The Perfect Blog Title

It's Peter Gabriel's Birthday

2012-02-13T11:25:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1950, Peter Gabriel was born. He's done a lot since his birth, including capturing my heart, and I hope he outlives me. Perhaps if nobody wishes him a happy birthdy he won't get any older. (Well, too late for that, I guess.)

For the last few years, I've been sticking this image up on PG's Birthday. It is a Photoshopped image from the late lamented Solsbury Hill fan site.

PG is currently in Europe riding the waves of local respiratory infections, finalizing the So 25th anniversary special edition and (gasp!) working on new music.

Horrible Web Page Using Peter Gabriel's Music to Promote Religion

2012-02-11T00:53:00.001-05:00

I was on Bing images tonight trying to find new Peter Gabriel images (you know, as you do) and came across this.

At first, it looks like a Peter Gabriel fan page, doesn't it? It has nice big images of PG and mentions lyrics to Against All Odds (the movie, I guess, not the Phil Collins single.) But then it starts talking about PG being bipolar (he isn't) and then mentions PG's song Perspective.

And that's when you realize that PG is being used to promote a Christian group in India called Perspectives.

Now that's just sick -- and really deceptive instead of perceptive. It also uses copyrighted material from professional photographers. One reason I have not monetized this blog is because if I don't make any money from it, I have freedom to use some of PG images used for promotion. And let's get real here -- churches are businesses.

Does Real World know about this crap? I doubt this was endorsed by PG, who keeps his spiritual opinions pretty private in the last decade.

Below is a YouTube video from a German TV broadcast in 1978.

Peter Gabriel to Have a Busy 2012

2012-01-21T15:05:00.002-05:00

Peter Gabriel is already having a busy 2012. Around Christmas, he became a grandfather when his second daughter and sometime background vocalist Melanie gave birth to a boy named Ira. "I'm now officially old," Gabriel declaired during his January vlog to fans on his offical website. He apparently also somehow aquired a dog for his hotel in Sardinia. Due to the draconian UK quarantine laws, I guess the dog is staying in Sardinia.

Peter also participated in the SOPA protests; did a plea for the charity Bonobo Hope; is scheduled to film a "Classic Albums" documentary on So until 23 January (no knowing when the air date will be.) Later this year he has his father's 100th birthday party to attend in April and may be at the Pre-Grammy award festivities to honor his friend Sir Richard Branson.

And, oh yeah -- Peter is touring Germany in May. PG once again changed his mind so that the Germany dates will be with the New Blood Orchestra -- despite his inisiting last year that his work with orchestras was "put to bed". There may be more dates in the fall, but nothing has been figured out yet. PG gave "the fall" as his only clue as to where the tour would be. Perhaps Italy? (As in, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire?) Perhaps America, since Americans tend to say "fall" rather than "autumn"? If you haven't figured it out by now, PG likes to play with words and heads.

PG has mentioned that he is working on "new stuff" -- but don't get excited. He's been saying that since 1980. This year so far it appears that PG will have very little time in the studio. There is some noise that PG may score a Bollywood film for director Nila Madhab Panda.

As for me, things continue to be bad, but at least I managed to get my driver's license back. Mom had a terrible fall on New Year's Day and is losing control of her legs. She can no longer drive and needs help getting into and out of a car. Scince I took over car duties, Mom's intake of Xanax has dropped considerably. Now I know why her nerves were always shot. I thought it was me. Turns out it was having to face traffic on Baltimore Pike.

Articles of Peter Gabriel I've Written

2011-12-18T18:55:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the self-indulgence, but I'm just trying to gather together the best of the many web articles I've done about Peter Gabriel's biography. Who knows -- maybe someone will enjoy reading these. Stranger things have happened. I didn't write the PG article in this Italian magazine but it's a good image and it's my blog so there.

Peter Gabriel, BC (Before Charterhouse)

Why Is Peter Gabriel So Slow?
Why do fish swim? Why do birds fly?

Black and White Photography Brings Out True Beauty Talks about the making of the So cover.

Sexy Hair Loss Solutions For Men Where I chronicle PG's losing battle against baldness.

Remember 1986? Peter Gabriel Asks Fans For Memories of So

2011-12-16T19:58:00.000-05:00

Quick update this time around. If you have memories, memorabilia, press clippings, autographs or even weird diary entries realting to So, Gabriel's most popular album to date, Real World wants to hear from you.

In 2012, Gabriel is hoping to release a special anniversary edition of So, including the best of what fans submit. Entires close 9 January 2012.

I wonder if they'd like to read some So-inspired erotic dreams I had at the time?

Nah, I didn't think so.

Peter Gabriel Live at Letterman Concert Reivew and More

2011-11-26T18:17:00.000-05:00

I finally managed the concert review from November 9. Enjoy.

In other Gabriel fun, I also wrote Top 10 Misconceptions About Peter Gabriel.

PG's touring wraps up today in Mexico for 2011. He may go back to New York City to check in on Witness and relatives, but usually he takes most of December off. This time around he has a great reason for staying at home -- his first grandchild, a boy, is expected in December.

My health continues to plummet, but at least now I can sit up. I'm still working on the new blog Dreaming of Peter which is now monetized. I'm also spending a lot of time trying to find new clients, since most of my old clients had a financially catastrophic 2011.

Had an interesting conversation with my Mom. We were watching a Rolling Stones concert. I asked Mom, "So -- does Keith Richards look more like a vampire or a zombie?"

"Zombie," Mom sanswered without hesitation. "You have to be good looking to be a vampire."

Anyway, let's end with an interview done with Jools Holland earlier this year:

Things Aren't So Great At the Moment

2011-11-20T11:20:00.002-05:00

I'm still working on the review of Peter Gabriel at Live On Letterman. Since I'm not getting paid for the review, it has slipped down my priority list.

Peter and the New New Blood Orchestra went to South America for his final tour of 2011. Unfortunately, things got to a really rocky start at the SWU Music Festival in Brazil, which ultimately resulted in PG and his oldest daughter Anna receiving death threats from fans of a Brazilian band.

On my 42nd birthday (when PG played in Argentina) I had to go for an in-office, fully-awake-for-this uterine biopsy (which I think is the title of Stephen King's next novel.) The procedure had to be stopped because my cervix refused all admissions. Now I know what it's like to be raped by a Clydesdale. Why do doctors always say, "You may feel some discomfort" when they really mean, "You're gonna wish you were DEAD!"

Unfortunately, work in my profession has come to a crawling stop. Fortunately, this means I suddenly have time freed up to start a blog that may bring in some oney (unlike this one.) It'll be about lucid dreaming and is tentatively titled Dreaming of Peter. I'm including a link to it but as you can see it's not ready for prime time (or Google AdSense) just yet.

Just for the heck of it, I'll close this post with a YouTube video of PG's cover of the Kinks' "Waterloo Sunset." Until next time:

Still Recovering from Peter Gabriel "Live on Letterman" Gig

2011-11-11T18:25:00.003-05:00

Eventually, I'll get enough energy to write a proper review. Some highlights:

* I sat about row 9, directly in front of PG's mike stand.
* Adam from Real World managed to get many Pg fans free tickets at the last minute.
* I got Ben Foster and Tom Cawley's atuographs and chatted with them for a little.
* PG did stop and give about a dozen fans autographs
* I got a nod, wave and a "Thank you" from PG
* This guy sat in front of me.

PG, Ben, Tom and the New Blood Orchestra are currently in South America for his last mini-tour of 2011.

In the meantime, here's a clip of PG being interveiwed by David Letterman:

Going to See Short Peter Gabriel Concert in New York City

2011-11-05T13:56:00.002-04:00

Somehow I seem to have won a pair of virtual tickets to see Peter Gabriel and the latest incarnation of the New Blood Orchestra on the "Live at Letterman" music series. There was a very brief contest on for the forum members at petergabriel.com. Thanks to Adam at Real World for not forgetting about PG fans who dislike Facebook contests (or who are like me and are, erm, banned from PG's Facebook page.)

I got the good news on Wednesday, Nov 1 bit still haven't received my virtual ticket via email. If you're in the same boat I am in, emails will most likely not go out until Monday, Nov. 7.

There's been a few contests for these free (!) tickets on the Internet. You can only get in through these contests or by other sundry channels. You cannot purchase tickets through any outlet, even from The Late Show with David Letterman. The entire audience capacity at the Ed Sullivan Theatre is 1200, but this concert may be only 400 seats. Well, we'll find out when we get there.

Concert starts at 9pm but all ticket holders or "production guests" (ie -- your name is on the guest list) need to be at the Ed Sullivan Theater by 8pm sharp. We will NOT be getting in to the David Letterman show taped earlier that day, even Peter Gabriel is the guest musical artist.

Here's also the official Terms and Conditions for winning a coveted seat from Real World or whomever. Click over here to Real World's page. I'm sorry, but all constests are over. They were popping up so quick and entry time was so soon (and with me trying to figure out my unexpected NYC trip) I just did not have the time to post them all up.

Roll on Wednesday!

Peter Gabriel On David Letterman Nov. 9

2011-11-01T18:20:00.005-04:00

Peter Gabriel and the latest incarnation of the New Blood Orchestra will perform on David Letterman in the Ed Sullivan Theatre on Wednesday, November 9. Good luck getting tickets! Peter has been in New York since last week (or so) in order to rehearse for the mini Mexico & South American tour later this month. Looks like he's decided to do a brief dress rehearsal.

The Village Voice is offering a competition to win one pair of tickets open until 5 pm EST Friday, November 3.

For those not familiar with David Letterman, PG will most likely do two songs, with only one going to broadcast. Many musical guests play an extra song just for the audience but whether PG will do this is unknown. He may also do a short interview with Letterman-- or not. And yes, Letterman is a fan. (At least, he was in 1994).

Last month in London, Real World managed to secure some pairs of tickets for PG fans on their mailing list for PG's concert with the BBC Orchestra. I'm looking at my email and still no message from Real World offering me a ticket. (Sigh.)

The Good Peter Gabriel News: BBC 2 Concert

2011-10-21T16:40:00.003-04:00

Peter Gabriel and the BBC Orchestra recorded a free concert at the Mermaid Theatre on 19 October. An edited version of the concert was aired 20 October and will online from BBC iPlayer until 27 October. In a pleasent suprise, many PG fans living outside of the UK were able to hear the broadcast -- including me. I still haven't come down yet from this unexpected PG high!

This concert is such a treat. Yes, there are some audible glitches, but they give a live gig it's charm, don't they? Yes, four songs were cut out from the final broadcast. But what remains is still crackin' good stuff with lots of passion, tension and release. If you are a PG fan (and I know you are) drop everything and go hear this. (Torrents of the concert may also be available on Genesis -- The Movement.)

It's been a roller-coaster of a year for this Peter Gabriel fan. I got a new CD New Blood and news of a tour of North America -- and could not afford tickets; Mom got very sick and now has osteosporosis; and I just received a temporary diagnosis of adenomyosis. I got banned from the PG Facebook page but was allowed back on the PG Forums. I've received some information from sources I will not reveal that this year that my Internet writings have managed to piss off:

1) Dickie Chappell, Real World's head engineer and part-time photographer
2) Rachael H., PG staff member
3) Peter Gabriel -- yeah THAT Peter Gabriel -- the same guy I've been in love with since June 15, 1986

Ooops.

And yet, there has been this lovely concert dropped into my lap for free. Sure, I wasn't in the audience, but the sound was INCREDIBLE. Thanks to lucky audience member and long-time Gabriel fan David Gurl for providing me the public link to BBC iPlayer and posting this photo on his Facebook page. Listening to this concert was having Halloween, Christmas and losing my virginty all at once.

Off to bask in the afterglow (pun intended.)

The Bad Peter Gabriel News: No More Solsburyhill.org

2011-10-21T16:14:00.004-04:00

About 17 years ago, a Peter Gabriel and Apple fan forever to be known as MacCat started what was then the web's first comprehensive Peter Gabriel fan site. It preceded Radio Real World and Petergabriel.com. Many other sites have come and gone (including my short lived site, "In rraven's Eyes".) But after 12 or so years of doing free work and having to quickly find another server, MacCat had to call it quits. Life just gets complicated that way.

Others tried to take it on, but trying to run a free fan site can be terribly stressful. Trust me -- I know. I considered taking over the site and realized that with my poor health and my Mom's poor health (and accidentally pissing off Real World engineer Dickie Chappel), I couldn't do a good job of it. The last admin, Jakks, let the domain expire. Why -- I don't know. Solsburyhill.org is no more.

Solsburyhill.org included extensive information on PG news, music, the unparalleled Peter Gabriel Scrapbook and unmatched humorous bits. MacCat, who wrote as the head of a fictitious "Solsbury Committee", took snark to a whole new level years before the word "snark" became common slang. MacCat published some of my criticisms of PG's music (I was the one who wrote "I Go Swimming: Lost PG Gem or Just Something to Do?") as well a humorous bit comparing Peter Gabriel to guinea pigs (and there are a hell of a lot of comparisons.)

MacCat (and Stephen King) both heavily influenced my writing style. Even though my writing career has temporarily stalled due to the worldwide economic recession, I still had a few years where I paid my bills doing what I loved -- writing. Thank you, MacCat, wherever you are.

With Solsburyhill.org gone, it's like losing the last part of my childhood. I am now truly old.

Peter Gabriel Doing a Whole Mess of Promos for New Blood

2011-10-16T16:46:00.003-04:00

If you're a Peter Gabriel fan and did NOT know that his new album New Blood was released last week you offically live under a rock. The last time Peter and his team campaigned so hard on an album was Up (2002.) He's probably been interviewed by journalists from other planets by the time you are reading this. Some highlights:

* Pt 2 of Rolling Stone Interview
* The Arts Desk interview
* PG being stroppy Also note the facepalm-worthy caption that the ever-so-sharp Express put under his photo.

I was hoping to put a link here to my review of New Blood, but my client has been sitting on it for over two weeks. I think I'll just ask the client to delete it since everyone else's reviews have been published.

Overall, I'm disappointed with New Blood. It suffers in comparison to the live shows. If you haven't seen the live shows, then you're in for a treat. Only 3 songs on New Blood are worth the money:

* Red Rain
* Intruder
* Mercy Street

Jury's still out on Darkness and Wallflower. All of the others just do not touch the live versions.

I'm also pissed off that PG wrote a really soppy dedication to his second wife in the liner notes. The last time he dedicated an album to his wife, So (1986) she asked for a divorce about a year later. And no, I don't want him to go through another divorce (like I ever had a shot.) The first divorce put him in therapy for about 15 years -- a second one would probably kill him.

In personal news, my mysterious menstrual pains have returned. It feels like two people are inside me trying to tear my intestines open. (You gotta read a lot of Stephen King to come up with that similie.) I wish I could afford a hysterectomy because this suffering shit gets really old fast.

But let's end on a happy note. This is the world's shortest version of Wallflower, recorded earlier today. The heavily pregnant background singer is Melanie, Peter's second child and youngest daughter. Until next time:

BBC Be in the Audience Contest for Peter Gabriel 19 October (For UK residents only)

2011-10-02T11:40:00.004-04:00

That's right. BBC2 has very quietly announced that Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra will do a one-off on 19 October to be broadcast on BBC2on 20 October. 225 pairs of tickets are being given away.

You only have until 5:20pm on Monday 3 October (yes, TOMORROW) to enter. Contest is open ONLY to UK residents. BBC notes that "you must make your own way to and from the event."

You.
Lucky.
Bastards.

2-Part Post: Peter Gabriel New Blood Played Free on Real World Oct 3 & Why It Sucks to be Me

2011-10-01T13:53:00.006-04:00

Hello again, PG fans. New Blood now has a release date of Oct. 11 but you may hear to get to hear it for free on Monday, October 3 at Petergabriel.com. Starting at noon GMT (which is about 7am EST) Petergabriel.com will play one track per hour. I'm not sure how this will work out and, odds are, neither will Real World. Good luck!

PG is doing his "traveling salesman" bit in doing tons of promo for New Blood. Here's a list of some of the more notable interviews:

* National Public Radio (a half-hour interview)
* Rolling Stone (just a snippet of the as-yet-to-be-published full interview; unfortunately it's only the usual "when is Genesis getting back together" crap)
* PG interviewed by Elbow's lead singer, Guy Garvey
* ABC (American) interview

That should keep you busy for a while.

Now the part about why it sucks to be me. PG fans can stop here if they are looking for more PG news.

