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A Division of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company
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CONTENTS 11/06 NEWS AND POLITICS 22 EARTH WITHOUT PEOPLE Bob Holmes imagines the planet without its most dominant species, and wonders if that might not be so bad, after all.
28 BEINHART'S BODY POLITIC Political pundit Larry Beinhart is ready to throw the book at corporate media—but asks you to read it first.
COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 31 REGRET: STUDYING THE UPSIDE-DOWN DREAM Al Desetta looks at the sometimes emotionally paralyzing sense of sadness and loss that affects so many adults.
37 HANDMADE BEAUTY Shannon Gallagher takes a stroll through Crafts People's West Hurley shop, a dream come true for lovers of exquisite, handmade items.
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING 70 RING AROUND THE PUNCHBOWL The holiday cocktail party made easy by Pauline Uchmanowicz.
73 AROUND HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS The Hudson Valley has everything you need to make your seasonal party perfect. Rebecca Wild Nelson is your guide.
LITERARY SUPPLEMENT 82 SHORT STORY CONTEST Fiction by our short story contest winner, Jacob Ritari's "Futaride". Illustrations by Marcellus Hall.
86 SIGNATURE PIECES Regional authors write on a topic familiar to them: booksigning.
90 JOINED AT THE HIP The winning and sublimely bemusing results of our contest for best portmantomes. Illustrations by Diana Bryan.
94 THE CHECKS THEY CHERISHED Personal essays by Celia Bland, Nina Shengold, John Thorn, and Marilyn Johnson. Illustration by Liza Donnelly.
97 MY WRITERLY ADVICE Couched in the classics, regular Chronogram contributor Sparrow dispenses sage wisdom to writers. Illustration by Liza Donnelly.
98 POETRY Poems by Athena Demetra Fliakos, Judith Ferrara, Ted Taylor, Glenn Werner, Jana Martin, Elizabeth Paternoster, Yana Kane, Nenah Sylver, Vanessa Raney, Mikhail Horowitz, and Bruce Weber. Edited by Phillip Levine.
103 OFF THE WRITTEN TRACK Mikhail Horowitz tours four little-known literary landmarks of the Hudson Valley.
WHOLE LIVING GUIDE Aimee Hughes writes on detoxification, a natural, ancient healing technique that can make the body a purer, healthier, and more vibrant system.
108 INNER VISION On September 21, the Dalai Lama visited Woodstock to deliver a speech on compassion. We reprint a portion of his address.
86 Brush stroke signature of author Da Chen, from Signature Pieces, part of this year's Literary Supplement.
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DA CHEN
104 CLEANSING FROM THE INSIDE OUT
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JENNIFER MAY
CONTENTS 11/06
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DAVID CHAPMAN MIXES UP A POMEGRANATE MARTINI AT BESO IN NEW PALTZ.
ARTS & CULTURE
THE FORECAST
40 PORTFOLIO
136 DAILY CALENDAR
Cartoonist R.O. Blechman's drawings, part of a group show of political art this month at SKH Gallery in Great Barrington.
44 LUCID DREAMING Advisory to readers: Beth E. Wilson discusses the impact of the right's "Crusade for decency" on art and culture in America. (Images censored for reader safety.)
46 GALLERY DIRECTORY What's hanging in galleries and museums throughout the region.
50 MUSIC Peter Aaron profiles hardcore punk legends Bad Brains. Plus local scenester DJ Wavy Davy's Nightlife Highlights and reviews of CDs by Open Book The Things We Keep. Reviewed by Mike Jurkovic. Carr Nord Hofmann Maddox Biosphere. Reviewed by Peter Aaron. Cassandra Wilson Thunderbird. Reviewed by DJ Wavy Davy.
54 FOOD & DRINK Harold Jacobs reviews innovative New Paltz eatery Beso.
152 PARTING SHOT Photographer Dennis Stock goes ape for Hollywood.
Comprehensive listings of local events. (Daily updates of calendar listings are posted at Chronogram.com). PREVIEWS 131 Jay Blotcher talks with Separate Cinema's John Kisch about the Black is Black Ain't exhibition of African-American movie posters at Vassar College. 132 Canadian roots-music quintet the Duhks migrate to Woodstock for a one-night stand at the Colony Café. Preview by Jeremy Schwartz. 135 Rebecca Wild Nelson visits the Foundry Museum in Cold Spring for The Gilded Age: High Fashion in the Hudson Highlands, 1865-1914 exhibit. 136 In Moby Dick: The Waves, an exhibition at the Albany Institute of History & Art, artist Frank Stella parallels Melville's classic novel. Sparrow explains. 139 Teal Hutton offers a taste of the Rosendale International Pickle Festival and explains how there's more than just pickles at this nine-year-old gherkin gala. 141 Vocalist Danielle Woerner's new CD features works by Hudson Valley composers. Sharon Nichols previews a concert heralding its release. 144 Guitar innovator Bill Frisell brings his Unspeakable Orchestra to the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington. Robert Burke Warren previews. 145 World-traversing kayaker Jon Bowermaster discusses the latest installments of his "Oceans 8" film series with Shannon Gallagher.
PLANET WAVES HOROSCOPES
BUSINESS SERVICES
146 NEW CLEAR BLUES
56 TASTINGS A directory of what’s cooking and where to get it.
Eric Francis Coppolino examines the rise of the Universe's Nuclear Axis, and what it means in light of the recent news from North Korea. Plus horoscopes.
123 BUSINESS DIRECTORY
A compendium of advertiser services.
110 WHOLE LIVING DIRECTORY
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For the positive lifestyle.
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EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Brian K. Mahoney bmahoney@chronogram.com ART DIRECTOR David Perry dperry@chronogram.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Peter Aaron paaron@chronogram.com NEWS & POLITICS EDITOR Lorna Tychostup tycho56@aol.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jim Andrews jandrews@chronogram.com BOOKS EDITOR Nina Shengold books@chronogram.com WHOLE LIVING EDITOR Lorrie Klosterman wholeliving@chronogram.com POETRY EDITOR Phillip Levine poetry@chronogram.com COPY EDITORS Andrea Birnbaum, Susan Piperato INTERN Rebecca Wild Nelson PROOFREADERS Teal Hutton, Laura McLaughlin, Barbara Ross CONTRIBUTORS Emil Alzamora, Anita Barbour, Matthew Benson, Larry Beinhart, Celia Bland, Jay Blotcher, Diana Bryan, Eric Francis Coppolino, DJ Wavy Davy, Al Desetta, Liza Donnelly, Judith Ferrara, Athena Demetra Fliakos, Shannon Gallagher, Roy Gumpel, Marcellus Hall, Hillary Harvey, Bob Holmes, Mikhail Horowitz, Aimee Hughes, Annie Internicola, Harold Jacobs, Marilyn Johnson, Mike Jurkovic, Yana Kane, Jana Martin, Jennifer May, Sharon Nichols, Julie Novak, Dion Ogust, Elisabeth Paternoster, Vanessa Raney, Fionn Reilly, Jacob Ritari, Jeremy Schwartz, Andy Singer, Sparrow, Dennis Stock, Nenah Sylver, Ted Taylor, John Thorn, Pauline Uchmanowicz, Robert Burke Warren, Bruce Weber, Glenn Werner, Beth E. Wilson, Carol Zaloom
SUBMISSIONS CALENDAR To submit calendar listings, visit www.chronogram.com/calendar, click on "Add My Event" and fill out the form. E-mail: events@chronogram.com / Fax: (845) 334-8610 Mail: 314 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 Deadline: November15
POETRY Submissions of up to three poems at a time can be sent to poetry@chronogram.com or our street address. See above.
FICTION/NONFICTION Fiction: Submissions can be sent to fiction@chronogram.com. Nonfiction: Succinct queries about stories of regional interest can be sent to bmahoney@chronogram.com. 10 CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
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PUBLISHING FOUNDERS Jason Stern & Amara Projansky PUBLISHER Jason Stern jstern@chronogram.com ADVERTISING SALES Tania Amrod tamrod@chronogram.com, x121 Jamaine Bell jbell@chronogram.com, x112 Ralph Jenkins rjenkins@chronogram.com, x105 MARKETING & PUBLICITY DIRECTOR Elissa Jane Mastel emastel@chronogram.com ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE MANAGER Lisa Mitchel-Shapiro lshapiro@chronogram.com, x101 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Becca Friedman bfriedman@chronogram.com, x120 OFFICE ASSISTANT Matthew Watzka mwatzka@chronogram.com, x113 TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Justin Zipperle PRODUCTION PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Yulia Zarubina-Brill yzarubina@chronogram.com, x108 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Kiersten Miench kmiench@chronogram.com, x116 PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Julie Novak jnovak@chronogram.com, x102 Teal Hutton thutton@chronogram.com, x106 BUSINESS CONSULTANT Ajax Greene OFFICES 314 Wall St. Kingston, NY 12401 845.334.8600 fax 334.8610 SUBSCRIBE $36 for 12 issues www.chronogram.com/subscribe MISSION Chronogram is a regional magazine dedicated to stimulating and supporting the creative and cultural life of the Hudson Valley. ALL CONTENTS COPYRIGHT 2006
LU M I N A R Y
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FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS
Liza Donnelly is a contract cartoonist for the New Yorker. She recently wrote a history of the New Yorker’s women cartoonists titled Funny Ladies: The New Yorker’s Greatest Women Cartoonists and Their Cartoons (Prometheus Books). A frequent lecturer, Liza is also on the faculty of Vassar College. She lives in Rhinebeck with her husband, New Yorker cartoonist Michael Maslin, and their two daughters. Liza’s illustrations for the Literary Supplement begin on page 94. Jacob Ritari is a second-year student at Sarah Lawrence College, where he is studying creative writing, the history of religion, and the Japanese language. Jacob is the winner of this year’s short story contest, and this is his first publication. His favorite novel is The Catcher in the Rye, but if asked by a cultured person, he will lie and say that it is Graham Greene’s The Quiet American. His favorite album is Oasis’s (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?. Jacob has been told that he resembles John Cusack, but that was before he started growing his hair. “Futaride” appears on page 82. Marcellus Hall’s illustrations have appeared in the New Yorker, Time, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic Monthly, and the New York Times. He has won recognition for his work from American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators, and Communication Arts. Marcellus created the comic strip “Bill Dogbreath” for alternative weekly newspapers in the 1990s. 57 Octaves, a novel by Chris Leo (Fifth Planet Press) with drawings by Marcellus, was published earlier this year. Marcellus is also a solo musical recording artist and former member of the New York bands White Hassle and Railroad Jerk. He will perform at the debut of our Café Chronogram event series in Kingston on December 2. His illustrations for “Futaride” begin on page 82.
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PHOTO OF LIZA BY GRETCHEN MASLIN
Harold Jacobs is professor emeritus and past chair of the sociology department at SUNY New Paltz. Harold is the author of a book and numerous articles on politics and social movements, as well as editor of Weatherman, a book of essays about the Weather Underground. He is an avid amateur chef who travels extensively with his wife, Karen, often in search of a special dining experience. He reviews restaurants and books for Chronogram. His review of Beso appears on page 54.
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ON THE COVER
Lizards and Sake Cup MATTHEW BENSON | IRIS PRINT | 2006
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atthew Benson’s medium of choice in the making of his series Birds, Beasts, and Flowers was an unusual one—dead animals. “I wanted to work with a medium that was very graphic and, hopefully, beautiful,” says Benson. “There is something very tender and fragile about some of these secretive creatures. I wanted to spend time with something that you don’t normally get to spend time with.” The series treats deceased lizards, cicadas, butterflies, and birds as sculpture, using cinnamon sticks and even a chili pepper as the canvasses. The photographs function as capriciously visual poetry. This comes as no surprise, since D.H. Lawrence served as the inspiration for the series. Lawrence’s collection of poetry, Birds, Beasts, and Flowers, treats the natural world as Benson does: with delicacy. “There is something very melancholy about his close observations of organic detail of creatures and flowers,” says Benson, whose photographs mirror Lawrence’s poetry remarkably. At an early age, Benson read Lawrence’s poetry and travel writing, influencing his life and work. Before moving to New York, Benson spent a year of his life in a sailboat, photographing Mallorca, Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, and Barbados. Before long, he became faced with a choice many of us in the Hudson Valley know well: “I decided at a certain point, like everybody else does, to make a decision about how much I needed New York. And I just decided that I didn’t need the aggravation [of city life] anymore.” Now, Benson cultivates his obsession for horticulture at Stonegate Farm in Balmville, where he lives with his family. The vivid, colorful life of the farm certainly shows why so much of Benson’s photography is focused on both living and dead things. His photographs of his home reflect a stanza from Lawrence’s “Baby Tortise”: “Over the garden earth / Small bird / Over the edge of all things.” More of Benson's work can be viewed at www.matthewbenson.com. —Rebecca Wild Nelson 16 CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
JIM FOSSETT, RANDOM ACTS OF VIDEO; PATTY TABATZNIK, BCO BENEFIT; DION OGUST, WFF
CHRONOGRAM SEEN The events we sponsor, the people who make a difference, the Chronogram community. Here's some of what we saw in October: WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL / RANDOM ACTS OF VIDEO / BREAST CANCER OPTIONS BENEFIT
Clockwise from top left: A still from Radioactive Pie at the Random Acts of Video screening at the Rosendale Theater; Maurice Hinchey and Breast Cancer Options founder Hope Nemiorff at the BCO benefit; Wavy Gravy and director Michelle Esrickat the Woodstock Film Festival showing of Saint Misbehavin’: The Life & Time of Wavy Gravy; actor David Strathairn and Meira Blaustein, founder of the WFF, outside Tinker Street Cinema.
CHRONOGRAM SPONSORS IN NOVEMBER: CHRONOGRAM'S LITERARY SUPPLEMENT PARTY: EATS, READS & LEAVES; WOMEN'S STUDIO WORKSHOP AUCTION. For more info, visit www.chronogram.com Going to be there? Take a picture and if we print it, you'll win a stylish Chronogram tee-shirt! E-mail 300 dpi JPEGS (up to 10MB) to seen@chronogram.com. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM 17
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Kahlil Gibran: Burroughs’s Lebanese Counterpart The seemingly disparate articles in the September ’06 issue on Lebanon and the book reviews on James Perrin Warren’s newly published John Burroughs and the Place of Nature were not so disparate after all—at least for me. Burroughs was a strong admirer of Emerson, as was Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931), the poet and prose writer laureate of Lebanon who wrote such bestsellers as The Prophet and BrokenWings. I spent my early high school years (post-World War II) in Lebanon and Syria, and on school trips into the high Lebanon we would, on occasion, go by Gibran’s birthplace in the town of Bsherri, near the famous tall cedars. It’s also a place of tall peaks (9,000 to 10,000 feet), deep ravines, and lush valleys—a virtual Shangri-la. Gibran wrote in both Arabic (his native tongue) and English. He admired the early Arab poets and philosophers like Averroes, Al Farid, and Avicenna. He was also a studier of the world’s religions and he felt that there was enough mysticism in Islam and his own Maronite Christianity that these two religions were compatible. And in some of his writings he spoke equally of mosques, churches, and synagogues. Gibran settled in the US, but much of his writing in a compendium of his works (900 pages of it), The Treasured Writing of Kahlil Gibran, put together by Castle Books, reflects upon Lebanon often. He was writing the land—his land of Lebanon. This is mindful of the theme at the recent SUNY Oneonta conference on John Burroughs in June of this year, where James Perrin Warren and Ed Renahan (also a Burroughs biographer) led a panel on Burroughs writing the land—his land, the Catskills. —Al Allen, Saugerties
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Esteemed Reader Esteemed Reader of Our Magazine: I arrived at the Andy Lee Field in Woodstock to hear the Dalai Lama speak, late. The crew was dismantling the stage. Small constellations of people sat clustered on the grass with children running in and among them. Everyone was smiling. Living in Woodstock, I visit the field often to bring my son to the recently installed (and totally excellent) playground. Usually I exchange cordial nods and hellos with fellow parents, but this day the mood was different. People seemed to be seeking eye contact rather than nervously avoiding it. Standing by the slide, the mother of another child gushed about the message of compassion and forgiveness she had heard from the Dalai Lama. Others who attended the event reported that “his message was so simple,” and that the powerful feelings his talk evoked were more connected to the disposition of the man, than the words he spoke. The positive atmosphere that apparently surrounds the Dalai Lama was so powerful that it lingered not only within the people that encountered him, but like particles of light persisting at the site of the event after he departed. We all carry an atmosphere around us. We can’t see it with our physical eyes, but we can with another kind of sensitivity. We notice when a person is happy or sad, enthusiastic or angry, even from a distance. We can feel when someone is watching us, or when a person enters our “space.” It is as though each person’s atmosphere has a particular hue, and we feel the quality of that person’s presence when our atmospheres interact. Atmospheres come in varying degrees of intensity. Some people, for better or worse, are well endowed with animal magnetism, or charisma. My purpose is to talk about the conscious variety—the type of amplified atmosphere that a person must work to build. The Dalai Lama, a renunciate monk with decades (lifetimes?) of meditation practice, has a powerfully charged atmosphere. At least this was my experience on Andy Lee Field. A subtle cloud of his presence remained, though he was physically elsewhere when I arrived. I had another taste of this last weekend, undergoing what is listed among the most stressful of all experiences for the human species—moving. Unpacking boxes all day, with a two-yearold running about, working on the side of entropy, and a two-month-old crying for the breast or needing to burp or poop, my atmosphere was becoming dark with frustration and fatigue. The general mood was dark. And then we had a visitor. He came through the door with a screw gun and a smile. A lovely man whose atmosphere preceded him. He is also a meditator and a practitioner of directed attention, and on this day he was particularly bright. With his arrival it was as though someone had turned a light on in the room, and we were all put at ease as he quietly helped install shelving and move furniture. I was reminded by his presence to remember myself and pay attention. What I’ve gathered from these experiences is that what we contribute to the world is primarily the result of what emanates from our person. This is the true meaning of what it means to be “productive”—our output being less a result of what we do, than what we are. That said, there is a kind of “doing” that has a transformative effect on what we are. It’s an inner effort to yoke our parts into a concerted whole. “To yoke” is the meaning of the word yoga, the asanas of hatha yoga being but the external context and preparation for an internal effort. Meditation is an excellent endeavor in this regard, though it is limited in scope as the effort is made in isolation, with the hope that the results will magically spill over into the rest of the life. Better is what Trungpa Rinpoche called “meditation in action”. In this practice everything, from praying to using the toilet, becomes an arena in which to refine one’s atmosphere; to remember, as Adi Da Samraj formulates, that “no matter what arises, or does not arise, there is only consciousness itself.” Truly, refinement of our atmosphere is produced not by some inward-gazing exercise, but what we do. How fully are our actions permeated with awareness and compassion? Can we be as present for the setting of a glass on the table as we are for a kiss? How well do our actions align with our words? Can we actually keep a promise? Can we arrive where and when we have said we will? This is the essence of a powerful atmosphere—words and deeds are harnessed like the electricity of an arc lamp. Hence the simple yet powerful quality of the Dalai Lama’s words: They were spare but every syllable was true. The work to purify and amplify our atmosphere makes us bright—enlightened even. It makes us shine with an attractive and powerful light, which has an effect on everyone whose atmosphere we contact. We will not all gain the potency of the Dalai Lama, or even that of the man with the screw gun and the smile. But, holding this knowledge, we can have an effect that, like the flap of the wing of the butterfly that stirs a tornado 1,000 miles away, begins a chain of conscious interaction with far-reaching outcomes. —Jason Stern 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM 19
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Kudos, thanks, and admiration are due to Literary Supplement coeditors Nina Shengold and Mikhail Horowitz, who deftly steered our behemoth annual section once again between the Scylla of obscurantism and the Charybdis of mediocrity. This year’s installment (page 81) is inarguably our finest since last year, and features over 20 pages of the best the local literary scene has to offer. The profusion of entries to our short story contest—120, all told—almost overwhelmed our first reader, Bri Johnson. (Thanks, Bri. I promise to pick up your optometry bill!) Our winner, Jacob Ritari’s “Futaride” (page 82), was chosen by novelist Valerie Martin, who also picked Mark Morgenstern’s “Tomorrow’s Special,” as our runner-up, which we’ll publish in a future issue. (Many of you may know Mark as the co-owner of the Rosendale Café.) One of the highlights of this year’s Literary Supplement, is the Joined at the Hip feature, wherein contestants were asked to combine two book titles into one, in the manner of the oft-penned Green Eggs and Hamlet. In addition, the winning “Hipsters” have been illustrated by Diana Bryan, who returns to the literary arena with whimsical paper-cutouts illustrations akin to her work for the massive “Best Books of the Century” project for the New York Public Library in 1995. There are also essays by T.C. Boyle Celia Bland, Marilyn Johnson, Allison Gaylin, and Sparrow; a frontispiece designed by Carol Zaloom; best-reviewed books of the year; poetry on the theme of art and artists; and a tour of little known—and highly dubious—literary landmarks in the region. And there’s also a party! Details below. *** Chronogram is known for its parties. Every year, our holiday party attracts approximately 500 people to gather in celebration of the magazine and the community that has coalesced in conjunction with it. (And to boogie down, chat with friends old and new, and listen to a pithy, brilliant speech by the editor of this magazine.) Based on the warm reception these parties have received, we’ve decided to up the ante and launch a series of events this fall that will further foster our mission of stimulating and supporting the creative and cultural life of the Hudson Valley. The first event on the roster is our first annual Halloween party at Skytop Steakhouse and Brewery in Kingston. As we go to press at the end of October the party is just days away, and our events and promotions staff has been toiling industriously on the details for this costumed extravaganza which will feature live music by Blueberry and Richard McGraw, with spinning by DJs Goodwill and Stacy Fine. Don’t forget the costume contest, plus lots of giveaways, including merch from local reissue mavens Sundazed Music. If you’re reading this, you either loved or missed it, so look for party photos on the “Chronogram Seen” page
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING In the October 13 edition of his nationally syndicated conservative radio program, “The Savage Nation,” commentator Michael Savage claimed that a victory by Democrats in the November elections “could lead to the breakup of the United States of America, the way the Soviet Union broke up.” Savage warned of the threat of Democrats regaining control of Congress while discussing the threat of immigration to the makeup of the US, asserting that there is only “a melting-pot possibility” for immigrants from Europe and that “[w]hen you start bringing in masses of immigrants from everywhere on Earth, you don’t have a melting pot; they cannot be melted into an American, and that’s what’s going on in the country today.” Savage added, “Democrats want people to vote that aren’t even citizens, because they’re not counting on an America that speaks English in the near future.” Later in the broadcast, while discussing California Democratic senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Savage stated: “California, unfortunately, is in the hands of the far-left homosexual mafia.” Source: Media Matters for America In early October, Sen. Trent Lott inserted a provision into legislation signed by President Bush directing the Department of Homeland Security to investigate potential fraud by the insurance industry in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. “I am outraged,” said Sen. Lott. “I’m concerned there are lots of abuses in the aftermath of the hurricane.” In particular, Sen. Lott has taken exception to the obfuscatory wording of home insurance policies, which contain “a bunch of subterfuges” difficult
of the December issue. To coincide with the publication of our annual Literary Supplement, we are hosting a little shindig we’re calling “Eats, Reads, and Leaves” at the Blue Mountain Bistro on Friday, November 10.The event will feature readings by Chronogram regulars like Sparrow, Phillip Levine, and Nina Shengold, and also some irregulars—local novelists Da Chen and Donald Westlake will take the mike, as will cultural czar in exile Mikhail Horowitz and his cohort in literary lunacy, Gilles Malkine. Music will be provided by the Stillhouse Rounders, and complimentary canapés will be served. For more information, see the info box on page 89. In December, we’re staking an even more ambitious cultural claim with the launch of Café Chronogram, a monthly performance event we’ll be hosting on the first Saturday of every month, to coincide with Kingston’s First Saturday Art Walk, promoting the city’s vibrant gallery scene. Our first event on December 2 at 8pm will feature singer/songwriter Marcellus Hall, illustrator, described by Chronogram music know-it-all Peter Aaron as a “contemporary urban Woody Guthrie”; a spoken-word performance by our own Teal Hutton; and paintings by Kingston’s master of the brooding palette, Joe Concra. The event will take place at Art on Wall (288 Wall Street), a recently renovated fur vault in uptown Kingston. Visit www.chronogram.com for details. *** For the past five years, we’ve been publishing a little-known e-mail newsletter every Thursday, the 8-Day Week, highlighting the most noteworthy events from Thursday to Thursday. Like Chronogram, it’s free, but, unlike the magazine, the 8DayWeek, because of its weekly format, contains up-to-the-minute events listings picked from the calendar on our website, which is updated daily.The 8-DayWeek is a snapshot of what’s to come culturally in the week ahead, and it fits snugly and unobtrusively in your inbox. (When we roll out our revamped site in January, look for a plethora of newsletter options, including RSS feeds.) We’ve also begun offering giveaways exclusively to 8-Day Week subscribers. Recent giveaways have included tickets to Celebration of Celts’s Riverfire and CDs by Richard McGraw. To sign up, visit www.chronogram.com and click on the Subscribe button. —Brian K. Mahoney
to comprehend, according to Sen. Lott. “Don’t tell me they don’t do it on purpose,” he said. Senator Trent Lott, like thousands of people on the Gulf Coast, not only lost his home in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to Katrina, but had his homeowner’s claim of $400,000 rejected by his insurance company, State Farm. Source: New York Times A report released in September by Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting found that PBS’s flagship news program, “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” fails to provide either balance or diversity of perspective in its choice of guests. According to FAIR, who studied the program’s guest list from October 2005 through March 2006, male sources outnumbered female sources more than four to one; people of color made up only 15 percent of US sources; among partisan sources, Republicans outnumbered Democrats two to one; public interest groups accounted for just four percent of total sources; during a time of increasing calls for withdrawal from Iraq, “stay the course” sources outnumbered pro-withdrawal sources more than five to one. Source: Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, AP Money Not Spent Department: For the fiscal year 2006, Congress earmarked $20 million to pay for a celebration in Washington, DC, for “commemoration of success” in Afghanistan and Iraq and empowering the president to “issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” The money was not spent—no surprise—and the money has been rolled over into the budget for 2007. Source: New York Times
YOEL MEYERS
Editor’s Note
Thirty years after masterminding a Cubana Airlines bombing killing 73 people, Cuban exile Luis Posada Carriles is being held on an immigration violation in an El Paso, Texas detention center. Posada, a former CIA operative and US Army officer who worked for decades toward the overthrow of Fidel Castro, was arrested last year in Miami after sneaking into the US. The US government is reluctant, however, to press terrorism charges against Posada, even as the Justice Department described him in papers filed in late September as “an unrepentant criminal and admitted mastermind of terrorist plots and attacks on tourist sites.” Roseanne Nenninger Persaud, whose 19-year-old brother Raymond was one of the passengers who perished on the Cubana Airlines flight, has urged the US to brand Posada a terrorist. “It feels like a double standard,” said Persaud. “He should be treated like bin Laden. If this were a plane full of Ameircans, it would have been a different story.” Posada’s lawyer, Felipe D.J. Millan, disagrees with the terrorist designation. “How can you call someone a terrorist who allegedly committed acts on your behalf? This would be the equivalent of calling Patrick Henry or Paul Revere or Benjamin Franklin a terrorist.” The Bush administration has tried to deport Posada, but only two countr,ies want him: Venezuela, where he is wanted for blowing up the plane, and Cuba, where he is viewed as an enemy of the state. An immigration judge ruled that Posada might be subject to torture in those countries, however, so he cannot be deported to either Cuba or Venezuela. “Luis Posada Carriles is a terrorist, but he is our terrorist,” said Peter Kornbluh of the National Security Archive at George Washington University. Source: New York Times, AP
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NEWS & POLITICS
EARTH WITHOUT PEOPLE Imagining a posthuman world By Bob Holmes
Humans are undoubtedly the most dominant species the Earth has ever known. In just a few thousand years we have swallowed up more than a third of the planet’s land for our cities, farmland, and pastures. By some estimates, we now commandeer 40 percent of all its productivity. And we’re leaving quite a mess behind: ploughed-up prairies, razed forests, drained aquifers, nuclear waste, chemical pollution, invasive species, mass extinctions, and now the looming specter of climate change. If they could, the other species we share Earth with would surely vote us off the planet. Now just suppose they got their wish. Imagine that all the people on Earth— all 6.5 billion of us and counting—could be spirited away tomorrow, transported to a reeducation camp in a far-off galaxy. (Let’s not invoke the mother of all plagues to wipe us out, if only to avoid complications from all the corpses). Left once more to its own devices, Nature would begin to reclaim the planet, as fields and pastures reverted to prairies and forest, the air and water cleansed themselves of pollutants, and roads and cities crumbled back to dust. “The sad truth is, once the humans get out of the picture, the outlook starts to get a lot better,” says John Orrock, a conservation biologist at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis in Santa Barbara, California. But would the footprint of humanity ever fade away completely, or have we so altered the Earth that even a million years from now a visitor would know that an industrial society once ruled the planet? If tomorrow dawns without humans, even from orbit the change will be evident almost immediately, as the blaze of artificial light that brightens the night begins to wink out. Indeed, there are few better ways to grasp just how utterly we dominate the surface of the Earth than to look at the distribution of artificial illumination. By some estimates, 85 percent of the night sky above the European Union is light-polluted; in the US it is 62 percent and in Japan 98.5 percent. In some countries, including Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands, there is no longer any night sky untainted by light pollution. “Pretty quickly—24, maybe 48 hours—you’d start to see blackouts because of the lack of fuel added to power stations,” says Gordon Masterton, president of the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers in London. Renewable sources such 22 NEWS & POLITICS CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
REUTERS/STRINGER
World, Nation, & Region
as wind turbines and solar will keep a few automatic lights burning, but lack of maintenance of the distribution grid will scuttle these in weeks or months. The loss of electricity will also quickly silence water pumps, sewage treatment plants, and all the other machinery of modern society. The same lack of maintenance will spell an early demise for buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. Though modern buildings are typically engineered to last 60 years, bridges 120 years, and dams 250, these lifespans assume someone will keep them clean, fix minor leaks, and correct problems with foundations. Without people to do these seemingly minor chores, things go downhill quickly. CHERNOBYL’S EXCLUSION ZONE The best illustration of this is the city of Pripyat near Chernobyl in Ukraine, which was abandoned after the nuclear disaster 20 years ago and remains deserted. “From a distance, you would still believe that Pripyat is a living city, but the buildings are slowly decaying,” says Ronald Chesser, an environmental biologist at Texas Tech University in Lubbock who has worked extensively in the exclusion zone around Chernobyl. “The most pervasive thing you see are plants whose root systems get into the concrete and behind the bricks and into doorframes and so forth, and are rapidly breaking up the structure.You wouldn’t think, as you walk around your house every day, that we have a big impact on keeping that from happening, but clearly we do. It’s really sobering to see how the plant community invades every nook and cranny of a city.” With no one to make repairs, every storm, flood, and frosty night gnaws away at abandoned buildings, and within a few decades roofs will begin to fall in and buildings collapse. This has already begun to happen in Pripyat. Wood-framed houses and other smaller structures, which are built to laxer standards, will be the first to go. Next down may be the glassy, soaring structures that tend to win acclaim these days. “The elegant suspension bridges, the lightweight forms, these are the kinds of structures that would be more vulnerable,” says Masterton. “There’s less reserve of strength built into the design, unlike solid masonry buildings and those using arches and vaults.”
REUTERS/GLEB GARANICH
OPPOSITE AND ABOVE: BEFORE AND AFTER VIEWS OF PRIPYAT, UKRAINE. PRIPYAT, LOCATED 14 MILES NORTH OF CHERNOBYL, WAS EVACUATED AFTER THE 1986 NUCLEAR DISASTER. SINCE THE DISAPPEARANCE OF HUMANS FROM THE AREA AROUND CHERNOBYL, KNOWN AS THE “EXCLUSION ZONE,” TREES AND OTHER FLORA HAVE GROWN WILD AND FERAL DOG, WILD BOAR, AND WOLF POPULATIONS ARE ALL FLOURISHING. “I REALLY EXPECTED TO SEE A NUCLEAR DESERT HERE,” SAYS ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGIST RONALD CHESSER. “I WAS QUITE SURPRISED. WHEN YOU ENTER THE EXCLUSION ZONE, IT’S A VERY THRIVING ECOSYSTEM.”
But even though buildings will crumble, their ruins—especially those made of stone or concrete—are likely to last thousands of years. “We still have records of civilizations that are 3,000 years old,” notes Masterton. “For many thousands of years there would still be some signs of the civilizations that we created. It’s going to take a long time for a concrete road to disappear. It might be severely crumbling in many places, but it’ll take a long time to become invisible.” The lack of maintenance will have especially dramatic effects at the 430 or so nuclear power plants now operating worldwide. Nuclear waste already consigned to long-term storage in air-cooled metal and concrete casks should be fine, since the containers are designed to survive thousands of years of neglect, by which time their radioactivity—mostly in the form of caesium-137 and strontium-90—will have dropped a thousandfold, says Rodney Ewing, a geologist at the University of Michigan who specializes in radioactive waste management. Active reactors will not fare so well. As cooling water evaporates or leaks away, reactor cores are likely to catch fire or melt down, releasing large amounts of radiation.The effects of such releases, however, may be less dire than most people suppose. The area around Chernobyl has revealed just how fast nature can bounce back. “I really expected to see a nuclear desert there,” says Chesser. “I was quite surprised. When you enter into the exclusion zone, it’s a very thriving ecosystem.” The first few years after people evacuated the zone, rats and house mice flourished, and packs of feral dogs roamed the area despite efforts to exterminate them. But the heyday of these vermin proved to be short-lived, and already the native fauna has begun to take over. Wild boar are 10 to 15 times as common within the Chernobyl exclusion zone as outside it, and big predators are making a spectacular comeback. “I’ve never seen a wolf in the Ukraine outside the exclusion zone. I’ve seen many of them inside,” says Chesser. RECOVERING FROM HUMANITY The same should be true for most other ecosystems once people disappear,
though recovery rates will vary. Warmer, moister regions, where ecosystem processes tend to run more quickly in any case, will bounce back more quickly than cooler, more arid ones. Not surprisingly, areas still rich in native species will recover faster than more severely altered systems. In the boreal forests of northern Alberta, Canada, for example, human impact mostly consists of access roads, pipelines, and other narrow strips cut through the forest. In the absence of human activity, the forest will close over 80 percent of these within 50 years, and all but 5 percent within 200, according to simulations by Brad Stelfox, an independent land-use ecologist based in Bragg Creek, Alberta. In contrast, places where native forests have been replaced by plantations of a single tree species may take several generations of trees—several centuries—to work their way back to a natural state. The vast expanses of rice, wheat, and maize that cover the world’s grain belts may also take quite some time to revert to mostly native species. At the extreme, some ecosystems may never return to the way they were before humans interfered, because they have become locked into a new “stable state” that resists returning to the original. In Hawaii, for example, introduced grasses now generate frequent wildfires that would prevent native forests from reestablishing themselves even if given free rein, says David Wilcove, a conservation biologist at Princeton University. Feral descendants of domestic animals and plants, too, are likely to become permanent additions in many ecosystems, just as wild horses and feral pigs already have in some places. Highly domesticated species such as cattle, dogs, and wheat, the products of centuries of artificial selection and inbreeding, will probably evolve back toward hardier, less specialised forms through random breeding. “If man disappears tomorrow, do you expect to see herds of poodles roaming the plains?” asks Chesser. Almost certainly not—but hardy mongrels will probably do just fine. Even cattle and other livestock, bred for meat or milk rather than hardiness, are likely to persist, though in much fewer numbers than today. What about genetically modified crops? In August, Jay Reichman and colleagues at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s labs in Corvallis, Oregon, 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM NEWS & POLITICS 23
REUTERS/RADU SIGHETI
A CHEETAH WALKS AROUND AS HER CUBS FEED ON A ZEBRA IN NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK, ON DECEMBER 25, 2005. THE PARK IS LOCATED JUST 15 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN NAIROBI. THERE ARE ONLY 12,400 CHEETAHS LEFT IN AFRICA. DUE TO A LACK OF GENETIC DIVERSITY, CHEETAHS WOULD MOST LIKELY NOT SURVIVE IN A POSTHUMAN WORLD.
reported that a GM version of a perennial called creeping bentgrass had established itself in the wild after escaping from an experimental plot in Oregon. Like most GM crops, however, the bentgrass is engineered to be resistant to a pesticide, which comes at a metabolic cost to the organism, so in the absence of spraying it will be at a disadvantage and will probably die out too.
program to trap cowbirds, warbler numbers have rebounded, but once people disappear, the warblers could be in trouble, says Wilcove. On the whole, though, a humanless Earth will likely be a safer place for threatened biodiversity. “I would expect the number of species that benefit to significantly exceed the number that suffer, at least globally,” Wilcove says.
EXTINCTION REGARDLESS Nor will our absence mean a reprieve for every species teetering on the brink of extinction. Biologists estimate that habitat loss is pivotal in about 85 per cent of cases where US species become endangered, so most such species will benefit once habitats begin to rebound. However, species in the direst straits may have already passed some critical threshold below which they lack the genetic diversity or the ecological critical mass they need to recover.These “dead species walking”—cheetahs and California condors, for example—are likely to slip away regardless. Other causes of species becoming endangered may be harder to reverse than habitat loss. For example, about half of all endangered species are in trouble at least partly because of predation or competition from invasive introduced species. Some of these introduced species—house sparrows, for example, which are native to Eurasia but now dominate many cities in North America—will dwindle away once the gardens and bird feeders of suburban civilization vanish. Others though, such as rabbits in Australia and cheat grass in the American west, do not need human help and will likely be around for the long haul and continue to edge out imperiled native species. Ironically, a few endangered species—those charismatic enough to have attracted serious help from conservationists—will actually fare worse with people no longer around to protect them. Kirtland’s warbler—one of the rarest birds in North America, once down to just a few hundred birds—suffers not only because of habitat loss near its Great Lakes breeding grounds but also thanks to brown-headed cowbirds, which lay their eggs in the warblers’ nests and trick them into raising cowbird chicks instead of their own. Thanks to an aggressive
ON THE REBOUND In the oceans, too, fish populations will gradually recover from drastic overfishing. The last time fishing more or less stopped—during the second world war, when few fishing vessels ventured far from port—cod populations in the North Sea skyrocketed. Today, however, populations of cod and other economically important fish have slumped much further than they did in the 1930s, and recovery may take significantly longer than five or so years. The problem is that there are now so few cod and other large predatory fish that they can no longer keep populations of smaller fish such as gurnards in check. Instead, the smaller fish turn the tables and outcompete or eat tiny juvenile cod, thus keeping their erstwhile predators in check. The problem will only get worse in the first few years after fishing ceases, as populations of smaller, faster-breeding fish flourish like weeds in an abandoned field. Eventually, though, in the absence of fishing, enough large predators will reach maturity to restore the normal balance. Such a transition might take anywhere from a few years to a few decades, says Daniel Pauly, a fisheries biologist at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. With trawlers no longer churning up nutrients from the ocean floor, nearshore ecosystems will return to a relatively nutrient-poor state. This will be most apparent as a drop in the frequency of harmful algal blooms such as the red tides that often plague coastal areas today. Meanwhile, the tall, graceful corals and other bottom-dwelling organisms on deepwater reefs will gradually begin to regrow, restoring complex three-dimensional structure to oceanfloor habitats that are now largely flattened, featureless wastelands.
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REUTERS/REINHARD KRAUSE
A CHINESE PAGODA IS SEEN AMID SMOKE BILLOWING FROM A STEEL FACTORY ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF BEIJING, ON JANUARY 6, 2006. THERE WILL BE INDUSTRIALLY PRODUCED CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE ATMOSPHERE, INFLUENCING THE CLIMATE FOR 1,000 YEARS, AFTER HUMANS STOP EMITTING IT. EVEN IF EMISSIONS STOPPED TOMORROW, GLOBAL WARMING WOULD CONTINUE FOR ANOTHER CENTURY.
THE LONG ARC OF POLLUTION Long before any of this, however—in fact, the instant humans vanish from the Earth—pollutants will cease spewing from automobile tailpipes and the smokestacks and waste outlets of our factories. What happens next will depend on the chemistry of each particular pollutant. A few, such as oxides of nitrogen and sulfur and ozone (the ground-level pollutant, not the protective layer high in the stratosphere), will wash out of the atmosphere in a matter of a few weeks. Others, such as chlorofluorocarbons, dioxins, and the pesticide DDT, take longer to break down. Some will last a few decades. The excess nitrates and phosphates that can turn lakes and rivers into algae-choked soups will also clear away within a few decades, at least for surface waters. A little excess nitrate may persist for much longer within groundwater, where it is less subject to microbial conversion into atmospheric nitrogen. “Groundwater is the long-term memory in the system,” says Kenneth Potter, a hydrologist at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Carbon dioxide, the biggest worry in today’s world because of its leading role in global warming, will have a more complex fate. Most of the CO2 emitted from burning fossil fuels is eventually absorbed into the ocean. This happens relatively quickly for surface waters—just a few decades—but the ocean depths will take about a thousand years to soak up their full share. Even when that equilibrium has been reached, though, about 15 percent of the CO2 from burning fossil fuels will remain in the atmosphere, leaving its concentration at about 300 parts per million compared with preindustrial levels of 280 parts per million. “There will be CO2 left in the atmosphere, continuing to influence the climate, more than 1,000 years after humans stop emitting it,” says Susan Solomon, an atmospheric chemist with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Boulder, Colorado. Eventually calcium ions released from sea-bottom sediments will allow the sea to mop up the remaining excess over the next 20, 000 years or so. Even if CO2 emissions stop tomorrow, though, global warming will continue for another 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM NEWS & POLITICS 25
REUTERS/KIMIMASA MAYAMA
NEON LIGHTS ILLUMINATE GINZA STREET, TOKYO’S BUSIEST THOROUGHFARE, ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. BY SOME ESTIMATES, 85 PERCENT OF THE NIGHT SKY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IS LIGHT-POLLUTED; IN THE US, IT IS 62 PERCENT AND IN JAPAN 98.5 PERCENT. IN SOME COUNTRIES, INCLUDING GERMANY, AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, AND THE NETHERLANDS, THERE IS NO LONGER ANY NIGHT SKY UNTAINTED BY LIGHT POLLUTION.
century, boosting average temperatures by a further few tenths of a degree. Atmospheric scientists call this “committed warming”, and it happens because the oceans take so long to warm up compared with the atmosphere. In essence, the oceans are acting as a giant air conditioner, keeping the atmosphere cooler than it would otherwise be for the present level of CO2. Most policymakers fail to take this committed warming into account, says Gerald Meehl, a climate modeler at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, also in Boulder. “They think if it gets bad enough we’ll just put the brakes on, but we can’t just stop and expect everything to be OK, because we’re already committed to this warming.” That extra warming we have already ordered lends some uncertainty to the fate of another important greenhouse gas, methane, which produces about 20 percent of our current global warming. Methane’s chemical lifetime in the atmosphere is only about 10 years, so its concentration could rapidly return to pre-industrial levels if emissions cease. The wild card, though, is that there are massive reserves of methane in the form of methane hydrates on the sea floor and frozen into permafrost. Further temperature rises may destabilize these reserves and dump much of the methane into the atmosphere. “We may stop emitting methane ourselves, but we may already have triggered climate change to the point where methane may be released through other processes that we have no control over,” says Pieter Tans, an atmospheric scientist at NOAA in Boulder. No one knows how close the Earth is to that threshold. “We don’t notice it yet in our global measurement network, but there is local evidence that there is some destabilization going on of permafrost soils, and methane is being released,” says Tans. Solomon, on the other hand, sees little evidence that a sharp global threshold is near. VANISHING TRACES All things considered, it will only take a few tens of thousands of years at most before almost every trace of our present dominance has vanished completely. Alien visitors coming to Earth 100,000 years hence will find no obvious signs that an advanced civilization ever lived here. 26 NEWS & POLITICS CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
Yet if the aliens had good enough scientific tools they could still find a few hints of our presence. For a start, the fossil record would show a mass extinction centered on the present day, including the sudden disappearance of large mammals across North America at the end of the last ice age. A little digging might also turn up intriguing signs of a long-lost intelligent civilization, such as dense concentrations of skeletons of a large bipedal ape, clearly deliberately buried, some with gold teeth or grave goods such as jewelry. And if the visitors chanced across one of today’s landfills, they might still find fragments of glass and plastic—and maybe even paper—to bear witness to our presence. “I would virtually guarantee that there would be some,” says William Rathje, an archaeologist at Stanford University in California who has excavated many landfills. “The preservation of things is really pretty amazing. We think of artifacts as being so impermanent, but in certain cases things are going to last a long time.” Ocean sediment cores will show a brief period during which massive amounts of heavy metals such as mercury were deposited, a relic of our fleeting industrial society. The same sediment band will also show a concentration of radioactive isotopes left by reactor meltdowns after our disappearance.The atmosphere will bear traces of a few gases that don’t occur in nature, especially perfluorocarbons such as CF4, which have a half-life of tens of thousands of years. Finally a brief, century-long pulse of radio waves will forever radiate out across the galaxy and beyond, proof—for anything that cares and is able to listen—that we once had something to say and a way to say it. But these will be flimsy souvenirs, almost pathetic reminders of a civilization that once thought itself the pinnacle of achievement.Within a few million years, erosion and possibly another ice age or two will have obliterated most of even these faint traces. If another intelligent species ever evolves on the Earth—and that is by no means certain, given how long life flourished before we came along—it may well have no inkling that we were ever here save for a few peculiar fossils and ossified relics. The humbling—and perversely comforting—reality is that the Earth will forget us remarkably quickly. This article originally appeared in the October 12 issue of New Scientist.
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Commentary
Beinhart’s Body Politic
READ ALL ABOUT IT There are a hundred, a hundred and fifty, two hundred, three hundred channels. There’s CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, HNN, Fox News, BBC, MSNBC, C-Span, and C-Span 2. There’s AM, FM, and satellite radio. And podcasts. Then there’s the Internet with access to an almost infinite number of sites. Books, what about books? Print. Remember it? Print in thick stacks, bundled together. Often with extra pages in the back with indices, bibliographies, and footnotes. Bulky. Costly. Incapable of conveying sound or pictures that move. And yet… The most interesting political reporting these last couple of years has been in books. Fiasco:The American Military Adventure in Iraq, by Thomas Ricks, is a stunning piece of journalism. The amount of first-hand research, the access he got, the depth and range of his knowledge of the military and military matters is all remarkable. The evaluation, on the record, by a named source, an army officer, of Paul Wolfowitz as “dangeously idealistic. And crack-smoking stupid,” is, all by itself, worth the cover price. The point of view is vivid and the conclusions it draws do not equivocate. In the first page and a half Ricks says, “One of the most profligate actions in the history of American foreign policy…negligently…squandered…recklessly…flawed…hurried…agonizingly incompetent. Blame must lie foremost with President Bush himself but his incompetence and arrogance are only part of the story. It takes more than one person to make a mess as big as Iraq.” The author is the senior Pentagon correspondent for the Washington Post. But this is not the war that’s been reported in the Washington Post. Indeed, the Post has been aggressively pro-war. So, even as we are being dazzled by the book, we may want to scream, “Where the hell have you been?” James Risen is the reporter who got the story that the NSA was doing wiretaps without warrants. A clear and simple contravention of the constitution. And an unnecessary one, since there were already secret courts that would issue secret warrants and would even do so after the fact, making urgency no excuse. He got the story in 2004, before the last presidential election. The editors at the New York Times consulted with the White House. The White House asked them not to run it as it would compromise, they said, national security. It also convinced Bill Keller, the editor in chief, that wiretaps without warrants were legal. The Times did not run the story. Nor did it appear anywhere else. Until the book. State of War: The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration, by James Risen, was due to be published, with that information included, in January, 2006. The Times, rather than being scooped by their own employee, finally published the story in December 2005. The book also includes several other stunning bits. That the CIA station chief in Baghdad reported that the US was losing the war in Iraq as far back as 2003. That Afghanistan was being “lost,” if not to the Taliban, then to becoming a narco-state. Before we go to war in Iran, someone should look at Risen’s book and realize how we pushed Iran away from being a potential ally, into “the Axis of Evil.” Iran hated theTaliban. It supported the Northern Alliance—which the United States also supported—against the Taliban. It was against Al Qaeda. Indeed, Iran approached the Untied States and offered to trade top Al Qaeda captives—in28 NEWS & POLITICS CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
PHOTO: DION OGUCT
BY LARRY BEINHART
cluding Osama bin Laden’s son—in return for anti-Iranian terrorists who were in American-controlled Iraq. But the US did not take Iran up on it. On TV and in the papers, we are told that we’re fighting “insurgents.” They are people without a cause, goals, or motivations. They are simply, like generic bad guys in a computer game, “insurgents.” Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, Iraq, Iran, militias, mobsters, tribes, and clans, all merge into one vast, undifferentiated mass of enemies conspiring against us. It may be possible for armies in the field to fight other armies in the field as a matter of mass, movement, and armaments. But it is not possible to wage a war of occupation or of regime change or of cultural transformation unless you know who you’re fighting, why they’re fighting, and what they want. Who are we fighting? The LoomingTower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11, by LawrenceWright, explains the development and growth of Islamic fundamentalism. Two terribly important ideas are made absolutely clear in the book. The first is that it was incompetence and bureaucratic idiocy that allowed 9/11 to succeed. The answer to preventing the next 9/11 should therefore be competence and bureaucratic openness. Instead, there has been increased secrecy, bigger and bigger bureaucracies, and presidential Medals of Freedom to honor the most inept among us. The second idea is that the reason for the 9/11 attacks was to provoke a massive, incompetent overreaction. Bin Laden wanted the US to invade Afghanistan. He thought it would become a quagmire for America the way it had been for the Soviets.The US managed to invade Afghanistan without that happening. But then we invaded Iraq.Which gave bin Laden all he could have wished for.A quagmire, a focus for jihadist recruitment, and a demonstration of the limitations of American power. Limitations that Iran and Korea are now taking advantage of. Provocation into overreaction is classic guerrilla-warfare theory. Why did we have to wait until 2006 to hear that? Why did we have to wait for the book? Part of the answer has to do with what is wrong with the media. Jeff Cohen’s Cable News Confidential: My Misadventures in Corporate Media, is—besides being a series of funny anecdotes—a relief after all this reading about worlds in which each idiocy leads to death and dismemberment. It finds its way to the heart of the matter. We expect to get good journalism and even truth from private enterprise. The theory is that competition will give the consumer ever better products. The assumption is that the general public is the consumer and that the product is accurate, relevant, and insightful news. But that’s not true. The general public is actually the product and the news is in the business of delivering that product to the advertisers. The advertisers are mostly large corporations. They have political agendas. Those agendas veer to the right. Then there is the nature of books themselves. They remain the place for people to actually think things through. To take a point of view and explain it at length. To take a position and have the time and space to really justify it. So unplug the TV, let your newspaper subscription lapse, wait few years for the book to come out, and then you’ll know what really happened.Which way would you rather have it, quick and wrong, or late and right?
