Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Johnny B. Gooner

"Here's Johnny!": John Lydon, Sex Gunner

It was just another dull Tuesday night watching telly when I switched to the Fox Soccer Channel's Fox Football Fone-In show and was elated to see John Lydon - former Sex Pistol frontman Johnny Rotten - sitting in as a special guest and talking footy. Though he now lives in Los Angeles, Johnny is still a huge fan of north London's Arsenal Football Club. It figures that that the erstwhile Pistol is a Gunners fan - or, in the parlance of footy fanaticism, a Gooner. It even works metaphorically! And, naturally, he is a slagger of Arsenal's nearby rivals Chelsea and - especially - Tottenham Hotspur (boy does he hate them!), the team that famously inspired Dave Clark to start The Dave Clark Five.

I've always liked Johnny Rotten. Though he couldn't sing worth shit and his post-Pistols band PiL (Public Image Limited) was rubbish, Johnny was the frontman's frontman, a bonafide rebel spirit who had true presence, gave great interviews, and never was at a loss for words. Clever lad, that; as good at supplying copy for the press as former Gunner Freddie Ljungberg was at supplying the ball for Thierry Henry in the penalty box. He was disarmingly, even brutally, honest, and at times made me wince when he skewered some poor TV host or journalist (think back to his notorious non-verbal appearance with PiL cohort Keith levene on Tom Synder's Tomorrow Show or his refusal to lip-synch "Poptones" with PiL while running wild in the audience on Dick Clark' American Bandstand).

We've all heard Johnny slag the Pistols and hype PiL and we all know how he turned down showing up for the Pistols' Rock & Roll hall of Fame Induction. But I never knew about his love of English football. This was something new - and interesting!

As he told his hosts, "Arsenal has always been a team and a spirit. Arsenal is the beautiful game. What people don't understand about Arsenal is that to us it is both beautiful and" - here he looked over at co-host and Blues booster (or is it Blooster?) Nick Webster - "It is a game - not a business like our Chelsea man over here."

Asked about the England national team's 2-1 loss to Germany last week, Johnny couldn't resist a dig at England's goalkeeper Chris Robinson, whose club team just happens to be Tottenham. "Well, that Spurs keeper didn't help us much, did he?" Of course, Johnny gave his props to the German goalie, Jens Lehmann, who protects the net for Arsenal - though he's let in a few howlers in his first two games this season.

"He's an excellent goalie," Johnny opined. "Though he does seem to save his best for Germany." This last with his trademark ironic dare-glare.

Other footy remarks from Johnny...

Thierry Henry: Arsenal's superstar striker left for greener pastures at Barcelona and Johnny said it was time. "Look he's done his time at Arsenal and it's a good move for him. And let's face it last season wasn't that good for him, was it? And besides, all that ballet style and holding his hand to his ear after scoring goals, that was a bit..."

David Beckham: Johnny lamented that Beckham's team the L.A. Galaxy was so lame (I think he said something to the effect that First Division Southhampton were better), saying he didn't hold it against Beckham for going there because, "Becks is alright...I don't believe he has a bad bone in him" but adding, "But it's not bloody football they play on the Galaxy is it?"

Some Veddy Rotten Viddies

Here's Johnny giving historian Marc Reynebeau and his Belgian TV crew a tour of his old Manor in Finsbury Park, starting at Arsenal's old Highbury grounds (they've since moved to Fly Emirates Stadium):



And here's a vintage Johnny Rotten moment at the 2001 Q Awards, where he lauds Kate Bush and invites everybody to shut up and get pissed! Even Oasis goon Liam Gallagher looks sedate, standing in the shadows (as he should before a true frontman with legitimate panache). As Neil Young sang, "The King is gone but he's not forgotten/This is the story of Johnny Rotten."



Related Links:
Arsenal Celebrity Support Series: Johnny Rotten
John Lydon on the Tom Snyder Show
PiL on American Bandstand

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

THE GENIUS THAT IS TWIN PEAKS



As a consummate David Lynch fan, watching Twin Peaks for the first time is like watching the birth of genius. I’m about half way through the 2nd season, so if you’ve seen it all, don’t spoil it for me. That said, if you’ve never seen it, leave the computer immediately, subscribe to a Netflix account, and order it. Now. Do it. Why are you still reading this? I’m serious. Ok, read this. But then watch it! (No spoilers, I promise).

The mystery of who killed Laura Palmer is a cliff notes explanation of the basic narrative. Of course, it isn’t that simple. Immediately we’re aligned with Special Agent Detective Dale Cooper (played by a devastatingly young and attractive Kyle MacLachlan), who comes to Twin Peaks from the FBI to investigate Laura’s murder. Like Coop, we’re drawn into the maze of people and secrets that make Twin Peaks unique—at times, Laura’s murder seems inconsequential in comparison to the plethora of subplots on the series.

Laura arrives on the scene “dead, wrapped in plastic,” and soon we discover that the town’s little princess kept her dark side under wraps as well—a predilection for drugs and sex with dangerous men is revealed by the discovery of her diary (and a cache of cocaine). The bipolarity of Laura’s face haunts us constantly through the first season: her blue, frosty death mask is juxtaposed with her parents’ homecoming queen portrait. In Twin Peaks, the cheeriness of the superficial world is highlighted by its deathly, demented undercurrents.



If you’ve seen any of David Lynch’s other work, you know one of the many things that makes him so indescribably smart (and also so frustratingly indecipherable) is his dialogue. While Twin Peaks is certainly less abstract than say, Mulholland Drive, its writing is no less engaging. These characters get under our skin immediately through their language—especially Detective Cooper, who has his own little vernacular of sayings and quips that make us scrunch up our brow, crack a smile, and ask, “what?” His excitement over life’s little pleasures and attention to detail—“This is, excuse me, a DAMN fine cup of coffee”—endear him to us instantly.



