News@Donna Gaines

Prop 8--The Musical

2008-12-05T18:16:00.001-08:00

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

God Bless President-Elect Obama

2008-11-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

And on that day all of God's children, black men and white men, women, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, straight and queer, disabled and not, young and old, stood together, joining hands and singing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
---adapted from Rev.MLK's "I Have a Dream"

4,151 American Deaths in Iraq

2008-08-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Peaks Update

2008-08-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Court Reverses Decision Protecting Environmental & Cultural
Integrity of San Francisco Peaks
Tribes & Environmental Groups Affirm Commitment to Protect Holy Mountain
______________________________________________________________________________
August 8, 2008, Flagstaff, AZ -- The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a long awaited ruling today in the case to protect the environmental and cultural integrity of Arizona's San Francisco Peaks. The split decision overturned a previous court ruling and has temporarily denied attempts by tribes and environmental groups to stop Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort from expanding development and making fake snow from treated sewage effluent on the holy mountain.

"The cultural survival of more than 13 Indigenous Nations is directly intertwined with the environmental integrity of the holy San Francisco Peaks," said Jeneda Benally, a volunteer with the Save the Peaks Coalition. "Today's decision not only places these ways of life in peril but sets the stage for an ecological and public health catastrophe. We have no choice but to uphold our commitment to protect the holy San Francisco Peaks," continued Benally.

The United States Forest Service manages the San Francisco Peaks as public land and has faced multiple lawsuits by the Navajo Nation, Hopi, White Mountain Apache, Yavapai Apache, Hualapai, and Havasupai tribes, as well as the Sierra Club, Flagstaff Activist Network, Center of Biological Diversity, and others after it initially approved the proposed ski area development in 2005.

In the most recent ruling, the Court found that using reclaimed sewer water to make snow for skiing on an admittedly sacred site posed no 'substantial burden' on the Plaintiffs' exercise of religion in this case. According to the Court, the "only effect of the proposed upgrades is on the Plaintiffs' subjective, emotional religious experience. That is, the presence of recycled wastewater on the Peaks is offensive to the Plaintiffs' religious sensibilities…the diminishment of spiritual fulfillment – serious though it may be – is not a 'substantial burden' on the free exercise of religion." The Court dismissed Plaintiffs' religious beliefs as calling them mere "damaged spiritual feelings."

Tribes' primary arguments focused on religious issues by utilizing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which they had hoped would provide the necessary legal protection where other laws such as the American Religious Freedom Act have failed.

"The opinion is unfortunate and, in my opinion wrong," stated Howard Shanker, who represents Navajo Nation, Havasupai Tribe, White Mountain Apache Nation, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, and the Flagstaff Activist Network. "The Court places itself in the position of judging the legitimacy of Native American beliefs and practices. It becomes the arbiter of religion which is not the proper role for the courts. The evidence clearly shows that the Peaks are important to 13 of the Tribes in the southwestern United States and that using sewer water to make snow on them constitutes a significant burden on the Tribe's ability to practice their religion."

"In this country Native Americans have no First Amendment rights when it comes to government land use decisions," stated Howard Shanker, who is also running for Congress in Arizona’s Congressional District 1. "The federal government likely holds thousands of acres of land that Tribes hold sacred. This case was the last, best chance for the Tribes to be able to provide some legal protection to those lands. In a nation that prides itself on religious liberty, it is unconscionable that Native American beliefs are not respected under the law or the Constitution. We anticipate petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court for review of this matter," said Shanker.

"This ruling sets a negative precedent that impacts the future of Native American religious practice,” said Francis Tso of the Save the Peaks Coalition. “We will seek to reverse this appalling decision."

The three dissenting Judges from the en banc Court argued that, "Religious exercise, invariably, and centrally, involves a 'subjective' spiritual experience." The dissenting judges further provided that, "The majority's misunderstanding of the nature of religious beliefs and exercise as merely "subjective" is an excuse for refusing to accept the Indians' religion as worthy of protection under RFRA." As noted by the dissent, "RFRA was passed to protect the exercise of all religions, including the religions of American Indians. If Indians' land-based exercise of religion is not protected by RFRA in this case, I cannot imagine a case in which it will be. I am truly sorry that the majority has effectively read American Indians out of RFRA."

"This decision is a painful affirmation of the lack of protection for our religious freedom," said Alberta Nells with the Youth of the Peaks. Nells continued, "It is a bitter reminder that not all citizens are equal in this country, but just as the civil rights movement did not give up when courts delivered blow after blow, we will not give up until our rights are fully upheld. We, the youth, will continue to stand up for our cultural survival."

