Muse and Whirled Retort 2011
The Muse and Whirled Retort September 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Muse and Whirled Retort September 2011
Chris Chandler's M.U.S.E. .A.N.D. .W.H.I.R.L.E.D. .R.E.T.O.R.T.
Vol. XII issue viii
September 11 2011
Oakland, CA
********************
FIRST FLASH FLASH FLASH
The new CD tentatively titled "Matadors" is well on its way. Paul Benoit is doing a terrific job producing it. Holy Cow.
Most of your new favorites will be on it. "Matadors/ Flyer Girl." "Lightning Bugs and Barflies/ Stand By Me," "Freedom is/ Bird on a Wire," "Stagehands/ Bloom," and "Rings/ If Love is a Stranger." To name a few.
If you would like to become an executive producer on this important project a donation of a mere hundred dollars will get your name in the liner notes.
The easiest way is through Pay Pal – and you can click right here to do that: then go to the coffee can on the right www.chrischandler.org
Or you can write a cheque and send it to
Chris Chandler
1095 E 33rd St
Oakland, CA 94610
DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE HOW YA WANT YOUR NAME LISTED
THE SPECIAL SEPTEMBER, 2011 TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER ELEVENTH
(and other tales of 7 years of Bush and 3 of Obama we have had since)
I remember where I was. I am sure you do too. I also remember writing the first one of these news letters after it happened.
And now, ten years after 9-11…What a different world we live in?… or do we?
…remember back to the good ol days – right after it happened. When we actually paused and thought we Americans might change. When we were the 101st monkey realizing that people out there might hate us… like Richard II looking at The Peasant's Revolt of 1381. The moment we all realized NOBODY wants death in the streets, that maybe we can fix this. Some of us even thought long and hard about how.
The pundits even claimed that we had changed.
They claimed that we Americans would never go back to our reality show lives – that he endless imagery of the twin towers falling would make us think reality itself was a good enough show -- and that Survivor would not survive -- and there would be an end to shows like American Idol, Desperate Housewives, and Who Wants to Marry a Republican?
We have NOT changed…
Oh, sure we managed to elect a president that can complete a sentence.
(Though truly – if you think back to 2008… after 8 years of George Bush and Dick Cheeney I really believe we could have elected a can of corn.)
and it turns out maybe a sentence is the only thing Barack Obama can complete.
What we got was a guy promising change – but the only change he provides us is his ever changing mind. This Mr. Obama turns out to be "The Great Compromiser," in a time that the LAST thing we need is compromise.
This is the only guy on the planet that could walk into a used car lot and pay more than the sticker price on a jalopy. The thing won't get him off the lot. He gets out and starts pushing and boasts to the world that we're moving.
He pushes it right through a red light and gets a ticket. The judge says that'll be a hundred bucks. Obama say's how about one twenty-five?
Everyone on the right claims Obama to be the worst president ever – which is of course far from true – a disappointment maybe but not evil. I think it is funny that they are saying that thought because it's the only thing they could think of because the left yelled it so loudly when it was pretty darned close to true.
And while we are on the subject - I would like to give Lil George a break – this being the ten year anniversary of9-11 – I want o say to the 9-11 conspirators – as much as I think George W Bush should be prosecuted forward crimes – he and Dick Cheeney were not filling their post 9-11moments firing missiles into the Pentagon – even they are not that bad – but keep it up guys – just while you're doing it – go hangout with the Tea Party folks and make them look bad at their rallies for a while.
Yes, I have to remind my friends on the left that George Bush was NOT that bad – nor was he the worst president ever.
There was one worse…
…Jefferson Davis.
A man, who came from privilege, was not elected, and whose cause was morally bankrupt and yet, sent thousands of naive young Americans out to fight and die for it while still botching the whole damn thing. (Sound familiar?)
While still on this Civil War metaphor… our current president likes to think of himself as Abraham Lincoln but to me he appears to me to be like Abe's predecessor James Buchanan. A well spoken dandy elected on the promise of hope for peace but with the spine of a banana.