I've basically had a headache since August. My strong anchor of a Mom has drastically deteriorated and keeps deteriorating before my eyes. I'm doing most of the household chores, taking care of the pets and my Mom. There's not much energy left over to making money by writing. Not surprisingly, this has lead to an upsurge in my major depression symptoms and well as a more-or-less total liquidation of my bank savings. The good part is that my doctor increased my dosage of two medications and that leaves me stoned until my body adjusts to the dosage. The bad part is that eventually my body will adjust.

Now is a good time for PG's version of Arcade Fire's "My Body is a Cage", filmed at Berkeley in 2011:

Are Peter Gabriel Fans Mentally Ill?

2011-09-24T16:07:00.005-04:00

You know you've thought it. The answer is, "No." All Peter Gabriel fans are not mentally ill. Just some of us. I have been diagnosed with endogenous recurring depression, which is a mental illness. It's not a fun mental illness that makes you see neat things or go for days without sleep, but it's still an incurable mental illness.

Source of Misconception

PG himself began calling his fans "lunatics" back in 2002 in conjunction with the release of Up. (The moon was one of the major symbols of Up and the Growing Up Tour. "Luna" = moon. However, PG has kept using the term for nearly 10 years.) In a recent "Welcome to My Facebook Page" message, Peter says, "If you're a PG nut ..." in a way in which was probably not meant as a compliment.

Trickery of Memory

The human memory works on identifying patterns. This can be helpful, such as knowing that all animals with fangs may bite, but can also lead to generalizations in thinking, such as all Peter Gabriel fans are mentally ill. If you meet just one mentally ill Peter Gabriel fan, that's going to stick out in your memory. That strong memory will overshadow the other 30 normal Peter Gabriel fans. Mentally ill people are generally considered to be dangerous. Anything dangerous sticks out in your memory. Normal people are not dangerous and more easily forgettable. See how it works?

What If You Meet a Mentally Ill Peter Gabriel Fan?

It depends on the mental illness, how well it is managed and on just how much of a natural asshole the person happens to be. Liking Peter Gabriel's music, unfortunately, does not magically remove assholery from people. If you've ever met me, you've met a mentally ill PG fan. And I'm a natural asshole, but a harmless asshole. The worst I'll do is curse you out and talk about you behind your back. However, your wallet will remain in your pocket and your back will remain knife-free or any-other-weapon-free.

So now, that this issue is clear as mud, let's watch a video. This is a demo for a song called "Funny Man" that PG recorded in the 1970s but has never seen an official release. Until next time, kids, this is rraven off to pop a Prozac:

Peter Gabriel's 3D Movie and Redesigned Webpage Receive Underwhelming Responses

2011-09-18T14:34:00.003-04:00

It's a strange time to be a PG fan. Thanks to the Intenet, there's more material to access, but trying to find out new information about PG's projects can be just as difficult as back in the days of snail mail and rumors put out by Q magazine.

Peter's 3D concert film, Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra: LIVE in 3D has come and gone to Europe and North America (although whether France and Italy will get any screenings is unsure.) Publicity for the film was practically nil. Amazingly, this resulted in almost-empty cinemas -- either that or the few fans who went brought along a lot of extra empty chairs. Peter hmself did not begin doing publicity for the film until 11 September -- which was well after most areas had their one and only showing.

You have to wonder -- does Peter sometimes think, "I've really had it with being sucessful -- let's screw up for a change!"

Fans are divided about Petergabriel.com's completely new design. It's been the first major revamp since 2002. Most fans that I've talked to hate the new design -- "pig's ear" was the most memorable phrase used -- but a few of us actually like like it. (About six at my last informal count.)

Yes, that's right, folks -- I LOVE the new design. (Same to you.) It downloads faster on my old PC and doesn't give me a headache when I read the text. So, THERE. Kudos or complaints go to "cavedwellerrich" from Real World's staff for actually going onto the fan forums and taking some heat. I'm unsure why Rich picked the nickname "cavedwellerrich" but after dealing with PG fans all week, I'D sure as hell like to live in a cave.

Let's conclude this by looking at a snippet of PG's press conference in Montreal on 12 September:

Peter Gabriel's "New Blood" To Be Released Week of 24 October

2011-09-06T18:18:00.004-04:00

New Blood, PG's orchestral reworkings of his own songs done in the style of his last album, Scratch My Back (2010) has an official release date of October 24 or October 25 (depending on what country you live in.) Pre-orders are being taken by the usual suspects like Amazon and WOMADShop.

However, in all of the excitement, there's a bit of a problem. Not all of the songs given the SMB treatment will appear on one CD. If you want to get them all, you'll have to fork out for at least 3 CDs. For example, "Blood of Eden" appears on the "regular" version but not the Special Edition or the Deluxe Edition.

Apparently, if you order the album from WOMADShop you also get a free download of "Father Son" -- which does not seem to appear on any CD version. "Washing in the Water", which was released on iTunes and PG's Facebook page for a limited time, seems to have vanished.

A vinyl album of the regular version (and for now the regular version only) will be released on November 7.

I'll be passing on ANY version of New Blood for now, due to poor finances and the fact I'm getting a little tired of hearing reworked material rather than any NEW material.

Some other long-term fans are planning on passing at least two versions of New Blood out of protest of the way the songs are being released. There are some very interesting discussion about this from PG newbies and die-hards alike on petergabriel.com's General forum. Some die-hards expressed extreme disappointment at Real World's super-capitalist decision to dole the tunes out like methadone at a rehab clinic.

I am also disappointed with the way the songs are being released. There also seems to be no reason for one track, "A Quiet Moment" which is NOT a PG song but "ambient noises recorded on Solsbury Hill."

FUCK THAT! I used to live with Solsbury Hill peeking over the tree lines across the River Avon. I have walked to it a couple of times, although I never bothered to go UP it as the real Solsbury Hill always seemed to be congested with traffic, public urination, dogs barking and drunks singing Pogues' songs in a way that made Shane MacGowan sound like a nightingale. Yeah -- that's REAL ambient. I want ambient noises mixed in between songs, I'll listen to Pink Floyd.

Finally, here's a trailer, released only online, for PG's 3D concert DVD/film:

Let's Try This Again: Peter Gabriel News Late Summer 2011

2011-08-16T17:16:00.007-04:00

Hi, there. My bad health and my mother's bad health seems stabilized for now, so a quick update on what mischief Peter Gabriel has been up to.

Last New Blood Dates Announced

He will be trotting the New Blood Orchestra out one more time in Mexico and a couple South American countries. Ticket prces are high, but apparently selling OK. The fun part will be discovering how many Mexicans get to go to the Mexico gigs. I betcha a Snickers bar will be mostly Americans, Canadians and Europeans in the front rows.

No WOMAD This Year

PG could not attend WOMAD at Charlton Park due to catching an upper respiratory infection from his son Isaac. See -- this is why people should never have kids. They're germ magnets.

From the WTF Department

* PG's 3-D film of him and the New Blood Orchestra begins to hit cinemas in late August, depending on what country you live in. The DVD release date keeps getting pushed back. It seems to be October 25 now. What it will be in five minutes is anyone's guess.

However, most American screenings will be for one night, one shot only around September 6. You don't go that one night, you're screwed. No, I don't know why they're doing this, either. Seems they're going to be losing a lot of potential ticket sales this way. Just because the Glee 3D concert movie hasn't done well doesn't man a PG 3D concert will not do well. Remember, Glee is complete overhyped crap. That may have something to do with the movie's poor showing.

Hello, Grandad

PG's youngest daughter Melanie (also one of PG's back up vocalists since 2002) is preggers. She's due in December. I have no idea who Dad is, so don't ask me. Melanie keeps her private life private and that's OK with me. This will be PG's first grandchild (unless the Gabriels have been REALLY successful in keeping another grandkid's existence secret.)

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Perhaps as a publicity stunt for the DVD and film, Peter Gabriel told Mojo that he is thinking of trying out a new Boston baldness cure. The interesting thing about this announcement is that it has received more Internet buzz than did PG's summer tour of North America.

PG's Wikipedia Image Has Changed

to the image now on this blogpost. Photo taken by Allan Warren in 2011. Thank you, Allen for donating this lovely pic. In case you're wondering, Allan, I don't get any money for this blog.

No News is PG News

2011-07-21T15:32:00.004-04:00

(Apologies to Mr. Beef for nicking his quote for this post's title)

I'm going to have to stop doing this blog until further notice due to poor health. Sorry.

Remember, if you are looking for PG News do a Google News search for "peter gabriel" and check out PG's Official Facebook page.

Sorry for Lack of PG News

2011-07-09T13:22:00.002-04:00

Image of Peter Gabriel signing autographs from Debra Grant.

Yes, there's been a Peter Gabriel North American tour and I haven't been able to post fuck all about it. My Mom's health has worsened; last week she fell and broke her leg. She can't feel any pain in the leg -- and yet it's broken. Go figure. So I've been just a tad bit busy -- doing all of the chores, taking care of the dogs and fish and trying to keep my business going. If I couldn't complain, I'd go insane.

I can note that "New Blood", the CD of orchestrated PG songs, is done production and is due out before Christmas. (Knock on wood.) The Verona concert DVD filmed in 2010 has been scrapped. I assume this mean the footage has been stuck in a vault somewhere and won't be released until after PG's death, but I could be wrong. The Hammersmith London concerts, filmed in March 2011, will be released in 3-D DVD supposedly before Christmas. (Another knock on wood.) It probably will be released because my combination DVD/VCR player died.

Still no word on the So anniversary special release.

There has been mixed reaction to PG's New Blood tour in the press, but a mostly positive reaction from fans. Considering how much money they shelled out for tickets, they BETTER have been happy. Here's a particularly nice review about the Red Rocks gig.

There has been news from South American news sources that PG will play a couple of gigs in Brazil and/or Argentina in November. However, there has not been a single word of this mentioned at any official sources. Hopefully, this won't be another Melbourne.

Remember, if you are looking for PG News (and aren't we all?)do a Google News search for "peter gabriel" and check out PG's Official Facebook page.

New Blood North American Tour Kicks Off

2011-06-12T12:27:00.004-04:00

Congrats to Angela, who managed to meet Peter Gabriel during his soundcheck at Berkeley, despite lugging a cast on her leg. I believe she had to clunk up and down nearly 100 steps, too. Well, there is a good reason by PG calls his fans "lunatics."

Fan reviews of PG's New Blood shows have been overwhelmingly positive, but music critics in Califonia are none too happy with the orchestral approach. Check out this savage review from the San Jose Mercury News.

Set lists of each night's gigs are being posted at PG's Official Twitter Page. Thank Dickie Chappel for that.

I've been asked if I will somehow be able to make one of the gigs for PG's tour this time around. That would be a big NO. And it really sucks. I've had a crap life and so Peter Gabriel concerts are about the only things I have to look forward to as my aging body falls apart.

However, if I had known PG was going to tour North America this year, I never would've blown my money on seeing him 3 times LAST year (and then have to deal with a broken computer, several disintegrating teeth and the death of our last cat, Sarah.) Also, my Mom suffered a TIA or mini-stroke on Thursday, although she seems fine now. She argued with the hopsital staff to let her come home and that's a really good sign.

Although I'd love to be able to blog the latest Peter Gabriel news about this tour, I won't be able to because I'M TOO FUCKING DEPRESSED. Yes, I know there's no logical reason to be depressed about missing PG this year when I saw him 3times last year, but whenever PG is around, my logic seems to go right out the window.

For the latest tour news, check out Google News and Peter's Offical Facebook Page.

My Peter Gabriel Motivational Posters, Part II

2011-06-06T16:32:00.007-04:00

Well, I had such an overwhelming response from my readers to my first batch of Peter Gabriel motivational posters that I decided to do some more. Thanks, both of you. Enjoy!

My Peter Gabriel Motivational Posters

2011-06-02T15:29:00.005-04:00

Because who's more inspiring than Peter? I made these virtual posters as free gifts to the Internet. I will making more periodically. The text was written by me, but the photos are copyrghted, so please do not ty and sell these images. This blog is not monetized, so I do not get any money from them. So there.

My entire collection of motivational posters is on Facebook.

PG & Me News for Late May, 2011

2011-05-28T13:25:00.003-04:00

I found this image of PG recently on Facebook and thought I'd share. I don't know who the photographer was or if the image was manipulated in any way. Please note that I do not know if the image is copyrighted. Just everyone please assume it is.

Peter Gabriel News

1) Article at Patch.com about how a British pop music memorabilia collector David Miller. It includes this interesting mental image:

Bill Graham, after he closed the Fillmore, opened up Winterland. It was my friend Michael Morton’s idea to get there at 6 a.m.; that was the only way we could get to [spots] in front of the stage. It was a pretty crazy idea, but we were 21. We [then] got the idea that we could stand outside the door and wait; we got The Kinks and Fleetwood Mac that way. They might even come in early for a soundcheck. That’s how we got Peter Gabriel’s autograph.

Peter Gabriel was one of our more interesting ones. We’d occasionally see people who tried to dress up like a rock star. [While waiting] Michael said, “Look at that idiot trying to look like Peter Gabriel. Oh my God! It is Peter Gabriel!” He has these wooden clogs on, and he starts kicking the door. My friend Gary walks up to him and says, “You can kick at that door all you want, but the entrance is over there.” We somehow got his autograph that day. After [the concert] he ran out and literally dove headfirst into the waiting station wagon.

2) PG contributed to this article (up at several websites) about the time when he jammed with two bonobo chimpanzees (the inspiration for PG's song "Animal Nation.") I wonder how many corrections to PG's emails the writer had to make.

3) PG mentioned in his May vlog that he was talking to Ticketmaster about why the ticket prices to his North American shows in June are so expensive. PG noted that he would post their response on Petergabriel.com and his official Facebook page, but nothing has gone up yet. "Because we can," is most likely Ticketmaster's response.

Me News

I'm not yet fully recovered from my concussion. I'll probably never recover from not being able to see a single one of PG's gigs this year, even the show about 30 minutes from my home in Camden, New Jersey. Now I know that's not logical, since I managed to see 3 PG gigs last year, so THAT'S how I know I'm not over my concussion yet. I have sedatives squirreled away just to get me through the day of the Camden gig on June 25.

And, yes, I'm still banned from posting comments on PG's FB page. Thanks for asking!

Just to show PG's staff that I'm not obsessed with PG (I do think about other topics, believe it or not) I've started a Facebook page called My Dog Is Better Than Your God. People without brains need not click the link.

That's it for now. Off to work.

How to Get Banned From Peter Gabriel's Facebook Page

2011-05-21T12:41:00.005-04:00

Well, after writing a title like that, I suppose I should go through the steps on how to get banned from Peter Gabriel's Facebook page, but quite honestly, I don't know what I did. One day you can post on the FB page and next you can't. No big loss, anyway. This gives me more time to blog. (Whee.)

On Tuesday, I suffered a concussion. What really hurt was that I was the one who did it to myself. I opened up the door to the SUV -- something I've done thousands of times -- and opened it directly into my right eyebrow. The day after that, I walked directly into a hanging metal produce scale. Well, I always was my own worst enemy.

Unfortunately, I may have to go to the doctor about this concussion, since I scratched my glasses and became goofier than usual. For example, the night I got the concussion, I had to endorse a check. I forgot how to do that. My Mom had to walk me through the steps. She nearly cried because it was she I was endorsing the check to.

Since I've been knocked in the head, I will make an apology to whoever was offended by my comments on PG's FB page. Hey -- sorry. Whatever I wrote. Get ready to delete a LOT of comments, whoever poor pathetic staffer or underpaid intern you are that has to deal with a pop star's FB page. Welcome to the Internet, dude or dudette.

In other PG news, here's a preview of an article that mentions PG a bit in the Des Moines Register.

Off to take an Excedrin.

Ticketmaster Cozy Up to Peter Gabriel in Chicago Competition

2011-05-07T11:38:00.003-04:00

EDIT: This contest is now over. Sorry!

That's the official name of the contest, I swear. Embarassing, isn't it?

Ticketbastards is the sponsor, which includes hotel and dinner at House of Blues in Chicago. Oh, yeah, and tickets to the Chicago gig. You can only enter once and must give your birthdate. You can select not to receive promotional emails from Ticketmaster and their partners before entering.

YOU MUST HAVE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO ENTER.

http://www.facebook.com/Ticketmaster?sk=app_172377646142402

If that link doesn't work, go to Facebook and type in the search bar "Ticketmaster United States Peter Gabriel Giveaway"

Damn - wouldn't it be nice if they were actually giving away Peter Gabriel? "Hey, Mom, he followed me home. Can I keep him?"