The murder of a young girl in a very small town certainly calls for drama, and Twin Peaks , in deep contrast to other shows who have followed in its wake, is not afraid to key into the melodrama of Laura’s demise. The characters’ revelations are soliloquized with practical sincerity—almost as if we were watching a Greek or Shakespearean tragedy unfold. The character of Donna, played by a very young, swan-like Lara Flynn Boyle, is Lynch’s mouthpiece on the tragedy. Early in the series, she explains to her mother her conflicting feelings over her grief at the loss of Laura, her best friend, and the burgeoning romance with James, who was Laura’s boyfriend: “Mom, it's so strange. I know I should be sad, and I am, part of me is. But it's like . . . it's like I'm having the most beautiful dream . . . and the most terrible nightmare, all at once.” All of this melodramatic pining is of course fortified by Angelo Badalamenti, Lynch’s composer, and his synthesized music which is the perfect combination of both fear and sadness. Laura’s theme, which also happens to be the opening theme, has almost a Pavlovian effect on us, as if to cue the show’s most complex and intimate moments.

Lynch’s relationship in his work to women is, for me, one of the most interesting aspects of his auteur. Many feminist critics jump to the conclusion that Lynch is a misogynist—many of the female characters in his oeuvre are perhaps too decorative, and ultimately we’re surprised when they reveal themselves to be highly capable, intelligent beings. Of course the message here could be “appearances are deceiving.” However, many critics distrust Lynch’s emphasis on sex, and sexuality—Laura’s innocence is purely a façade, but also inextricable from her downfall. The lovely Audrey Horne (another of Laura’s high school classmates), played by the gorgeous Sherilyn Fenn, oozes sexuality from every pore, tempting even Agent Cooper from his focus on the case. Ultimately, Lynch’s women hark back to a very old-world idea of feminine sexuality: these women are still heavily reliant on their feminine wiles to get what they want. However, they remain just as complex and intelligent as their male counterparts (if not more so). The argument can also be made that Lynch gives power to women by mainly concerning himself with their struggles in his work. He has always been interested in the idea of “a woman in trouble,” as made evident by his films Mulholland Drive, and more recently, Inland Empire, and it is Laura (although we are compelled by Coop) who remains the tragic hero of the series.



But of course what Lynch is mainly concerned with in Twin Peaks is the battle of good and evil, the struggle between impulse and reason. BOB is the manifestation of the evil impulse. Lynch adds the element of magic and fantasy when he gives BOB an actual body and simultaneously paves the way for further series (i.e. The X-Files ) when our greatest fears, which usually swim somewhere beneath the surface of our subconscious, are fully realized, in the flesh, in our homes. BOB is frightening not only because of his evil, but because of his ordinary, simplistic demeanor. He’s the man in the gas station you don’t make eye contact with. He’s the man at the end of lane in the trailer home. He could just be strange—but you don’t stick around to find out. BOB is a different sort of criminal. He isn’t a sociopath. He’s a pure-blooded psychopath and there’s no explanation for his evil, other than its existence.



Twin Peaks is, I believe, the most elegant and complex television series in television history, even at its brief two seasons. Lynch went on to pursue the story in Fire Walk With Me , a prequel film which chronicles Laura’s bad behavior and last days on earth. I have yet to see it, but I hear conflicting reports on its merit. While it’s easy (and practical) to conclude that Twin Peaks’ success is largely based on its quirkiness and cult status, I hesitate fall back on such an oversimplification of the series. The denizens of Twin Peaks have much to say on who we really are, and how people function in a community—ultimately Twin Peaks is really about history, and the inherent hypocrisy of fate. While Laura’s murder and the subsequent murders thereafter, strike a dark chord, the buoyant optimism and goodness of Detective Cooper and his ilk, notably Sheriff Truman, Andy, Hawk, and Lucy, reminds us that while the existence of God may be questionable, the determination of humanity is undeniable.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

The Chucks Connection

Canvasing the Net for Chuck Taylor Films

Searching the Web for reviews of the 1960 Jane Fonda-Anthony Perkins romantic comedy Tall Story, in which Tony plays a college basketball star, I ran across this most unusual site: The ChucksConnection (www.chucks.connection.com).

Here's their mission statement:
The ChucksConnection is a website about the Converse All Star "Chuck Taylor" canvas basketball shoe, the classic American sneaker, as seen in films, photographs, and television shows, or described in reviews, articles, and stories about why people like wearing chucks.

OK, fine. But the best part of this is the impressive A through Z list of Chuck Taylor appearances in films, complete with reviews and ratings. There's even "Best Chucks Scene" analysis - in Tall Story, it's the scene where Perkins has his coach and the district attorney lace up his Chucks before a game.



Obviously, Hoosiers gets high marks for this cover:


But the editors seem to love best a film I've never heard of, The Cure(1995). Here's their review of the film they call "...one of the all time best films featuring Converse Chuck Taylor black high tops. There is great chucks photography throughout, as you can see from the title shot..."



"and the classic sneaker even has significance to the plot." Thank God - I hate gratuitous Chucks scenes! In fact, David Mamet firmly believes that Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars should only be shown when they inherently advance the narrative. (Actually, I just made up that last part.)

Curiously, The Cure film was directed by Peter Horton. The name should only ring a bell if your were a fan of the Tv drama thirtsomething, in which Horton played the annoying toxic playboy Gary Shephard, who had the classic Bjorn Borg Blonde Bimbo Look. Horton went on to become a TV director, most notably on Grey's Anatomy.

Better yet, there's the Chucks Honor Roll, which lists the 40-plus actors who have worn Chucks in two or more films! Wil Wheaton leads the pack with five movie appearances, followed by Justin Long, Elijah Woods and Josh Charles with four flicks under their canvas soles.

As the site puts it, "Isn't it great when the video or film you watch has an All Star cast?"

Couldn't agree more. Check it out.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Jackie Nickel

JULY 28, 1942 - AUGUST 17, 2007





A penny for your thoughts. A Nickel for your memories.



My friend Scott Huffines' mom, Jackie Nickel, passed away on Friday, August 17, 2007 at the age of 65 after a 6-year battle with cancer. All of us expect death as part of the birth-school-work-death cycle, but it always comes too soon. Jackie's was too soon.



