Patti Smith On Composing Songs
"..I don't want to seem conceited or anything - I don't know whether to call it a gift or an ability, but I do have an ability that is in some ways like a channeling kind of ability... So I surrender and let these things come into me... Sometimes I feel that I don't know where certain things come from, sometimes I believe that they come from angels, from God, from an ancestor. I don't know, maybe the air. Nobody knows where these things come from, but they are just a part of who I am and how I work. I have experienced enough things like this to know that even if they are a part of my subconscious, they are a real thing, and I think that they are often helpful..."
Paranoia Plagiarism
In August 1998, my brother found an 'Alien Article' on David Bowie's website, that was - apart from a couple of lines and minor changes - made up of two pieces I had written and distributed: These originals were entitled 'A Statement About David Bowie, Whitley Strieber And Aliens' and 'The Truth About David Bowie's 'Jean Genie.''
At the end of the 'Alien Article,' sources were given as George C.Andrews, and Paranoia magazine, and the author (i.e. me) was said to wish anonymity. It seemed that Paranoia had previously printed the article in their magazine, without asking me, and had falsely attributed it to 'Anonymous.'
My only real objections were 1) I was not asked by anyone whether I wanted to be identified as 'anonymous' - I didn't want this. 2) I preferred not to have any alterations to the original pieces, without first being asked - even minor changes such as those made.
I've now learned that my writing was - as far as I can tell - also featured in a book published in January 1999, called 'The Conspiracy Reader.' I can't be sure exactly what the David Bowie-related article in this book is, because I can't find a copy in London shops; but I guess it is more-or-less the same thing plagiarised in Issue 13 of their magazine.
Copy of article is on Bassman (look under articles; then, at bottom of page misc.articles, then paranoia)
More info on Paranoia
Look for The Conspiracy Reader at Amazon / Barnes & Noble
The Legacy Of Tony Wedd
Jim Goddard has produced a superb CD Rom documenting the pioneering life, work and ideas of Tony Wedd. If you're interested in flying saucers, ley lines, life energy applications etc., or are open to developing an interest in these things, then I think you'll really appreciate this outstanding CD Rom, which is entitled The Legacy Of Tony Wedd. If interested, then visit the Tony Wedd Site.
Tangerine Dream on Alien Life
Electronic music veterans Tangerine Dream have an extensive question and answer section on their site. It includes this one:
74. Has the band some sort of belief in the existence of UFOs and furthermore, do they think of extraterrestrial life?
There are visible and invisible objects around us all the time - throughout all the centuries - and there are of course other life forms existing within our solar system and beyond. It's part of our arrogant and ignorant behaviour to ignore such life forms which are so distant from our "war-hate-kill-each-other" attitude that we haven't got a single clue of their level of consciousness.