And you have until June 1, 2011 to enter Real World's ticket giveaway.

Peter Gabriel at the Beach & 2011 Ticket Contest

2011-05-01T14:31:00.007-04:00

EDIT: The contest is now OVER. Sorry!

Found this photo today on Facebook and decided to share (until I get a cease and desist, anyway). I am trying to find out just when this photo was taken and who took it but so far all I know is that the beach is apparently not Sardinia, where Peter owns a hotel, but at St Bart's, somewhere in the Carribean. He's damn brave to go out in a swimsuit and relaxed enough not to give a tinker's how he appears. Wearing a swimsuit is something I'll never be able to do again. Lucky bastard!

Anyway, I've been hit with a double infection of sinusitis and pharyngitis so this is possibly the last blog post for a while. This on top of hastily getting two teeth replaced. And to think that one year ago today I arrived in New York City to see PG soundcheck and concert as well as meet some fellow fans.

But if you are a North American Peter Gabriel fan that could not afford concerts, Real World is holding a free to enter contest where you can win two tickets to the venue of your choice during the tour. You also get to go to the soundcheck. The only thing is that you need to list the name of a friend. I've asked Real World what to do if you do not have a friend but I've never received a reply.

Hope you have better luck than this PG photo given a Paint job by myself back in 2008 or so.

Peter Gabriel 2011 Ticket Nightmare and Just Why IS He So Slow?

2011-04-03T21:14:00.002-04:00

It's been a really brutal week for me and I don't expect this one to be any easier. My Mom told me she was proud of me for deciding not to go see a PG concert this year to take care of her and the pets. Unfortunately, that doesn't make me feel any better. Ain't nuthin' like the real thing, baby.

Anyway, I don't have the time to do a proper blog entry for Peter Gabriel fans, so I'm just going to cheat and put up links to other works I've done about PG this week. Off to collapse now:

* Ticketmaster/Live Nation Problems Plague Peter Gabriel Fans
* Why Is Peter Gabriel So Slow?

Soundcheck Ticket Info Up for Rich Peter Gabriel Fans

2011-03-31T10:53:00.004-04:00

Enjoy. I'm not going. Definitely. From Petergabriel.com up 31 March:

EDIT April 2: Despite this information at Petergabriel.com, the ACUTAL price of some soundcheck tickets are $650. WTF???

Special VIP Packages Available Soon

We are excited to tell you that a special selection of VIP packages will soon be available for keen fans who want to enjoy better seats, exclusive merchandise or even the chance to watch the sound check. We expect these to be on sale on Friday. When the links become available, follow for details of how to purchase these offers and confirmation of the price. You can choose from three different levels:

Front Row Package

This is an exclusive offer for just a handful of fans for each show and the cost is due to be $500

o Front row center ticket
o VIP entrance (where available)
o Invitation to Sound Check
o Pre-show hospitality
o Exclusive merchandise item
o Collectible laminate

Hot Sound Package

This premium package cost is due to be $400

o Premium ticket located within rows 3-10
o VIP entrance (where available)
o Invitation to Sound Check
o Pre-show hospitality
o Exclusive merchandise item
o Collectible laminate

Hot Ticket Package

Not a sound check invitation but a special seating level guarantee. The cost is due to be $175

o Premium Price Level 2 ticket
o Exclusive merchandise item
o Collectible laminate

For full details of VIP offers click the link when it becomes available. Prices quoted here are the average cost. VIP packages are limited in number.

Please note, whereas Peter Gabriel normally sound checks before every performance, on very rare occasions, due to circumstances out of our control, Peter Gabriel may not be able to attend.

My health has turned for the worse and the health of my Mom has turned several times worse. I've decided it's far too selfish (and dangerous) for me to leave her alone unattended, even for 24 hours. I'm also not going to be able to keep providing PG ticket news for free. I'll do it when I can, but it's taking too much time away from work, from the pets and from taking care of my Mom.

Please check Petergabriel.com and make a Google News alert in order to find out the latest official PG news.

There WILL Be Soundcheck Tickets For Peter Gabriel's June Tour of North America

2011-03-29T15:17:00.006-04:00

But, as usual, Real World is being coy. But at least they let us fans know that they are going to be on offer, which I for one, appreciate knowing. Those fans who wanted to use Citi pre-sale offer on March 30 may want to wait until details of the soundcheck tickets emerge.

EDIT 3/30: Ticketmaster is claiming to sell "Fan Presale" tickets starting TODAY, March 30 at 10 AM. Prices apparently the same. Password: BLOOD

Petergabriel.com now states information about soundcheck tix will not go up until Thursday, March 31. (Head. Wall. BANG. Owie.)

I was at three soundchecks last year. Don't expect to meet PG, but they are amazing, just to see how these huge shows are put together. I'm also interested in classical music, so seeing what a conductor actually does (besides waves his arms about and bow) was very educational.

Anyone want to buy a slightly used kidney? I'm sure I don't need two.

From Petergabriel.com:

Fans will have a window of opportunity to buy tickets in advance of the general public.

Also available will be a selection of special VIP soundcheck offers.

These will be announced here tomorrow. Watch this space for all the details.

More Peter Gabriel North American Tour Ticket Info for 3/28 - 3/30

2011-03-28T12:41:00.016-04:00

Coming out in drips and drabs, here are today's latest ticket sale news about Peter Gabriel's June 2010 tour with the New Blood Orchestra:

PG FAN PRESALE PASSWORD IS BLOOD
***CITI credit card presale password is first 6 digits of your credit card number***

June 10: UC Berkley Campus, Greek Theatre Pre-sale online March 31, password is either "Blood" or "Scratch". Sale general public April 3. Prices $49.50 on the lawn to $250 reserved.

June 11: Santa Barbara Bowl. Prices $62.60 to $173.50 Pre-sale for Fanclub (that's you) begins March 31, 10 AM.

June 13: Red Rocks, Colorado Tickets on sale general public April 4 10 AM. Pre-sale for Citi credit card holders and Live Nation app holders ONLY on March 30. Price ranges $54.50 to $170.50.

June 15: Verizon Theatre at Grand Prarie, Texas Tickets on sale to general public April 8 10 AM CT. Price range $69.50 to $149.50.

June 16: Cynthia Woods Pavillion in Woodlands, Texas Tickets on sale April 4 10 AM. Prices range $48.50 to $193.95

June 18: Starlight Theater, Kansas City, MO Tickets go on sale 9 AM April 4. Ticket prices: $34.50*, $55*, $77.50*, $99.50*, $175*

June 20: United Center, Chicago Tickets on sale general public April 11. Pre-sale April 6 to Citi credit card holders ONLY. Prices range $54 to $188.34

June 24: Comcast Center Mansfield, Mass. Tickets on sale general public April 11. Pre-sale April 6 to Citi credit card holders ONLY. Prices $41.50 to $163.50

June 25: Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ Tickets on sale April 4 10AM Pre-sale for Citi credit card holders and Live Nation app holders ONLY on March 30. Price ranges $54.50 to (get this) $276.00

June 27: Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center, New York Tickets on sale April 4 10AM Pre-sale for Citi credit card holders March 30. Prices $171 (no variation!)

June 29: Summerfest, Marcus Amplitheatre, Milwaulkee, WI Fan presale begins March 30, 10 AM CT. General public tickets on sale April 2. Price range $53.60 to $75. This also includes admission to Summerfest for that day. This is the baragain of the tour.

Peter Gabriel Tickets for Toronto Go On Sale Monday, March 28

2011-03-27T09:51:00.006-04:00

Oh, Toronto: Get up and caffeinated by 10 AM to hit online and get kicked to the curb by Ticketmaster. Or, if you're lucky, just go camp out at the Amplitheatre NOW -- but only if you have American Express. Prices Canadian dollars 66.25 to 204.00

And thanks for the screw up, Real World, for keeping PG fans in the dark about ticket availablitity until the next-to-last possible moment. It's a shame that ANYONE has to get their PG ticket information from my shitty little blog than from Petergabriel.com. Hopefully, now that I've made myself look like an idiot ranting, this will be immediately rectified by the few remaining Real World staff.

So far, there are NO announced plans for VIP ticket pacakges for any North American date.

Also -- no information as to ticket prices for most of the tour.

Gee -- don't you think we'd kinda need to know that, Real World? "Nah -- here's my credit card number. Take out what you want."

Head. Wall. BANG.

Damn! Peter Gabriel to Tour 11 or 12 North American Cities in June

2011-03-16T09:15:00.012-04:00

That scream you heard about 9am EST was from various North American Peter Gabriel fans reacting to the announcement from Real World Records and Petergabriel.com. However, ticket prices are NOT up yet. Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra will do a more proper tour this year, hitting 11 or 12 North American cities.

The lucky venues are:

June 10: UC Berkley Campus, Greek Theatre Pre-sale online March 31, password "Scratch". Sale general public April 3. Prices $49.50 on the lawn to $250 reserved.

June 11: Santa Barbara Bowl
June 13: Red Rocks Amplitheater, Colorado
June 15: Verizon Theater, Texas
June 16: Cynthia Woods Pavillion, Texas
June 18: Starlight Theater, Kansas City, MO Tickets go on sale 9 AM April 4.
June 20: United Center, Chicago
June 22: Molson Amplitheatre, Toronto, Canada Tickets go on sale March 28, 10AM. No prices yet listed.
June 24: Comcast Center, Mansfield, Mass.
June 25: Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, New Jersey (closest gig to Philly)
June 27: Saratoga PAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
**June 29: Marcus Amplitheater, Wisconsin** No word from Real World yet, but Summerfest officials are screaming that this is a go. Ticketmaster claims tix will be on sale April 2

Time to start selling your firstborn in order to make one or more gigs.

On Brief Hiatus & Other Me News

2011-03-13T13:47:00.004-04:00

Sorry there isn't anything new to report about Peter Gabriel. Anything brand-spanking new will be on his Facebook Page and his Twitter page.

As you can see in the photo, I may need to take a hiatus from the blog as my dog Pony and I try to train the 8 month old Chinese crested puppy, Hugo. If you're interested in Hugo and how he came to our household, read this article.

In other fun self-promotion news, this article on Suite 101 on cyberbullying is getting reprinted in an a college journal in India. Nope -- no money for that, but that's my charity work for the year. One day I (and about 4 billion other people in the world) may make enough money to give to charities again.

Last month I won an award for Most Intriguing Writer at Associated Content for January 2011. The judges were three other AC writers. Again, no money involved, but a pleasant suprize. Now, I have to go pick up puppy poop.

Win a Pair of Peter Gabriel Tickets to This Month's London Gig

2011-03-10T08:07:00.003-05:00

Real World is offering a pair of coveted front row tickets to see Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra at the Apollo Hammersmith in London for either the March 23 or March 24 gig (Real World has not specified which gig it is. These are only tickets -- no hotel, no airfare. Peter Gabriel's Facebook page has had fans asking if airfare was included, so I thought I better repeat the obvious here. You need to answer one multiple-choice question (which is actually a head-scratcher) and then your name goes in the literal or metaphorical hat. Peter will announce the name of the lucky bastard -- I mean, winner -- in his March Full Moon update on Petergabriel.com on March 19 or 20 or whenever he can be bothered to, presumably before the gigs start. Entries must be in by Wednesday, March 16. Good luck! And no, I don't know the answer to the contest question, so don't bother asking me.

Charlie Sheen Talking About Trees & Books

2011-03-08T14:12:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm off-topic but hey, it's my blog. I used to live with a chain-smoking guy who talked and moved his hands and head like this, only he talked much slower. Unfortunately, Charlie is starting to make sense to me and that's not necessarily a good thing.

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I Got Hate Mail From a Theologian: I'm Not Winning

2011-03-05T18:01:00.004-05:00

For those new to this blog -- hi, I'm Rena. I'm a freelance writer, Peter Gabriel fan and atheist. I get hate mail on a sporatic basis about stuff that I write. I think even Peter Gabriel passively sent me hate mail when some of my comments were removed from his Facebook page on a day he actually was on it. But at least he doesn't SEND me hate mail and for that reason alone I'd take a bullet for him.

Anyway, I read an article on Associated Content about why this Christian thinks evolution is a gigantic conspiracy theory. It was just so wacky on a "Plan 9 From Outer Space" level that I had to leave a comment explaining why evolution is a fact and not a threat to anyone's relationship with God.

Then I got this:

Please read my response to your smug, condescending response to [author's name] article. I often wonder what fuzzies like you mean when you mouth the phrase "taking the Bible literally"? Apparently your literary studies didn't deal with the basic elements of literary criticism. The Bible, like any complex literary work contains material which is literal, historical, symbolical, allegorical, parabolic, proverbial, etc. We theologians follow the natural sense of Scripture.

Apparently, this "theologian" never heard of the Golden Rule. Hell, even Charlie Sheen knows the Golden Rule. Not that he follows it, but at least he knows it. And right now he's making a hell of a lot more sense than this "theologian." I was wasn't questioning the exstence of Jesus (which I do) I was talking about evolution.

It's official: our species is not winning

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Happy Birthday, Peter Gabriel

2011-02-13T12:05:00.003-05:00

Peter turns 61 today and is currently getting the final mixes done for his album "New Blood", projected to be released this spring (translation from Gabrielese: before the end of this year, hopefully.)

This photo was a Photoshopped image done for PG's 53rd birthday by SolsburyHill.com, perhaps the oldest surviving PG fansite on the web.

If you forgot to send PG a prezzie, don't worry. On September of 2010, PG pleaded with his fans to stop sending him gifts because he no longer has anyplace to store them.

But if I was able to send PG a gift, it would be this:

Peter, may you never need anything in order to be happy. Just be happy.

Why I've Gotten a Little Nastier Lately

2011-02-09T13:33:00.001-05:00

“There’s more beauty in the truth even if it is dreadful beauty.” John Steinbeck

I lost a few Facebook friends recently because they claimed my writings about Peter Gabriel were getting too nasty. One even went so far as to accuse me of “rage against the machine that is Peter Gabriel.” No -- don’t try and figure that one out. When anyone’s rantings are weirder than mine, that’s when I hit the BLOCK function on Facebook.

Don’t get me wrong – I’d still take a bullet for Peter Gabriel. But I’ll be damned if I’ll curb my tongue just to humor the more PC of his fans. A long time ago I figured this out: PG is going to do whatever PG wants, so you may as well write what you really feel rather than what you think he wants to hear.

Peter Gabriel is rich and famous. Peter Gabriel is rich and famous. Yes, I know I’ve repeated myself, but that’s only to emphasize this fact’s importance. At this point in his life with nothing left to prove, you think he’s going to give a tinker’s damn what anyone thinks of him, his charity work or his taste in extra-curricular activities – especially if you aren’t rich?

Besides, have you read what fans write on PG forums and his FB page? Here are some gems from Jan 19, 2011, none of which were from me, I’m happy to report:

• “CAN I MAKE A WISH ON THE FULL MOON? THAT WOULD, I COULD SEE YOUR EYES CLOSE ENOUGH TO PERCEIVE THE WORLD THROUGH THEM”
• “I fucking love you.”
• “I fucking love you more.”
• “Awww I love you PG you are like the boyfriend that never left my mind and my heart you are in my soul since I was 15 years old. If you would've married me I would still feel the same as I feel web I see your changing face and your ever lasting Eyes.~IN YOUR EYES I FEEL COMPLETE~”
• “Hi Peter i am an admirer of yor work .Hope yor new album came soon.”
• “car scratch birdy melt jill”
• “aaaa—ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooargh”

Blood-curling, aren’t they? Now imagine if YOU were the recipient of such messages. You’d never go online again, would you? You’d probably never get out of the freakin’ bed. And PG’s been getting this crap for over forty years. Quite frankly, I’m really wary about going to a PG concert again just because I’ll being in the same building as these freaks.

Reading these appalling mini-love letters (and whatever the hell the last two posts were supposed to be about) I blush in shame to think I once sent love poetry to this man. I’m surprised he didn’t he have me arrested for that. At least now I see what an idiot I was and can now make amends – to myself. I gotta be me -- because who else can I be?

Peter Gabriel Gets Cornered at Davos, 29 Jan, 2011

2011-02-01T16:31:00.004-05:00

Short post this time, since the last one went on for ages. Here's a recent clip of Peter talking to YouTube's World View. Enjoy:

Why the Human Rights Movement Is Ultimately Doomed: And why Peter Gabriel should get out of the human rights business

2011-01-29T14:56:00.004-05:00

“Folks, I hate to spoil your fun, but there’s no such thing as rights. Okay? They’re imaginary. We made them up, like the Boogeyman.” (George Carlin)

On January 19, 2010, Peter Gabriel made his usual monthly vlog for his official website. He announced that he wanted to start a human rights charity called The Toolbox which would be sort of a social network for human rights activists in the field. Many fans, including myself, smacked our foreheads and groaned, “Not again!”

