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What Are You Listening To Right Now?


Guest Black Lotus

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I remember reading that Sting was inspired to write that song by a visit with Quentin Crisp, who had just moved to the Bowery. Crisp was an author and pioneering gay activist (his best-known work is The Naked Civil Servant), who joked with Sting that he was looking forward to becoming an American citizen because he could no longer be deported if he committed a crime.

 

At the time, consensual "sodomy" was still a felony in several states. Even in New York the sodomy statute had only been ruled unconstitutional in 1980.

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:eg:

If you've watched much anime, you know all about Valentine's Day in Japanese high schools. Chocolate is a big deal (thanks to aggressive advertising by post-war chocolate makers). Girls give it to boys -- "obligation chocolate" to classmates, male teachers, etc. But if they "like" a particular boy they will make a chocolate for them (usually using a purchased kit with a mold) and give it to them. If he accepts the chocolate, then theoretically he returns your feelings. If he refuses it, he probably doesn't. The boys reciprocate on "White Day" 40 days later.

 

Many a school-based anime has had a hapless male protagonist having to fight off virtual mobs of candy-offering girls.

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David Bowie covering the legendary Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel (as translated by Mort Shuman)

 

 

For comparison, here is Brel himself singing the French version (with English subtitles). The Shuman version is actually a pretty good translation, stating explicitly what Brel uses euphemisms for.

 

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I remember reading that Sting was inspired to write that song by a visit with Quentin Crisp, who had just moved to the Bowery. Crisp was an author and pioneering gay activist (his best-known work is The Naked Civil Servant), who joked with Sting that he was looking forward to becoming an American citizen because he could no longer be deported if he committed a crime.

 

At the time, consensual "sodomy" was still a felony in several states. Even in New York the sodomy statute had only been ruled unconstitutional in 1980.

 

Yup, the old man in the video is Quentin Crisp.

 

Currently playing*:

"People Asking Why" by Seal

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxPzFXMJaIo

 

*Left in queue for Monday Morning Music Trios consideration.

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