the planet project

The only certainties in life are death, taxes and music. But the greatest of these is music. Purveyors of the great art of music are so revered that they have been admired, loved, even worshiped. They are gods among men. How is it that those among us, so adored and gifted, seem so fraught and conflicted and all too often meet untimely ends?

Ah, the romance of the Rock and Roll lifestyle. Show me the man, woman or child who has not clutched a hairbrush in the privacy of their rooms while belting out their favorite tunes and I will show you a future accountant. I can say with absolute certainty that I am not alone in practicing my Grammy Awards acceptance speech in the shower.

Of course, there are no free lunches and this line of work comes at a particularly high price. Live fast, die young in the music world is a great career choice that an inordinately large number of musicians make. Some argue that the rock and roll lifestyle only seems to claim more victims as they get more press, but the sad truth is that being a rock star is a very dangerous sport….

A recent study by John Moore University showed that, statistically, a rock star’s risk of death is 1.7 times higher than those who pursue less hazardous occupations. The vast majority of deaths (28%) are drug and alcohol related and about 7% die from accidents (probably also drug and alcohol related). Why do we lose such a large number of musical geniuses at a young age? My theory is that the devil claims the best musicians for himself. Allow me to elaborate…

An inordinately large number of musicians die at the age of 27 giving rise to the infamous curse of the “Forever Club 27”. Perhaps curse is a strong word but it would be fatuous to ignore such an eerie statistical anomaly.

Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones is generally credited as being the founding member of the club after he drowned in his swimming pool in 1969. The curse, however, has a far more ominous origin; little know guitarist Robert Johnson is regarded by many as the greatest blues guitarist who ever lived. Johnson’s initial forays into music were mediocre at best. When blues legend Son House played the circuit in Johnson’s hometown, Johnson followed him around, unsuccessfully trying to mimic House’s style. When House passed back through town a few months later, Johnson’s guitar technique had blossomed into a sinister, primal beast of epic proportions. The change was phenomenal.

Johnson’s otherworldly talent was haunting and he sang of dark shadows and being pursued by the hounds of hell. One of his songs told of a midnight meeting at a crossroads where he made a deal with the devil – his soul for the most profound blues ever played. He died spectacularly on stage at 27 in 1938 after drinking poisoned whiskey.

And so it began; Brian Jones followed in 1969, then it was the turn of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix (asphyxiated, 18 September 1970) and Janis Joplin (heroine overdose, 4 October 1970). Jim Morrison died of a heart attack in his bathtub on 3 July 1971 and, more recently, Kurt Cobain shot himself on 8 April 1994. These are the most famous members of the 27 club, but there are a chilling 34 in total.

Conspiracy theorists would have us believe that it’s the subversive nature of music that has resulted in the deaths of its commandos of cool. Rock and Roll attained popularity at a time when the civil rights movement began. It achieved the kind of integration in styles that many desired in their societies. It provided grounds for common interest as black performers garnered respect and a following from white audiences. Music has always challenged the boundaries of government, church and social norms. Theorists suggest that it’s the state that has culled those who they perceive to threaten social stability.

Whatever the reason, it is wretched that so many beautiful, talented, inspirational young legends are lost along with the songs that will never enrich our lives. Although we have not had a new club member for some time, the loss of the young to the gaping vortex of fame continues. Perhaps hell has all the best musicians after all.

The Hinks is a feline with a capital ‘C’. Although he is not your average household pet, he does occasionally give audience to his humans who adore him and write songs and haikus to his magnificence.

The Hinks Abides

Recently, the Hinks had a lady caller. The beguiling Osaka graced the house with her presence while her humans were on holiday. The Hinks developed a deep devotion to his lady friend and followed her about the house, meowing his undying love. However, much to The Hinks’ distress, his advances were rebuffed.

Soon after Osaka's arrival, The Hinks’ humans were lounging at home when they were surprised to hear a tinkle coming from the bathroom. They imagined the worst. This could only be the work of some sick, peeing cat burglar. Armed with a baseball bat and an inclination to be disturbingly impolite, they launched a ruthless attack on the bathroom only to find The Hinks perched on the seat, relieving himself.

Oh the joy! The rapture! The unabashed awesomeness that is The Hinks.

The vet proclaimed The Hinks to be of sound mind; just too polite to share the litter box with the lovely Osaka. The cunning Hinks had hatched a plan to win over his reticent companion.

The Hinks has since learnt to use the toilet for all his needs. His fame spreads far and wide. Alas, his love for Osaka remains unrequited, but The Hinks will find a way…. Watch this space for the next episode of The Magnificent Hinks!

Ode to The Hinks (By Seirna P, Hinks' human)

Hinkles loves me, this I know.

For his licking tells me so.

Peeing in the John is his way.

A little fat but that's okay.

Yes, Hinkles loves me

Yes Hinkles loves me

Yes Hinkles loves, his licking tells me so.

Wish your cat was as clever as The Hinks (as if!)? Pehaps you can try the Litter Kwitter:

www.litterkwitter.com

Forced perspective shots are fun, especially if you are new at photography. If you want to get ideas: http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2t00f8/www.drweb.de/magazin/35-splendid-examples-of-forced-perspective-photography//r:f

If you have your own examples - send them in!

For all your Mayo celebrations! Wannit? http://www.bustedtees.com/

Some years, Christmas comes early...

Li Wei, Beijing photographer whose incredible pics combine performance art, photography and  healthy dollop of kick ass. They are not digitally modified, they are shot using wires, mirrors, and admirable bendiness to create these wicked awsome pics. Wanna see more? http://www.liweiart.com/