Kathleen Hanna Gets Bitch(y)

I subscribed, even before I read this letter. I’ve read Bitch since their first issue. The Punk Singer is right; they’re that important.

Read an Important Letter From Kathleen Hanna | Bitch Media.

Awesome Art Auction!

Egg by Laurie Steelink

Tomorrow night, May 16, at the vintage and art store House in San Pedro, some incredible pieces of art will go up for silent auction — and probably be acquired for a steal. Some of the area’s top local artists have contributed unique pieces for the fundraiser for the Point Fermin Marine Science Elementary School PTO and the school’s centennial mosaic by Julie Bender. Among the dozens of items up for bid are ceramic eggs decorated by folks including WS Milner, Laurie Steelink, Larry Lubow, Douglas Morrison, Bud Shankle, and more. There will also be a ceramic vase by 5th grade teacher Kerrie Lloyd, a Flexible Flyer red tricycle, a vintage children’s desk, a bird cage in the shape of a Victorian house, books, film festival passes, cosmetics, accessories, and more. Attendees can also buy a piece of Point Fermin history by sponsoring a tile in the mosaic. Refreshments will be served, and there will be art supplies for kids to play with. From 5 to 8 p.m., with bids closing at 7, at 1002 Pacific Avenue.House Party flyer 3

Egg by Douglas Morrison

Egg by Douglas Morrison

Egg by Douglas Morrison

Easel pendant necklace

Egg by WS Milner

Egg by WS Milner

Eggs by Larry Lubow

Nature’s Delicate Balance by Bud Shankle

Nature’s Delicate Balance by Bud Shankle

Egg by Laurie Steelink

Egg by Laurie Steelink

Egg by Laurie Steelink

Egg by Ashley Tago

Egg by Ashley Tago

Auction items

Infinity scarf by Jenn Teruya

Infinity scarf by Jenn Teruya

Egg by Victoria Abbatiello

Mosaic mural at Point Fermin School

 

The Old Gray Man

Let’s call it what it is: The Old Gray Man. I don’t know Jill Abramson, and I know this is a complicated story, but I loved her appearance in the bromance Page One: Inside the New York Times, and I know several women who have prospered at the paper during her reign. Dean Baquet seems like a standup guy too, but still, between this and presidential politics, it’s clear to me that America is ready to deal with its racism before it will address its sexism.

Cats Rule (Dogs Drool)

I’ve figured it out: Cats invented the internet so that they could spread confirmation of their superiority. [Insert today’s LOLcat or HEROcat video here.]

Kids Love to F**king Read Queens of Noise

Kjel, nephew of Allison Wolfe, reads Queens of Noise. courtesy http://www.lastgasp.com/story/2014/05/kidsread3

“Yes, Kids Love to F**king Read!” That’s the name of a series on the website of the indie publisher Last Gasp, and today, it leads with a photo of Kjel, nephew of Allison Wolfe, reading Queens of Noise.

The Julie Ruin Postpones Tour Due to Kathleen’s Relapse

Thinking good thoughts for Kathleen Hanna, who has had a relapse of Lyme Disease, according to a press release from her publicist. The Julie Ruin has postponed their international tour while “The Punk Singer” undergoes more treatment. Kathleen is one of the most extraordinary people I’ve had the good fortune to ever meet, and her influence on the world just seems to grow every minute — there would be no Pussy Riot without the raddest of the Riot Grrrls. Please say a Punk Prayer for her.

Pondering the Paradoxes of ‘Art as Work’

Fascinating and mostly spot-on article by AO Scott in the New York Times today about “The Paradox of Art as Work,” or what I like to call Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction. I like the film critic’s broad cultural references, especially Gillian Welch. I am particularly mulling over this sentence: “The idea that everyone can be an artist — making stuff that can be shared, traded or sold to a self-selecting audience of fellow creators — sits awkwardly alongside the self-contradictory dream that everyone can be a star.” I think I disagree with the predicate: These may be antagonistic and possibly even revolutionary notions, not complementary ones. This is actually a topic I devoted independent study to at USC, under Henry Jenkins, and may well take up again. What do you think: Is the idea that everyone can be an artist akin to the idea that everyone can be a star?