Jackie was the coolest friend's mom I knew. She worked, for one thing, which was unlike other moms. And she worked hard, leaving behind several books and a writing leacy at the Essex Avenue paper. What I liked best about her was that she was truly interesting. You didn't just make awkward, polite small talk with her, as you did with other parents. You had real conversations, because she was fun to talk to. She knew everything about Essex and most things about Baltimore and Maryland. At parties at Scott's, I didn't just say Hi and Bye, but would seek her out to talk about the Essex Cube or Precious the Skateboarding Dog or the proposed Essex Raceway or the inside dirt of local politicians. She was on top of everything and she was sharp. Just like a reporter. Just like a writer.



And Jackie treated everybody the same, regardless of who they were or what their title was. Whether she was talking to John Waters (as pictured below) or a local councilman, a next door neighbor or one of Scott's weirdo friends (and there were many!), you were just people to Jackie.







I recall Scott telling me how happy Jackie was when, after yet another chemo treatment at the hospital and yet another room change, she was allowed to use her laptop. She hated being cut off from it. She wanted to write. I love that image of her in the hospital still trying to produce output, to generate ideas. That's the image I'll recall of Mary J. Nickel.



She wrote a lot in her lifetime. Thank God we have that left to stay with us, to carry on the conversation, to leave us with food for thought.



*** Other Thoughts ***



Here's the death notice from the August 19, 2007 Baltimore Sun:



NICKEL , Jackie On August 17, 2007 Jackie Nickel; devoted mother of Scott Huffines and his fiancé Kristin, John Huffines and his wife Carolyn, Michael Nickel and his wife Christina; dear grandmother of Thomas Nickel.



A Private Cremation was held. The family will receive friends at the family owned Bruzdzinski Funeral Home P.A. 1407 Old Eastern Avenue, Essex at Route 702 (beltway exit 36) on Wednesday from 5 to 9 pm. A memorial service will be held at 8:30 pm. The public is invited to attend the interment of cremains in Oak Lawn Cemetery on Thursday at 11 am. In lieu of flowers memorials in her name to The Chesapeake Bay Foundation or Saint Jude Shrine will be appreciated.




*** HER BOOKS ***



In 2002, Chesapeake Publishing Co. (parent company of The Avenue News) published Jackie's Memories of 'Old' Middle River: A Loving Look Back at the Town and its People, a 48-page history of Middle River from the late 1800s to post-World War II. The book, which was adapted and expanded from a series first published in The Avenue, evolved from Jackie's interest in neighborhood revitalization. As a civic activist involved with a number of community organizations, she hoped to preserve the memories of a neighborhood undergoing change. Jackie wrote:



To head in the right direction, we have to look back and see where we’ve been successful in the past. I find so much pride in the people of Essex and Middle River. They have never forgotten their contributions to the nation in times of war and peace. We must pass this pride on to our ancestors and future generations of residents, especially those new to the community.




Baltimore County’s Office of Community Conservation supplemented the book’s printing and design costs with a grant of $2,000. According to the Essex-Middle-White Marsh Chamber of Commerce, copies of the book will be included as a welcoming gift to new residents of WaterView, compliments of Mark Building Co. Memories of 'Old' Middle River is carried by the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Baltimore County Public Library and originally was available these select stores: Martin Aviation Museum on Wilson Point Rd., Squirrel's Nest Antiques at Eastern Blvd. and Mace Ave., Wallace Engine Co., 1801 Eastern Blvd., Harrison Beauty Salon, Harrison Blvd., Fantasy Glass, Pottery Farm Station, Back River Neck Rd., and at Greetings and Readings. It's also probably available at the Motion Picture Exhibition in Baltimore. Headley wrote: "Great job on the Middle River book! That's the way books about neighborhoods should be." That's high praise coming from Robert Headley!



***



On April 16, 2007, Arcadia Publishing published Jackie's defining work, Essex as part of its Images of America series.







Arcadia described the book as follows:



"Advertised in a 1909 sales brochure as “The Rising Suburb of the East,” Essex, Maryland, has seen its fate and fortune rise and fall and rise again. The town enjoyed its early reputation as a haven for city dwellers with picnic groves, hunting and fishing clubs, dance halls, and waterfront amusement parks. The boom continued with new jobs and prosperity until the 1950s, when a fire destroyed much of the town’s main street. Economic decay set in as a result of the loss of industry and an influx of low-income housing. Several attempts at redevelopment and legislation failed, resulting in the residents’ distrust of government intervention. Finally a county-backed Renaissance project was established in 2002, bringing Essex a new epithet: “The Hidden Gem of Baltimore County."




Here's Jackie's Arcadia bio:



Jackie Nickel has documented stories about her hometown of Essex as a community newspaper editor, reporter, and freelance writer for almost 30 years. A civic activist, officer, and board member of several community organizations, she has forged a deep commitment to the town and a love for the people and places she writes about. Nickel believes that the retelling of Essex’s difficult past will serve to cement community pride and define its future.






Above is a great shot of Jackie promoting her book as she stands amid the doll display at the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River Museum. (Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor / May 8, 2007)



*** CELEB MEMORIALS ***



Not many moms get their books picked by Baltimore film icon John Waters, but Jackie did, as evidenced by this piece in this Baltimore Sun from May 13, 2007 enitled "John Waters, Filmmaker: Five Things I Have To Have Now":



4. Essex By Jackie Nickel ($19.99, The Ivy Bookshop, 6080 Falls Road): "Finally, a real bookshop in Baltimore! Here's an amazing book about Essex. It has great pictures of the old movie theaters, like the Elektra, pictures of the Thunderbird Drive-In, my favorite hangout for 1950s juvenile delinquents."