While we are STILL on this (albeit twisted) Civil War metaphor…
…After Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Lincoln (Obama's hero) did something brilliant.
He made sure that the surrendering army would continue getting paid. He took their arms and sent them home, told them to tend to their families. He gave them benefits as if they were Union army veterans. It helped to unify a country torn apart by civil war and was a hell of a lot cheaper than continuing to police a hostile, economically devastated country. (Sound familiar?)
Hindsight is only 20/20 when you have some sort of vision to begin with.
And today we have half the country blindly considering electing another Texas Governor full of John Wayneisms and the moral compass of The Ringo Kid.
Hind sight? Or no vision at all?
Don't they remember the 8 years we had with Mr. Magoo sailing the ship of state off the edge of the flat earth. “Oh Magoo, you’ve done it again.”
It is ten years after 9-11and we don't seem to be going about things any different. This Arab Spring did not happen because of us – it happened in-spite of us. After our performance in Iraq or Afghanistan, do you think there is a single Arab 20 year old out there tweeting: "Oh the Americans will help us get our power grid back up and running."
Sure sure sure… there was that moment that some of us like to remember – the one we thought would be the big change after 9-11: Barak Obama standing in front of a sea of flags shouting, "YES WE CAN!"
I remember it well. I was there. In fact I remember it as vividly as I where I was on 9-11 when the phone rang and my friend said, "Chandler, turn the television on RIGHT NOW!"
That moment in DC – all of us hanging on the mall – hugging total strangers, weeping in their arms - seemed to displace all the horrible missteps that we took after we were so viciously attacked.
In that moment, I believed the phoenix that we all knew would arise from the ashes of the 20th century might turn out to be a dove.
But three years later I am getting tired of the taste of Dove McNuggets.
The drone attacks continue. We are still at war – actually The Marine Corp is at war – America is out shopping – but I digress -- Guantanamo Bay remains open. George Bush and Dick Cheeney are not going to be prosecuted as war criminals, and all of the Nobel Peace Prize good will was spent on compromising a new health-care system into one that is actually worse than what we had before -- nothing.
And while we are at it… "Don't Ask Don't Tell" does not mean "Don't ask what took so long…" Because I can tell you.
We continue to make the same mistakes.
Most recently, Qaddafi is gone but NOW… (Like in Baghdad) where are the aircraft carriers filled with cement mixers and the skies looking like Normandy, only filled with parachutes dropping generators made in Normal, Illinois?
Where are the battalions of construction workers; the divisions of translators and cultural liaisons; the brigades of electrical and civil engineers?
I say: You bomb it, you fix it.
I think back to 9-11 and of the Pundits asking for that moment of silence. Every time I see the bombs falling – every time I hear those chants of “USA USA,”
I wish SOMEONE would ask for another moment of silence.
A year of silence.
A millennium of silence.
But no one does.
And I realize that what they were really asking for with their moments of silence was for ME to be… well… silent.
And I was… well, as silent as I could be…
And now am I supposed to be silent again?
I know we "liberals" are not supposed to criticize our president – or we will wind up with Michelle Bachman. Frankly I think the ONLY thing Obama has going for him is that the new crop of republican challengers is SO lame.
But, I thought that twice before… after 2000 and 2004… I take NOTHING for granted. NOTHING. I will vote for him (again) But, what was it that PT Barnum said, “There is an American born every minute?”
I was hoping Obama would be doing well enough in the polls that we could challenge him from the left – that I could make an image like the one in this news letter and not have to fear it would be stolen and used against ME. As if I were helping Rick Perry get elected, not MAKING Obama answer to the left.
But since we seem to have little choice -- Mr. Obama – We will vote for you but could ya do me this one little favor?
TAX THE RICH ALREADY!
Otherwise, the lesser of two Bo Weevils is still a failed crop.
****************************
A.N.N.O.U.N..C.E.M.E.N.T.S.