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30 COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK
REGRET STUDY COAUTHOR PAUL SCHWARTZ
REGRET
studying the upside-down dream by Al Desetta photos by Roy Gumpel
A
t Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, professors Larry Force, a gerontologist, and Paul Schwartz, a child and adolescent psychologist, study opposite ends of the lifespan. When they began collaborating on research a few years ago, they turned their attention to a different period of life—the longest but least explored and understood interval. “We know a lot about child and adolescent psychology, and we know a lot about aging,” says Force. “But we know very little about midlife. Paul and I had no other place to meet besides the middle.” (That won’t happen, though, in terms of personal appearance—“I’m the guy with the tie and pen,” jokes Force, the taller and more buttoned-down of the two, “while the other guy looks like he never came home from Woodstock.”) The pair’s cheerful banter reveals a love for their work, as well as for working together. When they began interviewing people and collecting questionnaires, a recurrent theme kept surfacing: Regret is a pervasive emotion for people at the middle stage of their lives. “Regret seemed to be something that was almost endemic to midlife and beyond,” says Schwartz. And quite often that was a problem for the people they interviewed. Many reported a sense of sadness and loss that literally stopped them from moving forward with their lives. But the upside to this troubling emotion is that it can spur personal transformation, which is why their book on the topic, Regret: The Cruelest Emotion (scheduled for publication next year), has a more positive subtitle: Lessons Learned. “We want to offer people strategies to help them to move forward,” says Force. “We want the stories in the book to be a catalyst for change.” During the last year, the professors interviewed more than 250 people, asking them, “When you look back on your life, what is it that you regret?” The result is a collection of fascinating stories: a man who failed to visit his dying father 25 years ago; a corporate manager who fired employees to meet budget goals; a woman who made porn films in college to make ends meet. In attempting to define regret, the professors distinguish between normal sadness about missed opportunities—the old “coulda, woulda, shoulda” that
chatters away at us from time to time—and a much deeper sense of sorrow that curtails future possibility and keeps people stuck in the past. The man who avoided his father’s deathbed hasn’t yet forgiven himself. “The issue of regret,” Schwartz says, “is that you can’t do it again. You can’t go back. When you’re 20 years old and regretting asking a girl out, she’s still available. If you drop out of college when you’re 20 and now you’re 21, you go back. But when you’re in your 50s and 60s, rekindling that lost love from the summer of 1968 is not possible.” True regret, then, lets the past define the present moment, in the form of events and choices that haven’t been acknowledged, accepted, and integrated into the reality of who one is in the present. If, as in Robert Frost’s famous poem, you stumble upon two divergent roads in an autumn wood, decide to pursue the more overgrown route, and not only enjoy the journey, but eventually realize it “has made all the difference,” then regret is notably absent from your world view. But if while ambling along that poorly maintained thoroughfare you’re constantly obsessed with how much better life would have been on the more traveled path, then you have a problem. “Regret is that which precludes you from living your life fully,” says Schwartz. “It prevents you from saying, ‘Yes, I didn’t do that, but look at what I do have.’” Their research has led Force and Schwartz to a number of conclusions, some surprising. The first is that midlife can begin as early as 30. That’s because regret is not defined by age, but by a cognitive process—how one sees oneself in relation to time. Younger people talk about who they are going to be—they have all the time in the world to achieve their goals. But, at a certain point, you begin to realize you have more yesterdays than tomorrows. Force calls this midlife change “a shift in interiority. Around the age of 45 or 50, you start to look at time differently, you start to look back. You realize that time does not go on forever.” Peak anxiety for death occurs not at age 80 or 90, but rather at 45 or 50, when one’s perception of time changes. Or, in Frost’s more poetic rendition: “Yet knowing how way leads on to 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 31
32 COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
REGRET STUDY COAUTHOR LARRY FORCE
way, / I doubted if I ever should come back.” And with the realization of mortality regret tends to ripen, taking on an almost fantasy quality, as people remember their missed opportunities in a one-dimensional, idealized way. For we tend to remember the past not as it was, but as we’d like to believe it was. As Schwartz points out, regret has no basis in reality for many people, but instead “takes on a life of its own, almost like a story that people begin to tell themselves year after year after year.” As an example, Force notes that a number of people he and Schwartz interviewed have regretted getting married and having children at a young age. One woman, for example, told the researchers she wasted her youth by becoming an unwed mother at 17. “They think if they didn’t get married, if they didn’t have children, they would have gone on to school, they would have become professionals, that their entire lives would be different. “They don’t say, ‘Maybe if I went to school and didn’t have kids, I’d be a lonely spinster. Even though I’d be making a lot of money, I’d be one of these lonely executives.’ They tell themselves a story, not realizing it may not have turned out that way. It might have been worse.” Rarely do people look back on the road they might have taken in a negative way. “People get stuck in a pocket of thinking,” Schwartz says, “in which they feel sorry for themselves for never having done something that may have never turned out the way they imagine it.” People also have the ability to construct regrets about the present that can lead to negative consequences. Force describes a woman who was happy working in a small office on Cape Cod. But friends convinced her she could be making a lot more money, meet much more interesting people, and be a lot happier if she moved to New York. So she did and made a lot of money, but ended up miserable and regretting she had made the move. In her questionnaire, she wrote, “[W]hat we think we want or expect to happen isn’t want we really want or need after all.” If there’s a common thread in the varied stories Force and Schwartz have collected, it’s that most people don’t regret what they’ve done, failed at, or are ashamed of, but rather what they’ve never done. One young woman met a man during a vacation in Spain, felt “that feeling” around him, but did not seize the moment and invite him back to her apartment, to her subsequent remorse. The professors have also found that people respond to regret in roughly three ways: They can be overwhelmed and paralyzed by the emotion; they can reflect on their situation and stay relatively the same; or they can use regret to actualize themselves and transform their lives. Force and Schwartz hope their book promotes the latter view—that far from being a dead end, regret can spur positive changes. Research shows that most people in their elder years are just as happy as they were in their 20s and 30s. Aging, according to the professors, is about adapting. One woman who deeply regretted getting pregnant as a high school senior and putting her child up for adoption later found her daughter and established a warm relationship: “My biggest regret turned out to be my greatest gift.” “Midlife is not the end of the road,” Schwartz notes. “People continue to develop all the way through their lifespans. We talk about the older years being the golden years. [The midlife years] are really the golden years. People have the ability to make changes all the way through their lives—the way they think about themselves, the way they respond to situations.” Or, as one respondent wrote in his questionnaire: “Aren’t regrets just our hopes, our wishes, and our dreams that have somehow been turned around?” That sense of midlife opportunity was driven home for Force when he was teaching in a maximum-security prison. He was talking to the inmates about something called “idealized selfconcept,” in which a person constructs a positive self-image and then changes his or her behavior to coincide with that image. A prisoner who had deep regrets about how his actions had affected his family raised his hand. “‘Listen, you just don’t get it,’” Force recalls the prisoner saying. “‘We’re in here for life. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 33
www.schneiderpfahl.com
Woodstock Landscape, Prudence See, oil on board, 10x8’
Real Estate • Estate Planning Arts & Entertainment
SCHNEIDER PFAHL & RAHMÉ LLP 31 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, NY 12498 845-679-9868 2 Park Ave., 19th Fl., New York, NY 10016 212-629-7744
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LARRY FORCE AND PAUL SCHWARTZ AT MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE IN NEWBURGH
Your concept of time is different than our concept of time.’” The prisoner did not have the opportunities available to most of us to resolve his regrets. “That’s a real privilege for people in midlife, as they reevaluate where they are,” Force explains. “[Most middle-agers] still have the time and the options” to take a different path when, inevitably, they once again face those diverging roads. The new field of positive psychology, which examines the cognitive processes that hold people back, has influenced their approach to the subject. Positive psychology, according to Schwartz, puts less emphasis on the dark side of human nature and greater emphasis on strengths and self-actualization. “Years ago, we would talk about people being ‘victimized,’” Force says. “Now we ask, ‘Why do you continue to allow yourself to be found in this situation?’ There’s much more of a sense of responsibility. And the idea is that if you really want to change something, then change it. It’s a simple, but powerful, dynamic. Take responsibility, look at it, and move forward.” So if two paths beckon, and you cannot “travel both / And be one traveler,” then get a grip and make a choice. Asked if they have any regrets related to their project, Force laments, “I’m sorry we didn’t start it earlier.” “I would disagree,” Schwartz responds. “I don’t have regrets about this project, not as we’re defining them.” “Paul says he has no regrets,” counters Force, “but I’m going to give him my card so he can come and talk to me about it for an hour. How can you say you don’t have regrets?” For those who wish to share their regrets, the professors are accepting questionnaires until Christmas. For more information, contact them at force@msmc.edu and schwartz@msmc.edu. In addition, they are available to make community presentations on midlife issues and their research. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 35
36 COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK CHRONOGRAM.COM 10/06
THE ART OF BUSINESS
HANDMADE BEAUTY
Crafts People Caters to Creativity
R
by Shannon Gallagher photos by Dion Ogust
udy Hopkins looks up at the parting rain clouds with the wonder of a child watching a balloon disappear. Leaning against the damp railing outside his shop, a glass of white wine in one hand, he gestures grandly toward the October afternoon’s emerging sunshine as a middle-aged couple strolls up the ramp in precautionary raincoats. Hopkins meets them with a delighted chuckle. “Life treats us well,” he says. The couple nods and disappears through the strips of screen covering the doorway into Crafts People’s pottery building. Inside, Mary Elwyn, Hopkins’s partner of 30 years, waits to greet them. She asks if they’d like a glass of lemonade, wine, or coffee to enjoy while they explore the crowded room. Near a wood stove are heavy earthen bowls and mugs stacked on a shelf. Small ornaments and oil burners hang from the rafters around the cash register. Tall, freestanding shelves hold brightly glazed, elegant vases, blown-glass sculptures, and small ceramic figurines. One feels as though it would take years to give each piece its due attention; and as the families and couples head back out into the soggy afternoon, they’re reminded by Hopkins that there is more to see. “We want people to feel like they are visiting our home, [and can] relax and take their time,” Hopkins says of his shop, which sells the work of over 500 artisans, half of whom are from the Hudson Valley. Crafts People occupies four buildings nestled into 25 acres bordering the Ashokan Reservoir in West Hurley. Originally a bungalow camp owned by Hopkins’s grandmother, the property also includes greenhouses, studios, Hopkins and Elwyn’s residence, and a flooded quarry where Hopkins breeds koi fish. The gravel paths between the buildings are lined with potted plants for sale, and retro lawn chairs and tables dot the surrounding yard, encouraging visitors to picnic. Crafts People’s handpicked selection represents a variety of styles and a wide price range. “If you go into a gallery that has 30 pieces placed beautifully, it’s nice to look at, but you won’t necessarily find a bowl for your Aunt Ida,” Hopkins jokes, in reference to his shop’s overwhelming selection. In the jewelry building, cases of gold and silver necklaces, rings, and earrings are left open so that visitors may try them on. Elwyn’s exquisitely detailed metalwork, which
sits in a case on the far side of the shop, includes delicate chains, earrings, and unusual flatware. Shelves in the middle of the room hold finely crafted wooden chess sets, turned-wood bowls, and stained-glass panes. In the property’s two smaller buildings, visitors can find wrought-iron sconces, handmade candles, paper, and clothing, and a small selection of imported crafts. When asked about inventory or revenue, Hopkins shakes his head, his eyes earnest as he professes that he does not—nor does he care to— measure his success in such terms. He is unable to offer more than a guess as to how many pieces he has in the shop at any given time, though the number is easily five figures. A former English teacher, Hopkins ran a children’s arts-and-crafts summer camp on the property, ultimately closing it in the early ’70s due to the demands of single parenthood. Having discovered an aptitude for ceramics, he began selling his own work from the porch of his home. After he met Elwyn, then a promising apprentice with a Tinker Street jeweler, at a trade show, she began selling her jewelry at his burgeoning shop. “She became our resident jeweler,” Hopkins laughs affectionately, quickly adding, “in more ways than one!” By the mid ’80s Hopkins and Elwyn’s entire house had become their shop. Over coffee at the couple’s worn kitchen table, Elwyn remembers when “[they] would have to remove pieces from the diningroom table to have dinner.” In addition to their own children, the couple began taking in homeless teenagers in a program they called Our School. It was with the help of the teens that Hopkins gutted and renovated two of the property’s buildings, allowing the shop to move out of the house in 1986. Deeming their work with kids of the utmost importance, the altruistic couple continued fostering until only recently; finally accepting the wear of such difficult work, they are now content to focus their energy on their 10 grandchildren and Lola, their Doberman pinscher. Hopkins sees the terms “art” and “craft” as interchangeable, adamantly rejecting any premise which argues that a piece’s value as art is limited by its function. The Arts and Crafts movement started at the turn of the 20th century as a response to industrialization; at that time, many found a need to return to handcrafted wares to counterbalance the negative societal effects of mass pro11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 37
38 COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
A SELECTION OF HANDMADE EARRINGS AT CRAFTS PEOPLE, A MASSIVE ARTISTS’ EMPORIUM IN WEST HURLEY (PREVIOUS PAGE) MARY ELWYN AND RUDY HOPKINS, OWNERS OF CRAFTS PEOPLE
duction. Hopkins sees crafts as still being necessary today as a way to connect people to people, and people to things. “You want to drink out of your favorite coffee mug every day. And you can’t explain why. The mug answers something that’s personal and intimate.” Raised in Ulster Park, Hopkins recalls growing up in a community where his mother’s name was equity enough to get him a loan from the local bank. He speaks with reverence of a time when it was considered rude not to be in constant contact with your neighbors. Hopkins has integrated his early-bred appreciation for solidarity into Crafts People, treating its six employees and its customers and artisans as a community. “He’s exemplary in his morals,” Josh Solomon, a glassblower, says about the owner. “As much as he’s a businessman, he’s trying to help local artists.” An apprentice with Rhinebeck-based glassblower Barry Entner, Solomon sells his blown-glass sculptures on consignment at Crafts People. He speaks frankly about the dark nature of the world of art business. “So many galleries won’t even look at your work if you don’t have an established name,” he says. Solomon remembers bringing his first box of work to Crafts People, where he was met with enthusiasm and encouragement from Hopkins and Elwyn. Since then, he has sold his most valuable (and, according to him, weirdest) piece through the shop. “[Solomon] is still startled, I think, when he sells a piece, because although he knows his work has integrity…he’s so mesmerized that somebody can purchase it, and chooses to,” Hopkins says. As accomplished artisans themselves, Hopkins and Elwyn understand the gratification and reinforcement that comes from seeing a stranger connect to one’s work, especially in the cases of young artists. They also appreciate the struggle that many novice artisans face to achieve the acknowledgment and financial recompense that most require. In addition to the judgment, criticism, and rejection that must be endured in marketing one’s craft, there are many practical disadvantages. Craft shows are frequently held outdoors, leaving artisans subject to foul weather, keeping potential buyers away and putting delicate work at risk. “At one show, a young potter was setting up his booth when a big gust of wind blew through. Instantly, all of his work, everything he’d brought, was broken, gone,” Hopkins sadly recalls. Though they still attend shows and appreciate galleries, Hopkins and Elwyn see the need for an alternative market, one which is particularly kind to new artists. “[Hopkins and Elwyn] really want to help you,” Solomon attests. “They are genuine people.” Crafts People is, for Hopkins, proof that a creative life can be successful. Just as he would teach the teenagers who shared his home that something as simple as a vase of flowers in their room could lift their spirits—remind them that they deserve to live in a nice room, in a nice world—Hopkins helps people to decorate their lives with things that inspire them to create and connect. “A world filled with creative people is not going to be a violent world.” (845) 331-3859; www.craftspeople.us.
Cheese Nuts and Seeds Sweeteners Extracts & Flavorings Love
11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 39
40 PORTFOLIO CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
NOVEMBER 2006
ARTS & CULTURE CHRONOGRAM
, page 42 o i l o f t r o P
IMAGE COURTESY OF SKH GALLERY R.O. Blechman, First Draft 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM PORTFOLIO 41
PHOTO OF R.O. BLECHMAN BY HILLARY HARVEY
Portfolio R.O. BLECHMAN
R.O. Blechman has been a major force in the field of illustration since the publication of The Juggler of Our Lady: A Medieval Legend in 1953, at the age of 22. For the past 30 years, Blechman has owned a house in the Columbia County hamlet of Ancram for 30 years—he and his wife Moisha moved in fulltime three years ago. Blechman’s illustrations have appeared on 19 covers of the New Yorker, and also in the pages of Rolling Stone, the New York Times, and many other publications. His corporate clients have included Perrier, Alka-Seltzer, Enron, and IBM. Branching into animation, Blechman opened his own studio, The Ink Tank, in 1979. His hour long animated version of Igor Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat was broadcast on PBS’s “Great Performances” and won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation Programming.” The Museum of Modern Art presented a retrospective of his animated films in January 2003.
Blechman has had one-man exhibits in New York, Paris, and Munich and his work is in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, the Library of Congress, and Chase Manhattan Bank. In 1983 he was named Illustrator of the Year by Adweek and in 1999, he was elected to the Art Director’s Hall of Fame. Blechman is currently working on an animated feature version of Nathaniel West’s A Cool Million, a satiric Horatio Algeresque story set in the Depression. Blechman’s drawings are part of a group exhibit, “SKH/Political,” which will be shown at SKH Gallery of Fine Art and Crafts in Great Barrington November 11 through December 1, with an opening reception on November 11, from 5 to 7pm. (413) 528-3300. Portfolio at www.roblechman.com. —Brian K. Mahoney
R.O. BLECHMAN ON HIS WORK The Juggler of Our Lady
Full Circle
I did a graphic novel in college. (Who the hell knew what a graphic novel was at that point?) It was about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Kids think big, you know. It was shown to a publisher who said that they couldn’t do much with the Roman Empire, it doesn’t sell many books, but suggested I do something with a holiday theme. So I asked a friend of mine if he knew of any holiday-related material. And he said, “What about that medieval fable The Juggler of Our Lady?” So one night, the year after I left college, I sat down at my kitchen table in Manhattan and wrote and drew the book. To my amazement, it got published. It was such an untypical book at the time—it was an adult picture book and it received extraordinary acclaim. I don’t whether it was worth it or not—it threw my career for a loop. For the next 10 years I could hardly work. Success at an early age can be very disruptive; you’re not ready for it. Instant success at any age can be difficult to handle, but when you’re 22 years old, it can derail a career. It was only 10 years later—after a decade of intense freelance work—that I resumed doing what are now called graphic novels.
It’s curious that I’m part of an exhibit of political art because I was a political cartoonist for my college newspaper in Oberlin, Ohio. And I first wanted to sell political cartoons, but it was the pre-McCarthy era and there were very few outlets, and those few outlets were not very open to the stiffness and naiveté of my drawing. My drawing at the time was not good; but my ideas were terrific, to compensate for the fact that my drawings were so bad. I was also witty, but I never really went to art school. I was basically self-taught, so it took me many years to develop my style. Fifty years later, I’m in a show of political art—how’s that for coming full circle?
42 PORTFOLIO CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
Political Art I think there’s always a lot [of material for political cartoonists] to work with. As a matter of fact, probably there should be more political work when the scene is quiet than when it’s noisy. I think that when a lot of people are banging drums you may not hear the noise as well as when just a few people are banging drums.
But I don’t know if the public is listening. It was Walt Whitman who said, “To have great art, you have to have a great audience.” Well, to have political art, you have to have a politically aware audience. I’m not so sure that we have it now. I think most Americans are intimidated by power. They can’t believe that our government can be evil. It’s not so much that I think [the government is] evil, but that [it’s] power-mad, which is a form of evil. Evil is a very strong word to use, but I don’t think it’s inappropriate. People just can’t accept the fact that the government can be indifferent to its own citizenry. Yiddish Leo Rosten’s children had the same the lawyer as I had, and my lawyer said, “Will you do my clients a favor and illustrate The New Joys of Yiddish?” For me, Yiddish was a secret code that my parents would occasionally speak when they wanted to conceal something from me, but I quickly understood what gelt and kino meant: Don’t give the kid money [gelt], and he shouldn’t go to the movies [kino]. And that was the extent of my Yiddish—that was all I needed to know.
11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM PORTFOLIO 43
Fuel Shortage, the New Yorker, 1974; Eustacia Tilly, the New Yorker, 1992; Mother’s Day, The New Yorker, 1990; The Gutenburg Centennial, 1968; Overpopulation, 1983; Republocrats, 1990; Story Magazine, 1994; Global Warming, 2006
Lucid Dreaming BY BETH E. WILSON
THE NAKED TRUTH Remember the “culture wars” from way back when? Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, when the Moral Majority and the American Family Association drew blood against their common foe of secular humanism, battling to preserve the commonwealth from the decadent photographs of Andres Serrano and Robert Mapplethorpe and the subversive performance art of the NEA 4? That whole “crusade for decency” culminated in the Republicans taking control of the House in the midterm elections of 1994. Here we stand, on the eve of the mid-term elections in 2006, and many are predicting a turn of this conservative tide, some even predicting a Democratic majority in the Senate when the dust settles after election day. And yet I still feel the distant resonance of those long-ago culture wars. Just a few weeks ago, editors at the Raleigh News & Observer, one of the largest papers in North Carolina, saw fit to publish a rather bold disclaimer on its front page: ADVISORY TO READERS Today’s Life, etc. section includes a photo of a famous fresco by Michelangelo that includes nudity. The story in question, a Cox News Service piece, dealt with a recent study on the varieties of Christian theology practiced in the US, and was illustrated (quite unexceptionally) with a color reproduction of the Creation of Adam panel from the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. (Adam’s the one with the highly dangerous, teeny-weeny wiener.) So what in God’s name drove an editor at a large metropolitan newspaper to decide that his readership might find Michelangelo’s acknowledged masterpiece to be so objectionable that it needed an advisory? Marx once remarked (citing Hegel), that all great world historical events appear, so to speak, twice—the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce. In fact the seeds for this farcical advisory were planted in the hotly contested cultural ground of the first culture wars. You might consider this 44 LUCID DREAMING CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
one the “culture hiccups.” America was pretty much a cultural backwater for much of its history, until the world historical event of World War II abruptly shifted the center of power from Europe to the New World, squarely placing it on America’s shoulders. We were still a largely agricultural country when that mantle was transferred, even as American artists broke through to the big time with Abstract Expressionism—Pollock, de Kooning, and the others (many, like de Kooning, immigrants themselves) became the poster boys for “Freedom on the March” during the height of the McCarthy era. At that point, the establishment had developed a vested interest in promoting American art and artists on the international stage. It provided credibility, cultural currency, and a sense of sophistication that was necessary as we emerged as a global superpower. Lyndon Johnson signed the law authorizing the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), in 1965, one small part of his progressive social agenda, and one that was seen to have great intrinsic merit at the time. Twenty-five years later, however, the ascendant religious right, ever distrustful of presumably elitist things like art and culture, used the NEA as fodder for its blistering, base-building attack upon all things secular and humanist. Art was at the top of that list. It was high profile, and produced a big bang for the buck. Demagogues like Donald Wildmon of the AFA could feed the paranoia of the simple Christian folk he presumed to guide, using new media like mass fax and e-mail campaigns to barrage unwitting lawmakers with complaints about hot-button issues like anti-Christian art, homosexuality, and why the heck aren’t kids allowed to pray in school. Winning their place in the 1994 “Contract for America” campaign of Newt Gingrich, the direct attacks on artworks have died down considerably. The NEA is no longer permitted to issue grants directly to individual artists, and its budget has been slashed to a pittance. But even now that the glare of the television lights has faded away, we’re left with a country that has effectively devalued art, and that distrusts artists on a fundamental level. As Modern Art
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THOMAS HUBER EXCEPT FOR ONE, 2006. MIXED MEDIA ON WOOD PANEL, 48” X 48” (OPPOSITE) A RADICAL CHRISTIAN REINTERPRATATION OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL
Notes blogger Tyler Green put it, “We’re prudish morons.” So we get reader advisories about Michelangelo frescoes (what, is the Vatican a bad influence now, too?), and even worse—as can be seen in another recent story of Bible Belt philistinism. Sydney McGee is an award-winning art teacher who had worked in the Frisco, Texas, school district for 28 years. Last spring, she led a group of her fifth-grade students on a field trip to the Dallas Museum of Art. The field trip had been approved by her principal, and parents had signed permission slips for all the students who took part. McGee was recently informed by the school district that her contract was not being renewed. According to McGee’s lawyer, the principal at her elementary school admonished her about the trip, after a parent complained that a student had seen nude art in the museum. The particular artwork in question was not identified, but the collection of the Dallas Museum does include a sculpture of a nude youth, part of what had been an ancient Greek funerary monument, that dates back to 330 BC. (Those old Greeks were pagans too, you know!) There seems to be no adequate response to this jaw-dropping story. At this point, I despair to see what will become of us. When was the last time you saw Hillary Clinton making a forceful, informed, and passionate argument on behalf of art, poetry, or music? At best, we just get some warmed-over mush about how art in the schools will help our kids be more competitive in the global marketplace. How can we hope to reclaim half the ground lost in the wake of the opportunistic political attacks on art and culture that were launched a decade and a half ago? I’ll be happy to hear from any readers with ideas for how to start. (Contact me at luciddreaming@chronogram.com.) Way more than just which party controls Congress is at stake. If you can only see one show this month…go to Van Brunt Gallery in Beacon, which will feature a gently curated group of really talented painters. Joe Concra, Thomas Huber, and Thomas Sarrantonio will have the lion’s share of the space, each with his own highly individual and tactile approach to the medium. In addition, Colin Barclay will be showing a suite of his new paintings, pushing the limit of a limited palette (think landscapes seen by night) in his signature ethereal style. The opening takes place on November 4. “Joe Concra, Thomas Huber, and Thomas Sarrantonio: New Paintings” and “Colin Barclay: Night Paintings” will be on view November 4 through 27 at Van Brunt Gallery, 460 Main St., Beacon. An opening reception will be held on November 4 from 6 to 9pm. (845) 838-2995; www.vanbruntgallery.com. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM LUCID DREAMING 45
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gallery directory 46
GALLERY DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
galleries ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY AND ART 125 WASHINGTON AVENUE, ALBANY. (518) 463-4478.
“Between Here and Now.” Black and white prints by German Herrera. November 11-December 23.
“From Burial Place to Green Space.” Through December 31.
Opening Saturday, November 11, 5-7pm
ALBERT SHAHINIAN FINE ART GALLERY 196 MAIN STREET, POUGHKEEPSIE. 454-0522.
“New Work Initiatives 2006 No 5: Solo Exhibits.” Chris Metze and Leslie Bender. Through November 26.
CLARK ART INSTITUTE 225 SOUTH STREET, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA. (413) 458-2303.
“Alpine Views.” Alexandre Calame and the Swiss landscape. Through December 31.
“Homecoming: New England Landscapes.” Works by Gary Fifer. November 18-December 30. Opening Saturday, November 18, 5-7pm
COLUMBIA COUNTY COUNCIL ON THE ARTS 209 WARREN STREET, HUDSON. (518) 671-6213.
“The Yellow Show.” November 11-December 23.
ALDRICH CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM 258 MAIN STREET, RIDGEFIELD, CT. (203) 438-4519.
“Bitter Fruit.” Photographs by Paul Fusco. Through February 25. “No Reservations: Native American History and Culture in Contemporary Art.” Through February 25. “David Haislip: Artists at The Aldrich.” Pictures of artists installing work at the museum. Through January 21.
CUNNEEN HACKETT THEATER GALLERY 12 VASSAR STREET, POUGHKEEPSIE. 486-4571.
“Fabulous Felines.” Black & white and hand colored photographs by Claudia Gorman. Through November 26. Reception Sunday, November 19, 2-4:30pm
“Josh Azzarella: 2006 Emerging Artist Award Exhibition.” Through February 25.
DIA: BEACON
RT. 403 & 9D, GARRISON. 424-3020.
3 BEEKMAN STREET, BEACON. 440-0100.
gallery directory
ALICE CURTIS DESMOND & HAMILTON FISH LIBRARY
“Drawing Series.” 14 key works from Sol LeWitt. Through September 10.
“Hudson River Art: 200 Years of Inspiration Exhibit.” Through November 12.
DONSKOJ & COMPANY BARRETT ART CENTER 55 NOXON STREET, POUGHKEEPSIE. 471-2550.
“New Directions.” 22nd annual juried contemporary art exhibition. Through November 18.
93 BROADWAY, KINGSTON. 338-8473.
“Around the Neighborhood: A Walk in Kingston’s Rondout District.” Photographs by Jack Murphy. November 4-November 25. Opening Saturday, November 4, 5-8pm
116 WARREN STREET, HUDSON. (518) 828-4539.
EAST VILLAGE COLLECTIVE & PILGRIM GALLERY AND HOME
“Works by Eric Rhein and Joy Taylor.” Through November 19.
99 TINKER STREET, WOODSTOCK. 679-2174.
BCB ART
“3D Collage Boxes.” Works by John Scribner. November 11December 15.
BE GALLERY
Opening Saturday, November 11, 5-7pm
11 MOHONK ROAD, HIGH FALLS. 687-0660.
“Martha Castillo Clay Monoprints.” Unique textures and layers of clay printing techniques. Through November 20.
FABULOUS FURNITURE SCULPTURE GALLERY 3930 ROUTE 28, BOICEVILLE. 657-6317.
BELLE LEVINE GALLERY
“Sculpture Garden.” Sculpture and furniture from wood, metal, and car parts. Through November 15.
521 KENNICUT ROAD, MAHOPAC. 628-3105.
“44th Annual Juried Fine Arts Exhibit.” Through November 10.
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION ART GALLERY MAIN STREET, HUNTER. 263-4291.
“Once Upon a Bead.” Handiwork of 27 bead artists from throughout the U.S. Through November 12.
CCS BARD HESSEL MUSEUM
FIREHOUSE GLASS GALLERY & ARTIST COLLECTIVE 3 DUNN STREET, KINGSTON. 474-8218.
“New Drawings by Matthew Palin.” November 4-November 26. Opening Saturday, November 4, 6-8pm
GALERIE BMG
BARD COLLEGE, ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON. 758-7598.
12 TANNERY BROOK RD, WOODSTOCK. 679-0027.
“Wrestle.” More than 200 works from the Marieluise Hessel Collection. November 12-May 27.
“Garden Secrets by Steven Meyers.” Black-and-white botanical photographs, revealing the hidden secrets of nature. Through November 20.
Opening Sunday, November 12, 12-4pm
CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AT WOODSTOCK
“Entangled.” Photographs by Leah Macdonald. November 24December 31. Reception Friday, December 1, 6-8pm
59 TINKER STREET, WOODSTOCK. 679-9957.
“Passionate Attitudes.” Women artists explore the contemporary and complex issues facing creative women. November 11-December 23. Opening Saturday, November 11, 5-7pm
GALLERY ON THE GREEN 3 MEMORIAL AVENUE, PAWLING. 855-3900.
“Madame Butterfly Unbound.” Works by Leslie Lee. Through November 19.
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galleries GARRISON ART CENTER
KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM
23 GARRISON LANDING, GARRISON. 424-3960.
94 BROADWAY, NEWBURGH. 569-4997.
“Paintings by Fran Hodes and Audrey Hall.” Through November 19.
“Women in Aviation.” Documents and letters of females in aviation. Through December 31. “Paradise.” Recent works by Susan Miiller. Through November 1.
GCCA CATSKILL GALLERY 398 MAIN STREET, CATSKILL. (518) 943-3400.
“The Diverse Art of Karl Volk.” Paintings, prints, pastels, and mixed-media collages. November 2-November 30.
“Leslie Yolen: Ceramic Sculptures.” Through November 11. “RSVP.” Group exhibition by invitation of the GCCA Visual Arts Committee. Through November 11. “Salon 2006.” Non-juried group exhibition/sale of small art works in all media. November 18-January 18. Reception Saturday, November 18, 5-7pm
KIESENDAHL + CALHOUN GALLERY 122 GREAT OAK LANE, PLEASANTVILLE. (914) 844-6296.
“Thomas Locker: Nature’s Lessons.” November 10-December 1. Opening Friday, November 10, 5-8pm
GCCA MOUNTAINTOP GALLERY 398 MAIN STREET, WINDHAM. (518) 943-3400.
“Less is More.” Contemporary artists. Through November 5. “Holiday in the Mountains.” Annual non-juried member group craft exhibition and sale. November 11-January 7.
HALF MOON GALLERY
KINGSTON MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS 105 ABEEL STREET, KINGSTON. WWW.KMOCA.ORG.
“Dreams, Ghosts & Gravity.” Works by Denise Orzo. November 4-November 25. Opening Saturday, November 4, 7-7pm
12 MARKET STREET, SAUGERTIES. 246-9114.
“Earthbound.” Paintings by Jon Campbell, Zach Ippolito, and Joe Sossi. Through November 5.
KLEINERT/JAMES GALLERY 34 TINKER STREET, WOODSTOCK. 679-2079.
HOPPER HOUSE ART CENTER 82 N BROADWAY, NYACK. 358-0774.
“Annual Members Show.” November 3-November 26. Opening Friday, November 3, 5-7pm
gallery directory
“Focus On Figure.” Works by Andrew Simmonds, Russell Eike, Patty Mullins, and Jacqui Morgan. November 4-November 26. Reception Sunday, November 5, 2-5pm
LASCANO GALLERY 297 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA. (413) 528-0471.
HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER
“The Art of Assemblage.” Florin Firimita, Patricia Gaines, Lee Mussleman, Ian Ramsay, Bob Rosegarten, Joel Seaman. Through November 12.
477 MAIN STREET, BEACON. 831-4988.
“The Fillmore, the Avalon, and the Good ‘Ol Grateful Dead.” Exhibit from the Avalon Archives, the Museum of Rock and Roll. November 4-December 17. Opening Saturday, November 4, 3-5pm
HUDSON OPERA HOUSE 327 WARREN STREET, HUDSON. (518) 822-1438.
“Wallpaper Exhibition.” 18th & 19th century wallpaper relating to Hudson’s past. Through November 11.
HUDSON VALLEY CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART 1701 MAIN STREET, PEEKSKILL. (914) 788-7166.
“Reverence.” Work of 33 internationally renowned artists from 13 countries. Through February 26. “Only the Paranoid Survive.” Works addressing dissatisfaction with dominant controlling influences in our culture. Through January 21.
LOEB ART CENTER VASSAR COLLEGE, POUGHKEEPSIE. 452-1998.
“Black is Black Ain’t.” Exhibition of film posters from black films. Through November 12.
LYCIAN CENTER 1351 KINGS HIGHWAY, SUGAR LOAF. 496-4785.
“Journey Through 70 Years of Art.” John F. Gould Centennial Exhibit. November 1-December 31.
MARK GRUBER GALLERY NEW PALTZ PLAZA, NEW PALTZ. 255-1241.
“Treasured Views.” Works by Hardie Truesdale. Through November 29.
MILDRED I. WASHINGTON ART GALLERY SUNY DUTCHESS, POUGHKEEPSIE. 431-8000 EXT. 3982.
“Four Points of View: Figuration in Printmaking.” November 16December 15.
HUDSON VALLEY SHOWCASE 280 BROADWAY, NEWBURGH. 561-2270.
“Hudson Valley Artists.” Painters and photographers. Through November 30.
Reception Thursday, November 16, 5-6:30pm “Autumn’s Being.” Group art show. Through November 3.
MORGAN LEHMAN GALLERY 24 SHARON ROAD, LAKEVILLE, CT. (860) 435-0898.
JOHN DAVIS GALLERY 362 1/2 WARREN STREET, HUDSON. (518) 828-5907.
“Contemporary Figurative Paintings.” Works by James Meyer, Robert Andrew Parker and Duncan Hannah. Through December 3.
“Works by Suzanne Ulrich.” November 9-December 3. Reception Saturday, November 11, 6-8pm “La Wilson: Constructions.” Through November 5.
MUDDY CUP COFFEE HOUSE 129 MAIN STREET, BEACON. 440-7584.
“Bridges.” Abstract paintings by Susan Kleiner. Through December 3.
JOYCE GOLDSTEIN GALLERY 16 MAIN STREET, CHATHAM. (518) 392-2250.
“Tunisia.” Paintings and photographs by Mona Mark. Through November 25.
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GALLERY DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
MUSEUM OF THE HUDSON HIGHLAND KENRIDGE FARM, 9W, CORNWALL-ON-HUDSON. 534-5506.
“Plein Air Paintings.” November 5-December 31. Opening Sunday, November 5, 1-4pm
NICOLE FIACCO GALLERY
“Three - Three Artists - Six Sculptures.” Outdoor sculpture exhibition, with by Anthony Krauss, Basha Ruth Nelson and Shelley Parriott. Through November 20.
506 WARREN STREET, HUDSON. (518) 828-5090.
TEN TENTS ART LAB
“Eclipse.” Abstract paintings by Ramona Sakiestewa. November 11-December 22.
“Cloudscapes.” Works on paper by Mia Pearlman. Through November 12.
Opening Saturday, November 11, 6-8pm
Artist Talk Saturday, November 11, 2pm
OPEN STUDIO 402 MAIN STREET, CATSKILL. (518) 943-9531.
“Works by Carol Goebel.” Through November 10.
502 MAIN STREET, BEACON. 705-6233.
THE CAFE MACCHIATO 99 LIBERTY STREET, NEWBURGH. 542-5840.
“Landscape Paintings by Chris Fisher.” November 4-November 30. Opening Saturday, November 4, 1pm
PUTNAM COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM 63 CHESTNUT STREET, COLD SPRING. 265-4010.
“The Gilded Age: High Fashion in the Hudson Highlands, 1865 1914.” Over 30 dresses worn by residents of the Hudson Highlands. Through December 3.
PUTNAM NATIONAL GOLF CLUB 187 HILL STREET, MAHOPAC. 628-3105.
THE CATSKILLS GALLERY 106 PARTITION STREET, SAUGERTIES. 246-5552.
“Art and Nature: A Sculpture Exhibit.” Works by Patricia Mooney and Leah Ellen Kucera. Through November 12. “City Views.” Glow in the dark city maps displayed in black lighting. November 18-January 7. Opening Saturday, November 18, 5-7pm
“Inaugural Exhibit of Public Art.” Through December 31.
THE PEARL ARTS GALLERY RAINTREE GALLERY
3572 MAIN STREET, STONE RIDGE. 687-0888.
107 MAIN STREET, HIGH FALLS. 6872685.
“Works Rimer Cardillo and Judy Sigunick.” Through November 20.
“Work by Many Artists.” Featuring photographers, designers, painters, graphic designers. Through December 31.
TIVOLI ARTISTS CO-OP
46 CASTLE STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA. (413) 528-3300.
“Revelations.” Paintings and drawings by Robert Kipniss. Through November 7.
gallery directory
60 BROADWAY, TIVOLI. (518) 537-6214.
S.K.H. GALLERY
“More Than One: Work in a Series.” Works by Marie Cole, Susan Picard, Mary Untalan and Beth Valley-Heady. Through November 12.
“SKH/Political.” Artists address issues in the forefront of political debate. November 11-December 1.
UNISON ARTS AND LEARNING CENTER
Opening Saturday, November 11, 5-7pm
68 MOUNTAIN REST ROAD, NEW PALTZ. 255-1559.
“Jeremy Steig: Drawings and Paintings.” Through November 5.
SAMUEL DORSKY MUSEUM OF ART SUNY NEW PALTZ, NEW PALTZ. 257-3844.
“Art and Identity.” Selected work from the museums collections. Through December 10. “Anfas listwa nou - Facing Our History.” Photographs taken in Haiti by photo-journalist Daniel Morel. Through December 10. “Self-Portraits from The New Millennium.” Lilla LoCurto and William Outcault. Through November 19. “BA/MA I.” Student thesis exhibitions. December 1-December 6. Opening Friday, December 1, 6-8pm
SILENT SPACE GALLERY 596 BROADWAY, KINGSTON. 331-7400 EXT. 103.
“Precept and Perception.” New work by Chris Hawkins. November 4-November 30. Opening Saturday, November 4, 5pm
SPENCERTOWN ACADEMY ROUTE 203, SPENCERTOWN. (518) 392-3693.
“Paintings by Robin Tewes.” November 1-November 26.
“Come Gather Around.” Angelika Rinnhofer, Chris Albert, and Peter Iannarelli present personal narratives in multi-media. November 17-December 31. Opening Friday, November 17, 5-7pm
VAULT GALLERY 322 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON. (413) 528-0221.
“Flash.” Through November 11.
WALLKILL RIVER ART GALLERY 357 OLD FORGE HILL ROAD, NEW WINDSOR. 534-5506.
“Plein Air Paintings.” Through November 30. Reception Sunday, November 19, 3-6pm
WOODSTOCK ARTISTS ASSOCIATION AND MUSEUM 28 TINKER STREET, WOODSTOCK. 246-8262.
“Angela Gaffney-Smith: Drawings.” Solo show of figural drawings and monotypes. November 11-December 3. Opening Saturday, November 11, 4pm
YELLOW BIRD GALLERY 19 FRONT STREET, NEWBURGH. 5617204.
“The Valley Table Covers Exhibit.” November 6-November 30.
ST. GREGORY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2578 ROUTE 212, WOODSTOCK. 6798800.
Reception Thursday, November 9, 57pm “Sculptures by Hans Van de Bovenkamp.” Through November 12.
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Music
BY PETER AARON
RE-IGNITION HARDCORE'S LEGENDARY BAD BRAINS REKINDLE THE FLAME PHOTO BY FIONN REILLY DR. KNOW AND H.R. AT THE FIRST OF THE BAND’S THREE SOLD-OUT SHOWS AT CBGB IN OCTOBER
O
ne early evening in the fall of 1981, I put on the leather jacket I had worked all summer bagging groceries to buy, met up with the two other punks in my suburban New Jersey high school, and got on a bus headed into New York City. I was excited and nervous. It was my first trip to CBGB, the infamous incubator of punk rock itself. Serious business. The bill that night was a handful of young bands playing a much faster, tougher variant of the sound mapped out by the music’s mid-’70s pioneers, a new style with a new name: hardcore punk. The headliner? A recently transplanted quartet from Washington, DC, who my buddies and I were only slightly familiar with—Bad Brains. If you never made it to the now-gone landmark, CBGB was a narrow, dark, dank sweatbox that stank of stale beer, urine, and marijuana resin. Its walls were encrusted with layer upon layer of stickers, gig flyers, and spray-painted and magic-markered graffiti. Its floors were sticky, its door people and bartenders nonsmiling, unfeeling seen-it-alls who had absolutely zero time for peach-fuzzed corndogs like me and my companions. And it had the best sound system of any rock club in the city: towering, custom-built speaker stacks that pumped out tsunamis of bone-crushing decibels. I fell in love with the place. After sets by three or four enjoyable but very much of-the-time bands, the crucial moment arrived. Bad Brains’ guitarist, followed by the likewise dreadlocked drummer and bassist, walked on stage, plugged in, and tested his amp with one mighty, room-rattling E chord. I will never forget that chord. It told me that everything I thought about rock ‘n’ roll was about to change. Very soon. The singer, a wiry, gap-toothed dude with the wildest dreads of the bunch sauntered on like a panther. The band eased into a jazzy flourish more like something from a hotel lounge than a punk club. Smiling and greeting his “friends,” he flopped like a rag doll into the audience, which passed him around and returned him gently to the bandstand. Then it all stopped. The drummer went into a tight roll on his snare, picking up speed like a coin falling on a concrete floor. He cut it off—cold. And, then, with no cue or count-in, the universe exploded. 50 MUSIC CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
A wave of frenetic, mountain-plowing locomotion engulfed me. Bodies were immediately flying everywhere, careening off the walls and one another as the monolithic roar dominated everything. And, in the middle of it all, the tornado in the eye of the hurricane, was the whirling, possessed vocalist, snarling, shrieking, and moaning, with the fiery eyes of a preacher. I have seen many great live rock ’n’ roll bands in the nearly 25 years since that night. But none of them have been able to touch 1980s Bad Brains. Not even close. Besides being an all-black band in an overwhelmingly white scene, there have always been several other aspects setting the group apart: the superhuman velocity of their sound; the jaw-dropping precision of their musicianship; the way they pepper their raging sets with consoling reggae. But there’s also something else, something far bigger, at work. The Bad Brains are punk mystics. It’s one of those things that can be felt much easier than explained, but the deeply spiritual art of this quartet burns with an inner mounting flame more common to the music of Ravi Shankar, John Coltrane, or Native American elders than with rock ‘n’ roll. Much of this magic fire can be linked directly to an unlikely source: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. The book is an early self-help classic that the band—guitarist Dr. Know (aka Gary Miller), bassist Daryl Jenifer, drummer Earl Hudson, and vocalist H.R. (aka Paul Hudson, Earl’s brother; his initials have stood for both Huntin’ Rod and Human Rights)—took as its bible, substituting goals of artistic and personal success for the work’s stated aim of guiding readers to monetary wealth. Central to Hill’s teachings is the concept of Positive Mental Attitude—or PMA—a philosophy that has kept the band’s eyes on the prize through thick and thin throughout its nearly three decades. “PMA has helped us maintain the conviction of what we intended to do when we started out,” says Jenifer. “Which was to be the greatest punk rock band of all.” Bad Brains began in 1977 as Mind Power, a group playing not punk, but jazz-funk fusion. Wasn’t such technique-centric lineage a no-no for back-tobasics punk rockers? “Not to us,” says Jenifer. “We were blessed with the versatility. DC is the
“Not to us,” says Jenifer. “We were blessed with the versatility. DC is the home of go-go music, which is what most people there expected a black band to be doin’. We liked that music, too, but we still wanted to be different. So it was a blessing and a curse to be in the middle of all that.” A friend and early band member turned the others onto punk, playing them records by the Ramones, Sex Pistols, Dead Boys, and others. Taking its new name from a Ramones song, the group moved onto club dates but was shut out of nearly every local venue, thanks to the sometimes violent reactions of its audiences. After discovering reggae via UK punks like The Clash and the Slits, the four members converted to Rastafari and headed for New York in 1981. There, they became the new prime movers of the nascent Big Apple hardcore scene, drawing well at CBGB and Irving Plaza and inspiring dozens of younger bands. In late ’81 the group released its galvanizing, self-titled debut and began touring relentlessly, catching the ear of The Cars’ Ric Ocasek, who produced the follow-up, 1983’s Rock for Light. After the first of many hiatuses, the group reconvened in 1986 to record its masterpiece, I Against I. A thunderous, ground-shaking set melding punk with dub and hard rock, the album showcases H.R.’s chameleon-like vocal talents as he darts between a deep baritone, rapid-fire rap, and his signature otherworldly falsetto. The album won the foursome heaps of critical praise and a new generation of fans. Major labels began sniffing around. But another piece of Bad Brains lore has it that commercial defeat will frequently be snatched from the jaws of victory. While he’s a riveting, shamanistic front man, cannons don’t come much looser than H.R., whose legendary instability has alienated many potential allies and helped quash several big-label deals. “Like most genius artists, the Bad Brains are flawed when it comes to other [non-artistic] areas,” says Steve Blush, author of American Hardcore: A Tribal History and coproducer of the new documentary American Hardcore (Sony Pictures Classics), in which the band features heavily. “They have a history of constant business problems, of all the wrong things happening at the wrong times.” He points to H.R. famously walking out on a deal with Island records in 1985. Jenifer moved his family to Woodstock in 1984. “The Great Spirit showed me I could get a nice, big place up here for what I was paying for my apartment in Brooklyn,” he says. “Even when I lived in the ’hood, I always dug the woods.” Dr. Know followed him up the next year, while Earl went south to Atlanta. H.R. seems to be doing better now, but has struggled with mental health issues and frequently lived on the streets. The Bad Brains are an acknowledged touchstone of platinum-harvesters like Rage Against the Machine, Living Color, and White Zombie. But does the band harbor any bitterness at those who have woven the threads of its sound into solid-gold success? “Nah,” says Jenifer with a smile and a shrug. “You know what they say: ‘Each one teach one.’” The outfit’s combined soul is infinitely bigger than that of the individual players, and has always managed to corral them back together. Right now this spirit is manifesting itself in several fortuitous ways: a forthcoming album, The Oscilloscope Recordings, on Megaforce; a possible tour; the appearance in American Hardcore; a satellite radio show hosted by Jenifer; a DVD of 1982 CBGB performances; and three sold-out dates during the club’s final week. So there I was, back at CB’s in early October for the first of those shows. Full circle. Shoehorned around me were kids holding blue-glowing cell phones, twenty-somethings who were nowhere near born that first time I came here. Still smelled the same, though. And the edificial PA was still kicking, resonating with chest-thumping dub classics. I was nervous and excited all over again. Would we catch lightning in a bottle once more? Well, in a way. The band cooked as ferociously as ever, but H.R., wearing shades, a crash helmet, and a demented smile, was uncharacteristically immobile as he vocalized into a malfunctioning headphone mic. It wasn’t what I was hoping for, but maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing. “H.R. ain’t no jukebox,” Jenifer says later. “The Bad Brains ain’t no philharmonic orchestra, son. I didn’t always get it, but I see what H.R. was doin’ now. He doesn’t wanna do the same thing every gig. He wants to make it more interesting for himself, more of a challenge for the audience. Maybe that pisses some people off,” Jenifer pounds the bar top to punctuate his point. “but, hey, the man is punk rock. That’s how it is.” To that end, while much of the glory-seeking audience is unsure what to make of the show, many in the room are bowled over by H.R.’s bemused, performance-art juxtaposition of Rasta benevolence against the group’s punk fury. And it’s clearly intentional, as all reports say the following two nights were classic, off-the-hook Bad Brains sets. “I wish you coulda caught the second night,” Jenifer says. “That was just perfect, man.” So what was it, then, that the Bad Brains taught me about rock ‘n’ roll? That’s easy, and it’s a lesson I took with me when I went onstage myself at CBGB, years after that first visit: Always go all out, always challenge yourself and your audience. But they also taught me some other things, things that have helped me in much bigger ways outside the finite sphere of rock: If one plan fails, try another; turn defeat into success. Always keep that PMA. And never, never give in, no matter what life brings. I still have that jacket, by the way, hanging in my closet. It’s been through a lot and doesn’t fit me so well anymore. But somehow I couldn’t live without it. And I still like to take it out once in a while, if only to marvel at how well it was made. The Bad Brains Live at CBGB 1982 DVD is out now on MVD Visual; Daryl Jenifer’s “Hostile Takeover” premiers on Sirius Satellite Radio this month; The Defiant Ones, featuring Daryl Jenifer and Dr. Know, perform at the Bearsville Theater on November 25; www.badbrains.com. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM MUSIC 51
NIGHTLIFE HIGHLIGHTS
Handpicked by local scenemaker DJ WAVY DAVY for your listening pleasure. BETTY MACDONALD TRIO TRIBUTE TO BILLIE HOLIDAY November 3. In what promises to be a night of great jazz, stalwart vocalist/violinist MacDonald offers a tribute to the great Lady Day, with Peter Tomlinson on piano and the evergreen Jim Curtin on bass/vocals. Presented in cabaret style, Betty presents Billie via many of the latter’s great standards, woven together with stories from Holiday’s autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues. Credit Unison Arts Center for another unique event supporting jazz, America’s only indigenous art form. 8pm. $16/$12 members. New Paltz. (845) 255-1559. www.unisonarts.org.
THE SUGAR BEATS November 4. Not often in this space will you see a band we haven’t seen, but the SBs sound just so darn fun we can’t ignore ’em, and they’re at a new venue to boot, Seany B’s 101 (the minimum number of different bottled beers available on any night). The ’Beats offer the highly danceable sounds of American and British
rock, garage, and psychedelic bands of the ’60s, and Seany B’s provides live music five nights a week. Shagadelic, baby! 10pm. Call for cover info. Millbrook. (845) 677-2282. www.sugarbeatsrock.com.
GRAHAM PARKER’S HOLIDAY SHOW November 4. Do a little homework at www.GrahamParker.net and you’ll learn about the nativity of this early Yuletide happening. In the 1990s, between record label deals, Parker recorded several Christmas songs for the now-departed Dakota Arts imprint. Fifteen years later, the label’s former owners presented Parker with their remaining copies of the out-of-print Graham Parker’s Christmas Cracker CD, which is now available in limited quantities from his website. Any recording by Parker is a good one, and to see him live in an intimate setting like the Rosendale Café is an even better gift. 8pm. $15. Rosendale. (845) 658-9048. www.rosendalecafe.com.
CHRIS TRAPPER/JESS KLEIN November 10. Trapper is well known to area music fans as lead singer/songwriter of the Push Stars, who has played dozens, if not hundreds, of local gigs since 1989. (Who out there was at their amazing WDST “Acoustic Breakfast” live broadcast from the West Strand Grill that drew 150 people at 7am?) Trapper’s smoky voice, smooth guitar style, and model hairdo earned swoons from the ladies and respect from the guys, including fan Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty. Joining Trapper at the Towne Crier is New Yorkbased chanteuse Jess Klein, who tells us “people are always commenting on how big my voice is for my body, and asking me how all this power can come out of a little white girl.” 9pm. $20/members $17.50. Pawling. (845) 855-1300. www.townecrier.com.
GARAGE RUMBLE 2 November 11. You have to love the youthful exuberance of Kristen Garnier, founder/producer of Woodstock’s Garage Rumble series. This tireless rocker chick puts together almost a dozen totally hot teen bands for each session, with this year’s Colony Café lineup yet to be announced. The event judges, however, comprise a Who’s Who of seminal rock talent, including iconic punk svengali Danny Fields, the legendary Genya Raven (to whom Pat Benatar owes props), and local guitarist/music writer David Malachowski. Expect the same electric energy as the first Rumble but with grander prizes, including session time at Nevessa Studio, an appearance on Time Warner Cable’s “Poughkeepsie Live” music show, and a growing list of sponsor-donated instruments. 3pm. $8/$5 students. Woodstock. (845) 679-3485. www.garagerumble.com.
DEAN SCALA November 18. Scala is like a masterpiece in progress. He first made a name for himself on the blue-eyed soul circuit, where his covers of funk and rock classics have always packed the dance floor. But neither Dean nor his dynamic band ever stand still, and have lately been working more original tunes into the mix. Either way, they always bring the party, and here to the Keltic House, a new southern-Dutchess venue that musically has been kickin’ it large. 9pm. Call for cover info. Fishkill. (845) 896-1110. www.deanscala.com.
HOT TUNA November 26. Give thanks to the Bardavon organization for its ever-reaching influence on Hudson Valley live performance, now including Kingston’s UPAC, one of the area’s finest venues. Your ex-neighbor, Jorma, and his friend Jack bring it back to the Bardavon for this now-annual reunion. NH’s friend and colleague, John Barry, put it much better than we ever could when he wrote in the Poughkeepsie Journal, “Most Americans like turkey for Thanksgiving. Here in the Hudson Valley, however, many celebrate this holiday with a heaping helping of tuna. Hot Tuna, thank you very much.” 7pm, $30.50/$27.50 students & seniors/$25.50 members. Poughkeepsie. (845) 473-2072 or 845-339-6088. www.bardavon.org.
