StoryCorps » Animation

In early 2006, 12-year-old Joshua Littman, who has Asperger’s syndrome, interviewed his mother, Sarah, at StoryCorps. Their one-of-a-kind conversation covered everything from cockroaches to Sarah’s feelings about Joshua as a son.

StoryCorps » Animation

9 to 5: Days in Porn, review

I received a "screener" before the DVD will be available to the public.

From their website:

"...It’s a documentary that gives you an inside look into the world of porn by portraying the lives of 10 people from the industry that we spent over a year getting to know."

It was completed in July 2008 so, based on some time frames given throughout the documentary, I assume the filming began around January of 2007. (Keep that in mind as you read about the "newcomer" below...)

Most of the adult businesses are based in California in the San Fernando Valley...also known as "Porn Valley". Since the 1970s it has become the place from which most of the product available in the United States of America has roots. The documentary covers: the companies that produce pornography, the distributors of the product, the producers, the agents, the actors, and the directors.

A husband and wife who are both actors are followed, as well as some who are new to the business and those who have been around since the '70s.

I was very interested in what veterans of the industry had to say...their experiences, suggestions, etcetera...so that I can compare that with those who are currently in the business.

Sharon Mitchell was an adult actress for over twenty-five years, appeared in over two thousand movies, and performed as a dancer. After being attacked by a fan she became a Clinical Sexologist, obtained a doctorate in Human Sexuality, and is a certified counselor (specializing in STDs and Chemical Dependency). She also operates AIM Healthcare, a non-profit organization in Encino (California) that tests for STDs and provides counseling services for issues that are related to substance abuse.

Mitchell makes a point that those who participate in pornography are the misfits and renegades of society. (I agree. And believe that those who enjoy it probably can also wear those labels...)

Another veteran, Nina Hartley, gives her opinions about the business. And "newcomers" have their own opinions...

In this, Sasha Grey is "The Rookie": she began her career in 2006, and this documentary is being made before she became very popular and well known.

Her first agent, Mark Spiegler, is shown as he goes through his day of managing his talent; her at-the-time boyfriend...now fiance...Ian Cinnamon also expresses his thoughts and feelings.

Not surprising is that sisters have worked in the industry together, such as Mia and Ava Rose. To me they clearly love eachother, and Mia gains strength and feels comfortable having Ava around (when she was...you'll understand this comment when you see the scene I'm referring to).

I assume we all expect those who are related to this type of business will be discriminated against. But for someone to have their World of Warcraft account terminated shocked me! It appears to me that Blizzard/WoW was being nit-picky...after learning of her existance in their universe. (Porn stars need guilds, too...)

There's some conversation about the types of expectations that those who are inexeperienced in sexual activities (virgins, et alia) will have based on what they see in some productions. Will they consider what is seen as behavior(s) expected of them, and is considerd the norm? That's a good question.

Three major reasons are given that women work (as actresses) in the industry. As I remember, the reasons were given by Mitchell. I wish all participants in the documentary had been asked why they chose adult entertainment as a career...

There was mention of what actresses aren't warned about before they begin performing, and how some performers can be used and abused: used by agents, producers, etcetera. I wanted to know more about what had happened, and how they were swindled or taken advantage of. I'm sure others who might enter this field need to know this information, as well.

Working hard and planning financially for the future was mentioned, but not examined. Some idea is given about the amount of money that can be earned. But what I didn't learn about, that I'm very interested in, are those who properly managed their business for lifelong financial success:

How much did they make?

How often did they make certain amounts?

What did they do with the money after it had been received?

Who successfully provided for the future, and how did they do it?

If you've wondered what it's like to work in adult entertainment, or have thought about being in the business, this DVD is for you! There are very graphic scenarios, and they need to...and should...be included: the reality needs to be shown with no softening of the view.

Between segments music is played as if it's being broadcast on a radio station. KQDJ is the call sign that was given, but I believe it's fictional because I cannot find any information about it ever existing at the frequency that was announced.

As of the time of this posting, I did not find any information on their website about the music that was used, and where I can get more information on it. Maybe it will later be available...

