Another insight into where Russell Brand is coming from these days - in an interview with Jake Hamilton:
I've seen a few articles presenting a definite churlish or peevish anti-Brand posture this week, sadly mostly from those of the left (well, kind of left) who should be supporting him. Same ol' same ol'. "Lefty" purists, "lefty" minority groups, "lefty" so-called inellectuals who see Russell's words as undermining their own platforms; whereas in truth he is trying to assist them by using his celeb-status (or notoriety if you like) to thrust their point of view much further forward than they could ever do themselves. He's not looking to be their leader or take their place - he's acting as a megaphone for them.
See also THIS earlier post.
I've never been a big "S of M" fan, had to be dragged to see the movie, long ago and under protest, by a boyfriend who had a crush on Julie Andrews. Needless to say, our relationship didn't last! Still, over the years I've mellowed a little towards that twee old movie, enough so to cringe when considering an American country artist playing an Austrian nun. Maybe she'll surprise me.
My favourite song from the film:
(Click on any image for a bigger version)
Husband found a few bargain-priced tin types on our last trip. This one needed some restoring; in the process a wonderful little face appeared.
Shopping in glitzy city malls isn't our style these days. For one thing we'd miss the joys of easy-going small town retailers such as those below, snapped by husband on our wanders around small town USA -
I noticed this comment during an internet wander yesterday, thought how well it describes the vicious circle and cycle in which so many people in this country find themselves now.
Thanks to commenter "Derpasaurus" for the loan of their words:
What people don't realize is the cyclical nature of small-town, low-wage business. You have 3 gas stations, 2 grocery stores, a slew of fastfood places, and a Walmart. Sprinkle in some home healthcare services. Each of these employers offer the same low pay, no benefits, and next-to zero opportunity for advancement. But, you don't have the capital to start your own business or move, so your only option is to get to flippin' burgers or stocking shelves. You make just enough money to spend it at Walmart, Racetrac and Taco Bell. The employees of those stores make just enough money to spend at your store. The government provides food stamps for all of you, keeping the grocery store in business.
Everyone, except the one or two managers in each store, makes the same low wage and gets the same government benefits. They drive the same kinds of low end cars, if they can afford it, and live in the same kind of trailers and duplexes. They're all fiercely competing for the one promotion, knowing that 99% of them will never see one. While the corporate heads of whichever company they work for have golden parachutes strapped to their backs.
And this, my friends, is the end game of capitalism. The finish-line to our race to the bottom. Where 5 or 6 companies dominate the market, socialize the costs, and privatize the gains.
This corner of south-west Oklahoma is catching up with Autumn, at last:
