Monday, 8/31

Civil Liberties Union General Interest Meeting!

Join the Civil Liberties Union for our first meeting of the 2009/2010 year.  We will be brainstorming and planning some events for the upcoming year.

Super soft layers of beautiful fabrics by Clu.
Fall 09 just arrived and is selling fast.
Especially loving the Panelled Shorts.

Clu
shop

Olive Ave., through Fresno’s historic Tower District, is a street lined with murders, suspected homicides, forged documents, real estate fraud, fires (18 fires within a 2-mi. radius), insurance fraud – all being covered up. For now I am zeroing in on a 2-block area in-between Fruit Ave. and Palm Ave.

I am the first survivor of the Alan Autry / Wilbert Swieso nightmare.

Fresno, CA Mayor Alan Autry 2000-2008
aka: Bubba Skinner “Heat of the Night” 1988-1995

BEHIND SECRET REPLACEMENT OF THE CITY WATER SYSTEM – WATER DIVERSION

RECAP: After being poisoned and filmed with hidden cameras as “proof” that I was “crazy”, then-Mayor Alan Autry used his risk analyst to lie and set up my family, neighbors and me to be annihilated so they could seize access to these properties in order to rebuild on top of their new water system. To begin with, rather than any warning or chance to protect ourselves, we were repeatedly lied to about the cause behind repeatedly being deluged in toxic, infectious, disease-carrying, raw sewage.

Autry’s ringleader (Swieso, a long-time estate planner) used a fake attorney and fraudulent legal documents to override my family’s IRREVOCABLE TRUST, appointing himself, “Successor Trustee” of my family’s properties. Not only was that illegal – even if it was legal, I was not dead yet for him to take such liberties as what followed. With absolutely NO RIGHT TO TOUCH OUR PROPERTIES, the city conspired with Swieso in having our 2 Olive Ave. properties stripped, “gutted” and rebuilt on top of tie-ins to the new water system. With intentions of eliminating me, my home (totally separate from the Irrevocable Trust) behind these 2 properties was also robbed, gutted and rebuilt with trash on top of corroded, rotted, clamped sewer and water lines.

In preparation of my final departure, Swieso conspired with a nearby WATER DISTRICT in a fraudulent Long Term Care policy – stating I was THEIR employee, appointing himself “beneficiary” of the life insurance portion! His associate then informed me they would be taking over as I would be meeting the others, “in another world.”

After the haphazard reconstruction of these properties, Swieso conspired with the commercial property insurance agent in non-renewal of coverage as mold consumed 1 of the 2 buildings due to newly-clamped water lines loosened and covered with cement. (From what I understand, the “planted” tenant was going to sue and own all; no one would have ever known about the fraudulent legal documents. Due to the horrible films of me while being poisoned, my “disappearance” was/is expected.)

As a matter of interest, this same “attorney” is the one who handled the unsolved murder across the street, when this took place there. He also handled the estate of a deceased woman of another deceased man 2 doors down from the unsolved murder, linked to Swieso and several others behind this nightmare. (The “attorney” has since fled, never to be seen again.)

With no property insurance, forced to sell, Swieso then intercepted the realtor resulting in being cheated in excess of $ 1 million, which does not include generations of valuable contents and photographs that were stolen.

Autry also had his risk analyst set up my neighbor directly across the alley – he was never seen again; property also rebuilt without permits or inspections; more altered records to cover up the evidence. Signature on the new deed to my neighbor’s property looks like the same one (wife’s name) I saw Swieso forge on an insurance application while citing his motto: “You can’t live for the dead.”

As this continued, discharging of raw sewage continued. My next-door neighbor contracted hepatitis; his foot infection became so severe it had to be amputated; deceased age 50. Sewage back spills coincided with my handicapped uncle’s illnesses and hospitalizations. I endured ongoing illness and respiratory as well as years of excruciating cellulitis of both feet. Risk analyst’s response: “Not my problem.” (She had been lying about the cause of sewage back spills – parcel maps were altered to cover up the evidence of secret replacement of the city water system entailing cutting, altering and clamping sewer and water lines.)