“Federal land management policies are inconsistent when addressing Native American religious practice relating to sacred places. This case underscores the fact that we need legislative action to guarantee protection for places held holy by Native American tribes”, stated Klee Benally of the Save the Peaks Coalition. “The deeply held religious beliefs of hundreds of thousands of citizens of this country have been trumped by a single for profit private business operating on public lands. What I keep wondering is ‘How is that considered justice?’” continued Benally.

Environmental groups argued that the Forest Service violated the National Environmental Policy Act. "Eight of eleven judges decided to completely ignore the issue of 'What happens if a child were to eat this snow?'" said Rudy Preston of the Flagstaff Activist Network and a plaintiff in the case. Preston continued saying that, "The court dismissed the whole health issue on a procedural error thereby refusing to comment on the true health impacts of this fake snow, which has been proven to contain harmful pharmaceuticals and personal care productions, on our children. The court has obviously cast off this responsibility, and we will continue to demand accountability for our children and the land."

Environmental groups are concerned with the health hazards of using treated sewage effluent to make this snow, and are committed to continuing to challenge this ruling. “We obviously disagree with ruling—snowmaking with sewage is still plainly a bad idea,” said Taylor McKinnon, Public Lands Director with the Center for Biological Diversity, “We’ll keep fighting along side our partners. This ruling only emboldens our resolve.”

The Save the Peaks Coalition will continue their commitment to unify tribes, environmentalists, and all people who care about religious freedom, the health of our communities, and the natural environment.

Contact: Jeneda Benally, Save the Peaks Coalition

(928) 380-8014

coalition@savethepeaks.org
www.savethepeaks.org

Landmark Decision

2008-06-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

Writing for the majority, Justice Antonin Scalia said the Constitution does not permit "the absolute prohibition of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home." The city's ban on handguns had been in place for 32 years.

ECUSA/ELCA Dinner

2008-04-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

On Thursday April 23, 2008, Guild of Scholars of the Episcopal Church President Nic Birns, member Donna Gaines and others attended the William Reed Huntington Sermon at Saint Peter's Church in NYC.

Episcopal Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori was the speaker at this annual event celebrating Christian unity and co-sponsored by the Anglican Society, the Ecumenical Relations Commission of the Episcopal Church, and St. Peter's Lutheran Church. The Lutheran Presiding Bishop, Mark S. Hanson, officiated the service, with Bishops Walker and Sisk of the Long Island and New York Episcopal dioceses were also present. The Eucharist and sermon was followed by a festive buffet dinner and a provocative question & answer session that lasted until after 9 pm

Deanie's Weenies Benefit

2008-04-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY, MAY 30, FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DEAN JOHNSON PRESENT ROCK N ROLL FAG BAR 2008 THE BENEFIT CONCERT at DON HILL'S 511 GREENWICH STREET (AT SPRING) NYC FROM 10:30 PM, $10 minimum donation.

Besides celebrating Johnson's cultural legacy in video and song, the evening also nods to his big heart - 100% of proceeds will benefit SYLVIA'S PLACE, providing shelter for homeless GLBT youth in NYC.

Go Army Sociology!

2008-04-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

On April 3, Donna Gaines spoke at the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociological Honor Society Induction Ceremony, United States Military Academy at West Point. Her topic was youth suicide and the military. This year, all of the inductees were women.

4000 American Soldiers

2008-03-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Raise the Kundalini--NY Dolls Live CD

2008-02-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK DOLLS release "Live at the Fillmore East" this spring. CD was recorded in December, available early Spring. Tracks include Jet Boy, which is a religious experience--or NYC's glue-sniffing answer to the Grateful Dead.

Mofunkorchestra

2008-01-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

Featuring nephew Matt Jalbert on guitar!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsmpRJHjcps

Hey, Scholar, Leave the Kids Alone!

2007-12-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

NY Times---Letters
December 24, 2007
Re “On Facebook, Scholars Link Up With Data” (front page, Dec. 17):

To the Editor:

Leave the kids alone!

As your article rightly observes, though gorgeous research possibilities for networking theory have exploded via explorations into Facebook, this type of fieldwork poses many compelling ethical and methodological issues — the rights of the researched, data collection from self-selected populations and, of course, privacy issues.

But one glaring unintended consequence must be considered: the reckless intrusion of adults into one of the few remaining sacred spaces where young people congregate for the creation of subculture, meaning and community.
Sites like Facebook offer connectivity, identity and refuge beyond the gaze of an ever-expanding, increasingly repressive and indifferent adult authority structure.

Before we proceed as scholars, let us first be citizens.

There needs to be a serious and lengthy conversation among scholars and youth activists about power and rights of access. The intergenerational politics and ethics violations inherent in this work are not so pretty.

Donna Gaines
New York, Dec. 17, 2007
The writer is a sociologist and author on youth culture.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/24/opinion/l24facebook.html?ref=opinion

Guild of Scholars

2007-11-18T10:37:00.001-08:00

Donna Gaines was recently elected into the Guild of Scholars of the Episcopal Church. The Guild is a group made up of Lay Episcopalians who meet annually at the General Theological Seminary in Manhattan.

http://www.guildofscholars.org/

Blackfire

2007-09-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Musicians, activists, soul warriors and Native American punks with guitar string ties to the Post-Ramones Empire, Blackfire tour the world bringing truth hope and dignity to peoples' struggles. They also just came out with an amazing new album produced by Ed Stasium. But don't take my word for it---check out the link below to see what Rolling Stone's David Fricke has to say about them. Now there's a man with a Ramones heart-- so tawl, ya gotta look up.

Rolling Stone : Fricke’s Picks: Blackfire, Pearl Jam and Eyvind Kang

ERASE HATE

2007-06-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

Please SIGN THE 'ERASE HATE' PETITION - HELP ERASE HATE.

Show your support for the Matthew Shepard Act by signing the Erase Hate Petition. Let your voice be heard and help us in our mission to Erase Hate. To sign please go to: http://www.matthewshepardfoundation.org/

HELP PASS THE MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT IN THE SENATE - ACT NOW! On May 3, the United States House passed the federal hate crimes legislation with bi-partisan support (237 - 180). The legislation now heads to the United States Senate, where it has been renamed the Matthew Shepard Act. In response to this, Judy Shepard, Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, said "I can’t think of a better way to honor Matthew’s memory. He was a 21-year-old college student just living his life."

ERASE HATE PETITIONThe Matthew Shepard Act is an appropriate and measured response to the unrelenting and under-addressed problem of violent hate crimes committed against individuals based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability. All people regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability deserve to be free from violence and crimes committed because of hatred and bias.

CALL NOW!
ASK YOUR SENATORS TO SUPPORT THE MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT
202-224-3121 and ask for your Senator's office

War All The Time

2007-06-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

Male Veterans Have Double the Suicide Rate of Civilians

Male veterans in the general U.S. population are twice as likely as their civilian peers to die by suicide, a large study shows. This study included 320,890 men age 18 and older in the general population, 104,026 of them veterans, whom researchers followed for 12 years. Veterans who were white, had at least 12 years of education, or whose daily-life activities were limited by health problems were at highest risk. Those who were overweight had a lower risk. By the end of the study, 197 of the veterans had died by suicide. Compared to civilian men who died by suicide, veterans were 58 percent more likely to use a firearm to end their lives. The researchers also note that the number of veterans with daily-life activity limitations – one of the higher risk factors for suicide listed above – is likely to rise. They suggest that clinical and community interventions will be needed, and call for clinicians to be alert for signs that veterans might be contemplating suicide and to assess their access to firearms.

Happy Birthday Joey Ramone!!

2007-05-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight we are celebrating what would have been Joey's 56th birthday at a sold out annual Birthday Bash in his honor at NYC's Irving Plaza. Doors open at 7 pm, Little Steven Van Zandt will officiate, and several great bands including the Bullys, Chesterfield Kings, Slinky Vagabond, NY Dolls and an all-star NY jam will pay tribute to punk's Patron Saint. Though we are deeply saddened by the recent loss of our Great Mother Ramone (Charlotte Lesher), her shimmering spirit will hover above, beaming light and love as brother Mickey Leigh cranks his guitar, Hosanna!

Joey's impact on punk subculture and spirituality flourishes; a legacy of inspiration to all us cretins, misfits, pinheads & warthogs. Tonight, we of NYC welcome an in-gathering of the PostRamones Empire; two generations, worldwide---Argentina, France, Japan, Finland, Australia, and Rockaway Beach, Queens!

Blast our twin towers, close our clubs, but you can't break our faith--the Ramones of NYC are too tough to die---!!!

Live From Slugland

2007-04-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 29 years of SLUGLIFE.

Please visit the SLUGS tribute website at www.myspace.com/slugsnyc

Live From Slugland

Add to My Profile More Videos

Donna on WBAI City Watch

2007-03-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

Donna Gaines will be interviewed on WBAI's City Watch, on Wednesday, March 28 at 10 am. Tune into 99.5 FM or access the podcast at www.wbai.org

A Misfit's Manifesto--now in paperback!

