| Party 2008 |
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Writing on the wall? A weak gesture boys and girls - the conspicuously absent poli's needn't feel intimidated - the obvious reply to criticism is... " Well - where were ya - Ten years ago? Participatory Democracy
The Party of the year 2008 Cairns Yacht /Aquatic Club Mad Hatters!
A Bold new era begins for far North Queensland Closing night of the Cairns Aquatic Club was the Who's Who of Cairns. Old people - young people- pirates, publicans, pissheads, people from Cairns, and who like letting the hair down and unique local atmosphere.
Confused American -fresh off the plane "Pig on a what?" "Spit- Mate!"
And let's not forget the wenches -the last "Grab a Granny" Saturday night dance.
The end of one era of Cairns ushers inthe beginning of a new one. Perhaps more cynical, perhaps less naive and complacent. It also puts behind us the grubby brown-paperbag mentality, -the racism, corruption - that 'deep-north' tag.
Disgust at what is considered a betrayal even a travesty of justice kept a few community members away. 1000's of voters feel they have been let down by local, state and federal governments. MUSEUM PROJECT
New- Catch em doing their job Di Forsyth and Wendy Richardson were not only present but present on that famous dance-floor reflecting their participatory interest in Cairns Community and Heritage.
Maiia: Cairns people were out in force - for the end of 2008 Festival of Cairns. The Yacht Club finale and the Tropical Wave Festival. Forget the parade and fireworks- who needs em. We didn't even hear that over the music and celebration. Sharing love and respect with the old faces.
The good old people, the heritage and family traditions and bonds established over years before the international airport brought tourism and carpet-baggers.
Maiia: The value of continuity and community culture is a common theme in arts world-wide. Particualarly film. Particularly in the short-lived diaspora.
Community vs the opportunism of capital. The story of the underdog. The simple strengths of the founders, of the pioneers, meets greed, pomposity and stupidity.
Straight off the top of my head - Barber Shop- and the big Aussie one THE CASTLE or the one with Mick Malloy and the Bowls Club Crackerjack. DISCUSSION FORUM AND CHAT - Have Your Say
Charlie Chaplin's Tramp character
Like an Acorn becomes an Oak, like the Yacht Club was resurrected by citizens after a cyclone, Chaplin grew from nothing to a most significant figure in a large and vital community. But even a genius can't fight city hall.
he archetype of the little guy belongs to Chaplin himself and his alter-ego the little Tramp.
Like a mighty tree, or a humble community hall, a man who was willing to stand up for his humanistic beliefs going so far as to parody Hitler (who was a fan) Chaplin was cut down, black-listed, disparaged as a 'communist' and dismissed from America - even written out of the history books but the Melody Still Lingers On.
Chaplin lived another 40 years as a family man away from the spotlight. You can't fight city hall but who wants to - living life and raising a family is much more fun.
"Finally in 1972, after being given the rank of Commander of the Legion of Honour, and recieving a special award at Cannes 25th Film Festival the year before. The Film Society of the Lincoln Centre and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts invited him to America to recieve an honourary Oscar in recognition of his services to filmmaking.
The Homecoming by Candice Bergen - (at 83 years of age)
"A waiter helped him up from his chair, confiding "Mr Chaplin, I was your waiter in '52, when you were here the last time - it's wonderful to have you back."
"They all love you Charlie," someone said
"Yes but they loved Kennedy too" he said softly."
"Charlie and Oona (his wife) watched the Oscar show on TV backstage in a dressing room pointing excitedly to old friends in the huge audience. He was relieved. He had been afraid nobody would come.
'Afterward, as he talked about the ceremony, his eyes were bright and child-like, wide with wonder and glee. "It almost made me cry - and this one," he cocked his head at a beaming Oona, "this one kept say, "Oh, don't snivel"
"It was so emotional and the audience - their emotion. I thought some of them might hiss, but they were so sweet - all those famous people, all those artists. You know they havent done this to me before. It surpasses everything."
More and more he began to look like an English schoolboy, grinning impishly, rolling his eyes up innocently, pointing a freckled hand hand to himself, ", announcing playfully "The genius..."
Suddenly summoning that old agility, he flew from his chair. Eyes twinkling, he said with mock impatience - "Let's go celebrate for God's sake!"
And happily humming his song "Smile" he took Oona's arm and stepped grandly through the door."
- from The Legend of Charlie Chaplin. Collected and introduced by by Peter Haining W. H Allen. London. 1982
Maiia earlier in the day... "We all say we should catch up with one another more often. Instead of waiting for a funeral. This time it's a celebration but nobody's died - that's good."
Billy French "It's the funeral of the Yacht Club"
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