The City of Fresno not only denies ALL OF THE ABOVE, they actually deny their own street widening (both streets), tree pulling, relocation of fire hydrants, street lights, utility poles, changes in property lines, etc. According to Kerry Trost, Sr Risk Analyst, it was Alan Autry who instructed him to have a Restraining Order issued against me – committing perjury to call ME a “liar” followed by death threats and sexual harassment against me.

I have updated my page with more pictures, showing how this has been done to surrounding structures – ours were the last on the block to be torn apart and haphazardly rebuilt. CLICK: Marla

Not only is there a trail of this following Autry’s group, see for yourself that after 50 yrs of this taking place, there is nothing left standing as it was when originally built. This is how Fresno became the shambles it is – the entire city is setting on top of this mess. It appears that the City and their fake work crew have avoided complaints or witnesses to this by first “planting” the areas with people linked to this operation; anyone left in their way is poisoned, robbed and eliminated. (Swieso is also behind forcing various property owners into foreclosure, laughing, “Most people are one paycheck away from bankruptcy.”)

I have spent the past several years unemployed, isolated, monitored, and sabotaged from help as the death threats continue. My family, life, belongings, means of survival were taken from me. My life has been destroyed. Some time ago I was informed, “I may have made it further than any of the rest of them but for me there is no way out.” It is true – pinned into a corner with no way out, there is absolutely no way I can survive this nightmare much longer.

Behind the the Autry / Swieso scenario – the joke is that no one will ever figure out how the city’s / valley’s water source is being diverted (aka: “water shortage.”) The evidence of a new water system is beneath 50 yrs of reconstruction – nothing left standing as it was when built. ===> CLICK: Marla

Poverty and environmental issues can be extremely controversial at times. They both are often overwhelmed with political predisposition, religious platform, and passion filled people on either side of the argument. These issues have the ability to stir up such emotion that I thought it would be interesting to talk about them as a whole. You may have been told by your parents not to discuss such topics at the dinner table (Especially when Aunt Margaret and Uncle Bob are in town) due to the potential tension and arguments that could ensue, but I believe that we need to discuss the linkages between real issues in order to create sustainable solutions.

Like most things in life, we tend to compartmentalize.  At least I do. I like to deal with one problem at a time, figure it out, and then move on to the next. We are actually programmed to do life like this. For instance, if you work at a homeless shelter are you thinking about the natural environment? Probably not. You’re likely focused on how to provide services to a neglected and hurting population. Likewise, if you work as a Government Stormwater Coordinator are you thinking about how you can help assist people off the streets? Doubtful. You’re probably entrenched in meeting the new requirements of your Regional Stormwater Permit. The point is that it’s difficult for us to step back and see the bigger picture, or opportunities for synergy, when we are so ingrained in and focused on the “task,” or in this case, the job description.

When it comes to poverty and environmental issues we tend to separate the two. However, there are dozens of connections. In general, an impoverished person is less likely to be concerned with the natural environment. This is not because they don’t necessarily care about nature, but rather due to it being low on his priority list.  If you look at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs pyramid, then it becomes clearer.  Caring for the environment doesn’t usually enter the picture until after one feels safe, cared for, and fed.  The point is that folks who are just trying to survive are going to focus more on their basic needs and less on their relationship and impact on the environment. This was never more apparent than when California Lutheran University and the City of Ventura teamed up to clean a mere 14 Ventura River bottom encampments(There are potentially hundreds of encampments). In about two hours time, volunteers grabbed over 10,000 lbs of trash.

Furthermore, impoverished people don’t have the means to properly dispose of their trash. They either don’t have the money and/or the semi-permanent residence where trash can be billed and collected. So what are the options? They can either create their own trash heap which contaminates the environment, or if they have some environmental concern, they can pack out their trash and illegally dump it in someone elses garbage bin which impacts a community’s quality of life. Either way there are negative consequences – especially if there is Hazardous Waste involved (i.e. paint, spray cans, chemicals).

