CommuniKate: Newsletter
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September 2006
[CommuniKate logo]
September 2006
-- In Memoriam: Eric Rofes
-- Site News: All New Everything, A Private Internet Chat with Kate Clinton, New Weekly Rants, HA [Humor Activism] Corner
-- September Trivia Contest: Win a What The L? Coffee Mug!
-- Kate Clinton IT'S COME TO THIS! 25th Anniversary Tour News
-- InterroKate: Kate Answers All the Burning Questions in this Exclusive Interview
-- Kate Recommends: Ugly Ducklings
-- Fan Spotlight
-- Fall's Coming: Warm Up with Some Tea or Cocoa, Kate Clinton-Style
-- Booking and Publicity
[Photo of Kate and Hilary Clinton, kate-hillary.jpg]
Photo: Kate and Hilary: A picture paints a thousand words
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In Memoriam: Eric Rofes
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[Photo of Eric Rofes, eric-rofes.jpg]
Eric Rofes
August 31,1954 – June 26, 2006
http://ericrofes.com
The Last Time I Saw Eric
Read Kate's article on his passing, featured in the September issue of the Advocate:
"Early on June 26, 2006, Eric Rofes died of a sudden massive heart attack in Provincetown, MA..."
http://kateclinton.com/kate-multimedia/writing/2006/09/the_last_time_i_saw_eric.html
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Site News: All New Everything, A Private Internet Chat with Kate Clinton, New Weekly Rants, HA [Humor Activism] Corner
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If you've visited Kate's site recently you've probably noticed some changes. Based on feedback from all of you, we've given the site an overhaul that will make connecting with other fans, finding what you want, and booking Kate even easier. Call it Kate 2.0. You'll find:
-- A spiffy new streamlined design
-- CommuniKate, a completely revamped section just for fans that features Kate's blog, an interactive Forum, and a new Downloads page with brand-new free desktops/wallpapers for your computer, and banners and buttons for your site
-- All new CafePress items
-- A new weekly rant by Kate called "Don't Get Me Started"
-- The new "Send This Page to a Friend" feature in the footer of every page and at the bottom of every newsletter (rolled out last month -- use it!)
-- Easy buttons right on the home page so you can check out Kate on your favorite social networking sites like MySpace and Friendster
-- About Kate, a one-stop shop for press, media and event planning folks
-- New, searchable archives for Kate's articles, photos, and blog
Explore, enjoy, download, and keep those comments rolling in -- your emails keep us in the know on what you want to see on the site, and tell us how we can make a stronger, more active community. We hope you'll like the changes and can't wait to see you in the forum and commenting on the blog!
http://kateclinton.com
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A Private Internet Chat With Kate Clinton: Wednesday, October 18, 2006, 9:00pm EST
Details will follow for this exclusive intimate evening with Kate. A special edition of CommuniKate will be sent to you with complete instructions on how you will be able to join along in the CommuniKate chatroom.
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New: Don't Get Me Started! Weekly rants straight from Kate
[Photo: DGMS-centered.jpg]
"Ann Richards dies and Dick Cheney lives - there is absolutely no justice in the world. Dick, who lies out of the side of his mouth lives."
http://kateclinton.com/communikate/dont_get_me_started/
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The HA [Humor Activism] Corner
Let's put some fun in our own fundamentalism! Use your imagination! Tell us some of the witty, gay civil protests you've done in our all-new HA [Humor Activism] Corner.
[Photo of Kate Clinton emceeing an auction, hacorner-kate.jpg]
"I am an ordinary person. I am no one special. I ask a simple question. Why war?" Check out the latest HA! Corner entry from comedian Karen Williams:
http://kateclinton.com/communikate/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5
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September Trivia Contest: Win a What The L? Coffee Mug!
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[Photo of CafePress What The L? coffee mug]
The first person to email us with the correct answer to the following trivia question gets a What The L? coffee mug from CafePress. Score! Here's the question: What kind of vehicle did kate first drive on the road to shows?
Click here to email us your answer:
kate@kateclinton.com
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Last Month's Contest
Congrats to last month's Trivia Contest winner Laurie Finch, who answered the question one minute after the newsletter went out, "Complete the quote from Kate's one-liners: She wouldn't say lesbian if..." with, "her mouth was full of one." Well done, Laurie! Thanks to everyone for playing.
Two honorary mentions to two answers that we received regarding the August trivia question: Becky Stamler writes: "Originally born in: Buffalo, New York. Reborn in: Provincetown, MA." Callcon writes: "in a hospital." Snap!