****************************
The new CD tentatively titled "Matadors" is well on its way. Paul Benoit is doing a terrific job producing it. Holy Cow.
Most of your new favorites will be on it. "Matadors/ Flyer Girl." "Lightning Bugs and Barflies/ Stand By Me," "Freedom is/ Bird on a Wire," "Stagehands/ Bloom," and "Rings/ If Love is a Stranger." To name a few.
If you would like to become an executive producer on this important project a donation of a mere hundred dollars will get your name in the liner notes.
The easiest way is through Pay Pal – and you can click right here to do that: then go to the coffee can on the right www.chrischandler.org
Or you can write a cheque and send it to
Chris Chandler
1095 E 33rd St
Oakland, CA 94610
DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE HOW YA WANT YOUR NAME LISTED
*********************************
Paul Frankie and Chris are looking at a CD release tour in Mid November
Cities to include Ashland, OR, Cottage Grove OR, Eugene OR, Olympia, WA, Seattle, WA, Port Townsend, WA.
If you have any ideas about bringing us to yor town, home or favorite watering hole – DROP ME A LINE.
*********************************
I am competing in the 2011 AmeriCymru Eisteddfod on September 23 24 and 25.
Jen will be in Los Angeles as an invited Visual Artist and I (Yes me) will be in an international competition of storytellers. Wish me luck. The world's Got talent. I did an interview for the event
http://americymru.blogspot.com/2011/08/interview-with-jen-delyth-welsh-celtic.html
*******************************
Jen and I have been working hard at Celtic Art Studio. We have developed new products – check he latest creations at wwwcelticartstudio.com
**********************************
I am working on several new videos for David Rovics’ new album
*******************************
T.H.A.N.K.Y.O.U.
****************************
Jen Delyth, Paul Benoit, Frankie Hernandez, Anne Feeney, Blake, Jaekel, Dan Webber, The Oakland Poetry Slam, Poetry Express, JC, The Pleasanton Scottish Highlands Games, Samantha Parton, Nick Green
****************************
H.E.R.E.S. .D.A. .D.A.T.E.S.
****************************
Friday, September 23rd, 2011 evening
2011 West Coast Eisteddfod - Welsh Festival of Arts
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Bvd Hollywood, CA 90027
website: http://www.americymru.net
Jen will be displaying her acclaimed art and wares
Saturday, September 24th, 2011 all day
2011 West Coast Eisteddfod - Welsh Festival of Arts
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Bvd Hollywood, CA 90027
website: http://www.americymru.net
Jen will be displaying her acclaimed art and wares
Sunday, September 25th, 2011 morning and afternoon
2011 West Coast Eisteddfod - Welsh Festival of Arts
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Bvd Hollywood, CA 90027
website: http://www.americymru.net
Jen will be displaying her acclaimed art and wares
Saturday, October 1st, 2011 evening
KVMR Celtic Arts Festival
Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, CA
with Jen Delyth showing her acclaimed art and wares
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 morning and afternoon
KVMR Celtic Arts Festival
Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, CA
with Jen Delyth showing her acclaimed art and wares
Saturday, October 15th, 2011 day and night
Area 51 Presents The Visionary Arts Festival of Atlanta
Blue Tower Gallery
675 Metropolitan Parkway #1113Atlanta, GA
phone: 404 308 5626
- Area 51 Presents - featuring world class multi-disciplined visionary artists Alex and Allyson Grey , Jen Delyth, Chris Chandler (SOLO)Blue Tower Gallery 675 Metropolitan Parkway #1113 Atlanta, GA 404-308-5626 • Visionary Art Gallery • Laser Light show • Alex and Allyson Grey and three other artists live painting• DJ's • 3 Stages • Aerialists & Fire Performance Full-Day & Evening Indoor/Outdoor event12 noon until 5am.