I can’t discuss all the possible linkages in this short message, but I do think it’s important to quickly hit on the global implications. The poorer developing countries disproportionately depend on the environment for sustenance (i.e. farming) and are more susceptible to natural disasters and the effects of Climate Change. The UN has already taken notice and initiated partnerships between its Environmental Program (UNEP) and Development Program (UNDP). Together, UNEP and UNDP have created the Poverty-Environment Initiative, which offers governments the tools to incorporate poverty and environmental linkages into their development policies.

This concept is extremely important to consider on the global front. There are both environmental and social justice solutions embedded into the creation of a sustainable future. Many of the third world’s (poor) resources are consumed by first world (rich) markets. This is no secret. The BBC did a whole series on this several years ago. The injustice occurs not only because of the potential exploitation of cheap labor, but the third world country is left with the effects of environmental degradation without the means to rectify the issue. Not only that, but as resources tap-out, poorer countries lose the very ecosystems that they have depended on for so many years.

So what can you do?  Start where you are and expand your thinking . Here’s some small things to consider as you go about your own day: Do you see any linkages between what you and your fellow workers do? What are the connections that create  synergy for building greater solutions? Is there an environmental connection there? Is there a social connection there?

I would love to know.

Tomorrow, July 1 at 10:30am in Trailer 2 at Ventura College, Michael Arndt, Artistic Director of the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company at Cal Lutheran University, will discuss taking Macbeth from the Shakespeare’s page to the CLU stage.

In honor of this occasion, check out this 32 Second version of Macbeth, featuring many of the most memorable lines and evoking some of the most memorable scenes from the play.

The 32-second Macbeth

And, who said what?

Actors 1, 2, 3  Fair is foul and foul is fair

Actor 4  What bloody man is that?

Actor 2  A drum, a drum!  Macbeth doth come

Macbeth   So foul and fair a day I have not seen

Actor 3  All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!

Macbeth  If chance will have me king, then chance will crown me

Actor 5  Unsex me here

Macbeth  If it were done when ‘tis done

Actor 5  Screw your courage to the sticking place

Macbeth  Is this a dagger that I see before me? (Actor 4 dies)

Actor 5  A little water clears us of this deed.

Actor 6   Fly, good Fleance, fly!  (dies)

Macbeth  Blood will have blood

Actors 1, 2, 3  Double, double, toil and trouble

Actor 7   He has kill’d me, mother!  (dies)

Actor 8  Bleed, bleed, poor country!

Actor 5  Out damn’d spot!  (dies)

Macbeth  Out, out, brief candle!

Actor 8   Turn, hell-hound, turn!

Macbeth  Lay on Macduff!  (dies)

Actor 8  Hail, king of Scotland!

So who said what? What’s my line?

In Shakespeare’s time, actors didn’t receive the whole script–only their part which they received rolled up hence the word “role” to describe an actor’s part in a play.

Weds July 1: Each student will receive a “roll” with his or her lines on it. Figure out “who” you are, and prepare to tell us in class about where in the play your line can be found, what’s the context of the line, what it means, why it’s important.

Thurs. July 2: You’ll have a chance to discuss your role, lines, and scenes with someone else in the class who has the same part. We will go over some of the lines in the first half of the play, and we’ll “do” the 32 second version of the play with one cast of characters; when your character “dies” (as 5 of them do), please gratify us by falling down dead.

Mon. July 6:  We’ll “do” the 32 second version of the play with the second cast; when your character “dies” (as 5 of them do), please gratify us by falling down dead. In class, we’ll go over the rest of the scenes in the play represented by these lines.

You can write about your character for your Thursday Reading Response OR write up your notes for your presentation and put it in your portfolio. If you miss class, and don’t have a part, email me and I will let you know which one to do.

Since Macbeth has 7 lines, one person will do the first 5, and one person will do the last 5 so that there’s overlap for lines 3, 4, and 5.

