'V for Vendetta'

We watched this movie on DVD tonight and afterwards I wondered if it could have been made in the USA rather than set in London. I suspect not, with the current political climate in the US. It most likely would have been violating, or seen to be violating, The Patriot Act, protector of all things good and great.

Quite amazingly, I apparently ran afoul of this same Patriot Act. A firm I had dealt with for years in the US advised me earlier this year that they could no longer do business with me. When I queried it the situation seemed to be that the requirements of The Patriot Act were too demanding on the US firm to make it worthwhile any longer dealing with international customers like myself. 'International = potential terrorist...' Come on! Taking it all a bit far.

If you haven't done so already, go hire 'V for Vendetta' and watch it.

Rick Clise

Ain't democracy great?

I didn't agree with much that Mark Latham, short time leader of Australia's federal Labor Party, said but did agree with him regarding his assessment of George W Bush as being the most dangerous man on earth.

The great thing about a democracy is that we can have opinions different to our neighbors and speak them. In the Navy we used to say 'I don't agree with what you are saying sir, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.

For a very different perspective on George W. Bush check-out the blog from a religious person who thinks that the prez is the best thing since sliced bread. (Abercrombie review.)

I respect his right to say what he wants. I'm sure he does mine as well.

Rick Clise

An amazing couple of weeks - selling art

In early October I was in Melbourne installing my sculpture 'Aim High' at the Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition and Awards, out around Yarra Glen. Then late last month I was in Sydney installing the remade 'Silent Embrace' at Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi. And locally in Adelaide I had several smaller sculptures exhibited at a friend's house during her Open Garden Scheme participation.

Well, the Melbourne and Sydney sculptures both sold at their respective exhibitions, and I sold one of the pieces here in Adelaide. All within a couple of weeks. I guess the old saying on the side of a box of salt, 'when it rains it pours' is true.

Made me feel very happy!

Rick Clise

Unfortunate label

A week ago I was buying a donut at the shop in Sydney's domestic airport terminal and the guy serving me had the most unfortunate label stuck to his shirt: 'Sterile Visitor' it said.

Geez, I thought, are security measures so tight these days that employers are combing through your medical records before hiring you? And what about this broadcasting your status with a sticker at work? Seems a little over the top I think. Who's business is it anyway? Seems like TOO much info to me!

Rick Clise