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Table of Contents
RKYV # 19 {December 2008}
RKYV ONLINE LOGO - David Marshall {current}
- Roy G. James {original}
- R.J. Pare {original online adaptation}
Virtual Cover # 19
- Art by Sol Lang
- Layouts by David Marshall

Editorial Column - “At the Outset:”

- A Few Thoughts from the Editor
- by RJ Pare’

Health Column
- “Tom’s Therapeutic Tidings”
- by Tom Rossini

Featured Artist Review – Sol Lang

- by R.J. Pare’

World View
- “Tom’s Travel Tips”
- by Tom Rossini

Short Fiction
- “Southpaw Smith” Untitled – by John H. Drew Jr
- By Scott Claringbold

Poetry
- by Anna Gehmacher, Stephen Campbell

.Interior Art
- pieces by Mohammed Abdullah, John H. Drew Jr., Kalinda Higgs, Engin Korkmaz,
Jonathan Biermann, Marc Olivent, Leyla Sabah, Lisa Marie Mueller, Sol Lang

Writer’s Column
- “Creation in our World”
- by Larissa Gula

Pop Culture
- “Comic Book Review”
- by Brad Bellmore
- “Raised On Saturday morning Cartoons”
- by Pauline Pare’

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 At the Outset
A few thoughts from the Editor – by R. J. Pare’

[Resolution] – The mental state or quality of being comprised of a firmness of purpose.

I welcome you all to RKYV ONLINE # 19. This issue is comprised of

submissions received in December of 2008. As you sit at your PC [or if you have
downloaded this to your portable device] I want to take this moment to thank you for
being a part of this creative and FREE endeavour. It is my pleasure to share the visual
and literary inventions of our contributors [myself included!] each and every month.

This E-zine’s #1 resolution for 2009 will be to make a greater effort to be released
during the first week of every month [where have we heard that before? LOL]

Untitled
by
John H. Drew Jr.

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 This issue showcases the first photographer chosen as our artist of the month.
Sol Lang has graciously taken the time to share his thoughts and his beautiful, erotic
images with us in the Featured Artist Review.

Our columnists Pauline Pare’, Brad Bellmore and Larissa Gula provide us again
with insightful and entertaining looks at TV, comics and the nature of creativity itself.

This month also marks the resumption of Roy G. James classic essay Futurism in
the Funnies. For those of you that love the medium and enjoy a retro look at the concepts
of sci-fi and futurism, this serial continues to be a hoot.

This month the Health column begins a new chapter as Christina Marchetti and
Tom Rossini [both RNs] share the load by taking turns writing medical advice on
alternate months. Christina in the meantime has agreed to help us bring a recipe section
back to the mag – starting next month. I look forward to her tasty concoctions.

On a personal note, I resolve to make 2009 the year I dedicate myself 100% to my
writing, editing and creative endeavours. I hope all of you that appreciate RKYV join
with me in continuing to make RKYV the most fantastic and exciting production it can
be.

Pick up a pen; take brush to canvas; pound away at your keyboard or capture the
world through the camera lens… whatever gets your artistic juices flowing – embrace it
and share it with the rest of us!

Untitled
by
John H. Drew Jr.

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 Health
Tom’s Therapeutic Tidings – by Tom Rossini

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

(OSA). Sleep apnea means "cessation of breath." It is
caused by upper airway obstructions that occur during
sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood
oxygen saturation. In other words, the airway becomes
obstructed. The upper airway can be obstructed by
excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils or a large
tongue, and usually includes the airway muscles
relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of
obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the
structure of the jaw and airway can be a factor in sleep
apnea.

What are the symptoms?

 excessive daytime sleepiness

 frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. (The patient may be
unaware of this symptom -- usually the bed partner is extremely aware of this).
 morning headaches
 loud snoring
 un-refreshing sleep
 a dry mouth upon awakening

Associated Problems seen with OSA

 reduced libido
 insomnia
 high blood pressure  frequent nocturnal urination
 overweight (nocturia)
 irritability  restless sleep
 change in personality  nocturnal snorting, gasping,
 depression choking (may wake self up)
 difficulty concentrating  rapid weight gain
 excessive perspiring during sleep  confusion upon awakening
 heartburn

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 How serious is sleep apnea?

It is potentially life-threatening and requires

immediate medical attention. The risks of
untreated obstructive sleep apnea include heart
attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high
blood pressure and heart disease. In addition,
obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness
that can result in accidents, lost productivity and
interpersonal relationship problems. The severity of
the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

How does the doctor determine if I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

A sleeping test, called polysomnogram is usually done to diagnose sleep apnea. There are
two kinds of polysomnograms. An overnight polysomnography test or is a home
monitoring test. A Sleep Technologist hooks you up to all the electrodes and instructs
you on how to record your sleep with a computerized polysomnograph that you take
home and return in the morning. They are painless tests that are usually covered by
insurance.

How is Sleep Apnea treated?

Mild Sleep Apnea is usually treated by some behavioral changes. Losing weight, sleeping
on your side are often recommended. There are oral mouth devices (that help keep the
airway open) on the market that may help to reduce snoring in three different ways. Some
devices (1) bring the jaw forward or (2) elevate the soft palate or (3) retain the tongue
(from falling back in the airway and blocking breathing). Sleep Apnea is a progessive
condition (gets worse as you age) and should not be taken lightly.

Moderate to severe Sleep Apnea is usually treated with a C-PAP (continous positive
airway pressure). C-PAP is a machine that blows air into your nose via a nose mask,
keeping the airway open and unobstructed. For more severe apnea, there is a Bi-level (Bi-
PAP) machine. The Bi-level machine is different in that it blows air at two different
pressures. When a person inhales, the pressure is higher and in exhaling, the pressure is
lower. Your sleep doctor will "prescribe" your pressure and a home healthcare company
will set it up and provide training in its use and maintenance.

So if you’re a snorer or if you spouse or child is, take them to see your doctor and have
them evaluated. Also, if your child is having difficulty in school, has any behavior
problems, or has sleep issues; then a sleep study could benefit them.

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Featured Artist Review

Sol Lang

By
R. J. Pare’

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Bio: A graphic designer and photographer, Sol Lang is co-founder (with wife, artist
and graphic designer, Mary Bogdan) of Crayon Design & Communication, a design firm
in Montreal established in 1980. Sol Lang has won numerous national and international
awards and was on the board of directors of the Société des Graphistes du Québec. He
has been actively producing photographic art and has participated in numerous solo as
well as group exhibitions. His works are in public and private collections. Sol Lang has
graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Concordia University in Montreal in
1976. More recently he has participated in the Advanced Photography Seminar at the
Saidye Bronfman Centre for the Arts and is now a member of the “8 Versions” photo
group, which holds exhibits and meets regularly. Sol Lang is represented by the Sandra
Goldie Gallery in Montreal, Galerie Image Photographie Encadrement in Sutton, Eastern
Townships, Québec and M!WAA at New Art Center in New York City.

Artist Statement: It would be hard to list all the influences I’ve

had in my life that can be held responsible for the artistic expression I state today. Having
been raised in a matriarchal home environment is not the least of these influences. But it
would be unreasonable not to place much of this responsibility on the Internet as well,
with all of its converging media and its democratization of everything, including art.

As a member of Flickr, an international, multi-cultural on-line community, much of

which is made up of artists, my work is being virtually exhibited daily. With over a
million views in the span of one year, my photographic expression has been commented
upon, censored, liked and disliked, stolen, copyright infringed upon, revered and insulted.
My right of expression has been revoked more than once and I have been politically
attacked. Reactions abound.