Let’s get some perspective here. Gabriel already initiated two human rights charities – Witness and The Elders. Oddly enough, humans seem to be treating each other worse than before. And Gabriel wants to start a third human rights charity? Who is he kidding? Himself, apparently.

On the one hand, it’s nice that a really rich guy gives money to charities. Governments and big businesses won’t do it unless it supports their agendas. But on the other hand, all of this money and effort goes to waste. If Gabriel really wants to ease suffering in the world, get his rich white arse in the studio and make more CDs. There’s no sense in staying alive in this stormcloud of a world unless we can see that silver lining. Music can give us that silver lining – human rights charities can’t.

Case In Point – Doner Fatigue

2010 was a really crap year for the human race. In January, there was a devastating earthquake in Haiti. Soon after was another devastating earthquake in Chile and later on there was a devastating flood in Pakistan. Of course, other disasters around the world had not stopped but they got less press.

Surprise, surprise – charities discovered that donations were at an all time low. The press dubbed it “doner fatigue.” Actually, it was just human beings acting like human beings. For example, Hurricane Katrina got a heck of a lot of donations back in 2005, when the economy was roaring. But in 2010, after the economic recession, people have nothing to spare to charities. They barely had enough to take care of their own families, let alone people they probably aren’t closely related to.

Another Case In Point – Bob Geldof Sucks

You ever take time to get to know your fellow man? After about ten minutes you want to beat him about the head with the largest blunt object you can possibly find. People are cruel, ignorant, selfish pricks (even the women.) And we want to save people? Not me. Homo sapiens had their time as a species and blew it.

Let us look at the Live Aid fundraising concert for starving children in Ethiopia. The world was different place in 1985, wasn’t it? We had money and thought we could change the world. How dumb we were. Live Aid raised hundreds of millions of dollars (just how much is still under debate.) And did that money go to help starving Ethiopians? Please! No one seems to know where the money went and people in Ethiopia are still starving.Peter Gabriel did not perform in either Live Aid concert partially because he was busy recording “So” (1986) but mostly because he couldn’t get along with Bob Geldof. This is because Bob Geldof sucks. Yes, he meant well, but he still sucks. Geldof had no idea where the money was going and Gabriel knew it.

When the Live 8 series of concerts were to be held in 2005, Gabriel approached Geldof to ask if African musicians could be included. Geldof reported replied that “no one would buy tickets to see African musicians.”

So Gabriel set up his own concert, Africa Calling at The Eden Project in Cornwall. For the same day as Geldof’s concerts. It sold a crapload of tickets. So, like it or not, Geldof gave in and allowed Africa Calling to be part of the official Live 8 series of concerts.

When you have to resort to tactics like this in order to make a point to a fellow human rights worker, it’s time to immerse yourself in sex, drugs and rock and roll because at least you know what you’re getting when you enter into it. Unless there is a fundamental change in the entire species and not just a few rich rock starts there is no hope for the human rights movement -- because humans are involved.

Party on. All right.

Peter Gabriel New Blood 2011 Hammersmith Apollo London 23 & 24 March

2011-01-20T13:45:00.003-05:00

Holy timpani, Batman!

In a rare move, Peter Gabriel made a decision. Two concerts and two only of New Blood (PG & orchestra) will be on March 34 & 24, 2011 at London's Hammersmith Apollo, Real World announced today. PG would like to release his DVD of the tour in 3D. (Bad luck for all of us with monocular vision.) In order to convert last year's filmed Verona concert to 3D, new material has to be filmed with a frightfully expensive camera -- hence the shows.

Tickets for PG fans go on sale through Petergabriel.com TOMORROW at 9am GMT. Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday, January 24.

I blew my savings account on last year's tour and cannot go. Besides -- I'm not sure I would be allowed back in the UK. (Long story.) Good luck to all of you lucky sods that will be going.

Peter Gabriel Has Grammar Problems

2011-01-20T10:30:00.004-05:00

It's been a bizarre last week or so. I got contacted by someone claiming to be Dickie Chappell, Peter Gabriel's long-time engineer. You think I believed him? Especially after my battles with a cyberstalker? Naaaahhhh. But I did play along and honestly told him what I thought. Sorry, Dickie -- but at least I was honest.

I'm not going to go into details of the email exchange because as luck would have it, it WAS Dickie Chappell that contacted me. He has also contacted at least two other PG fans that bought VIP tickets to last year's New Blood tour and have a Facebook account.

But Dickie did mention that PG was going to start doing once a month posts on Facebook. Of course, PG has been doing about 10 vlogs a year since 2002 but why the jump to online text only contact? Because Facebook is far more of a frighteningly powerful promotional tool that anyone could have expected. If the comments on PG's FB page is any indication, only about a third of PG's worldwide fan base was even aware that he had an official website, let alone a monthly vlog.

So PG posted. And, oh, I see why he shied away from posting before:

Hi there everyone, It's Peter. Welcome to the first full moon message http://bit.ly/hJRmeb of the year. This is for anyone who wants to check out what we are working on and up to each month.

I wanted to also say that I don't really think that my life is that interesting to be talking about it everyday and also I don't want my life to be a slave to a piece of technology. I do though make a commitment to directly communicate once a month which does work for me and I hope it will work for you too.

It's an easy way to remember you only have to look up at the sky and if the moon is getting full you know that its time to check in on what we are doing.

We have been very busy music-wise recently but things are almost finished, so at the end of this month's video you will get a taste of my 'New Blood' version of 'Wallflower'.

Have a great month and hope to see you when the moon is full again.

Peter

The love of my life, my inspiration and my aspiration -- cannot write his way out of a wet paper bag. I guess with the recent layoffs at Real World there isn't anyone left who can do elementary proofreading. And I don't think I impressed Dickie any with my brutally honest emails.

Off to bang my head against a wall.

Peter Gabriel; "Curtains" Uscita Mix

2011-01-12T14:52:00.002-05:00

(PG portrait done for Mojo by Andy Fallon)

I've been busy and even managed to get an article published on Yahoo! News. I managed to wean myself off of Xanax over the holidays. I had my last dose December 27 and hopefully I'll never touch the stuff again. From now on, I'll deal with panic attacks the old fashioned way -- with ice cream.

Not a lot of news to report on the PG front. It seems that long-time engineer Dickie Chappell has been recruited to the unenviable task of replacing Tina, PG's 20-year fan liason who retired (or was let go) in Spetember. "New Blood" is scheduled to be released "any day now" (ie -- "sometime before the sun engulfs the solar system.") In the meantime, here's a remix of one of PG's most beloved B-sides, "Curtains."

Peter Gabriel New Version Wallflower to End 2010

2010-12-26T11:13:00.003-05:00

Boxing Day is the anniversary where I finally left Mitch, my abuser. He'd hit my four month old puppy for peeing on the floor. The penny finally dropped and I gathered up the pup and was out of there for good. That puppy is now a slightly overweight Americanized six year old with a brand new collar and I swore that yesterday she figured out how to say "mommy" in order to get me to take her for a walk.

But reading about me is not why you're here. You want to read about Peter Gabriel. OK, let's go. During Christmas week, Peter Gabriel unofficially released this video, recorded "sometime in late November" of his 1982 song, "Wallflower" about political prisoners. That's Tom Cawley accompanying him on piano. He'd sent is as a gift to former Irish President Mary Robinson, who was leaving one charity to work on another. The video was tacked onto the end of a nearly 13 minute monthly vlog on PG's official website. In a couple of hours, PG fan MOZOtheMecurial had been able to isolate the track and posted it on YouTube. Enjoy.

30th Anniversary of John Lennon's Murder

2010-12-08T18:01:00.003-05:00

Not a happy day. On the one hand, it's nice that John Lennon is still appreciated, on the other hand all of the media attention to the 30th anniversary of his murder makes the pain all the more intense. It's as if all of the 30 years of grieving have suddenly rolled up into one ball of ache.

And ever since 1986 I wonder if one day I'll turn on the Internet and see the same thing happen to Peter Gabriel. He often wanders about without a bodyguard. One thing I know -- I can't survive another 30th anniversary of a death of a man I love and worry about.

There have been many tribute songs to Lennon but Paul Simon's was the best, in my opinion.

Dragon Drawing that Survived a Fire

2010-11-24T14:37:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the tilt, but this dragon drawing is so fragile that I can't risk putting it through my scanner again. I had a book which I also illustrated mostly destroyed when my makeshift home was set on fire in 2005. This is one of the very few drawings that survived mostly unscathed. I've had a whopping 2 people ask to see it, so here it is.

As the dragon is typing an smoking a cigarrette, he's thinking, "Anne McCaffery, eat your heart out!"

It may also help to explain why I gave up drawing afte the fire. My ex-boyfriends tossed all of my drawings & paintings, including all of the Peter Gabriel cartoons that went up on the web in 1998 - 2000.

I'm 41. What the Hell Happened? Also, Some PG News

2010-11-19T13:50:00.004-05:00

My birthday was yesterday, but in a weird twist of fate, Peter Gabriel appeared that day on CNN's Connect the World programme (shown in Europe.) On 14 November, CNN offerred fans a chance to send questions to Gabriel but asked that they be about human rights. Gabriel was appearing on CNN with Pakistani musician Salmon Ahmad in order to help raise money and awarenes for flood victims in Pakistan.

Gabriel collaborated with Ahmad on the song, "Open Your Eyes," which was mostly written by Ahmad. The single is availbel only at iTunes. All proceeds will go to charities in Pakistan like UNICEF.

Because of the time difference, I didn't get to watch PG's appearance until today. My question about human rights was not asked. However, "Any chance of a Genesis reuinon?" WAS. (To which PG replied with tongue firmly in cheek, "You know, I've never been asked that question before.")

Other highlights of my 41st was stepping in a huge pile of dog poo hidden in fall leaves and splashing boiling water on my hand while trying to make a cup of Ceylon tea. Gonna be one of those years.

I've also discovered that my cyberstalker is reading this blog, so blog updates from now on will be sporatic at best if I want to avoid getting hassled. As I said -- gonna be one of those years. Oh, yeah -- in October I won some sort of award.

When a woman hits 41, she realizes that everything in her life has fallen past help. With that as a happy introduction, here's PG collaborating with Afro Celt Sound System in "When You're Falling", which was released in 2001:

Peter Gabriel Apologizes for Cancelling Melbourne Cup Gig and I'm Being Cyberbullied

2010-10-31T15:51:00.003-04:00

OK, the two title halves don't exactly go together, but occassionally family members look in on my blog to see why I haven't died yet.

Peter Gabriel was to headline a mega-huge concert on 1 November to celebrate the Melbourne Cup's 150th anniversary, but he abruptly cancelled about 22 August. His site listed no reason until 23 October, where PG apologized, citing his people was given a bunch of misinfrmation about who was sponsoring the concert, how long the concert would be and how much ticket prices were (complete with stop motion animation from a 1926 film called "Greener Pastures.") He didn't apologize for betting on horse racing, although he suddenly inisited that the sport he bet on most often was tennis. (That's a new one.) He acknowledged that there was cruelty in the horse racing industry, but thought the sport could change from within. What a lame excuse (pun intended.)

I'll be 41 years old next month. Despite that, I've been cyberbullied off of both PG fan site forums. I had another virus attack my computer on 7 October and the computer technician thinks I picked it from a link that someone had posted on the PG Forum. I've now had TWO technicians tell me that it's highly likely that someone on the forum set up a link for other PG fans to download malware. Many of on the forums think we know who did it, but none of us have the money to hire a lawyer.

So we have all left. I was also being cyberbullied by two other forum members (who may or may not have been responisble for killing my hard drive in May and trying again in October.) Idiot me bullied right back. That worked when I was a kid and even when I was homeless in England.

But it doesn't work on the Internet.

When I started seriously considering suicide, I knew I had to admidt defeat. Unfortunately, the two PG forums were my only means of social interaction with people unrelated to me. I could at least pretend I had friends. But online "friends" are not real friends. Same as school friends are not real friends when they see you getting beat up. You call out for help -- they just walk on by because they don't want to get beat up, too.

Proving that we are just fooling ourselves by pretending we aren't all alone in the world. No one is going to give a shit about your problems except you. So you are the only one that can deal with it. No one's going to come to your rescue because they are looking to save their own arses.

But at least I left A Warning for Peter Gabriel Fans up on Associated Content and on the Solsbury Hill Forums to at least let them know what they're getting for.

Oh, also I'm now a writer for Bright Hub in the category Depression and Mood Disorders. Seems I'm well qualified for the job.

Peter Gabriel's Orchestral Album Named "New Blood"

2010-10-02T20:13:00.002-04:00

Peter's official website announced today that the album or orchestral versions of his songs will be called "New Blood" after the New Blood tour, which sadly concludes this week in Germany. Peter also said that the album will be out "next year" but did not claim what the base year is.

However, one track has been completed and was available for free at Amazon.com. Missed it? Don't worry. There are far more tech-savvy Peter Gabriel fans than I am. "Mozo the Mecurial" got this up on You Tube. Enjoy, but brace yourself -- even for a Peter Gabriel song, this is one emotional white-knuckle ride.

Pictures From Peter Gabriel & The New Blood Orchestra; Arena Leipzig; 14 September, 2010

2010-09-22T11:11:00.013-04:00

A lovely German gentleman named Uwe sent me these images of the soundcheck and concert in Leipzig. Enjoy. And yes, the dork in the green shirt is me. In the photo next to it, you can see how overwhelmed PG was after meeting all 11 of us at the soundcheck. Made his day, I'm sure.

I'm also going to ask if you copy these images to please give photographic credit to Uwe. Vielen dank.

OK. I Give Up and Now Believe in God

2010-09-17T19:19:00.006-04:00

So I went to Leipzig, Germany just to see a Peter Gabriel concert and rehearsal. I spent a lot of money on it so I'm now broke. So I take the trouble and effort to get from Philadelphia to Leipzig and the night before the concert I realize I left behind the email with the conformation code I need in order to attend said rehearsal and concert.

I don't have a smart phone, laptop or PDA. I did not have Internet access. Hell, I couldn't even find a public phone in Leipzig.

Now, anyone going through this situation will of course be upset but they get over it. Either that or they have a 12 hour panic attack.

Guess what I did?

Yeah, that's right. 12 hour panic attack. During the attack, I did the inevitable getting down on my knees and praying through gritted teeth, "God, if you exist -- GET ME INTO THAT ARENA."

A few seconds after that I realized that the hotel staff had Internet access. Heck, earlier that day they let me send an email to my Mom to let her know I was okay. Unlike Berlin, which I visited in March, I could not find an Internet cafe. By 11 am I had a copy of the email.

I not only got into the soundcheck but during the soundcheck I got to meet PG again. We even had a short private conversation, which is a significant step forward in our non-relationship. He still has that beautiful laugh he does through his nose which makes his chest shake. He was a sweetheart and golden-skinned as usual and several pictures were taken of us together, including the two at the top of this post.

Later that night I discovered that I sprained a toe during the concert. I don't know exactly when because I was so full of adrenaline. The toe didn't begin to hurt until about an hour after the concert ended. I was then lying in bed and thinking about the roller-coaster of a day that had just passed.

This was my thought process:

"Wow. I guess there might actually be a G -- OH MY FUCKING GOD!!!!"

Says it all, really.

The two photos of PG and myself are courtsey of a lovely lady named Melanie Witrin. I'm also putting up a video of a song a fellow audience member recorded during that night's show. Enjoy:

Update on Personal and Peter Gabriel News

2010-09-10T11:46:00.007-04:00

It seems I'm doing most of my blogging-style pieces over at Associated Content because, quite frankly, I get a few pennies for the posts and get nothing here. This is my charity blog. Something in my life should be free of Google Ads, even though they are one of my clients and God bless 'em.

News About Me

Health still continues going downhill despite an ultrasound in my privates stating that I'm fine. Fortunatley, my ultra-Catholic gynecologist believes that ultrasounds do not give conclusive diagnosis when it comes to female naughty bits. Tomorrow, September 11, I board a plane bound for Germany to see Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra for a third and, sadly, final time. That is, unless PG has any plans for me (HA!)Read about the gory details here.