***



Essex is also home to the Bengies Drive-In, whose owner D. Edward Vogel posted the following farewell to the Baltimore Sun's online "Guest Book for Jackie Nickel":



Dear Jackie,



You are as much a part of the history of this area as all that you included in your work. You are a good friend to me, and a true believer in the Bengies. Thank you for all your inspiration and insight. Now that you are among the stars, I will keep an eye out for you, please keep an eye on us. All My Love! D. Edward




D. also put up the following memorial to Jackie on the Bengies' marquee:







*** BALTIMORE SUN OBIT ***



Here's Frederick Rasmussin's obit in the Baltimore Sun (August 21, 2007):



Mary J. Nickel



[Age 65] The author and former editor was a longtime advocate for Essex, its history and east-side land preservation



By Frederick N. Rasmussen

Sun reporter

August 21, 2007



Mary Jacqueline "Jackie" Nickel, an eastern Baltimore County activist, author and former newspaper editor, died Friday of cancer at Manor Care Health Services in Rossville. The lifelong Essex resident was 65.



Born Mary Jacqueline Moore in Baltimore, she moved as a child with her family to Essex, where she spent the rest of her life.



In the 1990s, she had her name legally changed to Nickel, which had been the last name of her maternal grandfather, John H. "Hon" Nickel, who had owned the Gayety Theater, the famous East Baltimore Street burlesque house.



After graduating from Notre Dame Preparatory School in 1960, she earned a teaching certificate from the University of Maryland, College Park.



"She taught at Back River Elementary School and Our Lady of Mount Carmel parochial school," said a son, Mike Nickel of Catonsville. In the 1970s, Ms. Nickel left teaching and went to work as a reporter for The Avenue News, an Essex weekly, and later was promoted to editor.



She left the paper in the mid-1990s and returned in 2000 when she began writing "Around the Avenue," a weekly column on the editorial page.



"She was an Essex icon and an advocate for the community, environment and history," said Jean A. Flanagan, who is the newspaper's current managing editor, and who was given her first newspaper job there by Ms. Nickel.



"She wanted to preserve both the environment and our local history. She also wanted people in Essex to take pride in where they came from and for new people moving to the community to know where that pride came from," Ms. Flanagan said.



"Her column was down-to-earth and she would say things that people only thought. She went after the bad guys and promoted the good guys," she said. "She'd help people who called with complaints about barking dogs or kids running in the street. She'd tell them who to call."



She added: "Her shoes will be very hard to fill."



Carole L. Ledley, a longtime friend, recalled Ms. Nickel's work in land preservation battles.



"She did pretty much the entire Back River Neck Peninsula and pretty much devoted the last 25 years of her life to land preservation," she said. "She was particularly interested in rural legacy and was instrumental in reducing the number of houses on Turkey Point, where I live."



Mrs. Ledley praised her as being "so knowledgeable" and a person who "wasn't afraid to stand up" for what she thought was right.



"I don't know what we're going to do now. We've just lost the backbone of our community," she said.



Ms. Nickel lived in a Rockaway Beach Avenue home that her grandfather Nickel acquired in 1916.



In 2002, Ms. Nickel published Memories of 'Old' Middle River: A Loving Look Back at the Town and its People. The photo-history chronicled the community that in the early 1900s, "before marketing consultants, marina studies and development incentives," she wrote, was a waterfront destination for Baltimoreans fleeing the heat of the city for the cool waters of Middle River.



In addition to collecting memories from old-timers of life in Aero Acres and Mars Estates during World War II, for instance, she also used the book to call for the creation of the Middle River Historical District.



In a closing essay, she asked, how could World War II-era Middle River with its many extant buildings that were designed by such well-known architects as Albert Kahn and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, relate to "dramatic events in the history of our country."



"The solution involves carefully identifying the most basic elements of wartime Middle River design. The curving streets and cul-de-sacs are still all in place. Many of the houses still have low gables, paired or picture windows, small porches and other original features," she wrote.



This year, Arcadia Publishing published Essex, as part of its "Images of America" series. The book contains nearly 200 photographs, many from a personal collection she spent years acquiring, and others from local residents and historical societies.



"I've never in my life felt so appreciated for anything I've ever done," she told The Sun, speaking of an April book signing, when at least a 100 people arrived at the Essex-Middle River Heritage Society.



"People standing in line meet each other, and, if they have any connection to Essex, they find a common thread of conversation. It's brought a tremendous sense of family," she said.



"Essex is going to miss her. She was an obsessive booster for Essex when no one else was," filmmaker John Waters said yesterday. "I loved the Essex book. In fact, it's one of my favorite books of the year."



In response to a "Five Things I Have to Have Now" column published in The Sun in May, Mr. Waters said, "Here's an amazing book on Essex. It has great pictures of the old movie theaters, like the Elektra, pictures of the Thunderbird Drive-In, my favorite hangout for 1950s juvenile delinquents."



"She was so devoted to and selfless in her love to the people of Essex and preserving the Essex legacy - its land and its people," her son said. "She cherished her readers so much. I cannot begin to imagine how strongly my mother's absence from Essex and Baltimore County's east side will be felt."



She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church.



Her husband of 10 years, Roland Dimeler, died in 1997. An earlier marriage to Carroll Huffines ended in divorce.



A memorial service will be held at 8:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Bruzdzinski Funeral Home, 1407 Old Eastern Ave.



Also surviving are two other sons, Scott Huffines and John Huffines, both of Essex; and a grandson.




*** EXAMINER OBIT ***



Here's the Examiner's obit (August 21, 2007):



Essex mourns local activist Jackie Nickel



Essex, Md. (Map, News) - The Essex activists needed 24,000 signatures to save the homes of 300 Essex residents. The task seemed daunting.



But it was Jackie Nickel’s calm, approachable manner that soothed even those homeowners affected by the condemnation legislation and persuaded more than 44,000 to sign the petition to defeat it.



It was that dedication to community that defined Nickel, 65, who died Friday after a six-year battle with cancer, friends and family said.



“With Jackie, it was always about Essex, it was always about Baltimore County, or it was always about her neighborhood,” said Brad Wallace, an Essex business owner whose home was saved when voters overturned Senate Bill 509 in 2000.



A longtime columnist for a local weekly, The Avenue News, Nickel’s enthusiasm for local politics extended beyond the pages — she was an active member of at least five civic associations, according to her three sons’ count.



Her book, “Essex: Images of America,” was released in April by Arcadia Publishing — more than 25 years after she decided to document the town’s colorful story from picnic groves and waterfront amusements to economic decay and back.



