I have'ta call on the phone which takes hours and they don't always help me on the phone.... so I much prefer to go down there myself and see other folks in my predicament. Only you know I could have hungry children at home, of course I don't now but I did. Thank you for your time."
The purpose of Citizens' Forum is to assist the City Council in making policy decisions. Items of discussion will be limited to matters over which the City Council has jurisdiction and speaker's remarks are limited to up to three minutes per person. Arguments shall not be made in support of, or opposition to, any matter on this week's agenda. Each person may address the City Council one time only during this forum.
previously on TV-Tacoma All-stars
You May Already be a WINNER!
Feb. 3, 2009 at 6:01pm
Tacoma Cartoonist Will Do What He Can For the Kids.
Notice to students and young people of Tacoma
taking some recent advice from a very smart and famous person NO. 10
"Answer e-mails from junior people before more senior ones. Junior people have further to go and tend to remember who slighted them."
* * *
from the HFW mail bag:
Hi RR,
I'm a senior at UPS, and I'm working on a thesis for my comparative sociology major. My project is focusing mainly on artists who are inspired by the city of Tacoma and art that promotes the community and displays a love of Tacoma. I'm trying to get into the question of "why Tacoma?" to figure out what it is about this city that inspires such creativity, why it is often used as a subject of art, and what characteristics of the city draw artists to it.
Joe Izenman suggested I talk to you, and he cited the Frost Park Chalk-Off as one of your brainchildren. The Chalk-Off and your Tacomic seem to be exactly what I'm seeking in my project. Would you be interested in talking to me sometime about your art and your involvement in this city?
Thanks,
[Anonymous UPS Student]
DEAR FRIEND __________,
Howdy! Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I've been a fugitive
from the law for the past couple weeks. It's ok now though. With this
false nose and Rasputin beard nobody recognizes me (not even my
wife). I think I will accept your questions and give you genuine
answers. I like to help students the most. Most people in Tacoma who
ask me things these days are blood suckers...all of em!--wanna steal my
gold. The joke will be on them though since it is really only fool's
gold.
Thank you very much. I am excited to work with you.
god bless,
RR
Jan. 29, 2009 at 6:04pm
TV Tacoma All-Stars: FU Sounder
Post and Beem you dicktards!
Author's Statement of Purpose: My goal is to get more people to be interested in the PUBLIC COMMENT + COMMUNITY FORUM on TV Tacoma. I want folks to recognize our civic speakers on the street and have compassion for the thundering engine driving them. "I will forge new connections to people orphaned by civilization." - RR Anderson
* * *
Whitney Rhodes
"Hi I'm Whitney Huston Rhodes. I am a hyper-intelligent person as you can tell by the thickness of my glasses.� It is the opinion of National Economic Re-Development (N.E.R.D.) that we recommend a post and beam structure for the sound transit city-rape route line--"
[jeers from audience]
"You got somethin' to say about post and beam?� You wanna come over here and say that to my face?� [unaudible heckler] Yeah that's what I thought.� Stuff it."
Ultra-Attractive Free Spirit Bar Owner
"Like stuff is happin'n in the dome district my brothers and sisters. The earth goddess sends her welcome embrace, we should not try and bury her under a berm.� Sounder should hear the sound from my heart. It is crying."
IMAGINE TACOMA'S David Boe
"Harken! For I am he who is THE GREAT BOE. I have been summoned though the sands of time to bring you this message: BEWARE THE BERM!"
"Perhaps your are skeptical of my powers? my vision? Ahhhhh."
[mysterious high-pitched noise fills room]
"GAZE into the dome upon my head-flesh!� The reflection holds a fate... a fate beyond mortal imagination.� Imagine Tacoma, a berm bisecting our city in two.� Be hold a sad fate.� A lonely fate.� Heed my fleshy orb!!!!"
The Mayor, PLAYER STATUS: "BEDAZZLED"
"Yes.� The head of BOE speaks. We must begin construction of the beam trestle now."
[mayor removes shoes, stacking them in Stonehenge formation. mysterious whistling gets louder. mayor gets visibly sweaty and soon disappears beneath council bench.]
* * * INTERMISSION * * *
Some Lady
Marv: Ex-Roomate's Dad
Not Pictured: 1. Bullseye shooter guy� 2. future mayor of Tacoma. etc.