MANGO FROM GARAGE RUMBLE 2005
52 MUSIC CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
CD REVIEWS CARR NORD HOFMANN MADDOX BIOSPHERE LEO RECORDS, 2006
The scope of violinist Richard Carr’s CV is impossibly broad. The Rosendale resident has performed and/or recorded with everyone from the Boston Philharmonic to Bootsy Collins to the Swans. This freely improvising quartet finds him teamed with High Falls guitarist and electronics wiz Mike Nord, Swiss percussionist Georg Hofmann, and Oregonian Art Maddox on piano. Recorded live in 2005 at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, Biosphere is a moody maze of controlled tension, a restraint-wracked encounter that teases at outburst and keeps the listener deliciously on pins and needles for most of its nearly 70 minutes. The first three tracks form the title suite, a piece that features Carr’s scraped strings and Hofmann’s clicking sticks cast atop the sparsely slammed chords of Maddox and the burbling blips of Nord’s machines. Further gripping moments come during “Aftermath,” which squeaks and shimmers like seagulls on a wave-washed shoreline; and in the second portion of the fittingly named “Diptych,” where Maddox plinks like a grandfather clock in the bowels of an old house. Spooky. Recently the foursome toured Japan with an improvisational dance troupe, and as we write Carr is at work on obtaining funds to bring the company to the US for performances. www.leorecords.com. —Peter Aaron
OPEN BOOK THE THINGS WE KEEP OPEN BOOK MUSIC, 2006
Hot on the heels of their emerging artist showcase gig at this year’s Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, singer-guitarists Michelle Rubin and Rick Gedney—Open Book—return with their second solid, folk-filled CD. Though I find myself preferring their intuitive and organic vocal blend to when either songwriter takes the lead, The Things We Keep,, like its tuneful predecessor, 2002’s Out of Time,, is an engaging amalgam of harmony vocals, tasty folk rock, and, most importantly, intelligent and astute songwriting that fully realizes that whatever the two songwriters are living through, most of their audience has also experienced. Unlike many contemporaries, the duo and its producer-guitarist, Billy Masters, know not to overproduce the music, and instead let the songs speak not only for themselves but to Open Book’s deservedly growing audience. Evidence of this can be heard throughout the disc but radiates especially on the poppy lope of “Sing Me Love”; the evocative immediacy of my favorite track, “Springfield Avenue,” which could be about any Main Street in the Hudson Valley; and the funky, unwinding “There for You.” Other folk rockers include the closing “See You Next Time” and the chunky “New Direction Home.” Open Book plays Peekskill Coffeehouse on November 3. www.openbook.com —Mike Jurkovic
CASSANDRA WILSON THUNDERBIRD BLUE NOTE, 2006
From the first conga beat of “Go to Mexico,” one knows this will not be your typical Cassandra Wilson record. Although, what is a typical record from this “contemporary jazz artist” and, yes, another of your Hudson Valley neighbors? Wilson’s song interpretations have always been broad, using lush fields of sound to convey the sometimes pent-up emotions of other jazz vocalists. Here, this Jackson, Mississippi, Delta lady teams up with veteran honky-tonk producer T-Bone Burnett ((O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, Los Lobos, and many others) to bring her lyrical gift some Southern comfort. Wilson’s voice, accompanied by her own acoustic guitar, is joined by (swoon) guitarist Marc Ribot, Keb’Mo, and about 10 other players, all carriage men ready to take her on a deep trip back to Deep Ellum.Versions of classics like “Red River Valley” (with stunning slide guitar work by Colin Linden) hang alongside insightful album originals like “Poet” and “Tarot.” The entire mood evokes the Bayou jazz of Olu Dara, who has opened for Wilson many a time. Having firmly established herself as a modern chanteuse to be reckoned with, Wilson shrugs off any hint that this album is a gimmick; it’s more of a classic in the finest cross-genre soul tradition of Roberta Flack and Aretha Franklin. —DJ Wavy Davy 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM MUSIC 53
Food
Taste of a Kiss BESO in New Paltz
I
by Harold Jacobs photographs by Jennifer May
t started with a peck and grew into a kiss. Chadwick Greer and Tammy Ogletree, who own and operate Beso Restaurant & Bar in New Paltz, chose the name Beso (“kiss” in Spanish) as a tribute to where they first met and fell in love: In San Francisco, at a French bistro named Bizou, which means “little kiss,” Ogletree was first swept away by Greer’s heirloom tomato soup garnished with basil oil, and then, by him. After Greer graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco in 1995, he apprenticed with some extraordinary chefs. In San Francisco, he worked under Michael Minna at Aqua, a four-star restaurant noted for its seafood. When Greer relocated to Manhattan, Jean-Georges Vongrichten placed Greer in charge of the fish station at his flagship restaurant, Jean-Georges, and eventually promoted him to sous chef at Vong. Greer then moved to Tom Valenti’s noted bistro-style restaurant, Ouest, where he served as the opening chef de cuisine. When Greer and Ogletree heard from a friend that the Loft restaurant in New Paltz was for sale, they bought it and opened Beso in May 2005. Beso’s dining space occupies two floors defined during daylight hours by the natural light pouring through the skylights and windows that dominate the facade. Toward dusk, ceiling fixtures and recessed lights provide a subdued glow to dining areas demarcated by Tuscan red and yellow-painted walls. Dark wood tables covered with light brown paper add a touch of informality to the ambiance. A classic mahogany bar, with seating for 10, occupies a relatively narrow corridor in the rear of the restaurant where patrons both drink and eat, either a casual snack or a full dinner. In the evening, candlelight contributes to an aura of romantic intimacy. Unfortunately, the volume and choice of background music and the restaurant’s noisy acoustics often make it difficult to carry on a comfortable conversation. Greer prides himself on his seasonally inspired menu, which features local,
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fresh food from artisanal producers. He orders duck and poultry from Stone Church Farms in Rifton and fish and seafood from Gadeleto’s in New Paltz, and uses premium, naturally raised Hereford beef. He gets his produce from organic farmer Pete Taliaferro, also in New Paltz. Greer’s contemporary American cuisine emphasizes complex pairings of these quality ingredients coupled with bold flavors. He pays assiduous attention to the details, from start to finish, that make up a menu item. He not only tastes a sauce or soup when it’s done, but throughout all the steps that go into constructing it. Combining technical skill with a sophisticated palate, he consistently produces properly cooked and well-integrated dishes. Beso is thriving even with the growing competition in the region. Although its prices are a shade higher than other local restaurants, Greer points out that “profit margins are not high and that the prices reflect the uncompromising quality of the ingredients we serve.” People who appreciate Greer’s commitment to excellence have made the restaurant a destination of choice, demonstrating that the Hudson Valley is home to a growing number of discerning diners. Appetizers on the fall menu include a crisp and tender version of calamari. After lightly flour-coating and deep frying the calamari, Greer seasons it with lime juice and cilantro and tosses it with a roasted chipotle sauce and a pleasantly crunchy chiffonade of Napa cabbage. The hot chipotle sauce provides a smoky, sweet, almost chocolaty flavor that marries nicely with the natural sweetness of the calamari. In his tuna tartare, he mixes fresh, sushi-grade tuna with diced pear, toasted pine nuts, chopped garlic, quail egg, fresh mint, and a triage of jalapeno, habanero, and cherry peppers. He finishes the tartare with a sprinkling of chili powder and a dash of sesame oil and serves it with toast points. The heat of the peppers enhances the sumptuous tuna, making this dish a treat for people who like a real bite to their tartare. Greer’s creations also include a deeply satisfying warm goat cheese-and-onion tart. In this three-layered dish, a
(CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT) LAMB DUO—GARLIC-AND-ROSEMARY-CRUSTED NEW ZEALAND LAMB CHOPS WITH HOUSE-MADE CANNELLONI (ROLLED WITH BRAISED LAMB SHANK MEAT), AND WILTED MUSTARD GREENS AND LAMB JUS; HUSBAND-AND-WIFE OWNERS CHADWICK GREER AND TAMMY OGLETREE; GOAT CHEESE-AND-CARAMELIZED ONION TART WITH ROASTED BEETS AND A REDUCED, AGED BALSAMIC VINEGAR, SERVED WITH ORGANIC GREENS, KALAMATA OLIVES, AND GRAPES. (OPPOSITE) UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS IN BESO’S DINING ROOM.
savory tart shell is first filled with caramelized onion, then covered with roasted red beets lightly dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette, and topped with a mixture containing fresh goat cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, eggs, salt, pepper, and fine herbs. The plate is garnished with wild arugula and kalamata olives. Greer’s signature entrée, found on the menu throughout the year, is slowly braised beef short ribs glazed with honey and chipotle accompanied by sautéed organic bitter greens and house-made cornbread. The excellent quality and marbling of the beef yields succulent, fork-cutting tenderness and big-beef flavor while the greens balance the sweetness in the glaze. Dotted with corn kernels and topped with a crisp crust, the moist cornbread is irresistible. Beef lovers also will enjoy a tender, juicy, and flavorful pan-roasted filet mignon encrusted with porcini mushroom powder served with Yukon gold potatoes, grilled organic squash, and a chanterelle mousseline sauce. Pan-roasted lamb chops, coated with rosemary and mustard, are generously paired with a braised lamb shank and served over house-made spaetzle with mustard greens and a lamb jus. The duck offering features a confit of leg along with a perfectly roasted breast. The sliced duck breast, placed over a kabocha squash puree, is topped with a maple hazelnut sauce and accompanied by Brussels sprouts. There is also a fresh fillet of Arctic char that is roasted on a cedar plank to medium rare and served with oyster mushrooms and turnips, caramelized cipollini onions, and fava beans. The frothy light-green sorrel emulsion forms a moat around the pinkish-red fillet, providing an attractive and tart addition to this enticing dish. Ogletree runs the front of the house, makes all the deserts, and selects the wines. Her desserts include a dense, rich chocolate cake served warm with hazelnut ice cream, chocolate sauce, and a sprinkling of crushed toasted hazelnuts. The almost-flourless cake is made with Callebaut bittersweet chocolate and an extra-brut cocoa powder. On the lighter side, in her version of an Italianinspired lemon tart, she sets a lemon zabaglione in a pine nut crust accented
with lemon zest. The zabaglione is bruléed and topped with lemon confit and a slightly sweetened whipped cream. Either dessert provides a scrumptious finale to a fine dinner. Appetizers average $10, entrees range from $20 to $33, and desserts cost about $8. Ogletree samples and approves every wine she places on the wine list. She favors small-production wineries “to offer people a taste of something different and to be supportive of more modest and lesser known vineyards.” The international listings vary from $21 to $120 a bottle. Wines also can be ordered at $6 to $12 per glass. Among the dozen white and red wines offered by the glass, the Viña Ventisquero (“Yelcho,” Casablanca Valley, 2004), a dry, Chilean sauvignon blanc, has intense tropical and citrus fruit aromas, good structure, balanced acidity, and a long finish ($28/bottle, $7/glass). It provides a seamless match with many of the appetizers. The Château Cap de Merle (Lussac-Saint Emilion, 2004), a blend of merlot and cabernet franc, is a balanced, round wine with notes of cocoa and dark berry-fruits and a pleasantly soft earthiness ($40/bottle, $9/glass). It pairs well with beef, lamb, or duck. Chadwick Greer and Tammy Ogletree evoke a Napa Valley sensibility, bringing to the Hudson Valley food that combines freshness, quality, and flavor with innovative, bistro-style cooking. Beso is an exciting place to discover valuepriced boutique wines that are well matched to its generously portioned dishes. The lively atmosphere, while not always conducive to conversation, offers an upbeat setting in which to enjoy the exceptional food. Beso Restaurant & Bar 46 Main Street, New Paltz; (845) 255-1426 Monday and Thursday, dinner: 5pm to 10 pm Friday and Saturday, dinner: 5 pm to 11 pm Sunday brunch: 11:30 am to 3:30 pm; dinner: 4 pm to 9 pm
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tastings directory BAKERIES
Fresh Company At our kitchen in the Hudson Highlands, we
The Alternative Baker
gather great local and imported ingredients
“The Village Baker of the Rondout.” 100%
for events of all sizes and pocketbooks,
Scratch Bakery. Stickybuns, Scones, Muffins, Breads, Focaccia, Tartes, Tortes, Seasonal Desserts featuring local produce, plus Sugar-free, Wheat-free, Dairyfree, Vegan, Gluten-free, and Organic Treats! Cakes and Wedding Cakes by Special Order. We ship our Lemon Cakes nationwide, $30 2-pound bundts. Open Thursday-Monday 8am-6pm; Sunday 8am-
from grand affairs to drop-off parties. True to our name, we emphasize the freshest, finest ingredients, because great food is the spark that ignites a convivial gathering. Our style is reflected in meals that encourage hospitality and leisure at the table, the elemental enjoyment of eating and drinking well. Garrison, NY. (845) 4248204. www.FreshCompany.net.
4pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Well Worth The Trip! 35 Broadway, at the historic waterfront district, Kingston. Thursday-Monday 8AM-6PM. Sunday 8AMBroadway, Kingston, NY. (845) 331-5517 or (800) 399-3589. www.lemoncakes.com. CATERING
Fresh, Seasonal, Balanced Meals Delivered to your Home. It’s the newest solution for your
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4PM. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 35
Ladybird Home Catering
“what’s for dinner?” problems. Feast your eyes on Ladybird’s new sensational menus online every week. Affordable Catering, Beautiful Party Platters and Gift Certificates available. Chef/Owner Tanya L. Lopez. (845) 568-7280. ladybirdhomecatering@yahoo.com.
Blue Mountain Bistro Catering Co.
www.ladybirdcatering.com.
On and off-premise catering. Sophisticated Zagat-rated food and atmosphere in a rustic country setting, wide plank floors, rough hewn beams and a stunning zinc bar. Chef-owner Erickson’s Mediterranean cuisine has garnered praise from Gourmet and New York Magazines to Hudson Valley Magazine (Best Tapas in the Hudson Valley 2004). 1633 Glasco Turnpike, Woodstock, NY 12498. (845) 679-8519.
Pad Thai Catering Delicious, affordable, and authentic Thai cuisine served with authentic Thai hospitality to your group of six or more. Lunch or dinner served in your home by Chef & Owner Nuch Chaweewan. Please call for prices and information. (845) 687-2334.
www.bluemountainbistro.com. FARMERS MARKET Claudia’s Kitchen Personalized celebrations and weddings, using fresh local ingredients to create delicious and elegant menus. Homemade artisanal breads, Hudson Valley cheese, fabulous appetizers, meat and vegetarian entrees, out-of-this-world desserts. Claudia works one on one to custom design your menu, your party, your wedding or special event. (845) 868-7338 or (914) 475-9695. www.claudiascatering.com.
Rhinebeck Farmers Market The Hudson Valley’s best farmers bringing you farm-fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, wine, honey, bread, flowers, jam, pickles, herbs and much more. Free live music every week. Tastings and special events all season long. Municipal Parking Lot on East Market St. Sundays 10am-2pm. www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com.
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HOME MEAL DELIVERY Healthy Gourmet to Go See Vegan Lifestyle in the Whole Living Directory. (845) 339-7171. www.carrottalk.com. NATURAL FOOD MARKETS Beacon Natural Market Lighting the Way for a Healthier World...Located in the heart of historic Beacon at 348 Main Street. Featuring ���������������������������� ������������������������������������� ��� ������� �������������������������������� ������������
organic prepared foods deli & juice bar as well as organic and regional produce, meats and cheeses. Newly opened in Aug. ‘05, proprietors L.T. & Kitty Sherpa are dedicated to serving the Hudson Valley with a complete selection of products that are good for you and good for the planet, including an extensive alternative health dept. Nutritionist on staff. 348 Main Street,
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Beacon, NY. (845) 838-1288. PASTA La Bella Pasta Fresh pasta made locally. Large variety of ravioli, tortellini, pastas, and sauces at the factory outlet. We manufacture and deliver our excellent selection of pastas to fine restaurants, gourmet shops, and caterers throughout the Hudson Valley. Call for our full product list and samples. Located on Route 28W between Kingston and Woodstock. Open to the public Monday through Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 3pm. Route 28W. (845) 331-9130. www.labellapasta.com. PUBS Snapper Magee’s Heralded as having “the best jukebox in the Hudson Valley” by the Poughkeepsie
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Journal, The Kingston Times, and Scenery
The Emerson at Woodstock
Magazine. Snapper Magee’s is the Swit-
Crave fresh seafood? Need your red meat
zerland of pubs, a rock & roll oasis where everyone is welcome. Daily happy hour specials from 4-7 weekdays and noon-2 on weekends. Always open late. 59 N. Front Street, Kingston, NY. (845) 339-3888.
fix? Have a hankering for slow-cooked pork chops or organic chicken? Looking for lighter fare with right-off-the-farm vegetarian dishes? Experience the Emerson at Woodstock. Enjoy fine wines, micro-brews or specialty drinks from the Emerson’s
RESTAURANTS
magnificent bar while you enjoy the atmosphere of the transformed 19th Century
Aroma Osteria Aroma Osteria. 114 Old Post Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. (845) 298-6790.
farmhouse. Surf the web at the Emerson’s new internet café with free Wi-Fi. The Emerson is now taking reservations for holiday parties and other private occasions. Open for dinner and Sunday brunch. For hours
Beso
and menu, visit www.emersonresort.com
Located on Main St. in the heart of New Paltz
or call (845)679-7500 for reservations.
is Beso. Spanish for “kiss,” Beso offers casual
Open for dinner, Tu.-Sun. 5:30pm to 10pm
fine dining by Chef Owners Chad Greer and
(9pm Sun.), Brunch Sat. & Sun. 10am to
Tammy Ogletree. Fresh, modern American
3pm. 109 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, NY.
cuisine, seasonally inspired by local Hudson
(845) 679-7500. www.emersonresort.com.
Valley farmers, using as many organic ingredients, including beef and poultry, as possible. Get cozy in the intimate dining room under skylights and glowing candlelit tables, or sit at the bar for a more casual experience. Housemade pastas include gnocchi and cannelloni, Grilled Swordftish, or Braised Beef Short Ribs. And for dessert, Maple Mascarpone Cheesechildren welcome. Dinner 5 -10pm, Sunday Brunch from 11:30am - 4pm, Sunday Dinner 4pm - 9pm, Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. 46 Main St., New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-1426. www.beso-restaurant.com.
Chef Jacques Qualin, former NY Times critically acclaimed chef of Le Perigord in NYC, impresses with his innovative style of cuisine which cleverly combines ingredients typical of his native Franche-Comtè, France with the sumptuous ingredients available from the Hudson Valley. All of
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cake. International wine list. Private parties,
The French Corner
The French Corner recipes are made on premise by Chef Jacques including the breads, pastries, and desserts. Route 213 West, just off Route 209, Stone Ridge. Dinner-Wednesday through Sunday from 5 pm, Prix Fixe $25 available every evening.
Catamount Restaurant
Brunch Sundays from 11am. Routes 213
Located near Phoenicia and Woodstock, the
West and 209, Stone Ridge, NY. (845)
Catamount Restaurant has been a locals
687-0810. www.frcorner.com.
and visitors favorite for years. Experience the pastoral beauty of the surrounding Catskills as you dine creekside in the warm, inviting dining room. Enjoy the locally-inspired menu that features perfectly seasoned steaks and chops, creatively prepared fish and poultry and several vegetarian dishes. And don’t miss the desserts created from the Emerson Bakery. “The Cat” as locals call it, has a full bar including a great selection of local and regional micro-brews and international wines that can be enjoyed next to one of
Gilded Otter A warm and inviting dining room and pub overlooking beautiful sunsets over the Wallkill River and Shawangunk Cliffs. Mouthwatering dinners prepared by Executive Chef Larry Chu, and handcrafted beers brewed by GABF Gold Medal Winning Brewmaster Darren Currier. Chef driven & brewed locally! 3 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 256-1700.
our two large stone fireplaces. Panoramic views are the signature of The Cat, a perfect location for weddings and banquets under the outdoor pavilion. The Catamount is open for dinner Wed.-Sat. 5pm to 10pm; Sunday brunch from 9am to 2pm, dinner until 8pm. 5368 Route 28, Mt. Tremper, NY 12457. Call (845) 688-2828 for reservations. www.emersonresort.com.
Hana Sushi Best authentic sushi in the Hudson Valley! Superb Japanese sushi chefs serve the best authentic sushi with extended Dining Area. Sit at the counter or tables and enjoy all your favorites from Chicken Teriyaki and Udon to Yellowtail and Special rolls. Eat-in, Take-out, and private room is available. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM TASTINGS DIRECTORY
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Tuesday-Friday Lunch 11: 30am-2:30pm. TuesdayThursday Dinner 5-9pm. Friday Dinner 5-10pm. Saturday Dinner 4:30-10pm. 7270 South Broadway, Red Hook, NY. (845) 758-4333. www.hana-sushi.com.
Hickory BBQ Smokehouse Located on historic Route 28 between Kingston and Woodstock, Hickory offers diners Hudson Valley’s finest barbecue and smokehouse cuisine such as ribs, pulled pork, smoked beef, fish and free-range chicken. Whether enjoying your meal by the fireplace in Hickory’s threestar dining room or sipping a cocktail at the wood bar, Hickory’s staff is trained to make you feel as comfortable as you would at home. Hickory also features several vegetarian options, steaks, homemade desserts, happy hour specials, a complete
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take-out menu, and catering and special events in our private dining room. You can enjoy live music featuring the area’s hottest bands on Friday and Saturday night. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 743 Route 28 (3.5 miles from NYS Thruway Exit 19.), Kingston, NY. (845) 338-2424. www.hickoryrestaurant.com.
Joyous Café Is it any wonder that Joyous Café is the most exciting new eating experience in Kingston? Whether it’s Breakfast, Lunch, or Sunday Brunch, the wonderfully prepared food and attentive service are outstanding. Open Monday through Friday 8 am - 4 pm. Sunday Brunch 9 am- 2 pm. Serving Dinner evenings of UPAC events. 608 Broadway, in The Heart of Broadway Theater Square, Kingston, NY. (845) 334-9441. www.joyouscafe.com. 60
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Kyoto Sushi
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. (845) 452-3375.
Kyoto Sushi. 337 Washington Ave.,
www.monster-taco.com.
Kingston, NY 12401. (845) 339-1128. Mexican Radio Luna 61
Voted best Mexican restaurant in NYC,
“Best Vegetarian Restaurant.” Hudson
Mexican Radio’s 3-year old branch in
Valley Magazine. “Food is simply delicious, four stars.” Poughkeepsie Journal. “Imagine spicy Thai noodles, delicate spring rolls, and the best banana cream pie you’ve ever eaten. Join the Culinary Revolution.” Dutchess Magazine. Luna 61 is relaxed and funky, candlelit tables, cozy, and romantic. Organic wine and beer.
Hudson features the same award-winning homemade dishes and the world’s greatest margaritas! Everything made fresh daily. Extensive vegetarian/vegan choices. A Great Place for Parties! Open Every Single Day - 11:30am - 11pm. 537 Warren Street, Hudson, NY. (518) 828-7770. www.mexrad.com.
Tuesday - Saturday 5pm-10pm. Sunday brunch 10am-3pm, dinner 5pm-9pm. 55 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583. (845) 758-0061. www.luna61.com.
Marion’s Country Kitchen Nestled inside the beautiful compounds of the Woodstock Lodge, near Woodstock’s charming center is a romantic getaway
Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant
where European hospitality and delicious
The only authentic Peruvian restaurant
food is created by Marion Maur (excellent
in Orange County, NY. Family owned and operated since 1990. Serving the community traditional dishes from the mountains and coast of Peru. Trained in Peru, our chefs make authentic dishes come alive. Wine list available. Serving Lunch and Dinner Sunday through
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Thursday 10am-10pm and Friday & Saturday 10am-11pm. Closed Tuesday. 301 Broadway, Newburgh, NY. (845) 5626478. www.machupicchurest.com.
Main Course
awards by Zagat survey). It is the perfect place for a cocktail at our rustic elegant wood bar. Then be pampered in our cozy & intimate dining room, ensuring you and your guests the enjoyment of Marion Maur’s light and flawless cuisine which consists of European contemporary and updated classics provided by local Hudson Valley farmers. And do not forget to compliment your meal with a selection from our unique, refined and eclectic wine list. Marion’s Country Kitchen is a wonderful location for rehearsal dinners, receptions & family events! 20 Country
Four-star, award-winning, contemporary
Club Lane, Woodstock, NY 12498. (845)
American cuisine serving organic, natural,
679-3213.
and free-range Hudson Valley products.
www.MarionsCountryKitchen.com.
Wednesday and Thursday nights, food and wine pairing menu available. Voted “Best Caterer in the Hudson Valley.” Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, and Sunday Brunch. 232 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-2600. www.maincourserestaurant.com.
Mexican Radio
Neko Sushi & Restaurant Voted “Best Sushi” Restaurant by Chronogram readers and rated four stars by Poughkeepsie Journal. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Eat in or Take Out. We offer many selections of Sushi & Sashimi, an extensive variety of special Rolls and kitchen dishes. Live Lobster prepared
Mexican Radio. 537 Warren St.,
daily. Parking in rear available. Major credit
Hudson, NY 12534. (518) 828-7770.
cards accepted. Sunday-Thursday 12-
cpmljs@ecoipm.com.
10pm. Friday and Saturday 12-11PM. 49 Main Street, in the Village of New Paltz, NY.
Monster Taco When you have a hunger that only Mexican
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TASTINGS DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
(845) 255-0162.
food can satisfy, visit Monster Taco. With
Osaka Japanese Restaurant
fresh food, reasonable prices, and a funky
Want to taste the best Sushi in the Hudson
atmosphere, there’s no doubt you’ll keep
Valley? Osaka Restaurant is the place.
coming back to feed the monster. Open
Vegetarian dishes available. Given four
for lunch and dinner. 260 North Road,
stars by the Daily Freeman. Visit our second
location at 74 Broadway, Tivoli. (845) 757-
offers guests a walk back in time as they enjoy
5055. 18 Garden Street, Rhinebeck, NY. (845)
modern amenities including luxury bedding,
876-7338 or (845) 876-7278.
linens, jacuzzis, fireplaces and wireless internet. The dining room at the Inn, Roasted Garlic,
OII Food. Tapas. Wine. Gallery. Catering. The newly opened OII in historic Beacon has wide appeal. Dine on contemporary American fusion cuisine in the elegant yet casual dining room while admiring the work of local
features a mixture of French, American and Mediterranean menus with a focus on flavor and affordability. Meet Chef Nabil Ayoub and Hostess Patricia Holden as you enjoy charm, exquisite cuisine and warm hospitality. Red Hook, NY.
artists. Sample a medley of tapas and wine
Sukhothai Restaurant
at the bar. Call for your off-premise catering
Sukhothai Restaurant located in Beacon, NY,
needs. Reservations recommended. Serving
offers a delicious menu full of authentic Thai
Dinner Sunday-Thursday 5-9pm; Friday and
cuisine. From traditional dishes, such as Pad
Saturday 5-10pm. Closed Mondays. 240 Main
Thai and Som Tam, to custom dishes created
Street, Beacon, NY 12508. (845) 231-1084.
exclusively by our master chef, our menu is sure
www.oiiny.com.
to please any palate. Take-out is also available. 516-518 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508. (845)
Plaza Diner Established 1969. One of the finest family
790-5375.
restaurants in the area. Extensive selection of
Soul Dog
entrees and daily specials, plus children’s menu.
Featuring a variety of hot dogs, including
Everything prepared fresh daily. Private room for
preservative-free and vegetarian hot dogs, chili,
parties and conferences up to 50 people. Open
soup, sides, desserts & many gluten-free items
24/7. Exit 18 off NYS Thruway. 27 New Paltz
prepared in-house. Redefining the hot dog
Plaza, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-1030.
experience! Open for lunch Mon-Fri 11am4pm. 107 Main St., Poughkeepsie, NY. (845)
Roasted Garlic at the Red Hook Inn internationally acclaimed chef/owner, the Red
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant
Hook ‘Country’ Inn, located in the heart of
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant. Open 7 days a
historic Red Hook/Rhinebeck NY has it all. This
week. 807 Warren Street, Hudson, NY. (518)
6 room Federal style colonial, built in 1842,
822-1888.
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Elegant environment, comfortable atmosphere,
454-3254.
hot.
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HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. —J.R.R. Tolkien
11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING 69
RING AROUND THE PUNCH BOWL The Holiday Cocktail Party Made Easy By Pauline Uchmanowicz An invitation to a holiday cocktail party promises the gift of a good time. There’s just something elegant about drinks and hors d’oeuvres. With a little ingenuity and minimal fuss, a savvy bon vivant can craft a winter-libation celebration that dazzles. Easier than a sit-down dinner, it’s a perfect option for entertaining 20 to 30 guests. Ben Mauk, trendsetting chef and owner of Twist in Hyde Park, recommends planning a holiday cocktail party around a theme. Begin by taking stock of seasonal household accents: Try red-berry branches and clove-studded oranges, or kitschy ornaments from your mother’s attic hung on a pink tinsel tree. Or maybe you’re dreaming of a faux-Hawaiian Christmas. Whether traditional, retro, or tropical, a tailored approach provides focus. If you’re planning to host 20 to 30 people, figure between 8 and 12 food courses, with 25 to 40 portions or servings per item (dips tend to yield extra). “There are two ways to approach the category of items,” suggests Mauk, who keeps edibles “seasonal” in his own eatery. “Either completely embrace winter, for example with warming foods like baked brie and smoked trout to spread on bread with fruits and chutney; or go tropical, with pineapple, mango, and citrus fruits generally available.” Another of his pointers: “Think of the dishes and courses as celebratory.” Inclined toward finger foods, Mauk prefers single-piece, classic canapé-style hors d’oeuvres. “The presentation is simple and clear—no garnish on the plate; each piece has its own garnish.” He also likes arranging courses on plain platters and letting table decorations do the work of complementing details. Bar basics are likewise in order. When picking potions, decide if you want a few specific cocktails, or fuller-ranged options. If you’re expecting a crowd, consider mixing batches of drinks and storing them ahead of time. It’s also good to have a modest supply of wine (including bubbly), beer, soft drinks, and sparkling water for variety. Plan on three to four drinks per guest. Decide where and how to set up the bar, as well as who will tend the station. Will service be fix-your-own casual, or will the host make specialty drinks one at a time? When choosing between breakable or disposable glassware, be honest about who’s on your guest list. Medium-size stemmed glasses make for an all-purpose choice, though some 70 HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
cocktails, such as muddled drinks, made by mashing herbs in the bottom of a glass with a wooden tool, call for sturdier workhorses like the proverbial rocks, or old-fashioned, glass. Don’t forget stir sticks or a corkscrew and provide plenty of cocktail napkins—sedate or snazzy, but echoing food and beverage styling. There are four main types of cocktail foods: hot or cold dips; canapés (which sit on their own built-in pastry component like a bite-size sandwich); hors d’oeuvres (more gregarious and separate, matched with whatever bread or cracker); and crudités (raw vegetables, often marinated). Offering at least one item from each grouping should satisfy eclectic palates. Aim for drama by presenting food on several levels, using flat and raised platters. For the beverage tray, try offering one or two signature cocktails, along with self-serve cold punch or hot brew. If possible, construct food-and-drink pairings that match the party’s theme. Menu suggestions with select recipes for traditional, retro or tropical make-ahead munchies follow, along with ideas for catch-all crudités (sure to please vegans). Drink recommendations also appear, though creating your own concoctions can be great fun. Cheers!
Traditional
Artichoke Dip with Crusty-Bread Rounds or Pita Triangle Points Olive Tomato Squares Smoked Trout with Chutney Spread and Stone-Ground Crackers Wassail Muddled Christmas Poinsettia Cocktail With an active preparation time of 10 minutes or less, artichoke dip (served hot) is a snap. Mix together 1 jar of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, 1 cup mayonnaise, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees in a shallow (Pyrex) pan for 30 minutes. The no-stress canapés require spreading a dab of prepared basil pesto on white-bread squares (crusts discarded) and baking 10 minutes (until golden brown), then topping with soaked and drained pitted and
slivered Kalamata olives, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped freshparsley. Smoked trout may be purchased at Hansen Caviar in Kingston. A mug of wassail may gladden guests who brave outdoor decks for cigarettes and stargazing. A simple yuletide recipe calls for boiling together the following in a large pot: apple cider, whole cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and orange juice. After 5 minutes, add 4 bottles of sherry or Madeira. Simmer 10 minutes, then add 2 cups of brandy or dark rum. David “Drink Doctor” Garrett, front-of-the-house manager at Twist in Hyde Park, created Muddled Christmas for the restaurant’s bar. Using a heavy-bottom rocks glass, muddle fresh rosemary in 1 ounce of gin, then add grapefruit juice, grenadine, and ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig to create what Garrett calls “a pine tree in a glass.” His poinsettia cocktail, champagne with a splash of cranberry, takes fresh cranberry garnish.
Retro
Shrimp Dip with Bugles Red Pepper Stacks on Pumpernickel Rounds Veal Meatballs Carbonara Bowle Lime Avalanche White Angel Prepare crowd-pleasing shrimp dip by mashing a 6-ounce, room-temperature pack of cream cheese, adding 2 tablespoons each of horseradish and cocktail sauce. Blend with a handmixer until salmon pink, then stir in a 4-ounce can of tiny shrimp (drained). Chill before serving. Expect guests to wax nostalgic about the Bugles (“original” flavor is a must-have). For red pepper stacks, use 11⁄2- and 11⁄4-inch round cookie cutters to layer atop toasted pumpernickel rounds in diminishing increments: Boursin cheese stirred with chopped parsley and almond, lemon zest, and black pepper; a round of jar roasted red pepper (drained and patted dry); and an extra dab of cheese mixture garnished with almond slices. Since everything old is new again, chef-owner Richard Erickson of Blue Mountain Bistro thinks meatballs are best for revival themes. Make-ahead preparation time tops an hour, but Erickson promises his carbonara recipe will be a great hit. Gather ingredients: 2 pounds ground veal (or substitute chicken or turkey); 1 medium onion, minced; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1⁄2 cup diced pancetta; 12 cups diced proscuitto; 1 cup grated Parmesan; 2 cups bread, cubed and soaked in water; 2 eggs; salt and pepper. Cook onion in a little butter until translucent, adding garlic. Squeeze water out of bread cubes and mix with remaining ingredients, shaping into meatballs. Dredge lightly in flour and fry. Place meatballs in a light béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk, clove-studded onion, bay leaf, and nutmeg grating) and poach until cooked (about 20 minutes). To make Bowle, a traditional German “hard” punch, follow directions courtesy of Ellenville’s Regina Brandhofer, who grew up in Bavaria: Cover 6 ripe, unpeeled peaches (or seasonal fruits) with 1 cup sugar, add 1⁄2 cup white rum, and let sit 6 hours, allowing the peaches to infuse. Add 4 bottles of white
Riesling wine and chill. Add a bottle of champagne just prior to serving. Garnish with peach slices or strawberries. Hankering for a snow cone? Drink Doctor Dave recommends the perfect candidate for a holiday: the Avalanche. Just pour the following ingredients over shaved ice: 1 ounce fresh, hand-squeezed lime juice; 11⁄2 ounces light rum; and 1 teaspoon simple syrup. And in case you’ve been looking for an excuse to serve a White Angel (one half gin and one half vodka, poured over ice), offered by Truman Capote’s barman in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the time has arrived (garnish with a whole-piece star of anise).
Tropical
Guacamole and Salsa with Tricolor Chips Mushroom and Red Pepper Bruschetta Shrimp Lollipop en Brochette Hot-spiced Wine Pumpkin Martini Nectar Punch Guacamole and salsa seldom fail a host. Peel and remove the pits of 6 ripe avocados, adding 2 tablespoons each of finely chopped onions and tomatoes; 2 cloves pressed garlic; 1⁄2 cup finely chopped cilantro; juice of 1 small lime; and 1 pinch of salt. Chef Mauk suggests a citrus-fruit salsa composed of Meyer lemon, pineapple, kiwi, mango, passion fruit, purple onion, and cilantro. Likewise color appropriate, his bruschetta calls for crusty-bread toast rounds rubbed with garlic and topped with sautéed mushroom, shallots, roasted red peppers, and shavings of goat cheese or fresh Parmesan. Keeping with the theme, Mauk offers up tropical shrimp. Peel and steam jumbo shrimp, then marinate in hot-chili paste and lime juice for a half hour. Wrap the shrimp in a circular fashion at the tip of the skewer, tucking in the tail and sticking the remainder of the skewer in a pineapple cube. Serve hot or cold, standing upright and with a dollop of mango purée. A wintertime tradition, mulled, or hot-spiced, wine provides warm cheer. Chef Erickson offers a generous-yield recipe. Cut strips of 4 lemons and 4 orange peels, removing white pith. Then juice the fruit, combining with 4 cups sugar; 2 cups water; 6 cinnamon sticks; 2 dozen whole cloves; 1 dozen whole black peppercorns; and 1 dozen crushed cardamom pods. Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. Cool somewhat, then add 1 bottle of port or Madeira (add 1 cup cognac or brandy for kick). To serve, heat 1 bottle’s worth of the spiced mixture per 1 bottle red wine, garnishing with sliced fruits or raisins. Drink Doctor Dave’s procedure for building his featured martini, he says, is “like making a pumpkin pie” and calls for make-ahead prep. For 6 days, infuse in a liter of vodka 2 tablespoons allspice; 3 tablespoons vanilla extract; 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks; 1 tablespoon nutmeg; and 1 to 2 cups of puréed pumpkin meat. To serve, mix over ice with amaretto and a splash of cream, or dab with whipped cream and cinnamon. For an easier make-ahead mixer, combine to taste orange juice, guava nectar, and pineapple juice. Serve over ice with fresh lime juice and a shot of gin for Nectar Punch. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING 71
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AROUND HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS A HUDSON VALLEY HOLIDAY PARTY SHOPPING GUIDE By Rebecca Wild Nelson
When you’ve picked the style of holiday party to throw, whether it be a classic gathering with spiced wine and poinsettias or a retro-style party complete with tinsel and blinking lights, you will need the right local businesses to supply you with the music, decorations, food, and libations to set the right mood. Some of the best attractions the Hudson Valley has to offer are its many shops offering eclectic selections of wine, beer, food, and specialized finds. With little effort, one can host a party with local flair without setting foot in a superstore or mall. Tunes to Groove To Pick music that keeps the party’s energy alive instead of what you’ve heard at every other holiday party. For your retro-holiday theme, Rick Lange, the manager of Rhino Records in New Paltz, recommends Nouvelle Vague’s self-titled debut album of samba covers of ’80s hits like Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough.” Also available at Rhino are Space Lullabies and Other Fantasmagore by Ekova and Vincent Van Go Go’s Do U Know?, two funky, electronic, world music albums. If you want to keep things classic, a perfect Billie Holiday album to put on is Lady Day: The Best of Billie Holiday, which contains the great and thematic “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” And if you need a well-done album of holiday classics that stays far away from department-store or elevator remixes of “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Yule Struttin’: A Blue Note Christmas features Chet Baker, Eliane Elias, and more top jazz names sure to keep the feeling festive and tasteful—a hard balance to strike. Beer Too Good to Guzzle Forget imported, brand-name beer. The best beer you’re likely to find is the kind that comes straight from the local brewery. Most breweries and brew pubs in the valley sell “growlers,” half-gallon jugs of your beer of choice, brewed at the site. The Gilded Otter in New Paltz brews a dark, roasted-wheat German beer called Dunkelweizen, perfect for cold weather ($15 per growler or $12 if you make your purchase after a meal). Keegan Ales in Kingston has its popular Mother’s Milk, a stout known for its rich, chocolate-coffee aroma, available in bottles, growlers, and kegs. Hyde Park Brewing Company’s holiday amber lager, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, is available in growlers at $17. If you feel more comfortable with bottles, Ommegang brewery in Cooperstown is another regional classic. Its Three Philosophers’ Quadrupel and Ommegang Abbey Ale both go well with warm holiday foods. Tastes Like a Good Year If you want wine at your shindig, hit up local wineries for their best-tasting products. The Whitecliff Vineyard in Gardiner recommends its red wine or Merlot. The vineyard also offers its Malbec-Bordeaux blend, a deep purple wine with a warm velvet feeling ($18.95 a bottle). Alison Wines & Vineyards in Red Hook has a holiday spice wine nicknamed “grog” by its customers. Officially titled Winter Warmer, it can be heated in a saucepan with a bit of sugar ($11.95 a bottle). Adair Vineyard in New Paltz offers a mulled wine or a peach dessert wine, to be brought out with cakes and cookies ($21.95 a bottle).
Here Comes the Yule Log Daniel Gendron, the owner of Gendron Catering, says that the most important thing to feed a good cocktail party is “a nice mix of hors d’oeuvres that don’t duplicate themselves and are bite-size, friendly, not messy, look attractive, and taste fabulous.” For hors d’oeuvres, The Cheese Plate in New Paltz has the quintessential December cheese, British Colston-Basset Stilton, which goes well with wine or port; the shop also stocks Dutch caramelized gouda, also perfect for the season. While there, pick up a few flavors of chutney or the best-selling apple cranberry and Perinese black fig jam. And if you’re thinking about a retro holiday party, you’ve probably been wondering when the yule log would be mentioned—a yule log made from cake of course. Desserticus in Stanfordville makes such a log with vanilla sponge cake, caramel, and chestnut mousse, complete with meringue mushroom frosting and chocolate flakes on top. The cake serves 6 to 8 people at $23.99. For munchies, purchase an assortment of hand-cut holiday butter cookies for $17.99 a pound. Or cop out on food duty and hire a caterer. Try Gendron Catering, based in Rhinebeck. Gendron will cater your cocktail party at $20-25 per person; a four-course sit-down dinner is $30-35 per person. Looks Are Everything The decorations at your party should go one of two ways: gaudy-but-fun or tasteful. For the first, try tinsel and misteltoe with a red-and-green color scheme to match your yule log or Bugles with shrimp dip. To be tasteful, go for a white-and-gold color scheme with decorations from the outdoors. The Phantom Gardener in Rhinebeck offers fresh-cut winter berries and pine boughs recommended for wrapping around a banister or accenting hallways, doorways, and mantels. A bit of fresh pine or winterberry in the center of the dining table makes for an understated and beautiful decoration. Cocoon in New Paltz has a wide selection of high-quality tableware, including wine and cocktail glasses. The store carries rubber ID tags for your stemware bearing holiday toasts or messages like “formidable,” “opulent,” and “supple.” (A package of nine tags is $12.) And don’t forget the cocktail napkins with fun designs like peppers or grapes ($2.50 per package). Put It in the Mail Send your invitations out early, and don’t shy away from creativity. Maureen Missner of Paper Trail in Rhinebeck says, “The most important thing is to not be timid, and to really embrace color and texture and pattern, because that’s what makes it exciting.” Paper Trail offers boxed, ready-made invitations, as well as copious supplies to create your own. You will find handmade, colorful papers from countries like India, China, and Vietnam, as well as on-site custom printing. Missner speaks about making your invitations in unexpected shapes and colors and including accessories like ribbons or paper clips. Above all, try to surprise people with the way you invite them. A good idea is to put some cloves or a small pine clipping in each envelope, to use scent as well as color and texture. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING 73
Gifts with a Twist 299 WALL STREET KINGSTON, NEW YORK 12401 845-338-8100
In The Heart of The Stockade District LIGHTING • JEWELRY • ART • GIFTS • FUNKYETHNIC 74 HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
The New York School of
Social Graces
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STORM KING LODGE B&B ACCOMMODATIONS – EVENTS – MEETINGS ome and enjoy our cozy lodge, converted from an early 1800’s post-and-beam barn, and guest cottage in a country setting with gardens, pool and mountain views. The Great Room offers a comfortable place to relax, with a roaring fire on winter evenings; or enjoy those summer nights on the covered verandah. Choose from six comfortable guestrooms with private baths. Comforts include central AC, several fireplaces, spacious lawns, gardens, and the grand swimming pool. Located near Storm King Art Center, West Point, DIA: Beacon, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, and 1 hour from NYC. Great restaurants nearby.
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FRONTISPIECE BY CAROL ZALOOM
Edited by Mikhail Horowitz & Nina Shengold Featuring FICTION & HUMOR CONTEST WINNERS PERSONAL ESSAYS POETRY ON ART & ARTISTS BEST BOOKS BY LOCAL AUTHORS QUESTIONABLE LITERARY LANDMARKS
11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM LITERARY SUPPLEMENT 81
fiction contest winner
Futaride by Jacob Ritari
Illustrations by Marcellus Hall I. Anyone who has heard a Japanese person singing a song with English lyrics will know that, while the words might lose definition or come out strangely, the feeling can be no less sharp. When Ako Sawamura sang the Beatles classic “Eleanor Rigby,” the tricky foreign lilt of the name came off the tongue more easily as “Ereno,” and some verbs lost their present-tense “s”—picks, and waits, for instance—and what was more, she had never seen a Japanese translation of the lyric. But let me give you a better sense of what I mean. Ako had shared a bedroom with her sister, Shizuko, until they were nine; now she was 15 and Shizuko was 17, and their small bedrooms shared a wall. Ako sang “Eleanor Rigby” at just past one in the morning, thinking she was alone, not loudly but softly. Next door, Shizuko was lying awake in her bed adjacent to the wall. She was a lazy, narrow-minded girl who didn’t listen to much popular music, and had never heard “Eleanor” before; and although she understood English, she could barely catch enough of her sister’s singing to know that it was English. But what came through the wall was an eerie drone that Shizuko understood perfectly. She rolled on her side, banged on the wall and shouted: “Urusai! Damattayo!” Roughly translated: “Loudmouth! Cut it out, will ya?” The response was out of proportion to the annoyance, but that’s how it was. In order to afford the extra bedroom, Ako’s father, a policeman, had moved the family into an apartment by the elevated railroad tracks. The window of Ako’s bedroom opened several feet in the air above the back of a passing train, and if she looked out the window, it was like a river of steel. Kenji Sawamura was a man past his prime who did the best he could, but he was the type to never insist that he was man past his prime doing the best he could. He tried to smile and put a good face on things. In fact, since that day he had never admitted, even to his wife, that the new apartment was in any way inferior to the old one. When the first bullet car roared past the windows, rattling some china in an open box, Sawamura had smiled and explained to his livid family that savages in the tropics, living next to enormous waterfalls, were no more aware of them than city dwellers noticed the sound of traffic. His wife said nothing; Shizuko slammed the door to her room, called up her best friend, and started to complain about her lamebrain father. Only Ako understood the truth about Sawamura—that he was too proud to admit to even a partial mistake—but she also knew that it wouldn’t do any good to reassure him. If she had hugged him around the waist, and lied to him that she liked the new apartment very much, he would have cheerily snapped, “Of course you do!”—or some such thing. Sawamura was a man who believed in himself. And he was right. After several years of living in the railside apartment, Ako no longer took much notice of the trains. When the rattling started, and pale, white light swamped her room, washing over the bedsheets and up the walls, it seemed like a natural—even fitting—punctuation of her thoughts. It wasn’t the only thing she got used to: She didn’t even hear her sister talking loudly on the phone well into the night anymore. Shizuko disliked most things, but she disliked Ako in particular. She disliked Ako’s music, Ako’s uncertain half smile, and especially the fact that Ako was thin. Not that she was particularly fat herself, but as she always complained: “We eat the exact same stuff!” It was true. They did. II. Not long after the move, something unfortunate had happened to Kenji Sawamura: His close friend, an Osakaan named Morita, died. Although Morita was also a policeman, in what was by Japanese standards a fairly seedy neighborhood, he didn’t die in the line of duty but from asphyxiation in a house fire. He had been an inveterate smoker indoors and out, and everyone assumed, though nobody said, that he had been responsible for the fire himself. Everyone commiserated. But because Morita’s death had lacked that certain heroic quality, it left Sawamura with a bad taste in his mouth. It wasn’t right. He was sad that his friend was dead, and that he would never hear his deep smoker’s cough again; but he was almost angry with him, that he had chosen this way to leave the world. After the incident, Sawamura talked less. He was assigned a night shift; he told 82 LITERARY SUPPLEMENT CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
his wife, with his habitual self-confidence, that he’d done his best to plead his case, but that, after all, someone had to do the work. As usual, he almost seemed to believe his own lie. But Ako, listening through a gap in her bedroom door, suspected the truth: that, on the contrary, he had begged to be assigned the night shift. No one knew exactly why, not even Sawamura himself. The night air, and the way streetlights and the fronts of convenience stores looked at night, calmed him. The smile never left his face, but everyone felt, when he returned home in the morning, that he hadn’t wanted the night to end. Ako was 11. III. When she was 15, and enrolled in the prefectural high school, they were still living in the apartment by the railway. Sawamura had earned a promotion, but possibly his conceit—that the move really had been the best thing all around—had infected him so deeply that he wouldn’t admit defeat by moving again. It was loud outside the apartment, intermittently, but inside it was quiet. Sawamura was rarely at home; his wife had become enthusiastic about American television programs from HBO; Shizuko talked on the phone with the door shut. In the kitchen, her murmuring wasn’t any louder than the cars in the street outside. One morning, Ako got up with a smile on her face. The day was cloudy: The light in the room was the color of dust. As she looked out the window, her smile faded. She had been smiling because she had a special appointment that day, and she had hardly been able to sleep from thinking about it, but the weather was all wrong. Well, she reminded herself, it didn’t really matter. Ako’s computer was a cherry-red iMac. Like most mornings, before a shower or even breakfast, she logged on to check her e-mail. She felt a close, tight thrill in her chest: He had mailed her one last time. That was just like him. Hey, I know you might not even get this, but it’s late, I’m still up. Just wanted to say I’m really looking forward to tomorrow (I guess actually it’s today). That’s all. —Hito-kun Ako sat still a moment, gripping her knees. She wasn’t a squealer, but she smiled quietly to herself as she looked out the window. The sun had begun to come out from behind a cloud. It was only half past six. Before she had quit the soccer club last month, she had had to get up this early anyway, most days. School didn’t start until 7:30, but she was cutting today. She got up in her white flannel pajamas and skipped—it was hard to skip in such a small space—to the wardrobe, and started to hum as she picked out an outfit. It would have to be the uniform. That way no one would ask her why she wasn’t in school; they’d assume she had a free period. As she dressed, she started to put words to the tune, and if they had been enunciated perfectly they would have been these English words: “Silently closing her bedroom door—leaving the note that she hoped would say more.” From another Beatles song, of course: “She’s Leaving Home.” But unlike the girl in the song, Ako wasn’t leaving home. Or if she was, then unlike the girl in the song, she didn’t leave a note. She thought about it—her father’s shift would end in an hour, and he might wonder where she was—but no, he’d assume she was at school. She went out into the kitchen and suddenly heard a hoarse voice calling her. It almost frightened her, in the early dawn stillness, but she looked around and realized it was coming from her sister’s room. Ako respected Shizuko. She assumed all older sisters treated their younger sisters that way, and because in a vague way she associated intelligence with scorn, she saw Shizuko as someone of considerable intelligence. Opening the door, she said, politely, “Yes?” Shizuko was lying crumpled up in her sheets, wearing a halter top. Her face was a pale, sticky color. An expression of mild dislike that was always on her face, mainly from her slightly twisted mouth, was made worse by her apparent discomfort. With one hand on her forehead, she groaned at Ako, “Make yourself useful, bright eyes, and get me a soda. I’m gonna die of thirst.” Ako went to the fridge: There was only a six-pack of beer with two beers left, two oranges, and a half-empty bottle of marble soda. The soda was probably Shizuko’s. She brought it back to the room, where Shizuko had propped herself up on her pillows and was coughing theatrically into her hand. “I can’t go to school today,” she said. “I’m gonna die this second, I swear.” Then she narrowed her eyes and added suspiciously, “What’re you doing up so early?”