2007-03-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeremy Wang-Iverson, Publicity Director
(732) 445-7762 x 626 Tel
E-mail: jwi@rutgers.edu

The Spiritual Forces of Rock & Roll

“In A Misfit’s Manifesto, Donna Gaines has invented a new genre—the socioautobiography, a book of enormous energy, caring, and wisdom that proves, once again, that the personal is political and that women make history, but not under the conditions that they choose. . . . Rarely has journalism possessed such depth of perspective or has sociology been so much fun to read.”
—Paul DiMaggio, Princeton University

Dubbed the Margaret Mead of heavy metal, Donna Gaines is a walking, talking oxymoron, a turnpike intellectual. A street-smart meditation on alienation and engagement, this new edition of A Misfit’s Manifesto (Paper, 0-8135-4054-2, $22.95) includes a scholarly introduction that considers memoir as a sociological as well as literary genre, as a reflexive means of understanding the self in social context while nurturing a sociological imagination. Social memoir, Gaines argues, illuminates problems like alienation, marginality, addiction, and suicide, while making sociology more user-friendly and public. Now this work of dazzling originality and iconoclasm that has inspired misfits everywhere is an ideal text for classroom use, making complex social theory exciting, timely, and relevant for students.
Donna Gaines is the author of the bestselling book Teenage Wasteland: Suburbia’s Dead End Kids. Her work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Ms., the Village Voice, Salon, Spin, and Newsday and numerous scholarly venues.

First Paperback Edition
A Misfit’s Manifesto
The Sociological Memoir of a Rock & Roll Heart
Donna Gaines
408 pages, 6 x 9
Paper, $22.95, ISBN: 0-8135-4054-2
Publication Date: April 15, 2007

To request a review copy or schedule an interview, please contact us.

Announcing: Donna Gaines Consulting

2007-02-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

"In spite of being inorganically appended to it, the stranger is yet an organic member of the group."
---Georg Simmel

Welcome to my office.
In launching www.donnagaines-consulting.com I've attempted to formalize twenty years of public speaking, lectures, and workshops. Whether addressing youth suicide, alienation, addiction, spirituality, popular culture or healing, I look forward to being of continued service to students, professors, administrators and professionals.

This website is dedicated to my parents, Betty & D.O.M., two musicians who taught me, "Booksmarts & streetsmarts--that's a winning ticket."

Merry Happy Holy Hey Ho Let's Go!!

2006-12-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

Manhattan College, Riverdale NY

2006-12-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Ellen Willis (1941-2006)

2006-11-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

Funeral for Ellen Willis
Sunday, November 12 at 11:45 a.m
Riverside Memorial Chapel
180 West 76th Street (between 7th & 8th Avenue)
New York, NY 10001
(212) 362-6600

Five Years On----Reflections of 9/11

2006-10-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

In the most recent issue of “First of the Month” writers and readers - Hans Koning, Russell Jacoby, Paul Berman, Donna Gaines, Scott Spencer, Carolyn Nordstrom, Bill Ayers, Fredric Smoler, Eric Lott, Charles O’Brien, Paula Friedman, Leroy Searle, Benjamin Kessler – look back on 9/11.
http://www.firstofthemonth.org/archives/2006/10/five_years_on.html

CBGB's --My City is Gone

2006-10-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

The Last Song---Patti Smith @ CBGB's 10/15/06

2006-10-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

CBGB'S Video of "Elegie", Patti Smith performing the final song to ever be performed at CBGB's. She thanked Hilly and read the names of our dead, observing "33 years--that's the same age as Jesus." Lenny Kaye played the last note and it was finished.

Blackfire's Jeneda Benally is a Mom!!!!

2006-10-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

Continental--The Resurrection

2006-10-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

According to owner Trigger, after fifteen years of live music, next week the Continental will resurrect itself as "a dive bar with cheap drinks, a killer jukebox and a pool table---same place, same name, same staff."

An Acoustic Sunday Nights series is also planned. Lest we forget the great punk clubs of the 1970's began as old man bars, biker holes and divy gin joints hijacked for rock purposes by the young and restless. From the seeds of seediness, punk venues are born. Onward and upward we go, back to the future, back to the Continental (again).

CONTINENTAL
25 THIRD AVE @ ST. MARKS PLACE
continentalnyc.com

A Misfit's Manifesto: The Sociological Memoir of a Rock & Roll Heart

2006-07-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

In Spring 2007, Rutgers University Press will publish the scholarly paperback edition of A MISFIT'S MANIFESTO: THE SOCIOLOGICAL MEMOIR OF A ROCK & ROLL HEART. The paperback will be available for academic adoption and trade readerships. Below, Donna Gaines, with RUP Social Science/Religion Acquisitions Editor, Adi Hovav, in NYC.