Shakespeare Galore plus three Visual & Literary Art Collaborations in LA Summer 2009

Summer is outdoor Shakespeare season with Will’s Words popping up all over the country, including many different performances in unusual venues all over the Los Angeles region including Topanga Canyon’s Will Geer Thetricum Botanicum.

The Kingsmen’s version of Macbeth opens tonight at 8pm on the campus of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, in east Ventura County followed by All’s Well That Ends Well. Bring a blanket and a picnic and come early –grounds open at 5:30pm–to enjoy the pre-show entertainment and stake out a good spot on the grass.

Macbeth

• Friday, Saturday, Sunday – June 26-28, 2009
• Thursday, Friday, Sunday – July 2-3, 5, 2009
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday – July 10-12, 2009

All’s Well That Ends Well

• Friday, Saturday, Sunday – July 17-19, 2009
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday – July 24-26, 2009
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday – July 31, August 1-2, 2009

Poetry can be heard in an art gallery at Bell Arts Factory 432 Ventura Ave Saturday starting at 7:30pm; an open mic follows the feature. If it’s less traditional means of the literary arts that fascinates you, here are three events worth checking out, two of which feature my dear friend Jen Hofer:

ONE: Jen Hofer will read in Hollywood tonight, Friday June 26 from few of her brand-new hand-made tiny books which will be exhibited as part of a group show curated by Jibade-Khalil Huffman at Eighth Veil Gallery. The show is titled Wrong: A Program of Text and Image: information on the Eighth Veil website. Jen will also have on hand a hand-sewn a quilt made of papers collected on recent cross-country travels and she’ll be setting up the escritorio público (public letter-writing desk) at the opening where she charges $2 for a letter, $3 for a love letter, and $5 for an illicit love letter.

WRONG: A Program of Text and Image Curated by Jibade-Khalil Huffman
26 June 2009 – 31 July 2009 Opening reception June 26
Eighth Veil 7174 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, California

Featuring works by: Lucas Blalock, Mira Dancy, Zipora Fried, Charles Gaines, Jen Hofer, Jibade-Khalil Huffman, Marci MacGuffie, Eliza Newman-Saul, Mariah Robertson, Xaviera Simmons, Lawrence Weiner. Curated by artist and writer Jibade-Khalil Huffman, “Wrong: A Program of Text and Image” is a group exhibition of works concerned with the use of language in visual art. In conjunction with the show, Eighth Veil is producing “After Stanley Donen,” an anthology of art and writing edited by Huffman, available in July. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 – 6pm, and by appointment.

TWO: Visual artist Hillary Mushkin and Jen Hofer collaborated on Precipitation, an animated video that is part of the Oog series, an online multimedia opinion feature for the nationally distributed Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant. It can be viewed this week at http://extra.volkskrant.nl/oog/client/index.php?artworkId=271. After that it will be in the archives, http://extra.volkskrant.nl/oog/client/overview.php.  You’ll find Hillary’s images on her website, and in the near future another of collaborative projects will be published in the journal area sneaks, edited by Rita Gonzalez and Joseph Mosconi.

And THREE:

Mild Light An evening of Cantastoria from the Performance Department of The Museum of Everyday Life

“Cantastoria” is the Italian word for a traditional performance form originating in 6th Century India, involving the display of representational paintings accompanied by sung narration. Recently there has been a revival of interest in Cantastoria among performers,artists, puppeteers and activists in the West, who find that this ancient form has startlingly modern qualities and can easily be infused with fresh content. Historical, lyrical, and pathetical examples of the ancient and post-modern art of picture-story recitation will be presented by Clare Dolan, Chief Operating Philosopher of the Museum of Everyday Life (Vermont). Using examples from the permanent collection of the Museum of Everyday Life, Clare will demonstrate the versatility and immediacy of this performance form, with stories ranging from accounts of bloody crime in the 1930’s written by Bertolt Brecht, to the dilemmas of a modern-day heroine trying to make a living and achieve total happiness. In addition to the shows, a brief, entertaining and historical overview of the performance form will be presented, and refreshments will be served.July 2nd and 3rd performances will feature a special musical performance by Emily Lacy!Show Times: Thursday, July 2nd at 8pm Friday, July 3 at 8pm Friday, July 3 at 10pm Saturday, July 4th at 8pm The Manual Archives 3320 West Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026 BUY TICKETS general admission $12 students or seniors $8 For more information please go to www.manualarchives.org The Manual Archives is a project of Automata