“Archery practice,” said Ako. She didn’t know if the archery club met before school, but it sounded plausible. “God.” Shizuko took the soda and slammed it onto the bedside table. Then she rolled over against the wall. “You’re always doing something.” There was a time in Ako’s life when the accusation would have been fair. Ako stayed in the doorway, wondering if she should say anything. Shizuko didn’t move. Finally Ako whispered, “Hope you feel better,” shut the door carefully, and walked away. She could hear Shizuko coughing. She wasn’t sure if her sister was faking, but it was possible—an odd thought struck her—that Shizuko couldn’t tell the difference. She stood in the front door and said, “I’m going out!” She waited for Shizuko, at least, to reply, but didn’t hear anything. She shut that door, too, and she was outside. It had gotten brighter since she got up, and she stood by the hallway window, blinking. It occurred to her that maybe she should have said something to her mother. But her mother always slept deeply, and wouldn’t have wanted to be disturbed. IV. Ako Sawamura and Hitoshi Satou had met on a message board. Ako had put up a sort of personal ad, and Hitoshi had been the first to respond. They hit it off because, as it turned out, they had been elementary school classmates. Neither remembered the other, and they both had fairly common names, but they shared reminisces of a kind and wise homeroom teacher named Seruhiko Kazumi. Ako had moved away, but Hitoshi still lived near the school, four stops away by the train that ran past Ako’s windows. Hitoshi was waiting by the soccer goal on the elementary school field. He was also wearing his uniform—the sleek, black jacket with piping—and several teachers shooting glances out of windows had all taken him for somebody’s older brother. He kept looking at his watch; not to tell the time, but to be seen doing something. Hitoshi was as skinny as Ako. He wore glasses, and had a very small nose under a pronounced forehead, that with his long bangs gave him a furtive expression. He couldn’t believe it when he saw a girl, her hair sticking out in a kind of natural pageboy flip, come smiling toward him across the field. He almost wanted to glance around, but there was no mistaking him. There was no one else. Hitoshi had described himself to Ako as “like Ikari Shinji, without the Shotacon charisma.” That made Ako laugh. For her own part, she was “flat as an ironing board.” They had never been so honest before: It was funny that it should feel so good to say bad things about yourself. “Liar,” said Ako, squinting at him. “You don’t look a thing like Ikari.” It was the first time in his life a girl had spoken directly to Hitoshi because she wanted to, not because she had to. That was, if you didn’t count his sisters. He stood there not answering Ako, looking slightly away from her. Then, as casually as possible, he held out his hand below his waist. “Well…shall we?” He was intelligent and extremely articulate online, but now he couldn’t get a word out. When he was nervous, Hitoshi didn’t go red; he went pale and stiff. Instead of stuttering, he spoke very quietly. Because of this, some people made the mistake of assuming that he was cool. “Sure!” Ako said. It probably goes without saying, but it was the first time Hitoshi had held a girl’s hand. “Do you like The Beatles?” said Ako. “I’ve got that song stuck in my head, you know the one—Shizu living home, bai-bai…” “Sergeant Pepper?” Hitoshi said, perking up. He was a great fan of The Beatles. When he was young, his elder brother, an aspiring hippie, had played the LP while Hitoshi lay on the carpet, looking at the album art. For the longest time—he explained to Ako now—he had assumed that sergeants in the British army really wore those uniforms. Ako covered her mouth with her hand and laughed. “Let’s go get ice cream,” she said, and they did. They were free to discuss The Beatles: Hitoshi already knew about Sawamura’s night shift, Shizuko, and the injury that had kept Ako out of half a season of soccer until she had finally decided to give up the team (it wasn’t as if they needed her). Ako knew all about Hitoshi’s large family: his elder brother who had come out as a homosexual and been all but disowned by his parents; his two elder sisters who had both moved away; and his younger brother with 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM LITERARY SUPPLEMENT 83
his odd habit. Takeru Satou was 13, and lately he liked to do nothing but ride around on the subway; he spent all his pocket money on subway fare. He didn’t seem to be going anywhere, just riding from one end of the line to the other. Hitoshi’s parents were afraid to complain to teachers or the police, because it sounded so ridiculous. Hitoshi and Ako sat in a French-style café in the open air, eating a mango parfait with two long spoons. The day was shaping up to be bright and cloudless. Ako kicked her legs under the table. “I’m lucky I found a guy like Hito-kun,” she said. “You’re so nice. I’m not scared at all.” Hitoshi blushed on the inside, but he only turned paler. “Ehh, you’re making fun of me,” he said quietly, talking out of the side of his mouth, although he didn’t intend to, like a gangster. “No-no,” said Ako. “You are nice.” “I guess I am. But that’s pretty much it.” Ako looked up with the spoon in her mouth. “Hmm?” “I mean there’s not much more to me than that.” Ako looked at him blankly. “Why should there be?” When they were finished, they went on down the street, and Ako started holding Hitoshi’s hand again. The fancy parfait had cost him 600 yen, but he didn’t care. “Hito-kun, Hito-kun,” said Ako. “Yeah?” “What’s one thing you always wanted to do? I mean, if you could do anything?” Hitoshi looked around. It was a wide street, and the sun showed everything to good effect: the bright blue tops of cars, the hints of white on the cherry tree branches (they wouldn’t bloom for a month). In front of them was a concrete overpass painted yellow. Hitoshi pointed. “Stand on that thing,” he said, “and wait until a convertible goes by, and spit.”
“That’s terrible!” Ako laughed. “Maybe I’m sick of being a nice guy,” said Hitoshi, sounding more like a gangster. He was starting to enjoy it. They went up on the overpass and waited for a convertible. The sun was directly overhead, and sweat came up in Hitoshi’s collar. They waited some time without any luck, and then Hitoshi spit anyway—hitting the empty street—and Ako spit too, and they looked and each other and laughed, still holding hands. Finally Ako looked around, and quietly asked, “Where are we going?” “Do you remember that playground on—” “Oh yeah! Yeah!” “Let’s go there,” said Hitoshi. “I still go there sometimes. It has a sort of a peaceful feeling on a day like this, you know what I mean?” “I do, I do,” said Ako. The playground was several blocks away, and by the time they reached it, the sun had moved a little to one side of noon. Hitoshi sat on one of the swings. He would have used it, but he was afraid of breaking it. Next to him, Ako hung from the monkey bars, her feet just touching the ground. The children were all still in school; they were alone. No one but an old lady moving past with a walker. “You know, this is a lot easier now,” said Ako. Hitoshi was looking at the high-rise apartment buildings. The playground stood on a ridge, and at the bottom of the incline, the four apartment buildings rose up in front of them. In the daylight, all the windows were dark. “When I was a kid…,” said Hitoshi. He looked at the building intently, trying to order his thoughts. “When I was a kid, I guess I thought…Well, I knew there were more people in the world than just my dad and my brothers and sisters, sure. But I guess I figured there were about as many people as could fit in that building. That’s pretty fair, don’t you think? Not too many. But enough to be interesting.” Ako listened to him seriously, and nodded from time to time. “But there’s two of those buildings…three…four. Then there’s this whole city. Then there’s Honshuu. Then there’s Japan.” He looked at her. “You know what I mean?” She didn’t say anything, but nodded. “I live there,” he said, pointing at the rightmost building. “In that one right there.” They stood together looking at it. Finally, Ako took his hand. “Okay,” she said. “Let’s go.” “Are you sure?” “I’m not scared, if it’s with you.” “I’m not either. But you’re sure, right?” She looked at him hard, then suddenly disintegrated into giggles. “You s-say it all serious like that.” “Sorry,” said Hitoshi, with a smile. “I haven’t done this kind of thing before—well, obviously I haven’t.” “Hey,” said Ako, and squeezed his hand. “Which one is yours?” “Hmm?” “Which one do you live in? I mean, which window?” Hitoshi looked at the bank of small dark, glistening windows, like insects. “You know,” he said, after a while, “I’m not really sure.” V. Hitoshi lived on the 11th floor, in Apartment 2-C. Outside in the hall, he said to Ako: “We can’t go in. They’re in there.” Ako pouted. “Oh, that’s too bad. I kind of wanted to see your place.” “It’s all right. We’ll go up to the roof.” “How tall is the building? I wasn’t counting.” “Twenty-five stories,” said Hitoshi. Then, as they started to walk again, he added, “My place probably looks pretty much like yours. It’s nothing special.” “Yeah, I guess so.” “It’s a lot nicer up on the roof. You can see all the way to the river.” By the time they got there, the sun had already started to go down. The whole sky was a delicate red. It was half past four, and the day seemed to have gone by faster than it should have. The tarpaper roof was a deep pearl-black. A few ventilation towers and the entrance to the emergency stairwell were big, silent shapes against the fading color in the sky. Hitoshi and Ako came out of the stairwell and stood hand in hand. “Oh, wow,” said Ako blankly. “It’s so romantic.”
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Hitoshi paled a little and his hand went tight in hers. “The river’s over there,” he said, pointing. It was a thick, steel band like a train going past an open window. Ako leaned on the railing, kicking up one foot, and Hitoshi stood a little behind her to one side, and they looked at the river. It was as if each one of them was trying to humor the other by pretending to enjoy the view, but there was something else on their minds. “You can see half the city,” said Ako. “I know.” “Do you come up here a lot?” “All the time.” After a pause, Ako said, “I’m kind of worried about my sister.” “Shizuko?” “She was sick when I went out. I just hope she’s all right.” “It’s probably the flu,” said Hitoshi. “I heard it’s going around.” “But that’s where you are, not where she is. I mean, where we are now.” There was silence. The silence was everywhere, even below them, or they were too high up to clearly hear the noise from the city. “I lied,” said Ako. “I am scared. A little.” “Me too,” said Hitoshi. “D’you think it’ll be all right?” “Probably.” Then it seemed to him that, as the male in the situation, he had some duty to reassure her. He thought about it and added, “It’s fine. I mean, we did our best, didn’t we?” “Yeah, I guess that’s right.” “That’s all you can do, right?” “Okay,” said Ako. “Here goes.” Then she turned to him and said: “Hey, take off your glasses.” Hitoshi blinked. “What for?” “You won’t need ’em,” she said, and reached out and plucked them off his face herself, and then—it was the bravest thing she had ever done—leaned in and kissed his cheek. It was light and quick, but Hitoshi went paler and stiffer than ever. He looked away and murmured something. Ako hopped up agilely onto the railing and climbed to the other side. A moment later, more clumsily, Hitoshi followed. “Hey,” she asked suddenly. “Did you leave a note?” “Yeah, on my desk,” he said. “Oh yeah?” said Ako. “What’d you say?” “Well, that I didn’t want to be a bother to anyone, so…” He trailed off. “You know it’s weird, but I’m not sure I remember it all. Oh, well. It doesn’t really matter, does it?” “Nah. I guess not.” Ako held out her hand again, and he took it. “Don’t let me go, okay?” “I won’t.” “No matter what happens?” “Promise.” Ako had shut her eyes, but now she opened one of them and looked sideways at him. “Hey, Hito-kun. What do you think it’s gonna be like?” Hitoshi, for the first time, laughed. “I don’t know,” he said. “I really don’t know.” Ako laughed too. “No, really. What’s it gonna be like?” Hitoshi looked very hard at the horizon and said: “Maybe there’ll be flowers.” “Yeah,” said Ako, smiling. “That sounds right.” Hitoshi smiled back. “Okay,” he said. “On three? I guess?” “Three’s so little,” said Ako. “Let’s do 10.” “Sure.” “Nah, let’s do 20.” “If we keep going like that,” said Hitoshi, “we’ll never do it. Will we?” “Okay.” Ako breathed in. “We’ll do it on three.” “On three.” They swung their hands. “One, two—” They looked at each other and stopped and laughed. “Sorry, sorry. Okay. One—two—” A moment later, there was no one on the roof. Jacob Ritari is a second-year student at Sarah Lawrence College. (See Featured Contributors on page 14.) “Futaride” was selected from nearly 100 entrants by guest judge Valerie Martin (Orange Prize winner for Property), who wrote, “The deceptive calm of this story takes us right to the edge of the darkest place possible, and leaves us there to think it over. I admired both the style and the sensibility of Ritari’s story.” Martin also selected “Tomorrow’s Special” by Mark Morganstern for an Honorable Mention. Look for this story and other Fiction Contest finalists in upcoming issues of Chronogram. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM LITERARY SUPPLEMENT 85
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SIGNATURE pieces
Authors have notoriously complex responses to signing their books; Margaret Atwood even went so far as to patent a mechanized autographing machine. With this in mind, we asked authors who were profiled in Chronogram’s pages during the past year and other literary lights of the Hudson Valley to contribute brief anecdotes on the topic of book signing. Here are their responses, as richly varied as their handwriting.
The first book signing eclipsed all that followed. I had published my first novel, Sweet Nothings, and the reprint popped up as I was hiding out on Martha’s Vineyard, trying to write a second novel. While at the Oak Bluffs Pharmacy, where I went to develop film, the clerk invited me to do a book signing, there in her drugstore. She said she had great success with events. I ended up in the window of the drugstore, next to a display for Odor-Eater footpads. No one showed up—but I sat next to those footpads for hours, on the assurance that a crowd would yet appear “when the lobster plant let out.” Lobster plant let out, and still no one showed, save a Vineyard Gazette photographer to capture the image. As I was about to dismount my stool in the window, I saw my single fan loping toward the display window—my Uncle Ben, who had raised me, and had just flown onto the island in a small plane. “Sign the first one for me,” he said.
My favorite story takes place in Munich, at the end of a long book tour. When we arrived at the sold-out hall, a mob of fans rushed the car as if we were rock stars. My two very capable German publicity women fended them all off, including one guy who simply wanted me to sign some photos he’d taken of me on the last tour. But no: no exceptions. We were whisked into the hall. Now, I should say that it was a cold night and that the entire gig, with book signing for some 1,000 people, took circa four hours, after which there was a catered dinner right there in the hall, so we’re talking maybe six hours total. When I came out—yes, you guessed it—there was the guy with the photos. Which I signed in about 30 seconds. But oh, the life of the fan!
Laura Shaine Cunningham, a playwright and journalist, is also the author of the memoirs Sleeping Arrangements and A Place in the Country and several novels.
T. C. Boyle is the award-winning author of Water Music, World’s End, The Tortilla Curtain, Drop City, and many more books, including his latest, Talk Talk.
Autographing my books has a special meaning for me. I sign not just for me, but also for my grandfather and my father, who taught me when I was young how to use the delicate wolf-hair brush and how to master the fine strokes of Chinese calligraphy. My father and grandfather have both passed on. That’s why I sign my books with a brush dipped in black rice ink—my father’s and grandfather’s legacy—so that they both could be honored, so that their spirits may live on in the pages that I write.
At a book signing my already blank mind gets even blanker. I can’t remember anybody’s name, and the only phrase that comes into my head is “With best wishes.” Now, there’s no reason to think of “With best wishes” as the easy way out, but I do. What’s wrong with me? I have found myself going on and on about the pleasant afternoon/evening or the inclement weather or what kind of growing season it has been for tomatoes to some poor stranger who probably only wants my name, possibly “with best wishes.” It is almost harder to sign a book than to write one.
Da Chen is the New York Times best-selling author of Colors of the Mountain, Sounds of the River, and the just-released novel Brothers.
Abigail Thomas is the author of Safekeeping, three works of fiction, and the just-published memoir A Three Dog Life.
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My book-loving father grew up as one of five boys, with a mother who was widowed early and supported them on the salary of a schoolteacher. You can bet that every book he ever got was like a prize. After he died and my mother sold our house, I was charged with dispersing the library. There I found the catalogue of a man’s entire history, on the flyleaves of his books. “Love from Mother, to Charles in the hospital, 1931.” That one was supposed to have been burned with all the other things he touched with scarlet fever, but he saved it by stealth. The Everyman’s Library editions, bought by subscription and mailed to him at whatever airbase he was stationed—“Charles E. Pierson, Albuquerque, June 1944”—every one signed in large loops and dated as if to freeze a great moment. Someday soon, a child in Africa will open the gift of a used hardcover classic and find an inscrutable name, date, place. It will mean nothing, but then he might write his own name underneath. That is when he will know it is his.
educating me in my readership, with no fee and no egos involved. So far I’ve gotten an excellent critique of my website from an 11-yearold who knew way more about it than I did, a recipe for pickled eggs, and a blow-by-blow description of a hilarious dog obedience class that will certainly make it into a future book. Also a demonstration of ballet’s five positions, a hand-crushing handshake from a school janitor who was thrilled to read in my bio that I once worked as a school janitor, a discussion of thinning hair in old ladies from someone who really won’t have to worry about it for at least 50 years, instructions on how to hobble a horse, and an important question: Are you a Republican or a Democrat? My answer was greeted with “I am so relieved! I’m going to buy another of your books and I haven’t even read this one.” I love book signings, all of them, but especially the lightly attended ones. And Kirby, your name will be in the next book.
Melissa Holbrook Pierson’s most recent book is The Place You Love Is Gone: Progress Hits Home. I once had a three-time-zone, three-hotel, three-city, three-airplane book-signing day. Woke up in Chicago, was taken to O’Hare, flew to Houston, was taken to a hotel for a day-rate stay, had lunch with an interviewer, did bookstores, flew to Seattle with a plane change at Portland, got into my hotel room at 1:15 am, called room service for dinner. When I got back to New York, my publicist promised never to do that to me again.
Mystery grandmaster Donald E. Westlake has written more than 90 books and screenplays under his own name and various pseudonyms. Authors can be very sensitive about numbers. We want to know how many of our books have sold. We take careful note of how many people show up at our book signings. For authors, the book event is the Great Teaching of Hope and Fear in action. It offers us the opportunity to practice detachment from the big adoring crowds or the meager turnouts. When my book True Nature was soon to be published, Merritt Bookstore enthusiastically scheduled an event. The date we settled on was before the book had actually appeared on the shelves—in our excitement, we had missed this crucial point. When I walked into the room on the day, there were four people waiting: a dear friend, two people I didn’t know, and a woman with a small cute dog. My heart sank. What to do but offer it up? I smiled, and began to speak. Five minutes into my presentation, the woman with the dog stood up and announced she had to leave because her dog was having a terrible flatulence problem. As much as I hated to lose a precious member of my tiny audience, her departure (with the dog) seemed like a very good idea.
Audrey Couloumbis is a Newbery Honor Medalist whose books include Getting Near to Baby, Say Yes, Summer’s End, and The Misadventures of Mad Maude March.
The night before a book signing to welcome the release of The Ugly Pumpkin at Artisan’s Workshop in New London, New Hampshire, my dog Blackfoot woke me up at about 3am, begging to be let out. I opened the door and she tore ass across the yard, which is unusual at her age. A bark and a yelp and then through the pounding rain I could smell something very, very bad. When she came back in, she was soaking wet, one eye was swollen shut, and she smelled like the devil’s underwear. We’d been skunked. With a five-hour drive ahead, there was no time to de-skunk before tossing her in the car and heading north. I was supposed to drop her off with friends who lived near the signing, but they’d just had a baby, so that wouldn’t be happening. I left Blackfoot in the car and went in to meet my public. If I stank up the place, people were kind enough not to say anything. The signing was great. I sold every book in the store. A few days later I got an e-mail from the owner of Artisan’s Workshop. Someone who’d missed my signing had just bought a book for a relative, and requested an inscription to “No Name Smith.” Apparently the customer knew someone who was expecting and hadn’t picked a name yet, so this was her solution. The owner of the store thought it was a terrible idea, as did I, so we made an executive decision and I simply put “Baby Smith.” When the woman came to claim the book, she was disgusted at our taking such a liberty. She left in a huff without the book. The next day, she returned and said that if the author could squish in “No Name” between “Baby” and “Smith”, she would buy the book. So the store shipped the book back to me, I added a caret with “No Name” underneath as requested, and sent it back. It looked completely messy and ridiculous. No doubt years from now, this kid will be on the couch telling his shrink about the mean children’s book author who signed his book to “Baby No Name Smith.” Who knows, maybe the book smelled like skunk too.
Barbara Bash is the author and illustrator of True Nature and many books for young readers, including the Tree Tales series. I prefer a light turnout at a book signing. I know the point is to sell and sign as many books as possible, but I’m always a little horrified at the prospect of a long line. I feel it would be much better to sign all those books earlier and just have a chance to chat with prospective readers. That’s what I get to do when the attendance is light and I’m not feeling guilty about how long the rest of the line has to wait. And since most of my readers are kids, the conversations are always illuminating. If the moms and grandparents who bring them are book browsers, the kids will spend an hour
Dave Horowitz is the award-winning author/illustrator of A Monkey Among Us; Soon, Baboon, Soon; The Ugly Pumpkin, and the just-uncaged Beware of Tigers. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM LITERARY SUPPLEMENT 87
SIGNATURE pieces I think the oddest thing for me at a book signing is to hear people I’ve never met calling me “Sunny,” and to smile warmly and be genuinely glad to see them. I’ve given them no choice, you see, on the name. That’s all they know me as, just “Sunny,” my pen name. All five letters of it. “Dr. Sunny Chen” is me as a family practice physician. Quiet, sincere, proper, with nerdy glasses and white coat. Rigid. Dare I say, repressed. Always fearful of doing wrong. The “old me” that I shed, along with the last name. “Sunny” is who I am now…who I am becoming as a writer, a romance writer. Okay, okay, an erotic romance writer. It was a surprise to us all, especially me. I started out writing a romance, but when I hit the love scenes, oh my, the words just started pouring and pouring, like a river that would not run dry, and I blushed as I wrote, but it just would not stop flowing. And I dared to write it, to let other people read it, and now I smile and shake strangers’ hands. My book’s title, Mona Lisa Awakening, is not just about my heroine’s awakening, but mine as well. A more daring, flamboyant, erotic me. A “me” I’m having fun getting to know.
Sunny’s debut novel Mona Lisa Awakening will soon be joined by two sequels. Her erotica also appears in the anthology The Hard Stuff. As Books Editor of Chronogram, I get to meet a lot of writers. When I have an actual copy of an author’s new book (as opposed to advance proofs or bound galleys from the publisher), I often ask the interviewee to sign it for me. Though I’m proud to own autographed books by many of the writers on these pages (“Con amistad & gracias, T. C. Boyle”; “For Nina Shengold—You ask too many questions—Donald E. Westlake”) my all-time favorite inscription is from true crime guru Fred Rosen, who signed my copy of his grisly opus The Evil Mother, “To Nina—Lie to me and tell me you liked it.”
Though Nina Shengold’s novel Clearcut won nerve.com’s Henry Miller Award for Best Literary Sex Scene in August 2005, her author profiles for this magazine are generally PG-13. It looked like a lemonade stand. Only with piles of my books instead of lemonade, and my author photo, blown up just a little too large, instead of a sign reading LEMONADE, 50 CENTS. Oh yeah, and there were no customers. I was standing in a New Jersey Barnes & Noble on a sunny afternoon at the end of March. The table was set up about 20 feet away from the front door, near the checkout line. “Go ahead and sit down,” said the manager. I did. She smiled. I felt like a jackass. As a voice flatly recited my jacket copy over a loud speaker, the manager said, “Can I get you a latte or anything?” I said, “No thanks,” and she disappeared before I could reconsider. This wasn’t like the signings I’d done in my hometown of Woodstock. All my friends came to those and made me feel like a rock star. It wasn’t like the ones I’d done at mystery bookstores, or even other Barnes & Nobles, when it wasn’t quite so sunny outside and a few people actually showed up. Here, customers headed for the checkout counter, avoiding eye contact as if I was trying to sell them something—which I was, but come on. I sat there for a good 45 minutes, playing with my pen, wishing I had a book to read that wasn’t my own. At last, a young woman walked up, eyes sparkling as if she was dying to talk to me. See, I told myself. There you go, overreacting again. I began to ask how to spell her name and she said, “Where would I find A Million Little Pieces?” Worst signing ever.
Alison Gaylin’s debut novel Hide Your Eyes was nominated for an Edgar Award. Her other books include You Kill Me and the upcoming Trash. 88 LITERARY SUPPLEMENT CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
SIGNATURE pieces On the 20th anniversary of Earth Day I published a book modestly titled Saving the Earth. Its intention was to lay out the cause, effects, and solutions to 14 global environmental problems, ranging from climate change to too much garbage. The highlight of that book tour—no, the highlight of any book tour I’ll ever do in my life—was being invited, after a signing at a State Street bookstore, to appear on Studs Terkel’s radio show. Having grown up in Chicago and devoured his oral histories, loving that he truly represented “a place” (the brawny Windy City of old), I could think of no higher honor. Studs lived up to any expectation. Usually during tour interviews it is clear that the interviewer has no idea what your book is about. When I sat down in his booth, it was obvious Studs had spent some time with it: The book was marked up by red pen, with page corners turned down and Post-It notes sticking out everywhere. But the best was to come. Just minutes before going on air, Studs said to the room, “I’ve got the perfect music to introduce this,” and rushed into the tall stacks of LPs lining the studio. He returned with Tom Paxton’s “Tend My Garden”…which meant that not only did Studs get the book, he got the message.
National Geographic writer Jon Bowermaster, whose books include Alone Against the Sea and Aleutian Adventure, e-mailed this response from the South Seas. As a bookseller, I’ve participated in a wide variety of author signings and events. Nothing stands so clearly in my mind, however, than the night of a Harry Potter release party. Talk about a test of willpower: The white and green boxes arrived by the truckful in the days before the official midnight Harry Potter party. They lined the entire back hallway of Ariel Booksellers, stamped with a “Do Not Open Until...” date still excruciatingly far in the future. Alone in that hallway, the boxes would begin to whisper. Willpower won out, but it was a close call. I don’t think I need to describe the nature of Harry-mania; those of us living in the 20th and 21st centuries understand it very well, in all of its record-breaking, hysterical glory. There is nothing quite like 11:59 at a Potter party. The costumed crowd outside is jockeying for position, the anticipatory feeling palpable in the night air, fueled by excitement and frenzied exhaustion. There is a festive, magical quality to the evening, one of happy recognition, everyone proudly displaying Gryffindor colors. Despite this grand chaos, there is a unique and specific understanding floating in the crowd—that the real pleasure this evening will be in the silent cacophony of private audience, as millions around the world return home with a sigh, open to page one, and read until the sun rises.
Bri Johnson has worked at Ariel in New Paltz and Inquiring Mind in Saugerties, and as a reviewer for Chronogram. Many of the above authors will be signing books at our Eats, Reads & Leaves party on Friday, November 10, 7pm, at Blue Mountain Bistro in Woodstock. Please join us for our first annual Literary Supplement event, featuring readings by Sparrow, Da Chen, Phillip Levine, Donald Westlake, and Nina Shengold. General literary lunacy will be provided by Mikhail Horowitz and Gilles Malkine. The Stillhouse Rounders will be performing. Free hors d’oeuvres will be served. Admission is $5. Info: (845) 334-8600.
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joined at the hip
illustrations by diana bryan The concept was simple: Help eliminate bookshelf clutter by double-booking great (or merely popular) works of literature, creating what contestant Laura Covello dubbed “portmantomes.” We asked for a title and one-line concept pitch, e.g., Cat on a Hot Tin Drum A desperate woman hides her stunted husband’s liquor until he agrees to grow up and have sex.
Over the course of two months, we received more than 200 contest
entries that borrowed from movie and other nonbook titles (bid-
entries from 13 states, as well as Great Britain, Mauritius, and Malta.
ding reluctant adieus to Y Tu Mother Courage Tambien and I Am
Many offered marvelously loopy title juxtapositions. Some combina-
Curious, George), along with all those by our relatives and the
tions came up more than once—we had matched sets of Eats, Shoots
people who offered us bribes. After sorting the conjoined bodies,
and Leaves of Grass; Tender Is the Night of the Iguana; and The
we selected the following gems, which combine quirky titles with
Unbearable Lightness of Being Earnest; while no fewer than seven
deft definitions, and—not incidentally—made us laugh loudest.
contestants served Green Eggs and Hamlet (a title that has also been
All winners will receive Chronogram T-shirts. Grand Prize
appropriated for a short indie film). Other entries had clever texts, or
winners will receive Grand Prize T-shirts. And special kudos
fused the two works in unusual ways (extra credit to Bram Moreinis
to winners Mimi Handler and Jessica Handler, a mother and
for Portrait of a Lady as a Young Man, by Henry James Joyce).
daughter from Georgia who entered independently—proving that
The judges faced an intimidating task. First, we eliminated all
the family that celebrates lit together, demonstrates wit together.
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS (a tie, of course; they’re joined at the hip!)
Horton Hears a Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
The Jungle Book of Mormon
We’ll cuss and we’ll drink, and make jokes about balls— a person’s a person, no matter how small. —Jilly Dybka, Kingston Springs, TN
The Law of the Jungle is replaced by the Law of God, as revealed to Baloo Smith. —Eric Margerum, Vincennes, IN
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joined at the hip: DISHONORABLE MENTION
I Sing the Body Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test Walt Whitman is either on the bus or off the bus. —Jessica Handler and Mickey Dubrow, Atlanta, GA
The Devil and Daniel Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary A beaten man must stand trial for his soul after wagering with a mysterious stranger that antidisestablishmentarianism is the longest word in the English language. —Jude Tulli,Tonopah, AZ
1984 Whom the Bell Tolls Can Winston find love with Julia and fight for justice in the Spanish Civil War, all the while under the relentless scrutiny of Hermano Grande? —William Levitt Jr., Red Hook
Story of O’Portnoy’s Complaint
Sometimes a Great Gatsby
Ulysistrata
The Irish-Jewish narrator complains that no matter how hard he slaps, whacks, chains, whips, pinches, or otherwise abuses his Paris fashion photographer girlfriend, it just isn’t fun. She disagrees. —Buzz Spector, Ithaca
An easterner with a mysterious past practices deforestation and social domination in the forests of Oregon. —Sharon Cousins, Viola, ID
Molly Bloom’s sex strike for peace. —Joshua Yeidel, Viola, ID
Metamorphosister Carrie
A hermaphroditic magazine editor engenders controversy with some unusual dating tips. —Laura Covello, Ulster Park
Bright Lights, Big City of God Theological musings of a fifth-century saint on a coke binge. —Greg Olear, Highland
Middlesex and the Single Girl A giant cockroach from the country is horrified to wake up and find that it has become the mistress of a traveling salesman in Chicago. —Carol Maltby, Olivebridge
The Milagro Beanfield War of the Worlds A Winter’s Tale of Two Cities Exit, pursued by a mob. —Linda Freeman, Marlboro
“Hey, Jose,” cried Pedro, “you and those stupid beans really started something this time!” —Ken Greenman, Highland
Jane Erewhon
Leatherstocking Tales from the Crypt
A utopia where all women are homely and all men are blind. —Amlin Gray, Bronxville
Natty goes Bumppo in the night. —Mimi Handler, Columbus, GA
Fahrenheit 451 Hundred Years of Solitude The temperature at which magical realism burns. —Daniel Gallant, New York City
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love in the Time of Cholera Two suburban couples sit around a table and down a bottle of gin and become sick, but not from the gin. —Mike Kardos, Columbia, MO
Rand McNally Road Atlas Shrugged Complicated set of directions nobody understands, but often pretends to. —Kristin Henderson, Red Hook
Contest judges Mikhail Horowitz & Nina Shengold are the authors, jointly, of Chicken Soup for the Soul on Ice, The Diary of Anais Pnin, Shoeless Cujo, Cyrano Exit, The Fear and Trembling Unto Death of a Salesman, and King Solomon’s Mein Kampf. Illustrator Diana Bryan’s work has appeared in numerous publications, including Rolling Stone and the Wall Street Journal. In 1995, Bryan was commissioned by the New York Public Library to create 13 massive paper-cutout murals illustrating its “Books of the Century” exhibit.
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Chronogram’s Choice The Year’s Best-Reviewed Books By Hudson Valley Authors In the 15 months since the 2005 Literary Supplement, Chronogram has featured reviews and Short Takes of more than 120 books, many by area authors. Here is the cream of this bountiful crop.
Fiction: The Darwin Conspiracy John Darnton (Alfred A. Knopf, 2005) “The novel is flat-out engrossing, and deftly weaves presentday amateur detectives, young Darwin’s voyage of discovery, and his last, troubled days. Darwin changed everything, deflating our conceit about human importance and elevating our knowledge. His careful observations turned pieties about ‘God’s creation’ into a rich, ever-evolving, as it were, engagement with the natural world. He was not, even so, a ‘god,’ or even demiurge, and The Darwin Conspiracy elevates his accomplishment while examining, with Darwinian attention to detail, his feet of clay.” —Greg Correll (10/05)
Tetched: A Novel in Fractals Thaddeus Ruttkowski (Behler Publications, 2005) “Don’t let Tetched’s fits-and-starts fragments fool you. Ruttkowski’s novel has the depth and complexity required to engage the reader utterly in a seamless, forward-moving narrative. There are moments of hilarity and beauty throughout the book, bright glimmers of the underside of bleak despair.” —Susan Piperato (12/05)
Veronica Mary Gaitskill (Pantheon, 2005) “Gaitskill is a sensual writer in the broadest possible way, a mistress of metaphor: Music has colors, scenes evoke sensations, gestures or phrases evoke vivid, almost hallucinatory imagery. The story of Alison’s life in the fast lane rocks along with a gathering depth.” —Anne Pyburn (12/05)
The Devil’s Backbone Kim Wozencraft (St. Martin’s Press, 2006) “Take that flashlight with you to the parking lot, and lock your doors. Stone Ridge author Kim Wozencraft has just unleashed a mile-a-minute, heart-thumping new novel. The Devil’s Backbone provides not only suspense but texture, psychological depth, and a thrill ride that only comes to a halt on the last page.” —Erin Quinn (9/06)
Eat the Document Dana Spiotta (Scribner, 2006) “A mesmerizing page-turner with much to say about the nature of identity in a culture based on starting over, and what individuals and groups can do to save the world—or not. If this weren’t 2006 and I had less respect for its author, I’d say, ‘Steal this book!’” —Susan Piperato (7/06) The Ghost Orchid Carol Goodman (Ballantine, 2006) “No ordinary blossom…will make Stephen King fans remember what they missed about Henry James. The Ghost Orchid will delight anybody who remembers loving a good ghost story and then tiring of the genre’s clichés. It’s fresh and fragrant.” —Anne Pyburn (4/06)
Gullboy: The Inconceivable Life of Franco Pajarito Zanpa Wade Rubenstein (Counterpoint Books, 2005) “It could only happen in the world of magical realism. A scavenging seagull finds a latex bag of love, and soon after, hatches one mighty weird chick. An outrageous fable set in a modernday Coney Island that’s a far cry from the seaside getaway our grandparents cherished. It’s become a seedy, timeworn wreck, where Russian mobsters outnumber the fun-seekers—the perfect backdrop for this earthy farce.” —Susan Krawitz (10/95) The Rabbit Factory Marshall Karp (MacAdam/Cage, 2006) “Don’t look for Disney to make this into a movie—the concept of a regimented fantasy world founded by a crazed eccentric might hit a tender spot or two. It would be nice if somebody did, though: The mayhem and mirth are both visual and original, and the denouement is enormously satisfying. The Rabbit Factory rocks.” —Anne Pyburn (6/06)
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Nonfiction: The Dead Beat: Lost Souls, Lucky Stiffs, and the Perverse Pleasures of Obituaries Marilyn Johnson (HarperCollins, 2006) “As Marilyn Johnson points out in The Dead Beat, her lighthearted, insightful and fact-packed ode to obits and those who write them, the obituary is now an art form. Each ‘tight little coil of biography with its literary flourishes reminds us of a poem,’ writes Johnson, whose reportage is just as moving and compelling as the contemporary obituarists she lauds. As she discovers, it’s not only a great time to die, but a fascinating time to be alive.” —Susan Piperato (4/06) Historic Hudson: An Architectural Portrait Byrne Fone (Black Dome Press, 2005) “Fone is an elegant writer. His sentences glide over the page like tall ships with stately masts as he tells the story of this architecturally distinguished New York community, founded in 1793 by New England Quaker merchants and whalers. They navigate the story of the rise and fall and rise of a great, though small, American city.” —Carolyn Bennett (12/05) Pride & Politics: The Tale of a Big Story in a Small Town Erin Quinn (Hudson House Publishing, 2005) “There’s nothing like being in the right place at the right time, especially if you’re a newspaper reporter whose controversies usually run to franchise coffeehouses and broken sewer pipes. A whopper of a story—New Paltz Mayor Jason West’s decision to marry 25 same-sex couples on February 24, 2004—gives her readers a chance to find out just how good she is. And Erin Quinn, who writes for the New Paltz Times, is very good, indeed. One of the most appealing narrators I’ve encountered in a long time.” —Jane Smith (10/05)
Chronogram’s Choice The Year’s Best-Reviewed Books By Hudson Valley Authors Memoir & Biography: Chosen by a Horse Susan Richards (Soho Press, 2006) “This is a moving, heartfelt memoir, but it is absolutely not sentimental. The writer’s voice is responsible, sharp as the crack of a long-lashed buggy whip. Chosen By a Horse reads like a sad movie that’s been wittily captioned for the misery-impaired. Though horse lovers will find special appeal, this is not strictly a horse-centric tale. It’s a story for anyone who has ever loved fiercely and lost, thought that pain had damaged them beyond fixing, or wondered if facing death also means facing life.” —Susan Krawitz (6/06)
Fever: the Life and Music of Miss Peggy Lee Peter Richmond (Henry Holt & Co., 2006) “[Richmond] seamlessly recreates Peggy Lee’s life from the beginning, when Norma Deloris Egstrom, a shy girl from 1930s North Dakota, realized that her talent for song would be the only escape from an abusive stepmother and a loving but alcoholic father. Meticulously researched, Fever is an engaging chronicle of a life lived unwisely and too well. Songwriter, artist, sculptor, actress, and designer, Peggy Lee first and foremost was born to sing—and live—the blues.” —Jay Blotcher (8/06)
Water Rights: Nieuw Pfalz Book II David Appelbaum (Codhill Press, 2005) This second volume of Appelbaum’s epic poem is as dense and multilayered as Shawangunk conglomerate, incorporating historical documents of Ashokan Reservoir construction alongside brilliant flights of language, both bawdy and erudite, ‘reported / as never before / no nugget but of truth.’” —Short Takes (1/06)
Young Adult & Children’s: Once Around the Sun Bobbi Katz, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Harcourt Children’s Books, 2006) “From sledding in January to catching fireflies against a dusky purple and blue July sky, Port Ewen resident Bobbi Katz’s 12 lively poems celebrate each month of the year. Pham’s colorful, gorgeous paintings illuminate this modern classic.” —Short Takes (6/06)
The Orpheus Obsession Dakota Lane (Harper Tempest, 2005) “Interlaced with photographs and lyrics, Orpheus is also a journey into writing as an art form, with a literary quality that is sorely lacking in much popular young adult fiction today. Among the Harry Potter and Sweet Valley High knock-offs saturating the market are a few struggling gems by writers like Lane, who have worked hard to hone their craft, and are giving it back to the next generation honestly, in all its messy, complex glory. Lane’s characters are acutely human.” —Molly
Public Radio: Behind the Voices Lisa A. Phillips (CDS Books, 2006) “Perfect fare for the ‘snobby arugula eaters’ (as one host playfully dubs his audience), filled with information and insight. A compilation of 43 profiles and interviews of personalities from every sector of public radio, it’s a tasty, well-prepared meal that’s not without a generous assortment of spicy entrees. Phillips is an insider, a superior guide to this world, but she’s also unabashedly a fan.” —Susan Krawitz (5/06)
Maeve Eagan (10/05)
The Far Mosque Kazim Ali (Alice James Books, 2005) “Poughkeepsie poet and Nightboat Books publisher Ali limns inner and outer journeys in spare, elegant lines that linger like wine on the palate. His imagery startles and thrills.”
Sweep Dreams Nancy Willard, illustrated by Mary GrandPré (Little, Brown Young Readers, 2005) “Harry Potter illustrator GrandPré’s luminous drawings tell an age-old story: Man meets broom, loves broom, loses broom. Poughkeepsie author Willard’s poetic fable is wise to the ways of relationships, and even sulkers will laugh when the broom is revealed as a ‘sweepwalker.’” —Short Takes (6/06)
Poetry:
—Short Takes (1/06)
Field Road Sky Steve Clorfeine (Codhill Press, 2006) “Accord writer/performer Clorfeine is an observant traveler. His poems unfold with calligraphic spareness and not one wasted breath: ‘what I reach for has no name.’”
The Ugly Pumpkin Dave Horowitz (Penguin Group, 2005) “Rosendale resident Horowitz, award-winning author of A Monkey Among Us and Soon, Baboon, Soon, uses his signature rhythmic style to spin a jaunty, colorful tale of an ‘ugly duckling’ pumpkin who must find his place in the holidays.” —Short Takes (10/05)
—Short Takes (7/06)
All of the Above: The Quick of It Eamon Grennan (Graywolf Press, 2005) “Grennan’s ravishing language does honor to, among a teeming of other creatures, a fiercely fragile aviary of birds, including loons, blackbirds, waxwings, robins, chickadees, finches, swallows, starlings, geese, ducks, and a ‘clackering magpie.’ Indeed, the preternaturally gorgeous photograph on the book’s cover might well represent the very wings that Grennan keeps tucked beneath his greatcoat, the wings most poets wish they had.” —Mikhail Horowitz (4/06)
America: A Prophecy—The Sparrow Reader edited by Marcus Boon (Soft Skull Press, 2005) “This collection spans the breadth of Sparrow’s writing: from surreal flights of fancy like an account of sex with an ant or an interview with Kurt Cobain after his death, to quiet observations about the sky in the Catskills and his baby daughter, to quotidian dramas like his wife’s having a cockroach stuck in her ear. Sparrow is a master at clever subversion (you gotta love a guy who hands out free books in front of The Wiz to discourage people from buying televisions).” —Erica Avery (2/06) 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM LITERARY SUPPLEMENT 93
The Checks They Cherished
Personal essays by Celia Bland, Nina Shengold, John Thorn, and Marilyn Johnson Illustrations by Liza Donnelly
I
was raised never to talk about money, and when I grew up and became a poet it was soon clear that there would be very little to tempt me to break this rule. I was also raised never to call myself a poet—that was a title the world would bestow upon me—so I found myself, at 24, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, untitled and unpaid and quite depressed. I was living with my husband in an apartment so narrow I had to press myself up against the wall if he needed to get from the kitchen to the bedroom. On the day I discovered I was pregnant (as anyone might be after living for years in an apartment nicknamed “The Airplane”), I received a check for $200. I had won an “editor’s choice” prize from a small literary magazine. The note from the editor commended not my poetry’s brilliance or metaphorical imagination but its “weirdness.” (This seems a patterned response to my work. At a writer’s colony on Montauk where I spent one long August, I was introduced to the head of the foundation, who said, “Oh, yes, Celia Bland. Your poems are so . . . weird.” And he looked me up and down, struck no doubt, by the blandness of my appearance.) But this check couldn’t have come at a better time, as I was getting bigger by the minute, like some Brooklynite Alice in my tiny kitchen. That check went to the security deposit for another place, on a bad street in a better neighborhood, and subsequent checks went for rent and diapers and doctors. There’s only one check that went for some memorable purchase, and that was the one I got for expurgating Heidi. You may never have read that 300-page original, but let me tell you, it’s a religious tract, and Heidi is less little girl than Agent of Providence, rekindling Grandfather’s faith and miraculously curing Clara, the crippled rich girl. My job was to cut the text by two-thirds, nixing the references to God’s hand in favor of the fresh goat’s milk and the sleigh-riding. My paycheck, a substantial one, was spent on a brand-new couch. This couch was wide and comfy and covered in a pale green jacquard silk that has since rotted away (though the couch remains, buoyed by pieces of foam and a twill slipcover), and it was magnificent. Our friends all came to see—we being the first in our circle to have both child and couch—and left, strangely disapproving. But I didn’t care. Heidi-like, I had faith—this was a couch to build a family on. —Celia Bland Celia Bland’s collection, Soft Box (CavenKerry Press), was awarded the silver prize for poetry from ForeWord magazine. She is the Dean of Studies at Bard College.
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T
he plight of the young publishing person in New York is perilous if you don’t have a trust fund. The paychecks are meager. A root canal can bankrupt you. You share an apartment with others, human and cockroach; you scrounge in the couch cushion for quarters for the subway on Monday morning. Dinner is a plate of free hot hors d’oeuvres at the Irish bar. The crumbs that fall off of the editor’s desk and into your hands—screening tickets, free books, leftover booty from a fashion shoot—determine the quality of your life. The weather gets cold in Manhattan, and the wind that whips off the Hudson can sting. The old coat is brought out, the old boots. Christmas break looms and you can always hope that Grandma will send a check. You can always hope a bonus will fall from the sky. The holiday party is in a bar on Third Avenue, and not a good bar, either. The boss has already left on vacation. He sends a gorillagram, though, and a stack of envelopes for the help, a crisp $50 bill tucked into each. One by one, the proles and fact checkers and editorial assistants slip out and stagger back to their squalid dives, and, honestly, it’s a miracle none of us were found a week later hanging from the showerhead. I spend the $50 at the tailor’s, getting the shredded lining in my winter coat replaced with new, shiny sateen. The boss at the next magazine doesn’t bother with a holiday party. I walk into the office one bitter December day to find a neat cardboard box covering my chair. It’s my bonus. I tear into it, thrilled, and find—a crown of thorns? A thin branch of olivewood twisted and threaded with ribbon. A wreath for a wraith. Somewhere in there I write my first freelance magazine piece for almost as much money as I made the whole first year I worked on staff. I buy a stereo, turntable and speakers, pay off my credit card, get a $100 pair of boots. Finally, I can breathe. The piece, thank God, never runs. —Marilyn Johnson Marilyn Johnson is the author of The Dead Beat: Lost Souls, Lucky Stiffs, and the Perverse Pleasures of Obituaries, which was published by HarperCollins this March. She has been a magazine editor and freelance writer since the late ’70s, when a $50 bonus was still an insult.
I
had already written a few baseball books, which confirmed that I was a published writer, if not yet a very good one. Writer’s block had plagued me from the outset: I could not write two sentences in succession without reversing course to edit the previous one. I knew myself, I thought—a tortoise who required a distant finish line to stand a chance of success. The idea of writing for a newspaper or a magazine seemed preposterous. I would prefer to torture myself and my readers with another book. Then Cliff Kachline, historian at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, put my name forward to The Sporting News (TSN) to write an account of the annual convention of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), soon to be held on a suburban campus of the University of Toronto. TSN had never covered a SABR convention before, but this was the summer of 1981, when a strike by baseball’s players left all sports publications in desperate need of sidebar copy. TSN offered $125, but I was to pay my own way to Toronto and had to file the story Sunday night upon landing back at Albany Airport. That gave me a single afternoon to write the whole story, a fearsome prospect, but I was too thrilled to say no. I had read the magazine more or less religiously since I was a boy; here was a sign, maybe, that I had “made it.” Despite not being a SABR member I could wangle my way into the confab (that’s old-fashioned TSN lingo) as “press” or I could simply pay the $15 dues. I did the latter, to permit unobtrusive mingling; oh, I was so clever. By the time I reached the convention, Cliff had let everyone know that I was covering it for The Sporting News. The shy types who might provide the best stories shied away from me, while the authors looking to promote their new books tagged along hungrily, hoping to be quoted. Stuffing my notebook in my back pocket, I met some truly interesting individuals along the way. These included Pete Palmer and Bob Carroll, with whom I would go on to cocreate many books over the next 25 years, including Total Baseball and Total Football. I wrote the story on a four-pound Brother electronic typewriter, a quirkily useful device, at a time when portable computers were more aptly termed luggable. Touching down at Albany Airport, I raced to the Western Union office downtown on State Street. There, they had a teletype/fax equivalent that would miraculously zip my dot-matrix copy to St. Louis in two jiffies. It was 10 at night, and the story HAD to be in St. Louis by midnight if it was to run. It did, in the issue of August 8, 1981, under the dismaying headline “Trivia Hits New Heights at Baseball Research Parley.” All the same, I framed the story and can see it on the wall above my desk as I write this, one of the 40 to 50 short deadline pieces I now write each year. —John Thorn John Thorn’s baseball titles over the past three decades include the forthcoming Baseball in the Garden of Eden and Total Baseball: The Hidden Game of Baseball, and dozens more. He writes columns for the Woodstock Times, Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore, and 108, and appears now and then in the New York Times and the Boston Globe. He lives in Saugerties.
T
here is no more fraught topic for writers than earning a living. Americans are more comfortable describing intimate bodily functions than how much money they make. And no matter how talented, diligent, or respected you are in your field, no one (including yourself) will take you seriously until you get paid for your work. I got my first literary paycheck while I was in college. I was taking a poetry seminar with Richard Wilbur, who treated us all with the utmost respect, as if we were actual poets. Emboldened by his generosity, I applied for something called the Connecticut Student Poets Prize. A month later, I was stunned to discover I’d won. There were four of us, all women. One was dry, one overconfessional, one truly gifted; I was the funny, theatrical one. (My signature piece, “Haiku for a 14-Speed Blender,” was an objet trouve, 17 syllables culled from the buttons on my vintage Waring.) We crisscrossed the state of Connecticut, reading at six different colleges. For each event, we were paid an honorarium—wonderful word!—of $35. I kept the first check by my bed for a very long time. I couldn’t decide how to spend it. Should I be humble? I needed a new pair of shoes. Or should I buy a bottle of French Champagne to share with my friends, more accustomed to washing down off-campus staples like bread Parmesan with Boone’s Farm apple wine? In the end, I decided to buy a theatrical makeup kit, so I could look at myself in the mirror and say, “See? You can make a living in the arts.” After graduation I moved to Manhattan, where I was shocked, shocked, to find thousands of dewy-eyed actresses more skilled, more experienced, more photogenic, and more single-minded than I was. It took only one audition for me to realize that my future would not be on stage, but writing the lines. The makeup kit moved to the back of my closet, where it lived ’til the greasepaint began to stink. Meanwhile, I made a living as a “gal Friday” office temp, stagehand, editor, teacher, tree planter, and very bad waitress who sometimes sold stories and had plays produced. Countless movies have fostered the myth that creative success is like stepping onto an escalator—as soon as you get your first foothold, you’re whisked to the top. In fact, it is more akin to those labyrinthine constructions of stairs that M.C. Escher was wont to produce: You go up, you stall, you go down, you go up again. There is no top in sight, though the view from high floors can be thrilling at times. What I’ve learned since college: You can make a living in the arts, but it will never be easy or smooth. There will be times of delirious joy and of abject panic, even after you’ve made that “big score.” What keeps us going is our love for the work itself, and the warming company of our fellow travelers, who see us through droughts and exult when our cups runneth over. I should have bought the Champagne. —Nina Shengold Nina Shengold won the Writers Guild Award for Labor of Love and published her first novel, Clearcut, in 2005. Finger Foods, a collection of seven short plays, was just published by Playscripts, Inc.
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My Writerly Advice Sparrow
I must say, I love advice to writers. I admire its all-knowing style and crusading optimism. Of course, it’s all lies—but so is most literature. I recommend Writer’s Digest (www.writersdigest.com). A good place to begin is the online “Writer’s Tip of the Day.” It’s free, and full of generous suggestions. The day I looked, this feature was in the form of an interview, mysteriously uncredited. (Even more disturbing, it was labeled “From the Accelerated Fundamentals of Fiction Writing Workshop,” possibly the worst-written title of any workshop I have ever seen.) The interview commenced with an innocent question: “How do I get started writing fiction?” The bad advice began flowing immediately. The unidentified expert (labeled only as “A”) answered: “The curiosity factor is the essence of all good storytelling. Make your reader care about nothing else in the world but what will happen next.” While this counsel is technically valid, it will aid no writer. Thinking of the Reader—that demanding, impatient tyrant—stops every pen. If I had to consider if I was losing the Reader, I would still be writing my first sentence. My advice is: “Screw the Reader!” Write to amuse yourself, and hope some editor likes it. As for readers, let them skip over your writing, and move on to the exciting stories after yours. (Here is a true insider’s secret: Editors pay you, and the Reader does not!) The questioner (identified as “Q”) continues: “What do I write about?” “A” coyly responds with another question: “What do you like to read?” Then she (or he) adds: “If you have a passion for mysteries, write one. If you can’t get enough of historical stories, write one.” No thanks! Personally, I read all sorts of entertaining trash—for example, the New York Post—but that doesn’t mean I want to sit down and write the Post every day. I read (mostly) for fun, but I write for some other reason. What that reason is I am not entirely aware. (Perhaps some narcissistic wound during infancy?) Certainly, I am capable of devouring an entire Agatha Christie book, and the next day writing the poem: Sentence A headwaiter made headway in the headwind. “Q” persists: “I want to write about something that really happened to me. Is that a good idea?” “A” responds, in a rather mystical vein: “Everything that happens to you and everything that you see happening to others is valuable writer’s gold.” (As opposed to “worthless writer’s gold”?) “The Big Events—falling in love, breaking up, raising a child, losing a loved one—are all-important. They are the heart of much fiction.” Oy, those Big Events! Every poetry reading is filled with Big, Big Events, each of which strangely resembles all the other Big Events. I would much rather hear about Minuscule Events—e.g., a woman repairing her eyeglasses with Scotch tape. Here is my Writer’s Tip of the Day: Writers give terrible advice—including me! —Sparrow Sparrow just began a new career as an antiwar flautist. His latest book is America: A Prophecy—The Sparrow Reader (Soft Skull Press). 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM LITERARY SUPPLEMENT 97
POETRY
Edited by Phillip Levine. You can submit up to three poems to Chronogram at a time. Send ‘em if you got ‘em, either via snailmail or e-mail. Deadline: December 5. 314 Wall St., Kingston, NY 12401. E-mail: poetry@chronogram.com. Subject: Poetry.
“Art & Artists” For our Literary Supplement issue, we sought poems along the theme of artists, artworks, or the process of painting, sculpting, etc. Thank you to everyone who submitted work. Consider, enjoy.