The runtime is over 90 minutes.

http://www.9to5-themovie.com/

For bonus clips, go to http://blog.9to5-themovie.com/

The DVD can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/9-5-Days-Sasha-Grey/dp/B003804YQA

Some take social networking MUCH too seriously

I'm on a roll! Two days is a row I've pissed-off two different people due to my posts on the internet. "Do I hear three?..."

The first "offense" was a comment I made to someone's post I intended as a joke, but...based on their response...I assume the subject matter I used hit much to close to home to something bad that may have happened in their life or to someone they care/cared a lot about. As I have posted before (somewhere...maybe here), I thought there were some who knew me well enough to know when I intend to offend. Because when I do, I plan to do my best to make it as obvious and painful as possible. But, oh well...live and (maybe) learn.

Next, I made a post on one of MY accounts that someone took offense to because...I believe...I referred to some quotes in the movie "Religulous" that were attributed to others (Benjamin Franklin, Thoms Jefferson, John Adams), and those comments do not support religion. (And the mixture of religion and government.) I suppose the person who commented on my post is..."passionate"...about his beliefs, and does not appreciate the movie (and Bill Maher). His comment alluded to I had accepted the quotes that were offered in the movie, and was just spreading the content. Before I made the post, I did look to see if I could verify the quotes: I found enough sources to feel that the texts were valid. Because how I was taken to task about my post, it is logical to expect that the commenter did not check to see if those quotes were false or accurate.

I am amazed at how it seems some don't take a breath, or two...or more...and respond more cordially than they do. And not just to me. With the written word, there are no extra cues that could give much more insight to the tone and context of a message...as if voice and visual were added to the package. Are you sure there's not a better way to respond than the way you are about to when you hit the "enter" key?

(I don't argue. I can't think of the last time I have. When I haven't , some have perceived it as a lack of interest. I have never had a constructive argument with anyone...ever. And I don't believe I have ever witnessed one. I'll have a passionate discussion, but that's as far as I'll go. "Mister Spock" is my hero. From the perspective of a martial artist, I love it when emotion and attitude allows me to have the advantage over others...)

Maybe I should just be thankful that someone has taken any interest in my expressions at all. Maybe.

Aw, screw 'em...

Girl With a One Track Mind: Exposed...(review)

From her blog:

"My name is Zoe Margolis – also known as Abby Lee, or the Girl with a One Track Mind.

"Six years ago, I began writing my blog, Girl With A One-Track Mind, which, with complete honesty, detailed the ins-and-outs of my sex life, and my thoughts and feelings about the subject matter.

"During late 2005, I was approached by a publisher to write my first book, based on the blog, which was written under my pseudonymn, Abby Lee. On August 3rd 2006, the book was published....a newspaper decided to ‘out’ me and rid me of my anonymity.

"...My follow-up book Girl with a One Track Mind: Exposed is published by Pan Macmillan..."

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I haven't read her first book ("Girl with a One-Track Mind: Confessions of the Seductress Next Door"), and wanted to before reading this one ("Girl With a One Track Mind: Exposed: Further Revelations of a Sex Blogger")...but was unable to get a copy. I asked Zoe if I should read the first book before the second...she said: "Not necessarily: each book stands on its own. But reading the first will give you something to compare against, however..."

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She begins the book with a position that reads:

"...to get the no-holds-barred low-down on blokes and shagging...it's so nice to have a male friend...to whom I can put my explicit questions and to be able to converse about sex..."

That goes both ways. It's great to be able to bluntly speak with a woman about: what they/she likes and dislikes, and how they/she feels (physically and emotionally).

After reading a few posts, I became a little frustrated because I don't know what year she's writing in: she gives the month and date, but not the year. (But as I'll explain later, I was able to compose a timeline by matching the dates given in the book with other information...)

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Reading her conversations with other women reminded me of a book I read in my late teens, around 1980, titled "How to Make Love to a Woman". That particular book will give young males some hints as to what women might be looking for...