News About Peter Gabriel

Peter's had what was probably a normal summer for him but it seemed kinda weird to fans. May was spent recovering from New Blood North America, taping a show for "Guitar Sessions" (where PG played piano) and campaigning to stop construction near Bath. He also announced that he was headlining a concert in celebration of the Melbourne Cup's 150th anniversary. It turns out that PG has a thing for gambling on horse races.

Ouch. I'd still take a bullet for him, but supporting the abusive "sport" of Thoroughbred racing? Ugh!

June was spent working on the orchestrated verion of his songs and doing some promotion for the Melbourne Cup gig.

July was spent still working, goofing off, hosting WOMAD at Charlton Park and then running off with the family to his hotel in Sardinia. There, he had a belated 60th birthday party.

August saw Peter abrupty cancelling the Melbourne Cup gig. His website has stated nothing about the affair. Read more in Peter Gabriel and the Melbourne Cup Fiasco.

On September 1, PG's fan liason Tina left. Tina's managed to keep her last name secret, which is probably a good thing considering what some of PG's fans are like. She did not give a coherent explanation as to why she resigned, but posted a long goodbye letter on her bit of petergabriel.com stating how she enjoyed her 20 (or was it 30?) year stint for Peter and how she was going to miss everyone. Read more here.

That's it for now. Off to get my full amount of panic time in before heading off to Leipzig.

Ultrasound Results & Pony's Birthday

2010-08-13T15:12:00.002-04:00

My dog, Pony, is six years old today. So, how did I celebrate? By getting a transvaginal ultrasound. (See last post as to why.) And the results?

My ultrasound was normal. The doctor and his nurse were giving each other the "I think we've got another hypochondriac here" looks.

I did not make that pain up. Hell, I've had ASSAULTS that hurt less. And no they're telling me nothing's wrong and last period was just a "fluke" and "perhaps" it will never happen again.

Or perhaps it will.

So, now, every month I get to look forward to my body spinning that great big Wheel Of Pain and seeing where it lands. Shooting me in the head probably would've been kinder. At least the wait would be over.

Anyway, Peter Gabriel put out a new video, which I'm trying to use as medication:

Back on the Xanax and Doubling Up on Ice Cream

2010-07-28T11:52:00.003-04:00

I had a bad week:

* We learned our 16 year old cat may have thyroid cancer.
* The nest of four baby house finches was ripped apart by an unknown attacker just two days before the babies were due to fly. Only bits of one corpse was discovered.
* I learned I may have cancer

Any week where cancer pops up once is a bad week but to have it pop up twice means it's time to go back to bed.

I had an extremely painful attack during my period. How painful was it? If someone had handed me a loaded gun, I would have unhesitatingly shot myself. THAT'S how bad the pain was. Fortunately, Mom handed me a Percoset and not a loaded gun.

Mom called a gynecologist the next day (because I was too wiped out to use the phone) and before she finished listing the symptoms, the receptionist said, "Get her here NOW."

I was examined and told it could be one of two things:

1) Endometriosis (which sucks)
2) "Pre-cancer of the ovaries and/or uterus" (which REALLY sucks. And no, I didn't ask what "pre-cancer" meant. You have a little bit of cancer in the same way you are a little bit pregnant.)

I have an invasive ultrasound scheduled for 13 August (my dog's birthday.) Just what is an invasive ultrasound? The ultrasound wand is STUCK up my TWAT. I'm not too sure you can get MORE invasive than that (and if there is -- I do NOT want to know about it.)

So, the important thing most readers of this blog will note (well, one of you, anyway) is this -- am I still going to Leipzig to see Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra in September?

You bet. Going to Germany with the knowledge my body could implode at any moment will make the trip that much more exciting.

That's why I'm paring this post with an image of PG instead of any other subject matter mentioned.

Peter Gabriel's Cover of "Illusions"

2010-07-18T20:31:00.003-04:00

1987 was the 750th anniversary of the city of Berlin. So, what to do to celebrate? Make a cheesy television program! However, this show featured an incredibly rare clip of Peter Gabriel covering "Illusions," a song made famous by Marlene Dietrich in the movie "A Foreign Affair" (1948.) The electric piano player is David Sanctious, who was part of PG's band during the 1986 and 1987 tours.

I've been a PG fan since I was 16. As a result, I have a long list of things PG does that pisses me off. However, this is goes on the list of things PG does that sends me into a state of bliss.

The video was saved since the 1980s by an Italian PG fan and put up on YouTube in the past week. Enjoy:

Replacing Xanax with Ice Cream

2010-07-06T11:36:00.002-04:00

Remember a couple of posts back my doctor was concerned that I may be bipolar? Well, if you don't, just pretend you do. I had been taking Xanax for about a year after the neighborhood drunk threatened to kill my dog.

I was up to three pills a day at one point, but then went to two at the time I saw the doctor in April. Then I went down to one (because I was running out of Xanax and was too lazy to get it refilled). For the last two weeks or so, I've been down to none.

I have, however, begun eating ice cream again. I had to stop in 2006 because the dog was on a diet and have YOU ever tried eating ice cream with a dog begging at you and you can't give her any? Drives you mental. It can also be dangerous if the dog really wants the ice cream. And the panic attacks, racing thoughts in the morning and problems concentrating seemed to have subsided. Coincidence?

Yeah, probably, but ice cream is a heck of a lot cheaper than Xanax. I'm not sure which is more addictive, though.

At least I've figured out where to go in the house to sneak the ice cream so the dog doesn't realize I'm eating it.

Of course, looking at Peter Gabriel photos also helps to calm me, so that's why I stuck one up with this post that has absolutely nothing to do with him. Yeah, my mental state is doing MUCH, much better.

Peter Gabriel Covers Tom Waits for Daughter's Charity

2010-06-30T11:56:00.003-04:00

Like father, like daughter. Peter Gabriel helped to found two human rights cahritess, Witness and The Elders, and now Peter's oldest child, Anna Marie Gabriel, has helped to found a human rights charity called The Voice Project. I have read many times about what the Voice Project is suppossed to accomplish and I still can't understand a damn word. So, rather than misinterpert the charity's aims, please click on the links provided and get it straight from the horse's mouth.

This remarkable piece of film was shot by Anna Marie Gabriel in London, but it is unknown who's house or hotel this was. The song is "In the Neighborhood" written by the legendary actor-songwriter Tom Waits. Over on the PG Forums, fans have remarked at how PG takes years to make albums and yet bangs out his gem in about five minutes. Enjoy.

Sometimes Lucid Dreams Suck

2010-06-15T17:59:00.005-04:00

NOTE: I consider the PG I dream about to be a different fellow from the real Peter Gabriel (the one I usually mention in this blog.)

I love lucid dreams, especially those with Peter Gabriel in them. Well, usually. There are times I wish he wouldn't show up. This morning was one of those times. I've cut down my Xanax to just one pill a day, so perhaps I can blame the dreams on Xanax withdrawal and not my sick psyche.

Yeah, right.

I had a series of nightmares and most of them were alike. In one, I had to clean a particularly messy bathroom and finally could take a break. Then three children robbed me of my Almond Joy candy bar. Quite annoying.

I then had a series of repetitive dreams. I was in a huge home with a stream running under it. It was filled with lots of valuable little artwork and suddenly all of these richly-dressed people with their glasses of wine and pearl necklaces and black satin suits swarmed the place and took off with everything.

I went mental. I was trying to get my stuff back. I remember fighting disgracefully and even setting one man on fire. I took one young woman's manicured hand and slammed it down on a tabletop just so the nails would break off. Then the entire house caught fire and we all had to run for it.

Then I suddenly realized that I was dreaming. Perhaps it was because I couldn't remember how I'd gotten such a large home or why there was a stream flowing underneath of it and where did all of this artwork come from?

So I had been fighting all of these people and inflicting pain all over nothing. Lucid dreams are rare things, and here I'd wasted my chance because I was too angry to realize that it was all a dream. Someone called out to me, "Would serve you right if Peter saw what you did."

"Peter wouldn't show up here," I snapped. "I mean nothing to him."

And the entire dream fell away like a series of thin curtains being hurled aside and when they were gone Peter was glaring at me, looking like in the image to the left. Only he didn't look angry. He looked sick with disappointment. I would've preferred the angry look.

He began to speak softly and eventually I had to just read his lips.

"You know," he said, "I'm beginning to think you're a lost cause."

I suddenly snapped awake. My head, back and guts ached. There was a numb spot between my shoulder blades.

Epilogue

It was only two in the morning so I thought I'd better get back to sleep. The most lucid dreams happen in the last four hours of sleep. I wanted to show that I wasn't a lost cause.

I was in a schoolroom, but I was the oldest and tallest student there. I could see people walking about but everyone else said that they weren't there. When I described them to my teachers, they were quite upset because I was describing dead teachers that they knew.

I had to make a speech in front of the class. The suddenly I thought -- why am I the only kid that is so tall and old? The teachers left the room. Then I remembered.

Everyone was looking at me because I had stopped talking. "My name is Rena Sherwood," I said, "and I'm having a lucid dream."

The kids in the front of the room looked shocked, but a few kids in the very back applauded. "Finally!" one said, smiling.

I said, "At this point, I'm supposed to ask where Peter Gabriel is." (This is a mental trick in order to not suddenly snap awake.)

"He's right outside." They pointed to their left out of the windows.

And there was Peter in a chocolate brown suit jacket and tie, looking like in the previous dream. All of the kids knew who he was and excitedly pressed against the windows, sticking their arms out to touch him. Peter laughed and shook their hands. I stood back, remembering how disgracefully I'd acted the last time we met.

A gap opened up with the kids and Peter looked directly at me through the window. He slowly smiled like a snake uncurling, inhaled and opened his mouth to speak.

It was then I snapped awake.

Peter Gabriel at Work 11 June 2010

2010-06-11T13:55:00.006-04:00

Peter Gabriel is hard at work at Air Studios in the UK recording orchestral versions of his own songs. Some songs have premiered during the New Blood tour earlier this year, but so far, two more have added to the mix. Today's work was on "Intruder", "The Drop" and "Father Son." Already given basic recordings (before the studio digital tweaking) have been "Digging in the Dirt," "Downside Up", "Rhythm of the Heat" and "Blood of Eden."

Peter Gabriel's Twitter page, Itspetergabriel (which had to go with that because "Peter Gabriel" had already been taken) describe PG doing "impromptu" vocals on "Father Son", originally released on the album Ovo (1999.)

Meanwhile, work on my book about dreams, "The Dream Peter Prject" has been shelved so I can concentrate on paying for seeing this incredible tour for a third time and keep paying the usual bills.

Well, I'm lying. That's not the only reason I'm taking a break from it. In order to best describe the impact dreams can have on a person's waking life, I included some autobiographical material. Looking back on my life has been surprisingly difficult to do. It has given me some articles like "How the UK's NHS Saved This American's Life", which brings in a few pennies a month, but looking back has been really gut-wrenching. I know I'm lucky to be alive, but it sure doesn't feel that way, especially at night.

Anyway, I'll feel better the closer the concert date approaches ... and, hopefully, the release date of this album currently being recorded.

Last 2 Surviving Pix of Me & PG in 1996

2010-06-08T13:02:00.004-04:00

Ok, bear with me, folks. Out of oodles of photos from my 1996 trip to Real World studios, Box village and meeting Peter Gabriel, just 4 remain, due to the wrath of my ex-boyfriends. However, my Mom (Vatican -- make her a saint already!) managed to save 4 (and the 4 are in poor shape, but at least they're in one piece.) I already posted two of them in March, 2010. Since I let my Photobucket account lapse (oops), Blogger is the only place I can post photos online for free.

I'll try to do a more proper post next time.

Do I Have Manic Depression?

2010-06-05T13:06:00.007-04:00

My general practitioner, a title once known as "a doctor", thinks I may have been been misdiagnosed. In England, while homeless, I was officially diagnosed as having "endogenous recurring depression." My GP thinks I may have crossed that albeit ever so slim line over to manic depression (now called bipolar disorder or bipolarity.) One of the most famous still living people with bipolarity is Stephen Fry (pictured.)

Who, Me?

I was shaken to hear that. I knew I was mentally ill, but at least I wasn't THAT mentally ill. I took a very small comfort in that, as if holding on to a teeny tiny security blanket. After all, I'd been homeless and met many, many bipolar people -- some going through full-blown mania where they'd be so convinced they could fly that they'd climb up on rooftops.

I was never like that. Me, well, the first thing I think of when I wake up is, "Oh, shit. Not again." People with manic episodes don't sleep because they feel too good to sleep. I wouldn't mind a bit of that type of mania. Just a bit.

But, said my GP, there are many degrees of manic depression and not just the "common" episodes of manic and then depressive cycles. Which, of course, has now started a little voice in my head saying, "You have a BRAND NEW mental illness THAT THEY'LL NAME AFTER YOU."

Desperately Seeking Symptoms

As a freelance web content writer, I get asked to write about many, many medical conditions. You know how it is -- you read a couple of newspaper articles on a certain newly discovered disease and suddenly you're convinced you have it.

I've written about prostate cancer so much that I start checking for symptoms every time I urinate. And then I have to remind myself that I don't have a prostate. Not that that keeps me from checking for symptoms the NEXT time I have to spend a penny. Just my luck I'll be the only woman in the world that spontaneously grows a prostate just so it could get cancer.

Anyway...

So now I've been having hyperactive, racing thoughts and anxiety every morning. Is this mania? I take a Xanax and calm down enough to do some work. Come to think of it, I think I've had these thoughts a couple of hours after I wake up every damn day, but it's only just now I've become REALLY AWARE of it. I get my work done and it's a job I adore. I take care of my pets and my saint of a mother and have enough to eat. I've survived homelessness, domestic abuse and trans-Atlantic airplane rides. I should be proud of myself.

But by the time I have to go to bed, I think, "I am nothing but a complete and total cunt." Pardon for the lingo, but that is what goes through my head. There are many reasons why I believe this, but the main reason is because if I'm not good enough for Peter Gabriel, then what's the point? There's more to it than that, but I'll spare you the tedious details. (You're welcome.)

I've had these thoughts even before I suffered homelessness and domestic abuse, although those experiences turned the volume up a couple of notches. I then take another Xanax, a melotonin and sometimes a Nyquil in order to get some sleep.

So, am I bipolar? Or am I turning into a Xanax addict? I don't know and I can't afford to think about it anymore because I have to get back to work to pay for a trip to Leipzig to see Peter Gabriel in concert. That will at least make future blog posts far more amusing than this one.

Going to Peter Gabriel Concert in Leipzig

2010-06-02T12:04:00.005-04:00

(Photo taken at Radio City Music Hall soundcheck by Zenrider)

At the beginning of 2010, I had a bit of savings tucked away in order to get a new computer. As all followers of this blog (both of you) know, Peter Gabriel then decided to tour in a most unusual way -- with a 50-piece orchestra. Because this tour was originally for Europe only, I dipped into the savings for a trip to Berlin.

Then, a day after I booked the non-refundable airplane ticket, PG announced that there would be North American tour dates. Fortunately, one was in New York City, which I could get to by train. However, I discovered that New York City is a lot more expensive than Berlin.

But two times for such a magnificent show are not enough, especially since plans to record the show in the US for a DVD failed to materialize due to production costs. I've been going through crushing PG tour withdrawal symptoms since coming back from New York City.

Now, PG is 60 and I'm 40 (I was born in November of 1969, so I'm only 19 years his junior, not 20.) He has two young sons (as well as two grown daughters) and two young human-rights charities, Witness and The Elders. The odds of him touring again are really slim.

This was my reasoning as I bought a ticket to Leipzig, Germany (where Bach lived) for a gig on 14 September, thereby wiping out my savings.

My doctor thinks I may not just have endogenous recurring depression, but borderline manic depression. I wonder why he thinks that?

New Blood Tour, Pt 2 Dates Announced

2010-05-26T19:47:00.002-04:00

(PG photo taken from Radio City Music Hall gig by Zenrider.)

You only live once! If you haven't seen Peter Gabriel and the New Blood orchestra, you still have a few chances left in September and October, 2010. Only catch -- all of the gigs are in Europe.

- 12.09.2010 : AVENCHES / Switzerland

- 14.09.2010 : LEIPZIG / Germany

- 16.09.2010 : BRUSSELS / Belgium

- 17.09.2010 : ARNHEIM / Netherlands

- 19.09.2010 : AMNEVILLE / France

- 22.09.2010 : MADRID / Spain

- 23.09.2010 : BARCELONA / Spain

- 30.09.2010 : MANNHEIM / Germany

- 02.10.2010 : KOELN / Germany

- 03.10.2010 : HAMBURG / Germany

PG's hard working crew are also trying to get a date for Verona, Italy, finalized and perhaps once for Zurich.