Blackfire at Continental--Free Show Tuesday 7/18

2006-07-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

Fresh from Warped the Ramones favorite Navaho punks will play a free show on Tuesday at Continental, 25 Third Avenue at St. Marks. CJ discovered them, Joey produced them and we love them!!! 9:30 showtime.

For more information about the band go to their website.
http://www.blackfire.net/

Ramones CyberRadio 24/7

2006-06-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.myramones.com/ramones/index.shtm

Father Thomas Keating

2006-05-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

One of the three Trappist monks who distilled Centering Prayer from the Christian contemplative heritage, Father Keating addresses contemplation, right attention (to what we are doing) and intention (to why we are doing it). For anyone seeking to quiet the mind and allow the silence of God (meditation), hearing Father Keating is a breathtaking experience. Sunday May 21 2pm-4 pm at St Bart's Church, Park Avenue at East 51st, NYC. http://www.stbarts.org/.

EMERGE

2006-04-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Introducing a new form of alternative worship at St. Bart's Church that blends ancient Christian liturgy with modern urban expression. The iconic imagery, ambient music and sacred prayer of Emerge will create an experience to awaken your senses and meet you in your daily celebrations and struggles. Come be a part of Emerge every Sunday at 7 p.m.

For more information, call 212.378.0222 or go to http://www.stbarts.org/
St. Bart's Episcopal is located at Park Avenue & East 51 Street, NYC

"METAL: A Headbanger's Journey"

2006-04-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

A heartfelt documentry film by Sam Dunn features musicians Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Cannibal Corpse, Voivod, Dee Snider, Slayer, Dio, Lemmy, Vince Neil, Tommi Iommi (Sabbath), Bruce Dickinson (Maiden). With commentary by Chuck Klosterman, Deena Weinstein, Robert Walser and me. Available on DVD next month.

New York Dolls Give CBGB's a Great Big Kiss

2006-04-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Click here: New York Dolls / March 28, 2006 /(CBGB)

Review by Mike Ayers, fanboy scholar from "Soc. 666" (fourth from left, graduate seminar in Sociology of Popular Music, Graduate Faculty, New School University, published in Billboard

Simon Reynolds New Post-Punk Book

2006-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978-84

Simon Reynolds' new book will be of interest to most of the people who hit this site---for more information, check out http://www.simonreynolds.net

"Punk's raw power rejuvenated rock, but by summer 1977 it had become a parody of itself. is a celebration of what happened next--bands like Joy Division, Gang of Four, Wire, Contortions, Talking Heads, The Fall, Cabaret Voltaire, The Human League--who dedicated themselves to fulfilling punk's unfinished musical revolution. Based on over 125 interviews, Rip It Up offers a panoramic survey of the seven year period following punk, taking in everything from PIL to ABC to SST to ZTT, and dealing with genres including industrial, 2-Tone, synthpop, and goth. "

Interview with Donna Gaines--InterActions

2006-02-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

InterActions: UCLA Journal of Education and Information Studies
Volume 2, Issue 1 2006 Article 8

Special Issue: Cultural Studies Matters

“Sacred Profanities: Youth Alienation, Popular Culture, and Spirituality---An Interview with Donna Gaines by Ben Frymer"

http://repositories.cdlib.org/gseis/interactions/vol2/iss1/art8

My R&R Church

2006-02-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

Owner-guitarist Trigger recently told the NY Post that the immortal Continental at 25 Third Avenue off St. Marks will soon become a bar, no longer serving the Lower East Side as a music venue and punk church---replete with shrines to Joey Ramone, Johnny Bully and Iggy. A death sentence is already haunting CBGB's, and now this.

Post-Ramones Joey Ramone favored the club, situated diagonally across from his apartment on East 9th. He loved booking eclectic shows, playing MC, saying Continental reminded him of Max's in the early days. The walls are line with photos of punk's greatest hitters, local & global---Waldos, Blondie, Sea Monster, Furious George, Hanoi Rocks.... Go see it before it's too late. Take photos, bring your children, bring your parents, write a book, do a documentary, ok?

Sacred Mountain Under Seige--update

2006-01-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

Tribes & Environmental Groups Decry Snowbowl Decision, Vow Appeals to Protect Sacred Mountain.

Flagstaff, AZ -

Yesterday afternoon U.S. District Court Judge Paul Rosenblatt issued his decision on the lawsuits filed against the U.S. Forest Service and Arizona Snowbowl in their attempt to allow the wastewater Snowmaking and expansion plan on the Sacred San Francisco Peaks. Members of the Save the Peaks Coalition, Tribal leaders, environmental advocates, and concerned members of the community gathered at the foothills of the sacred mountain to voice their concerns and announce appeals to the decision at a news conference.