To my surprise, she gives a bad review of the Rampant Rabbit adult accessory. I remember reading about it, and have known those who have purchased and used the device, but never been aware of someone who doesn't like it and its performance. I have known of one woman for whom it was not sturdy enough...she broke it. (The device I've read the most positive comments about is the "Magic Wand", though I've never personally known of a woman who has owned one.)

She mentions her concerns about having enough stamina to meet her expected upcoming encounter(s). I believe most guys find out "the hard way" that we can be outlasted by women. (I've developed a theory that...putting aside the morality of most people...due to they appear to enjoy and need more time during intimate encounters, women could best be served by two men at a time: tag-team titillation, if you will.)

A few more entries past the one regarding stamina...(to my surprise) she addresses the issue of two men and one woman! And, how for most it appears to be more taboo than two women and one man. Which leaves me a little confused, because...to me...morally it's the same difference. I guess it's more because of her preference (and not because of logistics and tactical analysis).

From her postings on her blog, and in her book(s), she has a message for women that I totally agree with: it is the responsibility of every woman to know what she likes, and how she wants to be pleasured...and not to be afraid to share that information. Every woman/person is different and prefers different things. I know of no one who can read minds, and very few that can correctly interpret and translate body language so...yes, ladies...it is greatly appreciated if you can make it as easy as possible for us (men) to know what buttons to push. There have been times when I wished a manual would have been provided before the first date.

On page 275, Zoe states what I just have in the previous paragraph: women need to know themselves, and also need to speak-up (so to speak)...

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As I get halfway through this book, I begin to understand that the first half of it contains writings created before the first book was was published. And I find I am correct: I have now arrived to where Zoe is aware that someone knows that she is the author of her first book.

A newspaper uncovered who she is. And, if Zoe is correctly quoting a voicemail message she received on her telephone, they are threatening to print pictures of her that they have...but if she gives an interview they will allow her to pose for their photographer. I'm not surprised to find that the newspaper is owned by Rupert Murdoch...

What did surprise me was, in an e-mail message to Zoe, the publication will also identify her mother, and her mother's address (in addition to Zoe's address). Why? Why is this necessary? Sometimes you just want to get a baseball bat and...

I was able to find the article on the newspaper's website dated August 2006. (There was an earlier article reviewing the book July 2006.)

Because of all of the publicity, she loses her job (because the employer doesn't have the guts to stick by her).

Throughout the book Zoe mentions how she would rather her mother and father not read her (first) book and blog...which leaves me a bit sad for her parents (and her). Only because she says how great her realtionship is with her parents, my belief is that if it is (that great)...their relationships should be able to handle ANYTHING.

As I get towards the end of the book she focuses on her insecurities of having satisfying relationships now that men are aware of the content of her first book. For all of her confidence that we have been exposed to, she appears to (continue to) have flashes of a little regret and intrepidation. I imagine there are many men who would love the opportunity to get to know her to find if she can be the one for them...of course she would need to find them appealing to her, and her needs and desires. Life is a pain in that way, ain't it?...

Because of everything, Zoe has had three identities: Zoe--her family name, "Abby Lee"--her sex blogger name, and "Katie"--a name she has used when dating after the first book was released and she was "outed". I've done the same. Members of family (including my ex-wives) call me by the name my mother gave to me at birth, my nickname ("S!ick") was given to me in junior high school by a student and has carried-over into my professional life, and...when I've felt it necessary...I have created other third identities so I can express myself and not felt the need to filter the content. Like Zoe/"Abby", I have said and posted things that others (in my personal life) took offense to...some as if I were attacking them when all I was doing was honestly expressing how I feel and my position on issues, as well as feeling free to create content of my choosing. I have also felt the need for a facade to explore beliefs and preferences without being falsely accused of anything, and having misunderstandings applied to who I really am.