I have a reason for living again! Suddenly, the sky is bluer, food tastes better and my writer's block has completely crumbled to dust. I also won't have any urge to go shopping on Amazon.com or eBay for a loooooooooooonnnnnnnnnng time.

Now, I just have to figure out which show I'll go to.

Half Birthday with Peter Gabriel Pictures

2010-05-18T15:57:00.003-04:00

Today's my half-birthday. The weather is celebrating with ice-cold, wind-whipped rain as if it was November 18. I've been pitiful recently, so I cheered myself up by re-entering the world of eBay. I left eBay in May of 2000, back when it eBay was REALLY eBay and not an actual, respectable company that it is today. I just assumed I was banned because I was a seller and let a couple of auctions expire unintentionally before I ran off to England.

I subsequently lost most of my Peter Gabriel collection, except for some random bits my Mom saved. I've had my PG CDs and tapes stolen or destroyed by an angry Peter-substitute boyfriend so many times that I'm now wary of getting all of the CDs replaced.

But Mom did save two photo albums filled with photos and magazine clippings about Peter. I like photos of PG, 'cause it's not like I have a shot with the real thing, is it?. Photos of him pleases me. I like the way he moves through the air. When I came back from the UK and went online again, I discovered that there were thousands of free downloadable PG images online. I had about 300 - 400 before my hard drive crashed. My Mom is convinced that it was the PG JPEG collection that did in the hard drive.

I prefer candid photos of him rather than professional shots or concert snaps, but at this point I'll take anything I can get. So, I went on eBay and bought several photographs of PG, inlcuding a better version of the image next to this post.

At least my photo albums won't crash like a PC hard drive.

Well, I better get back to work to pay for all of my future eBay misadventures.

New Book Idea: Dream Peter Project

2010-05-17T12:29:00.005-04:00

A few posts ago I wrote about how I would tackle writing a biography of Peter Gabriel. I've had to officially scrap the idea because a biography of PG came out in France in 2008 -- which means that it's too soon for anyone to write a new bio of him. Anyway, since the traditional publishing industry is dead, I'd have to self publish the damn thing and that would cost me at least $10,000. So, screw that.

Then my hard drive crashed and I spent 8 days offline. Now, birds gotta fly and fish gotta swim and writers gotta write. So I went at it with a pen and paper, like in the old days when I actually had the stupidity to think that anything I could write would ever be read by Peter Gabriel.

I've been dreaming about Peter since I was 16 (and now I'm 40.) I consider Dream Peter and PG to be two separate beings. I've learned a lot about dreams, lucid dreams and working with dreams in all of these years. I believe that when we die, we slip into a dream state and never wake back up. So, in the end, all we are are our dreams.

I've been spending time writing a book about Dream Peter, who visits me in all kinds of guises, including this image I found online from the website of clothing store Jhanes Barnes. Will this book ever be published? Probably not. Will I make any money off of it? Not a snowball's chance. And yet I'm writing it anyway.

There are those two voices that talk to writers when they write. One says, "This book is really going to help someone. Keep at it." The other says, "This book is only a pathetic plea to get attention. Why bother? It's not like Peter is ever going to read it!"

Guess which voice is talking to me now?

Hard Drive Crash & New York Psychic

2010-05-14T15:21:00.004-04:00

My apologies to any clients that have been trying to get a hold of me since 5/6. My hard drive crashed and could not be resurrected. I'm now starting over from scratch, reinstalling all of my software. I also lost all of my Peter Gabriel images (and I had about 400), so no image to accompany this post.

It's been a strange week offline. I was so driven to write that I resorted to pen and paper, believe it or not. I went through two pens. If I didn't get the computer back up soon, I was going to have to start scraping marks on wet clay tablets.

What About the Psychic?

Oh, yeah. While I was in New York City to see Peter Gabriel, I had to walk from SoHo to Manhattan. On the way, I came across many street vendors, including Lyn the Psychic. I thought, "Oh, what the hell," and had my first reading in donkey's years.

She first began by praying to the Higher Powers for her to clearly communicate what needed to be said for my greatest good. She then said, "You're not from around here, are you?"

I guess it was stamped on my forehead, because I got a lot of that when I was in New York. She also asked me why I was in New York city. After I mentioned that I was seeing Peter Gabriel, she said, "You've no shot with Peter Ga--"

"I KNOW THAT ALREADY!"

She also told me, "Do something wit yer hair!" Now, I kind of doubt that the Higher Powers were talking through street vendor Lyn there. I have a feeling that was Lyn talking.

Off the Market

She seemed fascinated by my left palm and said I wouldn't have any problems with money (HA! I quake to see how much this hard drive crash is going to cost me.) She also said that I may move, due to my job, but that I would not be forced out of my home.

Then she said that I tended to isolate myself and needed to see more people and perhaps date.

Whoa. The week before, my Mom's cleaning lady tried to fix me up with a date and I nearly blew a gasket. Mom then sat me down and asked me if I was ever going to date again. "Are you kidding me?" I said, "The last guy put me in the hospital, stole every penny I had and burned my home down. The only reason I went with him was because he looked like Peter Gabriel. And the guy before him was a psycho. I'd have been better off never dating ANYBODY and kept a torch for Peter all of these years."

"You mean you're never going to date again?"

"The only man I'm interested in is Peter -- and he's not interested. So, if I can't have him, I'll have no one."

"Well, I think that's sad."

"Sad? You should be bouncing off of the roof! This way I'll never get beat up again and I'll always be around to take care of you."

No pleasing Moms, sometimes. She hated whatever guy I was with and now she hates that I don't date. Huh???

Anyway, I asked the psychic, "Have you been talking to my Mom?"

Being Alone

Lyn wound up by saying that I should join a YMCA and meet more people, because "it's not good to be alone". I hated to burst her bubble, but loneliness has nothing to do with how many people are in the same room with you. I was lonely when I had boyfriends. I could be in a room of 1000 pairs of eyes looking at me and I'd still be lonely.

Loneliness is something you have to work on inside of yourself and no one can help you do that. You become comfortable with your own company and work on from there.

Besides, I'm not exactly a catch. I'm tall, about 30 pounds overweight, have breasts that have given up all hope and am 40. Believe me, you don't need to be a psychic to see that I have no chance with a man like Peter Gabriel.

Still Recovering from New York Weekend to See Peter Gabriel at Radio City Music Hall

2010-05-04T14:17:00.003-04:00

In the next few days, I'll get a proper review of both the soundcheck and show by Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, May 2, 2010.

Some highlights:

* The night before, a car bomb was discovered in Times Square, about half a block from Radio City Music Hall. No one was hurt and the bomb was diffused, but it was a sobering shock to the open the weekend with. I had to walk to the hotel on West 32nd street from a Mexican restaurant in Soho (about 5 - 7 miles.) Although Times Square was blocked off by the time I reached it, I can't help but wonder if I'd be typing this now if the bomb had gone off.
* I had a migraine beginning at 7am 5/2 and still had it before the soundcheck. It would return after the adrenalin died down the next day. Adrenalin is a great painkiller, but only for so long.
* It was FREAKIN' HOT! This actually turned into an advantage, getting us into the soundcheck early.
* Lots of differences from the Berlin show of March 24 for both soundcheck and concert. Same T-shirt, though.
* This time, I got to meet PG. Let's say PG treated me to a viewpoint I hadn't seen before any of the other times we met. No -- you all have filthy minds -- his marriage was not put at risk in any way.
* This time, he gave me an autograph as well as an eyeful and a very sweet memory
* In between sets, I got to shake hands with pianist Tom Cawley and have a very brief chat.
* I got to meet many other PG fans, which was just about as nice as meeting PG.
* This photo of PG is the outfit he wore when I met him.

Off to gather my head together!

Experimental Post -- Hold On

2010-04-26T10:31:00.003-04:00

Yes, that's a photo of me. It was taken about 2002 on the homeless iste Ilived on for about three years. Now, why is it up here?

Well, I tried changing my avatar at the PG Forums. Why do this? There's a bunch of PG fans meeting the night before and just before Peter Gabriel's concert at Radio City Music Hall 5/2. I thought the easiest way to let the other fans know who to look out for was to change my avatar on the forum.

No such luck. Petergabriel.com did not accept accept my photo. Not only that, but my scanner/printer stopped working. Wow -- I'm uglier than I thought. After giving the scanner/printer a remedy by making it print out a PG image (I kid you not), it began working again.

But now I have to keep this post up in order to keep up the link to my photo for those rare PG fans that want to meet me. Doesn't the Internet makes our lives so much easier?

Latest Lucid PG Dream

2010-04-25T13:10:00.002-04:00

Info you need to know before reading about the dream:

1) Mitch was the guy I ran away to England for, he abused me, and I had to return to America in 2005.
2) Dream Peter is similar too, but different from the real Peter Gabriel, who've I've been a fan of since I was 16.
3) Sandy is Dream Peter's boss.
4) Lucid dreaming is when you are aware that you are dreaming. Dream Peter taught me how to do it when I was a teeneager.
5) About 4 years ago, I dreamt of Mitch harassing me, telling me that he was Peter in disguise, and Dream Peter came out of nowhere, gave Mitch a bollicking, then turned to me and said, "I would NEVER do that to you. Now wake up."

So, anyway:

I'm in a hotel room in Bath, UK on a writing assignment. Someone stirs on the bed next to me an I see that it's Mitch, fully clad. I frantically try to remember what just happened and if it's what I suspect, I have to kick him rioght out the door. Mitch stands, lifts a gym bag to his shoulders and is about to leave. I know I only have this chance to tell him how he ruined my life.

But all I can think of to say is, "You really pissed me off."

"I know," he replied. "But isn't it nice to know that, after everything that happened, some good came out of it?" And then he walked out.

Puzzled, I walk out of the hotel and find that the entire city of Bath has disappeared, replaced by gray woods next to the River Avon. Mitch walks in front of me, then turns around and says, "Isn't it funny how we keep bumping into each other?"

Finally, I get it. I'm dreaming! "My name is Rena Sherwood and I'm having a lucid dream, " I say, as I have been taught to (it helps me stay in a lucid state throughout the rest of the dream.)"But I do not want to dream about YOU."

"I know. I'm sorry."

That's not like Mitch. Since this is a dream, anything is possible. "Who are you, really?"

He walks up and whispers in my ear, "I'm Peter," and it's Dream Peter's voice.

"I thought you'd said you'd never appear to me as Mitch!" I whisper back.

"Yeah, I know, but then my boss Sandy saw my little performance and thought it would be a brilliant idea for me to appear to you as Mitch. I refused for as long as I could. But, now, well, here I am," he whispers.

"Why are we whiserping?"

"Although this is a dream, you never know who may be listening in. Now let's get back to the hotel."

Anway, when I woke up, I wondered what Dream Peter meant when he said that some good had come out of my being abused my Mitch, becoming homeless and that whole lot. I wonder if I'll ever find out. It's been about a week or so and I haven't seen Dream Peter since to ask him.

Why I Can't Be in the Same Room as the Dalai Lama

2010-04-20T18:23:00.004-04:00

I noticed something interesting while preparing for my trip to New York City for another Peter Gabriel soundcheck and concert. About 20 days after PG plays Radio City Music Hall, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be appearing for two nights to give two lectures. I briefly flirted with the idea of going to attend one of the HH's lectures, but decided not to.

Part of the reason was due to money. But mostly, it's because I'm too ashamed of myself to be in the same room that he is.

From my research into his life, the Dalai Lama is very tolerant, compassionate and forgiving. He wants to work with the government of the very country that forcefully took over his country rather than just blow China to hell. Me -- I'd skip diplomatic negotiations and try to blow China to hell.

Now, both Tibet and myself have no weapons capable of blowing anything larger than a dust mite to hell, but I don't let that small fact hold back my anger.

I really admire people who genuinely like other people. I have a select few people I adore, a few I would gladly take a bullet for and then there's the other 99.9% of the human population. After hearing them talk for ten minutes, I just want to smack them upside the head with a metal frying pan in order to get them to shut up.

I also find that there are people I can't forgive:

* My abuser
* PG's abusers when he attended Charterhouse as a boy
* That drunk woman that kicked her dog in my street, so I called the police on her and now she's threatened to kill my dog
* Michael Vick
* President Andrew Jackson who destroyed what was left of Native American tribes. Yes, I know he died in 1845, but I still hold a grudge

Now, the Dalai Lama teaches compassion mediation where you first think about being compassionate to your mother (or mother-figure), then your best friend and then your worst enemy. Ideally, you are to feel the same feelings for all three.

Un-uh. Not me. No way.

So, I figure my seat at Radio City Music Hall would be best filled by someone who could actually become compassionate to even her worst enemies. She'd get more out of the Dalai Lama's talks than I would. I'd just be sitting there burning with embarassment.

How a Book Idea Can Be Great and Suck Simultaneously

2010-04-12T12:49:00.005-04:00

By now, you've probably gotten the impression that I'm a Peter Gabriel fan. You wouldn't even need to read any blog posts to figure that out -- all of the PG images would give that fact away. I'm also a freelance writer. Lots of things in my life have gone down the crapper, but I'm an excellent writer. I pay my bills -- that's why I can say that I'm an excellent writer. (Lousy speller, but excellent writer.)

That Idea's Great!

Inevitably, the idea dawned on me after I wrote about attending PG's soundcheck in Berlin: Rena, only PG's mother knows more about PG than you do. I probably know things that PG himself would have no clue about. You're the perfect person to write a unique biography of him! I wouldn't even have to interview him (although that would be nice.) PG has granted so many interviews over the years that all a writer needs to do would cull the best from those interviews. And (although most of my PG collection was trashed by my exes) I do have access to other fans that have copies of these interviews.

I'd also like to do a section on fan's impressions of meeting PG. Fans like myself get asked about song meanings a lot, so there also should be a section of the biography devoted to that. Although I have written some silly fan-girl stuff on this blog and on at least two PG forums, I would actually take the project seriously and not just blather on about how great PG is. He certainly can be a bastard -- selfish, forgetful and (sometimes) a liar. But, hey, aren't we all? In fact, I'd like to title it "Legendary Bastard: Reflections of Peter Gabriel Through Many Eyes."

I can make this much different from Spencer Bright's nauseating dissection of PG, from the fascinating "Peter Gabriel: In His Own Words" (Mick St. Michael) and even from the best PG bio done to date by the multi-talented Armando Gallo, titled simply "Peter Gabriel."

Hell, I could even self-publish the bio so PG and his staff would not have to bother with all of the hassle of dealing with a snobby publisher.

That Idea Sucks!

Unfortunately, Armando Gallo has been trying to do a sequel to his PG bio for the last 30 years. Gallo is arguably more qualified to write a PG bio than I am, since he not only is an excellent photographer, but also has been a fan of Genesis since I was in diapers. (Pardon the mental image.)

How dare I think that I could get an "okie-dokie" if Gallo can't?

Quite honestly, if you asked 100 PG fans if they've heard of the name "Armando Gallo", over half will say "yes." But ask the same 100 who Rena Sherwood is and they'll say, "Who the f*** is that?"

Besides, PG's staff probably would see me as someone who just wants to get into PG's pants. So, do I risk sending a book proposal to PG's staff and risk being laughed at or (worse) completely ignored or do I just forget the whole thing?

Off to bang my head against the wall until numbness sets in.

Do Yourself a Favor -- Never Google Old Lovers

2010-04-04T14:57:00.003-04:00

I guess because it's Easter it gave me the idea to look into the dead parts of my nefarious past. Quite frankly, I live in fear that my UK ex, who used to beat the crap out of me, will show up at my door. However, that would take effort. After moving from the UK on 13 September 2005 there has been no sign of my abuser. (WHEW!)

Since I returned to America I've had nightmares about meeting the American boyfriend I walked out on in order to shack up with the monstrous Peter Gabriel substitute. (Well, I used all my lovers as PG substitutes. Fat lot of good that did.) The American boyfriend probably wishes I was dead and he has every right to. Tell you the truth, there are many times I wish I was dead. Anyway, I thought I'd face this fear.

Facing your fears is highly overrated.

Anyway, I Googled the American boyfriend's name, hoping I'd find it listed under "Obituaries." Either that or find a photo of how badly he'd aged so I could sigh in relief, "Wow. Dodged that bullet."