“The federal government felt, and the court affirmed, that the economic viability of the Arizona Snowbowl Resorts Limited Partnership was more of a priority than the beliefs of hundreds of thousands of Native Americans.” Said lawyer Howard Shaker who represented the Navajo Nation, Yavipai Apache, white Mt. Apache, The center for Bio logical Diversity, Sierra Club, Flagstaff Activist Network , in a written statement. “This decision will be appealed.”Leigh Kuwanwisiwma, director for the Hopi Tribe’s Cultural Preservation Office stated, “I want to express disappointment. The decision doesn’t surprise me at all, it’s a part of the legacy of insensitivity by federal agencies such as the Coconino National Forest Service on the civil and human rights of many people including the Hopi People.” Kuwanwisiwma said, “The tribe will consider an immediate call for an injunction in addition to an appeal.”

Jamie Fullmer, the Tribal Chairman of The Yavapai-Apache Nation and Vincent Randall a Tribal Council Historian released a joint statement expressing their disappointment to this “dangerous precedent”. “Recent history has shown the federal courts are not supportive of Native American sensibilities and traditions when it comes to issues concerning the landscape and spiritual health of our People. This decision to move ahead with fake snow may see some short term success, but the long term consequences and repercussions could over time haunt all of us, regardless of which culture you claim as your own.”

“This is a devastating tragedy for all those who value environmental health, culture and religious freedom.” said Klee Benally, Navajo of the Save the Peaks Coalition, “This is a miscarriage of justice. This is a defeat for those who have faith that the justice system is unbiased and indiscriminate, and all of us, native or not, will pay the price.”“The District Court’s decision to allow Snowbowl expansion and snowmaking with wastewater is yet another link in an ever-growing chain that shackles the environment and the people who value it.” Said Carly Long of the Flagstaff Activist Network, a litigant in the case. “There is still an opportunity for justice to be served at the 9th Circuit level in San Francisco and we will appeal the District Court’s ruling in this case.” Carly Long said, “We will persist in our endeavor to ensure that the spiritual integrity of all people whom hold this mountain sacred is upheld and unbroken.”"This is not the end, we have to continue to go forward in a peaceful way, until we let the mountain know that we’re not going to give up." Said Bucky Preston, a Hopi litigant, in a written statement.Coconino High School student Alberta Nells, Navajo, of the Youth of the Peaks stated, “We all realize the sacredness of this mountain, we are all upset by the decision. This is really important for us as the youth, we do this for the generations that are coming, so then they will remember who they are by looking at this mountain, to know what their responsibilities are as indigenous peoples.”

Kelvin Long Executive Director of ECHOES said, “The Judges decision was only made at the Federal District level, and is part of a historically crucial case that is predicted to head to the Supreme Court. This is a tragedy to humanity, we as indigenous peoples have been murdered by the millions since contact with the European settlers, we have had our lands, languages, traditions, for the most part wiped out, but there are still some of us who are here, and we will continue to be here, unfortunately our existence is not without great struggle for survival and respect."ECHOES along with the Save The Peaks Coalition are organizing a campaign to stop the City of Flagstaff’s wastewater sale to the Arizona Snowbowl.Howard Shanker also stated, “No other ski area in the Country, or even the world that we are aware of, uses 100% treated waste sewage to make snow. Posting signs throughout the ski area saying "don't eat the snow" is not an adequate safeguard to protect against the known and unknown risks of exposure to the types of chemicals that persist in this effluent. The potential impacts on children especially, many of whom may be too young to read the signs, have not been adequately assessed by the government. This is an experiment that cannot be justified.”“Regrettably, there is often a rift between what is legal and what is right. We will pursue all legal means to stop this project. It is our hope, however, that all people of conscience will contact their political representatives to encourage them to do what is right.” Shanker also stated. “Snowbowl is not a destination ski area. People do not travel from across the Country and around the world to ski at Snowbowl.

Indeed, many of the press reports on this issue have overstated the economic contribution that Snowbowl makes to the Flagstaff economy -- which is marginal. People do, however, travel from around the world to the Flagstaff region to experience the ways of, especially the Navajo and Hopi Tribes. Other than to preserve the economic viability of a private entity, there is no adequate justification for this project.”“As this nation prepares to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the struggle for Civil rights, how can we as native people celebrate when our civil rights, our human rights are being profaned, are being violated?” Said Jeneda Benally, member of the Save the Peaks Coalition, “The Civil rights movement went to court fighting for their rights and had many wins and losses. This ruling shows that in this day and age there is still injustice in the legal system. We will continue with our prayers, we will continue to oppose the ongoing attempts to violate human rights. The sacred mountain supports life, so we are strong, and we will continue to defend the sacred San Francisco Peaks. In closing, we leave you with the words of Dr. King, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’”

For more information: www.savethe peaks.org

CBGB's Lease Extended

2005-12-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

CBGBs lease has been extended, after Mayor Bloomberg and others intervened for the greater glory of NYC and the Post-Ramone Empire. The Punk Mecca, which sits adjacent to "Joey Ramone Place" will close next year, on Samhain (10/31/ 2006), ending a nasty real estate dispute with landlord----the Bowery Residents' Committee, a nonprofit organization that serves homeless people. Owner Hilly Kristal is searching for a new location with the help of the mayor's office. CBGB's has been operating without a lease since September 1.