The work as it stands today is a commentary on ongoing concerns of womankind in her

ceaseless struggle to shed her stereotypical, objectified image of femininity as it has been
depicted by the media-culture and western society.

I present my images with the skills and craft of a fashion photographer, but without the
entourage of a large production crew. Working alone with the models, these are intimate
sessions without the help of assistants, stylists or hair and make-up artists. They are
collaborations whereby I create visual, thought-provoking statements of beauty, irony,
sadness, erotica and humour… always achieving powerful images of very high
production value. Unfortunately I have been requested by FaceBook to remove images
that contained nudity from this series. I therefore, am providing a link to where more of
my work can be seen. Just copy and paste this link:

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http://www.imagekind.com/MemberProfile.aspx?MID=d10bceab-8925-41a0-9773-
7e6c7a58f6b0

Title: Dealing with Light and Enlightenment

Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Kerri

Sol Lang: I’ve been getting much resistance for

my erotic art. It took me some time to arrive at
calling it “my erotic art”. But that is what it is.
Many of my friends, fellow artists, acquaintances
and media, seem to differentiate between all other
art forms and mine. I am speaking of people,
some of which have known my previous work for
years. Art connoisseurs [who have considered my
work sophisticated, aesthetic and very powerful,
in the past] are having difficulties with what I am
working with at present.

So I need to ask myself why. What is it about my

present artistic investigation into nudity, erotica
and the study of human sexuality, that is so
repugnant to the most extreme critics and less
than acceptable, artistically, to my more tame, yet
still, critical friends?

I am not investigating into areas of art that are all

too new historically. The nude is iconic in art and
has historically always been a part of the
collective artistic journey.

Is it because I am touching on ancient social

taboos invoked by religion? Am I, too strongly
implying that sex is ok?

As an artist I deal with light and light is also what

we need to see things clearly. But something in my art appears to be unclear. I need to understand what that
is. I am beginning to catch a glimpse of it when someone (female) says to me that they can imagine “some
creepy guy looking at my pictures and jerking off”. Let me say that this person is amongst those most
accepting of my work. Others have said that I objectify women, not concerning themselves with the fact
that these works are a collaborative effort between myself and the model. I spend from three to nine hours
with each model in the process of planning and discussing our shooting session. So to say that I objectify
my model is hardly accurate. Can a model objectify herself? I wonder…

This is just the beginning of a much larger discourse I am in the process of developing. It will grow as I am
growing. As I learn what it means to me.

R. J. Pare’: I think, when dealing with North American mores especially, the definite sexual hang-ups are
largely the product of media manipulation of our existing base-line Christian beliefs. This is not to say this
is purely a religious issue… but rather that these lands / cultures were founded predominantly by Christians
and as such those values exist in our cultural psyche. The media takes this and perverts it. A culture that in
many regards has moved away from Orthodox beliefs can still have those values twisted by the media when
they falsely portray the root cause of violence and abuse to be an individual’s taste in music, games and art.
This is preposterous, of course. Individuals that prey on others do so by their own sick and depraved
choices… no piece of music – no video game – and certainly no works of art are responsible for their

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behaviour. But media examinations / sensationalisms, after the fact, of a criminals taste in such areas... try
to draw the conclusion that these were somehow the “cause”. I, personally, find that suggestion offensive.
It takes the blame away from the offender and is a blatant attempt by a puritanical minority to override our
freedoms and establish a “state-enforced” censorship. I love that fact that we live in a free society and have
no desire to be trapped in a theocracy.

By the way, this photo, used on the cover of this issue, is gorgeous and makes excellent use of light and
shadows.

Title: Inspired Shoes and 300 Spartan Warriors

Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Isabella

SL: Lately I have been wondering if my work is making a difference in the world. I seek out beauty and
truth. Of course I can only follow my own aesthetic, which is subjective. Truth is absolute. I believe that
there is only the one. Unfortunately, it is subject to interpretation. As I saw within 3 minutes of the
Republican debate in the race for party leadership, truth is quite illusive to men (and women) seeking
power. This was the most pathetic group of uninspired and uninspiring individuals I have ever seen vying
for this position. Not one ounce of charisma among them.

I am not an American and I know very little about the details and facts pertaining to American politics, but
I am a fairly good judge of
character and I found not one of
these men gave me a sense of
strength of character. They were
unsure about what they were
saying. If I were a voter I would
have a tough time. Unfortunately I
had not seen the Democratic debate
at all, so I cannot address it.

The part I saw was when they were

responding to the question about
believing in the word of the Bible.
It was so obvious to me that they
were saying what would get them
votes rather than saying what they
really believe. Not a true conviction
among them.

I finally saw the movie “300”.

Violence in abundance, but visually
it was quite delightful. The story
too, although quite simple, was
interesting with some human values
in heroism: The age old conflict
between nations; two (or more)
camps of humans, each believing to
be superior, each trying to
annihilate the other for the good of
humanity. Kind of where we are
today. Nothing changed in 3,000
(?) years. We humans are still
trying to destroy each other…
nation against nation. It is the true
definition of obscenity. And here I

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am NIPSA’d by Flickr. What a sad joke!

Isabella, with her super shoes, comes to the rescue. She looks quite proud to be wearing them. They are
sexy. Can anyone really stand safely on such heels? Maybe that is why we see her sitting here. But no,
really, she stands and walks with them quite well. It’s like I am describing a doll. She also speaks and
moves. But here she sits and is looking quite lovely. When she poses for the camera, I sense a story going
through her mind. She must be thinking of something that has made her feel emotion, desire, passion…
shoes?

RJP: What I find most fascinating, about this piece, is the manner in which Sol has staged it. The lighting
creates a sense that there is nothing before her and nothing beyond… that somehow Isabella exists only at
this time – at this spot – and we are captivated as much by her striking choice of footwear as we are by her
knowing gaze looking down at us through her raven locks. In this singular moment, who is the “fly in
amber?” – The observed or the observer?

Title: The “Sitting on The Stairs” session

Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Natalie

SL: An image of Natalie from the Zivity set.

This one is probably, not, an out-take. It will
be included once the work on this set is
complete. It acts as a preview.

RJP: Contrasting this piece with “Inspired

Shoes and 300 Spartan Warriors”, where
Isabella seemed to be isolated in a moment of
time… Natalie seems to be anticipating
something. Her wringing hands and the
shadowed backdrop give a sense that she is
about to leave these stairs. From there, where
does her story go? We are left to wonder and
fill in the blanks. Her eyes convey a sense of a
decision almost reached and the well lit stairs
in the fore-ground can lead us to the conclusion
that she will be able to proceed on her journey
clearly seeing the path ahead.

RJP: 1. Have you always known that you wanted to be, or rather, were a [photographic] artist?

SL: I have been an artist as far back as I can remember. Photography came to me in my mid-teens
when my friend Eli got a camera for his birthday and I borrowed it for a while. I quickly became
hooked and decided to purchase one of my own.

RJP: 2. Did you study or major in art while in school?

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SL: I graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts.
Photography was just one of many disciplines. I did painting, drawing, printmaking, cinema and
all the academics, of course. One of my favorite studio workshops in those days was photo-silk-
screening. I still have a few editions in a closet somewhere in the house.
RJP: 3. Who was your biggest influence or source of encouragement, as a child, in pursuing art?

SL: I can’t really attribute that to any one person. My home was always a creative environment in
one way or another. My parents worked hard to support the family through many hardships, but
my dad was an avid musician and my mom had the visual sense for aesthetics. She used to draw a
bit. I would say that as far as influences went, it was just that they did not discourage me from
fulfilling my creative instincts that helped me to stay with it.