The purpose of Citizens' Forum is to assist the City Council in making policy decisions. Items of discussion will be limited to matters over which the City Council has jurisdiction and speaker's remarks are limited to up to three minutes per person. Arguments shall not be made in support of, or opposition to, any matter on this week's agenda. Each person may address the City Council one time only during this forum.
previously on TV-Tacoma All-stars
You May Already be a WINNER!
Jan. 25, 2009 at 4:12pm
Rejected Grand Cinema Logos...worth $24,999?
Sometimes you win, sometimes you just strike out.
For every logo that is picked as 'the one' there is a monumental pile of logos that end up in oblivion, rejected like chapters of the bible deemed 'too weird, too strange' to be included in the next updated human REVISION. This is a blog post dedicated to the many GRAND CINEMA LOGOS that just didn't make the jump into the FINAL ROUND.
Please enjoy this impressively educational design post. Thank you.
(updated 4:16 pm)
(updated 4:24 pm)
(updated 4:27 pm)
(updated 4:33 pm)
(updated 4:47 pm)
Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:54pm
My POV: I need more Time.
the words. what are the words?
if you've ever seen that dreary old Russian movie SOLARIS about the dude who sits in his space station and starts freaking out seeing his dead wife which it turns out is all part of this abstract alien intelligence fucking with the puny human brains? Well what I'm experiencing is kinda like that only having more to do with not having enough time to do the funny stuff that nobody really thinks is funny except me. I'll give you some examples.... more so as a record to prove that I thought of them first in case anybody else beats me to the punch.
*Steve Dunkelburger Costume Contest*
there is this funny picture of Steve Dunkelburger.. who if you havent seen it is this Rubenesque gentlemen perched awkwardly on a stool holding a haunted typewriter with an alarming expression on his face. My idea was to draw on this photo an ironic costume and send it over the artist listserve asking folks to email me back their own modified dunkelburger costumes. post results, hilarity ensues.
*Doc Boner's Awesome Tacoma: The Helm Whale Revisited*
this would be a parody column of the popular david boe exit133 articles. Basically rework the Helm's cardboard whale in a baroque/architectural rendering where the whale is fighting a giant squid to the death... thrashing about wild eye'd... instead of the beached leviathan that was the actual reality.
*Harold LeMay is Really Insane*
write an article laying out bizarre Harold LeMay quotes next to a picture of the dude with his thick glasses and Amish beard. Make the case how a dude who buys one car a day and has the largest private collection of cars (Freudian emphasis on the sausage grinder collection) is sick in the head. The dude didn't want his car collection sold off after he kicked the bucket so now the public taxpayer is now on the hook for this whimsical perversion.
*Kook files*
A Certain reporter for a certain Tacoma news publication sends me all the crazy shit people send in to his newspaper for media attention. I mean this is really crackpot, kook, noodles crazy stuff. Today he sent me this book about the end of the world after an attack from the red planet hamburgertron or whatever. I love that stuff. I think it would be fun to scan stuff in and share it with the world in a way a reputable newspaper would never do.
--------------------
anyhow thats just the top of the ice burg... material that is ready to go TODAY but isn't thanks to the friggin' TIME. You folks really miss out when I'm busy. Else it all just says in my head and comes out in random laughter and people are all "hey what's so funny" and it's just too cumbersome to have to explain it. whatever. it's past my bed time. later.
Jan. 14, 2009 at 10:10pm
Unofficial C.L.A.W. meeting Notes
new business
Mark will probably type something up for cartoonistsleague.org but I just wanted to jot down some things we talked about...- ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIPS - memberships for people who aren't cartoonists but still want to hang out with cartoonists, support amusing community art-stunts and most important wear a fez.
- HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS - would be like mormon "baptism for the dead"... call people members even if they have no interest in joining. Something you bestow on people.
- OUR NEWSLETTER AS A "ZINE" OR MINI COMIC - talked about newsletter names Elliot liked 'claw and order' each member would draw page numbers from a fez and be responsible for cartoon content on that page. zines would be distributed to coffee shops and or stuffed into City Arts and other unsuspecting host publications. Think old-school mad magazine... comics and fake ads.
- NON-PROFIT STATUS - would allow us to apply for arts grants, etc. drawback: can't offer political endorsements.
- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC MEETINGS - second meeting of every month would be open to the pubic. Come join us at Mandolin Cafe!
- STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS - NO REDUCED PRICE for students! it's to hard to keep track of who is actually a student and who is looking for a handout.
- SCHOLARSHIPS - need more members to build up scholarship funds!
- 24hr comic Day marathon - John from comic book ink and Warren from Tacoma Art Supply are onboard for corporate sponsorship!
