Clue Cult

Phoenix Jones, the self appointed Seattle superhero, faces assault charges but is currently out on bail. Though Jones was not formally charged Thursday. Seattle City attorney’s staff said they were still deciding whether to file charges. Outside of a Seattle courthouse, Phoenix Jones, dressed in his black and gold suit under a collared shirt, removed his hood identifying himself as Ben Fodor. A group of journalists were there to capture the event.

Early Sunday morning Jones was arrested after using pepper spray to break up a fight in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Phoenix isn’t alone in this vigilante stand against crime. There are even more Superheroes, and have been stopping crime for over a year. There are claims of up to three hundred citizen superheroes nationwide.

This is not another comic-book turned movie; this is actually someones superhero fantasy come to life. It is rumored that the superhero movement is invoked by Kitty Genovese, a New York City woman who was murdered in the 60′s while bystanders did nothing to aid her calls for help.

Many cities are “safer” thanks to these masked heros, or at least more entertained by their antics? This is all too true to have been made up. When I first heard the stories, I too shook my head in disbelief, and am still shaking it. I ask who among you haven’t once dreamed of having a super power or cool gadgets to fight crime?

All this bad publicity makes me think of poor misunderstood Hancock, he had good intentions, but often lacked in the finesse to stay out of clutches of the law. I commend these do-gooders. If more citizens would become more involved in their communities, and didn’t idly watch as crimes get committed, this would be a safer world that we live in. I wish you well Phoenix Jones, keep the dream of a safe world alive, just try not to break the law while trying to uphold it.

Nimes, a very beautiful city in the south of France is inhabited by the Occitan’s, who are described as “un peuple fort sur l’homme, généreux dans l’effort, dur sur le taureau” (pfft – I’m not going to translate this, as I can’t be bothered, and it would get lost in the translation… besides, that’s what Google translate is for) and who share a love for wine barrels.

We are not unhappy about leaving Paris this week, the rain doesn’t help for an outdoor festival, and thankfully, it is polite enough to remain on the platform as we leave Gare de Lyon (station). We are welcomed upon our arrival with beautiful sunshine and great conditions.

Who would have known, that behind a large pile of stones which date back 2000 years or more, that we would come across one of the most sumptuous and magical festivals of the summer – within the ‘Arena’. This year, once again, the area hosted a large number of prestigious names: Santana, Ben Harper, Sting, Robert Plant, Supertramp, The Offspring and many others. What brings us here tonight is by no means disappointing either. The first half of the Mogwai concert, followed by Portishead – I can think of worse ways to spend my time! We find ourselves, for once, not in the pit – but in the stands. (A dark tale of tickets purchased too quickly). However, it turns out to be a blessing in disguise, and allowed us to experience a really special evening.

Led by their guitars, Mogwai begin to belt out some songs on stage from their new album Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. The setting sun on my left, coupled with the distorted guitars of this Scottish group, very quickly gets us in the mood. Mogwai in the sunlight is not exactly the best way to experience their music, (a good, old dark room would have been better) – but still, it’s always a pleasure to see Stuart Brathwaite grind his guitar. Their sound, powerful and deep, is the best way to ensure that we have our heads in the clouds before the arrival of the main course.

It’s been quite a while since Portishead played in France – 2008, in fact, at the Zenith in Paris for their “Third” album. It is therefore in the context of high expectations that the concert begins.

The Arena fits perfectly with the sounds and emotions of Portishead. As Beth Gibbons sings out the first words of the song “Silence”, a mysterious and powerful atmosphere was apparent. The bands performance was really quite magic. When they play live, every guitar and vocal part takes on its full dimension. Their greatest hits, such as “Mysterons”, “Sour Times” or “Glory Box” are followed by a torrent of applause. “Magic Doors”, from the Third album and “Roads” from Dummy overwhelm the public. “Wandering Star”, played in a unique acoustic version (voice and bass only), was met with great success also. Visual effects were very discrete, but this didn’t affect the mood of the crowd, and helped moreso to create the kind of trance they were trying to envelop us in. [read more]