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011 8:00
Spoken Word Feature
Java Monkey
205 E Ponce de LeonDecatur, GA 30030
phone: (404) 378-5002
website: http://www.javamonkeydecatur.com
Chris Chandler's M.U.S.E. .A.N.D. .W.H.I.R.L.E.D. .R.E.T.O.R.T.
Vol. XII issue viii
September 11 2011
Oakland, CA
********************
The new CD tentatively titled "Matadors" is well on its way. Paul Benoit is doing a terrific job producing it. Holy Cow.
Most of your new favorites will be on it. "Matadors/ Flyer Girl." "Lightning Bugs and Barflies/ Stand By Me," "Freedom is/ Bird on a Wire," "Stagehands/ Bloom," and "Rings/ If Love is a Stranger." To name a few.
If you would like to become an executive producer on this important project a donation of a mere hundred dollars will get your name in the liner notes.
The easiest way is through Pay Pal – and you can click right here to do that: then go to the coffee can on the right www.chrischandler.org
Or you can write a cheque and send it to
Chris Chandler
1095 E 33rd St
Oakland, CA 94610
DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE HOW YA WANT YOUR NAME LISTED
THE SPECIAL SEPTEMBER, 2011 TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER ELEVENTH
(and other tales of 7 years of Bush and 3 of Obama we have had since)
I remember where I was. I am sure you do too. I also remember writing the first one of these news letters after it happened.
And now, ten years after 9-11…What a different world we live in?… or do we?
…remember back to the good ol days – right after it happened. When we actually paused and thought we Americans might change. When we were the 101st monkey realizing that people out there might hate us… like Richard II looking at The Peasant's Revolt of 1381. The moment we all realized NOBODY wants death in the streets, that maybe we can fix this. Some of us even thought long and hard about how.
The pundits even claimed that we had changed.
They claimed that we Americans would never go back to our reality show lives – that he endless imagery of the twin towers falling would make us think reality itself was a good enough show -- and that Survivor would not survive -- and there would be an end to shows like American Idol, Desperate Housewives, and Who Wants to Marry a Republican?
We have NOT changed…
Oh, sure we managed to elect a president that can complete a sentence.
(Though truly – if you think back to 2008… after 8 years of George Bush and Dick Cheeney I really believe we could have elected a can of corn.)
and it turns out maybe a sentence is the only thing Barack Obama can complete.
What we got was a guy promising change – but the only change he provides us is his ever changing mind. This Mr. Obama turns out to be "The Great Compromiser," in a time that the LAST thing we need is compromise.
This is the only guy on the planet that could walk into a used car lot and pay more than the sticker price on a jalopy. The thing won't get him off the lot. He gets out and starts pushing and boasts to the world that we're moving.
He pushes it right through a red light and gets a ticket. The judge says that'll be a hundred bucks. Obama say's how about one twenty-five?
Everyone on the right claims Obama to be the worst president ever – which is of course far from true – a disappointment maybe but not evil. I think it is funny that they are saying that thought because it's the only thing they could think of because the left yelled it so loudly when it was pretty darned close to true.
And while we are on the subject - I would like to give Lil George a break – this being the ten year anniversary of9-11 – I want o say to the 9-11 conspirators – as much as I think George W Bush should be prosecuted forward crimes – he and Dick Cheeney were not filling their post 9-11moments firing missiles into the Pentagon – even they are not that bad – but keep it up guys – just while you're doing it – go hangout with the Tea Party folks and make them look bad at their rallies for a while.
Yes, I have to remind my friends on the left that George Bush was NOT that bad – nor was he the worst president ever.
There was one worse…
…Jefferson Davis.
A man, who came from privilege, was not elected, and whose cause was morally bankrupt and yet, sent thousands of naive young Americans out to fight and die for it while still botching the whole damn thing. (Sound familiar?)
While still on this Civil War metaphor… our current president likes to think of himself as Abraham Lincoln but to me he appears to me to be like Abe's predecessor James Buchanan. A well spoken dandy elected on the promise of hope for peace but with the spine of a banana.