Ars Poetica:
art sticks -p
of the Orient. Encased in his work, he appears worried.
for MacLeash with a hundred kisses…
We poems make words. Words make we. It’s why poems work. Take shape, grow wings. We rely on sound: your brain forming mouth, forming mind. We become; your hands wring out the hours: drip-
To ignore the yellow circle behind his head would deny the next tick of the story. He has just looked down, seen the head of a drowning man. He must know he cannot save him. Is the man in my painting fortunate to be held in that moment before decision, woven and thick with the consequences of knowing the world is hungry for heroes?
drop. —Judith Ferrara What makes us soak in an empty mixture, experience you’ve mastered; you make us from the sap off your new planted tree—planted a thousand times. Like trees, soft saplings or knobbed ancients —we remain stilted. Ringed with antonym. We are blown by the same air. We make other things, too. We poems, we trees. We make a boat to carry, a thing to climb into, neither of us knowing what it means— survival. We are all dumb. Some people find poems about death depressing. Like death could ever be wholly beautiful without us, without poems to sound your whirling from this world to another, prying into what’s passed, what’s gone and what will be gone. Tonight dreams of poems carve whale ships—imagination. Memory by memory, your mind. —Athena Demetra Fliakos
Saving the Drowning Man I’ll say this about my painting: I don’t understand it. The man could be a painter standing at his easel. His shirt and pants are gray, and a bit too elegant-looking. Red slices of cadmium flit about him, to make you notice. He is surrounded by a landscape of his own making. Standing on the turquoise Surrealist border of the eastern section, he faces the blood brown red bloom
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Too Much Art There are rooms of Rubens, galleries Of tapestries, halls of artillery and armor. There are scraps of hieroglyphs, Shards of pottery, shreds of costumes, Displays of furniture, cameos, amulets, Talismans, totems, sarcophagi, scrimshaw, Illuminated manuscripts and silver Inkwells, stained glass, blown glass, Ceramic urns, basalt lions, ossuaries, Odalisques and obelisks, cubists, fauvists, Abstract expressionists, landscapes, still lifes, Portraits, photographs, monoprints, etchings, Lithographs, and woodblocks. From the Cycladics to Haring, We’ve not been content unless We could clutter another wing Of another museum with our relics. Even now, A high school sketch class sprawls On the marble floor, copying details Of folds of Pallas Athena’s drapery. I want to say STOP to them, I want to say LOOK AROUND, kids, Calculate the true odds, please. Whatever you think you will do, It’s been done. Done better and done often. Why bother? Why waste the time? Then one student, a small Asian girl, Gets the shading right for the very first time And beams like she’ll glow all night. The world probably has enough poems, too. —Ted Taylor
Rauschenberg’s Bed
untitled
On the second floor hangs in a rear gallery
Bed deteriorating.
Sheets sag down the wall. linseed double suicide. than painting the night.
the fabric Bed became artifact, with familiarity.
is fugitive, drains.
Color slobbered, Better
It will not keep, is breaking apart. yellow
Pigment Bed
—Glenn Werner
Work 10:30 at night (dishes washed, pot roast in the amber refrigerator dish) you got your second wind, went back into the studio, sat in your chair (white chair, smudges retouched with titanium white) and opened the clamshell trays of pigment (the trays from a salad bar as the career girls pushed, the pigments your pyramids). Flicked on the special lamp of true daylight, cast your eyes on last night’s work (too heavy, that line of gray). Picked up the flat size 6, swabbed its broad tip through oily cobalt. Walked a line of that blue next to that field of dark green.
We are climbing hotdog chomping don’t look around too soon I could still be Queen today I enter Alone, I start shrinking just like Alice hotdog chomping “isn’t it amazing” This is a museum tour guide or real estate agent politely they nod “Up those stairs are the nineteenth century paintings” amuse her no noise no noise “I swore they were here” exotic prints smells language sneak into my eye Twist twist my dirty blond hair Weighing myself carelessly not very kindly staring rudely at people in the elevator speaking French I am sixteen and I smoke STOP and soar through ivory beasts eat the paint and dive into the pond passionately ferociously imagine jungles grow inside me simple manipulations become pious “He was this close” “Please ma’am, not that close” washed with knowledge hands made this I have hands “It gives me chills” no, really, I really do” what Suck what I am fourteen and my mother won’t buy me Levi’s I can fly though and drink wine “I’ve seen what I came here to see” “Let’s go get a pretzel” with cheese.
Delicious, wasn’t it, the sound of paint rolling its edge across the canvas, bristles whispering into cotton. Outside in the street’s brash lights, people rushed home
—Elisabeth Paternoster
after dinners out, cabs barked and lunged for fares. A half hour, an hour you doted on your rectangles, golden sections of 8, 5, 3, the stalwart assembly of related but not similar colors (as you always pointed out): cobalt, flake gray, cerulean, prussian, ultramarine. You felt a twinge paring down that block of dark green, that dwindling tint that never mixed the same. By its formula in your pigment book you’d written not quite. The midnight streets turned leather in the drizzle, traffic thinned out. In your studio the canvas leaned back against the easel for a long
American Gothic She dressed properly, She spoke quietly, She loved modestly, She died peacefully.
conversation. Your husband called good night, got in bed for an old movie, soon the hap-happy of a dance number tapped on the walls. The lamp of true daylight buzzed loyally behind you. Crowded now, that green was causing trouble, a murky hole in the field. You only live once, you thought, and took up a dab of winsor blue, painted over the green, restored order to the world. —Jana Martin
Harmless, humble, God’s lamb… Damn! —Yana Kane
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untitled
en plein air
1. You paint like you make love: with one soft motion you start the scene. Your hand moves gently, correcting color and creating form. You prime your subject and arrange your breath around her. You delight in the nude lines and tell her to hold still.
her hair a brindling of autumn over his
2. It is half past four and you are still dressed. You rebraid your hair on olive arms and bring out more wine. You show me old lithographs, chatting about galleries. Your canvas has been blue for a month because, you say, purple is too passionate.
scape; his canvas pants & shoes excuse them-
face, as freckled hands lend amplitude to land-
selves; the nipples dip & redly barn his brush —Mikhail Horowitz
3. You have finally gone back to painting. Your hand moves quickly in breathless bold lines, unusual angles. It knows what it wants though you keep your mind doubting.
I Posed For Jake Pollock in the Late 1940s jake pollock? i posed for him in the late 1940s. you didn’t know he worked
I am the model so I try to hold still. Yes, you paint as you love: at times your hand wavers. The brush fails and you call it a night.
with models even during his abstract expressionist years? jake always wore his
—Nenah Sylver
naked and he’d get inspired and start dripping paint. creating canvasses full
collar up around his face like he was hiding something. he was embarrassed by his childhood in wyoming. he used to brand his sister and then cut himself with a bowie knife. he always was sweet to me and when we made love it was like he was peeling back my skin and entering a part of me where no one had ever been before. we’d clink glasses and he’d fuck me and then i’d lie there of human skulls and explosions of black and red and green. i guess he never
Design Your Vision I read an article; it was on potato art. For Materials and Methods, I cut a profile of my mother, added yellows, reds and blacks, and pressed the shape to paper. Six faces among white spaces: it was beautiful. So impressed, for a contest I decided on Mary and Joseph and, in pastels and chalks, a horse, God’s hand and sky; I didn’t win but the professor asked to keep it. The trick is simple: design your vision, take a knife and cut away at it. Finally, stamp your work for show. —Vanessa Raney 100 LITERARY SUPPLEMENT CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
would have been the painter he was if i hadn’t stirred up his wildness. i guess i was kind of responsible for him doing what he did. his wife lee knew it was me who stirred him up. we once had a fight at the cedar tavern in front of kline and de kooning. slamming away at each other till jake butted in and stopped it. jake was coming to see me the night he drove off the highway. i was posing for picasso. we were sleeping together and he wouldn’t let me out of his sight. so i called jake and told him i couldn’t be with him anymore. anyway i was with pablo that night jake went off the road. and sometimes i remember when jake and i’d sit at a booth at the cedar tavern and he’d stick his tongue in my mouth darting it around and he’d get excited like when he was spilling cans of color across the surface of his pictures creating surprises that jumped out of his subconscious like snakes or goblins or owls. yeah i love his paintings. they’re messy but transcendent. they leap and spit and sizzle. —Bruce Weber
On Saturday, November 11 at 2pm, the Woodstock Poetry Society will hold a memorial reading for our friend, poet Saul Benett, at the Woodstock Town Hall. www.woodstockpoetry.com
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off the written track
Four little-known literary landmarks in the Hudson Valley by Mikhail Horowitz photos by Anita Barbour Ever since Washington Irving romanced the Catskills and the river valley and
two months in 1923; and many other sites that resonate in a special way with
populated them with bowling homunculi and acephalic equestrians, the region
serious readers.
has played host to poets, playwrights, and prose writers of the first rank as well
But not every locus of literary significance is in the guidebooks. Some of the
as the merely rank. Thanks in large part to this heritage, the area has, in recent
more esoteric sites have been well guarded for years, known only to secretive
years, become a veritable Mecca for literary pilgrims, those high-minded and
scholars and crabby locals. In the interest of increasing the region’s already
low-tipping folks with entirely too much time on their hands. Led by any number
considerable prestige among lovers of literature, we offer the following four
of glossy guidebooks, they seek out the Hudson Valley’s literary shrines: the
locales, hitherto obscure, as ports worthy of call for well-read voyagers. And in
three-story, yellow Georgian house in Tivoli that Saul Bellow once shared with
the interest of keeping said voyagers from congesting our back roads, tromping
Ralph Ellison; the rustic cabin of John Burroughs in West Park; the Wood-
through our yards, or stumbling across our pot patches, we have kept the precise
stock cottage in which Hart Crane spent a slightly-less-dissolute-than-usual
coordinates vague enough to put off any but the most persistent of them.
In his “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,” Thomas Gray considered that “some mute inglorious Milton here may rest” among the moss-eaten graves and bird-speckled stones. Ah, but the Milton whose tomb is depicted here, in a country churchyard just north of Saugerties, is the real deal—the audible, glorious author of Paradise Lost. Scholars have long asserted that John Milton died in 1674 and was buried in the Church of St. Giles Cripplegate; but rumor has always had it that his cousin, George Milton, the successful proprietor of a colonial massage parlor in Kingston, paid the blind poet’s passage to the New World in 1673. This grave, whose inscription reads “Here Resteth the Author of the Greatyst [sic] Epic Poem in the English Language” (only you can’t see it in this photo), would seem to confirm the latter course of events.
Long given over to foxgrass, cattails, and chicory, this abandoned compound, just south of LaGrangeville, still stands as a mute testament to man’s inhumanity to man. Formerly the notorious prison of L’Estorage, it at one time counted among its unfortunate inmates the “sacred monster” of French literature, Jean Genet. As a young vagrant picked up by the flics of Marseilles, he was transported to this Dutchess County hellhole, where each inmate was locked in a windowless cell barely large enough to accommodate a neglected ping-pong table, or a discarded sofa, or an unused Nordic Track. Genet’s memoir of his 10 months in this wretched facility, Our Lady of the Locker, is long out of print.
Like Milton, Jonathan Swift was no stranger to the American colonies. Prior to the publication of Gulliver’s Travels in 1726, he took a year’s sabbatical from St. Patrick’s to visit several settlements near Esopus. It was at one of these settlements that he heard an elderly sachem of the Leni Lenape relate the legend of the “Lilipuka,” the diminutive, deer-pellet-eating people of the forest. Indeed, one of these odious little creatures had allegedly been captured by a Dutch trapper, who had swapped it with one of the townies for a bag of day-old chanterelles. During the course of Swift’s visit, the purchaser constructed a tiny house for his picayune acquisition; amazingly, nearly three centuries later, it still stands. This photograph depicts nothing less than Dean Swift’s inspiration for the kingdom of Lilliput.
Outside of Stone Ridge, on an inaccessible road in the invious bogs of The Vly, this unassuming mailbox may, some say, betray the presence of one of the giants of postmodern literature. The notoriously reclusive author, whose face has never been photographed, has long been rumored to live in the neighborhood, and the initials on the box would seem to justify the speculation. Skeptics, of course, will be quick to point out that the same initials could just as easily stand for “Toby Pelch” or “Tristram Pandy” or “Tyrone Plothrop.” But then how to explain the refrigerator magnet—a cheery facsimile of gravity’s rainbow—slyly affixed to the mailbox?
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whole living
CLEANSING FROM THE INSIDE OUT A PRIMER WE
OF
DETOXIFICATION TECHNIQUES
PRACTICE VARIOUS FORMS OF EXTERNAL CLEANSING DAILY.
BUT
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE LATELY
TO REMOVE BUILT-UP TOXINS FROM YOUR INTERIOR?
W
ouldn’t it be nice to live in a pollution-free environment, where we drank only the purest of water and ate naturally untainted foods? Where the homes we lived in were free of chemicals and the air we breathed, the water in which we swam, and even the clothes hugging our skin were clean of any artificial substances? Of course, this idealistic notion has probably never been the case, and is especially impractical today. That is why the next best thing we can do for our health is to cleanse our bodies of these toxins from time to time through methods of detoxification. Detoxification refers to the elimination of poisons or toxins. Due to the huge amounts of today’s environmental contaminants, our bodies are in serious need of regular cleansing to reduce damage to our immune systems and metabolism. Detoxification is vital to maximize the body’s energy and to prevent chronic illness. It is also a time-honored way to keep digestive elimination regular, circulation under control, and stress to a minimum. Detoxification both maintains good health and promotes healing from illnesses. A handful of common methods of detoxification are described here. Some are physical approaches that speed toxin removal from tissues so they can be excreted. Others are plant- or food-based, which treat the body to loads of immune-boosting substances that inactivate toxins and enhance their elimination.
MASSAGE Massage, dating back at least to the ancient Greeks and Romans, is an excellent method to improve lymph movement and blood flow. That, in turn, aids in getting cellular waste products and accumulated toxins out of tissues, into the bloodstream, and to the kidneys, where they are eliminated through urine. Melinda Pizzano, LMT, of Bodhi Massage Studio in Hudson, matches specific massage techniques to a client’s constitution. One of her favorites is a salt massage or salt glow. “I use this method to stimulate the large lymph glands and exfoliate the skin, as the skin is the largest organ of elimination.” She uses a blend of salt, oil, and 104 WHOLE LIVING GUIDE CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
an assortment of herbs and sugars during the massage, then rubs it off with hot towels. Melinda adds, “A Swedish massage, which is a more vigorous rubbing technique that really stimulates the lymph and circulatory systems, might be better for someone else, while the lymphatic drainage technique might suit another individual.” Aromatic essential oils such as lemon and grapefruit enhance the detoxification process, as does regularity of treatments. Pizzano suggests massage be enjoyed on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis to ensure the treatments reach the body’s deepest layers, where unwanted substances build up over time.
HEAT TREATMENTS Hyperthermia techniques, which elevate body temperature slightly to remove toxins, have been used throughout history, such as by ancient Greek physicians, in the ornate bath complexes of the Romans, in sweat lodges of the Native American Indians, and in the steam baths of the Scandinavians. These techniques are still very popular today. Steam baths, hot tubs, and saunas in particular are favorite ways to get your heart beating and your blood circulating, which improves toxin transfer from tissues to the bloodstream, then to the liver, which chemically alters many harmful substances into harmless ones, and then to kidneys for elimination. Further, according to authors Patricia J. Benjamin and Francis M. Tappan in Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques, “steam rooms help clear the sinuses and relieve respiratory congestion. Steam also raises the body temperature and causes sweating.” A cold shower following a steam washes off toxins released in sweat and brings body temperature down to normal. Be sure to drink adequate amounts of water before, during, and after heat treatments. A steam bath works more quickly than a sauna, cleansing the body in about 10 to 15 minutes compared to 30 to 40 minutes in a sauna. The powerful detoxification process takes place when the body reaches 101 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that one’s pulse rate should not exceed 130 or 140. Check with your physician to see if this technique is right for you.
SKIN BRUSHING Dry skin brushing is another European technique that has been used for centuries. Not only does it remove toxins accumulated in dead skin cells, it enhances circulation. Dr. Bernard Jensen (author of Dr. Jensen’s Guide to Better Bowel Care) recommends that “your daily regime should begin with skin brushing for a period of three to five minutes. I believe skin brushing is one of the finest of all ‘baths.’ No soap can wash the skin as clean as the new skin that you have under the old. You make a new top layer of skin every 24 hours. Skin brushing removes the old layer and lets this clean new layer come to the surface.” He suggests brushing the whole body, (except the face) “one half hour after rising and prior to the morning bath or shower. You may wish to skin brush again before retiring for the night.” Use an all-natural vegetable fiber brush with a long handle to reach out-of-the-way places. Brush from the outermost points—the feet and hands—toward the center of your body; brush bottoms of the feet, as nerve endings here affect the entire body. Brush across your upper back and down the front and back of your torso. Use lighter strokes over breasts and do not brush the nipples. Wash your brush every few weeks in water and let it dry. Feel the sensation of newly invigorated skin!
FOODS AND BEVERAGES Certain foods and beverages aid in inactivating toxins or in removing them. These include fruits and fruit juices; fresh vegetable juices; chlorophyll-rich foods; herbal teas; and sea plants. For optimal results, these foods should be organically grown and eaten fresh. Blend or juice your favorite fruits in the morning for a detoxifying breakfast. Fruit juices speed up metabolism to release waste quickly and have an alkalizing effect (acid-neutralizing) on the blood; citrus fruits and their juices in particular are rich in alkaline salts, mainly potassium. High-fiber fruits aid digestive regularity and stabilize insulin levels. Together, these properties of fruits reduce fat storage, speed metabolism, and minimize sugar cravings. Fruits should be eaten by themselves,
without protein or complex carbohydrates, and before noon for best energy conversion and cleansing benefits. Fresh vegetable juices provide the body with necessary vitamins, minerals, and enzymes to power the natural detoxifying activities of cells. For example, a combination of three carrots, three celery stalks, four cups spinach, and one cup parsley is high in potassium and is one of the most effective juices for cleansing blood and tissues, neutralizing acids, and rebuilding cells. Leafy green vegetables have chlorophyll, a detoxifyer that helps clear the skin, cleanse the kidneys, and cleanse and build the blood. Eating any chlorophyll-rich food will help to boost immunity, treat illness, and rid the body of unwanted substances. Spirulina (blue-green algae) and chlorella (green algae) have become popular supplements due to their extremely high chlorophyll content. Powdered concentrates of these green “superfoods” may be purchased at your local health food store and added to fruit and vegetable juices. Sea plants (“sea vegetables”) aid in detoxification by transforming toxic metals into salts that the body can eliminate. They also are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, and proteins. Seaweed, dulse, kelp, nori, and wakame are examples. Two tablespoons of dry minced sea vegetables added daily to a bowl of miso soup is a wonderfully therapeutic dose. Green tea, with its high antioxidant content, combats free radical damage to protect against degenerative diseases, and it boosts enzyme production in the body. It also has antibiotic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, and is highly valued as a cancer preventative. Blends of this and other detoxifying herbs are even available as prepackaged “detox teas.”
HERBS AND HOMEOPATHICS Kimberly Woods, an herbalist and homeopath near Phoenicia, recommends two herbs in particular for their detoxification properties. Milk thistle, one of the best liver cleansing tonics (used with honey by the Romans), is rich in nutrients and in 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM WHOLE LIVING GUIDE 105
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antioxidants to prevent free-radical damage; it aids in regeneration and repair, even reversing liver damage. Burdock, known as the plant of longevity, is one of the best blood purifiers of the herbal world and its use dates back to ancient Greece. Burdock is a local wild plant that may even be growing in your own backyard; Woods recommends Patterson’s Guide to Medicinal Plants, or taking a class with an herbalist or wild-plant expert, to learn how to recognize and use it. The root makes a pleasant medicinal addition to soups and salads. It also can be chopped and soaked in vinegar for four to six weeks, and used on green salads. There are also homeopathic remedies that repair and detoxify the whole body from such insults as mercury toxicity to negative effects of vaccinations to tobacco addiction. They generally give faster results than herbal detoxifiers, which may take months to work. Homeopathic remedies are matched to an individual’s symptoms. Woods showcases nux vomica as one of the leading homeopathic methods of detoxification, and it can be used to treat alcoholic hangover and sensitivities to certain medications. She teaches classes on homeopathy and herbal remedies (visit www.naturalhealthsource.us), and also recommends Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Dana Ullman as an excellent source for people looking to use homeopathy at home. You can also consult with one of our region’s several other natural health practitioners, homeopathic doctors, or herbalists for a detoxification method that addresses your specific health history and symptoms.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colonic irrigation, is an ancient treatment that helps remove waste from the intestinal tract. It can be used at any time, as we all have fecal buildup from years of simply eating. This practice uses special equipment and gravity to give the colon an internal bath and is similar to an enema, involving the introduction of discreet amounts of water, sometimes infused with minerals or other materials, into the colon using medically approved colon hydrotherapy devices. Local colon hydrotherapy practitioner Connie Schneider says, “By helping to remove fecal buildup, the colon has space to take a breath. A colonic...frees a person up, allowing more regularity in their bowel movements.” Some of her clients come regularly for treatments to aid with various ailments, while others have a cleansing a few times a year for the detoxification benefits. Schneider encourages everyone to try colon hydrotherapy for optimum health, because as waste lingers in the colon (as a result of poor diet or irregular bowel movements), toxins can enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
EXERCISE & BREATHING One of the most important detoxification methods is regular exercise. Exercise accelerates the removal of toxins through our largest organ of elimination, the skin, when we sweat. It also stimulates lymph flow, which depends solely on muscular movement (or massage). Lymph function is critical to our body’s ability to cleanse itself. Exercise also enhances metabolism and circulation. Almost any kind of exercise, from riding a bicycle to planting flowers in the garden, increases the circulatory system’s transportation of oxygen and nutrients to our cells while carrying away toxins and wastes from tissues to the organs of elimination. Further, exercise counteracts the greater risk for some diseases, such as heart disease, that correlate with a sedentary lifestyle. Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise, because it sends blood flowing to particular places in a tactical way. A shoulder stand, for example, gets blood flowing the opposite way from its usual course. Yoga poses, or asanas, help soothe the muscles and soften blocks of stress that have accumulated over time. Yoga also incorporates conscious breathing and meditation; just 20 minutes each day can do wonders not just for the body, but also for the spirit. Certain breathing techniques enhance your body’s ability to eliminate toxins because detoxification is directly related to the delivery of oxygen to cells and the removal of carbon dioxide. Yoga breath techniques, also known as pranayama, enhance lymph circulation and autonomic nerve function. Try calm belly breathing (breathing into the gravitational center of the body to ease stress and anxiety). Start by lying down in relaxation pose: on your back with your arms relaxed to the side and your palms up, your feet naturally splayed open, and your eyes closed. (If you need to modify this pose due to pain in the lower back, simply bend the knees, leaning them against one another, or, if your legs are extended, place a towel underneath your head and/or knees.) Now exhale without force while observing your navel falling. Breathe in and out through your nose for five minutes; meditate on your navel rising and falling during this period. Thomas A. Edison once said, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause of disease.” May you take these words to heart, and let the detoxifying health techniques mentioned above enrich your own life, foster prevention, and inspire a future of less stress, less disease, and longer days! Aimee Hughes, ND, writes for a variety of magazines on topics of natural health.
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WE ARE ALL THE SAME: HUMAN BEINGS
Wherever I go, I always share with others two things. Number one, we all are the same—human beings. We all have every right to have a successful life, a happy life. Particularly in the West, where society is more affluent, people usually consider a successful life to mean more prosperity, more money, more fame—that is considered a successful life. If that’s the case, then those individuals who have all the material facilities—money, friends, fame, power—should be 100 percent happy. But that’s not the case. Of my friends in Europe, here in America, and also in Japan, many are rich, but they are not happy. Sometimes they have feelings of loneliness, suspicion, doubt—always there is something that’s missing. So this shows that real happiness, a calm mind, peace of mind, does not entirely depend on external material facilities. On the other hand, some people who do not have these luxury things, but just a minimum, are really happy. Very little worry. Even if something happens, they face these difficulties more easily. So, therefore, if our hopes and expectations are relying on material facility, that is a mistake. We must not forget about our inner values. By inner value I mean human affection, human compassion. I usually call these things “human value” because they do not come from religious faith, or a constitution, or education, but by 108 WHOLE LIVING GUIDE CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
JENNIFER MAY
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists and Nobel Peace Prize winner, spoke on September 21 to a crowd that gathered outdoors in Woodstock to absorb his insights and vibrant presence. A portion of his address, sponsored by Karma Triyana Dharmachakra monastery, follows.
birth. We have these qualities already there. In fact, without a feeling of affection—a closeness feeling—we cannot survive. For example, just after birth, a child is completely reliant on that person who cares for them—mainly, usually, the child’s own mother. The mother also has a tremendous sense of caring, of concern, a closeness feeling—more precious than even her own life sometimes. With more caring, more feeling from the mother, that child will grow up well, healthy. Those children who come from a warm family, full of love and affection—they are much happier, their physical well-being is better, and mentally also they are more fresh. They show an interest in many things, and that way, they learn quickly. Those children who are in a family that is cold, with no love and affection—and the worse thing is fear, as a result of abuse or something like that—then usually for these children, physically and mentally, proper development is more difficult. Instead, negative emotions—anger, hatred, fear—grow more dominant. So, really, for a human being, from birth, this warm love and affection is a wonderful quality of being. And also the survival of a child is dependent on someone else’s care. And the basis of human nature is as a social animal. Because of that reality, emotionally there is a certain element that bonds them together—mother and child, and the community and individuals.
If we negate these things, a person will eventually suffer very much. And if we negate these values, the family or the community will not be a happy family or society. Once this genuine love and affection is there, then the spirit of forgiveness also comes. Tolerance also comes. And contentment. And a certain discipline to not harm others—but not out of fear of law, not like that. But [rather] if I harm another person, he or she is just like me, so I should not harm that person. And also, if I harm this person, essentially I have lost one potential friend. And also justice. And honesty. All of these sometimes I call universal religion, universal value. So please think and try to keep using these inner values. I just want to share that this philosophy brings to myself immense benefit. My life—after so many difficulties, different circumstances, I am passing through these things and still a refugee, and a lot of sad things are still there—but these inner qualities, according to my own experience, give me inner strength. More inner strength, much easier to face challenges. When challenges come, instead of losing your hope or determination, you become more determined, have more willpower. So therefore the practice of compassion really gives you inner strength. As a result, less fear. I want to make clear, I think there are different levels of compassion. One compassion is toward your own friends, your own loved ones. That kind of compassion is more mixed with attachment. Another sense of compassion is more like a feeling of pity. Here there is an element of looking down on the other. You feel superior, so there is no sense of equality, no sense of respect. Both of these are biased. Genuine compassion, which I’m referring to, is considering the other just like you, and on that basis, respecting the other, respecting their rights, and then developing a sense of concern, irrespective of what their attitude is toward you. So as a friend, or enemy, or neutral person, that kind of compassion can reach all types of people. That’s the real compassion. Here I always am telling people: The concepts of compassion and forgiveness should not be considered religious teaching, firstly. And secondly, they should not consider these just good for the other but not necessarily of benefit to oneself. That is a mistake. The benefit first goes to the practitioner— immediately! Practice compassion, get more inner peace, more inner strength, and as a result, it is much easier to communicate with others. Even if there is a problem, you can solve it more easily, more realistically, because a compassionate mind brings a calm mind. A calm mind is the basis of proper functioning of our brain. We can judge what is right, what is wrong, and short-term consequences and long-term consequences. But when fear, hatred, or jealousy dominates our mind, then our brain cannot function properly. So any decision taken at the time your mind is dominated by these destructive emotions, the decision will always become unrealistic. As a result, you will never get satisfactory results. The second thing is that harmony among the different religions is extremely important. Because in the 21st century, various different religious traditions still have an important role. They are an immense benefit to millions of people, still helpful to humanity. At the same time, in the name of religion, there sometimes is more conflict, more divisions. So now what to do? I think harmony on the basis of mutual respect, mutual admiration, is the gate. How to develop that? Firstly, for all major religious traditions, in philosophy there are differences. Some are fundamental differences. But if you look at the practices—the practice of love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, discipline—there may be different presentations because of the different philosophies, but they are the same! Among my friends are some Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews—really admirable friends, very remarkable. I am a Buddhist. I have nothing to do with Jerusalem. But in order to show my admiration and my appreciation, in order to show other people the oneness of all the major religious traditions, I visited there. The first time with some Jewish friends, then a second visit with some Hindus, Christians, and more Jews, and some Muslims also. We went together. So, that’s a very useful experience in order to develop a deeper experience of the value of other traditions. In southern France I visited a statue of Mary, and had some kind of personal experience—very, very deep experience. Here, in the name of Jesus Christ, or in the name of Mary, millions of people through centuries get deep inspiration, satisfaction, including some sick people. There are even some stories of cure, of healing. In one holy place, there was a small Mary statue, and after silent meditation for a few minutes, we were about to leave. I turned back to the statue, and that small statue actually was smiling! So I felt very happy. I think perhaps Mary acknowledged my sincere admiration about Christianity! At different times, in different areas, special masters come. Out of compassion, out of sense of concern, out of love, they preach these wonderful topics. So their purpose is to help humanity, to reduce human suffering, not create human suffering. Very clear. So therefore the tolerance, harmony among religious traditions, is extremely important. There are so many varieties of people, therefore we need a variety of approaches to achieve to the same goal. That means compassionate humanity, compassionate human society. Those individuals who have not much interest about religion, as I mentioned earlier, the basic human values—irrespective of being a believer or nonbeliever—these are very important in order to have a happier life, happier family. So, that is what I believe, that is my message. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM WHOLE LIVING GUIDE 109
whole living guide ACUPUNCTURE
APOTHECARY
Acupuncture Health Care, PC
Dr. Tom's Tonics- A Modern Apothecary
Peter Dubitsky, L.Ac., Callie Brown, L.Ac., and Leslie Wiltshire, L.Ac. Mr. Dubitsky is a faculty member and the Director of Clinical Training at the Tri-State College of Acupuncture, and a member of the NY State Board for Acupuncture. Ms. Brown and Ms. Wiltshire each have years of acupuncture experience in private practice and in medical offices. We are all highly experienced, national board certified, NYS Licensed acupuncturists. We combine traditional Asian acupuncture techniques with a modern understanding of acupuncture and oriental medicine to provide effective treatments of acute and chronic pain conditions, and other medical disorders. In addition to our general practice we also offer a Low Cost Acupuncture Clinic which is available for all people who meet our low income guidelines. 108 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-7178.
bodhi studio Offering Massage, Acupuncture, Natropathic medicine, Cranio sacral therapy, Skin Care, Body waxing, earconing, Reflexology and Reiki. See also our Massage directory listing. (518) 8282233. www.bodhistudio.com.
Dylana Accolla, LAc
whole living directory
Treat yourself to a renewed sense of health and well-being with acupuncture, herbal medicine, Chinese bodywork, and nutritional counseling. My emphasis is on empowering patients by teaching them how to practice preventative medicine. Great for gynecological problems, chronic pain, and managing chronic illness. Two locations: Haven Spa, 6464 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock Women's Health, 1426 Route 28, West Hurley. Haven Spa, 6464 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, NY. (914) 388-7789.
Earth Medicine Apothecary & Acupuncture Clinic Heart-to-heart with nature. Specializes in local & organic herbs, native & Asian; tinctures; teas; health products. Acupuncture, wellness consultation, & massage services tailored to individual needs aimed to educate & empower. Workshops in 2007. Founded by Hillary Thing, MS, LAc, professor of Oriental Medicine, acupuncturist, certified herbalist, gardener. Kingston & Accord. (845) 339-5653. www.earthmedicineherbs.com.
Hoon J. Park, MD, PC For the past 18 years, Dr. Hoon J. Park has been practicing a natural and gentle approach to pain management for conditions such as arthritis, chronic and acute pain in neck, back, and legs, fibromyalgia, motor vehicle and work-related injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and more by integrating physical therapy modalities along with acupuncture. Dr. Hoon Park is a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain medicine, and electrodiagnostic studies. His experienced, friendly staff offer the most comprehensive and individualized rehabilitative care available. Please call the office to arrange a consultation. New patients and most insurances are accepted. Half mile south of the Galleria Mall. 1772 Route 9, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. (845) 298-6060.
Stephanie Ellis, LAc, Chinese Herbalist
WHOLE LIVING DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
Earth Medicine Apothecary & Acupuncture Clinic Heart-to-heart with nature. Please see extended directory listing under Acupuncture. (845) 339-5653. www.earthmedicineherbs.com.
AROMATHERAPY Joan Apter See also Massage Therapy directory. (845) 679-0512. japter@ulster.net. www.apteraromatherapy.com.
ART THERAPY Deep Clay Art and Therapy Deep Clay Art and Therapy with Michelle Rhodes Licensed Master Social Worker, ATR-BC. A creative and grounding approach for crisis management, transitions, and deep healing. Individual, couple, and group arts based psychotherapy. Effective expressive approach is suited for all ages. Gardiner, NY. (845) 2558039. deepclay@mac.com. www.deepclay.com.
ASTROLOGICAL CONSULTING Eric Francis: Astrological Consultations by Phone. Special discount on follow-ups for previous clients from the Hudson Valley. Lots to explore on the Web at www.PlanetWaves.net. (206) 854-3931. eric@ericfrancis.com. www.PlanetWaves.net.
Essential Astrology Free Astrology Consultation. Call with a question and I'll give you a free 15 minute consultation to introduce you to my work and to the helpfulness of the Western and Vedic astrological traditions. Penny Seator, Essential Astrology. (518) 678-3282.
AURAS AND ENERGY The AURACLE A Spirit shop offering aura photos/ readings, Reiki attunements/ certifications, Reiki healing, meditations, gifts, and tools for the mind/ body/ spirit. Specializing in aura/ chakra imaging. Come discover your personal aura colors, and the health and balance of your aura and chakras! Join us in our weekly Sunday chakra balancing group at 11am! Couples and pet readings available. 27 North Chestnut Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-6046.
BODY & SKIN CARE
Ms. Ellis is a magna cum laude graduate of Columbia University in pre-medical studies and has been practicing acupuncture in Rosendale since 2001. In 2003 she completed post-graduate work in the study of classical Chinese herbal medicine. Ms. Ellis trained at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for the treatment of cancer patients with acupuncture. Ms. Ellis also has special training in infertility treatment, facial acupuncture and chronic pain. Her new, expanded location is at the medical offices of Rosendale Family Practice. Evening and weekend hours and sliding scale rates. Phone consultations available. Rosendale Family Practice, 110 Creek Locks Road, Rosendale, NY. (845) 546-5358. www.HudsonValleyAcupuncture.com.
Absolute Laser, LLC
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
BODY-CENTERED THERAPY
Judith Muir - The Alexander Technique
Irene Humbach, LCSW, PC - Body of Wisdom Counseling & Healing Services
The Alexander Technique is a simple practical skill that when applied to ourselves enhances coordination, promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Improve the quality of your life by learning how to do less to achieve more. Judith Muir, AmSAT. (845) 677-5871.
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A vision of Dr. Tom J. Francescott, Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Tom's Tonics is inspired by the old apothecaries from years ago filled with cutting edge and professional grade products backed by the expertise and support of a Naturopathic Doctor. Walk into Dr. Tom's Tonics and ask Dr. Tom or Dr. Winnie your health questions. Closed Wednesdays. (845) 876-2900.
Absolute Laser offers commitment to beautiful skin through outstanding care and service. Offering Laser Hair Removal, Microdermabrasion, Vitalize Peel, and Fotofacial RF. The Fotofacial RF is the next generation in high-tech skin enhancement. These gentle, no downtime treatments are used to improve cosmetic appearance of the face, neck, hands, and body. The results are brighter, smoother, more radiant and luminescent skin. This process delivers results that skin care products alone cannot do! Recover and rediscover the youth and vitality of your skin. Call for a complimentary consultation: Janice DiGiovanni. Springbrook Medical Park, Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-7100. www.absolute-laser.com.
By integrating traditional and alternative therapy/healing approaches, including Body-Centered Psychotherapy, IMAGO Couples' Counseling, and Kabbalistic Healing, I offer tools for self healing, to assist individuals and couples to open blocks to
their softer heart energy. Ten-session psycho-spiritual group for women in recovery. Offices in Poughkeepsie and New Paltz. New Paltz, NY. (845) 485-5933.
Julie Zweig, MA Verbal Body-Centered Psychotherapy utilizing doctoral level training in psychology and 15+ years of experience as a therapist, as well as the principles of Rosen Method Bodywork, but without touch. New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-3566.
ter of Tivoli (845) 757-5555 and Rhinebeck Cooperative Health Center (845) 876-5556. Rhinebeck Cooperative Health Center, Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 757-5555 or (845) 876-5556.
COACHING Jeanne Asma, LCSWR See also Psychotherapy directory. (845) 462-1182. www.JeanneAsma.com.
BODYWORK
COLON HYDROTHERAPY
bodhi studio
Connie Schneider, Advanced Level I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapist
See also Massage Therapy directory. (518) 828-2233.
CAREER & LIFE COACHING Allie Roth - Center for Creativity and Work Career and Life Coaching for those seeking more creativity, fulfillment, balance and meaning in life and work. Offer a holistic approach to career and life transitions. Also specialize in executive coaching, and coaching small business owners, consultants and private practitioners. 25 years experience. Kingston and New York City offices. Kingston, NY. (845) 336-8318. Toll Free: 800577-8318. allie@allieroth.com. www.allieroth.com.
David W. Basch, CPCC Transition Coach Change is inevitableî żgrowth is optional. Get your life, business, or career unstuck and moving forward. You become clearer about who you are and what you really want. We don't fix you because you aren't broken. Transitions occur more naturally and powerfully. Whatever you are up to in your career, business or key areas such as money and relationships, coaching can assist you in creating a fulfilling life, achieving goals and being more focused, present and successful. Contact David for a free session. (845) 626-0444. dwbasch@aol.com. www.dwbcoaching.com.
CHI KUNG Ada Citron
CHILDBIRTH
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY Craniosacral Therapy A gentle, hands-on method for enhancing the body's own healing capabilities through the craniosacral rhythm. Craniosacral aids in the release of stress-related conditions such as anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, depression, digestive, menstrual, and other problems with organ function, breathing difficulties, and headaches. Increase energy, reduce pain, and improve immune system function. Effective for whiplash, TMJ, sciatica, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, arthritis, low back tension, and chronic pain. Also helpful for children with birth trauma, learning difficulties, chronic ear problems, and hyperactivity. Hudson Valley Therapeutic Massage, Michele Tomasicchio, LMT. (845) 255-4832.
DENTISTRY The Center For Advanced Dentistry Bruce D. Kurek, DDS, FAGD; Jaime O. Stauss, DMD Setting the standards for excellence in dentistry for more than 25 years, the Center for Advanced Dentistry attracts clients from throughout the northeast and abroad. Their client-centered approach to providing comprehensive dental services for adults and children includes "old school" care and concern combined with the latest technologies. The office is conveniently located 1.5 miles east of the NYS Thruway, exit 18. 494 Route 299, Highland, NY. (845) 691-5600 | fax: (845) 691-8633. www.thecenterforadvanceddentistry.com.
whole living directory
Explore the basics of Mantak Chia's Healing Tao System with Ada Citron, Taoist counselor and Healing Tao Instructor for over 10 years. Meet the Six Healing Sounds which transform stress into vitality. Learn the Inner Smile and the Microcosmic Orbit meditations. Also learn standing and gently moving practices that relax and rejuvenate. (845) 339-0589. www.adacitron.com.
Colon Hydrotherapy is a safe, gentle, cleansing process. Clean and private office. A healthy functioning colon can decrease internal toxicity and improve digestion; basics for a healthy body. See display ad. New Paltz, NY. (845) 256-1516.
Catskill Mountain Midwifery - Home Birth Services See also Midwifery directory. (845) 687-BABY.
EQUINE FACILITATED HEALING
Homebirth and Gynecology Practice of Judy Joffee, CNM
Ada Citron - Taoist Counselor and Instructor
This practice offers a unique and exquisite opportunity for woman care in a powerfully compassionate and sacred manner. I offer complete prenatal care focused toward homebirth. For the nonpregnant woman, individualized gynecological care, counseling, and self-determination await you. Also offering school, work, and general physicals for all ages. Call for consultation. (845) 255-2096.
EquisessionsÂŽ with Ada, a life long rider, are therapeutically oriented, equine facilitated encounters based on the Epona Method from The Tao of Equus, by Linda Kohanov. Riding is involved in later sessions. This year Ada will present an all day pre-conference workshop for Region 1 of NARHA, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, on Chi Kung as a tool for mounted equine facilitated healing work. She will also present, for the second time, her Chi Kung for Horse People at the conference itself. Kingston. (845) 339-0589. www.adacitron.com.
Kary Broffman, RN, CH See also Hypnosis directory. Hyde Park, NY. (845) 876-6753.
CHIROPRACTIC Dr. David Ness Dr. David Ness is a Certified Active Release Techniques (ART) Provider and Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner specializing in helping athletes and active people quickly relieve their pain and heal their injuries. In addition to providing traditional chiropractic care, Dr. Ness utilizes ART to remove scar tissue and adhesions in order to restore mobility, flexibility, and strength faster than standard treatments will allow. If you have an injury that has not responded to treatment, call Dr. Ness for an appointment today. (845) 255-1200.
Dr. Bruce Schneider Dr. Bruce Schneider. New Paltz, NY 12561. (845) 255-4424.
Nori Connell, RN, DC Nori combines 28 years as a registered nurse with 18 years of chiropractic experience to offer patients a knowledgeable approach to removing the interferences in the body that lead to disease. She combines accredited techniques such as NeuroEmotional technique, kinesiology, and Network Chiropractic to work with the body's innate intelligence and its ability for healing. Dr. Connell also offers workshops on natural health care for the family and is also one of the directors of Alternatives Health Cen-
FENG SHUI DeStefano and Associates Barbara DeStefano has been the owner of DeStefano and Associates, an interior design business, for 18 years. She received certification in Feng Shui from the Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design and has completed advanced work with several Feng Shui Masters. Feng Shui is the perfect marriage to interior design. It brings a spiritual dimension to your space. Barbara can create a kind of beauty that touches your spirit, and brings balance and harmony to a level that transcends the superficial. Barbara is available for consultations, guest speaker engagements, and workshops. (845) 339-4601.
Janus Welton, AIA, BBEC, IFSG Architect and Feng Shui & Ecological & Building Health Consultant - EcoArch DesignWorks A pioneer of Feng Shui In the U.S. since the 1980's, Janus Incorporates The Wisdom Traditions of Classical Feng Shui and Advanced Compass Techniques as well as Vastu Shastra from India; and grounds these practices into the 21st Century Architecture & Design combined with Ecological and Building Health practices. Not confined to Interiors, Classical Feng Shui begins with good site planning & siting of a building, and follows through the design placement of important Entries, Rooms, and Functions, and recommends the most appropriate Directions, Elements, Colors and Shapes and Timing for the
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Site, the Clients, and for the Building itself. Both new and existing Residential and Commercial Buildings can be balanced and enhanced with these cutting edge techniques! (845) 247-4620 | fax: (845) 247-4620. ecoarchitect@hvc.rr.com. www.JanusWeltonDesignWorks.com.
also available on the Web at www.hvhealthyliving.com. See our website for advertising rates or call the HVHL sales team. (845) 334-8600. www.hvhealthyliving.com.
FLOWER ESSENCE THERAPY
Earth Medicine Apothecary & Acupuncture Clinic
Cheri PiefkeBach Foundation Registered Practitioner Flower essences are a unique vibrational healing modality for mind-body health and emotional well-being, that are safe, effective and compatible with other medications or therapies. If you are seeking the missing piece in recovering from crisis, breaking behavioral patterns that no longer serve you, or if you simply desire support for personal growth, an individualized blend of flower essences can be the gentle loving partner that makes the difference. Call (845) 266-0230 for more information or to schedule your personal consultation.
GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY Group Psychotherapy Many people avoid intimacy in romantic relationships or friendships because of the fear of being hurt or rejected. Group psychotherapy is a very effective way to develop insight into one's patterns regarding intimacy and learn and practice new behaviors. Currently, there is an evening group in Uptown Kingston co-led by an experienced male and female therapist which offers a safe environment to develop greater connection in relationships. For further information call Thaddea Compain, LCSW at (845) 247-4059 or Clayton Horsey, LCSW at (845) 679-2282.
Michelle Rhodes LMSW ATR-BC Dreamfigures: Deep Clay art therapy group for women in transition. Experience the grounding, expressive potential of this ancient material. Led by clay artist, Licensed Social Worker, Board certified Art Therapist . For full description and bio contact Michelle Rhodes. (845) 255-8039. deepclay@mac.com. www.deepclay.com.
Guidance of Spirit, Wisdom of Heart Heart-based Intuitive Healing, Karma Release with Crystals, Space Clearings & Blessings, Long Distance Healings, Endof-Life Transitions, Guided Meditation/visualization. Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm. Self healing is a process of self-discovery. Within the space of the heart discover what you need to heal. Kate DeChard M.Ed. The Soul Sanctuary, 6052 B Route 9, NY 12572.
The Sanctuary: A Place for Healing A quaint healing center in a quiet part of downtown New Paltz. Specializing in Craniosacral Therapy, Stress Point Release through Chiropractic, Swedish & Sports Massage, Shiatsu, and Energetic Reiki. New offerings include meditation and nutritional counseling. Call for an appointment. 5 Academy Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-3337 and (845) 853-3325.
HEALTH PUBLICATIONS Hudson Valley Healthy Living A comprehensive directory of Mid-Hudson health services, products, and practitioners, along with articles on health issues of interest. Published biannually (April/October) by Luminary Publishing, Inc., the creators of Chronogram, 50,000 copies are distributed in the region throughout the year. Contents are
Heart-to-heart with nature. Please see extended directory listing under Acupuncture. (845) 339-5653. www.earthmedicineherbs.com.
Kimberly Woods C. HOM. With 25 years of experience and extensive training with world renowned master homeopaths and herbalists, she has helped 1000's of individuals suffering from acute and chronic disorders, ifrom physical problems to psychological illnesses. Kimberly is truly gifted at educating the individual in natural approaches to health and well being. (845) 688 2976. www.naturalhealthsource.us.
Monarda Herbal Apothecary In honoring the diversity, uniqueness, and strength of nature for nourishment and healing, we offer organic and ecologically wildcrafted herbs using tradition as our guide. Certified Organic Alcohol Tinctures, Teas, Salves, Essential Oils, and more. Product Catalog $1. Workshops and Internships. (845) 688-2122. www.monarda.net.
HOLISTIC HEALTH John M. Carroll, Healer John Carroll is an intuitive healer, teacher, and spiritual counselor who integrates mental imagery with the God-given gift of his hands. John has helped individuals suffering from acute and chronic disorders, including back problems and cancer. Remote healings and telephone sessions. Call for consultation. Kingston, NY. (845) 338-8420.
Kimberly Woods C. HOM. See extended directory listing under Herbs. (845) 688-2976. www.naturalhealthsource.us.
whole living directory
HEALTH & HEALING FACILITIES
HERBS
Marika Blossfeldt, HHC, AADP Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor, Yoga Instructor You were meant to lead a happy and fulfilling life. What's holding you back? Create change now. Discover the foods and lifestyle that truly nourish your body and soul. Infuse your life with radiant health! One-on-one counseling, lectures, wellness workshops, whole foods cooking classes, yoga, summer retreats. Beacon, NY. (646) 241 8478. marika@deliciousnutrition.com.
Priscilla A. Bright, MA Energy Healer/Counselor Specializing in women's stress, emotional issues, and physical illness, including stress-related anxiety, depression, and physical burnout. Women in transition, businesswomen, mothers, all welcome. Experienced counselor. Faculty, Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Convenient offices in Kingston & New Paltz. Initial phone consultation no charge. Kingston, NY. (845) 688-7175.
HOMEOPATHY Kimberly Woods C. HOM. See extended directory listing under Herbs. (845) 688 2976. www.naturalhealthsource.us.
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HYPNOSIS Achieve Your Goals with Therapeutic Hypnosis Sharon Slotnick, MS, CHt. Increase self-esteem and motivation; break bad habits; manage stress, stress-related illness and anger; alleviate pain (e.g. childbirth, headaches, chronic pain); overcome fears and despondency; relieve insomnia; improve learning, memory, public speaking and sports performance; enhance creativity. Other issues. Change your outlook. Gain Control. Make healthier choices. Certified Hypnotist, two years training; broad base in Psychology. New Paltz/Kingston, NY. (845) 389-2302.
Kary Broffman, RN, CH A registered nurse with a BA in psychology since 1980, Kary is certified in Ericksonian Hypnosis, Hypnobirthing, and Complementary Medical Hypnotism, hypnocoaching with the National Guild. She has also studied interactive imagery for nurses. By weaving her own healing journey and education into her work, she helps to assist others in accessing their inner resources and healing potential. Hyde Park, NY. (845) 876-6753.
One-Session Hypnosis with Frayda Kafka CHT
whole living directory
Building on my success with smoking cessation in 1978, I have continued to help clients with weight loss, pain, childbirth, stress, insomnia, habits, phobias, confidence, and almost any behavior you can think of. Known for my easy, light manner and quick results, I have an intuitive knack for saying just the right thing at the right time so that a major shift can be initiated. Groups, home visits, gifts and phone sessions are available. Please call me at (845) 336-4646. Kingston, NY. (845) 336-4646. info@CallTheHypnotist.com. www.CallTheHypnotist.com.
INTUITIVE HEALING Guidance of Spirit, Wisdom of Heart
OASISOUL for the
Heart-based Intuitive Healing, Karma Release with Crystals, Space Clearings & Blessings, Long Distance Healings, Endof-Life Transitions, Guided Meditation/ visualization. Thursday evenings at 7: 30 pm. Self healing is a process of selfdiscovery. Within the space of the heart discover what you need to heal. Kate DeChard M.Ed. The Soul Sanctuary, 6052 B Route 9, NY 12572.
JEWISH MYSTICISM/ KABBALAH Irene Humbach, LCSW, PC Kabbalistic Healing in person and long distance. See Body-Centered Therapy. (845) 485-5933.
LIFECOACHING Tammy Friedman New Paltz, NY 12461 (845) 729-3728. Email: tam88774@aol.com
Shirley Stone, MBA, Certified Empowerment Life Coach Want to convert fear into courage, stress into power, depression into joy, worry into satisfaction? Consider empowerment life coaching. Get clarity on the life you want plus the tools and techniques to make your dreams a reality. Stop being a problem solver and become a vision creator. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 8762194. Shirley@findingthecourage.com. www.findingthecourage.com.
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Shannon Fasce Certified Holistic Life Coach Medical intuitive-Intuitive consultantRestoring balance for the Body, Mind,& Spirit. Using techniques such as Energy Medicine,Guided meditation,Chakra Balancing, Bach Flower Remedies & Integrated Energy Therapy .To schedule an appointment call (845)758-8270.
MASSAGE THERAPY Ada Citron, LMT Practicing since 1988, Ada Citron, LMT, has offered Swedish, Sports Massage, Reiki, Pranic Healing, Chair Massage, Shiatsu, Barefoot Shiatsu and Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) Chinese abdominal massage. Shiatsu and CNT are currently her preferred modalities. Classes offered in CNT. House calls fee commensurate with travel time. (845) 339-0589. www.adacitron.com.
Affinity Healing Arts Alice Madhuri Velky LMT, RYTMassage Therapy -Reiki - Yoga A holistic approach to chronic pain and stress - deeply effective, intuitive and client-centered healing bodywork incorporating Swedish/deep tissue, myofascial, aromatherapy and energy balancing. Integral Yoga速 private, restorative, group classes. Offices in Poughkeepsie and New Paltz. Call (845)797-4124 for an appointment or visit http://home.earthlink.net/ ~affinityhealing for more info. (845) 7974124. home.earthlink.net/~affinityhealing.
bodhi studio
whole living directory
Bodhi Studio is a lovely and calm space nestled in the heart of downtown Hudson. We have brought together experienced and caring therapists to give you the care you need at an affordable price, so that taking care of yourself can happen often and easily. Offering Massage, Acupuncture, Natropathic medicine, Cranio sacral therapy, Skin Care, Body waxing, earconing, Reflexology and Reiki. (518) 828-2233. www.bodhistudio.com.
Hudson Valley Therapeutic Massage Michele Tomasicchio, LMT, specializes in Integrative Massage - incorporation of various healing modalities: Swedish, Myofascial Deep Tissue, Craniosacral, and stretching to facilitate the body's healing process. A session may include all or just one modality. No fault accepted. Gift certificates available. By appointment only. 243 Main Street, Suite 220, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-4832.
Joan Apter Offering luxurious massage therapy, including Raindrop Technique, with therapeutic essential oils to relieve stress, boost the immune system, and address system imbalances. Natural animal care, individual consultations for a healthy home and personal concerns, spa consultant, classes, and keynotes. Essential Oils, nutritional supplements, personal care, pet care, children's and home cleaning products from Young Living Essential Oils. For more information, contact Joan Apter. (845) 679-0512. japter@ulster.net. www.apteraromatherapy.com.