- VIDEO MEMBER PROFILES - Electric Elliot thought it would be fun to do micro documentaries for each member on the website.
Jan. 10, 2009 at 5:34pm
Learn 2 Draw TV Tacoma Site Launched
with RR ANDERSON™, MUFFY™ & LORD XENU™ on the SPACE BATTLESHIP KALAKALA™
Remember all those LEARN 2 DRAW ads in the weekly volcano? Well now there is a website. check it out. Find epidode titles and wallpaper downloads. Please note that the show is in production and things are subject to change.
Excelsior!
Jan. 9, 2009 at 10:43pm
sign my petition to petiton exit 133 to add petitions
tired of the friggin games.
take a moment to fill out this petition below. Your name will be added automatically to a spread sheet that will be nailed to the wooden cathedral door of suite 133.
Jan. 8, 2009 at 8:38pm
Professor Fry's Wonder Converter: Digital TV Converter Box 2009 compliant
Don't Get Left Behind the Digital Transition!
Are you like many of the lazy americans who hasn't considered the switch to Digital Television come February 17th 2009? You can't afford to miss out on exciting television advertising and shows!! Don't get left with a worthless lump of television that your old analog set will surely become!
Behold Your Only Local Choice! For Digital CONVERTER BOXES, THE ONLY DIGITAL TELEVISION CONVERTER BOX ENDORSED BY A UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON TECHNOLOGY PROFESSOR!
Professor Fry's Wonder Converter
But how do I use?
Attaches to any analog televsion with DIGITAL TO ANALOG TAPE ADHESIVE ! INCLUDED!!!!! FREE! (ONLY $10 Extra!)
Potential Benefits:
- Receive multiple high definition digital televisions signal, FREE PORN CHANNELS MAYBE TOO!
- Win Friends with elitist technology advantage 100%
- Get hungry and eat saltwater taffy (may effect reception of analog / digital conversion... not recommended, but possible in emergency)
- Real testimonials and positive reviews by scientists and science fiction fans.
- Mark Briggs mentions this technology in his book. Chapter 3: JOURNALISTS 2.0 BUY DIGITAL TELEVISION BOX NOW!!!!!
- "Go Local"
- Watch TEE VEE
- Improve stamina and love life.
Conduct a Science Experiment as Proof
Place your current converter box in the microwave oven for 10 minutes high. See the sparks? That's because your current cable box is now no longer digital to analog compliant. Try it out now on your tv? You really need to buy superior products. Don't hesitate!Only 6 Monthly PAYMENTS OF $45.00 (plus additional shipping and handling costs).
buy now at feed tacoma shops!
Jan. 5, 2009 at 7:14pm
Where in the world is Spike Jensen?
My POV AWOL
spotted over at Spud Goodman .com
"GAS IF I OWNED A CAR THEN I WOULD BE PRETTY HAPPY RIGHT NOW. NOT ABOUT THE CAR CUZ IT WOULD PROBABLY BE A PIECE OF CRAP BUT AT LEAST I WOULDN T HAVE TO SELL MY BLOOD TO BUY A QUARTER TANK OF GAS ANYMORE. FOR A WHILE IT WAS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN WEED (OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD) SO NOW THAT PEOPLE WILL HAVE MORE MONEY IN THEIR POCKETS THEY CAN MAYBE BUY FOOD. I GUESS IT'S BAD FOR THOSE PEOPLE IN THAT SANDY PART OF THE WORLD WHO SELL OIL SO IT'S NOT ALL GOOD FOR EVERYONE. IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S ALWAYS THAT WAY WITH THIS FREE MARKET THING, SOMEONE WINS AND SOMEONE LOSES BUT IF THE WORLD DOSEN'T EXPLODE AND EVERYONE LOSE THEIR JOBS THEN 2009 HAS GOT TO BE A BETTER YEAR THAN 2008. THAT'S MY CALL AND I'M STICKING TO IT. LATER"
RR Commentary:
spudgoodman.com is worse than The Tacoma Daily Index website, yet better than the New Takhoman website.Jan. 2, 2009 at 5:21pm
My Tacomic Book Symposium Needs a Venue
in search of a "letter of agreement"
My Fellow Feed Tacomic enthusiasts!
I'm trying to find a venue for the open-to-public portion of my 2009-2010 Tacoma Artists Initiative Program (T.A.I.P. grant)...