Find out more about What The L? here:
http://kateclinton.com/store/index.html#store-whatthel
Check out Kate's CafePress stuff here:
http://cafepress.com/kateclinton
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Kate Clinton IT'S COME TO THIS! 25th Anniversary Tour News
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[Picture of Advocate ad, ad-0607.jpg]
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Time Is Running Out: A Show Not To Be Missed!
The East Coast is getting ready for Kate's only Tri-state Anniversary Show appearance
Kate's only tri-state area Anniversary show will be on Saturday, October 7 at the Theatre at RVCC in Somerville, NJ. We know, we know, it's in October -- but it's not too soon to buy tickets, and they're going to be very scarce very soon, so scoop yours up now! Call (908) 725-3420 or buy online:
http://www.rvccarts.org
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Womens Week 2006 in Provincetown
[Ad for Women's Week event, nclr-womens-week.jpg]
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Kate Rocks Soldier Field: A report from the Gay Games
[Two photos of Kate at Gay Games, gaygames1.jpg, gaygames2.jpg]
Photo credit: Paul Natkin, with thanks to Director of the Ceremonies Kile Ozier
Act I of the Opening Ceremonies was titled "Exclusion."
Exclusion is that moment when we discover that the world may not be the oyster we may have thought it was, while growing up. The moment of discovery that "I'm different... am I the only one...?" enters our consciousness and changes our lives. It is the beginning or our search for Like Others, hoping to find more like ourselves and afraid of that possibility, at the same moment. Separateness, confusion, bewilderment, disorientation... Exclusion.
This was Kate's Introductory speech:
I was raised in upstate New York in the 50s. I am the middle child of five kids. We were middle class. We lived modestly. I was raised Irish Catholic. Fundamentalist Irish Catholic. My mother went to daily mass, we often said the family rosary, there were novenas, I went to Catholic School through college. I was heavily recruited for the convent.
And I loved sports. I played sports with my three brothers - baseball, hardball not softball. Football - tackle not touch. Basketball - I had a great outside shot and could dribble like a mad woman which was useless in the three dribble rule days of my high school basketball team. We played vicious ice hockey. I insisted on boy's skates. On summer nights I played tennis until it was so dark you couldn’t see the ball. My heroes were the elegant track star Wilma Rudolph, the gorgeous swimmer Donna DeVarona and the very noisy tennis player Billie Jean King.
I loved to compete and to play rough and I loved my girlfriends who played rough. I loved the contact, the teamwork, the bodies, the exertion. But this was pre-title 9, so there were no organized sports for girls in school. Which might have been just as well, because I was starting to notice looks from other girls, appalled by my budding butch enthusiasm for sport. And for them.
It was confusing and I remember I once told my father that I really loved my girlfriends. He said, "We all love our friends." I said, "No I really love my girlfriends." This was pre-gay movement - so there was no language for what I was - not in my family, not in my church - though there was the hint of hell - not in my school.
I knew I did not want to get married. I did not want to have children. I could not even have dreamed of living with a woman. It did not look good and even as a little girl I remember being sad about my lack of options. I thought I would end up, a spinster, darning socks by my older brothers fireplace.
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InterroKate: Debra Shapiro, MD sits down with Kate for a casual one-on-one chat
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[Photo of Kate with Dr. Debra, debra-and-kate.jpg]
On Comedy:
When did you receive your first laugh?
Pre-K, I had gotten some earlier laughs when I deliberately sabotaged my first and only modern dance recital by clumping on stage with my tutu tucked into my tights, but that was more passive-aggressive than intentionally humorous. My first professional laugh was when I was in first grade, I lip-synced "I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas" for the Sts. Peter and Paul Elementary School Christmas Show. Miss Como, the gorgeous fourth grade "lay" teacher, fell off her chair she laughed so hard. I was hooked.
Who are your comic inspirations?
The first 15 minutes of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Molly Ivins. Maureen Dowd when she isn't being misogynist. Napoleon Dynamite. Various friends.
What is the funniest thing you have heard in the last 24 hours?
Joe Lieberman got defeated in a primary in CT. He sees it as a victory. When he came in thrid in the Democratic primary in 2004 he also said he won, that he had "Joe-mentum." Today was his "Joe-bituary." Funny. And I love it when I make myself laugh.
On Sex:
Is it easier to make a woman laugh in or out of bed?
Women should laugh more in bed. I should be with them. But I think the mike stand would get ground in dirt in the sheets. Shout it out.
You are famously virginal; when did you decide not to be bothered with pleasing men?
Does that mean I can't be famously re-virginal? Mary and I have even more in common! How old are you when you get your first tooth? Then.
This requires a quick response only, no deep thinking -- Strap-on or vibrating tongue piercing attachment?
Huh?
Velcro or snaps?
Two snaps! Queen.
