Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Kirsty MacColl





Kirsty MacColl October 10, 1959 – December 18, 2000
It’s that time of year when I listen to the song “Fairy Tale of New York” by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl on repeat every day. It makes me think of Kirsty and what kind of music she would be making if she were alive today. Today is the anniversary of Kirsty’s passing. Kirsty was tragically killed while on vacation in Cozumel, Mexico when she was swimming with her two sons. While surfacing from a dive, a powerboat sped at them. She pushed her son out of the boat’s path but was hit herself and killed instantly. She died while saving her child. MacColl enjoyed a successful career as a pop singer in the 80s before her heartbreaking death in 2000. As well as her own hits, she contributed her talents to other artist’s music like the Smiths, Billy Bragg and the Pouges. She sang backing vocals on the Smiths’ “Ask” in 1986. She also sang a cover of the Smiths’ song “You Just Haven’t Earned it Yet Baby” which was featured on the “She’s Having a Baby” soundtrack in 1988. One of her biggest hits was a cover of Billy Bragg's "A New England" in 1985. MacColl’s version of the song included two extra verses specially written for her by Bragg. Since her death Bragg has always included the extra verses when performing "A New England.” Some of my other favorite songs by MacColl are “Terry,”He’s on the Beach,” and the heartbreaking “As Long As You Hold Me” from the “Mad Love” soundtrack. Her voice was so pretty.
A few more interesting facts: In the music video for MacColl’s song “Terry,” her boyfriend is played by British actor, Adrian Edmondson who was most famous for playing the role of Vyvyan on the 80s, British sitcom The Young Ones. Actor Matt Dillon makes an appearance as a police officer in the video for “Fairy Tale of New York.” MacColl originally wrote and recorded the song “They Don’t Know” in 1979 which later became a top ten, US hit after it was covered by Tracy Ullman in 1983.
For more info on the life and death of Kirsty MacColl visit her official website or the Justice For Kirsty campaign website run by her mother, Jean. She was a great talent. RIP Kirsty we still love you and miss you.

Friday, December 14, 2012

A Very Sad Day



It was a very sad day today when the second worst school shooting in US history took place in Connecticut. At around 9:30 am a 20 year old male entered Sandy Hook Elementary School where he opened fire. As of this posting, 26 people were being reported dead. Among them are 20 children, 6 adults and the shooter. President Obama addressed the nation from the press room at the white house at 3:15 pm where he emotionally stated:
He further called for the country’s leaders to take ‘meaningful action’ after the Connecticut shooting. This was his fourth national speech on gun violence. Later it was reported that Brian Fischer, spokesman for the radically conservative group American Family Association, used the tragedy to push for his religious agenda of eliminating the separation of church and state, saying the children died because the school did not embrace god. Fischer further said that God allowed the shooting to happen because prayer, The Bible and the Ten Commandments aren’t taught in public schools. Later a host for the republican political operation, Fox News Channel, followed suit advocating for government mandated Christianity, saying that schools, "Become a place of carnage" when "We systematically remove God."
Connecticut state police continue to give updates on the day's events and news is still murky about the shooter. With Connecticut police reporting that the investigation is ongoing and that all information won’t be known until tomorrow.
*Update*  Police have now identified the shooter as 20 year old Adam Lanza

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

At the Laundromat 5


Part 5 of my "At the Laundromat" series. Previous works in the series can be viewed here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Friday, December 7, 2012

At the Laundromat 4


Part 4 of my "At the Laundromat" series has a holiday theme. Here are the previous works in the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. Made with the iPad.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Hillary Clinton 2016


There's been speculation since forever that Hillary Clinton will run for president once again in 2016. Today an article in The New Yorker all but claimed that Clinton is "running." I was so excited I almost peed my pants. I can just imagine it: Madam President Hillary Clinton. I think it has a nice ring to it.