ARMANI EXCHANGE

Women’s Last Chance Items - Receive an additional 20% off Women’s Last Chance items at Armani Exchange – Get them while you can!

• Ruffled Maxi Dress – $49.00
• One Shoulder Ruffle Dress – $49.00
• Ruffle Cami- $29.00
• Open Stitch Tie Cardigan – $69.00
• Printed Bubble Tunic- $39.00

BLUE HEAVEN BOUTIQUE

Summer Sale – save 30-75% off dresses and skirts at the blue heaven summer sale. Discount prices are marked.

DAILY CANDY DEALS

• 30% off at TENOVERSIX
• Save 25% on just-in summer clothing and accessories for men and women, as well as already-marked-down spring wares at EVER.
• 25% off NYC shoe designer Kathryn Amberleigh’s collection of wildly colorful pumps, flats, booties, wedges, stilettos, and peek-a-boo sandals.

eBAGS – TODAY ONLY DISCOUNT

Take 25% off a single item at eBags – valid 06/23 Only!

eLUXURY

Extra 50% off Sale Apparel, Handbags, Shoes, Men’s, and more (including Final Clearance items). Discount taken at check-out. All sales final.

IVY BLUE

72 Hour Sale – Save 40% with code “72hour” at check-out. Offer good through June 24, 2009 on items in the 72 hour sale category only – items like the Alice & Olivia Metallic Jumper, Dallin Chase Leather Vest, and Lia Kes Rose Tee.

JOAN SHEPP

Renovation Sale – up to 50% off all designer merchandise online & in-store at the Joan Shepp Renovation sale.

JOLINE JOLINK

Save up to 50% at the Amsterdam fashion haus.

LINEA PELLE

Save 20% on great gifts for graduates! Use code “GRADSRRAD” on all items in our Graduation Gift Shop.
*GRADSRRAD expires 06/26/2009 at 11:59pm PST.

Be sure to check out the Summer Solstice Sample Sale going on now too!

MICK MARGO

Summer Sale – Savings up to 60% off your favorite designers like Clu, Gryson, VPL, Deere Calhoun, Pool, & more.

MY WARDROBE

Sale – Save up to 50% off brands like Acne, Antik Batik, Terry de Haviland, Ash, Biba, and many others at the UK-based online outpost.

MZ WALLACE

Summer Sale – 50% off Spring Summer 09.

QUEEN BEE

Take 25% on all tops at Queen Bee. Use code “summertops” at checkout until 6.22.

Pick up this Gathered Tie Cami from Milly for your next summer party. It’s sure to be a hit!

SHOPBOP – Last Day!

48 Hour Sale – Take 20% off 100 select sale items with code “BONUS20″ at check-out. Offer ends Tuesday 23, 2009 @ 11:59pm PST.

SHOP ROBERTSON

NEW SUMMER MARKDOWNS! Maurie & Eve, Matt Bernson, Naughty Monkey, Sam Edelman, Odd Molly, LinQ & B. Chyll.

TOBI

Sale – Take an extra 30% off all regularly priced items with code “HOT30″ at check-out. Offer good through 6.24.09 @ 11:59pm PST. As always, free shipping (and easy returns too!).

URBAN OUTFITTERS

Men’s and Women’s Graphic Tees – $18 (orig. $24) – now through June 28, 2009. Plus, take an extra 15% off on sale items, now through June 30, 2009. No code necessary, discount will automatically appear in cart.