RJP: 4. What do you prefer to work with as subjects: live models, landscapes etc.?

SL: In recent years I have embarked on fulfilling a long-time desire for doing artistic
nudes/erotic/ boudoir/ glamour photography, using female models. I think this was an area that I
didn’t pursue earlier in life due to my own intimidation with the subject, although wanting to. As
a photographer, I did develop working in many terrains. Landscapes, urban decay, portraiture are
all areas I have developed expertise and facility in. Having worked as a studio photographer and
photo re-toucher has extended my skills even further. I apply all these skills and more in the work
I am doing now in my erotic photography. It is what I am doing at present, but who knows where
my work will lead me.

Title: On her Belly

Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Joelle

SL: I needed these images to be processed before I could reach this point in understanding where I am
going with my art. The answer is not yet fully revealed to me, but it has to do with my own sexuality. It has

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to do with my age and my deepest fantasies and desires.

As I write this I am viewing this image above the text box and am listening to my iTunes in "shuffle" mode.
Suddenly a piece of music comes on. A haunting little 2 minutes and 17 seconds of beautiful, soft, pensive
music. I stop to look at what it is. From the movie "Girl With a Pearl Earring" composed by Rachel
Portman. How appropriate this music is. How appropriate to the story line and to my creative state of mind.
For anyone not aware, the story is about the artist Vermeer and his love for light and colour. But mostly his
intriguing relationship with a young model who was also a house-maid for whom he develops a special
interest that goes beyond just making her his subject for the famous portrait by the same name.

So I set the iTunes to "repeat 1" and am letting this haunting piece of music accompany me as I view this
image and go back to writing about my own feelings. I am suddenly filled with great emotion and sadness.
These are feelings of desire and longing. But longing for what? I pride myself as an individual of high
morals and yet I am feeling lust and arousal… feelings that are socially frowned upon. Are my intentions
less than honorable? Is the artist supposed to feel this way toward his subject? What is my motive in
choosing to photograph the female nude? What artistic benefit is in that? Why am I questioning myself?
My sadness turns to anger. What was a feeling of tenderness towards myself, my art and my model has
become a source of questioning in an accusatory fashion. Questioning In a way that makes me feel
ashamed and immoral when trying to answer. What or who am I angry at? My feelings are real and deep. I
feel myself normal in every way. I observe society around me and feel that my life fits very well within it. I
am assuming, therefore, that these are normal feelings that come with a reassessment of self and where I
am in my life.

The answer seems blunt and brutal, but obviously common enough to have its own name. I am uplifted by
that fact. “Mid Life” It is a good term. It implies that if your life until now has been pretty good, you can
expect yet another and equally good amount of life to follow before having to accept the ultimate end of
life.

But there is another term, “Mid Life Crisis.” Is it this that I am experiencing? My adult sons would,
perhaps, express it that way. But is it a crisis? Maybe it’s a need to not accept my age; a need to feel young
again. So I am given a dose of youth through having this soulful, young, female beauty lying naked before
me; awakening desires that have been dormant since the time when my age and such desires were defined
by youth. No not a crisis. It is coming to terms, an acceptance of age and a celebration of wisdom that
comes with age.

My music is still repeating, as its meaning changes along with my mood, as I am writing, which affects
how I feel, as I am going through this self-analysis.

I will not arrive to a conclusion this time, but will continue to do my art and continue this process of
discovery of self through my art and my emotions.

Where this will lead me I have yet to find out.

RJP: Nabokov would probably smile and understand this predicament [all too well]. His exploration of the
“old man and Lolita” archetype is far more compelling and literate than any short blurb I can jot down here.
Look it up, dear readers, and enjoy.

Once again, a beautiful piece, intriguing that her stocking foot [foreground] appears to be the point of
focus… some fetish, perhaps beyond the Lolita imagery?

RJP: 5. What equipment do you prefer to use and do you use any special techniques? [ie:
lighting, special effects or post production manipulation]

SL: Although I come from a traditional photography background, I took to the new technologies
like a duck to water. I love digital photography. Although I was quite expert in the traditional

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medium, digital feels much more natural to me. I feel like I am back to drawing or painting. The
flow that comes from my camera, through my computer, and finally to a framed print, is much
more controlled; it is a much more a direct translation, from initial cerebral concept, to the final
execution of a print.

RJP: 6. What inspires you to create art?

SL: A simple question that requires a complex and lengthy answer. I will try to present it as
briefly and clearly as I can.

When one is an artist, inspiration is a constant flow of energy that is only interrupted by certain
required practical activities like balancing your bank statements or doing your tax return. I am
lucky to be in a creative field professionally, graphic design, so that energy is allowed to run
freely and continuously. I believe that inspiration comes with the constant questioning in pursuit
of truth. Or in pursuit of the question that will reveal the truth to the asker. For an artist, creating
art is inspired by life. Everything around us is inspiration to create. Art is all around us if we only
choose to see. Notice I didn’t say “look”. One does not always see, even if one looks.

RJP: 7. How would you categorize your style?

SL: I have a strong sense of craft. I believe that art should not only be provocative conceptually,
but it should also look good and be well done from a craft point of view. I can appreciate the
grungy art forms and recognize
that banality and dullness can
have an aesthetic that enhances
the concept they convey. But for
me, much of the awe and
wonder that makes art succeed,
is the attention to details and
craftsmanship. I prefer my art to
be intelligent and beautiful,
rather than intelligent and plain
or worse ugly.

Title: Erotica Redefined

Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Milena

SL: Strong words to describe my

model. But I think they are quite
accurate when it comes to Milena.
Her image, a vision of classic
beauty, is compelling and arousing.
So much so that she can just stand
there in a portrait, fully clothed,
and be just as tempting as she is in
our nudes. Although I have shown
many images of her in the nude, I
keep coming back to these - which
I took before she actually
undressed. It may be her utter facial
beauty with perfect features and

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skin, or her expressive stare with eyes that one can get lost in. To have helped create and capture all this
with my art, gives me great satisfaction.

RJP: Her casual dress and pose would lead one to assume that this piece is misnamed. Milena appears
relaxed and is presented in the manner in which one might see her in everyday company. This apparently
“effortless” demonstration of beauty and sex appeal on further reflection makes her more erotic. Somehow,
by showing her in more “realistic” staging Sol has magnified Milena’s allure by creating a sense of
“attainability”… if only in our imaginations.

RJP: 8. Would you say that there is a "message" or "unifying theme" in your work?

SL: My feminine erotic work is following a few themes at the same time. My “Un-shrouded”
series is speaking of the beauty of femininity in the physical sense as well as the beauty of
feminine thought and feminine sensuality. My themes also speak of the power of the feminine,
being rebellious against social stereotyping of women as they are portrayed in the media, art,
literature and film as it pertains to our western society, although, through the internet, I am
beginning to realize that these are really global issues that transcend geographical, political and
cultural boundaries. It is a celebration and an appreciation of feminine beauty in all its facets.

RJP: 9. Which famous artists, photographers or styles have influenced you? Why?

SL: I feel a bit like I have multiple personalities. My background and education was fine arts in
general. I hold a bachelor degree. But I have been exposed to art and artists of all kind for so
many years, that it is hard to say where influences come from. I think that to be a visual artist one
must have extreme capabilities to observe with the eyes and to intellectualize what one sees. As
artists we have a responsibility that goes beyond the creation of objects for decoration. We need
to expose and compel; to provoke action and draw emotion.