My idea is to get the City of Tacoma to help pay for publshing costs on my upcoming book:
100 Best Tacomics: The Secular & Apolitical Cartoon Life of Tacoma and Her Moral People(s)
note, TAIP does not support arts activities of a political or religious nature so it's a good thing all my cartoons are ambiguous and unaffiliated.Even so, the public portion I'm thinking of presenting as a symposium titled something like:
How to Draw Tacomics, Win Friends and Influence People.
the question is, where would you host such an event? You'd think Kings Books right? Well so far they haven't taken the bait. Another idea might be the Library. However, I have first hand experience that the ARTS COMMISSION will turn their nose up to anything related to the library.
Please register your suggestions below!
Dec. 31, 2008 at 4:50pm
TV Tacoma All-Stars: Micro-Patronage Harold Pinter's Ghost in the Machine
Wishing You a Happy New Years
Friends and Enemies, TV Tacoma All stars will not be seen tonight. Instead, I your host, Julie Anderson would like to introduce TV TACOMA's new years holiday special presentation of DEAD PLAYWRIGHT Harold Pinter's 2005 Nobel Prize acceptance speech.
Please take special notes as several of the topics covered are still unresolved three years later!
blockquoted/TRANSCRIPT:
How many people do you have to kill before you qualify to be described as a mass murderer and a war criminal? 100,000? More than enough, I would have thought. Therefore, it is just that Bush and Blair be arraigned before the International Criminal Court of Justice. But Bush has been clever. He has not ratified the International Criminal Court of Justice. Therefore, if any American soldier or, for that matter, politician finds himself in the dock, Bush has warned that he will send in the Marines. But Tony Blair has ratified the Court and is therefore available for prosecution. We can let the Court have his address, if they're interested. It is Number 10, Downing Street, London.
Death in this context is irrelevant. Both Bush and Blair place death well away on the back burner. At least 100,000 Iraqis were killed by American bombs and missiles before the Iraq insurgency began. These people are of no moment. Their deaths don't exist. They are blank. They're not even recorded as being dead. We don't do body counts, said the American general Tommy Franks.
Early in the invasion, there was a photograph published on the front page of British newspapers of Tony Blair kissing the cheek of a little Iraqi boy. A grateful child, said the caption. A few days later, there was a story and photograph on an inside page of another four-year-old boy with no arms. His family had been blown up by a missile. He was the only survivor. When do I get my arms back? he asked. This story was never referred to again. Well, Tony Blair wasn't holding him in his arms, nor the body of any other mutilated child, nor the body of any bloody corpse. Blood is dirty. It dirties your shirt and tie when you're making a sincere speech on television.
The 2,000 American dead are an embarrassment. They are transported to their graves in the dark. Funerals are unobtrusive, out of harm's way. The mutilated rot in their beds, some for the rest of their lives. So the dead and the mutilated both rot, in different kinds of graves.
Here is an extract from a poem by Pablo Neruda, I'm Explaining a Few Things :
And one morning all that was burning,
one morning the bonfires
leapt out of the earth
devouring human beings
and from then on fire,
gunpowder from then on,
and from then on blood.
Bandits with planes and Moors,
bandits with finger-rings and duchesses,
bandits with black friars spattering blessings
came through the sky to kill children
and the blood of children ran through the streets
without fuss, like children's blood.
Jackals that the jackals would despise
stones that the dry thistle would bite on and spit out,
vipers that the vipers would abominate.
Face to face with you I have seen the blood
of Spain tower like a tide
to drown you in one wave
of pride and knives.
Treacherous
generals:
see my dead house,
look at broken Spain:
from every house burning metal flows
instead of flowers
from every socket of Spain
Spain emerges
and from every dead child a rifle with eyes
and from every crime bullets are born
which will one day find
the bull's eye of your hearts.
And you will ask: why doesn't his poetry
speak of dreams and leaves
and the great volcanoes of his native land.
Come and see the blood in the streets.
Come and see
the blood in the streets.
Come and see the blood
in the streets!
Let me make it quite clear that in quoting from Neruda's poem, I am in no way comparing Republican Spain to Saddam Hussein's Iraq. I quote Neruda, because nowhere in contemporary poetry have I read such a powerful visceral description of the bombing of civilians.
I have said earlier that the United States is now totally frank about putting its cards on the table. That is the case. Its official declared policy is now defined as full spectrum dominance. That is not my term, it is theirs. Full spectrum dominance means control of land, sea, air and space and all attendant resources.