NY Dolls Live Miami by Evelyn Mcdonnell

2005-12-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

NY Dolls Live at Collins Park, Miami

You *can* put your arm around a memory. Turning the clocks back three decades to the dawn of punk, the New York Dolls made up for the tacky, overpriced art at this year's Art Basel Miami Beach by blowing away the sands at Collins Park. Skeptics figured that a band with only two of the remaining members would be a shadow of its former self. But David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain honored their deceased collaborators by being everything other aging rockers with big- mouthed singers are not: sexy, sloppy-tight, relevant, generous, provocative. They even still write good songs.

Johansen must have been joking when he introduced a mournful ode to song and beauty by saying they'd written it that day, it was just too perfect to be that fresh. The singer looked un-fucking-believably gorgeous. His Buster Poindexter persona must have been the aging Dorian Gray portrait he showed to the public, while the real Johansen, the New York Doll, was preserved in a pickle jar somewhere. How does a 55-year-old stay that skinny and have such good hair? And have such a great sense of style, that funky but chic, semi-drag trash look the Dolls invented back when culture wasn't so binary about boy/girl. Sylvain put his all into his playing, as if he'd been waiting three decades for just this moment. "Let's do a song for Johnny Thunders,'' he said, then sang and strummed "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory.'' Johansen joined in, looked down at his old/new partner, and put his arms around his neck.
Guest review by Evelyn McDonnell
emcdonnell@bellsouth.net

Village Voice 50th Anniversary Issue

2005-10-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 26, 2005--Fifty years ago today, The Village Voice burst onto the scene in New York City defending truth, exposing the powerful and taking the unpopular point of view. Five decades later, what began as "a Greenwich Village weekly" is now the nation's largest alternative publication.

To mark the occasion, the Voice will publish a special issue highlighting significant historical and cultural moments from the past 50 years. The Village Voice maintains the same tradition of no-holds barred reporting and criticism it has always embraced, winning nearly 200 editorial awards (including three Pulitzer prizes), earning a reputation for groundbreaking investigations, and as the premier expert on New York's cultural scene. Always ahead of the curve, writing and reporting on local and national politics, with opinionated reviews and comprehensive entertainment listings, the Voice remains the authoritative source for all New York has to offer.

To celebrate 50 years this special issue contains: -- Excerpts from content published over the last five decades from some of America's finest writers including: Norman Mailer, Allen Ginsberg, Jonas Mekas, Andrew Sarris, Jack Newfield, Nat Hentoff, Susan Brownmiller, Edward Albee, Jerry Rubin, Vivian Gornick, Jill Johnston, Greil Marcus, Philip Roth, Karen Durbin, Gary Giddins, Pete Hamill, James Wolcott, Lester Bangs, Teresa Carpenter, Roberta Smith, Guy Trebay, Nelson George, Stanley Crouch, J. Hoberman, Joyce Carol Oates, Donna Gaines, Gary Indiana, Michael Feingold, Toure, and Mark Schoofs

A mix of original essays: Nat Hentoff on the history and spirit of the Voice, Jarrett Murphy on the history of Voice ownership, Wayne Barrett on city politics, J. Hoberman on film, Robert Christgau on music, Michael Feingold on downtown theater and the rise of Off-Broadway, Michael Musto on NYC nightlife and Ellen Willis on feminism.

50 Village Voice covers reproduced full size, with an interactive slideshow on villagevoice.com -- A historical timeline posted on villagevoice.com featuring major milestones for NYC and the Village Voice over the last 50 years

Keep Hope Alive

2005-10-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Heard the Word of Blog?

Native American Religious Freedom Threatened: World Prayers Needed

2005-10-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Peaks, a mountain located in Northern Arizona, which are also sacred to over 13 native American nations, are the center of a legal battle that will determine the future of Native American religious freedom. A lawsuit has been filed by the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Havasupai, Hualapai, White Mountain Apache, Yavapai Apache, Sierra Club, Flagstaff Activist Network, Southwest Center for Biological Diversity, Dine’ Medicine Men’s Association & a Hopi traditionalist against the United States Forest Service due to its attempt to allow the Arizona Snowbowl Ski area expansion, which includes; clear cutting 74 acres of rare alpine ecosystem, building a 14.8 mile buried pipeline, and snowmaking from wastewater on the sacred mountain.