The Living Seed Yoga & Holistic Center See also Yoga directory. 521 Main Street (Rte. 299, across from Econo Lodge), New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-8212. contact@thelivin gseed.com. www.thelivingseed.com.
Susan DeStefano, LMT Healing Massage. Swedish. Deep Tissue. Hot Stone. Shiatsu Craniosacral. Lymph Drainage. Tibetan Reflexology. Reiki. Touch For Health. (845) 255-6482.
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Sunflower Healing Massage See also Midwifery directory. (845) 705-5906.
Sublime Bodywork- Sabura Goodban Healing from the inside out. Zen Shiatsu. Raindrop Therapy. New York Licensed Massage Therapist. (845) 246-4180.
Woodland Massage A healing practice for body, mind and spirit. Attention artists, activists, farmers, executives, builders, teachers, truckers, healers, helpers, merchants, mothers, and weekend wanderers. Strong, gentle, knowledgeable bodywork, personalized to meet your treatment goals. Flexible schedule and fees. Accord office/home visits. Mark Houghtaling, LMT. Keep in touch. (845) 687-4650.
MEDITATION Zen Mountain Monastery Offering year-round retreats geared to all levels of experience: introductions to Zen meditation and practice; programs exploring Zen arts, Buddhist studies, and social action; and intensive meditation retreats. South Plank Road, Mt. Tremper, NY. (845) 688-2228.
MIDWIFERY Catskill Mountain Midwifery Home Birth Services Give birth as you wish, in an environment in which you feel nurtured and secure; where your emotional well-being, privacy, and personal preferences are respected. Be supported by a tradition that trusts the natural process. Excellent MD consult, hospital backup. (845) 687-BABY.
Homebirth and Gynecology Practice of Judy Joffee, CNM See also Childbirth directory. (845) 255-2096.
Suzanne Berger
whole living directory
Certified nurse midwife at the Women's Care Center offering a full range of holistic, alternative and traditional services. Serving Kingston, Benedictine and Northern Dutchess Hospitals. Kingston, NY. Rhinebeck (845) 876-2496. Kingston (845) 338-5575.
Sunflower Healing Massage Kim Beck, RN Certified Nurse, Midwife and Licensed Massage Therapist. In home prenatal and postpartum massage. (845) 705-5906.
NATURAL FOODS Beacon Natural Market Lighting the Way for a Healthier World... Located in the heart of historic Beacon at 348 Main Street. Featuring organic prepared foods deli & juice bar as well as organic and regional produce, meats and cheeses. Newly opened in Aug. '05, proprietors L.T. & Kitty Sherpa are dedicated to serving the Hudson Valley with a complete selection of products that are good for you and good for the planet, including an extensive alternative health dept. Nutritionist on staff. 348 Main Street, Beacon, NY. (845) 838-1288.
Sunflower Natural Food Market At Sunflower we know the food we eat is our greatest source of health. Sunflower carries certified organic produce, milk, cheeses, and eggs; non-irradiated herbs and spices; clean,
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pure organic products to support a healthy lifestyle; large selection of homeopathic remedies. Sunflower Natural Foods is a complete natural foods market. Open 9am-9pm daily. 1am-7pm Sundays. Bradley Meadows Shopping Center, Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-5361.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Naturopathic Medicine Dr. Thomas J. Francescott, ND. Free Your Mind - Release Your Body - Energize Your Spirit! Solve health issues, enhance wellness, and gain awareness. Scientifically proven naturopathic solutions for challenging and/or chronic health concerns. I offer naturopathic expertise in a sacred space to help you feel better. Graduate of the prestigious Bastyr University. Call Rhinebeck Cooperative Health Center (845) 876-5556. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-5556. www.drfrancescott.com.
NUTRITION Ilyse Simon RD, CDN Nutrition Therapist Diet is a four letter word. Nutritional therapy for emotional eating to chronic eating disorders, body image issues, insulin resistance and diabetes. Teaching normal eating based on hunger cues. Specializing in teens to adults. Bastyr University of Natural Medicine educated with nondiet approach including whole foods. Many insurances accepted. "Life is not black and white. Living is the full spectrum in between." 318 Wall St, Suite 3A,, Kingston, NY. (845) 331-6381. ilysefood@yahoo.com.
Jill Malden, RD, CSW Prominent Nutritionist specializing in eating behavior and eating disorders for 15 years. Warm, nonjudgmental treatment. Understand the effects of nutrition on your mood, anxiety level, cravings, concentration, energy level, and sleep, in addition to body weight. Recover from your eating issues and enjoy a full life! 1 Water Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 489-4732.
Vicki Koenig, MS, RD, CDN Creating Wellness for individuals and businesses. Nutrition counseling: combining traditional and integrative solutions to enhance well-being. Health Fairs for Businesses wanting to improve employees' productivity. Providing help with Diabetes, Cardiovascular conditions, Weight loss, Digestive support, Women's health, and Pediatric Nutrition. Many insurances accepted. Offices in New Paltz and Kingston. Call (845) 255-2398 for an appointment. www.Nutrition-wise.com.
Vitamin Navigator Confused about what to eat and what not? Find your own bioindividuality, your diet is as unique as you are, your optimum health can be achieved without serious deprivation. Andrew Wright Randel HHC AADP has 15 years experience with alternative and complementary health care. (914) 4662928. www.vitaminnavigator.com.
Valerie Crystal, MS, Clinical Nutritionist "If I don't make time for healthy eating, I'll have to make time for illness." Valerie Crystal, MS, Clinical Nutritionist. Assessments and diagnostic testing for chronic disorders caused by poor eating habits. Learn how, what and when to eat and heal yourself! House calls available. Free Phone consultation. (518) 678-0700.
NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING Delicious Nutrition Marika Blossfeldt, Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor, Yoga Instructor Discover the foods and lifestyle that truly nourish your body and soul. Infuse your life with balance, vitality and joy! Empower yourself through awareness, mindfulness and kindness. Take charge and create change now. I can help you live your life fully. Contact me for a free initial consultation. One-on-one counseling, group programs, wellness workshops, lectures, whole foods cooking classes, yoga, retreats. (646) 214-8478. marika@delicious-nutrition.com.
NewAgeProducts.Org Offers handmade Organic Soaps, All Natural & Organic Herbal Juice Supplements and many Organic Bath & Body Products. All high quality and very competitively priced. Your #1 place to get all your organic body care needs. An easy and convenient way to experience the difference of Organic & All Natural Body Care. www.NewAgeProducts.org.
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ORGANIC PRODUCTS
OSTEOPATHY Applied Osteopathy Joseph Tieri, DO, & Ari Rosen, DO.
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whole living directory
Drs. Tieri and Rosen are New York State Licensed Osteopathic physicians specializing in Cranial Osteopathy. As specialists in Osteopathic manipulation, we are dedicated to the traditional philosophy and hands-on treatment of our predecessors. We have studied with Robert Fulford, DO, Viola Freyman, DO, James Jealous, DO, and Bonnie Gintis, DO, and completed a two-year residency in Osteopathic Manipulation. We treat newborns, children, and adults. 3457 Main St, Stone Ridge, (845) 6877589. 138 Market Street, Rhinebeck, (845) 876-1700. By Appointment. For more information call or visit the website www.stoneridgehealingarts.com.
PHYSICIANS Women Care Center Empowerment through information. Located in Rhinebeck and Kingston. Massage and acupuncture available. Gynecology - treating our patients through the most up-to-date medical and surgical technologies available, combined with alternative therapies. Obstetrics - working with you to create the birth experience you desire. Many insurances accepted. Evening hours available. Rhinebeck (845) 876-2496; Kingston (845) 338-5575.
PILATES Beacon Pilates A fully equipped classical studio that tailors each workout to fit the individual's needs and abilities. Our class times and intro packages make it easy to get started. Beacon Pilates is a Power Pilates Participating Studio. For information on becoming a certified Pilates teacher please contact us. 181 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Beacon, NY. (845) 831-0360. www.beaconpilates.com.
The Moving Body 276 Tinker Street, Woodstock. (845) 679-7715. www.themovingbody.com.
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Pilates of New Paltz & Core Pilates Studio These studios offer caring, experienced and certified instruction with fully equipped facilities. Each student receives detailed attention to his/her needs while maintaining the energizing flow of the classical pilates system. Hours are flexible enough to accomodate any schedule. Pilates of New Paltz: (845) 255-0559; Core Pilates in Poughkeepsie: (845) 452-8018. Open 6 days a week. New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-0559.
PSYCHOLOGISTS Mark S. Balaban, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering individual and group psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Experienced in working with relationship/intimacy issues, loneliness, depression, anxiety, current family or family of origin issues, eating/body image concerns, grief, stress management, and personal growth. Convenient after-work and evening appointments available. Rosendale, NY. (845) 616-7898. balabanm@newpaltz.edu.
Peter M. del Rosario, PhD Licensed psychologist. Insight-oriented, culturally sensitive psychotherapy for adults and adolescents concerned with: relationship difficulties, codependency, depression, anxiety, sexual/physical trauma, grief and bereavement, eating disorders, dealing with divorce, gay/lesbian issues. Free initial consult. 199 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (914) 262-8595.
whole living directory
Rachael Diamond, LCSW, CHt See also Psychotherapy directory. (845) 883-9642.
PSYCHOTHERAPY Amy R. Frisch, CSWR Psychotherapist. Individual, family, and group sessions for adolescents and adults. Currently accepting registration for It's a Girl Thing: an expressive arts therapy group for adolescent girls and The Healing Circle: an adult bereavement group offering a safe place to begin the healing process after the death of a loved one. Most insurances accepted. New Paltz, NY. (914) 706-0229.
Change Your Outlook, Heal, and Grow Sharon Slotnick, MS, CHt. With combination of "talk" therapy for self-knowledge and hypnotherapy to transform negative, self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Faster symptom relief. Feel better and make healthier choices. Sliding scale, Certified Hypnotherapist and Counselor. New Paltz, Kingston. See also Hypnosis. New Paltz, NY. (845) 389-2302.
Debra Budnik, CSW-R Traditional insight-oriented psychotherapy for long- or short-term work. Aimed at identifying and changing self-defeating attitudes and behaviors, underlying anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Sliding scale, most insurances accepted, including Medicare/Medicaid. NYS-licensed. Experience working with trauma victims, including physical and sexual abuse. Educator on mental health topics. Located in New Paltz, one mile from SUNY. New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-4218.
Dianne Weisselberg MSW, LMSW Individual Therapy, Grief Work and Personal Mythology. Stuck? Overwhelmed?
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Frustrated? Depressed? There Is Another Way! Dianne Weisselberg has over 16 years experience in the field of Counseling and over 8 years of training in Depth Psychology. Sliding Scale fees. Office hours in Woodstock and Willow. (845) 688-7570. dweisselberg@hvc.rr.com.
Heart Centered Counseling & Expressive Arts Therapy - Dr. Nancy Rowe, PhD, LMHC Emotional healing for children and adults using talk, imagery, sandplay, expressive arts, and/or movement. Background in transpersonal psychology, play therapy, family therapy, spiritual guidance, authentic movement, and expressive arts therapy. Dr. Nancy Rowe, PhD, LMHC, Kingston, NY. (845) 679-4827. www.wisdomheart.com.
Ione Author and psychotherapist: Qigong, Meditation, Hypnotherapy, and Dreams. Specializing in the creative process. Healing retreats, Local and Worldwide. (845) 339-5776.
Irene Humbach, LCSW, PC - Body of Wisdom Counseling & Healing Services See also Body - Centered Therapy directory. (845) 485-5933.
Janne Dooley, LCSW --Brigid's Well--Psychospiritual therapy, Gestalt, EMDR, with a specialty in childhood trauma, relationship issues, recovery, codependency and inner child work. Brigid's Well also offers life coaching and workshops to intergrate healing and help create a richer, more satisfying life. Call for information or free consultation: New Paltz office. (347) 834-5081. Brigidswell@verizon.net.
Judith Blackstone, Ph.D. Offering traditional psychotherapy and EMDR for healing from trauma and changing limiting beliefs, Breathwork for relieving stress and breathing difficulties, and Realization Process, a body-oriented meditation for deepening contact with oneself and others. For individuals and couples. NY State licensed. Offices in Kingston, Willow and NYC. Woodstock., NY. (845) 679-7005. www.realizationcenter.com.
Integrative body/mind therapist using Rubenfeld synergy and psychodrama in her work with individuals, couples, groups, and families. Inquire for workshops and training, as well as therapy. New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-5613.
Jeanne Asma, LCSWR psychotherapist and Life Coach Individual, couples and group sessions for adults. Women's issues groups now forming. Specializing in relationship issues, improving self-esteem, binge eating and body image, life transitions including divorce and grief issues, trauma and abuse. Many insurance's accepted or sliding scale available. Office located in Poughkeepsie location. (845) 462-1182. www.JeanneAsma.com.
For over 20 years with offices in Kingston and New York. Her empathic, practical approach enables people to understand their past, assess present day choices, and live more authentically and creatively in the future. This winter, take a creative leap into the unconscious by participating in a Collage Workshop. Call or email for details! 17 John St. (845) 688-2645. kathleencalabrese@hvc.rr.com.
Michelle Rhodes LMSW ATR-BC See also Art Therapy and Group Psychotherapy. (845) 255-8039. deepclay@mac.com.
Martin Knowles, LCSW Taking a systemic approach to well-being and relationships for over 20 years, Martin Knowles works with individuals, couples and families in Uptown Kingston. His effective, down-to-earth style amplifies and encourages natural talents and resources, bringing out the best in each of us. (845) 338-5450 x301.
Rachael Diamond, LCSW, CHt Holistically-oriented therapist offering counseling, psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy. Specializing in issues pertaining to relationships, personal growth, life transitions, alternative lifestyles, childhood abuse, codependency, addiction, recovery illness, and grief. Some insurances accepted. Office convenient to New Paltz and surrounding areas. Free half hour consultation. New Paltz, NY. (845) 883-9642.
Wellspring Evolutionary coaching using movement and breath to access and clear lifelong patterns and transform relationships. Rodney and Sandra Wells, certified by Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks. (845) 534-7668.
REBIRTHING Susan DeStefano Heart-centered therapy for healing the body, mind, and emotions. Improve relationships, release the past, heal the inner child through personal empowerment. (845) 255-6482.
REIKI Affinity Healing Arts Alice Madhuri Velky LMT, RYT Massage Therapy - Reiki - Yoga
Julie Zweig, MA
A holistic approach to chronic pain and stress - deeply effective, intuitive and client-centered healing bodywork incorporating Swedish/deep tissue, myofascial, aromatherapy and energy balancing. Integral Yoga速 private, restorative, group classes. Offices in Poughkeepsie and New Paltz. Call (845)797-4124 for an appointment or visit home.earthlink.net/~affinityhealing for more info.
See also Body-Centered Therapy directory. Offices in Poughkeepsie and New Paltz. NY. (845) 255-3566.
The Sanctuary - Reiki
Kent Babcock, MSW, LMSW Counseling & Psychotherapy Development of solutions through simple self-observation, reflection, and conversation. Short- or long-term work around difficult relationships; life or career transitions; ethical, spiritual, or psychic dilemmas; and creative blocks. Roots in yoga, dreamwork, spiritual psychology, and existential psychotherapy. Sliding scale. Offices in Woodstock and Uptown Kingston. Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-5511 x4. kentagram@gmail.com.
whole living directory
Judy Swallow, MA, TEP
Kathleen Calabrese, PhD Family, Individual Psychotherapy
Rev. Denise Meyer offers Usui Reiki treatments. Experience the benefits of deep relaxation and energetic releases through this method of healing touch. Reiki energy supports and heals the mind, body, heart and spirit through the delivery of Light Energy into the energy field of the receiver. "Denise's work is way beyond the other Reiki treatments I have had." Vera P. The Sanctuary, 5 Academy Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-3337 ext. 2.
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SCHOOLS & TRAINING Hudson Valley School of Massage Therapy Student clinic supervised by NYS Licensed Instructor. www.HVSMassageTherapy.com.
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology ITP is an accredited graduate psychology school offering clinical and nonclinical certificates, MA and PhD degrees. The curriculum combines mind, body, and spiritual inquiry with scholarly research and self discovery. Graduates have strong clinical skills and can communicate in a variety of complex relational circumstances. (650) 493-4430. itpinfo@itp.edu. www.itp.edu.
International Feng Shui Institute Workshops in Woodstock and Manhattan. Starting October 20, 2006 over 6 weekends /year. The IFSI is the only Institute of Professional Feng Shui Training to integrate Classical & Compass Chinese Feng Shui with BTB Tibetan Bhuddist Feng Shui techniques with a focus on Individual Coaching, Consultations, and Design Applications w/ a practicing architect. Brought to you by Director, Eric Shaffert, BTB Feng Shui Coach and author of Feng Shui and Money, Janus Welton, AIA, Architect, Classical & Compass Feng Shui & Ecology in The 21st Century; and Susanna Bastarrica, President, United Nations FSRC; BTB transcendental teacher and Universal Minister. Call for registration by Oct. 20. (845) 247-4620 | fax: (845) 247-4620. ecoarchitect@hvc.rr.com. www.JanusWeltonDesignWorks.com.
Joshua Pearl's Whole Musician Workshop Develop and liberate your unique musical potential through customized music lessons, workshops, or artist development programs. For aspiring and developing musicians and bands. Explore your music in a supportive environment. Call (845) 679-7599 and receive a free lesson during September. Studios in Woodstock and Manhattan. www.joshuapearl.com.
Omega Institute Omega's exceptional workshops, retreats, professional trainings, and conferences at its Rhinebeck, New York campus don't end in the fall, they simply move to warmer climates for the winter. Explore the world, nourish yourself, and learn something new in Costa Rica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, or California. Start packing! (800) 944-1001. www.eomega.org.
SHAMANISM, HEALING & TRAINING Janet StraightArrow - Woman of Medicine, Energy Healer, Medical Intuitive, Shaman
whole living directory
Heal and enjoy your entire life. No need for pain, depression, or disease. Holistic Healing System - Be The Medicine - works! Develop your innate abilities to be the self healing being you are. Learn to work with your body, mind, emotions, spirit and soul in new and exciting ways. Live your life purpose. Free initial consult. Exciting: classes, sessions, ceremonies, deep healing & training. Phone and in person work. Woodstock and other locations. (845) 679-7175. Janetoasis@aol.com. www.oasisforthesoul.com.
SHIATSU Sublime Bodywork Sabura Goodban. Zen Shiatsu, Raindrop Therapy. New York Licensed Massage Therapist. (845) 246-4180.
SPAS & RESORTS The Spa at Emerson Place The Emerson Spa is open! This Asian-inspired design invites guests into an oasis of relaxation that is surrounded by the Catskills' pastoral beauty. Individually-tailored treatments are created by the experienced staff who are skilled at delivering virtually all the Emerson Spa's 40+ treatments. Spend the day enjoying the Spa's hot tubs, steam showers, sauna, resistance pool, cardio equipment, yoga/meditation room and relaxation area... all included with your Spa visit. For appointments, call (845) 688-1000. For fall menu, visit www.emersonresort.com. (845) 688-1000. www.emersonresort.com.
SPIRITUAL Healing, Pathwork and Channeling by Flowing Spirit Guidance It is our birthright to experience the abundance of the universe, the deep love of God, and our own divinity! It is also our birthright to share our own unique gifts with the world. We long to do it. So why don't we? Our imperfections get in the way. As we purify, we experience more and more fully, the love and the abundance of God's universe. We can have it in any moment. We can learn to purify our imperfections AND experience heaven on earth. Jaffe Institute Spiritual Healing; Pathwork; and Channeling available. Contact Joel Walzer for sessions. (845) 679-8989. www.flowingspirit.com.
Ione Egyptian Mysteries, Scarab Teachings™, Journeys to Sacred Sites. (845) 339-5776.
SPIRITUAL COUNSELING Spirit Asked me to Tell You Spiritual channeling and guidance. Individuals and groups, will travel for groups. Native American spiritual teachings. I have spent ten years out West learning Native American teachings and rituals. Telephone sessions by appointment. All information in private sessions are confidential. (845) 679-0549.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION Hudson Valley Structural Integration Structural integration is a form of soft tissue manipulation based on the lifelong work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf. It is a process-oriented whole systems approach that seeks to improve
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one's health and vitality by balancing the body and re-establishing appropriate relationships. Benefits include feeling lighter, more energy, greater freedom of movement, relief from chronic pain, and positive psychological effects. We offer a safe place for exploration and work with sensitivity and compassion. Krisha Showalter and Ryan Flowers are certified practitioners of the KMI method. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-4654.
TAROT Tarot-on-the-Hudson Rachel Pollack Exploratory, experiential play with the Tarot as oracle and sacred tool, in a monthly class, with Certified Tarot Grand Master and international Tarot author Rachel Pollack. All levels welcome. Tarot Readings in person or by phone. Also see ad. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-5797. rachel@rachelpollack.com.
THERAPY Legga, Inc. Specializing in Equine Assisted Discovery groups and individual sessions, for Children, Adolescents, & Adults. Saugerties, NY. (845) 729-0608.
Toni D. Nixon, Ed.D. - Therapist and Buddhist Practitioner
whole living directory
Offering a unique combination of techniques that integrate therapeutic goals and spiritual practice. The basic principles of Buddhism and psychotherapy are concerned with the goal of ending human suffering. Both paths to liberation are through greater self awareness, a broader view of one's world, the realization of the possibility of freedom and finding the means to achieve it. In essence, effective psychotherapy moves toward liberation and Buddhist practice is therapeutic in nature. Eidetic Image therapy is a unique and powerful method that encourages the liberation of the mind and spirit from obstacles that block the way to inner peace. Specializing in life improvement skills, habit cessation, career issues, women's issues, and blocked creativity. By phone, online, and in person. (845) 339-1684. www.eidetictherapy.com.
VEGAN LIFESTYLES Andrew Glick Vegan Lifestyle Coach The single most important step an individual can take to help save the planet's precious resources, improve and protect one's health, and to stop the senseless slaughter of over 50 billion animals a year...is to Go Vegan. What could make you feel better about yourself than knowing you are helping the planet, your own health, and the lives of countless animals all at the same time? If the idea is daunting and seems undoable to you, then let your personal Vegan Lifestyle Coach take you through steps A to Z. Whether you're a cattle rancher eating meat three times a day or a lacto-vegetarian wanting to give up dairy, it's a process that can be fun, easy and meaningful. You can do it easily with the proper support, guidance and encouragement from your Vegan Lifestyle Coach. (845) 679-7979. andy@meatfreezone.org. www.meatfreezone.org.
Healthy Gourmet To Go Try our colossal coconut macaroons dipped in dark chocolate or our delectable pan-seared cornmeal crusted homemade seitan cutlets over rosemary smashed potatoes with mushroom gravy. From old-fashioned home cooking with a new healthful twist to live/raw foods and macrobiotics, HGTG has dishes to please every palate. Weekly Meal Delivery right to your door. Organic, vegan, kosher. Baby Registry. Gift Certificates. Catering. (845) 339-7171. www.carrottalk.com.
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WORKSHOPS Wallkill Valley Writers Creative writing workshops in New Paltz led by Kate Hymes, poet and educator. Aspiring and experienced writers are welcome. Wallkill Valley Writers provides structured time, a supportive community and a safe place for you to fulfill the dream of writing your stories, real or imagined. Many writers find the community of a workshop benefits their work and keeps them motivated. (845) 255-7090. khamherstwriters@aol.com.
YOGA Jai Ma Yoga Center
Chronogram T-shirts www.chronogram.com/tshirts
Offering a wide array of Yoga classes, seven days a week, from Gentle/ Restorative Yoga to Advanced. Meditation classes free to all enrolled. Chanting Friday evenings. New expanded studio space. Private consultations and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy sessions available. Gina Bassinette, RYT & Ami Hirschstein, RYT, Owners. New Paltz, NY. (845) 256-0465.
The Living Seed Yoga & Holistic Center
whole living directory
Open to the community for over 5 years. Inspiring movements of inner freedom and awareness. We offer Yoga classes for all levels of students, gentle/beginner to advanced. Including Pre & Post Natal Yoga, Family & Kids Yoga, as well as a variety of Dance classes, Massage, Acupuncture, Sauna & Organic Yoga Clothing. 521 Main Street (Rte. 299, across from Econo Lodge), New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-8212. contact@thelivingseed.com. www.thelivingseed.com.
Satya Yoga Center Satya Hudson Valley Yoga Center is located in the heart of Rhinebeck village, on the third floor of the Rhinebeck Department Store building. We offer classes for all levels, 7 days a week. There is no need to pre-register: we invite you to just show up. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-2528. www.satyayogarhinebeck.com.
Woodstock Iyengar Yoga The Iyengar method develops strength, endurance and correct body alignment in addition to flexibility and relaxation. Standing poses are emphasized: building strong legs, increased general vitality and improved circulation, coordination and balance. 12 years teaching yoga, 20 years practicing. Twelve trips to India. Extensive training with the Iyengar family. Located at Mt. View Studio, Woodstock and Satya Yoga, Rhinebeck. Call or email Barbara Boris at (845) 679-3728, bxboris@yahoo.com. www.barbaraborisyoga.com
Yoga on Duck Pond A new approach to yoga based on the premise that we develop habitual patterns of movement that can effectively be changed by bringing unconscious movement into conscious awareness. Only then can we explore new combinations of ways to move. Learn how to experience yoga poses comfortably and beneficially, from the inside out, without strain or struggle. When we slow down, we can sense and feel more clearly and comfortably how we move. Experience a style of yoga that is dynamic, rejuvenating, empowering and transformational. Donna Nisha Cohen, RYT with over 25 years experience. Classes daily. Privates available. (845) 687-4836. www.yogaonduckpond.com.
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business directory ACTING
California, EcoArch DesignWorks specializes in
Sande Shurin Acting Classes
Planning, Architecture and Interiors for Single
Revolutionary new acting technique for Film/
family or Multi-family homes, entertainment,
Stage/TV. The book: Transformational Acting...A
retail or office environments. Recent projects
Step Beyond, Limelight Editions. The technique:
in New York include the Oriental Emerson Spa,
Transform into character using current emo-
the Ram Dass Library @ Omega and numerous
tions. No recall. No forward imagining. Shurin
Private homes and Additions. Unlock the poten-
private coaches many celebrities. The classes:
tials of your site, home or office, to foster greater
Thursday eves at 7pm, Woodstock. Master
design harmony, prosperity, spirit, health, and
classes at the Times Square Sande Shurin
ecological integrity. (845) 247-4620 | fax: (845)
Theatre. Thursday eves at 7pm. Woodstock, NY.
247-4620. ecoarchitect@hvc.rr.com.
(917) 545-5713 or (212) 262-6848.
www.JanusWeltonDesignWorks.com.
ANIMATION
ART GALLERIES
8 Hats High
Imari Arts
23-27 West Main Street 3rd Fl., Middletown, NY.
Hudson’s newest craft shoppe/art gallery is
Please also see our Illustration directory. (845)
worth a one block walk off warren. Imari features
344-1888. www.8hatshigh.com.
Hudson Valley painters, sculptors, and craftsmen. You will find one-of- a-kind items ranging
Hudson Valley Showcase
from fine art and sculpture to decorator items and wearable art. OpenThur-Sat 11:30am-6pm; Sun 11am-2pm. moconnellhudson@aol.com.
Expect the unexpected at the Hudson Valley’s
www.imariarts.com.
newest antiques and crafts center. The multi-
Van Brunt Gallery
dealer Hudson Valley Showcase in Newburgh,
Exhibiting the work of contemporary artists.
minutes from the acclaimed Riverfront is open
Featuring abstract painting, sculpture, digital
7 days, has ample parking, a café, and offers
art, photography, and video, the gallery has
superb quality at affordable prices. Come check
new shows each month. The innovative gallery
out the unique array of antiques, jewelry, col-
Web site has online artist portfolios and videos
lectables, crafts and more. 280 Broadway (9W),
of the artists discussing their work. 460 Main
Newburgh, NY. (845) 494-1135.
Street, Beacon, NY 12508. (845) 838-2995.
www.hudsonvalleyshowcase.com.
www.vanbruntgallery.com.
ARCHITECTURE
ART SUPPLIES
DiGuiseppe Architecture
Beacon Art Supply
Inspired, Sensitive, and Luxurious...these are the
A source for locals and tourists selling art and
words that describe the quintessential design
design-related gifts, specialty papers, kids stuff,
work that is DiGuiseppe. The firm, with Design
note cards, books & journals in addition to art
Studios in Accord, New York City, and Boca
supplies. Papers. Paint. Gifts. Canvas. Crayons
Raton, provides personalized Architecture and
&Then Some. Create Something! Open daily
Interiors for each and every client. Whether
12-6, Thurs until 8 pm, closed Tues. 506 Main
the project is a Sensitive Historic Renovation,
Street, Beacon, NY. (845)
a Hudson Valley Inspired Home or Luxurious
440-7904. www.beaconartsupply.com.
Interiors, each project receives the attention of the firm’s principal, Anthony J. DiGuiseppe,
Catskill Art & Office Supply
AIA RIBA, an internationally published architect
Traditional fine art materials, studio furnishings,
and award-winning furniture designer. Accord
office products, journals, cards, maps, and gifts.
(845) 687-8989; New York City (212) 439-9611.
Creative services, too, at all three locations:
diarcht@msn.com. www.diguiseppe.com.
photo processing, custom printing, rubber
EcoArch DesignWorks - Janus Welton, AIA, BBEC, IFSG, Architect Award winning design, harmonizing Spirit, Health and the Environment, Solar and “Green” design. Licensed in New York, New Jersey and
business directory
ANTIQUES
stamps, color copies, custom picture framing, and full-color digital output. Pushing the envelope and creative spirit for over 20 years. Woodstock (845) 679-2251; Kingston (845) 331-7780; Poughkeepsie (845) 452-1250.
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Manny’s Since 1962, big city selection and small town
BEVERAGES
service have made Manny’s special. We offer
Leisure Time Spring Water
a full range of art materials, custom picture
Pure spring water from a natural artesian spring
framing, bookmaking supplies, and the best
located in the Catskill Mountains. The spring deliv-
selection of handmade and decorative papers
ers water at 42 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
north of Manhattan. Manny’s, it’s more than
The water is filtered under high pressure through
just an art store. 83 Main Street, New Paltz, NY.
fine white sand. Hot and cold dispensers avail-
(845) 255-9902.
able. Weekly delivery. (845) 331-0504.
R & F Handmade Paints Internationally known manufacturer of Pigment
BICYCLE SALES /
Sticks and Encaustic paint right here in the
RENTALS / SERVICE
Hudson Valley. Stop in for a tour of our factory, get paints at discounted prices, sign up for an Encaustic or Pigment Stick workshop, or check out bi-monthly exhibits in the Gallery. MondaySaturday 10am-5pm. 506 Broadway, Kingston,
Bicycle Depot Open every day except Tuesday. 15 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255- 3859. www.bicycledepot.com.
NY. (845) 331-3112. www.rfpaints.com.
BOOKSTORES ATTORNEYS Law Offices of Andrea Lowenthal, PLLC Offices in Hudson and Manhattan, serving individuals and businesses throughout the Hudson Valley and New York City. Estate Planning (wills and trusts) and Elder Law (planning for you or your aging relatives), Domestic Partnerships (for GLBT families), Family Matters, Business Formations and Transactions, and Real Estate.
business directory
Intelligent and sensitive approach to your personal and business legal matters. Hudson, NY. (518) 671-6200 or (917) 301-6524. Andrea@LowenthalLaw.com.
Barner Books Used books. From kitsch to culture, Thoreau to thrillers, serious and silly. We have the books you read. Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm. Sunday 12pm-6pm. 69 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-2635. barnerbk@ulster.net.
The Golden Notebook A feast for book lovers located in the heart of Woodstock, we are proud to be a part of Book Sense: Independent Bookstores for Independent Minds. In addition to our huge database, we can special order any book in or out of print. Our Children’s Store located right next door
Schneider, Pfahl & Rahme, LLP
has an extensive selection of books and
Manhattan law firm, with offices in Woodstock,
products exclusively for the under-14 set. We
provides legal services to individuals, institu-
also carry the complete line of Woodstock
tions, professional firms, companies, and family
Chimes. 25-29 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY.
businesses. Specific areas include: Real Estate,
(845) 679-8000 | fax: (845) 679-3054.
Estate Planning, Corporate, New Media and
thegoldennotebook@hvc.rr.com.
Arts, and Entertainment Law. Each matter is
www.goldennotebook.com.
attended to by a senior attorney, who develops a comprehensive legal plan with the client. Wood-
Mirabai of Woodstock
stock, NY. (845) 679-9868 or (212) 629-7744.
The Hudson Valley’s oldest spiritual/holistic
www.schneiderpfahl.com.
bookstore, providing a vast array of books,
www.nycrealestateattorneys.com.
music, and gifts that transform, renew, and elevate the spirit. Exquisite statuary and other
BED & BREAKFASTS / INNS
art works from Nepal, Tibet, Bali. Expert Tarot reading, astrological charts/interpretation
Storm King Lodge Bed and Breakfast
available. 23 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, NY.
Come and enjoy our cozy lodge, converted from
(845) 679-2100. www.mirabai.com.
an early 1800’s post-and-beam barn, and guest cottage in a country setting with gardens, pool, and mountain views. The Great Room offers a comfortable place to relax, with a roaring fire
Anatolia Tribal Rugs & Weavings
on winter evenings; or enjoy those summer
Direct importers since 1981. Natural-dyed
nights on the covered veranda. Choose from
Afghan carpets; Balouchi tribal kilims;
six comfortable guest rooms with private baths.
Russian sumaks; antique Caucasian carpets;
Comforts include central AC, several fireplaces,
silk Persian sumaks; Turkish kilims. Hundreds
spacious lawns, gardens, and the grand swim-
to choose from, 2’x3’ to 9’x12’. Kilim pillows,
ming pool. Located near Storm King Art Center,
$20-$55. We encourage customers to try
West Point, DIA: Beacon, Woodbury Common
our rugs in their homes, without obligation.
Premium Outlets, and 1 hour from NYC. Great
MC/Visa/AmEx. Open 6 days a week 12-
restaurants nearby. 100 Pleasant Hill Road,
6pm. Closed Tuesdays. 54G Tinker Street,
Mountainville (Cornwall), NY. (845) 534-9421.
Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-5311.
www.stormkinglodge.com. 124
BUSINESS DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
CARPETS / RUGS
CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES The School for Young Artists An Extraordinary Art Experience! The School for Young Artists provides you with the tools, materials, instruction and support to achieve your goals. Our studio is about the joy of learning and the power of making art. Classes and individual sessions for children and adults. Call Kathy Anderson. (845) 679-9541.
CINEMA Upstate Films Showing provocative international cinema, contemporary and classic, and hosting filmmakers since 1972... on two screens in the village of Rhinebeck, NY. 26 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-2515. www.upstatefilms.org.
CLOTHING Pegasus Footwear Offering innovative comfort footwear by all your favorite brands. MERRELL, DANSKO, KEEN, CLARKS, ECCO and UGGS and lots more. Open 7 days a week - or shop online at PegasusShoes.com. 10 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock and New Paltz, NY. (845) 679-2373. www.PegasusShoes.com.
COLLEGES Dutchess Community College Dutchess Community College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, was founded in 1957. The College
business directory
offers an educational policy of access, quality, opportunity, diversity, and social responsibility. DCC’s main campus in Poughkeepsie is situated on 130 scenic acres with facilities that are aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced. The College has a satellite campus, Dutchess South, in Wappinger Falls, and learning centers in Carmel, Staatsburg, and Pawling. Poughkeepsie, NY. (845) 431-8020. www.sunydutchess.edu.
Mount Saint Mary College An independent liberal arts college offering more than 30 undergraduate programs; graduate programs in business (MBA), education, and nursing; and noncredit courses. 2,500 women and men. Its beautiful campus overlooks the Hudson River and is conveniently located off I-84 in Newburgh. Newburgh, NY. (845) 569-3222. www.msmc.edu.
CONSIGNMENT SHOPS Past ‘n’ Perfect A quaint consignment boutique that offers distinctive clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories, and a unique variety of high quality furs and leathers. Always a generous supply of merchandise from casual to chic; contemporary to vintage; all sizes accepted. Featuring a diverse and illuminating jewelry collection. Conveniently located at 1629 Main Street (Route 44), Pleasant Valley, NY, only 9 miles east of the Mid-Hudson Bridge. Tuesday-Friday 10am - 4pm. Saturday 10am - 4pm. 1629 Main Street (Route 44), Pleasant Valley, NY. (845) 6353115. www.pastnperfect.com.
The Present Perfect Designer consignments of the utmost quality for men, women, and children. Current styles, jewelry accessories, and knickknacks. Featuring beautiful furs and leathers. Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Sunday 12-5pm. 23G Village Plaza, Rhinebeck, NY 12572. (845) 876-2939.
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CONSTRUCTION Phoenix Construction Phoenix Construction and Contracting is a company dedicated to superior addition, remodeling, and renovation work through top quality materials installed by trained professionals. Along with a high standard of
dancewear for Adults and Children. We have dancewear, knit warm-ups, ballet, jazz, tap shoes, gymnastics wear, skatewear, accessories, and gift items. We also feature a line of women’s active wear clothing suitable for Yoga and Pilates. Saugerties, NY. (845) 247-4517. www.firststreetdancewear.com.
tractors ensures the success of every project through proper delegation of its mechanical and specialist requirements. We deliver customer service coupled
Kingston (845) 331-7780; Poughkeepsie (845) 452-1250.
Manny’s
DENTISTRY Tischler Dental With over 35 years experience, Tischler Dental is the
Paltz, NY. (845) 255-9902.
GARDENING & GARDEN SUPPLIES Mac’s Agway in Red Hook/New Paltz Agway
Michael Tischler is currently one of only two Board
Specializing in all your lawn and garden needs. We
Certified Implant Dentists in the Hudson Valley Region
carry topsoil, peat moss, fertilizers and organics, grass
of NYS and one of only 300 dentists in the world
seed, shavings, straw, fencing, pet food, bird seed, bird
to have achieved this honor. Sedation dentistry,
houses, and more. Hours for both locations: Monday-Fri-
acupuncture with dental treatment, dental implant
day 8am-5:30pm; Saturday 8am-5pm; Sunday 9am-3pm.
surgery, cosmetic makeover procedures and gum
Mac’s Agway, 68 Firehouse Lane, Red Hook, NY (845)
surgery are just a few of the many unique services
876-1559. New Paltz Agway, 145 Route 32N, New Paltz,
Dr. Abraham is Double Board Certified and a Clinical
Tischler Dental offers. Their practice philosophy is that
NY (845) 255-0050.
Instructor in Facial Plastic Surgery. He is an expert
each modality of dental treatment is performed by the
in the latest minimally invasive techniques (Botox,
practitioner that is best trained in that area. Working
Restylane, Thermage, Thread Lifts, Lifestyle Lifts, IPL
as a team, they deliver ideal dental care. Woodstock
Laser Hair & Vein Treatments), and specializes in
NY. (845) 679-3706.
rhinoplasty. Offices in Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck &
tischlerdental@hvc.rr.com. www.tischlerdental.com.
sionally handles all details so that you don’t have to worry. (845) 266-5222. www.phoenix-b.com.
COSMETIC AND PLASTIC SURGERY M. T. Abraham, MD, FACS - Facial Plastic, Reconstructive & Laser Surgery, PLLC
NYC with affiliated MediSpas. Poughkeepsie, NY. (845) 454-8025. www.NYfaceMD.com.
CRAFTS business directory
See also Art Supplies directory. Woodstock (845) 679-2251;
leading team of dental care experts in the area. Dr.
with quality assurance. Phoenix Construction profes-
Crafts People
Chronogram Is Everywhere! Have you ever noticed how wherever you go, Chrodamned good. We can distribute your flyer, brochure,
four buildings brimming with fine crafts, the largest
business card, or publication to over 700 establish-
selection in the Hudson Valley. All media represented,
ments in Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, Putnam
including: sterling silver & 14K gold jewelry, blown
and Orange counties. Now in Westchester county with
glass, pottery, turned wood, kaleidoscopes, wind
new stops in Peekskill. (845) 334-8600.
chimes, leather, clothing, stained glass, etc. Fri. - Mon.
distribution@chronogram.com.
DOG BOARDING
Deep Clay Showroom
Dog Love Personal Hands-On Boarding and Daycare tailored to
ware. From everyday mugs and bowls to Tea Ceremony
your dog’s individual needs. Your dog’s happiness is
ware. Simple forms, natural colors, islands of calm, created
our goal. Indoor 5x10 matted kennels with classical
by artist/therapist Michelle Rhodes. Studied pottery in Bizen
music and windows overlooking our pond. Supervised
and Tea at Urasenke. Open by appointment year-round.
playgroups in 40 x 40 fenced area. Homemade food
(845) 255-8039. www.michellerhodespottery.com.
and healthy treats. New Paltz. 240 N. Ohioville Road, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-8281.
Atlantic Custom Homes Lindal Cedar Homes, the world’s largest manufacturer
Faux Intentions Cat Quinn, professional decorative artist, setting the
world for their signature post and beam home designs,
standard for excellence in Custom Faux Finishes for
quality building materials and detailed craftsmanship.
your home and business. With infinite possibilities,
We believe that your home should be a realization of
your walls, floors, ceilings, fireplaces and furniture can
your wishes. We take the time to explore them with
be transformed using my faux finishing techniques.
you, and to develop your design in accordance with
A full spectrum of decorative finishes using plasters,
those wishes, your budget and your property. (845)
glazes and many other mediums, help to fill your
265-2636.
home full of your unique personality and spirit. Don’t miss the beauty and exhiliration of transforming the
DANCEWEAR
rooms you live and work in every day into spaces that
First Street Dancewear
call away. (845) 532-3067.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
from an unbeatable selection of herbaceous or woody sional design, installation, and maintenance services. Visit us! Daily 9am-6pm. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-8606. www.thephantomgardener.com.
GIFTS Earth Lore Walk into a world of natural wonder: amethyst caves and heart-shaped druzies, quartz crystal spheres and sculptures, orbs of obsidian, lapis and jasper. PLUS a gallery of wearable art. Navaho necklaces of turquoise and coral, ite; watches crafted from oxidized copper, brass, sterling; an array of Baltic amber in all its hues: honey, lemon, butterscotch, cognac...., fashioned into jewelry that makes a statement. Earthlore also offers unique objects of home decor such as a 100 yr old camel bell from Afghanistan, a Thai rain drum, and fossilized salt lamps from the Himalayas. A great place to find gifts from around the globe. Open Tues. thru Fri. 10am - 6pm. Sat 10am-5pm. 2 Fairway Drive, Pawling, NY. (845) 855-8889.
GUITARS FAUX FINISHES
First Street Dancewear in Saugerties, NY offers quality
cated and knowledgeable staff will help you choose
www.dogloveplaygroups.com.
Atlantic Custom Homes is an independent distributor of of quality cedar homes. Lindal is known around the
and enjoy an organic, beautiful landscape. Our dedi-
pendants and bracelets of moldavite, tektite and meteor-
(845) 331-3859. www.craftspeople.us.
CUSTOM HOME DESIGNERS
At Phantom we provide everything you need to create
nogram is there? That’s because our distribution is so
Representing over 500 artisans, Crafts People boasts
Pottery and Dreamfigures Wood-fired, raku, and stone-
The Phantom Gardener
plants, garden products and books. We offer profes-
DISTRIBUTION
10:30am-6pm. 262 Spillway Road, West Hurley, NY.
126
Catskill Art & Office Supply
See also Art Supplies directory. 83 Main Street, New
work, we pride ourselves on superior job site and budget management. Our close-knit network of sub-con-
FRAMING
reflect your sense of style. Portfolio showing a phone
McCoy’s Guitar Shop Is your guitar or bass performing up to its fullest potential? Do you have fret buzz? Is your action too high/ too low? Is your instrument just plain old hard to play? Guitars and basses regularly need set ups, much like cars need oil changes and tune ups to keep them running well. Here at McCoy’s Guitar Shop our aim is to make your instrument play as well, or better than, you ever thought possible. Remember, if your instrument isn’t playing up to par, perhaps neither are you! Come to McCoy’s Guitar Shop and fall in love with your instrument all over again! McCoy’s Guitar Shop: Expert repairs, restoration, guitars and basses bought, sold and traded. Give us a call: (845) 658-7467. You’ll be glad you did! Rosendale, NY.
ILLUSTRATION 8 Hats High 8 Hats High is a full service animation studio and production house located in Middletown, NY. We specialize in Animation, Illustration, Storyboarding, Television Production, Photography, Post Production, Web design and more. Production:
Submit to Chronogram Seeking submissions of poems, short stories, essays, and article proposals. Accepting pieces of all sorts. With SASE, send submissions to Chronogram. 314 Wall Street, 2nd floor, Kingston, NY 12401. info@chronogram.com.
It’s what we do! For more information check out. 23-27 West Main Street 3rd Fl., Middletown, NY. (845) 344-1888. www.8hatshigh.com.
MAGAZINES Chronogram The only complete arts and cultural events
INTERIOR DESIGN DeStefano and Associates Barbara DeStafano has been the owner of DeStefano and Associates, an interior design business, for 18 years. She received certification in Feng Shui from the Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design and has completed
resource for the Hudson Valley. Subscribe and get the lowdown first. Whether you live in the Hudson Valley or just visit, you’ll know what’s going on. Send $36 for yearly subscription to: Chronogram, 314 Wall Street, 2nd floor, Kingston, NY 12401. info@chronogram.com.
advanced work with several Feng Shui Masters. Feng Shui is the perfect marriage to interior design. It brings a spiritual dimension to your space. Barbara can create a kind of beauty that touches your spirit, and brings balance and harmony to a level that transcends the superficial. Barbara is available for consultations, guest speaker engagements, and workshops. (845) 339-4601.
MEDIATION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION Pathways Mediation Center A unique mediation practice for couples going through divorce or families in conflict with the innovative, combined services of two professionals. Josh Koplovitz has 30 years as a Matrimonial & Family Law Attorney and Myra Schwartz has 30 years as Guidance
Hudson Valley Internet Local Internet access and commercial Web site hosting. Fast, reliable, easy to use, flexible
Counselor. This male/female team can effectively address all your legal and family issues. Use our one-hour free consultation to find out about us. (845) 331-0100.
extra e-mail, K56Flex support, personal web
Rodney Wells, CFP, Member AFM & NYSCDM
space, helpful customer service, and no setup
If you’re separating, divorcing, or have issues
charges. (845) 255-2799. www.hvi.net.
with child support, custody, or visitation,
pricing...Want more? How about: free software,
Webjogger
business directory
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS
choose mediation. On average, mediated agreements are fulfilled twice as often as liti-
Blazing fast broadband internet access.
gated court decisions and cost half as much.
Featuring symmetrical bandwidth, superior
I draw on my experience as a Financial
personal attention and technical support,
Planner, psychotherapist, and pro se litigant
rock-solid security and reliability, and flexible
to guide couples in a responsible process of
rates. Complementary services include e-
unraveling their entanglements, preserving
mail, Web hosting, accelerated dialup, server
their assets, and creating a satisfying future.
collocation and management, and customized
Cornwall, New Paltz, and NYC. Cornwall, NY.
networking solutions. Webjogger is a locally
(845) 534-7668. www.mediated-divorce.com.
grown company with offices in Tivoli and Kingston. Kingston, NY. (845) 757-4000. www.webjogger.net. www.webjogger.net.
MUSIC Burt’s Electronics
K9 CONSULTANT
Good music deserves quality sound! Avoid
K9 Consultant
sonal service are valued above all else. Bring
the malls and shop where quality and per-
Wanted: Dogs With Issues: Digging, barking,
Burt and his staff your favorite album and
aggression, chewing, phobias, obsessions,
let them teach you how to choose the right
etc. A simple, proven approach to banish your
audio equipment for your listening needs.
dog’s unwanted behavior. Let me help. The K-9
Monday through Friday 9am-7pm. Saturday
Consultant. (845) 687-7726.
9am-5pm. 549 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY. (845) 331-5011.
LITERARY Ione Writing workshops and private instruction for writers. (845) 339-5776.
Joshua Pearl’s Whole Musician Workshop Develop and liberate your unique musical potential through customized music lessons,
11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM BUSINESS DIRECTORY
127
workshops, or artist development programs. For aspir-
Michael Gold
ing and developing musicians and bands. Explore your
Artistic headshots of actors, singers, models, musicians,
music in a supportive environment. Call (845) 679-7599
performing artists, writers, and unusual, outlandish, off-the-
and receive a free lesson during November. Studios in
wall personalities. Complete studio facilities and lighting.
Woodstock and Manhattan. www.joshuapearl.com.
Creative, warm, original, professional. Unconditionally
WVKR 91.3 FM Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. A listener-supported, non-commercial, student-run alternative music station.
guaranteed. The Corporate Image Studios, 1 Jacobs Lane, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-5255. www.michaelgoldsp hotos.com and click on to the “Headshots” page.
Programming is provided by students and community members, and includes jazz, new music, folk, hip hop, polka, new age, international, blues, metal, news, and public affairs programming. WVKR Web casts at www.wvkr.org. (845) 437-7010. www.wvkr.org.
MUSIC LESSONS Bibi Farber - Guitar Lessons Guitar Lessons Acoustic / electric, Pop, rock, blues & folk. Beginners welcome, age 11 and up. I offer very flexible
A radically different form of education based on the belief that children are driven by a basic desire to learn and explore. We trust that children, given the freedom, will choose the most appropriate path for their education. Our democratic School Meeting expects children to take responsibility for their lives and their community. Yearround Admissions. Sliding-scale tuition. (845) 679-1002. www.hudsonvalleyschool.org.
Adam’s Piano
High Meadow School
Featuring Kawai and other fine brands. 75 pianos on
Pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, committed to a child-
display in our Germantown (just north of Rhinebeck)
centered education that engages the whole child. Intimate,
showroom. Open by appointment only. Inventory, prices,
nurturing, with small class size and hands-on learning. A
pictures, at adamspiano.com. A second showroom will
program rich in academic, artistic, physical, and social
be opening in New Paltz in November. Superb service,
skills. Fully accredited. Call Suzanne Borris, director. Route
moving, storage, rentals; we buy pianos! (518) 537-2326
209, Stone Ridge, NY. (845) 687-4855.
or (845) 343-2326. www.adamspiano.com.
Maria’s Garden Montessori School
scheduling & discounts for students teaming up. Lessons
Piano Clearing House
Cultivating independence, confidence, compassion,
in Minnewaska area or in your home, if within a 30 minute
8 John Walsh Blvd. Suite 318A, Peekskill, NY. (914)
peace, and a lifelong love of learning. Serving children 3
radius. Songwriting coaching & demo recording also avail-
788-8090. www.pianoclearinghouse.com.
years through first grade in a one-room country school-
734-8018. www.bibifarber.com.
NURSERIES
business directory
Hudson Valley Sudbury School
PIANO
able. Let’s play! (646)
house surrounded by gardens, woodlands, and streams.
PLUMBING AND BATH
Paltz, NY 12561. (845) 256-1875. info@mariasgardenmontessori.com.
Great Plants for Adventurous Gardeners! Tuesdays-
They handle all your plumbing needs with skilled, prompt,
Sundays, 9am - 5pm. Hudson, NY. (518) 851-9801.
and attentive service. Call for further information or to
www.loomiscreek.com.
schedule a free estimate. Free Estimates. Fully Insured. (518) 731-1178.
Lehman Loeb Art Center/ Powerhouse Theater Season
Pussyfoot Lodge B&B
Chestnut Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-0033.
Music Institute of Sullivan and Ulster Counties
PRINTING SERVICES New York Press Direct At NY Press Direct we exist for one reason - to delight our customers! What does that mean to you? Worry-free
Experienced, dependable, thorough, and reasonable
is among the most competitive in the northeast region.
house sitting for your pets’ health and happiness. Also
Call John DeSanto or Larry Read for more information.
offering a cats-only resort with individual rooms. Extensive
(845) 896-0894.
PUBLISHERS
orchestra. To register call 845-647-5087 or visit or website. www.misucatskills.org.
Woodstock Day School school and member of NYSAIS, providing quality education for pre-school through high school students since
necessary for a positive learning experience. PO Box 1,
sutras, from fiction to scholarly works of thought. Monkfish
Woodstock, NY. (845) 246-3744.
also publishes Provenance Editions, an imprint devoted
www.woodstockdayschool.org.
or directly from us. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-4861.
and personal moments of the event. Please call for rates
www.monkfishpublishing.com.