The United States now occupies 702 military installations throughout the world in 132 countries, with the honorable exception of Sweden, of course. We don't quite know how they got there, but they are there all right.
infantile insanity
The United States possesses 8,000 active and operational nuclear warheads. 2,000 are on hair-trigger alert, ready to be launched with fifteen minutes warning. It is developing new systems of nuclear force, known as bunker busters. The British, ever cooperative, are intending to replace their own nuclear missile, Trident. Who, I wonder, are they aiming at? Osama bin Laden? You? Me? Joe Dokes? China? Paris? Who knows? What we do know is that this infantile insanity, the possession and threatened use of nuclear weapons, is at the heart of present American political philosophy. We must remind ourselves that the United States is on a permanent military footing and shows no sign of relaxing it.Many thousands, if not millions, of people in the United States itself are demonstrably sickened, shamed and angered by their government's actions, but as things stand, they are not a coherent political force yet. But the anxiety, uncertainty and fear, which we can see growing daily in the United States, is unlikely to diminish.
I know that President Bush has many extremely competent speech writers, but I would like to volunteer for the job myself. I propose the following short address, which he can make on television to the nation. I see him grave, hair carefully combed, serious, winning, sincere, often beguiling, sometimes employing a wry smile, curiously attractive, a man's man.
God is good. God is great. God is good. My god is good. Bin Laden's god is bad. His is a bad god. Saddam's god was bad, except he didn't have one. He was a barbarian. We are not barbarians. We don't chop people's heads off. We believe in freedom. So does God. I am not a barbarian. I am the democratically elected leader of a freedom-loving democracy. We are a compassionate society. We give compassionate electrocution and compassionate lethal injection. We are a great nation. I am not a dictator. He is. I am not a barbarian. He is. They all are. I possess moral authority. You see this fist? This is my moral authority. And don't you forget it.
A writer's life is a highly vulnerable, almost naked activity. We don't have to weep about that. The writer makes his choice and is stuck with it. But it is true to say that you are open to all the winds, some of them icy indeed. You are out on your own, out on a limb. You find no shelter, no protection, unless you lie, in which case of course you have constructed your own protection and, it could be argued, become a politician.
I have referred to death quite a few times in this speech. I shall now quote a poem of my own called Death.
Where was the dead body found?
Who found the dead body?
Was the dead body dead when found?
How was the dead body found?
Who was the dead body?
Who was the father or daughter or brother
Or uncle or sister or mother or son
Of the dead and abandoned body?
Was the body dead when abandoned?
Was the body abandoned?
By whom had it been abandoned?
Was the dead body naked or dressed for a journey?
What made you declare the dead body dead?
Did you declare the dead body dead?
How well did you know the dead body?
How did you know the dead body was dead?
Did you wash the dead body?
Did you close both its eyes?
Did you bury the body?
Did you leave it abandoned?
Did you kiss the dead body?
When we look into a mirror, we think the image that confronts us is accurate. But move a millimeter, and the image changes. We are actually looking at a never-ending range of reflections. But sometimes a writer has to smash the mirror, for it is on the other side of that mirror that the truth stares at us.
I believe that despite the enormous odds which exist, unflinching, unswerving, fierce intellectual determination, as citizens, to define the real truth of our lives and our societies is a crucial obligation which devolves upon us all. It is in fact mandatory.
If such a determination is not embodied in our political vision, we have no hope of restoring what is so nearly lost to us: the dignity of man.
SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH!
About
TACOMIC, Your Friendly Neighborhood Oped Cartoon
BUY NOW: TACOMIC SURPLUS STORE!
TIP LINE: email me OR CALL (253) 778-6786
RR Anderson is one of the most curious characters in the UFO lore and the history of underground cartooning. He fought bizarre underground beings in the caves of Alaska, was wounded by a laser before it was invented, and had a background with the clandestine branch of the Tacoma Cartoonists Society.
For seekers unafraid to be discernibly turgid in a time of drastic change, we recommend:
Links:
Anarchist's Utopia or Bust
TV Tacoma | All STARS
Tacoma Atheists
Magic Lantern Society
Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society
Discover Tacoma
The Melon Online
Dockyard Derby Dames
Bog the Dog
Alaska Robotics
Student Protest/Activists Thing
Spud Goodman
Holistic Forge Works
Webmaster/Cartoonist Resume
C.L.A.W.
Tacoma Gov Me
Tacoma Public Library Search
"may the great winged turtle flap her wind upon us all" ~ Dr. FA Neekburn, 1889