About 100 people attended a book signing, where it was Nickel’s turn to be interviewed.



She told an Associated Press reporter that fans in line shared Essex stories, the type of community spirit that County Councilman Joe Bartenfelder said Nickel relished.



“She took pride in her heritage, living in east Baltimore County and in the waterfront,” Bartenfelder said.



“I am proud to call her a friend and a supporter,” he said.



The public is invited to attend the interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery at 11 a.m. Thursday.




*** DUNDALK EAGLE TRIBUTE ***



And here's Dundalk Eagle writer Marge Neal's shout out to Jackie from her August 23, 2007 "Talk of the Town" column:



Our sister community to the north, Essex, lost a true friend, advocate and journalist Friday with the death of native daughter and longtime Avenue News columnist Jackie Nickel.



Even though I’ve read her words for what seems to be most of my adult life, I met Jackie in person only once, a couple of years ago at Dundalk’s Relay for Life.



It struck me as funny that she was just as excited to meet me as I was her, because she apparently read my work as avidly as I read hers.



But that behavior shouldn’t have surprised me, because it was obvious, through Jackie’s prolific writing, that she thrived on meeting people and cultivating friendships of many levels and intensities.



She stood up for her beloved community and fought against issues — like development — that she thought would tear the very fabric of her hometown.



Her voice may be silenced, but her message will be heard and her passion will be felt for many years to come.



In but a tiny gesture, I offer my condolences to her family members, many friends and colleagues.




*** AVENUE NEWS TRIBUTE ***



And finally, here's a remembrance of Jackie from the paper she wrote for, both as an editor and freelance columnist, The Avenue News:





Community reeling from loss of staunch advocate

By Jean A. Flanagan

THE AVENUE NEWS STAFF



Jackie Nickel succumbed to complications from cancer treatment on Friday, Aug. 17, 2007. She was 65 years old.



It is impossible to put into words the impact Jackie had on her family, friends and the community in which she lived. At the very least, Jackie will be long remembered as a staunch supporter of preserving the natural environment and chronicling local history.



Her activities on behalf of the community included serving as past president and board member of the Essex-Middle River Civic Council, board member of the Essex-Middle River Renaissance Corporation, board member of the Back River Neck Peninsula Community Association, member of the Rockaway Beach Improvement Association and board member of the now defunct Essex Development Corporation and Essex Revitalization and Community Corporation.



She supported the formation of the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area legislation and was its unrelenting watchdog on the lower Back River Neck peninsula. She was involved in the formation of the first Back River Neck Peninsula Community Plan and was on the committee in the process of updating it.



In 2000, she was instrumental of the defeat of the controversial SB-509, state legislation that would permit eminent domain for development in Baltimore County. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes, gathering signatures for the petition that brought the measure to the ballot.



Jackie also served as a liaison between the community and developers on many projects. Her goal was always to advocate for the least amount of adverse impact on the existing community and to protect the fragile Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, coastline and wetlands.

Elected officials on the state, local and federal level often requested Jackie's counsel to gauge the climate in the community. She was a lightning rod for questions, concerns and opinions from the community. She attended every community input meeting she could, and often instigated them.



Jackie was also a popular local journalist, a profession she began in the 1970s, after raising a family and teaching elementary school. Jackie began working part-time at The Avenue News shortly after its debut in 1974. She eventually worked her way up to Editor, a position she held until 1995.



In 1995, she left The Avenue News to take the Editor's position at The Essex Times. She remained there until 2000, when she returned to The Avenue News as a freelance reporter and columnist. Her weekly column, Around The Avenue, brought her both applause and distain.



In recent years, Jackie's passion was the preservation of local history. Researching old newspaper reports, conducting hundreds of oral history interviews and copying thousands of historical photographs, Jackie contributed to or created three publications.



In 1999, the 90th Anniversary of Essex, Jackie contributed extensively to a publication called "A History of Essex." The Essex Revitalization and Community Corporation published the book. In the preface, Jackie wrote, "In history there is pride and in Essex there is much history and so much of which to be proud."



In 2002, Jackie self-published "The History Of Middle River: A loving look back at the town and it's people." She sold the books for $5 each, often donating the funds to local organizations serving the less fortunate. In the acknowledgements, she wrote, "For many years I waited for others to record our history. Just a few community-focused booklets grace our local library shelves and larger volumes simply skim the surface.



"The prospect of revitalizing Eastern Baltimore County sparked me into action - revitalization, after all, means new life, not wiping something out and starting over. Our proud older citizens want to save some of the past yet be part of the new plan."



In 2006, she completed "Images of America - Essex" an Arcadia Publication, 130-page chronicle of more than 200 photographs and maps. It tells the story of the place, the community and the people that are Essex. It was her proudest accomplishment. She had begun a whirlwind of book-signings and history talks. Born and raised in Essex, she wanted her neighbors to feel the pride she felt about the origins of our community.



People brought her more stories and more photographs. A display of unknown photographs usually accompanied her book signings. "Do you remember who that is?" she would ask anyone who stopped to look. Her intention was to publish another book.



Jackie's first priority and a constant source of pride were her three children. Her oldest son Scott Huffines, and his fiancé Kristen, lived nearby. Her middle son, John Huffines and his wife, Carolyn were very near and dear to her heart. Jackie's youngest son, Michael Nickel and his wife, Christina were often her traveling companions, most recently visiting the mountains of West Virginia and the Jersey shore.



Jackie's grandson, Thomas, was a constant source of pleasure for her. Ever mindful of the impact her mother had on her three children, Jackie was determined to be the best "Mom-Mom" she could be to Thomas. She was prepared, at the drop of a hat, to accept an invitation to baby-sit and looked forward to holiday gatherings with a special zeal.



Whether she was ferrying elderly neighbors to the polls on Election Day or coaxing native flowers to bloom in her yard, Jackie will always be remembered as a strong-willed, vocal advocate for the Essex community. She will be sorely missed.




*** SIGNS OF THE TIMES ***



Thanks to Mike Nickle and Scott Huffines for posting these pics.