On October, 12th, 14th, 17th, & 18th, the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act will be the focus of the trial at the Federal Courthouse in Prescott, AZ. Prayers of all faiths and denominations are needed to support the tribe’s and environmental group’s lawsuit and to ensure that Judge Paul Rosenblatt will make a ruling that upholds religious freedom and human rights. The court will be in session from 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. People will also be gathering outside of the courthouse in downtown Prescott all day.

For more information please visit: www.savethepeaks.org
Please email coalition@savethepeaks.org if you are organizing a vigil.

Ramones Museum in Berlin

2005-09-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

NY Times
Sunday, September 25, 2005
"HEY HO LET'S Go (to Berlin)"
By GEETA DAYAL

*(reprinted for scholarly purposes only)

In the East Village, the battle to keep CBGB from being bulldozed rages on, but in Berlin the cultural legacy of New York's punk scene has recently been enshrined for the ages. On Sept. 15, The Ramones Museum Berlin - billed as the world's first Ramones museum - opened to the public. A project of a die-hard German fan, Florian Hayler, it houses more than 300 photographs, records, news clippings and other memorabilia. That includes an unwashed pair of jeans owned by the guitarist Johnny Ramone, the drummer Marky Ramone's sneakers and an autographed black leather jacket.

The museum had the blessing of the living members of the group, Marky and C. J. Ramone, Mr. Hayler said. Marky Ramone, speaking from his home in Brooklyn, said, "I'm very flattered that another country will help keep the Ramones legacy alive."

Dee Dee Ramone, the songwriter and bassist who died in 2002, spent much of his childhood in Berlin, a connection made evident by Ramones songs like "Born to Die in Berlin" and "It's a Long Way Back to Germany." Referring to the deceased band members Joey, Johnny, and Dee Dee, Marky Ramone said: "Knowing them, they would have been flattered, because they worked very hard. Luckily, they saw most of the punk bands naming the Ramones as an influence. At least they saw that."

Admission to the Ramones Museum is free. "It's a museum for fans, by fans," said Mr. Hayler, 32, whose personal collection, which includes 170 Ramones T-shirts, supplied most of the museum's holdings. Mr. Hayler, who said he attended 101 Ramones concerts, opened the museum because "I didn't have any more space at home."

Traces of vintage New York are everywhere in the museum - issues of the magazine New York Rocker, now defunct, and photographs of the Ramones on the subway and posing on the Bowery near CBGB. "The first time I went to New York, I took a cab to CBGB's at 6 a.m. and waited in front of it until it opened," Mr. Hayler said. The New York-based sociologist Donna Gaines, who has crusaded to keep CBGB open, said: "We need an American Ramones Museum. Seattle has the Experience Music Project, and Cleveland has the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; what do we have in New York?"

Saving CBGB's

2005-09-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

An article by Donna Gaines was published today in the Village Voice, covering CBGB's benifit shows and the fight to save NYC's punk Mecca from demolition and oblivion: http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0536,sotc1,67478,22.html
The story appears next week in hard copy---9/7/05 (street date).

After speaking at the SAVE CBGB's rally organized by Little Steven Van Zandt on 8/31/05, at Washington Square Park, Dr. Gaines was interviewed live by Denis McNamara regarding cultural politics, youth and the importance of the club. This interview and much more is now available at: http://cbgb.download.com/1200-11420_53-5150729.html

CBGB's Rally August 31, Washington Square Park, NYC

2005-08-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

RALLY
"CBGBS FOREVER" THE WORLD UNITES IN HOPE OF SAVING LEGENDARY CLUB Washington
Square Park , NYC AUGUST 31

Today, on the last day of CBGBs current lease, legendary musician and actor Steven Van Zandt along with CBGB owner Hilly Kristal, will host an unprecedented rally in Washington Square Park to "Save CBGB." This event, which will take place from 3-7 pm, will serve as a tremendous rallying cry for New Yorkers to save this national treasure. Speakers will include City Councilmen Alan Gerson and Bill DeBlasio, Talking Heads' Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, filmmaker Jonathan Demme, actor and musician Jared Leto, The Ramones' Marky Ramone and actor and co-President of the Creative Coalition, Joe Pantoliano as well performances by world-renowned musicians including a rare performance by Blondie. Other performers include Gavin Rossdale, The Bouncing Souls, Chesterfield Kings, The Charms, and other special surprise guests. for more information: www.savecbgb.org