"Hurrah!", I say to Zoe Margolis/"Abby Lee" for having the courage to contribute to the culture of humankind. Maybe we all might learn a little something more about ourselves and eachother.

book review, Racing While Black

Racing While Black
How an African-American Stock Car Team Made Its Mark on NASCAR

Leonard T. Miller, Andrew Simon

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As I began to read the book, I remembered in my mid-teens I had been to a drag race in Albuquerque in the mid-1970s that featured "Hell On Wheels": the car had a tank-styled theme. And, my first stepfather had an audio album recording of drag racing sounds. That's right, and album of nothing but drag racing...

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The book chronicles the experiences of a father and son who love racing and choose to own a team with the goal of participating in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). For all of their successes, there are many instances of overwhelming...and surprising examples of...lack of support from various types of people, white and black. Frustration is a constant theme within the book, as well as a love and passion for racing.

The negative responses from some Caucasians was not surprising. The described instances of unfulfilled agreements, and reneged commitments, greatly disturbed me. Those who said they were going to be helpful and abandoned Miller remind me of the phrase, "shooting oneself in the foot": they shot themselves in theirs (and shot Miller in his at the same time). There were potential sponsors that gave the impression they would participate, and never did. And major business organizations, and individuals, made commitments and did not honor them...but did attempt to take some credit for any glory and success that may have occurred.

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(Half-way through the book I thought this will make a great mini-series, or movie...and then I find...)

Leonard T. Miller is the screenwriter of the upcoming movie "Silent Thunder" which is based on the book by his father, Leonard W. Miller who is the first black owner of an American car racing team. HighRoad Entertainment has optioned the rights...

Power 1490, KJYK-Tucson, Reunion

Power 1490 Reunion

at Pearl Nightclub

Location:

445 Wetmore Rd (at Oracle) Tucson, AZ 85705

Saturday, May 22, 2010

begins at 9:00pm (to 2:00am)

15 years ago, Tucson's groundbreaking, underground Hip-Hop station, Power 1490 was turned off--with no notice, no goodbyes, no explanations.

The Power 1490 DJs have stayed in touch over the years, and for the first time in over a decade, are all getting together for The Power 1490 Reunion party at Pearl Nightclub.

Come meet and party with all your favorite Power 1490 DJs you used to listen to in high school! From Killer Keith, to Bruce St. James, M.C. Boogie D, Slick, Gary The Sandman, Brett The Man, Fat Head, R Dub, Kid Loco and many many more--they'll all be there! Plus Power 1490's DJ Blade will me in the mix with your favorite jams from the 90's!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event and the only time all the Power 1490 DJs will be together at one event, so come join us and re-live the old school, when we used to cruise South 6th Avenue, buy tapes at Loco's Music, and of course listen to Hip-Hop on the AM dial...

Power 1490 Jams!

the suicide tourist (FRONTLINE - PBS)

the suicide tourist (FRONTLINE - PBS) - Slick Show's MySpace Blog |

— Five months after being diagnosed with ALS, Craig Ewert arrived in Switzerland for his scheduled suicide. A story about struggling to live ... and deciding when to die.

It caused me to think about Andrew Koenig, Michael Blosil...my friend, Judi McHenry...and the father of Keith Olbermann.

Welcome to Macintosh

If you like computers...any kind of computers...you might like the documentary "Welcome to Macintosh".

I found I like to put it on like background music...like a screensaver...hell, you could play it in a lobby or waiting room (for the same reason you would leave magazines).

There are additional interviews of those in the documentary...you can put them on and just relax, and do other things while they're on. (I did.)

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In the Extras section:

"Making" contains one teaser, and three trailers...

"Photos" has pictures of old models, circuit boards, early drawings and sketches of what could have been. I wish each picture had a descriptive note so I knew what I was looking at...

and "Symbiosis" is more video of various models of Macintoshes.

The only thing I found strange was some "bleeping" of words that occurred. I wish there had not been that type of censoring.

Russel Honore has a book about disaster survival

I watched Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré (United States Army, now retired) on CNN commenting on the events of the earthquake in Haiti. I had taken great notice of his effectiveness during Hurricane Katrina; while I was watching the activities in Haiti that did, and did not, take place to help those suffering...I wondered why Honore was not put in charge of solving any problems THEY had.