SINGING LESSONS Ann Panagulias - Singing Lessons Concepts of classical, Italianate technique complimented
and availability. (917) 449-5020. www.chinajorrin.com.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
education, chamber music, and a community chamber
literary merit. Monkfish books range from memoirs to
remaining unobtrusive she is able to capture key, quiet
needs. (845) 750-5261. www.France-Menk.com.
vate instruction in violin and viola, a Suzuki program, adult
low us to give each child the individualized consideration
are available at your favorite local or online bookstores,
advertising clients. My work is 100% focused on your
and nurtures the whole person. MISU offers ongoing pri-
1972. Small classes and a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio al-
menting weddings in a candid and creative style. While
needs. Internationally exhibited. Major communications/
to experience music in an environment that acknowledges
Monkfish publishes books that combine spiritual and
A Hudson Valley based photographer dedicated to docu-
A fine art approach to your photographic and advertising
provides an opportunity for people of all ages and levels
Monkfish Book Publishing Company
to elegant editions of spiritual classics. Monkfish books
France Menk Photography & Photodesign
The Music Institute of Sullivan and Ulster Counties (MISU)
Woodstock Day School, a state-chartered, independent
horticulture and landscaping knowledge in addition to
China Jorrin Photography
Spanish, Russian, painting, music, creative writing, wood-
896-6291. cloijas@nssupply.com.
solutions are leading edge in the industry. Our pricing
PHOTOGRAPHY
and achieve a balance in rich programs of drama, speech,
and hands. Nursery-8th Grade. Call Judy Jaeckel. 16 South
sitting service, proudly serving three counties for 32 years.
687-0330.
students do their best in academic basics, they can find
work, and more. Waldorf Education: for the head, heart,
shopping for all your printing and fulfillment needs. Our
Bureau Metro NY/Mid-Hudson Region Member. (845)
At the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, not only can all
N & S Supply. 205 Old Route 9, Fishkill, NY 12534. (845)
The Pioneer in Professional Pet Care! Full house-pet-plant
domestic and zoo animal experience. Better Business
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School
N & S Supply
(845) 437-5902. Vassar College Box 225, Poughkeepsie,
PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES
ers. Half or full day kindergarten. 62 Plains Rd., New
A third generation plumbing company operated by Timothy Brinkmann and Master Plumber Berno Brinkmann.
PERFORMING ARTS
8:30 am-3:30 pm, with part-time options for preschool-
Brinkmann Plumbing & Heating Services
Loomis Creek Nursery Inc
NY 12604. (845) 437-5902. befargislanc@pop.vassar.edu.
128
SCHOOLS
REMODELING
by alignment and deep breathing rhythms of Eastern callisthenics; repertoire grounded in 17th-19th century Art Song
Phoenix Construction
extending to vintage and contemporary musical theater;
See also Construction directory. (845) 266-5222.
training at Oberlin College and San Francisco Opera; per-
www.phoenix-b.com.
forming professionally on three continents for twenty years. (845) 677-1134. annpandora@aol.com.
WEB DESIGN
WEDDINGS
Beyond The Box Web Design
HudsonValleyWeddings.com
Beyond the Box is a web design and hosting
The Only Resource You Need to Plan a Hud-
company with offices in Kingston and Red
son Valley Wedding. Hundreds of Regional
Hook. We work closely and personably with
Wedding Service Providers. FREE, Extensive,
clients to create memorable sites for busi-
Online Wedding Guide & Planner . . . and
nesses and creative artists, on time and on
much more. 120 Morey Hill Road, Kingston,
budget. Mention this ad for a free one-hour
NY. (845) 336-4705 | fax: (845) 336-6677.
in-person consultation to discuss a current
judy@hudsonvalleyweddings.com.
or future website design, marketing goals, or
www.HudsonValleyWeddings.com.
free, “open source” Linux tools that can add power to your web presence! (518) 537-7667. www.beyondboxweb.com.
Curious Minds Media Inc. Want a website that works for you? We’ve got solutions to fit any budget, and we understand the needs of small businesses. Flash, E-commerce,
WINE & LIQUOR In Good Taste In Good Taste. 45 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-0110. ingoodtaste@verizon.net.
database applications. CMM has what it takes to get you results. Mention this ad and receive 3 months FREE hosting! Call now toll-free, at (888) 227-1645. (888) 227-1645. www.curiousm.com.
WRITING SERVICES CenterToPage: Moving Writers From The Center To The Page Invite your muse to visit every day. Author
WEB DEVELOPMENT
& workshop leader with 19 years’ experi-
8 Hats High
ate guidance. Nonfiction & fiction book
ence offers writers truthful, compassion-
23-27 West Main Street 3rd Fl., Middletown, NY.
proposal & manuscript consultations,
Please also see our Illustration directory.
editing, rewriting. Coaching relationships.
(845) 344-1888.
Yoga As Muse facilitator training. Work-
Curious Minds Media Inc.
shops: Woodstock, Taos, & elsewhere. Jeff Davis, Director. Accord, NY. (845) 679-9441.
(888) 227-1645. www.curiousm.com.
www.CenterToPage.com.
business directory
See also Web Design directory. Toll-free, at
For rates and info: 845.334.8600 / sales@chronogram.com
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
IMAGE PROVIDED
the forecast
EVENT LISTINGS FOR NOVEMBER 2006
FORECAST
BLACK LIKE ME
(1964) IS THE TRUE ACCOUNT OF JOHN GRIFFIN’S EXPERIENCES WHEN HE PASSED AS A BLACK MAN.
SEPARATE CINEMA'S BADASSSSS SHOW The upward struggle of minorities in America has been mirrored, albeit in
“films that are important in understanding the trajectory of African-American
funhouse fashion, by American cinema. The new exhibition “Black Is Black
cinema.” Included are pieces touting 1936’s Song of Freedom, starring actor-
Ain’t” charts the rise of African-Americans in film—from egregious stereotype
singer-activist Paul Robeson; the musical Cabin in the Sky, which celebrates
to respectful portrayal—through decades of rare movie posters. The program
spirituals while recalling earlier minstrelsy; and bolder fare from the 1960s, like
opened in late October and runs through November 12 at Vassar College’s
Black Like Me and Nothing But a Man. Among the most striking is a Russian
Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center.
poster for the Dorothy Dandridge film Tamango depicting a slave caught in a
Mia Mask, an assistant professor of film at Vassar, sought to mount a show
pose between agony and defiance. European posters of American films were
that elaborates on her African-American cinema classroom material. She had
often more powerful in their imagery, the foreign artists untouched by Stateside
been inspired by the 1992 book A Separate Cinema: Fifty Years of Black-Cast
bigotries.
Posters by John Kisch and Edward Mapp—but it was when she came to Vassar that she learned the posters were residing in her own backyard. John Kisch lives in a former schoolhouse on a country road in Hyde Park. He has been collecting black cinematic ephemera since the mid ’70s, when he
Mask said that, when screening black films for students, a history lesson in American racism is unavoidable. “The assumption is that film is transparent; you show it and the kids get it. But you have to unpack the aesthetics of the film, as well as its ideological content.”
was a Bard art student. But the rabid collector’s curiosity drove him deeper,
Kisch dismisses the label of cultural activist. “I’m a collector,” he said. “I’m
to eventually uncover the existence of a “separate” Hollywood that started in
just trying to put it all together and let the right people tell the story.” The right
the 1920s. “Blacks had their own system of film, their own theaters, their own
people have included allies Spike Lee, film historian Donald Bogle, and leading
filmmakers,” he said. In this parallel universe, blacks were not shambling, wide-
museum curators.
eyed handymen or sassy mammies; they were the heroes, the love interests.
A self-declared “white boy” who grew up in Manhattan, Kisch acknowledges
Kisch now owns more than 25,000 posters, lobby cards, still photos, and assorted
the irony of his mission. “Look, I don’t want to step on toes. But I do want to
ephemera chronicling black cinema from the days of pioneer filmmaker Oscar
understand—or try to understand a little further—what it is that makes this
Micheaux (Within Our Gates) through the mixed blessings of ’70s blaxploitation
material so caustic to some and special to others and an archive to me.”
to present-day works by filmmaker-provocateur Spike Lee.
(845) 437-5632; http://fllac.vassar.edu; www.separatecinema.com.
In selecting the 23 posters and lobby cards for the exhibition, Mask sought
—Jay Blotcher
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LAURA CROSTAL
FORECAST
THE DUHKS: (L-R) LEONARD PODOLAK, TANIA ELIZABETH, JESSEE HAVEY, SCOTT “SENOR” SENIOR, JORDAN MCCONNELL
QUACK ATTACK Ensconced near the geographical center of North America, Winnipeg sits on the edge of
assimilating styles has its roots in Winnipeg.
the Canadian prairies, far from either mountain or ocean. The resulting climate makes the
“There is a very eclectic aspect to Winnipeg. It’s a great city for music,” says guitarist
province’s capital of Manitoba one of the coldest large cities in the world. In contrast to
Jordan McConnell, who began playing in punk bands as a teenager before moving onto
the desperate eight-month winters endured by the city’s denizens, the Winnipeg music
Celtic music. “There are a lot of different scenes, but they are all really small. There is a
scene is warm and vibrant, with artists drawing from a diverse sonic palette, apropos of
traditional Irish scene, a rockabilly scene, and all this crossover between different groups
a city know as Canada’s gateway to the West.
of people. It’s always been a town where it’s okay to listen to a lot of different stuff. There
The Duhks, who will perform at Woodstock’s Colony Café on November 5, are a
is an air of different music combining.”
five-piece band that fuses together a rich tapestry of roots-music styles and are a prime
McConnell was an occasional musical collaborator with Duhks founder and claw-
example of Winnipeg’s eclecticism. Migrations, released this past September, is the
hammer banjo player Leonard Podolak. The band gradually acquired members, including
band’s third album and its second for Sugarhill Records. Bluegrass, zydeco, pop, Latin
soulful vocalist Jessee Havey, a veteran of the Winnipeg folk and musical theater scenes,
rhythms, and Celtic jigs are united seamlessly on the album.
and fiddler Tania Elizabeth, who McConnell remembers blagging her way onstage at
The Duhks' growing reputation has taken them all over North America and Europe and earned them a spot at this year’s prestigious Woodford Folk Festival in Brisbane, Australia.
a show in Victoria, BC. The final piece of the puzzle was percussionist Scott “Señor” Senior, who contributes djembe, bongo, cajon, and surdo. According to McConnell, Migrations is more successful at capturing the band’s
The band has earned its success through determination and hard work, spending
live sound than previous efforts. The album was coproduced by Tim O’Brien (singer
approximately 10 months a year on the road spreading the musical word —and soaking
and cofounder of influential bluegrass act Hot Rize) and Gary Paczosa, and features a
up new influences along the way.
stripped-down sound devoid of studio trickery.
Migrations features interpretations of two traditional African-American gospel spirituals
“We’ve always tended to be more of a live thing than a recordable entity,” says
from the Georgia Sea Islands: a song arranged around a poem by the 19th-century English
McConnell. Local audiences will get to sample that live Duhks magic when the band
writer Charles Kingsley and a cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Mountains O’ Things.”
lands in Woodstock. (845) 679-5342; www.colonycafe.com.
Although constant touring has expanded the Duhks' repertoire, their facility at
get it on. 132
FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
short, long, baby, hoodie.
—Jeremy Schwartz
buy online.
www.chronogram.com/tshirts
LAURA CROSTAL
calendar WED 1 CLASSES
Young Artist Mixed Media
4-5pm. For young artists ages 7-15. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $31/$36 non-members.
Modern Dance
5:30-7pm. Wednesdays. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559.
Watercolor II
6-8pm. For the artist with some experience in transparent watercolors. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 3404576. $123.00/non-members $143.00.
CLASSES
WORKSHOPS
Call for times. 4 principles of bringing prosperity and good fortune into your life. Institute for Human Development, Kingston. 339-6250. $99.
Call for times. Make a vessel, table-runner and small pouch. Sunbridge College craft studio, Chestnut Ridge. 425-2891. $180.
Lucky You!
6-8pm. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $108/$92 members.
ART
EVENTS
The Fillmore, the Avalon, and the Good ‘Ol Grateful Dead
Folk the Vote
7:30pm. Evening of protest songs and political action. Backstage Studio Productions, Kingston. 338-8700. $8.
FILM
Clerks II
8pm. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8050.
Drawing II
6:30-8pm. For those who have some drawing experience or have taken Drawing I. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $70/non-members $83.
MUSIC
Betty MacDonald Quartet Tribute to Billie Holiday
8pm. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $16/$12 members.
EVENTS
Hudson Valley Sudbury School Information Meeting
7-9pm. The Hudson Valley School, Kingston. 679-1002.
WORKSHOPS
Multi-Media Interactive Workshop
7pm. With John Lindberg and Karl Berger. SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge. 687-5262.
ART
Ink Drawings and Sculpture
4-6pm. Works by Michael Tong. Joyce Goldstein Gallery, Chatham. (518) 392-2250.
Terence Martin
8pm. Acoustic, contemporary, original. Peekskill Coffeehouse, Peekskill. (914) 7391287.
Vassar Mahagonny Ensemble
8pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
Rob Cannillo & Friends
9pm. Bodles Opera House, Chester. 4694595. $15.
Thunder Ridge
9:30pm. Country, dance, pop, rock. Candlelite, Palenville. (518) 678-3170.
PeachJam
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
10pm. New World Home Cooking, Saugerties. 246-0900.
12-6pm. Please call for an appointment. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $40.
The Trapps
Psychic Readings by Shyla O’Shea
CLASSES
Drawing I/II
Landscape Paintings by Chris Fisher
1pm. The Caffe Macchiato, Newburgh. 5425840.
3-5pm. Exhibit from the Avalon Archives, the Museum of Rock and Roll. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 831-4988.
Precept and Perception
5pm. New work by Chris Hawkins. Silent Space Gallery, Kingston. 331-7400 ext. 103.
Around the Neighborhood: A Walk in Kingston’s Rondout District 5-8pm. Photographs by Jack Murphy. Donskoj & Company, Kingston. 338-8473.
New Drawings by Matthew Palin
6-8pm. Firehouse Glass Gallery & Artist Collective, Kingston. 474-8218.
Dreams, Ghosts & Gravity
7-7pm. Works by Denise Orzo. Kingston Museum of Contemporary Arts, Kingston. www.kmoca.org.
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Woman of Darkness
Ione, Kingston. 339-5776.
Full Moon Drum Circle
7pm. Drawing down the energy of the full moon in Taurus. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $5.
CLASSES
Yoga Fitness Instructor
9am-5pm. Business Resource Center, Kingston. 339-2025. $499.
Green Home Building and Renovation
11pm. Oasis Cafe, New Paltz. 255-2400.
9:30am-12pm. Business Resource Center, Kingston. 339-2025. $49.
SPOKEN WORD
DANCE
6-7pm. For individuals who have no prior experience in art. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $92/non-members $108.
Wynn Klosky and Bob Wright
Streb Family Show
Call for times. Calling All Poets series. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 831-0077. $4.
3pm/8pm. Beyond the Wild Blue Yonder acrobatic dance. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-0100.
Perceptions of Reality
IAT Fall Luncheon Lecture Series
The Thai Classical Dance Association of New York
7-9pm. Buddha’s Teachings on Ultimate Truth. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 856-9000. $8.
12pm. The Gnostic Jesus. Bertelsmann Campus Center, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
Life Drawing
The Language of Reverence: Conversations on Art and Spirituality
7:30-9:30pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559.
EVENTS
NYPIRG Wind Power Education Project
7pm. Featuring Rev. Galen Guengerich, Amy Myers, and Steven Burke. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, Peekskill. (914) 788-7166.
Meg Schneider
7:30-9pm. Information session on wind power in New York State. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3085.
7:30pm. Author of Just a Little Too Thin. Oblong Books and Music, Rhinebeck. 8760500.
MUSIC
ReadNex Poetry Squad Album Release Party
Gennarose
7pm. Jazz and originals. Cosimos, Middletown. 692-3242.
SPOKEN WORD
Breast Cancer Support Group
6-7:30pm. Shandaken Town Hall, Shandaken. 657-7010.
WORKSHOPS
The Rose Meditation
7-9pm. Story, music and the powerful energy of roses. Mirabai Books, Woodstock. 6792100. $35/$40.
FRI 3 ART
Annual Members Show
5-7pm. Kleinert/James Gallery, Woodstock. 679-2079.
8pm. Cabaloosa, New Paltz. myspace.com/ readnex. $7.
FORECAST
THU 2
SAT 4
Hand-building with Clay I
African Drum
6:30-7:30pm. Wednesdays. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559.
Felted Items for the Home
7:45pm. Performing Dance of Benediction and The Fon Pootai Dance. George F. Shepard Student Center, Middletown. 3414891.
EVENTS
Kingston Old Town Stockade Farmers’ Market 9am-2pm. Organic and traditional fruits & vegetables, breads, flowers. Wall Street, Kingston. 331-3418.
Work Exchange
10am. Two-hour herbal class in exchange for work. Wise Woman Center, Woodstock. 246-8081.
Dutchess County Veterans Service Agency Information Day 12pm. Louis Greenspan Dining Room, Poughkeepsie. 431-2060.
THEATER
The Wizard of Oz
7:30pm. Pawling Theater Company. Pawling High School, Pawling. 855-1965.
Community Playback Theatre
8pm. Improvisation based on real-life stories of audience members. Boughton Place, Highland. 691-4118. $6.
Hamlet
8pm. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3080.
The Trip To Bountiful
8pm. Van Cortlandtville School Theater, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.
Women’s Studio Workshop 30th Annual Auction
6pm. Food, live music, and entertainment. Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock. 658-9133. $25/$40 for 2/$30 at the door/$50 for 2 at the door.
Celebrate the Celts
8pm. Dance, music and legend with Sonia Malkine and Friends. Kleinert/James Art Center, Woodstock. 679-2079.
KIDS
Tracking Coyotes
10am. Museum of the Hudson Highlands Farmhouse, Cornwall-on-Hudson. 534-5506 ext. 204.
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LAURA CROSTAL
calendar WED 1 CLASSES
Young Artist Mixed Media
4-5pm. For young artists ages 7-15. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $31/$36 non-members.
Modern Dance
5:30-7pm. Wednesdays. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559.
Watercolor II
6-8pm. For the artist with some experience in transparent watercolors. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 3404576. $123.00/non-members $143.00.
CLASSES
WORKSHOPS
Call for times. 4 principles of bringing prosperity and good fortune into your life. Institute for Human Development, Kingston. 339-6250. $99.
Call for times. Make a vessel, table-runner and small pouch. Sunbridge College craft studio, Chestnut Ridge. 425-2891. $180.
Lucky You!
6-8pm. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $108/$92 members.
ART
EVENTS
The Fillmore, the Avalon, and the Good ‘Ol Grateful Dead
Folk the Vote
7:30pm. Evening of protest songs and political action. Backstage Studio Productions, Kingston. 338-8700. $8.
FILM
Clerks II
8pm. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8050.
Drawing II
6:30-8pm. For those who have some drawing experience or have taken Drawing I. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $70/non-members $83.
MUSIC
Betty MacDonald Quartet Tribute to Billie Holiday
8pm. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $16/$12 members.
EVENTS
Hudson Valley Sudbury School Information Meeting
7-9pm. The Hudson Valley School, Kingston. 679-1002.
WORKSHOPS
Multi-Media Interactive Workshop
7pm. With John Lindberg and Karl Berger. SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge. 687-5262.
ART
Ink Drawings and Sculpture
4-6pm. Works by Michael Tong. Joyce Goldstein Gallery, Chatham. (518) 392-2250.
Terence Martin
8pm. Acoustic, contemporary, original. Peekskill Coffeehouse, Peekskill. (914) 7391287.
Vassar Mahagonny Ensemble
8pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
Rob Cannillo & Friends
9pm. Bodles Opera House, Chester. 4694595. $15.
Thunder Ridge
9:30pm. Country, dance, pop, rock. Candlelite, Palenville. (518) 678-3170.
PeachJam
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
10pm. New World Home Cooking, Saugerties. 246-0900.
12-6pm. Please call for an appointment. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $40.
The Trapps
Psychic Readings by Shyla O’Shea
CLASSES
Drawing I/II
Landscape Paintings by Chris Fisher
1pm. The Caffe Macchiato, Newburgh. 5425840.
3-5pm. Exhibit from the Avalon Archives, the Museum of Rock and Roll. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 831-4988.
Precept and Perception
5pm. New work by Chris Hawkins. Silent Space Gallery, Kingston. 331-7400 ext. 103.
Around the Neighborhood: A Walk in Kingston’s Rondout District 5-8pm. Photographs by Jack Murphy. Donskoj & Company, Kingston. 338-8473.
New Drawings by Matthew Palin
6-8pm. Firehouse Glass Gallery & Artist Collective, Kingston. 474-8218.
Dreams, Ghosts & Gravity
7-7pm. Works by Denise Orzo. Kingston Museum of Contemporary Arts, Kingston. www.kmoca.org.
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Woman of Darkness
Ione, Kingston. 339-5776.
Full Moon Drum Circle
7pm. Drawing down the energy of the full moon in Taurus. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $5.
CLASSES
Yoga Fitness Instructor
9am-5pm. Business Resource Center, Kingston. 339-2025. $499.
Green Home Building and Renovation
11pm. Oasis Cafe, New Paltz. 255-2400.
9:30am-12pm. Business Resource Center, Kingston. 339-2025. $49.
SPOKEN WORD
DANCE
6-7pm. For individuals who have no prior experience in art. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $92/non-members $108.
Wynn Klosky and Bob Wright
Streb Family Show
Call for times. Calling All Poets series. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 831-0077. $4.
3pm/8pm. Beyond the Wild Blue Yonder acrobatic dance. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-0100.
Perceptions of Reality
IAT Fall Luncheon Lecture Series
The Thai Classical Dance Association of New York
7-9pm. Buddha’s Teachings on Ultimate Truth. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 856-9000. $8.
12pm. The Gnostic Jesus. Bertelsmann Campus Center, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
Life Drawing
The Language of Reverence: Conversations on Art and Spirituality
7:30-9:30pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559.
EVENTS
NYPIRG Wind Power Education Project
7pm. Featuring Rev. Galen Guengerich, Amy Myers, and Steven Burke. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, Peekskill. (914) 788-7166.
Meg Schneider
7:30-9pm. Information session on wind power in New York State. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3085.
7:30pm. Author of Just a Little Too Thin. Oblong Books and Music, Rhinebeck. 8760500.
MUSIC
ReadNex Poetry Squad Album Release Party
Gennarose
7pm. Jazz and originals. Cosimos, Middletown. 692-3242.
SPOKEN WORD
Breast Cancer Support Group
6-7:30pm. Shandaken Town Hall, Shandaken. 657-7010.
WORKSHOPS
The Rose Meditation
7-9pm. Story, music and the powerful energy of roses. Mirabai Books, Woodstock. 6792100. $35/$40.
FRI 3 ART
Annual Members Show
5-7pm. Kleinert/James Gallery, Woodstock. 679-2079.
8pm. Cabaloosa, New Paltz. myspace.com/ readnex. $7.
FORECAST
THU 2
SAT 4
Hand-building with Clay I
African Drum
6:30-7:30pm. Wednesdays. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559.
Felted Items for the Home
7:45pm. Performing Dance of Benediction and The Fon Pootai Dance. George F. Shepard Student Center, Middletown. 3414891.
EVENTS
Kingston Old Town Stockade Farmers’ Market 9am-2pm. Organic and traditional fruits & vegetables, breads, flowers. Wall Street, Kingston. 331-3418.
Work Exchange
10am. Two-hour herbal class in exchange for work. Wise Woman Center, Woodstock. 246-8081.
Dutchess County Veterans Service Agency Information Day 12pm. Louis Greenspan Dining Room, Poughkeepsie. 431-2060.
THEATER
The Wizard of Oz
7:30pm. Pawling Theater Company. Pawling High School, Pawling. 855-1965.
Community Playback Theatre
8pm. Improvisation based on real-life stories of audience members. Boughton Place, Highland. 691-4118. $6.
Hamlet
8pm. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3080.
The Trip To Bountiful
8pm. Van Cortlandtville School Theater, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.
Women’s Studio Workshop 30th Annual Auction
6pm. Food, live music, and entertainment. Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock. 658-9133. $25/$40 for 2/$30 at the door/$50 for 2 at the door.
Celebrate the Celts
8pm. Dance, music and legend with Sonia Malkine and Friends. Kleinert/James Art Center, Woodstock. 679-2079.
KIDS
Tracking Coyotes
10am. Museum of the Hudson Highlands Farmhouse, Cornwall-on-Hudson. 534-5506 ext. 204.
11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM FORECAST
133
Michael’s Surprise Show
11am. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3088. $8/$5 children.
Steve Johnson’s Magic Variety Show 11am. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8050.
Wild Life with Bill Robinson
THEATER
THEATER
5:30pm/8:30pm. 10-minute play festival. Odd Fellows Theater, Olivebridge. 657-9760.
3pm. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3080.
Shorts on a Plane II
The Wizard of Oz
7:30pm. Pawling Theater Company. Pawling High School, Pawling. 855-1965.
1pm. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $10/$7 members.
Hamlet
MUSIC
The Trip To Bountiful
Evan James: Tenor
2pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
MotherLode Trio
8pm. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3080.
8pm. Van Cortlandtville School Theater, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.
2-3:30pm. Butterfield Library, Cold Spring. 265-3040.
WORKSHOPS
Jay Ungar and Molly Mason
10am-12pm. Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Tarrytown. (914) 631-1470 ext. 14.
7:30pm. Millbrook Middle School, Millbrook. 677-5279. $5.
Marc Black and Mike Esposito
7:30-10pm. Oblong Books & Music, Rhinebeck. 876-0500.
Four Seasons, Four Sites Fall Photography Workshop
Our Healing Connection with Animals 2-4pm. Deepen your connection with all animals. Mirabai Books, Woodstock. 6792100. $15/$20.
SUN 5
Electric Junkyard Gamelan
8pm. Music made from invented instruments. Time and Space Limited, Hudson. (518) 8228448. $7/$5 students and members.
ART
Graham Parker
1-4pm. Museum of the Hudson Highland, Cornwall-on-Hudson. 534-5506.
8pm. Rosendale Cafe, Rosendale. 658-9048.
Hugo-Andres Larenas
8pm. Classical guitar. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $15/ $11 members.
Travis Tritt
8pm. Pop country. Ulster Performing Arts Center, Kingston. 473-2072.
Gargerelli
8-11pm. Blues, comedy, country, original, pop, rock, rockabilly. Bodles Opera House, Chester. 469-4595.
FORECAST
The Strawbs
9pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300. $25/$22.50 members.
Hard-Drive
9pm. Oldies, rock, classic rock. Gail’s Place, Newburgh. 567-1414.
Plein Air Paintings
Focus On Figure
11am. Guided meditation for clearing and balancing the chakras. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $7.
11am-4pm. Fundraiser to benefit the Walker Valley Fire Dept. Walker Valley Schoolhouse, Walker Valley. 744-3960. $10-$25.
Pendulum Magic
1-3pm. Learn the purposes of a pendulum and how to use it for guidance. The Healing Cottage, Washingtonville. 496-3020. $20.
Classical Music in the Mountains: Bach and Tao in the Catskills
Work Exchange
10am. Two-hour herbal class in exchange for work. Wise Woman Center, Woodstock. 246-8081.
2-4pm. Mount Gulian Society, Beacon. 831-8172.
MUSIC
Thank You for the Music
9:30am. Lower Awosting Parking Lot, New Paltz. 888-2853.
SPOKEN WORD
Continuo
Autism and Adolescence
Holiday Inn, Kingston. (800) 661-1575. $20/$25.
2pm. Baroque music. Spencertown Academy, Spencertown. (518) 392-3693. $15/$10 members.
Dementia Care
The Colorado Quartet
9am-1pm. Business Resource Center, Kingston. 339-2025. $49.
3pm. Olin Hall, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7425.
Wilderness First Aid
Mike Schirmer & Chris Macchia
9am-5pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.
6-9pm. Jazz. Gadaletos Seafood and Bandstand, New Paltz. 255-1717.
Jesus: The Last Week
THE OUTDOORS
6pm. George F. Shepard Student Center, Middletown. 341-4891.
Hotflash and the Whoremoans
8:30pm. Variety, comedy. Bodles Opera House, Chester. 469-4595.
FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
6-9pm. Music, food, prizes. Proceeds go to free art classes for kids. New World Home Cooking, Saugerties. 532-1197. $15/$25/$30.
Moss Glenn Trail Hike
Presentation of Thai Culture
134
Disco Party for Art Lab
Call for times. Presented by the Sweet Adelines of Song of the Valley chorus. Monroe-Woodbury Middle School, Central Valley. 496-7573. $15/$12 seniors.
10:30am. Classics in Religion series. Kingston Library, Kingston. 334-8404.
1:30-3:30pm. Gathering Nature’s Abundance, Autumn Harvests. Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Tarrytown. (914) 6311470 ext. 14.
MON 6 SPOKEN WORD
Astronomy and Galileo
4:30pm. What Is Enlightenment? The Science, Culture, and Politics of Reason Lecture Series. Sosnoff Theater, Annandaleon-Hudson. 758-7900.
Literacy in the 21st Century
7pm. Round-table discussion. Stone Ridge Public Library, Stone Ridge. 687-7023.
Poetry Open Mike
7pm. Featuring Reagan Upshaw and Bob Wright. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-5342. $3.
YCP Theater Works Auditions for The Little Foxes
WORKSHOPS
Conquer Arthritis Without Drugs
7-8:30pm. LaGrange Library, LaGrange. 485-1770.
TUE 7 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
7:30-9pm. Exploring kabbalah as a path to wholeness. The Sanctuary, New Paltz. 6915548. $7/$10 at door.
CLASSES
Drawing I for Young Artists
Fahnestock Memorial Hike
9am-1pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.
Creative Writing
Journey Through the Tree of Life
CLASSES
Victorian Tea
The Geology of the Shawangunk Mount
11am-7pm. Woodstock. 679-7175.
Mini Psychic Fair & Holiday Bazaar
Call for times. Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville. 985-2291 ext. 205.
Call for times. Moderate 8 miles. Meet at Fishkill Holiday Inn. 454-4428.
Develop Your Healing Business as a Spiritual Practice
7pm. Van Cortlandtville School, Mohegan Lake. 453-2978.
Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl Chakra Balancing Meditation
Liza and the Wonderwheels
THE OUTDOORS
10am-3pm. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $30/$25 members.
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
EVENTS
10pm. Rock, 60’s American & British garage band and psychedelic. Seany B’s 101, Millbrook. 677-2282.
Humor Writing
THEATER
10pm. Snapper Magees, Kingston. 3393888. $5.
The Sugar Beats
WORKSHOPS
2-5pm. Works by Andrew Simmonds, Russell Eike, Patty Mullins, and Jacqui Morgan. Hopper House Art Center, Nyack. 358-0774.
Dead Unicorn
10pm. Funk. Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.
Hamlet
Mohonk Preserve Singles Hike Walkabout 9
9:30am-3:30pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.
SPOKEN WORD
Holiday Volunteer Informational Meeting
3-5pm. Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg. 889-8851.
4-5pm. For artists ages 7-15. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $36/$31 members.
Crocheting
6-8pm. Introduction to the art of crochet. Tivoli Free Library, Tivoli. 340-4576.
Pastels II
6-8pm. For the artist with limited experience in chalk pastels. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $143/$123 members.
FILM
Lyceum Silent Film Series
7:15pm. Safety Last. SUNY Orange, Middletown. 341-4891. $2.
KIDS
A Day at the Barn
9am-2pm. For children ages 7 and up. Winslow Therapeutic Center, Warwick. 9866686. $40.
Bilingual Storytime
6:30pm. Educational storytime in Ingles y Espanol. Barnes & Noble, Kingston. 3360590.
MUSIC
Piano Music of American Composers by Justin Kolb
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3872.
SPOKEN WORD
Creating a Career in Music: Lecture by Pianist Justin Kolb 11:30am. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3872.
WORKSHOPS
Conquer Arthritis Without Drugs 11am-12:30pm. LaGrange Library, LaGrange. 485-1770.
Woodstock Writers Workshop
6:30-8:30pm. Writing Poetry, Short Story, Novel, Memoir, or Creative Non-Fiction. Woodstock. 679-8256. $15/$75 series.
IMAGE PROVIDED
AFTERNOON DRESS, C.
1880, SILK FAILLE, LINEN LACE AND SILK MUSLIN
GILDED GARMENTS At the Putnam County Historical Society’s new exhibition, “The Gilded Age: High Fashion and Society
FORECAST
in the Hudson Highlands, 1865-1914,” the question gets asked consistently: Did people really fit into these dresses? The answer is yes, but it is hard not to be jarred by the thought of corsets laced to make 14-inch waistlines, gloves with pencil-thin fingers, and hats significantly heavier than the heads on which they sat. “It’s part of the experience for a woman seeing this exhibit that is mind-boggling.”says executive director Mindy Krazmien. The history of Cold Spring and the Hudson Highlands is spoken through the wardrobes of women who lived in the towns during the turn of the previous century. The dresses, gloves, and dolls on display reflect the evolution of women’s fashion alongside of the first wave of feminism. The show features a rarely found women’s bicycling costume from 1905, a time when pants first became acceptable for women thanks to the popularity of the pastime. “From all of the innovations that came from women in sport, dress reform had the greatest impact and reach of any social change,” says Summer R. Owen in "Women in Sport," an essay accompanying a 2002 University of Texas study on feminism. The cycling costume is also one of the first pieces of women’s clothing in the 20th century to be worn without a corset. The exhibition features several dresses that are easier to imagine on a suffragette or flapper than the haute couture ball gowns from Paris, London, and New York that are also on display. As provocative as the underlying gender politics of the show is the intention within the construction of each the pieces. The dresses’ owners changed three to four times a day, and each garment was designed with a specific time of day in mind. The clothing would grow slowly more revealing as the day progressed. Dresses to be worn in the morning would cover everything from the neckline to the floorline, while the evening dresses’ necklines dropped, revealing both cleavage and arms. One such example is a dolman mantle, made from ivory silk satin brocaded with yellow silk. The piece was meant to be seen in the evening, allowing its gold strands of thread to be brought out by evening light. Women are both the preservers and subjects of the history emanating from the exhibition. “If it weren’t for women and their love of clothing, not only buying and collecting it, but also preserving the clothing of their sisters, their aunts, and their grandmothers, we wouldn’t have the collection that we do today,” says Krazmien. These wardrobes communicate more than the wealthy lifestyles of their owners. The gowns are on display next to a legacy of iron workers history from the old West Point Foundry, pointing to the class division in the social history of the Hudson Highlands. The exhibition shows women as unintentional orators of that history. “High Fashion and Society in the Hudson Highlands: The Gilded Age” is at the Foundry School Museum, 63 Chestnut St., Cold Spring, through December 15. (845) 265-4010; www.pchs-fsm.org. —Rebecca Wild Nelson
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CLASSES
Homeopathy: A Natural Medicine For the Flu Call for times. Nature’s Pavillion, Kingston. 688-2976.
Radiant Floor Heat for Homeowners 6:30-9pm. Business Resource Center, Kingston. 339-2025. $49.
EVENTS
Speed Dating Event for Single Professionals
7pm. Ages 34-45. Crystal Run Bar & Grill, Middletown. 457-2541. $34.
ART
Thomas Locker: Nature’s Lessons 5-8pm. Kiesendahl + Calhoun Gallery, Pleasantville. (914) 844-6296.
EVENTS
Girl Scout Adventure Badge Weekend Call for times. Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville. 985-2291 ext. 205.
Eats, Reads and Leaves
7pm. Celebrate Chronogram’s 2006 Literary Supplement. Blue Mountain Bistro, Woodstock. 679-8519. $5.
FILM
MUSIC
Borderland
Blues Jam
8pm. Spencertown Academy, Spencertown. (518) 392-3693.
7pm. Jon Bowermaster ‘s kayaking trip in Croatia. Marbletown Community Center, Stone Ridge. 687-4047. $10.
SPOKEN WORD
KIDS
10:30am. Classics in Religion series. Kingston Library, Kingston. 334-8404.
9am-2pm. For children ages 7 and up. Winslow Therapeutic Center, Warwick. 9866686. $40.
Jesus: The Last Week
A Day at the Barn
Lois Gibbs: Ongoing Struggle for Environmental Justice
MUSIC
5:30pm. Environmental justice lecture. Lecture Center 100, New Paltz. 257-3447.
THU 9 ART
The Valley Table Covers Exhibit
5-7pm. Yellow Bird Gallery, Newburgh. 561-7204.
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
Psychic Readings by Shyla O’Shea
12-6pm. Call for an appointment. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $40.
Reiki Healing Circle
7pm. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $5.
FORECAST
FRI 10
CLASSES
Perceptions of Reality
7-9pm. Buddha’s Teachings on Ultimate Truth. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 856-9000. $8.
EVENTS
Regional Portfolio Day
Folk Jam
7:30pm. Spencertown Academy, Spencertown. (518) 392-3693.
Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew
8pm. Cajun/zydeco dance party. Rosendale Cafe, Rosendale. 658-9048.
Multi-Instumentalist John Carty
8pm. Chatham. jrogers@hvc.rr.com. $15/$5 students and children.
Teri Roiger and John Menegon Trio
8pm. Yellow Bird Gallery, Newburgh. 5617204.
Vassar Chapel Vassar College Choir 8pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
The Felice Brothers
KIDS
SPOKEN WORD
MUSIC
John Esposito
6-9pm. Jazz. Gadaletos Seafood and Bandstand, New Paltz. 255-1717.
Author-Publisher Michael Korda
7pm. Sosnoff Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
Michael Franti & Spearhead
7pm. Funky WDST favorite mixes it up. The Chance Theater, Poughkeepsie. 471-1966. $30.
A Brief History of the Blues
7:30pm. History of blues with David Sancious, Jimmy Welder, and Robbie Dupree. SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge. 687-5262.
SPOKEN WORD Poetry Readings
7pm. Featuring Shirley Powell & Mildred Barker. Bohemian Bookbin, Kingston. 331-6713. $2.
THEATER
Fefu and Her Friends
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3880. $16/$14 seniors, students and staff.
7-8:30pm. Peace Village Learning & Retreat Center, Haines Falls. (518) 589-5000.
Wake Up To Your Dreams
7-9pm. How to remember dreams, create a dream journal, resolve nightmares, use active imagination. Mirabai Books, Woodstock. 679-2100. $15/$20.
scholar Robert K. Wallace. He’s speaking of “Moby-Dick: The Waves,” 13 artist’s proofs by Frank Stella, which were used as templates for prints. They currently appear at the Albany Institute of History & Art. Stella (born in 1936) has produced more works of art on Melville than any other major artist. These include three print series, metallic reliefs, and sculptures. Over a 12-year period, Stella created over 200 works of
High Valley Poetry Extravaganza
art about Moby Dick—more than one for each of the book’s 135 chapters.
7:30-10pm. Refreshments, music, poetry slamming. The Center at High Valley, Clinton Corners. 266-2309. $10.
In the “Waves” series, he circles the subject of Moby Dick the way Melville himself does. There is no fixed perspective from which to examine the whale. Though the 13 titles in “The Waves” are chosen from the chapter titles of the book, the images aren’t clearly illustrative. A red splotch in “Ahab’s Leg” may be
Johnny Appleseed
10am. Presented by the Traveling Lantern Theater Company. Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, Poughkeepsie. 471-0589. $5.
Fefu and Her Friends
blood, but it may be simply a red splotch. Though the colors are bright, the compositions are twisting, convoluted, perhaps even apocalyptic. We never see the whale clearly, just as Captain Ahab and his shipmates never did. Referring to the collage “Ahab,” Robert K. Wallace says: “Stella’s wanting to suggest the power or the
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3880. $16/$14 seniors, students and staff.
emotion or the effect of Ahab. He is more interested in giving us the deep levels of resonance than in trying
The Trip To Bountiful
to illustrate the storyline.”
8pm. Van Cortlandtville School Theater, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.
WORKSHOPS
Mountain Home: Zen & Chinese Wilderness Poetry
Call for times. Discover the beauty of nature through reading and composing poetry. Zen Mountain Monastery, Mt. Tremper. 688-2228. $225.
Waking Up in the Classroom
Call for times. Explore the element in the teaching equation. Zen Mountain Monastery, Mt. Tremper. 688-2228. $225.
SAT 11
WORKSHOPS
Move From Fear to Love
“In this series Stella’s telling his own story in abstract shapes, in a way that parallels the Melville story,” says
12pm. Dutchess Community College Hudson Hall Room 404, Poughkeepsie. 431-8434.
THEATER Meet the Artists: Soprano Dawn Upshaw and Composer Osvaldo Golijov
75” X 54 5/8”, 1985-89
A WHALE OF AN EXHIBIT
8:30-11:30pm. Acoustic, bluegrass, blues, folk, original, rock. Hyde Park Brewery, Hyde Park. 229-8277.
10pm. New World Home Cooking, Saugerties. 246-0900.
6:30pm. Puppets. Andes Library, Andes. 676-3333.
THE PACIFIC, FRANK STELLA, MIXED MEDIA,
Meg Johnson, Kyle Esposito and Doug Marcus
4-8pm. Henry A. Wallace Visitor & Education Center, Hyde Park. 471-7477.
Grian MacGregor and The Ivy Vine Players
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALAN CRISTEA GALLERY, LONDON
WED 8
ART
Columbia Berkshire Craft Guild Studio Tour
10am. Spencertown Academy, Spencertown. (518) 392-3693. $12.
Cloudscapes
2pm. Works on paper by Mia Pearlman. TenTents Art Lab, Beacon. 705-6233.
FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
The flagrant use of collage—including marbling, silkscreen, linoleum block, and magic marker—suggests that Moby Dick is itself a collage, which it is. Melville juxtaposed encyclopedia entries (most famously about the size of whale penises) with narrative, and at one point the book turns into a playscript. “The Waves” also recalls the wreckage at the end of Moby Dick. A sinking ship creates a collage on the sea: splintered wood, corpses, barrels, sails. Stella updates the imagery with computer-style graphics, including pictures of printed circuits and crystals. In some, newspaper ads seem to have been shredded, then coded to remove any literal references. The show is part of a larger exhibit at the institute, “A Celebration of Art & Literature”, which includes a roomful of books by the brilliant illustrator Louis Slobodkin and several rooms of nature drawings by Dorothy Lathrop. A citywide celebration of Melville will culminate in a symposium titled “Why Melville Matters Now,” which runs November 17 to 19 and includes a 24-hour marathon reading of Moby Dick. [Fun fact: The Albany Institute of History & Art was founded in 1791, which makes it older than the Louvre.] "Moby-Dick: The Waves" will remain at the Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., until December 31. (518) 463-4478; www.albanyinstitute.org. —Sparrow
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALAN CRISTEA GALLERY, LONDON
Angela Gaffney-Smith: Drawings
4pm. Solo show of figural drawings and monotypes. Woodstock Artists Association and Museum, Woodstock. 246-8262.
3D Collage Boxes
5-7pm. Works by John Scribner. East Village Collective & Pilgrim Gallery and Home, Woodstock. 679-2174.
Between Here and Now
5-7pm. Black and white prints by German Herrera. Center for Photography at Woodstock, Woodstock. 679-9957.
Passionate Attitudes
5-7pm. Women artists explore the contemporary and complex issues facing creative women. Center for Photography at Woodstock, Woodstock. 679-9957.
SKH/Political
5-7pm. Artists address issues in the forefront of political debate. S.K.H. Gallery, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-3300.
Eclipse
6-8pm. Abstract paintings by Ramona Sakiestewa. Nicole Fiacco Gallery, Hudson. (518) 828-5090.
Works by Suzanne Ulrich
6-8pm. John Davis Gallery, Hudson. (518) 828-5907.
Plan A
7pm. New works in mosaic, print and sculpture by Gary Jacketti. Bau, Beacon. 440-7584.
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Woman of Darkness
Call for times. Secrets of Black Auset. Ministry of Maat, Inc., Kingston. 339-5776.
Create Your Own Crystal Divination Kit
7pm. Learn to make, and use your own crystal oracle kit. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $25.
CLASSES
FORECAST
Aromatherapy Certification Course
Call for times. Body of Truth Spa, Kingston. 331-1178.
Usui Reiki 1 Certificate Class
10am-6pm. Woodstock. 679-7175.
DANCE
Reggie Wilson/Fist & Heel Performance Group
8pm. Performing “The Tale: Npinpee Nckutchie and the Tail of the Golden Dek.” Arts Center Theatre, Hudson. (518) 828 4181. $5 all seats.
EVENTS
Fair Trade Bazaar
Sat. 11am-5pm/Sun. 11am -3pm. Gift fair featuring fairly traded items from around the world. The Manor at Woodside, Poughkeepsie. 452-4013.
Crafts on John Street
9am-2pm. Juried crafts marketplace. Kingston. oxbowart@hotmail.com.
Kingston Old Town Stockade Farmers’ Market 9am-2pm. Organic and traditional fruits & vegetables, breads, flowers. Wall Street, Kingston. 331-3418.
Work Exchange at the Wise Woman Center
10am. Class credits in exchange for work. Wise Woman Center, Woodstock. 246-8081.
FILM
Listen With Your Eyes Microcinema
8pm. Sex, Death & Everything in Between. Rosendale Cafe, Rosendale. (800) 303-1146. $8.
KIDS
Cinderella’s Storyland
11am. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3088. $8/$5 children.
MUSIC
DCC Music School Recital
1pm. Ritz Lounge, Poughkeepsie. 431-8916.
Benjamin Seltzer: Tenor
2pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
2nd Annual Garage Rumble
3-8pm. Teen band play-off. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-3485.
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Hiawatha
3:30pm. Catskill Puppet Theatre. Red Barn Performing Arts, Hunter. (518) 263-4908. $7.
David Temple
7-9pm. Classical guitar. Inspired! Books and Gifts, Kingston. 331-0644. $5.
Open Mike
7:30-10pm. Circle of Friends, Pleasantville. (914) 282-2542.
Bill Frisell’s Unspeakable Orchestra
8pm. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-0100.
George Shrub- Singing CIA Agent
8pm. Presentation on Venezuela, political satire, and music. New Paltz Village Hall, New Paltz. 687-0587. $5-$8.
Indian Percussion Music
8pm. Kleinert/James Art Center, Woodstock. 679-2079. $25/$20 members.
Juilliard Centennial Concert
8pm. Red Barn Performing Arts, Hunter. (518) 263-4908. $15.
Miami String Quartet
8pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
Universal Music Orchestra
8pm. Marbletown Arts, Stone Ridge. 6878890. $15.
Sugar Beats
8pm. Rock, garage band, psychedelic, and surf music. Gail’s Place, Newburgh. 567-1414.
Noble Gas & Tim Hunter with Paranoid Conspiracy Freaks 8-11pm. A.i.r. Studio Gallery, Kingston. 3312662.
Little Feat
9pm. Classic rock. Bearsville Theater, Bearsville. 679-4406.
Thunder Ridge
FORECAST
9pm. Country rock. Hickory BBQ Smokehouse, Kingston. 338-2424.
Murali Coryell
10pm. R&b, rock, soul. Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.
Kurt Henry
11pm. Oasis Cafe, New Paltz. 255-2400.
THE OUTDOORS
Mills-Norrie State Park Hike
8am. Moderate 5 miles. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, Hyde Park. 876-4534.
Mohonk Preserve Singles Hike Northeast Trail
9:30am-3:30pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.
Nature Walk with a Naturalist
10am-2pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.
SPOKEN WORD
Book Signing David C. Wickers
3-6pm. Author of The Uruguayan Women’s Walking Club. World’s End Books, Beacon. 831-1760.
Randall Balmer
7:30pm. Presents Thy Kingdom Come: How The Religious Right Distorts the Faith That Threatens America. Oblong Books and Music, Rhinebeck. 876-0500.
THEATER
Two for the Road Cabaret
6pm. Spencertown Academy, Spencertown. (518) 392-3693. $35/$25 members.
Fefu and Her Friends
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3880. $16/$14 seniors, students and staff.
The Trip To Bountiful
8pm. Van Cortlandtville School Theater, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.
WORKSHOPS
What is Improvisation?
2pm. Kleinert/James Art Center, Woodstock. 679-2079.
Greeting Cards for Adults
2-4pm. Techniques to produce inventive cards out of common materials. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $20/$17 members.
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LAUREN THOMAS
FORECAST
ROSENDALE INTERNATIONAL PICKLE FESTIVAL ORGANIZER BILL BROOKS
TAKE YOUR PICKLE The Rosendale International Pickle Festival ain’t just pickles. The gherkin gala, in its ninth year and taking place on Sunday, November 19, at Rosendale’s Community Center, promises food, music, dance, vendors, contests and prizes, and, yes, enough brined bounty to make Peter Piper’s head spin. The first Pickle Festival was by the very nature of its inception an international affair. As organizer Bill Brooks tells the story, it quickly took on a life of its own. “We have a friend who lives in Tokyo, Eri Yamaguchi—she has property in Rosendale—and we became friends years ago,” he says. During a conversation in 1997 Yamaguchi mentioned the pending visit of a group of “very important people from Tokyo” for whom she wanted to throw a party. She enlisted the help of Brooks and his wife, Cathy, to organize the event. “As she was getting on the plane,” Brooks recalls, “she said, ‘Oh, they like pickles!’” That first pickle party, which drew over 1,000 people, set the stage for what has become a fixture in the region’s season of festivals, attracting over 5,000 pickle lovers every year. Like those of seasons past, this year’s festival is decidedly flavored with the strong Japanese influence which led to the event’s creation, with performances by the Matushima Fuji & Sakura Thai dance troupe and a traditional tea ceremony. “We’re very privileged to have [the tea ceremony] here,” says Brooks. “It’s not something that’s readily available. The woman who does the tea ceremony spent the month of September here, and gave a number of lessons on it. It’s not just about the tea...it’s about the ways of the Japanese people, which are very unique.” But the international essence of the day won’t stop there. There will be bagpipes from Ireland, the Schupplattler German dancers with roaming accordionist, even Senegalese drumming—and, to be sure, tasty treats from around the globe. “Every year, we try to get another country involved,” says Brooks. Then, of course, there are the pickled products. Entrants from all over the world will compete for the distinction of their pickled items being named most delicious—from pickled cucumbers and pickled ginger to corned beef and sauerbraten. And for the more adventurous, the festival won’t be complete without the pickle-eating contest, pickle toss, and—always a crowd favorite—the pickle juice drinking contest. “We’re working on another competition this year,” adds Brooks, mysteriously, “which we cannot divulge yet.” The ninth annual Rosendale International Pickle Festival, sponsored by the Rosendale Chamber of Commerce, will run from 10am to 5 pm on November 19. (845) 658-9649; www.picklefest.com. —Teal Hutton
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SUN 12 ART
Wrestle
12-4pm. More than 200 works from the Marieluise Hessel Collection. CCS Bard Hessel Museum, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7598.
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT The Inner Temple
10am. Public gathering with readings and music. Lectorium Rosicrucianum, Chatham. (518) 392-2799.
Pathwork Spiritual Lecture Reading/ Discussion/Potluck 10:30am. Phoenicia. 688-2211.
Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl Chakra Balancing Meditation 11am. Guided meditation for clearing and balancing the chakras. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $7.
CLASSES
Spirit Lake 2
10am-6pm. Woodstock. 679-7175.
EVENTS
Mount Saint Mary College Open House Call for times. College open house. Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh. 1-888-YESMSMC.
Work Exchange at the Wise Woman Center
10am. Class credits in exchange for work. Wise Woman Center, Woodstock. 246-8081.
Benefit Auction
1pm. Silent and live auction, food, wine. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $15.
FILM
Fiddler on the Roof
1pm. With sing-along. The Crandell Theater, Chatham. 392-0701. $10/$5 children.
FORECAST
KIDS
Imago’s Frogs
3pm. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-0100.
MUSIC
Chamber Music Concert
3pm. Olin Hall, Annandale-on-Hudson. 7587425.
The Vanaver Caravan: Pastures of Plenty
3pm. Dance with songs and stories of Woody Guthrie. The Egg, Albany. 256-9300. $18/$14 seniors/$9 children.
Vassar College Wind Ensemble
3pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
Chapel Music Series 2006
4pm. Songs of Benjamin Britten, Franz Schubert and Hugo Wolf. Chapel of Our Lady Restoration, Cold Spring. 265-5537.
Steve Geraci & Carol Creoma
6-9pm. Jazz. Gadaletos Seafood and Bandstand, New Paltz. 255-1717.
THE OUTDOORS
Mohonk Preserve Singles Hike Sky Top
10am-3pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.
Mid-Hudson Bridge and Franny Reese Park Hike
11:30am. Meet at Gerald Drive, Poughkeepsie. 471-9892.
SPOKEN WORD
Watershed Awareness Project for the Rondout Creek Kick-off Meeting
2pm. Marbletown Community Center, Stone Ridge. 454-7673 ext. 113.
THEATER
Fefu and Her Friends
2pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3880. $16/$14 seniors, students and staff.
The Trip To Bountiful
2pm. Van Cortlandtville School Theater, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.
WORKSHOPS
The Healing Power of Neurofeedback 2-4pm. Introduction to LENS: powerful,
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MICHAEL GOLD
non-invasive type of neurofeedback. Mirabai Books, Woodstock. 679-2100. $15/$20.
MON 13
Maps Of The Clitoris
7-10pm. The whole truth about female anatomy. Kingston. 338-8325. $35-$45.
DANCE
CLASSES
Dance: The Hard Nut
6-7pm. For individuals who have no prior experience in the arts. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $54/$46 members.