I guess if I were to talk about artists that have influenced me... I will list all the ones that come to
mind off the top of my head. I guess if they are part of my memory they must have had influence
on me. In no particular order or discipline they are:

Sarah Moon, Avedon, Herb Ritz, David Bailey, Helmut Newton, Cartier Bresson, Andre Kertez,
Edward Steichen, Manray, Imogene Cunningham, Dorothea Lange, Andreas Feininger. But why
stop at photographers. Raphael, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg,
Salvador Dali, Paul Gauguin, Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, Andy Goldsworthy, Christo/Jeanne-
Claude, Frank Gehry, I. M. Pei, Louis Kahn, Mies Van Der Roh, Jackson Pollock, Jean Paul
Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld,

I have many and diverse interests, but when a work of art touches the soul, it deserves noting.

RJP: 10. If you could meet any living or dead artist, who would it be?

SL: I have never been an idol worshipper. I have met many artists in my lifetime and see them as
anybody else: Human, vulnerable, fragile, insecure, wise and less wise. To some they are like
royalty, but royalty doesn’t impress me much either. I am not answering your question, am I?
Hmm… I think it would be fun to have met John Lennon. He was on a specific level
intellectually that I think coincides with my world view: “Cynically optimistic.” I sometimes
think I want to give the world a swift kick in the butt [like shaking a child into awareness]. Sadly
we are living in a world that needs enlightenment in a big, big way.

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RJP: 11.What is the one question that you would ask him/her?

SL: Ha ha... “What have we done since you requested of us to ‘Give peace a chance’? Not too
much. All that work, John. You died for us, like Jesus, to take away all of our sins and we spat on
your memory. What do you see from out there? I hope it is goodness and redemption.” I feel I am
starting to sound evangelical. I am not religious at all although I consider myself highly spiritual.

Title: Caitlin’s Condescension

Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Caitlin

RJP: A couple of wonderful things

stand out here. Firstly this young
beauty in her titillating attire
contrasted against a very
“domestic” backdrop… the classic
image of the “French maid” comes
to mind. Secondly the technical
accomplishment Sol achieves in
using this staging… the colours and
flooring pattern make for a striking
photo.

RJP: 12. What do you think of

the term "starving artist"?
Specifically, does the struggle to
pay the bills; to be compensated
for one's work; influence what
an artist will or won't pursue
based on perceived commercial
value?

SL: It’s an age old question that

is finally being answered, for
me, with the advent of the
digital communications age. As
it turns out art is much more
significant in our lives than we
ever before believed. And we
did believe it was extremely
significant. There are many
more of us, artists, out there,
than we were aware of before
the Internet. And good artists,
too, producing excellent work.

This is good for the soul and the spirit of humanity, but not too good for the business of art. As
much as people love art – love to do art, they are not that interested in paying the big bucks for
art… hence “the starving artist”.

I mentioned earlier that I know many artists. Well except for a very few of them, most hold jobs
in art related professions or non-art related professions at all. There are very few who’ve had the

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good fortune of making a living from their art. I consider myself lucky to be self-employed in my
own graphic design business. This gives me total freedom in pursuing any artistic direction I wish
to. Galleries that cater to the general public tend to dictate to the artist to produce art that sells,
thereby imposing limitations and intervention in the free creative spirit that is true art. The free
creative flow from the artist’s gut is compromised.

So if you adhere to this premise, art must not be made to sell. It should just be made, period. Later
on, once the artist is done with the work (or dead) it can be sold knowing that it was not
compromised by market demands.

Title: Bathed in afternoon light – The gift,

Elise
Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Elise

RJP: How fast can you say bored housewife?

This sexy woman is transformed into an erotic
fantasy in this elegant staging. All I can say is
the husband better get home before the
gardener or pool-boy start looking good to
her. [LOL]

RJP: 13. Do you feel more a sense of

community with others in your field or a
sense of competition?

SL: I feel mostly a sense of community

than a sense of competition. That is not to
say that when I see something of great
brilliance produced by a fellow artist, that
I don’t wish I had thought of that.

I belong to a very supportive artistic

community. I believe that artists in
general are a great bunch. Certainly with
whom I bond best with and would rather
spend time with than members of any
other profession, vocation, avocation.

RJP: 14. How do you market yourself?

SL: I try to show in as many venues as I can as long as it doesn’t take precedence over the actual
production of my art. Eventually, the pursuit becomes tiring and ones notoriety makes them
become the pursued. I am starting to get to that level just about now. I still need to pursue, but
having established some of this recognition has made it easier to open doors. I will be showing in
a museum in 2011. We are on the cusp of 2009, so you see how booked museums are.

RJP: 15. Do you find it difficult to stay motivated / inspired?

SL: No. I am always doing something that helps motivate: searching, writing, looking. There is
no reason to not always find something to keep one inspired and motivated. I don’t let things
discourage me and try not to invest emotionally in too much, lest be disappointed. I am lucky to

17
have a wonderful, artist/wife, who helps keep things new and fresh. We certainly do support each
other in our graphic design career as we do in our artistic one.
RJP: 16. Do you create your art full time or part time?

SL: To live an artistic life is to eat, dream and breathe art. I consider my creative process as an
ongoing stream. I work on my graphic design business daily as I do on my personal artistic
projects.

RJP: 17. What other interests do you have, besides photography?

SL: Video production, music, architecture and all the visual arts… I am on-line all the time, so it
would be remiss of me to not mention life on the internet, especially the social networks like
Flickr, FaceBook, Zivity and the soon to be discovered by artists the world over – HeuteKunst [
TodayArt ] http://heutekunst.ning.com. This was a plug. My wife, Mary Bogdan created it and we
plan to make it a strong on-line community entity.

Title: What is Christy’s concern?

Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Christy

SL: Art is about asking questions, not giving answers. I guess, by now, everyone who ever took the trouble
to read the texts that accompany my images, has heard my complaints/fears/worries of saying something
poignant and relevant to accompany what the images already convey. As an artist I often hope that the
visual communication is all that is necessary. However, I have found that the number of comments and
responses are far greater when the image is accompanied by a well thought out text. It starts a dialogue that
not only makes the images more interesting to the viewer, but also to me. As I create intuitively with
images, the words alone can sometimes be quite limited. It is then that the comments left by viewers
complete the communication of the art. I want to thank all the Flickr members that have continued to
comment on my images and have added so much to their meaning and my own understanding of my art,

18
bringing to light that which has until now only been feelings, sensations and undefined concepts or
thoughts.

This image, for example, is very appealing to me. As a professional visual artist and aesthete, I recognize
the success of this photograph. Technically, it is very sound. Pleasing colour and composition, lighting and
drama. The model’s pose is exceptional and the look on her face (and what a face!) is precious. But what
does it say to the viewer? What does it say to me? I know it elicits emotion. It certainly does for me. At the
very least, a reaction of some kind from whoever sees it. But what does it all mean? I can consider writing
an entire scenario about Christy, my model. I could write about her life, aspirations and dreams. Give many
answers to explain her expression in both facial as well as body language. But if I do that, I might as well
just be a writer rather than a photographer.

So I ask myself... writer or photographer? The answer is quite clear. I am a much better skilled
photographer than I am writer.

RJP: For me this almost haunting piece conveys a sense of vulnerability. The darker lighting, the darkly
coloured fabrics, the classical furniture… an almost austere environ for this beauty to be displayed in.
Through pose and expression she seems alone, as though she herself is but a trophy in this room. This is a
beautiful composition, Sol; quite a “literary” a piece that truly tells its own story.