The Commodore Inn Says Farewell to a Friend





Rockaway Beach: Jackie's Home, Sweet Home





Jackie at the Turkey Point Swim Club



THE BEAT GOES ON (Jackie News Updates)



The tributes and honors continue to amass for Jackie. This year Kevin McDonough, a student at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School, was selected as one of only 28winners in Fox 45's “Champions of Courage” essay contest for an essay honoring Jackie Nickel. His essay was selected from more than 5,000 entries from 87 middle and high schools in Maryland. See full story: "Mt. Carmel student selected as Fox 45 'Champions of Courage' essay winner."



AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HONORS JACKIE NICKEL

(Jackie News Update, May 2008)



The American Cancer Society's signature event is its annual Relay for Life fundraising event, which "enables people to celebrate those celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against a disease that touches too many lives." The 2008 Relay For Life of Essex, which is being held May 9-10 at the CCBC-Essex Campus, is "dedicated to Jackie Nickel, who lost her battle with cancer last year." The American Cancer Society even created a Jackie Nickel Honoree Page to pay homage to "this great woman and how she impacted the Essex community."



The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Honoree Page introduces Jackie as follows:



Each year, the Relay For Life of Essex honors someone in the community that has recently battled cancer. The honoree may be a survivor or may be someone who lost their battle too soon. The 2008 honoree is Ms. Jackie Nickel, longtime Essex resident, author and activist. We would like to take this time to celebrate Ms. Nickel's life and acknowledge her courage in her fight against cancer.




To read the full tribute, see the "Jackie Nickel Honoree Page."



It's a great write-up and yet another testimonial to the life of Jackie, who continues to live on through the memories of her loved ones and to fight for just causes like the ACS' Relay for Life, even from beyond the grave via her legacy.



MEMORIAL PLAQUE HONORS JACKIE NICKEL

(Jackie News Update, July 28, 2010)



This just in from the East County Times courtesy of Scott Huffines...







PLAQUE DEDICATED IN JACKIE NICKEL'S HONOR

(Jackie News Update, August 10, 2010)



This just in from Scott Huffines - another Jackie Nickel plaque update from the Avenue News.





Thomas Nickel, grandson of the late Avenue News columnist, editor and reporter Jackie Nickel, is pictured with a plaque in Jackie's honor which was dedicated on what would have been Jackie's 68th birthday on July 28. (Photo by Anna Renault)



Plaque dedicated in Jackie Nickel's honor

By Anna Renault



The name Jackie Nickel still rings bells of fond memories, political fights, and controversial editorials for many ‘Avenue News’ readers and tugs at the hearts of family, friends, former co-workers, and neighbors.



Remembering Jackie Nickel is a daunting task. The woman was simply amazing. She was sweet, kind, and caring. Jackie loved helping others, researching history, as well as being a community activist. If she thought something was wrong, she set about trying to ensure it was corrected. In the case of community development, sometimes this meant stopping something from happening before harm was done.

On July 28, Jackie would have been 68 years young. Unfortunately she went to her heavenly reward three years ago. However, she is still fondly remembered by so many whose lives she touched. Many of those who remember, especially her Turkey Point/Rockaway Beach neighbors, attended a plaque dedication ceremony in Jackie’s honor on this anniversary of her birth.



“This is something we’ve wanted to do since we lost Jackie,” stated Kim Goodwin, President of the Rockaway Beach Improvement Association (RBIA). “She did so much for us, she deserves this and more.”



Many of the local residents agreed. Goodwin welcomed everyone to the ceremony and read a beautiful poem expressing the love and loss felt by those in attendance.

Denise Woatila, Secretary – RBIA, also spoke of Jackie’s impact on the community as well as on herself. As a relatively new Essex/Middle River resident, Woatila quickly learned much of the area’s history and the importance of having pride in one’s heritage as a result of her friendship with Jackie. She pointed out how much more she learned about her dear friend after reading an online blog by Tom Warner. She said, “Just Google Jackie Nickel and you’ll get a long list of sites telling you all about her.”



Kevin McDonough, local resident and high school student at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, also spoke of the impact Jackie Nickel had on his young life. He explained how he chose Jackie as the subject of a “Champion of Courage” essay he wrote due to her neighborliness, friendship, wisdom, and her love of history. Jackie’s influence on McDonough’s life has led to his willingness to be an active member of his community, taking pride in his community and environment. He credits her inspiration with encouraging him to always be willing to give back.



Jackie's family, including her beloved grandson Thomas Nickel along with his parents Michael and Christina Nickel were in attendance along with Jackie’s oldest son, Scott Huffines and his partner, Kristen. Thomas did the honors of hanging the plaque onto the Rockaway Beach sign at the corner of Turkey Point Road and Rockaway Beach Road. It was noted that Kim Maigetter painted the plaque and her husband Brennan installed the hardware necessary to hang it.



Michael Nickel thanked all who attended and shared the family’s appreciation for the love and honor that is continuously expressed by so many for their mother, Jackie Nickel. They are grateful that her legacy continues to shine through those who continue to advocate for those things that Jackie held so dear – the community, the environment, and the pride in knowing one’s history.



For those who are new to the area and didn’t know Jackie, just ask around. You’ll hear lots of stories. Briefly, she was proud that her maternal grandfather owned the Gayety Theater in East Baltimore. She was a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of one. She was a teacher at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Back River Elementary School. She was editor to both ‘The Avenue News’ and ‘The Essex Times.’ In her semi-retirement she returned to The Avenue News as a weekly editorial columnist and freelance reporter. In 1999, she published “A History of Essex” to honor the 90th Anniversary of Essex. In 2002, with the help of Chesapeake Publishing (The Avenue News’ parent company) and a grant from Baltimore County’s Office of Community Conservation, Jackie published her book, “Memories of Old Middle River.” In April 2007, just a few months before her death, she published her dream book, “Essex,” a pictorial history of the area published by Arcadia Publishers as part of their ‘Images of America’ series. She was an environmentalist, a community leader and activist. Her shoes are too big to be filled!