No such luck. He's on Facebook. Looking at his picture (and that of his overweight gal pal) was reminiscent of discovering roadkill. Last I heard, he'd moved to his home town, but now has moved back to the town where the two of lived oh so many years ago. At least I know which town to stay far, far away from.

So, let this be a lesson to you. If you ever think of Googling old flames -- don't. You'll wind up with nausea to knock over an elephant.

In order to calm me down, there's a nice photo of PG to pair with this post. This is also for the people who come to this blog just for PG news and not Rena Sherwood news. (Hey -- I've no problem with that.)

Off to cancel my Facebook account.

Five Random Peter Gabriel Pictures from My Collection

2010-03-30T17:01:00.008-04:00

And the PG worship continues.

Currently, I'm hard at work on various projects, but am taking a break to post a couple of gems from my PG photo collection because a couple of folks over at the PG Forums wanted to see them. Blogger was the most convenient place for me to do so.

Anyway, the dork in the flowery jacket talking to PG is me. Gee, no wonder he didn't fall for me, huh?

First Impressions: Peter Gabriel at O2 Berlin 3/24/10

2010-03-27T17:05:00.005-04:00

I'm getting a review of the show (and soundcheck) for a client, but some fans may like to see some of my notes. These are interpeted from frantically scribbled notes on the back of my WOMADshop reciept when my hands stopped shaking.

* First PG concert I've ever been to where he needed to bring a bottle of cough syrup onstage. But if I hadnlt seen the bottle, I would never have known his throat was sore.
* PG wore a loose back ensemble embroidered with barely detectable paisley designs.
* PG had problems with his earpiece, which suddenly popped out of his left ear at least one time. Twice he yanked the earpiece out himself.
* Did lewd hand gesture to me during "Darkness" (probably not to me specifically, but there were only about four women in the front row.) Still. I'm overjoyed!
* Minor feedback problems, but none were distracting.
* The light show and animation was lost on me, since I sat in the front row. But the audience reaction indicated it was a big hit.

The person sitting behind me filmed "Book of Love." That's my big fat head in the way (blush.) If you ever happen to be at a PG concert and see me, just ask me to scrunch down so I don't block the shot.

Ten Reasons Why Peter Gabriel's New Blood Tour Is Better Than Sex

2010-03-26T19:51:00.004-04:00

1) Doesn't leave the toilet seat up.
2) Much, much bigger than expected.
3) No discovering that the PG New Blood Tour has gone through your wallet while you were sleeping.
4) No awkward meetings with any PG New Blood Tour family members.
5) No prophylactics necessary.
6) Dancing optional.
7) No need to feel bad if you say the wrong words at the wrong time, 'cause PG does it all of the time.
8) Your timing is never off because of Ben Foster's conducting.
9) The PG New Blood Tour never wants to have a heavy discussion during the best parts of "Star Trek."
10) Lasts longer than ten minutes.

PG New Blood Tour Live from Berlin

2010-03-25T09:45:00.003-04:00

It was like really good sex, only less messy. I#m so happy I could fly.

PG seemed intensley worried all throughout the set list, but did laugh on several occassions. Ben Foster, the conductor, teased PG mercilessly at times in the good English tradition. I#ve never seen a PG concert where PG had to drink a bottle of cough syrup before.

I found out that there was a bad technical glitch at Paris 22 march. All the mikes and sound wnet out. PG calmed the crowd by shouting the lyrics to Father, Son at the top of his lungs to placate the restless crowd.

So, he went on with the show even though he had a sore throat. But if he can sing like that with a sore throat, he is one lucky bastard.

PG also had problms with his earpiece. It popped out of his ear a couple of times. Twice during the show he yanked it out.

I´d type more, but I clapped so hard that I have big blue bruises and a blister on my right hand. Never let it be said that a PG concert isn't dangerous!

Coming to you live from Berlin Intercafe 2004 on Gleimstraße. Vielen dank!

Peter Gabriel's New Blood Tour Kicks Off Successfully

2010-03-21T11:47:00.002-04:00

Even fans prepared to be stunned were happily suprised to be stunned, according to reports on the PG Forums at Petergabriel.com. The only disappointment was that Peter wore clothes. At the left is a picture from the show put up by Peter's Official Twitter Page.

This is my last post before getting on the plane to Berlin to see PG at the O2. I've decided to not take a camera for two reasons:

1) It makes me look like a tourist and would attract theives
2) I don't own a camera (because if I bought things like cameras, I couldn't afford to drop everything and fly to Berlin to see Peter.)

I've been working like mad in order to help pay for all of this, and now have just over 26 hours to pack. AHHHHetc.

My Peter Gabriel Picture Collection

2010-03-18T19:27:00.004-04:00

I know I'll never have a shot with PG (becuase there's no God, remember?) but I'm certainly having a fine old time with my PG picture collection. I do have two small photo albums with newspaper clippings, postcards and actual photos on actual film of PG, but they now pale in signifigance to my digital collection.

I really hope I do nothing that warrants police breaking open my hard drive, or I'll have a heck of a time explaining why there are um...let's see...oh...350 images of Peter Gabriel on my computer. I added another 25 or so tonight because Eva (hi, Eva!) put a huge chunk of her collection up on Genesis Community on Ning. That's where the ones at the left come from. Just my luck, I'll not allowed be into Germany because somehow the Border Patrol found out I have a thing for looking at Peter Gabriel.

I just like looking at PG pictures every now and then over the last 23 and a half years. And occassionally fiddling with them on Paint. That's all. Swear to God.

Preparing for Peter Gabriel Concert in Berlin

2010-03-05T17:01:00.004-05:00

The tickets arrived. The instructions for getting into the soundcheck arrived. My Mom's picked out a concert outfit for me. I've booked the hotel. My sneakers gave out, so I had to buy new shoes. We're selecting a dog-walker for Pony. I'm having frequent nightmares about not being allowed into Germany. I'm now on two Xanax pills a day.

I thought I was crazy traveling from Philadelphia to Berlin to see Peter, but apparently there is a fan from Chicago that's flying to London to see him. That means she has to deal with both O'Hare and Heathrow airports. Maybe she'll be lucky and use Gatwick instead. I love Peter, but I'm I'd only go through both Chicago and London if I was guaranteed to sleep with him (sex need not be involved.)

By the way, next week my brother and his family are coming from Vancouver. I'll be meeting my two nieces for the first time.

I'd like to make the rest of this post insightful and coherent, but who am I kidding? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 60th, Peter Gabriel

2010-02-13T11:38:00.004-05:00

Ah, yes, that time of year again when we all sing Peter Gabriel caroles, decorate a Zorb and be nice to monkeys (shock only in the metaphorical sense, please).

OK, I jest, but I received notice from WOMADShop that my tickets to Berlin have been put in the post. Cause enough for celebration!

This is "Growing Up", which will probably not be a part of the New Blood tour but appropriate for the day:

Ticket Gain = Dream Loss

2010-02-09T10:13:00.004-05:00

I've been dreaming about Peter Gabriel since I was 16 (and now I'm, uh, older than 16.) Over the years, Dream Peter has turned into a unique and unpredictable character He also gave me some valuable tips on lucid dreaming. One tip is that when I realize I'm dreaming, I'm to say my name aloud and then ask where Peter is. The other characters in the dream can usually point me towards him.

But now he seems to have a streak of jealousy. Now that I'm going to see the real Peter in Berlin and New York, Dream Peter is refusing to appear in my dreams.

Typical. He may not live in the physical realm but still retains all of the male's powers to be annoying.

Anyway, I now have a new gig as the Philadelphia Tea Examiner on Examiner.com. I'm still trying to figure out how I can work Peter Gabriel into that blog without getting fired.

Peter Gabirel Now on Twitter

2010-01-31T14:26:00.007-05:00

Although there are about 1500 people claiming to be Peter Gabriel on Twitter, one is from the real guy, or at least, from Real World Studios. Granted, it may not be PG himself that does the typing, but his pubicists are the next best thing. The funny thing is that Peter Gabriel could not use that as his user name on Twitter, becasue it had already been taken. So, now Itspetergabriel.

As a freelance writer, I've been urged several times by my clients and from other freelance writers to get a Twitter account. I've held off (holy cow -- isn't a blog enough in this word anymore?) but now that Peter's gone and gotten one, I have, too at Renasherwood. (All of the good user names, like Peter Gabriel, had already been taken.) Unlike MySpace of Facebook, Twitter doesn't crash my 10 year old computer.

The avatar I've chosen is "Killer Chihuahua" taken by David Shankbone and is up at Wikimedia Commons. Trust me - this dog is much better looking than myself. Off to discover the joy of micro-blogging.

Peter Gabriel North American New Blood Tour 2010

2010-01-26T10:51:00.005-05:00

Just my luck. In the last post, I talked abut spluriging for a trip to Berlin in order to see Peter Gabriel perform with semi-full chamber orchestra. A day after buy my non-refundable airplane tickets, Peter announces a tour of North America. Boy, is my family laughing. So far, there are only four dates, but note the big date gaps. PG tours have added shows less than a month before the show date in the past, so I wouldn't put it past him to do it again.

The tour so far:

* April 28 Montreal Bell Centre
* May 2 New York Radio City Music Hall
* May 3 New York Radio City Music Hall
* May 7 Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl

As far as I know, tickets are not officially on sale yet. Hmmm... I've never been to New York City ... Anyway, here's a taste -- Peter's cover of David Bowie's "Heroes". I'd never been able to understand the lyrics before Peter sang it.

Peter Gabriel "New Blood" 24 March Berlin O2

2010-01-15T12:58:00.003-05:00

I know I previously mentioned Peter's mini-European "New Blood" tour, but I'm repeating myself here for a reason.

I'm going.

I saw that a second show for the Berlin O2 Arena had been added. Peter's studio, Real World, was offering bundle tickets which included:

! A ticket to the show
! A ticket to the soundcheck (two concerts in one day)
! An "event access laminate" (which I think is a fancy way of saying "backstage pass")
! A T-shirt
! A copy of Peter's new CD, "Scratch My Back"

I thought, "Hmmm, wouldn't it be great if I could go?" Then I smacked myself in the head when I realized:

1) I'm 40 years old and don't need anyone's permission to go to Berlin
2) I'm self-employed
3) I have the money
4) I have an up to date passport
5) I need a new T-shirt

Now, there still could be problems that prevent me from going. Germany could invade Poland. I could drop dead. The tickets could spontaneously combust. But I have to blog about this or my head will explode. There. Now I can get back to work writing about Toshiba laptops, treatments for clinical depression and chronic kidney failure in dogs.

The really fun thing is that after years of taking German classes in High School and college, all my knowledge of this language has boiled down to one sentence:

"Der Bleistift ist gelb."

(The pencil is yellow.)

Oh, that will come in handy.

Took the Veg Pledge

2009-12-30T13:34:00.003-05:00

Mom and I went grocery shopping today and we stopped by the poultry department. We stared at the corpses and at each other. She asked me what was wrong. I told her I suddenly saw the necks of the chickens come up and begin to scream. We came home and I took the 30 day Veg Pledge (although I intend to be vegetarian for the rest of my life now, unles I become homeless again.)

I'd already stopped eating beef because it was getting me sick. I don't mean that in the colloquial sense -- I mean it was making me throw up and get the runs. I stopped eating pork for the same reason. (Although for some unknown reason, UK pork did not get me sick. What do they do in the UK that the US doesn't?)

When I was homeless, I didn't have the choice about whether to be a vegetarian or not. You ate whatever you could get a hold of, usually from dumpster diving. But now I make enough money that I do have a choice and I can't logically say I love animals and yet still eat them. I can't logically want to stop climate change and support livestock farming, which is responsible for producing more greenhouse gas than all of the vehicles on Earth combined.

Granted, not a very funny post today. I'll try to get back on form later. I'm now off to my old post Let's Stop Horse Racing Now and deal with some of the jokers who responded.

Happy New Year.

Getting Crowded in Hell: Oral Roberts (1918 - 2009)

2009-12-26T13:27:00.003-05:00

Thank God Oral Roberts is dead. However, God was about 90 years too late in removing this number one crackpot. Oral Roberts is the asshole who started the whole televangelist/faith healing freak show. He also started Oral Roberts University, featuring a sculpture of a pair of praying hands. (See how humble he was? Wouldn't Jesus be proud? Certainly Jesus would want to raise millions of dollars and then not have to pay taxes on it because it's for religion. Heaven forbid any of that money actually go to programs like welfare, food banks, animal shelters or anything like that.)

By not paying taxes and by having these obscene megachurches and so-called "Christian education", televangelists and their ilk steal money from all of us in order to laugh all the way to the bank. They have no other purpose in life.

If God was really all-powerful, why is He always short of cash? Why does He need megachurches? If He was all-loving, he would never have allowed televangelists to get on TV and he never would allowed Oral's parent to name him Oral. Maybe that's why he became a preacher -- to get back at God for letting his parents give him a name that probably got him beat up daily in school.

In case anyone is appalled that I hope Oral Roberts is burning in Hell, take a deep breath. I don't believe in Hell. I'm not petty enough for that. I'm also not stupid enough to beleive in an all-powerful, all-loving God, but that's another post.

Let's end with words from the dearly departed, shall we?

Christmas Really Sucks

2009-12-16T13:00:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again where we all act completely opposite to what Christmas was originally about -- taking the place of the midwinter Pagan festivals. This time of year was originally about the Sun and not the Son.

But anyway...

If I hear "Holly Jolly Christmas" one more time, I think I'm going to have to puncture my eardrums with a sharpened candy cane.

If you really want to get cynical about Christmas, I highly recommend the following:

* Working in retail for over 10 years
* Becoming homeless at this time of year (which is actually less painful than working retail during the holiday season. Sadly, I speak from experience.)

Or, you could do what my body did and come down with a sinus and ear infection. Ah, nothing could get you more in the holiday spirit than hearing your doctor say, "I see mucus in your ears." I guess that's proof I'm allergic to Christmas muzac.

I recommend this song as the new "Holly Jolly Christmas" by Jay Brannan.

Peter Gabriel Mini-Tour: New Blood

2009-12-10T19:06:00.003-05:00

Peter's official website has confirmed that he will be doing a mini-tour to promote his new album of cover songs, "Scratch My Back" around February - April 2010. So far, the only dates released are for London, Paris and Berlin and then back in London. Peter usually chooses the name of the tour based on some sort of in-joke and this one is no exception -- it's called New Blood (based on the cover image of the new album -- two blood cells).

He will be performing with full orchestra. Whether he plays piano with them is anyone's guess. One or more of the concerts is hoped to be filmed.

The odds of Peter actually coming to Philly (or anywhere else in the US) are quite slim due to the economy. Just my freakin' luck. Did I even mention that he once played my home town of Philly on my birthday on 18 November 2003? Well, he did. Unfortunately, I had moved to England three years previously. That paritcular birthday, I had been able to move back into my flooded out home-made bender by the River Avon in Bathwick. Hearing that I'd been able to do the unthinkable, my drunk boyfriend came crawling back, reading DH Lawrence love poetry. For some unfathomable reason, I took him back. Oh yeah -- I wasn't on Prozac then.

That's what I get for not staying faithful to PG, even though I don't have a snowball's chance of seeing him on concert on my birthday, let alone the wild thing with him. It's also proof that there's no God -- or, at least, no such thing as a benevolent God.

Off to bang my head against a wall. No -- on second thought, I think I'll just eat an entire chocolate cake. Yeah -- that'll do it.

Peter Gabriel & Atheism

2009-12-04T14:17:00.004-05:00

I've taken the leap of faith to become an atheist, although my Mom insists I'm just an agnostic. I'm still a Witch, I just don't expect to get any answers when I pray. I pray out of habit. I'm actually just talking to myself, but people think I'm crazy if I admidt that, so I say I'm praying. I've said this so often that now I believe it.

So, what was the big breakthrough that made me finally realize there was no God? Or, at least, a God I would want to have anything to do with?

Because Peter Gabriel won't shag me.

Now, granted the "Peter Gabriel won't shag me" theory is not going to make a lot of noise at the Vatican. I actually do have other, more serious reasons (such as being a survior of domestic abuse) but who wants to read about that? I mean, they're all such depressing reasons. People want to read about sex.

Follow me on the logic of this one.

Now, if there was a benevolent God, I never would have fallen in love with Peter Gabriel. I'm not his type, I've never made any positive impression on him when I did meet him, he's never sent me a birthday card -- in other words, it will never happen between me and PG. So, why did I fall in love with him in the first place?

