ph: Viktor Vauthier
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Vignettes #61
Some people who know me well call me a 'weirdo magnet'. Just tonight Ursula and I went to visit the opening of an exhibition ('Armenhausreich' at the Kunstverein Graz) where quite a few of our friends were participating artists, and we expected to meet a lot more friends on the occasion. We arrived timely, and the show was already well attended. For a moment we both just stood there taking in the scenery and checking for familar faces. It was just a few seconds, but enough time for an elderly heavyset guy to approach us asking whether we had a few moments time for him. Politely, but reluctantly we didn't say no, and this man started talking about 'outer space physics' and how the 'powers above us' are manipulating us. He managed to include health insurance abuse in his sermon and how our democracy is being undermined. Nothing what he said made any sense, and he was rapidly mentioning different topics which obviously had no connection to each other. We finally managed to shake him off by accepting his flyer and promising to 'study' it. Later a short look didn't help much either, especially since the paper had a text no longer than 4 or 5 sentences. Obviously, he was on about the so-called 'Weltraumgesetz' (The 1967 'Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies') and his aim was to install some kind of human rights declaration within this law...
Friday, June 15, 2012
First Lines: Lady Caroline Lamb - Glenarvon
It was many years since Sir Everard last beheld his brother, when one night Camioli, bearing in his arms Elinor his child, about five years of age, returned, after his long absence to his native town, and knocked at Sir Everard's door.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
First Lines: Percy Bysshe Shelley - Zastrozzi
(art: Clifford Webb)
Torn from the society of all he held dear on earth, the victim of secret enemies, and exiled from happiness, was the wretched Verezzi!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
William S. Burroughs: A Man Within (2010)
William S. Burroughs: featuring never before seen footage as well as exclusive interviews with his closest friends and colleagues.
Although not neglecting his cultural influence (but slightly failing) this documentary does succeed in investigating William S. Burroughs' persona.
Monday, June 11, 2012
First Lines: Friedrich Schiller - The Ghost-Seer
I am about to relate an adventure which to many will appear incredible, but of which I was in great part an eye-witness.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Warriors (1979)
In a future, dystopian New York City, turf gangs and cops rule the streets, and after a misfired meetings of all gangs The Warriors must fight their way home to Coney Island.
A perfect street gang movie made in comic-style and told with mythological depth, an instant classic.
Jaws (1975)
When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.
A brilliantly executed monster movie that launched the director's even more brilliant career.