As I looked around on the internet for information about his work in New Orleans, I found his website (http://generalhonore.com) and found that he has written "SURVIVAL: How a Culture of Preparedness Can Save Youand Your Family From Disasters"...he was kind enough to have a copy sent to me.

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In the prologue he states: "...Louisiana disaster response was the province of Lieutenant General Robert Clark, commander of U.S. Fifth Army in San Antonio, Texas...I was...not as familiar with the state or the city..."

As thankful as I am that Honore was sent, I now have questions for his superiors: why was Clark not sent?

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In the first chapter, he recounts his entry into to aftermath of Katrina in New Orleans. And, sets the foundation to understanding the limits of his authority in this manner.

This book needs to be read to try to understand why someone...anyone...did not come into New Orleans, kick-ass, and get the job done: overall, it's not "legal" to do so. Residents of Louisiana (and other states) need to understand laws that relate to them, and the relationship betweeen the federal government and the states: "There is a National Response Framework...There is no National Preparedness Plan for disasters."

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At the beginning of Chapter 7, he states:

"...The myth about federal government failing to prepare for Katrina just does not pass muster.

"...not Bush or FEMA officials or me or the First Army staff--fully realized the destructive power contained in that huge mass of swirling winds...

"...we had to wait for the governor to make the request of FEMA, which then had to send the request to the Department of Defense...

"...the lead agencies for those sorts of things...come from the affected states..."

If you take a very close look at why certain types of assistance to Haiti was not provided as fast as some expected, it's for the same reason: Haiti has a government that must authorize the actions of others. Beaurocracies have their benefits...and their disadvantages.

The PBS program NewsHour considered the military's roles in disasters...

"Several federal laws limit the role U.S. soldiers can play inside the United States. The reconstruction-era Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits federal troops from acting in a domestic law enforcement capacity unless specifically authorized by Congress..."

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In chapter 8, it struck me as funny (though not REALLY funny) that the Transportation Security Adminstration wanted to be able to screen people before they were allowed on planes to be evacuated from New Orleans...it appears that, in general, people were being screened as they were being evacuated from the area (and I suspect that some may have been taken into custody).

In the book, Honore states that when he wanted to speak with FEMA director Mike Brown, Honore was told that Brown was out to dinner and unavailable. (Go ahead...throw something. Preferably at "Brownie"...)

As I read this chapter I am reminded of my belief that we need more amateur radio operators. I have always wanted to be one but, due to time lack of money, never been able to get the license.

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He discusses expectations of what could, and should, have been done. And which agencies (local/state/federal) could, and should, have done it. And which agency can, and cannot, by law. And is, and is not, trained for certain services. Many (including me) expected the federal government to step in and "save everyone". Had they done that, it could have cause the federal government to become completely and totally responsible for that action, and any issues (good and bad) caused by doing so.

Everyone (local/state/federal) has a part to play, and needs to play their position. It was the responsibility of the state of Lousiana to oversee and handle the Katrina situation...and if they could not, then ask for assistance from the federal government. So, at times, I guess being angry with the federal government can be too easy to do: I/we expect them to perform miracles...and therefore sometimes they can be the large, visible target.

And Honore reminds us that we are our own responsibility: don't expect the government...ANY government...to provide for us, and to protect us. If we do, we get what we get. If we get anything at all...

Page 196: "...being proactive can be an expensive proposition and state and local governments generally will not spend the money necessary to do it..."

In addition, throughout the book he reminds us that there are a lot of services that are not under the direct control of the agencies that is responsible to provide them: emergency drinking water is not stocked by government agencies, but contracted from companies...communications services are provided by companies to government, AND MILITARY, departments (if they have been paid for)...businesses that provide services to transport supplies may not be "open" when they are needed...

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At the end of each chapter there is a list of "Lessons Learned" (they don't appear to be related to what has been presented in the chapter).

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Buy this book for: your state/county/local representatives...state/local police...I believe anyone could benefit from the information in this book.

It is available as an ebook (http://books.simonandschuster.com/Survival/Lt-Gen-Russel-Honore-(U-S-Army-ret)/9781416599005).