Title: Kimmey in Red 2

Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Kimmey

RJP: On the one hand, a delightful composition of red lips, red taffeta and beautiful woman. The demure,
modest pose of her hands and arms would ordinarily convey the image of vulnerable sexuality. But, on the
other hand, this is no delicate guileless waif… her expression tells a different tale – there is an intensity that
forces you to re-evaluate your preconceived notions. This is an image of a sensual woman, existing so, on
her terms an no one else’s. Once again, Sol’s talent for crafting a story – within the image – is
extraordinary.

19
RJP: 18. What advice would you have for a young artist starting out today?

SL: In brief: Definitely, go through the art education route... preferably a university that gives a
degree in fine arts. Stay informed, stay open, don’t become a slave to the “business of art”.

RJP: 19. Do you have any big plans or shows coming up in 2009?

SL: I will just keep going with the work I am doing. The art takes me on a journey that takes
turns and paths that I may not have chosen. Except for what I have already mentioned, I have no
concrete plans in 2009. There is a proposed trip to Italy in the works. That will certainly feed and
influence my creativity. It is largely my reason for this trip.

I also crave to get back to hand work such as drawing and painting. I used to do that and it
beckons me back again.

RJP: 20. How would you like your art, and by extension yourself, to be remembered?

SL: My work is honest. It comes from the depths of my soul. I would like to be remembered as
an artist who broke ground and provoked emotion and thought, presenting concepts at a time that
wasn’t quite ready to accept these truths yet eventually became understood as universal as all
truths are.

Title: Isabella con café’ 1

Artist: Sol Lang
Model: Isabella

SL: Casually holding her coffee mug she

was as beautiful and as natural as any pose
she would enter even while relaxing
between shots. I couldn't resist. I took the
shot and she responded. So I kept on
shooting and shooting.

RJP: Often, in life and art, the “happy

accident” can be quite fulfilling. Sol’s eye
for what beauty and mystery lies beneath
surface of the everyday is to be commended.
His skill and talent has rendered what could
be a mundane moment in time [the coffee
break] into a sublime commentary on life,
sex, art and the roles women play in our
imaginations versus reality of living in the
world with us. Isabella seems aware that we
objectify female beauty… that we are
entranced by that which we can never fully
understand – the female mystique. Yet, she
is comfortable with her beauty, her
sexuality… and hey… it’s all in a day’s
work… so have a cup of joe…

20
Erica Durance – by Jonathan Biermann

21
 World View
Tom’s Travel Tips – by Tom Rossini

With winter here and the frigid weather nipping at our toes it’s not too late to prepare your
vehicle now for the winter weather. This can be done by following a few simple guidelines

1) Drivers are urged to have a winter car check up and have your local mechanic check
antifreeze levels, battery and ignition system, brakes, exhaust system, fuel and air filters, heater
and defroster, lights, oil, thermostat and windshield washer equipment. Also highly recommended
install good winter tires and make sure tires have adequate tread. All weather radials are usually
adequate for most winter driving conditions but to keep from water build up in the gas tank you
should keep your gas tank at least ½ full at all times.

2) Winter Emergency Kit- Should included a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom,
flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks
and mittens. Additional items for emergency use include a First Aid kit, pocket knife, necessary
medications, a blanket, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares
and a fluorescent flag.

3) If traveling with pets - should plan and prepare ahead of time for this member of the family.
Make sure the pet has an ID tag, collar and leash. Make sure you have pet food, adequate water
and any medication the animal needs. Take a pet carrier and favorite toy to help ease anxiety and
keep your pet safe.

4) Severe weather driving - If you must drive during severe winter weather travel during
daylight, don't travel alone if at all possible. Make sure you have extra cell phone batteries and
keep others informed of your travel schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid any back road
shortcuts.

5) Trapped / Isolated and or stuck - If a blizzard traps you in the car pull off the highway, turn
your hazard lights on and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window. Remain in your
vehicle where rescuers can find you. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to
keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and
periodically clear snow from exhaust pipe. Exercise to maintain body heat but avoid overexertion.
In extreme cold use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers
and use your coat for a blanket. Bring in snow to the car and allow it to melt and drink to keep
from becoming dehydrated.

6) Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical
energy needs-the use of lights, heat and radio-with supply. Turn on the inside light at night so
work crews or rescuers can see you.

22
Southpaw Smith – by Scott Claringbold

23
 Part Two:
“NO MORE TEARS NOW; I WILL
HAVE MY REVENGE.”
Mary Queen of Scots

Grainger jolted back into consciousness. He struggled to remember where he was

for a second. He was aware that he was soaking from the shoulders up. Or should that be
down? As he realized that he was hanging upside down.

Several very large bright lights were trained on him. He screwed his eyes up and
the motion made him wince as there was a flash of pain across the left hand side of his
face where his jaw was broken.

Whoever had tied him up here knew what they were doing. The lights disoriented
him and what was that noise? It sounded like demented hellion beasts scraping through
his soul.

Grainger saw the shadowy figure come into view and he panicked for a second.

The noises stopped.

“Hello Mister Grainger.” The voice announced.

Grainger’s shoulders visibly relaxed as he realized who it was.

“It’s you.” He chuckled. “What you smirking at tosser?”

“Nice bravado Smith. Let’s get this over with, I won’t tell you anything.” Grainger stated.

“I don’t need you to tell me anything pretty boy.” Smith sneered in reply.

“Hahahaha! Very good, now be a good cop, untie me and let me down.”

Smith grabbed the hair on the back of Grainger’s head and bent to whisper in his
ear. “Like everyone keeps me reminding me, I’m not a cop anymore!”

Southpaw swung the wrench in his hand. There was a squelching ‘pop’ as
Grainger’s knee separated from the rest of his leg.

Grainger screamed. “You…bloody psycho…”

“At least you get the chance to beg for mercy. It’s more than you gave Roxxi.”

24
“That was an accident. The girl got in the way. It was just meant be a warning.”

That admission made Smith even angrier. Suddenly the pulley that Grainger was
attached to started to lower. Grainger’s head was submerged in a tank of water. He tried
desperately to control his breathing. His breath came in quick shallow gasps. Smith gave
it ten seconds then hoisted the man back up. Grainger spluttered as fresh air rushed to fill
his lungs.

“How did you find me?” Grainger muttered.

“Been following you for about six weeks now. A few nice evenings out with Miranda,
jogging every morning through the park, visits to various establishments carrying out
your bully boy duties. Yes you lead a very busy and a very nasty life.”

“Look..it wasn’t my idea. Xander wanted you on board. Your bird, she just got in the way
man.”

Southpaw cracked Grainger in the jaw with his fist. A stabbing white light of pain
shot across Grainger’s eyes.

“GET ME DOWN!”

“OK!” Smith shouted back.

Smith pressed the button and the pulley descended again. Grainger thrashed
about, shouting abuse. Smith ignored him and checked his watch. The water covered
Grainger’s head and he wriggled furiously. Bubbles burst to the top of the tank as he
fought for air. Southpaw dropped the wrench and headed for the door.

Grainger slowed in his attempts to get free and as Smith closed and locked the
warehouse door Grainger gulped his last breath.

Smith slugged down the scotch, he put the glass down and grabbed the side of the
bar with both hands. The rage and anger inside had subsided for the moment. He had
been a copper for the last fifteen years and he had ‘nicked’ hundreds of toe-rags.
However from the countless junkies, thieves, dealers and several murder suspects he had
seen in the back of his car he had never wanted to kill any of them.

It hit him then that with his actions of the past couple of hours he would never be
allowed to be a policeman ever again. It had taken him about ten minutes to get to the
Saint George. He’d used the back alleys and discarded his black hooded top, making sure
he was wearing a bright coloured t shirt when he got to the pub.

