I shared this on Twitter already – it came in via Elizabeth Bear, who had it from Warren Ellis. But it deserves a place here, too.

The proceeds go to benefit Haiti. You can pre-order here, though the US purchase site doesn’t appear to be set up yet.

Incidentally, Christy Moore had something interesting things to say about benefit gigs in the Christy Chat I received this morning.

John Spillane and I have been putting a few chords together… “Haitian Girl” is the current working title of a song that is emerging. We will perform a gig in Vicar Street, Dublin on Tuesday, 23rd March. All proceeds will go to GOAL in Haiti. Ticketmaster have waived their commission and Vicar Street their rental fees.

An increasing number of people seem to be becoming critical of benefit gigs. They question the motives and claim that tragic situations are being exploited. One Dublin journalist wrote a scathing attack on those who do benefit gigs. (Presumably getting well paid for the piece) I have heard stories of NGO’s in areas of war and catastrophe, of aid workers behaving inappropriately … But I have also witnessed the courage and commitment of volunteers giving their time and sometimes their very lives to help others. I am in awe of their commitment. I believe that the courage and compassion of thousands far outweighs the errant behaviour of a few. Also I know that certain performers cannot resist any PR opportunity, sometimes cynically, more times unwittingly, but I believe they too are in a minority. Then there are the political arguments, the ethical dimensions, the opportunism of donor nations, the fashionable ladies and gents who lunch for charity … I simply don’t have the time to work it all out, I need to keep it simple. If I can give a dig out I will, and if some want to put a slant on that … so be it.

Tags: Benefit Concerts, Charity, Christy Moore, I Put A Spell On You, Music, Shane McGowan and Friends

So, we just watched Breathless, which a certain young man I once had a terrible crush on told me reminded him of me. I’m no longer certain that was a compliment. I’ll hope he meant that our affair was romantic and a little dangerous, and not that I was a stupid girl in love with an asshole. (Joshua, if you’re out there – it was Breathless you were talking about?)

But that’s over now, and NovySan’s just made me a vanilla steamer (hot milk and vanilla syrup, and I see he’s added some nutmeg, too). Traci, over at 38 and Growing, introduced me to the vanilla steamer when we worked together in San Francisco, and I’ve gotta tell you guys, it’s like relaxation in a mug.

Especially when someone else makes it for you.

Tags: Breathless, French Cinema, I Don't Think I Get It, Vanilla Steamer

A few months ago, I admitted to NovySan that I’d never seen Psycho.

We watched it not long after.

Now it’s an assignment for his Film History class at Santa Monica College, so we’re watching it again.

We meant to do it earlier this week, but that didn’t happen, so we’re watching it tonight.

Coincidentally, Ferrett (one of my VP peeps) just watched it, as well, so I’ll leave you with his thoughts on Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates.

Tags: Former Gaps in My Cultural Education, Love, Psycho