Related Links:

Nickel for Your Memories (Scott Huffines' blog posting site for his mom)

Guest Book for Jackie Nickel

"Champions of Courage" (Jackie Nickel Essay)

Jackie Nickel Honoree Page (American Cancer Society's Relay for Life)

Plaque Dedicated in Jackie Nickel's Honor (AvenueNews.com)

Monday, August 20, 2007

Queen of the Hill

Qing Li Scales the "Everest" of Violin Concertos

Saturday, August 18, 2007 @ An Die Musik

I don't know anything about classical music but I do know Qing Li (pictured at left and below), the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's's beautiful and talented Principal Second Violinist. Well, kind of. She comes into the library where I work to check out audio books (very well-read, her eclectic tastes range from Harry Potter and Haruki Murakami to Ayn Rand and American Lit classics). As a card-carrying member of America's low-wage Underclass, I've shied away from BSO performances for economic reasons (though their prices look pretty sweet compared to those for the recent Virgin Fest at Pimlico Race Track!), but when I saw a flyer announcing that she would be performing Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.61 - hyped as "the Everest of all violin concerti" - accompanied by pianist Hou-Fei Yang across the street from work at An Die Musik for a mere $10, I figured this was my chance to see Ms. Li perform. I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I was blown away.


Qing Li reaches lofty heights

Qing Li performed like a confidant, focused rock star to a packed house on the second floor of An Die Musik. It doesn't hurt that she has undeniable sex appeal; if she let her hair down, wore low-rise designer jeans and gyrated to a wind-machine and flashing lights, I'd say she could give Vanessa-Mae - the MTV generation "violin techno fusion" diva who has been called a "fiddlin' Lolita" - a run for her money. Not that she'd want to (in fact, I suspect she's a classical purist who finds V-M's approach rather cheesy). By that I only mean that she has star quality on stage, projecting a visual presence and aura before she ever plucks a note.


Vanessa-Mae invoking her muse

Watching this statuesque beauty close her eyes, heft her 1736 Nicolo Gagliano violin in place under under her chin and then frenetically work her fingers over the strings with hummingbird speed was akin to seeing Jimi Hendrix doing an extended solo - for 45 minutes! It seems to me that classical soloists can't go through the motions when performing; like ballet dancers, I believe they really have to feel the music to perform it, and Ms Li was certainly emoting the spirit of the piece. Athletes giving it their all like to say that they "left everything out on the playing field," and Ms. Li certainly did the same, her facial expressions, body movements and, well, sweat, attesting to her commitment to the music and the toll that performing this difficult work entailed. And she worked without a score, playing her notes from memory.



According to the performance flyer, Op. 61 was the only violin concerto Beethoven composed and was initially considered unplayable, only gradually acquiring the fame it enjoys today. It was written in 1806 during a period when Beethoven was secretly engaged to Theresa von Brunswick. Beethoven's love bug may have influenced the composition, as critics claim it evokes the happiness of a love poem.

Qing Li's accompanist was Hou-Fei Yang (sometimes spelled Houfei) and while the name meant nothing to me on paper, I instantly recognised her the minute she took the stage. She was another library regular, a Peabody grad student who often comes in with her boyfriend, local rock musician Greg Thuman (pronounced "Tuman" and pictured below).



In fact, the petite, classically trained Hou-Fei also plays keyboards and bass in her boyfriend's band Primal Static. But today, wearing a cheongsam-style silk blouse and black slacks, she was playing in a more traditional, serious style. She certainly has the training. Like the Beijing-born Qing Li, Hou-Fei Yang traces her roots to China where the Wuhan, China native started playing piano at age 4 and by age 12 had been accepted at the prestigious Music Middle School of Shanghai Conservatory. In 1993, William Race of the University of Texas at Austin gave a master class at the conservatory; after meeting Hou-Fei, he brought her to the university, where she earned her bachelor's degree. Since 1999, she has been studying with Boris Slutsky at the Peabody Conservatory, where she earned a master's degree in 2001 and is currently pursuing her doctorate. Along the way, Hou-Fei won Peabody's 2002 Yale Gordon Concerto Competition. (Ms. Li also holds a degree from Peabody, where she had a fellowship from 1987 to 1992.)

Perhaps less familiar with the work than Qing Li, Ms. Yang carefully turned the pages of her sheet music after eyeing the BSO violinist to make sure they were on the same page. As I said, I know nothing of classical music, but the duo sounded like they were in sync and I was impressed with their performance. The audience was, too, giving them flowers and a standing ovation.


Hou-Fei poses with flowers from a fan

Unfortunately, I had to miss the pair's encore performance, as I had to get back to work (I took a late lunch in order to catch this rare glimpse of these two artists at work), but I heard it was smashing. My co-worker Marc Sober stayed for this bonus treat, risking a potential parking ticket (he was already sweating it out during the Beethoven performance, nervously eyeing his wristwatch) but all ended well as Art prevailed and he was spared by the Meter Maids. As William Congreave said, Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak. And to save a $25 citation!

By the way, Hou-fei Yang also performed some songs on the soundtrack of the recent indie film Rocket Science.

Searching the Web to see if anyone else had reported on Saturday's performance, I ran across this review from Devin Hurd. He obviously knows more than I do about classical music, so here's his informed review below.

NO SHERPAS ON THIS EVEREST
by Devin Hurd
hurdaudio.blogspot.com



Qing Li (violin) & Hou-Fei Yang (piano) @ An Die Musik, Baltimore, MD - Saturday, August 18, 2007

Performing Ludwig van Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major op.61

Beethoven's Violin Concerto is a fiendishly virtuosic work - initially deemed "unplayable" in Beethoven's day - and Qing Li seems to be familiar with every facet of this work. With the entire piece memorized she was clearly playing from inside the music as she deftly navigated several tricky passages with an expressive edge that was a pleasure to hear. While Hou-Fei Yang proved to be an able accompanist for this performance, I became increasingly curious about witnessing Qing Li perform this feat with a full orchestra. The second movement was particularly well executed.

The Beethoven signature technique of sequencing a melodic fragment while modulating the harmonic movement underneath it seemed more pronounced than in many of his other works. I don't recall hearing his other pieces use this procedure so frequently as it became an interesting focal point through much of this music.