25
 This was a haunt for the uniforms when they got off their shift and he could see a
couple of familiar faces across the other side of the bar. Buying himself a beer Southpaw
wandered over and engaged his former colleagues in a chat. Although he didn’t really
feel like joking and laughing with the guys he knew that when Grainger’s body was
found he was going to have a cast iron alibi.

Benson had proved a little more elusive to catch on his own than his former
partner. Smith had sat outside The Obsidian for a week before mentally chastising
himself for being so stupid. The reason he hadn’t seen Xander or Benson enter or leave
the building was because they were using an underground access.

Once he’d figured that out it still was not as easy as he thought it was going to be.
Benson had boasted on several occasions that he was ex Special Forces. The truth was
that he hired himself out to several Middle Eastern militias. Benson was nothing more
than a glorified thug. He had however picked up some good tips along the way. Like right
now. Smith watched the S.U.V. leave the tunnel and pull on to the road. The vehicle then
headed back toward the city. Smith followed puzzled.

About a mile down the road the S.U.V. pulled up in to a car park. Benson climbed
out and surprised Smith by getting in to silver Astra. The Astra pulled out of the car park.
Smith turned the car round and mingled in with the traffic behind it. Smith kept as far
back as he could watching for tell tale signs that he’d been spotted but none came.

After fifteen minutes of heading away from the centre of London, Benson made
yet another stop. This time he sat himself behind the wheel of a very nice looking Jaguar.
This was his pride and joy. Benson had taken the car from a businessman who had
crossed The Organization. Smith felt that he couldn’t follow him anymore tonight.
Benson was already heading for an open area and Southpaw was worried about being
spotted.

A few nights later. After a vehicle change of his own Smith had finally found
Benson’s end destination.

The house was about an hours drive out of London. It was a big detached house
with a long driveway. Smith knew that he wouldn’t be able to take Benson down here. He
was going to have to catch him during one of the vehicle swaps.

Benson checked the mirror again. He didn’t know how to spot anyone tailing him
really but he liked to give the impression that he knew what he was doing. He figured that
he could fake enough to deter anyone from trying.

26
 He pulled up next to the Jaguar. Benson climbed out and ran his hand over the top
of the car lovingly. As he put the key in the ignition he was suddenly aware of a very
loud ticking. His first thought was ‘BOMB!’ Benson tugged the seat belt off and jumped
out of the door. Peering through the rear window he noticed a brown paper parcel on the
back seat.

It was then that Southpaw hit him.

Benson fell sideways at the blow. Trying to climb back up to his feet Southpaw
grabbed the back of his head and slammed it against the Jaguar. Benson could taste blood
in his mouth. He lunged upwards at Smith trying to catch the man off balance but Smith
ducked and jabbed Benson in the stomach. Benson doubled over and met Smith’s knee as
he went down.

Benson woke up strapped to his own kitchen table. He tried to get up but the
restraints kept him in place. He heard the TV in the other room.

“Smith?” he asked.

Southpaw came through from the living room. “Hey look who’s awake. Have a
nice sleep?”

“What the hell are you doing Smith? You have something to do with Grainger’s
disappearance?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Smith smiled and took a bite from the chicken
leg he was carrying. “Nice pad Benson.”

“Glad you like it. I’ll let you know if I ever sell it. Although I don’t think you’d be able to
afford it.”

Smith laughed.

“So how are you going to do this? Drown me in a water tank. Starve me to death.
What?” Benson asked.

Smith flopped down on a kitchen chair beside the table.

“Drowning would be too quick. Starving wouldn’t be messy enough.” He gripped

Benson’s mouth in a vice like grip. “You murdered my girlfriend in cold blood. You and
your bloody Organization are going to pay mate!”

Topshelf Terry put the phone down.

27
“Who was that?” Maria asked.

“Just a mate. Look I need to nip out for a while.”

“Is everything ok?” Maria asked concerned.

“I hope so.” Terry kissed Maria on the cheek, grabbed his keys and left the house.

Smith put the mobile back in his pocket. He looked at Benson. The man hadn’t
tried to break his bonds.

“They’ll come for me you know. Grainger and I are not the only ones who work for
Xander.”

“They won’t need to come for you Benson. I’m taking you to them.”

Terry sat on the roof of the building opposite The Obsidian. He looked through
the guns scope. This was going to be a piece of cake. Southpaw had been a bit scary on
the phone. Terry had said he’d wanted to help but didn’t want to get on the wrong side of
the law.

“Trust me.” Smith had replied. “The cops are going to have a much bigger mess to deal
with than a few paint bullets on a camera.”

Terry knew Southpaw was gunning for revenge. He bit his lip. This was the least
he could do. Roxxi had been his friend too.

Southpaw shoved the larger man in to the back of the Jaguar. Benson flopped on
to the back seat. His eyes suddenly went wide with fear. It took Smith a couple of
seconds to realize what had spooked the man. Smith picked up the package and held it up
to Benson’s face. Benson tried frantically to bury himself further into the plush seats.
Smith laughed and ripping the parcel open he took out the large iron clock and showed
Benson. The man just had time to roll his eyes before Smith smashed the clock off the top
of Benson’s head.

Terry clicked the mobile phone off. Smith had given him the go ahead. Terry
aimed the gun and lined up the shot. He squeezed the trigger gently and a second later the
first camera was dripping with red paint. Terry swung the sight to the reception area. The
guards had stood, one tapping the monitors the other looking out through the window.
Terry aimed at the second camera and fired. The shot missed by a half inch. Terry cursed
and steadying he shot again.

28
 Half a mile away from The Obsidian and Smith pulled the tarpaulin from over the
car. Benson roused from his slumber and realized he was tied by a webbing of chains to
the front of his car. He tried to move but the chain bit into his forehead holding him
tightly against the vehicle. He tried to talk but Southpaw had taped his mouth. Smith
removed a lipstick from his pocket. It had been Roxxi’s favourite. Viciously he tore
Benson’s shirt open and scrawled something over the man’s chest. Smiling Smith put the
lipstick back in his pocket and tapped the man on the cheek.

“Enjoy the ride.” Smith said and then climbed into the car.

Terry had taken out the last camera and then did a runner. As he jumped from the
last step of the building opposite The Obsidian he sent the text to Smith.

Southpaw glanced at the mobile’s screen for confirmation, smiled a particularly

nasty smile and revved the car’s engine.

The peace of the back streets of the city centre was rudely shattered as the Jaguar
roared through them. Benson was screaming but no one could hear him under his gag and
the noise of the engine. Smith had deliberately chosen the area. No cameras and less
chance of being spotted. He would be at The Obsidian in the next minute or so.

Xander spoke loudly into the phone. “I don’t care if it is just kids messing about
get someone down there to take a look.” He slammed the phone back down. Walking
over to the window he looked out at the little ants below. He noticed the vehicle
approaching fast and although he couldn’t make out any specifics a cold chill shot
through him.

The building was looming up ahead of the car and Smith accelerated. He had to
judge this just right and make sure he was clear at the precise moment.

Xander tried to raise security but they had gone off to look for whoever had
vandalized the cameras. Xander ran to the lift and pressed the button for the ground floor.

Benson knew what was about to happen and deep down he believed that he
deserved it. It wasn’t going to make it any less painful though.

Smith jumped clear with about twenty feet to go. He picked himself up and
managed to sprint a few good yards before the car smashed through the glass front of the
building. Glass rained down on the figure of Benson. Several shards fell and sliced into
his body piercing organs and arteries. He gurgled on his own blood still unable to open
his taped mouth.

