it's important...

It's important not to get bogged down with political 'what ifs' when considering whether to support the protestors of the middle east. There is a tendency amongst politicians, and the general public, to wonder what would happen if the apathy inducing tyrants presently controlling the middle east were to fall, it's easy to worry that such a gap in tyrants, such awakeness amongst the people, would allow for a Muslim Brotherhood type islamist government, who then by some miracle give up their borders and form some sort of huge Caliphate, with links to al-qaeda and the ability to detonate nuclear weapons..

The reality is that the dictators posing as 'leaders of democratic countries' are violently attempting to silent the mass protests. After the relatively easy revolutions of Tunisia and Egypt, the people in neighbouring countries have been understandably roused with anger and hope for change. The neighbouring governments on the other hand, after the relatively easy fall of the dictators in Tunisia and Egypt, have started shitting stones, and in turn have put on a rather heavy boot (a heavy boot in the form of tanks and shootings).

All we can do in more priveliged countries is put aside our petty and unfounded worries, and support the people who deserve the same freedoms that we have, the same choice over who leads them, and the same freedom to peacefully protest without getting shot in the head.

scrubbers

did you ever see scrubs ?

i imagine the real thing would have much more humour to it (considering that scrubs had.. none)
but if you've ever wanted to dress up in scrub uniform (not a uniform for the tv series, but a uniform for nurses and doctors) whether for your own peasure.. or for medical reasons.. for a party.. a strange party. Or a waking dream. Or if you don't really want to dress up in such clothing, but know someone who does, maybe a woman, for which you'd need the women's scrub outfit.. or a man.. for which you'd need the opposite..
then you'd better click one of the links.

Let England Shake by PJ Harvey

Three songs from her latest album, no need for a running commentary, i love it.

Email Scam

I recently received an email from a Mr Raymos, unfortunately i wasn't the only one. Names, locations and professions may change, but it's the same scam to steal your money. Be careful.

Hello
I saw a preview of your work via a friend of mine Sarah Edward she reside in London United Kingdom she a send me a link to a site that previewed your work so am writing in request to know if you can direct me to your own personal website where i can view more of your work and see if we can reach an agreement in purchasing some of it.

I am aconstruction engineer by profession in Madrid Spain am going to be displaying your work in both my office and resident my friend also tell me about your creative approach to you work and it's creativeness i do not reside in the England which as been a major concern to me on our to purchase your piece can you send me images or website to your new work.
Thanks
Raymos

The Tale of the Suspicious Spaniard..

I had an unexpected email last night from a spanish labourer who'd saw my work through somebody else's suggestion, and was interested in buying some things. All very nice, of course my first thought was that it was some sort of spammer, trying to rob of my much needed money. But there was no links in the email, no attachments, it was pretty straight forward, even the email address was without suspicion. And anyway, if you were going to try to scam someone of money, you're best bet isn't to pick on some struggling out of work artist.

I was also a little bit afraid too, it is much easier it is much easier to remain 'comfortably numb', to accept that no-one likes your work, no-one's interested, and no-one's going to buy it, because when someone comes up to you, out of the blue, with an interest in purchasing it.. i feel startled, cornered, i want to LASH OUT! But instead, i got over myself and replied very nicely, with a link to my personal website. Numbness and fear of some sort of success doesn't last very long when the other option is to carry on painting daily in a greenhouse.. in winter.. alone.

who knows, he might not get back to me.

....

Cecily Brown - a great artist, and a very good book.