Nouvelle rubrique! J’inaugure aujourd’hui ce que seront les articles Mlle Mayhem take on… inspirés des toutes dernières collections de grands designers. Aujourd’hui je commence avec une interprétation d’un super joli agencement de la collection Resort 2010 de Stella McCartney.

Raaah si vous saviez comme c’est plaisant à faire ces petits sets là ! C’est un peu comme jouer à la Barbie pour les grands. Je me suis laissé aller avec des morceaux complètement hors de prix pour cette fois, mais je vais aussi essayer de faire des trucs plus abordables.

Dorothy Perkins Black Boyfriend Jacket 83.40$CAN
Évidement, le Boyfriend blazer est toujours à la mode cette saison. Il est idéal pour dress up des jeans ou encore, comme ici, pour dress down les pantalons de paillette. Pour un effet maximum il faut prendre le blazer un peu grand, comme si on l’avait vraiment volé à notre homme.

CLU Basic Tank Top 59.34$CAN
Tank top tout ce qu’il y a de plus plain. Le tank top blanc ça ne se démode tout simplement pas ! J’ai choisi ici une pièce de Clu justement parce que la compagnie incarne la simplicité et les vêtements confos. On le prend un peu lousse pour un joli effet décontracté. C’est mieux pour l’été de toute façon.

TopShop Leaf Sequin Taper Trouser 176$CAN
Alors ça c’est du trouser les amis! J’aime beaucoup le sequin (ou la paillette en français) mais c’est plutôt difficile à porter au bureau. Par contre, dès la tombée de la nuit, c’est le moment parfait pour rivaliser avec l’étoile polaire. Et puis que dire du motif feuille de ce pantalon ? Rien sauf : j’adore Topshop. À ma prochaine visite à NY c’est évident que je passe faire un tout à la toute nouvelle nouvelle boutique (première en Amérique).

Nicholas Kirkwood Suede Pumps With Crystal Heels 1,128.67$ CAN
Bon là, je sais, le prix de ces beautés reste un peu pris dans la gorge, mais avouez qu’elles sont tout simplement à couper le souffle ! Moi j’apprécie beaucoup le cut-away top, ça vient finir en beauté la colonne de cristal. Parce que oui, c’est des petits cristaux qu’il y a sur le talon.

Lulu Guiness Large quilted clutch 226.10$CAN
Depuis que j’ai trouvé mon nouveau porte feuille en vinyl noir, qui est en réalité vraiment plutôt une clutch qu’un porte feuille, je trippe sur tout ce qui est de format sac à main. Celui-ci est d’abord noir, parfait, mais il est aussi piqué ! Tout simple, tout mignon.

Dior Diorissima 1 D28 300.24 $CAN
Les lunettes Dior ; elles sont mythiques ! Point final.

Hannah Zakari Sword Fish Charm Bracelet 90.81$CAN
De tout cet ensemble, je pense que c’est ce bracelet que j’aimerais le plus ajouter à ma collection. Non seulement le charm bracelet est très in en ce moment, mais celui-ci à un style vintage tout a fait… charmant. J’aime la broche en forme d’espadon, la bague et surtout la petite montre accrochée au bracelet de perles noires.

Avec chaque outfit je vais joindre de la musique qui va avec le feel de l’ensemble et, évidement, ce seront des pièces que j’écoute en ce moment.

Pièces

Tiga – Shoes (du blogue ilictronix)
Shoes est une pièce extra tirée du nouvel album Ciao ! de Tiga. Excellent. Elle donne envie de danser et je trouve qu’elle portait bien le style dark chic de l’ensemble.

Patrick Wolf – Vultures (du blogue AW)
Pas une grande surprise ici. The Bachelor, nouvel album de Patrick Wolf, est sorti au début du mois et, biensur, je l’écoute 7/7.

Voilà ! Vous aimez ?

P.S. Pour les liens vers les items de l’ensemble allez voir le set sur Polyvore, tout est là!

CLICK: Marla