Xander ran out into the reception area just as the car came through the window.
He threw himself to one side as the vehicle barreled along and after hurtling through the

29
seating area and monitors of the security guards station it came to rest against the wall.
Xander picked himself up just as the guards came back into the corridor.

“Are you ok sir?” One guards asked.

Xander pushed him aside as he made his way towards the car. The guard noticed the
body strapped to the front of the car for the first time.

“Sweet Jesus!” The guard muttered.

Xander read the single word scribbled on Benson’s chest with lipstick
‘UNORGANISED’. At that moment Xander felt someone burning a hole in his soul. He
looked up and over the street to see a dark figure watching him.

“Smith.” He whispered

Two people emerged from the stairwell at that point, a man and woman. Both
were smartly dressed. “Sir, let’s get you out of here.” The woman said taking Xander by
the arm.

Xander stood rooted to the spot staring out across the street. The woman followed
his gaze but saw nothing.

“Sir, let’s go.” She repeated.

In the distance the sirens wailed. Smith had stood and watched as the car crashed
through the glass. He’d felt sorry for Benson for about a second before he reminded
himself what the scumbag had done to beautiful Roxxi. Southpaw watched the ensuing
commotion and had felt happy with the outcome. He had put the fear of God in to Xander
and that thought justified his actions.

Terry switched on the news. “…drunk driver has crashed into a building in the
centre of London. Reports indicate that the owners of the building can not be traced and
apart from the dead driver no one else has been injured. More news as we have it.”

Maria said something but Terry was too engrossed in the report to hear. “What
love? Sorry I was miles away.”

The next morning and miles away was where the man on the dock wanted to be in
the next several hours. Bernie wandered down the marina.

“Damn it boy! You’ve taken the wrong name again.” He muttered to himself as he read
the sheet in front of him.

30
 Simon was always taking the wrong names. Bernie would have fired him years
ago if he hadn’t been related to him. Bernie was sure he was looking for a woman but the
only person he could see was a man in his mid thirties. The man was wearing shorts and a
patterned ‘aloha’ shirt.

“Excuse me.” Bernie said. “I’m looking for someone called Jacobs.”

The man turned around and removing his hat he ran a hand over his shaved head.

“That’s me.” Smith said holding out his hand. “Jacobs, Tracy Jacobs. My parents always
wanted a girl.” He joked. “Please call me TJ.”

The boat cruised out of the bay about an hour and a half later. Smith watched as
the city faded away behind him. Tracy had always wanted to go on a boat trip, just the
two of them. He glanced down at the photo in his hand. Smith kissed the tip of his finger
and placed it on Roxxi’s lips.

“For you sweetheart.” He whispered and left his troubles behind him.

For now!

31
 Afterword
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Over the years I’ve written and created
comic book characters and stories but not being able to draw has really
hampered my progress. One of my creations, Rabid, is mentioned briefly in this
story as the only other survivor of experiments with the serum.

Marc Olivent and I created Rabid ten years ago and he seems to be
enjoying a revival as he is set to join other heroes in various crossovers during
2008 and 2009. So keep an eye out.

Southpaw Smith was originally going to be the British counterpart to the

America based Rabid but he gradually took on his own personality and this book
grew out of that. On creating Southpaw I knew exactly who I wanted him to look
like. Jason Statham. Having watched films like Mean Machine, The Bank Job and
Crank I visualized Jason as Smith and wrote this little story for him. I hope one
day he gets to read it.

Thanks to the following people who made this possible:

Marc Olivent for the cover. A truly talented artist.

Mal Earl for the inspiration, another great artist.

Tommy Hoodless for the support.

Mam, Dad, Steven and the rest of my family who put up with my endless
supply of new characters.

Everyone who took the time to read the draft and tell me what they
thought, thanks guys! And most of all thanks to you dear reader for taking the
time to read this little book, I hope you enjoyed it.

Scott Claringbold, August 2008.

32
Untitled – by Lisa Marie Mueller

33
 Writer’s Column
Creation in Our World – by Larissa Gula

Untitled – by Mohammed Abdullah

A very happy New Year, readers! I hope your holiday season was an enjoyable one. Mine
was amazingly decent, considering the years of personal trauma my house has to offer in
memory storage.

There was, however, one thing not related to the past that bothered me. I noticed it when I
was eating my chocolate. Who remembers the days when you opened a wrapper
decorated with a Santa and inside the chocolate was detailed with lines that recreated the
Santa in your chocolate?

Sadly, the Santa chocolate I had was line-less, a simple mundane piece of chocolate
without a defining figure. The details that created the tiny image were gone.

I was appalled at first. Where was the effort to create something wonderful for eaters?
Where was the attempt to bring a smile to the person’s face when they saw how much
energy went into their food to remind them of good old St. Nick? Clearly if they bought
chocolate with a Santa wrapper there was no need to worry about offending them with
political correctness.

34
It didn’t take me long to make a connection back to the art of writing I myself miss at the
moment. We can have a fantastic idea in our heads, but let’s admit it: without the details
to complete it, we aren’t going to go far in a book.

Details need to be everywhere. The character design in writing ought to have a fairly
good background to make it consistent. Even when no one reads your character profile,
the writers themselves ought to know everything possible. The scene must be set and no
room must be left for confusion.

Even you artists out there can’t abandon detail. There can be a minimum number of
defining lines in the artwork, but let’s admit it – there’s always at least one. I can’t go too
into depth myself with this one, unfortunately. Every writer and artist has his or her own
style, so I can’t critique everyone as a whole. What I can safely say is that, just like the
lines on my Santa chocolate were missed, the details in your works will be missed if you
don’t put forth the effort into them.

Work hard to make your craft as complete as possible.

Happy New Year,

Larissa

Home is Where the Heart is - Personal work describing my relationship with family and
partner – by Kalinda Higgs

35
 Poetry

Anna’s Poems – by Anna Gehmacher

I can promise you Tim,

that it still hurts
because I don't
know where you are
or who you're with.

Because you're still my star

and I know that without me
you can't live.

I still hurts
because I know that you're the one,
I now know that I was wrong,
that we were perfect all along.

36
 It still hurts
because you're not here
to hear these words
and watch me bleed.

It still hurts
because I have no one to dry my tears,
no one to hold me tight
and listen to me breathing
in the middle of the night.

It still hurts
because you're not here
and I'm not where I used to be,
but that won't make things any more easy.

It still hurts
because you're the one that said you'd like to stay in touch
and I was the foolish one that said "no thank you very much".

It still hurts
because I was the one that
said goodbye
while you tried, oh god did you try,
to keep me from doing exactly that.

It still hurts
because now there's no one to dry my tears,
the tears I cry because of you,
the tears I cry because of me,
the tears of a girl who belongs to you.

Allison Mack –

By

Jonathan Biermann

37
 The Needles Eye
- by Stephen Campbell

DVD’s in their hundreds, books of every type,

Hype! Grave obsession feeds it, and in kind,
A destructive consumption, a wary lechery
In the very pit of my mind. Ah! To be alive.

Life expectancy 38.5…

Life’s opportunities pricked by death,
A breath, a blessing, a painful scorn,
Of life cut short before being born.

The gift of a sister or a new baby boy,

Hope! Certainty takes away youthful joy,
A baby in a cot, a gun by the bed,
38.5 and then he’ll be dead.
Alfred writes: “The weather is cold

And it rains.” He wants to be a soldier. A sigh,

And at seven years old it pains me
To hear of my boy lashed from on high.
Untitled – by Engin Korkmaz
Malawi on TV again and then to bed. I dream a poor dream.
Precious Pyre! I stir against my covers. I awake.
Music! I hear the deafened drumbeat,
I read the letter again and lay it by raised receipts.