Condi Rice or Ann Coulter?
They should marry.
To be fair, as we have no real separation of Church and State in the US right now, I blend the two in these last questions:
What do you think about the Texas Republican Party, the GOP, renaming itself, "God's Own Party?
You really wouldn't want to know what I call them. Gore Vidal says they're all The Property Party and they have two right wings - Republican and Democrat. I used to do a joke about Chicken McReagan - it's all right wings and assholes. I should bring it back.
What is your pet political action or inaction of this fledgling 21st century?
Whenever I realize I'm sitting with Republicans - gay or straight - I try to talk with them and find out how they think what they think. Instead of shutting down, running away, or looking for my taser.
(Alternatively) If you could chew nicorette gum (and the fat) with a political leader on your right and a religious leader on your left, whom would you choose and why?
I've always enjoyed talking with Patrick Guerrero, the former head of Log Cabin Republicans. And Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum is endlessly interesting. And wicked funny. I really wish we could bring June Jordan back - as a righteous, African-American poet and teacher, I always found her thoughts challenging and inspiring. I'd bring back my pal Eric Rofes too. He was a movement genius. And every day I love to talk with Urvashi. I love reading the morning paper with her.
Which are your favorite sources for political information?
I read way too many newspapers, magazines, websites - Slate, HuffPo, and I'm on lots of progressive and gay listserves. I watch as much of FOX news as I can handle to find out what Tass is thinking. People send me great clippings. I like Gore Vidal, Gloria Steinem, Eve Ensler, Howard Zinn, my Progressive editor Matt Rothschild. My publicist, Michele Karlsberg keeps it real for me with her Staten Island insights. Did I already mention Urvashi? Ditto that.
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Kate Recommends: Ugly Ducklings
[Image: Ugly Duckings logo, ugly-ducklings.jpg]
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Ugly Ducklings is a national campaign to reduce bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth You can check out their Resource Guide & Film for parents, educators, youth, providers and other allies, and learn more about the campaign, at:
http://www.hghw.org
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Fan Spotlight
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Send Kate a letter or a photo -- we're always posting new fan photos on the site and Kate loves to hear from you! Here are some recent letters and photos. Keep 'em coming!
More fan photos:
http://kateclinton.com/multimedia
Send Kate a photo or letter:
kate@kateclinton.com
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Thank You
Dear Kate:
Thank you for printing the story about my mom. She is such an Inspiration to me. I know that I am going to be very sad when she goes.
I enjoyed reading your CommuniKates and wish more people will read them in this election season. I hope those who do, follow your advice to go vote. Visibility and pulling the lever is crucial.
Thank you for your commitment to women's rights.
The best to you and good luck in the tour. Let us know when you are coming to DC next.
Marielena
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Longtime Fan
Hello Kate,
I have so enjoyed reading your semi-regular column in the Progressive and discovering your website. You are a breath of fresh air. The first (and only) time I have seen you in person was in Little Rock, Arkansas in1978 or 79. I laughed until I cried. I hope one day your tour will bring you close to Arkansas again.
Lisa Ray
Conway, Arkansas.
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Late Night Thoughts on Listening to Kate on LOGO
Dear Kate,
I'm sitting here being a couch potato watching LOGO, and up pops your face (again). And suddenly it hits me: I'm living a life that I just never imagined possible 25 or so years ago when, in the dark dingy basement of the Cincinnati church that was one of the few venues that the women's community there could use for our dances, concerts and other shows, I listened to this really cute woman as she did something I had then never previously imagined: Made me split my gut laughing about being who I was and the community in which I lived and loved. Up to that time, as a young woman who had just come out into a lesbian-feminist community with some pretty rigid rules about what being a lesbian was supposed to be about, everything about being a lesbian was just so damned SERIOUS. And of course, in so many ways we had to be. But what so many of us forgot was that we also seriously needed to laugh. YOU made us laugh, and made it finally ok to poke fun at ourselves and the world around us. You changed things in a wonderful way.
Now look at us. A 24/7 queerfolk channel that part of the basic cable package. I'm out at work and in my neighborhood in a rural conservative area, not with a big lavender L tattooed on my forehead or with a crewcut and flannel shirt, but just by living my boring menopausal working homeowning married raising-the-grandkids life and being honest about it. My mom has finally accepted that it's not a phase. I have friends who are straight, even friends who are republican (though no straight republicans - I can't stoop that low). That day in that basement I would have never believed any of those things to be possible. Look at how far we've come. I mean, we even have our own bad (but addicting) soap operas.
And you are still making me laugh. And you're still seriously cute.
Thank you for the laughter you've brought me and the ways you've led me to think about and challenge how I thought about things.