While we are STILL on this (albeit twisted) Civil War metaphor…
…After Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Lincoln (Obama's hero) did something brilliant.
He made sure that the surrendering army would continue getting paid. He took their arms and sent them home, told them to tend to their families. He gave them benefits as if they were Union army veterans. It helped to unify a country torn apart by civil war and was a hell of a lot cheaper than continuing to police a hostile, economically devastated country. (Sound familiar?)
Hindsight is only 20/20 when you have some sort of vision to begin with.
And today we have half the country blindly considering electing another Texas Governor full of John Wayneisms and the moral compass of The Ringo Kid.
Hind sight? Or no vision at all?
Don't they remember the 8 years we had with Mr. Magoo sailing the ship of state off the edge of the flat earth. “Oh Magoo, you’ve done it again.”
It is ten years after 9-11and we don't seem to be going about things any different. This Arab Spring did not happen because of us – it happened in-spite of us. After our performance in Iraq or Afghanistan, do you think there is a single Arab 20 year old out there tweeting: "Oh the Americans will help us get our power grid back up and running."
Sure sure sure… there was that moment that some of us like to remember – the one we thought would be the big change after 9-11: Barak Obama standing in front of a sea of flags shouting, "YES WE CAN!"
I remember it well. I was there. In fact I remember it as vividly as I where I was on 9-11 when the phone rang and my friend said, "Chandler, turn the television on RIGHT NOW!"
That moment in DC – all of us hanging on the mall – hugging total strangers, weeping in their arms - seemed to displace all the horrible missteps that we took after we were so viciously attacked.
In that moment, I believed the phoenix that we all knew would arise from the ashes of the 20th century might turn out to be a dove.
But three years later I am getting tired of the taste of Dove McNuggets.
The drone attacks continue. We are still at war – actually The Marine Corp is at war – America is out shopping – but I digress -- Guantanamo Bay remains open. George Bush and Dick Cheeney are not going to be prosecuted as war criminals, and all of the Nobel Peace Prize good will was spent on compromising a new health-care system into one that is actually worse than what we had before -- nothing.
And while we are at it… "Don't Ask Don't Tell" does not mean "Don't ask what took so long…" Because I can tell you.
We continue to make the same mistakes.
Most recently, Qaddafi is gone but NOW… (Like in Baghdad) where are the aircraft carriers filled with cement mixers and the skies looking like Normandy, only filled with parachutes dropping generators made in Normal, Illinois?
Where are the battalions of construction workers; the divisions of translators and cultural liaisons; the brigades of electrical and civil engineers?
I say: You bomb it, you fix it.
I think back to 9-11 and of the Pundits asking for that moment of silence. Every time I see the bombs falling – every time I hear those chants of “USA USA,”
I wish SOMEONE would ask for another moment of silence.
A year of silence.
A millennium of silence.
But no one does.
And I realize that what they were really asking for with their moments of silence was for ME to be… well… silent.
And I was… well, as silent as I could be…
And now am I supposed to be silent again?
I know we "liberals" are not supposed to criticize our president – or we will wind up with Michelle Bachman. Frankly I think the ONLY thing Obama has going for him is that the new crop of republican challengers is SO lame.
But, I thought that twice before… after 2000 and 2004… I take NOTHING for granted. NOTHING. I will vote for him (again) But, what was it that PT Barnum said, “There is an American born every minute?”
I was hoping Obama would be doing well enough in the polls that we could challenge him from the left – that I could make an image like the one in this news letter and not have to fear it would be stolen and used against ME. As if I were helping Rick Perry get elected, not MAKING Obama answer to the left.
But since we seem to have little choice -- Mr. Obama – We will vote for you but could ya do me this one little favor?
TAX THE RICH ALREADY!
Otherwise, the lesser of two Bo Weevils is still a failed crop.
****************************
A.N.N.O.U.N..C.E.M.E.N.T.S.