The marketing of Beethoven's music is an interesting curiosity. This piece was hailed as "the Mount Everest of Violin Concertos." And while An Die Musik was packed to capacity (perhaps this tag line does sell the experience), I have some reservations about this particular pitch. The act of conquering the tallest mountain on Earth isn't as exclusive as it once was as global warming continues to raise the snow line. Anyone who can afford a climbing permit and some Sherpas can make their way to the summit these days. Learning to play this concerto seems much more challenging. And unless a piece of music is by Alan Hovhanas or is otherwise literally about mountains (like Richard Strauss's Eine Alpensinfonie tone poem) there needs to be a moratorium on comparing classical music to mountains. The fact that this is a virtuosic work by the great master performed well is all it takes to get my attention.

In addition to her BSO performances, Ms. Li also occasionally plays at the Community Concerts Series at Second Presbyterian Church. These concerts are free, so now there's no excuse not to catch this remarkable musician in performance.

Related Links:
Qing Li - BSO Bio
Qing Li - Personal Profile
Qing Li - An Die Musik Bio
Greg Thuman & Primal Static (Washington Post)
Greg Thuman & Primal Static Website

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Love Land, South Korea


Follow the Yellow Prick Road?

Don't recall how I came across this, but here are some pix from a sex theme park on Jeju (or Cheju) Island off South Korea that is supposedly a hot spot for honeymooners and kids alike (children under 12 get in free if accompanied by adults! Can you imagine Bart Simpson here?). It's called Jeju Loveland and looks like what Jeffrey Koons would come up with if asked to design a theme park. And I thought the Japanese had cornered the market on sexual fetishism!

I checked out the official website for Loveland and learned that it opened in November 2004 in this southermost Korean island (pictured at right) that is condidered a tropical paradise for Korean vacationers. In 2002, 20 artists who were graduates of Hongik University in Seoul started creating what would eventually be 140 sculptures in Korea’s only sexual theme park. No wonder they chose to open the park offshore from the mainland. South Korea is still very traditional when it comes to sexual mores, a land where public displays of affection are frowned upon, living together is considered sinful, and being single after age 30 is a sign of failure (or homoexuality).


An erect phallus is the elephant in the room this woman tries to ignore.


Sex is a grind: The mechanics of love.


Love lies limp.


Men answering nature's call.


These babes look friendly, but have hearts of stone.


Just Another Prick in the Wall:
Backdoor Glory Hole Shennanigans or Symbol of Korea's Hopes for Reunification? You make the call.


It's not over 'till the fat lady schwings.


Man of Marble pimps his ride.


What goes up, must come down.


What goes up must also go down.


Satyr releases his inner beast.


Jeju lifeguards demonstrate the mouth-to-mons resuscitation technique.


Roadside blowout sign.


Where's her Goldfinger?


The Jolly Green Giant tickles the little man in the boat.


These gals have a bone to pick with Love Land.

Related Links:
Jeju Love Land (Official Site)
Jeju Love Land (English version of Official Site)
A Phallus Garden in Love Land (Spiegel article)
"Love Land" Wikipedia
gdimension photoblog
gdimension photoblog 2

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Ohmigod! A Reason To Live

DEATH OF A CYCLIST at the AFI Silver!

My favorite Spanish film, Juan Antonio Bardem's Death of a Cyclist (Muerte de un cidista) - currently not available on VHS or DVD and starring the lovely, luminous Lucia Bose- is coming to the AFI Silver in Silver Spring, MD this September for a limited run as part of the theatre's 50 Years of Janus Films celebration. From the AFI website:
When this film received the International Critics Award at Cannes, director Bardem was unable to accept the award as he was serving one of several prison sentences meted out by Francisco Franco's regime. His scathing social criticism contrasts an affluent adulterous couple with the poor bicyclist they strike with their car. Realizing that the cyclist is badly injured, they leave him to die rather than risk revealing their affair. Upon their return to Madrid, guilt grabs them with more tragic consequences.

DIR/SCR Juan Antonio Bardem, based on the story by Luis Fernando de Igoa; PROD Georges de Beauregard and Manuel J. Goyanes. Spain/Italy, 1955, b&w, 88 min. In Spanish with English subtitles. NOT RATED

Saturday, September 1, 1:30; Monday, September 3, 1:00; Wednesday, September 5, 9:15

Related Links:
Death of a Cyclist, Birth of a Fan

Sunday, August 5, 2007

De-Magnetized

The Magnet: Baltimore's Coolest Bar?

Magnet Bar RIP, 19??- 2007

My filmmaking hero Jeff Krulik (Heavy Metal Parking Lot) just notified me about the closing of a place he calls "Baltimore's coolest bar," The Magnet on the corner of North Charles and 20th Street, one block north of North Avenue (as pictured at left). I've lived in Baltimore all my life and passed by this place on an almost daily basis without giving it a second thought, even when I was literally a stone's throw away on the other side of the street at my favorite Korean barbeque restaurant, Nak Won. Yet it took a D.C.-suburbs native like Jeff Krulik to point out what was right under my nose.

I remember whenever Jeff was in town for a Maryland Film Festival screening, he always wanted me and my Atomic TV crony Scott "Unpainted" Huffines to meet him for drinks there because from the outside it looks the very definition of "local dive bar." I mean, look at this appealing facade that invites - or rather, given it's name, magnetically attracts - customers to walk through its doors (especially the sign in the window warning "No loitering within 100 feet"!).





I always wondered what the appeal was, and then I recalled him saying his college roommate Scott tended bar there for many years, and it all made sense. The boys are pictured catching up on old times below:



Well, I have to admit, I was intimidated by it's rough exterior and location. Now the only way I'll ever get to experience The Magnet is through Jeff's well-documented visuals.

Following are some pix and video Mr. Krulik - who has a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary and opening up unknown worlds and characters that the rest of us gloss over without seeing the value that he finds - took before The Magnet's unfortunate demise.

See the pix: Magnet Photo Album

Watch the video: The Magnet Lives on Tape!