Hey list -- 1. No doubt some "gay" groups would prefer that certain high-profile "gay" unions stay intact: it's better PR for those asking for permission to pattern their lives using an already outdated template. Truth is our culture is changing the terms of what constitutes a family, and that affects all of us. Thinking about the kids means thinking about being supportive of their "families,'" whatever those "families" look like. The exaltation of the nuclear family as the model of perfection is a relatively new phenomenon. We need to re-examine our commitment to that model, which is not working very well in contemporary U.S. society. We all sense this, which is why experimental lives like those being lived by the very brave Etheridge and Cypher are being allowed. We are all in need of newer, better ways of living together as families, especially the working mothers in this country. A more expanded sense of what family is, including friends, is a healthy thing IMO. That being said, for those of you opening your hearts and contributing to strong, healthy nuclear families, I applaud and support you, as I do all those in loving partnerships. God bless you and (if you have any) your children. 2. Bjork's new movie sure is amazing....she is a brilliant actress......a modern day Callas. If you are a Bjork fan you must go and if you're not -- why not? Other reasons to see it are, of course the director Lars Von Trier (Breaking The Waves) and the great one, Deneuve. The movie is flawed, but stunning. Bjork collaborated with Vince Mendoza on the score -- it's amazing what came out of that Stormy Weather benefit. By the way, who has a recording of the duet she and Joni sang that night. It wasn't on the ATT promo, was it? Oh, and one more thing. The movie's title is "Dancer In The Dark." Anyone know a literary reference for the title? Is it conceivable that it is related to the line from "My Old Man?" Forgive my ignorance if this is a foolish question. 3. My love affair with Nick Drake has blossomed in the last week as I have immersed myself in the boxed set, "Fruit Tree." What can you say about this music............that it is sublime?.......perfect?......sent from above?.................as good as Joni? Anyway, I would like to get a print of one of the photos in the boxed set booklet. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? 4. I'm not sure if it was posted here, but last month Epic re-issued Jaco's self-titled lp. It's been remastered, and has new liner notes by Pat Metheny and some additional tracks. For those who don't have any Jaco Pastorius, I highly recommend it. He collaborates on this lp with many of our old favorites including Herbie, Wayne, Don Alias, Randy and Michael Brecker, etc. 5. I've been enjoying the list; sorry I don't post more often. David