Leslie Vincent
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[Photo: jen-kate-patsie.jpg]
Jen, Kate and Patsie in Ptown this past summer
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[Photo: debs-and-kate.jpg]
Deb Mosk, Debra Shapiro MD and Kate hanging out in San Francisco
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[Photo: portuguese-festival.jpg]
Kate and Leigh at the 2006 Portuguese Festival in Provincetown
Photo credit: Dot and Russ
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You Don’t Have To Be Gay To Enjoy Kate Clinton
Dear Kate,
in march this year, my husband and i traveled from sonoma to san francisco's plush room at the york hotel to get a jolt of your delightful, relevant, bright humor. it was our third kc show: the first one in marin county and another in sf.
this time, we were in the middle of a grueling move, having sold our house in glen ellen. there was packing, cleaning, a huge moving sale, stuff to cancel and more to start. the days were becoming a series of lists.
stopping in the middle of all this to drive to the city for your show seemed crazy at first, but we didn't know when you'd be in this area again, so we just went for it.
five minutes into your performance and we knew we did the right thing. what a life-booster it is to sit in your audience! but we continue to be amazed that there are so few "straight" types like us at your shows, because we feel your humor has such wide appeal.
ever since our faces hurt after seeing that first show in marin, we've known You Don't Have to be Gay to Love Kate Clinton!
see you next time.
judy and jim drinkhall
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A Note Of Humor
Dear Kate,
Or Miss Clinton...how do I address lesbian omnipotence? You've earned the title after 25 years. Well, I have never sent an e-mail to an icon of any type, especially the coveted "lesbian political icon" BUT, I had to send this web address to you. It was sent to me and I immediately thought you'd love it. You may have already seen it. If he gets stuck, use your mouse and click and drag him to where you want him etc. You'll figure it out.
http://www.planetdan.net/pics/misc/georgie.htm
We, my partner and I are in Provincetown for two weeks and we WILL be seeing your show at some point soon. We are residents of Syracuse, and see you whenever we can including each year in P-town. This includes the Everson Museum and The Common Ground last year. We not obsessed groupies, just your basic, everyday average extreme left wing gay radicals! OK, maybe not extreme, not in Syracuse anyway. :)
Whenever Bush pulls another stunt, my partner Daryl says "I wonder what Kate would say about that"?
We can't wait to hear! See you soon! We'll be just beyond the footlights. ;)
Tom & Daryl
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English Teachers Unite
Dear Kate,
Hello. My name is Michael, and I am a 30 year old gay man, and a high school English teacher, born, raised, and living in NYC (we have much in common). I simply want to thank you for making me laugh and giving our community a voice. Keep laughing and talking.
Best,
Michael Carosone
Dear Kate,
A former English teacher, I am. As are you. You are the funniest woman I have ever heard. It is good to be in our community. So much talent!
Farrell Wheeler
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Fall's Coming: Warm Up with Some Tea or Cocoa, Kate Clinton-Style
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[Photo of CafePress mugs]
Click here for large and small coffee mugs, as well as tanks, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, and other Kate gear like buttons, stickers, journals, tote bags and messenger bags:
http://www.cafepress.com/kateclinton
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Booking and Publicity
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Whether you're with an organization, corporation, club, theater or bookstore, feel free to inquire about having Kate entertain you for the evening. You can now find workshop and presentation descriptions here:
http://kateclinton.com/bookingpublicity
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For personal appearances/performances [i.e. standup, hosting, emceeing, business and organization presentations] contact:
Tam Martin, Artist Representative
Beachfront Bookings/Productions
[Beachfront Bookings/Productions logo]
P.O. Box 13218, Portland, OR 97213-0218
(503) 281-3874 phone | (503) 281-3881 fax
tammartin@aol.com
http://beachfrontbookings.com
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For College and University lectures, contact:
Jodi Solomon
Jodi Solomon Speakers Bureau, Incorporated
325 Huntington Avenue Suite 112, Boston, MA 02115
(617) 266-3450 phone | (617) 266-5660 fax
http://www.jodisolomonspeakers.com
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For media & merchandise inquiries, contact:
Michele Karlsberg Marketing & Management
47 Dongan Hills Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306
(718) 351-9599 phone | (718) 980-4262 fax
karlsbergm@aol.com
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kate@kateclinton.com
http://kateclinton.com/bookingpublicity
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Posted by admin at 11:14 AM | Permalink
Booking & Publicity
If you're interested in booking Kate, or if you're looking for a press kit, or high-res photos and logos, come check out the Booking & Publicity section. You'll find everything you need, including complete contact details.
Kate Wired
Log in to your favorite social networking site and get hooked up with Kate. These links will open in a new window.