EVENTS
Drawing I
8pm. Sosnoff Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
Speed Dating Event for Single Professionals
Working on your Marriage Alone
7pm. Ages 32-44. C.B. Driscoll’s, Newburgh. 457-2541. $34.
7pm. Institute for Human Development, Kingston. 339-6250. $99.
Dance Lesson Sampler
7-8:30pm. Foxtrot and Two-Step. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $75/$60 members.
MUSIC
Chamber Music Concert
8pm. Olin Hall, Annandale-on-Hudson. 7587425.
Wholistic Sexuality
7:30pm. A juicy introduction to a new paradigm. Kingston. 338-8325. $10-$20.
SPOKEN WORD
Jesus: The Last Week
10:30am. Classics in Religion series. Kingston Library, Kingston. 334-8404.
FILM
Film Screening Presented by the FirstYear Seminar
4:30pm. What Is Enlightenment? The Science, Culture, and Politics of Reason Lecture Series. Olin Hall, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
Art Lecture Series: Julia Jacquette
7:30pm. SUNY New Paltz Lecture Center, New Paltz. 257-3872.
THEATER
The Trip To Bountiful
SPOKEN WORD
2pm. Van Cortlandtville School Theater, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.
Innovative Contemporary Fiction Reading Series
2:30pm. Bertelsmann Campus Center, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
DANIELLE WOERNER
PEAKS AND VALLEYS
WORKSHOPS
Poetry Open Mike
7pm. Donald Lev & Home Planet News Benefit. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-5342. $3.
it took her five.
6:30pm. An evening all about style showcasing current trends, fashion, and accessories. Church of the Messiah, Rhinebeck. 431-6711. $50.
“While I was in my car, I got clobbered by two trucks and a school bus within a three-year period,” the soprano recollects. “I’ve had to overcome a lot of injuries repeatedly. It’s been quite an odyssey.” What the project became for Woerner was a kind of touchstone that motivated her, as the CD was intertwined with her own healing process. At times, she was unsure that she’d be able to complete
7-9pm. Celebration and deep healing work. Mirabai Books, Woodstock. 679-2100. $25.
N.D.H. Mothers’ Club Fashion Show
7:30pm. Discipline: tips from the Young Naturalist Classroom on setting limits. Museum of the Hudson Highlands, Cornwallon-Hudson. 534-5506 ext. 204.
Speed Dating Event for Single Professionals
THU 16
7:30pm. Ages 32-44. Sportsplex, New Windsor. 457-2541. $34.
ART
it—orthopedic surgery and three whiplash injuries led to three periods of retraining her voice. “It was
Four Points of View: Figuration in Printmaking
really tough. There was a special joy in the studio the day the very last vocals were recorded. I went
MUSIC
home and opened a bottle of really good champagne,” she laughs.
7-8:30pm. Folk songs and more with accompanying guitarist. Friends Meeting House, New Paltz. 255-4724.
There were other difficulties along the way that Woerner refers to as “silly, gratuitous things that make you wonder if Murphy has temporarily become your patron saint.” But she realizes that all journeys have peaks as well as valleys. The peaks included the intense teamwork and fantastic rapport between
5-6:30pm. Mildred I. Washington Art Gallery, Poughkeepsie. 431-8000 ext. 3982.
Informal Singing Group
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
Psychic Readings by Shyla O’Shea Baird Hersey
herself, producer Baikida Carroll, and recording engineer Scott Petito, and rehearsing and recording
7-9pm. A cappella, choral, world, Overtone Singing Choir. Mirabai Books, Woodstock. 679-2100.
with such musician friends as longtime musical compatriot Barbara Pickhardt from Ars Choralis. “That
Symphonic Band
Voices of the Valley, out November 1 on Albany Records, features Woerner singing the music of Hudson Valley composers—Peter Schickele, Robert Starer, Aurora Northland, James Fitzwilliam, Robert Baksa, and Alan Shulman—who she performed a concert with in 2000, when she was an artist in residence at SUNY Ulster. In addition are special appearances by novelist Gail Godwin, poet Pearl Bond, pianist Barbara Pickhardt, cellist Susan Seligman, flutist Marcia Gates, and horn player Harry F. Ditzel. When asked to describe the CD, Woerner replies, “If you were going to put it in a record bin, you’d call it ‘contemporary American classical music.’ But there’s a tremendous variety to it.” Starer’s 17-
unicorn visions of Pearl Bond. Schickele’s witty tunes are both poetic and haunting, while Fitzwilliam’s cello/piano/voice compositions evoke Emily Dickinson's meditations on eternity. The CD is dedicated to AIR founder Larry Berk.
Nature Strollers: Hiking Group for Families
SPOKEN WORD
Iceland Slide Show: Land of Fire & Ice
7pm. Photographs by Claudia Gorman. Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie. 471-2550.
Our Higher Voice: Harmonic Overtone Singing 7-9pm. Basic techniques and theory of Natural Voice Harmonic Singing. Mirabai Books, Woodstock. 679-2100. $15/$20.
at Oblong Books, Route 9, Rhinebeck, (845) 876-0500 or www.oblongbooks.com. —Sharon Nichols
Women of Grace Celebration and Awards Dinner
Call for times. Grandview, Poughkeepsie. 471-3038. $125.
7pm. Includes dinner. Monteverde at Oldstone Manor, Cortlandt Manor. (914) 739-5000 ext. 1. $175.
8pm. Spencertown Academy, Spencertown. (518) 392-3693.
10am. Readings alternate with music. Lectorium Rosicrucianum Conference Center, Chatham. (518) 392-2799.
687-5263 or www.sunyulster.edu. A second release party will be held Saturday, December 9, at 8pm,
EVENTS
Jazz Jam
a community-based, volunteer choral ensemble open to anyone who’d like to join in. Its aim is to be a
12), from 2 to 4pm, at the library at SUNY Ulster, Cottekill Avenue off Route 209, Stone Ridge, (845)
2pm/8pm. Sosnoff Theater, Annandale-onHudson. 758-7900.
MUSIC
WED 15
New Paltz, and is currently overseeing production of the group’s forthcoming CD. Voices for Peace is
Pickhardt, Schickele, and Seligman, will take place Saturday, November 11 (snow date November
Dance: The Hard Nut
Wine Tasting: The Wines of Bordeaux
WORKSHOPS
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
A free CD release party for Voices of the Valley, including a mini-concert with Woerner, Fitzwilliam,
7-9pm. Buddha’s Teachings on Ultimate Truth. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 856-9000. $8.
DANCE
9:15am. Museum of the Hudson Highlands, Cornwall-on-Hudson. 534-5506 ext. 204.
For the past two years, Woerner has directed Voices for Peace, an offshoot of Arts for Peace in
harmonizing, peaceful influence at rallies, marches, and demonstrations.
CLASSES
THE OUTDOORS
minute classical piece, which contains several spiky moments, is for small chamber ensemble and solo vocalist. Northland’s straightforward, yet harmonically intriguing pop songs are based on the
12-6pm. Call for an appointment. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $40.
Perceptions of Reality
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3872.
kind of symbiosis…is why I do music,” she enthuses.
Parenting Workshop
FORECAST
EVENTS
1-2pm. Burroughs Hall, Stone Ridge. 6875192.
New Moon Shamanic Drumming and Healing Circle
TUE 14
Danielle Woerner had planned to complete her latest CD, Voices of the Valley, in just one year. Instead,
Partying 101: Is It a Problem for You or Your Family?
Contemplative Meeting
SPOKEN WORD
Poetry Reading Featuring Rosanna Warren
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-2742.
A Course In Miracles
7:30-9:30pm. Study group with Alice Broner. Unitarian Fellowship, Poughkeepsie. 2298391.
CLASSES
Homeopathy: A Natural Medicine For the Flu
6:30-8pm. Prevention and treatment. Body of Truth, Kingston. 688-2976. $15.
THEATER
Fefu and Her Friends
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3880. $16/$14 seniors, students and staff.
Tommy
8pm. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8696. $10/$5 seniors students/DCC students free.
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FRI 17 ART
Come Gather Around
5-7pm. Angelika Rinnhofer, Chris Albert, and Peter Iannarelli present personal narratives in multi-media. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559.
8pm. Jazz. Backstage Studio Productions, Kingston. 338-8700. $15.
Vassar College Camerata
8pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
Livingston Taylor
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
9pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300. $35/$32.50 members.
7pm. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $5.
Thunder Ridge
Reiki Healing Circle
DANCE
Dance: The Hard Nut
3pm. Sosnoff Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
Zydeco Dance with Li’l Anne & Hot Cayenne
8-11pm. Workshop at 7pm. White Eagle Hall, Kingston. 255-7061. $12.
EVENTS
Evenings of Psychodrama
7:30pm. Boughton Place, Highland. 2557502. $6.
MUSIC
Kyle Esposito and Doug Marcus
9:30pm. Country, dance, pop, rock. Candlelite, Palenville. (518) 678-3170.
Mambo Kikongo Latin Music
10pm. New World Home Cooking, Saugerties. 246-0900.
Fefu and Her Friends
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3880. $16/$14 seniors, students and staff.
Tommy
8pm. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8696. $10/$5 seniors students/DCC students free.
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5-7pm. Glow in the dark city maps displayed in black lighting. The Catskills Gallery, Saugerties. 246-5552.
Kingston Old Town Stockade Farmers’ Market
City Views
Homecoming: New England Landscapes
5-7pm. Works by Gary Fifer. Albert Shahinian Fine Art Gallery, Poughkeepsie. 454-0522.
Salon 2006
5-7pm. Non-juried group exhibition/sale of small art works in all media. GCCA Catskill Gallery, Catskill. (518) 943-3400.
New Moon Drum Circle
7pm. Setting intentions and deep earth connecting for the new moon in Scorpio. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $5.
9am-2pm. Organic and traditional fruits & vegetables, breads, flowers. Wall Street, Kingston. 331-3418.
Q&A Session with Mimsy Sadofsky
12-2pm. Session to get information about the Sudbury philosophy. The Hudson Valley School, Kingston. 679-1002.
Raising Hope
1-4pm. Benefit concert and art auction. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-6359.
Tricky Tray Penny Social
7:30pm. Presented by the Walker Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Walker Valley Firehouse, Walker Valley. 744-2107.
CLASSES
Shamanism 101
10am-5pm. Woodstock. 679-7175.
DANCE
Call for times. Focus on shape and value without the use of line. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 755-4733.
8:30pm. Alcohol-free dance event for all ages. Knights of Columbus, Kingston. 658-8319. $5/$2 teens and seniors/children free.
FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
Columbia County Day
ART
WORKSHOPS
Life Drawing Workshop- Patterns
EVENTS Call for times. Boscobel Restoration, Garrisonon-Hudson. 265-3638 ext. 115.
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT THEATER
FORECAST
7:30-9:30pm. Acoustic, bluegrass, blues, folk, original, rock, solo. Mountain Cow Cafe, Pine Plains. (518) 398-0500.
SAT 18
The Return of the Red Hot Mamas
Free Style Frolic
KIDS
Circle of Life Wreath
The Mikado
11am. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3088. $8/$5 children.
Celebrate New Orleans
8pm. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-0100.
MUSIC Thunder Ridge
7-10pm. Country rock. Skate Time 209, Accord. 626-7971.
Hudson Valley Folk Guild Song Circle 7:30pm. Highland Methodist Church, Highland. 849-1775. $4/$3 members.
The Art of the Trio
7:30pm. SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge. 687-5262.
Sibelius V
8pm. With Hudson Valley Philharmonic directed by Randall Craig Fleischer. The Bardavon, Poughkeepsie. 473-2072.
Vassar Faculty Concert
10am. Museum of the Hudson Highlands, Cornwall-on-Hudson. 534-5506 ext. 204.
8pm. Mary Nessinger, mezzo soprano, assisted by Jeanne Golan. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 437-7404.
Jan Berlin: Native American Animal Totems and Folktales
Livingston Taylor
10:30am. Kingston Library, Kingston. 331-0507.
9pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300. $35/$32.50 members.
Kurt Henry Band
9pm. High Falls Cafe, High Falls. 687-7370.
The Sugar Beats
10pm. Rock, 60’s garage band. Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.
Saugerties Pro Musica
3pm. Cello & Spanish guitar. Saugerties United Methodist Church, Saugerties. 2465021.
Call for times. Difficult hike. Meet at Awosting Parking Area, New Paltz. 462-0142.
Mohonk Preserve Singles Hike - Mud Pond
9:30am-4pm. Meet at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve Awosting Lot, New Paltz. 255-0919.
Mohonk Preserve- A Conservation Success Story 2-3:30pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.
THEATER
Fefu and Her Friends
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3880. $16/$14 seniors, students and staff.
Mikhail Horowitz & Gilles Malkine
8pm. Comedy, performance poetry. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 2551559. $18/$14 members.
3pm. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559.
FRI 24
Vassar College Madrigal Singers
3pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
THE OUTDOORS
Minnewaska State Park Hike
Thanksgiving Feast
The Music of Steve Margoshes
3-5:30pm. Preformed by Julie Ziavras. Wesley Hall, Montgomery. 457-9867.
Unplugged Open Acoustic Mike
4pm. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $6/$5 members.
Tim Komencheck & Chris Macchia 6-9pm. Jazz. Gadaletos Seafood and Bandstand, New Paltz. 255-1717.
DANCE
Featuring Roger Ceresi and the All Starz
8:30-11:30pm. Lesson at 7:30pm. Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie. 473-6955. $10.
Hurley Heritage Society Museum Holiday Sale
10am-4pm. Hurley Heritage Society Museum, Hurley. 331-0593. $3.
7-9pm. Acoustic, original, pop, solo, vocals. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-5342. $10.
Laura Love
8pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300. $22.50/$20 members.
THE OUTDOORS
Breakneck Young Members Group Hike
Call for times. Discover the professions that make up the Museum’s “Tiny Town”. MidHudson Children’s Museum, Poughkeepsie. 471-0589.
The Emperor’s Nightingale
7pm. Fairytale presented by the Present Company. Sunnyside Theater, New Paltz. 255-9081.
The Roches with a Holiday Twist
Difficult hike. Call for meeting place and time. (518) 851-9089.
8pm. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-0100.
Mohonk Preserve Singles Hike Millbrook Mountain
MUSIC
Recognition
8pm. Dark comedy about a rock legend. Odd Fellows Theater, Olivebridge. 657-9760.
Tommy
8pm. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8696. $10/$5 seniors students/DCC students free.
WORKSHOPS
Silk Painting Workshop for Adults
1-5pm. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $36/$31 members.
Chinese Energetics: Instant Healing
9:30am-3:30pm. Meet at the West Trapps Trailhead, New Paltz. 255-0919.
SPOKEN WORD
Book Signing for Rebekkah’s Journey 1-2:30pm. With author Ann Burg and illustrator Joel Iskowitz. Woodstock Jewish Congregation, Woodstock. 679-6855.
Artist Robin Tewes
2pm. Talk on her works. Spencertown Academy, Spencertown. (518) 392-3693.
Introduction Into Shamanic Journeying
THEATER
7pm. Explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myth and dream. Morningstar Farm, Montgomery. 457-4738. $40.
SUN 19
2pm. Readings from her recent works. Dia: Beacon, Beacon. 440-0100 ext. 45.
10am-4pm. Sponsored by Noxon Road Elementary School PTA. Arlington High School, LaGrangeville. 226-1792. $2.
FILM
Choral Music by American Women
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3872.
SPOKEN WORD
THEATER
Howard C. St. John Distinguished Lecture Series
Cinderella
8pm. Presented by the PantoLoons. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members/$8 children.
7:45am. The historical heritage of our region. SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge. 687-5262.
Richie Havens
9pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300. $45/$42.50 members.
Meg Johnson, Kyle Esposito and Doug Marcus
9pm. Acoustic, bluegrass, blues, folk, original, rock. Skytop Steakhouse, Kingston. 340-4277.
9:30pm. R&b. Hyde Park Brewery, Hyde Park. 229-8277.
WED 29
SUN 26
CLASSES
Homeopathy: A Natural Medicine For Lyme Disease
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
Pathwork Spiritual Lecture
6:30-8pm. Prevention and treatment. Nature’s Pavillion, Kingston. 688-2976.
10:30am. With reading, discussion, and potluck. Phoenicia. 688-2211.
Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl Chakra Balancing Meditation 11am. Guided meditation for clearing and balancing the chakras. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $7.
SPOKEN WORD
Jesus: The Last Week
10:30am. Classics in Religion series. Kingston Library, Kingston. 334-8404.
THU 30
EVENTS
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
Remembering Dorothy Day
7-9pm. Buddha’s Teachings on Ultimate Truth. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 856-9000. $8.
2pm. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8696. $10/$5 seniors students/DCC students free.
MON 20 SPOKEN WORD
Panel discussion: John Locke, Property, and Human Rights
7pm. Book signing with photographer Craig Barber. Barnes & Noble, Kingston. 336-0590.
Cinderella
SAT 25
7pm. Featuring Jane Heidgerd Garrick and Merge Duo. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 6795342. $3.
TUE 21 FILM
Lyceum Silent Film Series
7:15pm. The Birth of a Nation. SUNY Orange, Middletown. 341-4891. $2.
WED 22
Learn to Dance in a Day: 20’s Style Charleston
10:30am-12:30pm. Reformed Church of the Comforter, Kingston. $30/$35.
Community Barn Dance
3pm. Spencertown Fire House, Spencertown. (518) 392-3693.
Contradance
8-11pm. Featuring Eric Hollman. United Methodist Church, New Paltz. 883-4467. $10/ $5 teens and students/$1 children.
EVENTS
35th Annual Holiday Crafts Fair
10am-4pm. Drumlin and Falcon Halls, Poughkeepsie. 431-8400.
Hurley Heritage Society Museum Holiday Sale
10am-4pm. Hurley Heritage Society Museum, Hurley. 331-0593. $3.
Cold Spring by Candlelight
3-8pm. House tours and shopping. Main Street, Cold Spring. 278-PARC. $20/$18 seniors/$12 children.
MUSIC
Madd Dog
10pm. Heavy metal. Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.
10:30am. Classics in Religion series. Kingston Library, Kingston. 334-8404.
THU 23
12-6pm. Call for an appointment. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $40.
10am-4pm. Hurley Heritage Society Museum, Hurley. 331-0593. $3.
6:45pm. Luncheon, recollections of life at the Tivoli Catholic Worker Farm in the 1970s. Boughton Place, Highland. 691-2888.
The Wizard of Oz
1pm/4pm/7pm. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-0100.
KIDS
The Emperor’s Nightingale
2pm. Fairytale presented by the Present Company. Sunnyside Theater, New Paltz. 255-9081.
Case of the Pilfered Pantry
12-4pm. Holiday whodunnit with crafts. Staatsburg Historical Site, Staatsburg. 8898851. $5 adults/$4 students and seniors.
2pm. Fairy tale presented by The Present Company. Sunnyside Theater, New Paltz. 255-9081. $12/$8 children.
Sean of the Trapps
Jim Collerd & Jim Curton
6-9pm. Jazz. Gadaletos Seafood and Bandstand, New Paltz. 255-1717.
7:30pm. Bard Hall, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7196.
Fall Voice Recital
8pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3872.
MUSIC
The Miles Brothers
6-9pm. Acoustic, reggae, rock. Gadaletos Seafood and Bandstand, New Paltz. 2551717.
SPOKEN WORD
Poetry Reading by Carolyn Forché
7:30pm. SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge. 687-5262.
THEATER
Hot Tuna
7pm. A Hudson Valley favorite featuring ex-Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassady. The Bardavon, Poughkeepsie. 473-2072.
Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol
8pm. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8696. $5/DCC students free.
FRI 1
THE OUTDOORS
Mohonk Preserve Singles Hike - Castle Point
ART
9:30am-3:30pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.
BA/MA I
SPOKEN WORD
Entangled
6-8pm. Student thesis exhibitions. Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz. 257-3872.
Art and Religion Today
2pm. Spencertown Academy, Spencertown. (518) 392-3693. $10/free members.
Mohonk Preserve Family Storytelling Event 2-3pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 2550919.
MUSIC
THEATER
9:30am. Benefits the Family of New Paltz Food Pantry. Water Street Market, New Paltz. www.newpaltzturkeytrot.com. $10.
7pm. Columbia-Greene Community College, Hudson. (518) 822-2027.
2pm. Presented by the PantoLoons. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members/$8 children.
U.S. Air Force “Home for the Holidays” Concert
MUSIC
Da Capo Chamber Players
The Emperor’s Nightingale
EVENTS
Turkey Trot
Perceptions of Reality
6-8:30pm. High Falls Cafe, High Falls. 6872699.
KIDS
FILM
SPOKEN WORD
Jesus: The Last Week
Psychic Readings by Shyla O’Shea
DANCE
Poetry Open Mike
3pm. Barnes & Noble, Kingston. 336-0590.
1-3pm. Peekskill Coffeehouse, Peekskill. (914) 739-1287.
1pm. Part of the Gallery Talks lecture series. Dia: Beacon, Beacon. 440-0100 ext. 44. $10/ $7 students and seniors.
8pm. Presented by the PantoLoons. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members/$8 children.
Curious George Storytime
MotherLode Trio
Jan Avgikos on Fred Sandback
Tommy
KIDS
MUSIC
7-8:30pm. Folk songs and more with accompanying guitarist. Friends Meeting House, New Paltz. 255-4724.
SPOKEN WORD
CLASSES
Yiddish Film
7-9:30pm. A funny, crime genre movie with a teaching. New Paltz Jewish Community Center, New Paltz. 255-7556.
Informal Singing Group
Hurley Heritage Society Museum Holiday Sale
Rosendale International Pickle Festival 10am-5pm. Rosendale Community Center, Rosendale. 658-9649. $3/$5 family.
TUE 28 MUSIC
THEATER
ThanksLiving
24th Annual Holiday Craft Fair
10am-3:30pm. Meet at the Municipal Parking Lot in Phoenicia, New Paltz. 255-0919.
2pm. SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz. 257-3880. $16/$14 seniors, students and staff.
BODY / MIND / SPIRIT
Call for times. Meatless feast, speakers, entertainment and turkeys. Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, Willow. 679-5955.
7pm. Featuring Carrie Monroe and Carol Graser. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-5342. $3.
THE OUTDOORS
9pm. Funky, roots, rock. Hickory BBQ Smokehouse, Kingston. 338-2424.
Fefu and Her Friends
Ghosts in the Landscape: Vietnam Revisited
EVENTS
Poetry Open Mike
10am-4pm. Drumlin and Falcon Halls, Poughkeepsie. 431-8400.
4:30pm. What Is Enlightenment? The Science, Culture, and Politics of Reason Lecture Series. Olin Hall, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
11am. Guided meditation for clearing and balancing the chakras. The Auracle, New Paltz. 255-6046. $7.
4:30pm. What Is Enlightenment? The Science, Culture, and Politics of Reason Lecture Series. Olin Hall, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
35th Annual Holiday Crafts Fair
3-6pm. Wallkill River Art Gallery, New Windsor. 534-5506.
Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl Chakra Balancing Meditation
10:30pm. Blues, funk, rock. The Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.
The Rise of the Novel
10pm. New World Home Cooking, Saugerties. 246-0900.
Fabulous Felines
Plein Air Paintings
10pm. Rock. Seany B’s 101, Millbrook. 6772282.
Voodelic
ART
2-4:30pm. Black & white and hand colored photographs by Claudia Gorman. CunneenHackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie. 486-4571.
American Threshold
2:30pm. Bertelsmann Campus Center, Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-7900.
FORECAST
Readings in Contemporary Literature: Ann Lauterbach
10pm. Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.
Innovative Contemporary Fiction Reading Series
Mr. E
Top Cat
2-4pm. Healing techniques for chronic pain and emotional stress, vibrational healing techniques. Mirabai Books, Woodstock. 6792100. $15/$20.
The Shade
SPOKEN WORD
Mohonk Preserve Singles Hike - Giant Ledge
KIDS
Discovery Day
Bar Scott
8pm. Red Barn Performing Arts, Hunter. (518) 263-4908. $15.
Strange Lloyd Band
EVENTS
MON 27
Catskill Mountain Chamber Orchestra
Cinderella
6-8pm. Photographs by Leah Macdonald. Galerie BMG, Woodstock. 679-0027.
DANCE
A Christmas Carol
8pm. Presented by the Ulster Ballet Company. The Broadway Theater, Kingston. 339-6088. $18/$14 students and seniors.
EVENTS
Friends of Mills Mansion Holiday Party 6pm-8pm/8:30pm-11pm. Staatsburg Historical Site, Staatsburg. 889-8851.
11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM FORECAST
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10am-2pm. Boscobel Restoration, Garrisonon-Hudson. 265-3638 ext. 115. $50/workshop.
25th Annual Woodstock Holiday Open House 5-9pm. Entertainment, window displays, art and food. Woodstock. 679-5495.
800 843 0778. General Admission $30 and $35, Students $10.
RALPH GIBSON
One-Day Holiday Decorating Workshops
Vassar College Orchestra
8pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
The Clancy Tradition
9pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300. $20/$17.50 members.
MUSIC
Newburgh Symphony Orchestra String Quartet 8pm. Yellow Bird Gallery, Newburgh. 5617204.
Vassar College Women’s Chorus
8pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
THE OUTDOORS
Mohonk Preserve Singles Hike Millbrook Mountain 10am-3pm. Meet at the West Trapps Trailhead, New Paltz. 255-0919.
THEATER
Best of Broadway: A Night at the Tonys
SPOKEN WORD
Call for times. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3080. $20/$18 children and seniors.
Call for times. Calling All Poets series. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 831-0077. $4.
Cinderella
Bill Seaton and Terrence Chiesa
8pm. Presented by the PantoLoons. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members/$8 children.
THEATER
Best of Broadway: A Night at the Tonys Call for times. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3080. $20/$18 children and seniors.
Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol
8pm. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8696. $5/DCC students free.
Cinderella
8pm. Presented by the PantoLoons. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members/$8 children.
Community Playback Theatre
8pm. Improvisation based on real-life stories of audience members. Boughton Place, Highland. 691-4118. $6.
Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol
8pm. James and Betty Hall Theatre, Poughkeepsie. 431-8696. $5/DCC students free.
FORECAST
SAT 2 CLASSES
Notary Public Workshop
WORKSHOPS
Herbal Pillows for Adults
2-4pm. Creating collage-pillows out of scraps of fabric, photos, lace, and trimmings. The Arts Center of the Greater Hudson Valley, Red Hook. 340-4576. $20/$17 members.
SUN 3 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Contemplative Meeting
10am. Readings alternate with music. Lectorium Rosicrucianum Conference Center, Chatham. (518) 392-2799.
DANCE
A Christmas Carol
9am-12:30pm. Business Resource Center, Kingston. 339-2025. $79.
2pm. Presented by the Ulster Ballet Company. The Broadway Theater, Kingston. 339-6088. $18/$14 students and seniors.
DANCE
KIDS
A Christmas Carol
A Child’s Christmas
8pm. Presented by the Ulster Ballet Company. The Broadway Theater, Kingston. 339-6088. $18/$14 students and seniors.
10am. Ages 7-11 explore Yuletide traditions at Clermont. Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown. (518) 537-4240.
Free Style Frolic
Case of the Pilfered Pantry
8:30pm. Alcohol-free dance event for all ages. Knights of Columbus, Kingston. 658-8319. $5/$2 teens and seniors/children free.
EVENTS
Winter Holiday Festival
Call for times. Santa, festival of trees, carriage rides, music, and firemans’ parade of lights. Village of Saugerties, Saugerties. 246-3788.
A Winter Walk on Warren Street
5-8pm. Window performances, Victorian carolers, carriage rides, reindeer, fireworks, Santa parade. Warren Street, Hudson. (518) 822-1438.
High Falls Holiday Hoopla
5-9pm. Shopping, caroling, carriage rides, refreshments and tree lighting. Town Square, High Falls. 687-9888.
UNSPEAKABLY INNOVATIVE If guitarist-songwriter and musical juggernaut Bill Frisell has retained a shred of humility after the amount
12-4pm. Holiday whodunnit with crafts. Staatsburg Historical Site, Staatsburg. 8898851. $5 adults/$4 studetns and seniors.
of superlatives that have been used to describe his contributions to both recorded and live music, then
MUSIC
that eludes categorization, blithely dancing over boundaries and expertly embracing seemingly dichotomous
3pm. Columbia-Greene Community College, Hudson. (518) 822-2027. $5.
sounds and textures. Not only does he make it all look natural, but he enchants those whose ears he’s
anything is possible. He deserves the accolades, however. It’s not hard to get excited by a musician who so playfully creates art
Berkshire Hillsmen Barbershop Chorus
Flying Fiddlers
3pm. Presented by Saugerties Pro Musica. Saugerties United Methodist Church, Saugerties. 246 5021. $12/$10 seniors/ students free.
Vassar Chapel A Service of Lessons and Carols 7pm. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. 4377404.
THE OUTDOORS
Appalachian Trail Hike
challenging; Frisell is held in high esteem by everyone from jazz purists to stone country devotees. He has collaborated with Elvis Costello, slide guitar avatar Greg Leisz, and renowned Malian percussionist Sidiki Camara, to name but a few, and he’s written scores for directors Wim Wenders, Gus Van Sant, and even famed cartoonist Gary Larson. In the past six months alone, Frisell has been featured on Rogue’s Gallery, the Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired CD of sea chanteys and pirate ballads; won the Downbeat critics poll for Best Guitarist of 2006; garnered praise for his work on Paul Simon’s recent CD, Surprise; and spent a lot of time on the road spreading his uniquely American gospel of borderless music. Of all Frisell’s dizzyingly diverse and numerous musical ventures, the one he’s bringing to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, on Saturday, November 11 at 8pm is the
KIDS
10 mile hike. Call for meeting place and time, Pawling. 454-4428.
10am. Ages 3-6 explore Yuletide traditions at Clermont. Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown. (518) 537-4240.
Mohonk Preserve Rhododendron Bridge and Beyond
winning CD. The Great Barrington date, the first of a month-long tour, will be captured for a possible future
10am-3pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.
live release on Nonesuch Records, the label on which Frisell has released 18 solo CDs since 1989.
DCC Music School Recital
SPOKEN WORD
Roberts, cello; and the Sex Mob rhythm section of Tony Scherr on bass and Kenny Wollesen on drums.
DCC Music School Recital for Adult Students
4pm. Featuring Eleanor Heartney. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, Peekskill. (914) 788-7166.
Cantiga!
THEATER
A Child’s Christmas
MUSIC
1pm. Ritz Lounge, Poughkeepsie. 431-8916.
4pm. Ritz Lounge, Poughkeepsie. 431-8916.
6pm. Music from the Land of 3 Faiths. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA. (413) 528-0100.
Music of the Troubadours, Palaces and Chapels 6pm. Rose Ensemble performs a holiday concert with medieval and renaissance songs. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, MA.
144
BILL FRISELL
The Language of Reverence: Conversations on Art and Spirituality
Best of Broadway: A Night at the Tonys Call for times. Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck. 876-3080. $20/$18 children and seniors.
Cinderella
2pm. Presented by the PantoLoons. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members/$8 children.
FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
Unspeakable Orchestra, which features musicians who performed on Unspeakable, his 2005 Grammy-
The Unspeakable Orchestra is Frisell on guitar, with Jenny Scheinmann, violin; Eyvind Kang, viola; Hank Special guests include Ron Miles on trumpet and Greg Tardy on clarinet and tenor saxophone. Of his live performances, Frisell has said: “I like to have fun when I play and I like comedy—but it’s not a conscious thing. I’m basically a pretty shy person and I don’t dance or get into fights. But there are all these things inside me that get out when I perform. It’s like a real world when I play, where I can do all the things I can’t do in real life.” So dancing and fighting are not on the agenda for the show at The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. But a chance to witness one of the most entertaining and deeply musical innovators of our time in concert most certainly is. (413) 528-0100; www.mahaiwe.org. —Robert Burke Warren
RALPH GIBSON
IMAGES PROVIDED
JON BOWERMASTER PREMIERES THE LATEST ADDITIONS TO HIS “OCEANS
8” FILM SERIES AT THE STONE RIDGE LIBRARY ON NOVEMBER 8.
Stone Ridge resident Jon Bowermaster has seen the world, and lives to tell about it.
fulminate opposition. So every time we’d enter a Catholic village, [the government]
The author of eight books, including Crossing Antarctica and Alone Against the Sea, the
got panicky and would surround us with local party members and make it really
modern-day Magellan now stands to complete his “Oceans 8” film series, a decade-
difficult for the people we were trying to talk to to speak honestly.
FORECAST
TRUE OAR DARES: KAYAK KING JON BOWERMASTER long project in which he plans to chronicle his kayaking along the coasts of all seven continents and the islands of Oceania. With a team of videographers, photographers,
How do the two stories about Croatia and the Aleutians differ?
and native guides, Bowermaster has explored the coasts of Tasmania, Vietnam, West
Each of the trips is very different. [The Aleutians] was super high adventure. And
Africa, French Polynesia, and South America’s Altiplano. He will complete the series
because it was the first, because it was with very close friends, it’s special. We went
in January 2008 in Antarctica.
to the heart of the Aleutian chain and got dropped off by a fishing boat, which came
Bowermaster’s adventures offer probing insight into the health of our seas and
back to get us five weeks later. In the course of those five weeks, we paddled amongst
the cultures of those who live on them. On November 10 at the Stone Ridge Library,
groups of volcanic islands and climbed all the volcanoes, which range from 3,000 to
he will premiere the latest additions to the film series: those of his inaugural 1999
6,000 feet, straight out of the sea. It’s a part of the world known as “the Birthplace of
Aleutian Islands adventure and his journey down 400 miles of Croatia’s Dalmatian
the Winds,” so there are big winds, weather changing [instantly], and 35-degree water.
Coast in 2005. www.jonbowermaster.com.
So if you mess up, if for some reason the boat goes over, you are in big trouble. I was —Shannon Gallagher
also drawn to that place because it’s the home of the Aleuts, who invented kayaking. Since the Aleuts left the islands, several hundred years ago, we were [most likely]
How did you get into kayaking?
the first people [to kayak those waters since].
I’ve always done stuff on the water. I love the ability it gave us to go for long periods
In Croatia, we met fascinating people, on a couple of different levels. It’s not so
of time without resupply; they’re big boats. The longest we’ve been out without
long ago that there was massive civil war there, so we talked a lot about the after-
resupply is five weeks. Traveling and arriving by boat gives us great access to the
effects of the war. And because the Adriatic dead-ends there, it’s a very easy place
people who live and depend on the sea. We pull up in our boats and [the natives]
for international fishers to come and fish, [resulting in] an incredibly overfished sea.
never ask, “Why are you here?” They just figure we’re like them. They spend their
We went in to one restaurant on an island and they charged us $80 for a [single] fish,
lives on the sea; we spend our lives on the sea.
because they don’t have any fish—despite the fact they’re an island in the middle of the Adriatic! The small, family fishermen are having a very difficult time. Croatia had
Now when you say “us,” who do you mean?
that mix of beauty, adventure, interesting environmental stories, great characters,
I always take a team of five, sometimes six, including a couple of local people with
and good people.
language skills. In Vietnam, I took a Vietnamese woman because I wanted to have someone who I could trust that I was getting the true story from people. Although
What’s next?
[the government] also sent a monitor to travel with us for 24 hours a day, to make
This project will take 10 years. We will go to Antarctica in 2008, and I think in the end
sure we only spoke to people who “told the truth.” They were mostly concerned with
I’m going to have a really unique perspective on how the planet is doing. There will
Catholic communities. [Vietnam’s] a Communist country, most of it’s Buddhist. About
probably be a big book, a big film based on all of these trips. I kind of resist being
10 percent is Catholic, and [the government] sees the Catholic church as a place to
too identified as “the kayak guy.” I’m a writer. I’m a storyteller.
11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM FORECAST
145
Planet Waves
New Clear BLUES
A
s if the world did not have enough problems right now, it would appear that North Korea successfully tested an atomic bomb a few weeks ago. There is no independent confirmation of a nuclear event, only a seismic reading observed at about 10:35am local time near Gilju on the Korean peninsula, north of the border. Warnings and threats were issued in advance. I was doubtful, till I saw the chart. And until I remembered what I was writing six months ago. Back in the spring, I warned that September through November was a time of “threading the eye of the nuclear needle.” Many charts relevant to the discussion of atomic weapons and radiation are going off at once, if you’ll excuse the pun. “This is a turning point in the history of the nuclear world,” I wrote into the published caption of one of those charts, which will be exact November 6, but which has been rather active going back to late summer. Let’s back up a little, for the sake of anyone who is new to the astrology of the Bomb. There is one chart that is the basis of the discussion: The first time a self-sustaining nuclear reaction was created, as part of the Manhattan Project, in 1942 (the USA’s then-secret program to make an atomic bomb). Remarkably, it was only 32 months between a chain reaction in a Chicago lab to the Hiroshima bomb that vaporized much of a city and killed and sickened hundreds of thousands of people; followed by Nagasaki, for which there was no excuse, military, political, moral, or otherwise. The first self-sustaining reaction chart has a name—the Nuclear Axis. The “axis” part is a strip across early-to-mid Gemini and Sagittarius, and when these degrees 146 PLANET WAVES CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
of the zodiac are activated by passing planets (called a transit), the nuclear issue heats up dependably. Given that Pluto has recently covered the territory, we are lucky that we’ve done so well. But Uranus is now there, and its energy tends to be more overt and expressive rather than deep and mysterious like Pluto. Still, Pluto’s journey across the axis (along with Saturn, in late 2001 through 2002) gave us the deep and mysterious September 11 incident, the physical location of which was called Ground Zero (previously, the term for the epicenter of a nuclear detonation). What September 11 may have lacked in radioactivity it more than made up for in dioxin. This is a sad reality now coming home to the men and women who worked in New York City close to the fires and cleanup, where plastic, carpeting and chemicals smoldered for weeks. You get a lot of things from a fire like that, and you get a chemical called TCDD, tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin. It is a chemical with the power of radiation, measured in amounts as small as trillionths of a gram, when it’s measured at all. Yet the nuclear issue is lurking in the back of everyone’s mind, and maybe closer to the front than usual. There are a lot of possibilities for things to go wrong, from a Russian suitcase nuke getting into the wrong hands, to use of a Made in USA tactical weapon or ten of them on Iran. It is not merely George Bush and Dick Cheney who put the thought into our heads, though they are not helping the situation. We have lived in the nuclear shadow for a long time. Everyone alive today has done most or all of their growing up knowing that it all could be over in 15 minutes, meanwhile being told that actually, those bombs made us safer.
EMIL ALZAMORA
BY ERIC FRANCIS COPPOLINO
If we knew how much human ingenuity, resources, and money that could have ended poverty and cured disease went into piling up nuclear weapons, we would have reason to grieve. Not that we don’t anyway. I think everyone knows how dangerous the situation has been, and how much more dangerous it’s becoming as the world situation is pushed to the brink and heated up to the flashpoint, but we just do what we can: Hope for the best. And we can read the astrology. Why not; it’s a good way to get some detachment. Here is the chart for the test, based on the seismic reading taken Monday. The coordinates used are those provided for the epicenter. The town listed is the closest to that point. Let’s see what it reveals. Let me get technical on you; for this section I must. The Moon is a good thing to check first in any chart (the ascendant works too), and the Moon is in Taurus, about to make aspects to Neptune, Jupiter, and Saturn—a grand cross. That is not small fries; it’s definitely a supersize sundae. The Moon will continue to make progressed aspects to these three planets for the next 10 months. As for the recent event, that is, was it really a nuke, the first giveaway in the chart is the ascendant/descent angle—which goes right through early Gemini and Sagittarius, exactly where the nuclear axis begins. The way you say this if you’re an astrology professor is, “In this chart for the supposed nuclear test in North Korea, the Nuclear Axis is angular.” Angular means that something makes contact with the ascendant/descendent angle, or the midheaven/nadir axis—the “angles.” Those angles are like the chart’s eyes, ears, and fingers. They are how the chart senses and feels. When they are touching something, they feel it, and the chart vibrates with the energy. Either that, or you look it up in a book and get a clue. Sagittarius is rising, thus Gemini is on the 7th house (the rising sign, or 1st house, and 7th house, are always opposite one another). The 7th house cusp picks up Uranus from the Nuke Axis chart because they have the same degree, 2+ Gemini. Uranium is the radioactive metal named for the planet Uranus, and the first metal used to make a nuclear bomb. And it is Uranus in the Nuclear Axis chart that shows up most prominently in Monday’s bomb test chart; the two are exactly conjunct, to the degree. The 7th house is about relationships and this is surely about a relationship with the power of the split atom. If we take Uranus as a psychological or experiential factor, it’s usually a shock or surprise, as well as often standing for a technological breakthrough. But this was one surprise that should not shock anyone. Bruce Cunnings, a history professor at the University of Chicago, summed it up well, quoted in Thursday’s New York Times: “The nuclear test is a response to the threat that North Korea feels. It’s entirely real. It’s not a figment of their imagination. They were put in the axis of evil. We have nuclear weapons pointed at them, and we have for decades.” Meanwhile, Uranus in Monday’s bomb test chart (that is, transiting Uranus) is about to make another square to the Sun of the Nuclear Axis chart (Uranus, now in Pisces, square the Sagittarius Sun in the Nuke Axis chart). A square is the aspect of “something happens” and the Sun is one of the central ideas in any chart, the power source, the main place the spotlight shines, or rather, the light itself. Uranus square the Sun feels a little like a detonation. Looking at the chart, notice how much energy is spread across the left side, and the top left, in particular. That’s the public quarter of the chart and, whether radioactive or not, and whatever else is going on behind the scenes (there is plenty, which I’ll get into), what we have here is a big show. Something involves reputation and power, or the perception of power. The highest planet in the chart is Juno, famous for her jealousy and scorekeeping. Juno, in fact, missed no opportunity to be jealous. That angle, the dark line pointing sort of straight up (the 10th house cusp, and often called the midheaven or MC), happens to be the one about the leadership of nations and corporations. The chart is about Korea (a nation), and Juno symbolizes its not only threatened but jealous leader. Not a good combination. The next point is the South Node, which is astrological shorthand for “old story.” Nukes are indeed an old story. I have noticed that any time you place the lunar nodes right up against the MC, you get a big drama about authority and a situation where the energy is basically stuck in the past. Given the state of the world, however, it’s extremely last year for world leaders to be playing a chess game where billions of lives are at stake. Everyone knows that nuclear bombs are like popcorn. Once you set one off, it’s all very hard to stop. I could go on here dissecting the 10th and 11th houses, but I want to skip to Scorpio and the 12th house, which are the truly disturbing, if interesting, parts of this chart, and which tell a story that will unfold in the public sphere and in all our lives over the next two months. First, notice how close those two planets are, Mercury (green guy with horns) and Jupiter (orange symbol that looks like a 4). Mercury and Jupiter are about to make a series of three conjunctions, two in Scorpio later in October, and one in early Sagittarius (where Mars is directly involved). The third one is the one to watch: December 11, an exact conjunction of Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter right in the ascendant of this chart—that is, just one degree into the 1st house. Before that, there’s a lot of wheeling and dealing behind the scenes, in that Scorpio 12th house. Let’s just put it this way: It is extremely ambiguous in all of this who is a friend and who is an enemy; who is the big boss and who is the peon; who is doing what, and why. But my take is that whatever went off in North Korea was indeed a nuclear weapon and that the issue is developing rapidly behind the scenes; and is going to start moving quickly as planets start to ingress Sagittarius in early December. Of course, nukes are not going to be the only topic of conversation; everything is on the table. Because when that energy starts to move—and we will have earned it, after whatever this Scorpio Mercury Rx is about—it’s going to move fast, somewhat unpredictably, and with gusto. 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM PLANET WAVES 147
Horoscopes Eric Francis Coppolino
ARIES (March 20-April 19) What you seem to be reaching for is an understanding about some deeply sensitive matters. Nothing we’re normally exposed to in our culture, certainly not on television, prepares us for the kinds of discussions that you will have in the coming weeks. It’s also fair to say there’s no right way to do it. But we could establish some basic guidelines. Nothing is going to be resolved quickly, and by that I mean in one day or one conversation. Anything that matters will take a few weeks. Also, given all the circumstances, listening counts for more than speaking. The better you listen, the more you’ll understand, and the more what you do say will make a difference. But if others do not feel heard, you can be sure that they will not trust what you say. Lastly, you need to leave a lot of space for misunderstanding, which means that everyone has plenty of room to be wrong.
TAURUS (April 19-May 20) You may feel like you’re under considerable pressure to be someone or do something; that you don’t feel like you actually exist. This feeling will have a tendency to alternate with a sense of how important you need to be to others, along with doubts that you’re actually making the cut. You need to question the basis on which you decide whether or not something you perceive is true. If you are deciding on the basis of your doubts, a lot of bias can slip in, particularly now that everyone’s credibility is on the line. If you’re deciding on the basis of what you want to be true, you can skew your perception by making assumptions or only seeing the factors you want to see. If you’re going to assume anything, let it be that what is true and healthy often takes time to establish itself, but that you can arrive safely at this seemingly remote destination with love, faith, and patience as your companions.
GEMINI (May 20-June 21) There is a simple way to establish whether anything you’re assessing is valid, legitimate, or worth pursuing, which is asking the question: Who does this serve? You can also size up a person pretty well using this same question. Everyone and everything works to some end. People will often try to conceal that result with language or various psychological techniques, but you can always see the result if you look closely enough. Ask simple questions: Who benefits from this? Is this person giving or taking? Do the spoken motive and the obvious results have anything in common? If you stick to relatively simple and straightforward questions, you will see through a turgid situation like it was clear water. Make sure you apply the same questions to yourself, but once you’ve reached an understanding of your own motives, let it go, and keep your eyes and ears open to what’s going on around you.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) Evolving as an individual is more complicated than upgrading your computer’s memory or adding a line to your resume. To the chagrin of control freaks and those who pretend to be alive more than they actually manage to do it, there is a chaos factor involved, and there is a sexual aspect, which is deeply involved with any process of becoming an individual. And there’s always a risk. So it’s necessary to trust your own higher intelligence in the midst of apparent uncertainty, including about whether you will succeed or fail at any particular effort. If you can do that, you’ll tap into something larger than yourself that is expressing itself through you. You’ve been living with that “something” for a long time, and it has been trying to acquaint itself with you. You alone can mediate your responses; you decide what value fear holds, and what value freedom holds. www.planetwaves.net 148 PLANET WAVES CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
Horoscopes Eric Francis Coppolino
LEO
(July 22-Aug. 23)
Establishing your home space and creating an authentic sense of security for yourself have been themes of the past year. No doubt your living situation is better today than it was four seasons ago, but now the time has come to take advantage of that fact. Being settled in a space conserves energy and allows you to focus. An internal orientation helps you get clear with yourself about how you feel and where you stand with the world. These things having been accomplished, you will soon be faced with one of two things: what to do with this energy; or the sudden option for something new, different, and extraordinary. It appears, however, that through the next few perhaps long weeks, a time of soul-searching is in order, making use of your sanctuary and the peace of mind that it offers. One phase will follow the next distinctly: First the journey deeper in, then boldly out.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) How deep do psychological patterns go? Well, they seem to reach back many generations, but for a version of the story with good practical application, we can learn a lot by considering the years before we learned how to walk. We bumped into a lot of things, people, feelings, and experiences in those days. We were picked up and carried around against our will. We had a lot to say but lacked the words to say it. Think of yourself as going through a phase as a cosmic toddler. Notice, over the next few weeks, what just comes to you, what you bump into, and what you are told without having to ask. Notice what seems to pick you up and move you. Apply the metaphor to the contents of your mind. What has been coming to the surface lately, and why does it do such a good job of defying words or even coherent ideas?
LIBRA (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) Financial matters may seem overly perplexing now, but it’s an illusion. There is a complicating factor involved, and it’s entirely psychological. If you feel hindered from cultivating the resources you need, or from cleaning up old financial karma, break the situation down to the most essential facts. Emotions will deceive you now, because you’re likely to be overreacting and unconsciously dwelling on the past. Precisely what you must do is find the present, and conduct yourself in a realistic way based on your actual circumstances, your potential and resources, as they exist now. If nothing else, the planets this month will give you a fine lesson in some of the hidden ways you may feel about yourself—and how you can feel a lot better. Take things slowly, take them one step at a time, and keep an eye on the metaphors between the inner and outer worlds.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) You may feel you can do nothing right, and this may be giving you an urgent sense that you need to do something extreme. Mercury retrograde in your birth sign and a variety of other factors are creating an exaggeration effect, and you need to be aware of this. I suggest you let your mind go wherever you want, but keep count and notice whether you tend toward the negative outcomes or the positive ones. Now is the time to rewrite some of these psychological scripts on the deepest level. Rather than taking some kind of extreme action in the outer world, these are weeks where you can reach into your psyche and purge some of what has been troubling you for a long time. If you have the feeling that something is bothering you, let me give you a clue as to what it might be. You are designed for greater challenges than you’ve allowed yourself to take on in recent years. www.planetwaves.net 11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM PLANET WAVES 149
Horoscopes Eric Francis Coppolino
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) Planets are now stuffed into your 12th solar house, which is a cosmic blind spot of sorts, full of distortions. You’re living through one of those alignments where you may feel like you get up in the morning having worked all night. At times, only the worst possibilities may seem true. But I suggest you not let any such difficulty trouble too deeply. Instead, keep track of your fears. Get over on them by being aware of what they are, and what they are not. Skip intuition for now, and apply some logic. Stick to the known facts, not what you’re concerned about or hoping to create. As many planets—including your ruling planet, Jupiter—work their way into your birth sign over the coming weeks, you’ll discover that what you feared had nothing to do with an actual threat, and that what you were hoping for was selling yourself short of your true potential.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) What is true and what is not? Sometimes the more we’re able to expand our awareness, the more we can embrace possibilities that seem to contradict themselves or one another. Everything at the moment is calling on you to stretch—most particularly, your own desire to do so. I hope this year has shown you not only that you live in a world that’s too small for you. But I trust you’ve noticed that the larger world, where the possibilities are far more diverse and the expectations on you are less boring, is an experience you really want. Certain friends may be pushing you to take a wider view of life, and someone who seems bent on causing you mischief may, at least, reveal the wisdom in hanging a bit looser where your ideas about reality are concerned. With so many planets heading for Sagittarius, your life is about to become the story of something bigger than your dreams.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) An assortment of slow-moving aspects to your ruling planet, Saturn, are gradually compelling you to create the life you want. Somewhere in the process is the lesson of admitting that what you thought was impossible is precisely the opposite: not only possible, but also actually available. You may have long felt that your life is stuck in a pattern. But if you look, you’ll see there is a more pervasive pattern at work, something that is using your tendency toward long-term commitment in your favor. Saturn is about making use of time, and this you have been doing more effectively than you think. Once you see what has developed, it will seem like it was inevitable all along. You can help the process along by being aware of what you want, what you don’t want, and what you actually need, rather than what a lot of conditioning and sense of lack has convinced you that you need.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Possibilities are opening up, but you’ve not seen anything yet. Keep an eye on the long-term—as in years, rather than months. Also, I suggest you do something that may seem to go against the grain of what I usually suggest and propose that you keep track of what annoys you the most about certain people, places, and things. In your long-term planning process, it’s vital that you know precisely what you don’t want; that you recognize what constitutes a breach of integrity in a personal relationship, and make sure you can spot it at a distance; and that you recognize what kinds of environments foster success and creativity in your life, and which environments drain your energy. Before very long, you will have more possibilities and options available than you ever dreamed possible. You will need to choose, but I strongly suggest that you know the basis for your decisions before making them. www.planetwaves.net 150 PLANET WAVES CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06
11/06 CHRONOGRAM.COM PLANET WAVES 151
Parting Shot
Dennis Stock, untitled, black-and-white photograph, 1967 Dennis Stock was relieved that a photograph from the series of shots he took on the set of Planet of the Apes was being used for this month’s Parting Shot, because it wasn’t that one of James Dean again. Most readers will know Stock by his iconic shot of Dean walking through a rainy Times Square with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, his hands punched in his pockets. But, when given the choice, why pass up the opportunity to feature the image of an ape getting groomed instead of a familiar one of a posthumous cultural icon? The period Stock spent photographing celebrities such as Dean, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington was followed by his being set loose to photograph on the first Planet of the Apes set in 1967. When asked what was developing in his mind when he took this shot, Stock remembers thinking that “the attention to detail you expect when [makeup artists] work on a star is one thing, but the attention when they work on an extra...I found that very amusing. The hairdresser and the makeup artist, so focused on this small person in the ape costume.” Stock’s current exhibition includes a variety of pictures of filmmakers themselves, including Orson Welles, George Lucas, and a much younger Ron Howard. “I have a section devoted to young filmmakers [with] an empathy for the people coming through here for the Woodstock Film Festival,” says the photographer. “Dennis Stock Goes to Hollywood” is at Studio B in Woodstock through November 7. (845) 679-9555. —Rebecca Wild Nelson
152 PARTING SHOT CHRONOGRAM.COM 11/06