Revelations - by Stephen Campbell

An empty page my soul on page,

How I transcribe the genius of my age?
The stage I choose is lies and deceit
The men use I, I flounder in heat.

Oh sunken plank I cannot shift

But here I judge the times, the rift,
The rapture calls I will answer nay,
I not yet ready for that grey day.

A man aloft within the clouds

Calls fear, joy down on uneven crowd,
The crowd lists still, friends do go,
And leave their kin in field to sow.

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 And sow their short end of life,
For life’s sudden turn to heat and strife
Will come to lonely man in field alone:
Women will know nothing but their groans,
Their homes cast down, the seas sudden rise,
The stars are cast streaming from the skies,
The city descends and levels the world
Whilst Heavens great banners cast unfurled
Upon the world, world made anew.
World made anew for you.
For me I know not if I be saved
I wait…it could be that very day.

Self Portrait – by Kalinda Higgs; mixed media collage.

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Ambition and Honourable Men
- by Stephen Campbell

Caesar wept and I,

Mourning wasted years
Do sympathize with
The bitterness of those tears.

Twenty years and none wrought

But the genius that I bought,
I wish for the day when I can weave
Poetry contending with ancient tapestries.

Our minds bend to ancient ways

And the eloquence of barbaric days
If I a Homeric parallel carry, the armour,
Of noble Achilles I would gladly bear.

To live battle of life so brief but swift

And lifted from this life fleet footed swift,
Yet create a legend in deaths respite
And ascend as such the bane of life.

Justin Hartley – by Jonathan Biermann

Worst days endure out of honourable ambition,

As noble enterprise, now is wealth’s full coffer
Filled with blood currency twisted of pitiable attrition;
The sacrifice of poor souls we guiltless offer.

40
Untitled – by Leyla Sabah

41
 Non – Fiction
Futurism in the Funnies – by Roy G. James

Oceanics and
Aquaculturalism
Life and work, as we know,
will be considerably altered.
“When scientists who study
the ocean describe the
underwater world of the
future their visions rival those
of science-fiction writers.
The fanciful drawing [figure
22] – was created for a sober-
minded industrial firm –
Litton Industries, Inc.

Figure 22 – Compton’s Yearbook, 1966, pp. 556 - 557

It is entirely possible, say oceanographers, that human beings may someday live and
work in colonies on the ocean floor. Tomorrow’s sea dwellers may commute by
submarine between their colonies. They may use submarine barges for their commerce.

A new breed of miners will make claims on the seas’ storehouse of riches. The mineral
nodules lying under thousands of feet of water might be brought up by suction dredges.
“Aquaculturists” will operate huge fish ranches on the shallow, fertile continental
shelves. Fish will be fenced in and protected – perhaps by sonic barriers – fed and herded
by remote control devices on shore. No one expects this world of the future to be
achieved soon, but a start has already been made.” 1

1. “The Ocean – Its Vital Present and Exciting Future.” The 1966 Compton
Yearbook, Chicago, Ill., F.E. Compton Co., 1966 pp. 554-560.

It is uncanny the similarity between this drawing and that of figure 23 [drawn nearly
twenty years ago]. Underwater cities of this type have been proposed by comic artists for
some time.

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Figure 23 – Aquaman # 48, National Periodic Publications, Inc., 1969
– “How Aquaman Got His Powers”

Arcology
Another of the cities of the future may be mile-high super cities constructed on limited
areas of land or sea, dictated by the necessity to preserve valuable productive soil [See
figure 24]. Each structure within the city would be its own community with shopping
facilities, educational and recreation areas, etc. Many high-rises of present day Toronto
have similar arrangements.

Figure 24 – Superboy # 220, National Periodic Publications, Inc., 1976

– “the Soldiers of the Slave-Maker”

43
Untitled – by Engin Korkmaz

44
 Pop – Culture
Comic Book Review - Ythaq: The Forbidden World
– By Brad Bellmore

Marvel Comics unveils a new

title, Ythaq: the Forsaken World, a
release of Soleil Comics monthly here in
North America, written by Christophe
Arleston and drawn by Adrien Floch.
Soleil, a French comic publisher and
leaders in the industry in Europe, joined
with Marvel Comics to increase their
distribution. What a stroke of fortune for
those of us who have not had the
opportunity to find these works before.

Currently on sale is the first book

of this series, Terra Incognita. This is a
nice techno-fantasy, a sci-fi story that
incorporates large portions of the fantasy
genre. The story begins with a high end
space cruise liner encountering distress
and the ship getting torn apart. We
follow three characters (Granite, a
navigation officer, Narvarth, a repairman,
and Callista, a passenger) as their portion
of the ship separates and crashes on an
uncharted world.

Though the aid of Tao, a Feng (a travelling scholar), they manage to escape
justice in a small fishing village and then travel to a bigger city. There they try to
discover the fate of the rest of the ship and the other passengers. Margrave seeks to
capture any of the aliens from the ship in hopes of controlling this new power. She is
quite brutal and ruthless in her attempts at this.

I greatly enjoyed the story. Ythaq offers the single most intriguing love triangle
that I have ever encountered, with attraction met with unrequited love on every front. The
flow of the story and the separation of characters rise organically form the circumstances
and the characters involved. Even the cliffhanger change of fortunes for Callista bodes
for some interesting changes and complications ahead. Overall, the story here has the
depth of prose fiction, providing a depth of intrigue beyond your typical comic.

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 Visually the book is quite interesting. The Soleil commentary on the inside front
cover talks about the mix of influences on their creators is evident, expressing a blend of
both North American and Japanese styles. The detail of the backgrounds lends to
establishing the world that we have been thrust into. My only issue with the look of the
book is that volume of panels per page and how small they end up being to accommodate
this. I would prefer to enjoy the art more by getting lager pictures to look at.

This is well worth the purchase. You actually get 48 pages of comic for the cover
price. There is a mature content label on the front cover for language and nudity, both of
which are tame compared to other comics out there.

Raised on Saturday Morning Cartoons – by Pauline Pare’

‘
‘Tis the season for canceling television shows. Many shows truly deserve such a
fate yet there are many cancellations that make us want to weep. I need to rant on this
subject because there are 2 shows: “Pushing Daisies” and “My Own Worst Enemy”…
that are the latest victims of the network axe.

Would you walk into a bookstore and purchase the first chapter of a novel only to
be told that the rest of the book may be written if deemed popular enough? Yet we are
drawn into these amazing series with long and involved plotlines only to be left without
the final chapters. Frankly, I want to know what happens next. It is no wonder that fans
go into an uproar when left with a cliffhanger and no resolution. This is what happened
with “Jericho”. The fans were so upset that they sent thousands of angry letters and tons
and tons of peanuts. (‘Nuts’ was a famous line from the final episode of season one.)
Consequently, the network agreed to a 7 episode wrap-up of the series.

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 I truly believe that when a series with a long running plotline is introduced, there
should be a contract between the viewers and the network, that the show will have some
kind of satisfying resolution. Even if the show is not a success, there are certainly some
viewers. Eventually viewers will become tired of investing time in a series only to have
it yanked away prematurely, leaving only questions. This has happened to several shows
that I enjoyed, including “Wonderfalls”, “Firefly” and “Surface”. I am sure that RKYV’s
readers could create their own lists of cancelled shows that they miss.

If a network started promising to finish all that it starts, they would earn my
undying loyalty. In the meantime, we need to keep raising a stink whenever a network
ends a beloved story without giving us the final chapters. We could also boycott
television altogether but that would be insane - A world without television? What a
nightmare!

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