Who knows? Why does anybody fall in love? I was in the wrong place at the wrong time when my hormones were raging and Peter happened to be the one I laid eyes on at that moment and that's that. The die was cast. I was doomed and I knew it.

Oh, but that didn't stop me. I had boyfriends, but I still was thinking about Peter the whole time. I even ran away with a homeless alcoholic because he had blue eyes and kinda looked like Peter. Made the fantasizing a heck of a lot easier, let me tell you. But that didn't work out and (in the meantime) Peter gets married to a woman younger than I am. I did not even get an invitation to the wedding.

Now, I've gotten to the point in my life where I realize that only Peter will do as a sexual partner and if I do hook up with someone else, it will all go horribly pear-shaped. So, I'm celibate and am going on my 5th anniversary of celibacy later this month.

Unless Peter decides otherwise.

Which ain't gonnna happen.

Logically, I know I should not love Peter any more. But I've tried that and it doesn't work. I still love him, even though he's an impossible aspiration.

A benevolent God would not allow this. Therefore, there is no God.

Ta-da.

Anyway, for those PG fans who checked in on this post just because of the title, the latest release date of PG's next album, Scratch My Back is now 15 Feb, 2010. PG is already doing promotional material for it and is going to do a concert around its release date with full orchestra. It is unknown whether this will be a small tour, a one-off concert or a YouTube Orchestra-type thing. Since one of the songs on the new album will be a cover version of Neil Young's "Philadelphia", rumors are swirling that he may come to Philly, but so far it's only a rumor.

I'm 40. What the Hell Happened?

2009-11-17T16:13:00.003-05:00

One day, you have plans to rule the world and the next you're watching your bowel movements like a hawk. You think being a teenager was bad -- that was nothing compared to hitting the big 4 - 0.

I was born at the same time Sesame Street was, so when I see a word like "forty", I'm intnd to think it was brought to me by the letter F. What other words can you think of that also begin with the letter F? (Besides that one.) Hmm, let's see, we've got "failure", "foolish", "futile" and "flotational device". At least I know when I'll die -- the same year Sesame Street is cancelled. It's kind of a Halley's Comet thing.

As I'm shoved kicking and screaming into 40 on 18 November, I realize that there are some cherished dreams that are just never going to materialize throughout the rest of my life. They include:

* Never getting a horse -- and I don't mean a charley horse
* Never sleeping with Peter Gabriel (sex need not be involved)
* Never being the youngest person in the world to land a major book deal, then star in direct in the film adaptation of the book and win an Oscar
* Never again being able to eat a donut without worrying about what it will do to my colon

But, stil, ya gotta larf. I'm now going to end with a scene from my squandered youth:

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Developing a Taste for Cannabis

2009-11-11T13:10:00.002-05:00

Intro

This article was a special order that the client turned down because he claimed that cannabis does not have a tates when added to foods or beverages. You could've knocked me over with a puff of puff when I read that. A stoner having taste buds as opposed to just buds? Anyway, the kind of cannabis I cooked with in the UK was called skunk, although it smelled just fine.

I shopped this around to other clients, but they don't want to touch it because marijuana is such as controversial issue (even medical marijuana). I do not blame you, clients. So, I'm going to stick it up here for free. It's my way of spreading the love.

Now, I cooked with cannabis because I was homeless and needed something for toothaches, insomnia, migraines and dealing with an alcoholic boyfriend. I wouldn't cook with it again because, quite frankly, I have access to better drugs (Prozac and Xanax). I also got rid of the boyfriend. I DO NOT recommend taking cannabis just for the heck of it. This is a substance that needs to be treated with respect. Besides, Xanax gets you stoned faster and you can spell it the same way backwards as you can forwards.

Here it is: Developing a Taste for Cannabis

Some people are put off cooking with cannabis, even though cooking it is arguably far more beneficial than smoking it. It's either because they are scared of what it will taste like or because they have tried it before and did not like the taste. But don’t let one bad experience spoil the possibilities of baking, cooking or making hot, soothing beverages with cannabis.

What Does It Taste Like?

Cannabis is usually described as having an "earthy" taste, but what does that mean? It means marijuana can often taste like dirt. People who like to eat freshly picked button or wild mushrooms should also enjoy the taste of cannabis. People who smoke tobacco often have dulled taste buds and claim they cannot detect the cannabis in food or drinks.

Cannabis leaves can sometimes a leave a sand-like grit in sauces, drinks or bakery goods. This is one reason why people turn to making cannabis butter or oil. But many people do not have the time or patience to make clarified butter or oil. Cannabis butter or oil can still leave a slightly earthy taste but it is not as detectable as it is when cooking with just the leaves.

Grinding It Up

Taste and texture are paramount to indulging in a special dish. But if put off by the thought of grit or a dirt-like flavor, The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation recommends making a cannabis flour. This can also be used in sauces, casseroles or hot beverages -- not just for baking brownies.

Use dry cannabis parts, although some strains that are dry to the touch will release considerable moisture when ground up. Some people prefer to use a mortar and pestle in order to control every bit of the grinding process, but using a food processor will be quicker. If there is a problem with moisture, then adding a pinch of real flour or even dried rice will help to soak up the moisture and make dry flour.

Inevitably, some stubborn pieces will refuse to be ground up. These can be strained out from the flour and used to add to chai or coffee. The taste of the chai or coffee is usually strong enough to cover up the cannabis taste and gives a warming and soothing drink.

Cannabis flour should be used within a few days, unless it has gotten very moist. In that case, it should be used immediately or it may spoil. Use the flour like a dried spice in hot dishes in order to taste the food and not just the cannabis flour. Use sparingly in bakery goods.

Islam & Christianity: Familiarity Breeds Contempt

2009-10-22T13:54:00.003-04:00

If your life has been far too happy lately and you really need some depression in order to balance things out, there's nothing like reading a chapter of a book on Chrisitanity and then a chapter of a book on Islam and then comparing the two.

In case you're wondering, I've done just that. I read Catholicism For Dummies and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam. (Yes, I know, Catholicism is only a branch of Chrisitanity, but a hell of a big one).

The depressiong part is not only that anyone still is dim-witted enough to participate in organized religion, but that these particular two religions are so full of similarities that you really can't help but wonder what all the arguments are about. People and animals have actually died over this crap.

The similarities include:

* Belief in angels and a Judement Day
* Belief in that whole one God thing
* Belief that Christians will go to Heaven
* Belief that somehow people are better than animals
* Thou shalt not lie, commit adultery, murder or steal stuff that ain't yours
* Robes -- lots and lots of robes

So if these religions are so similar, then why to the adherents hate each other so much? It could be because they are so similar. Think about who really gets on your tits. It's usually not complete strangers, but your family or your lover. This is because they know you so well that they know precisely how to wind you up.

Really, we all need to watch "Monty Python's Life of Brian" and get on with our lives.

10th Anniversary of Being a Witch

2009-10-13T12:35:00.003-04:00

It was ten years ago today that I stopped dilly-dallying and decided I was a Witch. I did a little self-initiation ceremony in the bathtub. I wanted wisdom. I wanted positive change. And I also wanted a blue-eyed lover. Sadly, I got all three, although the blue-eyed lover (Peter Gabriel) is now only met in dreams.

I've gone through a hell of a lot in ten years. Some highlights:

* Ran away to England
* Had to return to America when my hand-made home in England was burnt down
* Fell in love with a blue-eyed homeless busker, Mitch
* He was the guy who burnt my home down
* I became homeless in the south of England for 5 years
* Inside of my home was an 800 page manuscript about witchcraft
* Was attacked by Mitch, so I defended myself and he had me arrested for assault so I spent a lovely night as a guest of Bath police department. Charges were dropped
* I nearly got run over by Eric Clapton in his Lambourghini during the brief time I lived in Cranliegh in Surrey
* Met Patrick Stewart
* Got an autograph from Patrick, but it burned in the fire
* However, I sent a photocopy of the autograph to my Mom who saved it
* Although homeless, managed to get enough money together to travel to Birmingham and see a Peter Gabriel concert on 1 June 2004
* Was too ashamed of myself to go visit Peter Gabriel, even though his studio was only several miles only from my home in the woods. I did see PG walk about a few times during my years in England, but I never approached him.
* Got my first dog, Rusty, but he died about six months later. He'd been abandoned when he was an estimated 16 years old when he came to be mine
* Got my current dog, Pony. (Doing well, thank you)
* Got two tanks worth of fish while back in America
* Discovered that my Mom had saved some of my belongings I'd left behind over five years previously because she somehow knew I'd be back
* Finally got help for my engenous recurring depression while I was homeless in England because I couldn't afford to do it while I was employed in America
* Finally got help for my migraines
* Started my own business as a freelance writer in October of 2006 and it's doing very well, thank you

So, what have I learned from all of this? Wells, there is an old saying by Albert Einstein that goes "God does not play dice." However, not only does God play dice, the bastard cheats.

The God of Gospel Music

2009-09-15T12:50:00.003-04:00

I've just recently been commissioned to write articles on every single Johnny Cash album ever released. This is going to give me a tidy profit. Why? That Johnny Cash was a busy boy. Not counting bootleg albums, his officially released US albums total a whopping 96. Not like a certain British singer-songwriter we know. (Yes, Peter Gabriel -- I'm talkin' to you.)

I grew up listening to Johnny Cash because my Dad was a big fan. Also, it was pretty hard to be an American with at least one working ear and not bump into a JC tune every once in a while. Now that I'm burying myself in everything Johnny Cash, one can't help but notice that he was a little crazy about Christianity.

According to The Man Called Cash (Steve Turner, 2004), JC believed in tithing. The way he did it was that every tenth song he recorded had to be a gospel song. Eventually, he went on to do only gospel albums.

Now, gospel music is actually damn good music. There have been many a Christian who became "saved" merely through listening to the music. And then they go on to live their lives in a very un-Christian manner.

So, what kind of God is the God ssung about in American traditional gospel music? (Not that contemporty fluffy bunny pop gospel crap, either). I mean a real good thumper like "I Saw the Light" (which was actually written by Hank Williams, but it still counts).

The God seems to be the the song itself. Just the feeling you get from singing it with others. There is a touch of the transcendent there for just that space. Other than that, what could have this God meant to such performers as JC, who had a sadistic father who drowned JC's puppies for fun. Why would God allow these puppies to die and yet be the subject of such triumphant music?

God is good at being the God of creativity, but not much else.

JC would probably say, "Never mind. Just play another song."

So, we will. Here's JC in "Wonderful Time Up There":

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Five Years of Pony!

2009-08-13T16:38:00.003-04:00

My dog Pony is five years old today. We did the usual doggie birthday thing of going for a long walk in the sporatic rain, eating too much and enjoying a large shopping spree at Pony's favorite pet store. She's the best thing that ever happened to me.

A long time ago, when I was homeless in England, I took in a 16 year old abandoned mixed breed dog named Rusty. He only lived another few months, but made a huge impression on me, since he was my first dog. He died in February 2002 and it wasn't until almost two years later did I feel recovered enough to think about getting another dog.

Since I was still homeless at the time, I was not allowed to adopt a dog from a shelter. I also seriously lacked the money to buy a dog. Any dog I would get would have to come to me. I don't do many magic spells because they take up so much time and effort. Besides, I may later come to regret them.

But I did a spell for a dog. I asked the Goddess Hecate for a dog and gave her a list of requirements. Months later, I was told that a friend's bitch had escaped for a night on the town while she was in heat and just gave birth to four puppies. The birthdate was August 13, which used to be a festival day for the Goddess Hecate.

Since then, Pony and I have been through a lot, including getting beat up by the same man; watching our home burn down; trans-atlantic flight and living in America. Pony's chased away my nightmares.

Sometimes, watching her twitch in her sleep and snore, I wonder about that spell I did long ago and our life since. Although I dont believe that "all things work together for good for them that love God", it is nice to look at her and know that sometimes, sometimes, I can just hear a voice whisper:

"And they all lived happily ever after."

Australians Are Out To Get Me

2009-07-13T10:38:00.004-04:00

(NOTE: I still hope to visit Australia someday. I just want to find a place without people in it.)

Wonder why I haven't updated this blog in two months? I've been racking my brains out over a huge assignment -- writing 250 word biographies of 663 Australian actors. (Yes -- there are 663 actors that are somehow connected with Australia.) Now, 250 words does not sound like much, but then I received the list of actors. These included one actress who's fan site was closed "due to lack of interest", the first Australin model to pose in the American edition of "Playboy" and one obscure Australian actor who's name is (I kid you not) James Stewart.

Not happy, Jan.

But I finally finished the assignment with two days to spare, have been paid for three-quarters of it already. My brain feels as is it's been on the barbie. I want to go bush. The problem is, whenever I turn on the telly or open the newspaper, there are Australians everywhere. When Mom and I went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in order for me to relax, there were Australians there.

Things I learned about Australian actors:

* Anthony LaPaglia is Australian.
* The blonde guy from "House" is Australian.
* The quinessential British actor, Leo McKern? Yup -- Australian.
* Yahoo Serious is still alive.
* The kid who played the Feral Kid in "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior" (1982) grew up to become an employee in a jewelry store. Another cast member, Vernon Wells, who played biker gange leader Wez in the movie wound up playing the same character in two more films -- "Weird Science" (1985) and a short film no one's ever seen.
* The TV series "BeastMaster" and "Blue Heelers" would employ anybody.
* The world's best whip cracking expert is Australian John Brady.
* Australia's first legal transsexual is Estelle Asmodelle -- who has written two books and still can't get them published.
* Most of the cast of the highly acclaimed movie "2:37" (2006) came from complete obscurity and went right right back to it after the movie premiered. This was because the filmmaker's largest financial backer had a change of heart at the last minute, so he had to cast some kids he found at a local mall. Guess who had to write about every single cast member?
* Thank God and Goddess for fan sites!

Off to collapse now.

Jesus Camp: Scariest. Film. Ever.

2009-05-21T12:11:00.004-04:00

I'm not exaggerating. My Mom and I watched this 2006 dcumentary last night on the Biography Channel and we had to turn more lights on. We were riveted to our seats in abject terror. I had to take a mixture of Benadryl, melatonin and chocolate chip cookies in order to settle my heart down enough to get to sleep.

Horror films are scary when you are a kid, but they become really funny when you get older, because you know it's just a movie. In order to get really scared, you need to skip the slasher flicks and go right to the hard-core independent documentaries. You can't wrap yourself in that fuzzy blanket of fiction then.

So, What's It About?

Think summer camp for really young kids -- which teaches them Evangelical right wing Republican Christianity. The whole gory shmear of speaking in tongues, anti-abortion rallies for little kids, Creationism, global warming denial, gay-bashing, and an unabashed worship of then-President George W. Bush.

Churches with high-tech sound mixing boards and theatrical lighting. Think how many homeless people that crap would feed. I wonder if they would let a homeless person in their precious house of God when it's pouring rain outside and a gang of youths has set fire to your campground.

But no -- they're to busy making pagents about holy wars and shaking hands with Pastor Ted Haggard -- before kicking him out the door.

Jesus Camp: Watch it with the lights on.

Hopefully, there will never be a sequel.

It's a Blog, Blog, Blog, Blog World

2009-05-15T15:40:00.004-04:00

I was raised a Born-Again Protestant Christian, which includes a notion that you're supposed to tithe ten percent of what you earn to the church (not that anyone does, but that's what we were told, anyway). Now I'm a witch, and giving to charity is even more emphasized.

What Does This Have To Do With Blogs?

Last month, I had to quit the three blogs I maintained at 451 Press due to pay issues. (Little tip for anyone wanting to start a blog network -- the one thing you should never screw a blogger around on is THE PAY. That should be obvious, but apparently this is a brand, spanking new concept.)

My rationale is that I can't afford to blog for free.

Or can I? I used most of the 451 Press money as contributions to animal-related charities. Due to some strange tax law, I cannot claim these contributions on my taxes, so when I give money to charity, I'm actually giving money to charity.

So, I'm Going To Start a New Blog

Instead of writing about topics I'm not particularly interested in, I'm going to start an animal related blog over at Best Friends Network. I haven't figured out what to call it yet, but I'm thinking of calling it I Hate Everyone, but I think that title has already been taken.

In that way, I can concentrate on The Perfect Blog Title's original point -- about spirituality and Internet links.

Let's see how long it takes for me to get the new blog up and running.

Edit: It took about an hour or so, although it's still kinda humble. Check out Yet Another Animal Blog: The Blog for People Who Give a Darn About Animals.