****************************
The new CD tentatively titled "Matadors" is well on its way. Paul Benoit is doing a terrific job producing it. Holy Cow.
Most of your new favorites will be on it. "Matadors/ Flyer Girl." "Lightning Bugs and Barflies/ Stand By Me," "Freedom is/ Bird on a Wire," "Stagehands/ Bloom," and "Rings/ If Love is a Stranger." To name a few.
If you would like to become an executive producer on this important project a donation of a mere hundred dollars will get your name in the liner notes.
The easiest way is through Pay Pal – and you can click right here to do that: then go to the coffee can on the right www.chrischandler.org
Or you can write a cheque and send it to
Chris Chandler
1095 E 33rd St
Oakland, CA 94610
DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE HOW YA WANT YOUR NAME LISTED
*********************************
Paul Frankie and Chris are looking at a CD release tour in Mid November
Cities to include Ashland, OR, Cottage Grove OR, Eugene OR, Olympia, WA, Seattle, WA, Port Townsend, WA.
If you have any ideas about bringing us to yor town, home or favorite watering hole – DROP ME A LINE.
*********************************
I am competing in the 2011 AmeriCymru Eisteddfod on September 23 24 and 25.
Jen will be in Los Angeles as an invited Visual Artist and I (Yes me) will be in an international competition of storytellers. Wish me luck. The world's Got talent. I did an interview for the event
http://americymru.blogspot.com/2011/08/interview-with-jen-delyth-welsh-celtic.html
*******************************
Jen and I have been working hard at Celtic Art Studio. We have developed new products – check he latest creations at wwwcelticartstudio.com
**********************************
I am working on several new videos for David Rovics’ new album
*******************************
T.H.A.N.K.Y.O.U.
****************************
Jen Delyth, Paul Benoit, Frankie Hernandez, Anne Feeney, Blake, Jaekel, Dan Webber, The Oakland Poetry Slam, Poetry Express, JC, The Pleasanton Scottish Highlands Games, Samantha Parton, Nick Green
****************************
H.E.R.E.S. .D.A. .D.A.T.E.S.
****************************
Friday, September 23rd, 2011 evening
2011 West Coast Eisteddfod - Welsh Festival of Arts
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Bvd Hollywood, CA 90027
website: http://www.americymru.net
Jen will be displaying her acclaimed art and wares
Saturday, September 24th, 2011 all day
2011 West Coast Eisteddfod - Welsh Festival of Arts
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Bvd Hollywood, CA 90027
website: http://www.americymru.net
Jen will be displaying her acclaimed art and wares
Sunday, September 25th, 2011 morning and afternoon
2011 West Coast Eisteddfod - Welsh Festival of Arts
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Bvd Hollywood, CA 90027
website: http://www.americymru.net
Jen will be displaying her acclaimed art and wares
Saturday, October 1st, 2011 evening
KVMR Celtic Arts Festival
Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, CA
with Jen Delyth showing her acclaimed art and wares
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 morning and afternoon
KVMR Celtic Arts Festival
Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, CA
with Jen Delyth showing her acclaimed art and wares
Saturday, October 15th, 2011 day and night
Area 51 Presents The Visionary Arts Festival of Atlanta
Blue Tower Gallery
675 Metropolitan Parkway #1113Atlanta, GA
phone: 404 308 5626
- Area 51 Presents - featuring world class multi-disciplined visionary artists Alex and Allyson Grey , Jen Delyth, Chris Chandler (SOLO)Blue Tower Gallery 675 Metropolitan Parkway #1113 Atlanta, GA 404-308-5626 • Visionary Art Gallery • Laser Light show • Alex and Allyson Grey and three other artists live painting• DJ's • 3 Stages • Aerialists & Fire Performance Full-Day & Evening Indoor/Outdoor event12 noon until 5am.
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011 8:00
Spoken Word Feature
Java Monkey
205 E Ponce de LeonDecatur, GA 30030
phone: (404) 378-5002
website: http://www.javamonkeydecatur.com