Tuesday 24 June 2014

An Open Letter to Kendall Jones - the Hunter Who Has Become The Hunted

(update 27.6.16  - Since writing this 'open letter ' 2 years ago I am glad to see it is still getting widely read. Oddly enough it is  still the most popular post on my blog. I still get the pathetic mostly anonymous career wreck/rape/injury/death/ threats from p*ssed off hunters (hence every comment is screened now) and I am still filled with disgust by hunters.  May it long continue to p*ss off hunters while it spreads it's message. Kendall Jones is not the only one involved in these atrocities but she was the one who in her desperation for fame & attention managed to highlight that this vile activity belonged in dusty history books and NOT in modern times).  With hindsight would I have written it a bit differently? Possibly. Probably. I did not write it with the coolest nor calmest head at the time, nor in journalist mode but write it I did and by it I stand! - Marilyn Michaels )

------------------------------------------------------------------

To Kendall Jones

You may note I did not start off with the word 'dear' - for I do not wish to address you in an endearing manner

You will also note that I am one of the many people, who have paid a visit to your Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/officialkendalljones/ and left comments. Polite comments which were immediately deleted and blocked.



Does this look like respect for the dead?

So were  my comments praising you? No indeed they were not. They were letting you know what I think of you and your atrocities.

By the same token, were my comments threatening you? Were they abusive?  Were they calling you foul names? (etc etc etc) No indeed they were not. You see Kendall I do not condone abuse, threats of violence, swearing or name calling. No I do not condone these things at all,  yet nor can I understand what makes you such a sick and twisted person to want to go kill any animal, regardless of  if the animal is cute , beautiful  or not.  ALL  have a right to life and you do not have the right to take that life away. 

Thus I can fully understand why your actions have moved so many  people to threaten you, to wish ill upon you, to call you every rude name under the sun and then some!  For that, I am afraid you only have yourself to blame.

So  what has driven people to this anger and outrage? What has made the hunter become the hunted?

Could it possibly be down to the photos of a once beautiful and majestic lion that you stole the life from and then braggingly posted  upon that Facebook page? Could it possibly be down to the other pictures videos and comments where you brag  about your atrocities?






  
Here you are  again Kendall, demonstrating  arrogance contempt and lack of respect for the lion you murdered




and  look ,here you are again Kendall, actually having the nerve to stand
on this elephant , the life of which you stole.


 You said: '' First dangerous 7 game down!! One of the prettiest animals in all of the land! ''

I say: you think killing this once beautiful leopard is something to smile, smirk and laugh about Kendall?



Most children (and adults)  would  give anything to see a leopard in the wild just  to admire it,  but even as a child all Kendall Jones cared about was killing them



So Kendall, I get the feeling this is why people have commented on your Facebook page. The hunter has become the hunted. Thousands of messages  from shocked and angry people have  landed on your page and told you exactly what they think of you faster than you can block and ban them.


You thought you could silence some of them didn't you Kendall? 
 You thought wrong. You certainly have not silenced me have you Kendall, because you inspired me to write this piece. Every time I take a moment to peek at your Facebook page I see the flood of angry, bewildered and shocked comments aimed  your way, far more against you than for you. Does that not tell you something?

 Various Petitions against you are springing up left right and centre and thousands are signing them.  These petitions range from calls to have Facebook remove your page to calls for you to be banned from entering Africa.

Does that not tell you  something? If what you are doing is 'so right' to you, why are so many speaking up and speaking out against you?  You may feel you are just doing what you enjoy . You may feel there is nothing wrong in what you do and have a right to do it. Oddly enough the Nazis thought the same.



People said it was crazy when women wanted the vote -
People said it was crazy to  want an end  to slavery -
People said it was crazy to want to end Apartheid -
Crazy, radical, whatever you wish to call it Kendall  but  there will always be people like us and we will keep fighting against injustice, animal exploiters, hunters and hunting and we WILL win this war eventually
So you think those of us who are vegetarian, vegan,  anti-cruelty, anti-exploitation,anti-hunting etc  are crazy don't you Kendall.   You like to poke  fun on your page at those of us who have respect and compassion for our fellow planet dwellers. That is fine, you can think that if you wish, but perhaps next time you preen in front of the mirror  take a good long hard look at yourself  and see the truth of an ugly soul looking back at you.

Your vanity in it's sickening need to proudly pose next to a dead animal is highly unattractive. Your need to place your foot upon  the body of an animal is a concern. I suggest you get some therapy and soon.

                                 her teeth may be bleached  white  these days but her bloodlust remains the same
It seems to me you grew up sick and twisted Kendall. While most teen girls worried about boys  and had pop star crushes, you were busy  killing  wildlife  and thus crushing the life out of them

                                                       you are pictured here with your first rhino kill  Kendall. Disgusting!  

  
  You talk about conservation Kendall,  that is a big CON yes
The only reason hunters spout about conservation is because they want plenty of animals to kill!
Please don't try to kid us OR yourself that you give a damn about wildlife Kendall
People that give a damn don't go chasing around the world spending  thousands of dollars to kill
Those that give a damn simply donate money to protect the world's wildlife

Do not claim you want to help, help should never be offered with a price tag, especially if that price is the loss of a life.
And that reminds me Kendall, posting the picture below about how you were going to take these  things over for the poor children in Africa  may make you feel like Lady Bountiful  but I put it to you that the thousands of dollars you spend killing  just one lion or other wildlife is more money than the average African will see in a lifetime, or many lifetimes! It would probably build a school, or a hospital. If you really truly cared Kendall you would put your money to that, instead of trying to fool people that you are about conservation.  Kendall, you only care about blasting at some animal who has done nothing to you. You only care about getting your  self publicity and perhaps a TV show. ( If you do, we will be ready with our boycotts!!) .  Well you are getting that publicity now aren't you Kendall, albeit perhaps not the kind you would like! Mud sticks. As it should!



Dear Reader, thank you for taking the time  to read this. (May I ask that you please share this with likeminded friends? ) Thank you to those who take the time to leave a comment.

  If you are as angered as I am at the atrocious activities by Kendall Jones and other hunters like her, then please be pro-active and fuel that energy into something positive , It is easy to just type angry comments, but it does not change anything. Make your voice heard in a more positive way . Many of the trophy hunters come from the USA thus   please contact the Director of US Fish and Wildlife Service to  demand a ban on the import of 'trophys' into America  

https://twitter.com/DirectorDanAshe




 Have something to say? Feel free to comment below.  (threatening or abusive comments directed at anyone will not make it to the page, state your opinion by all means no matter which side you are on, but do so in an adult manner) )

You will also find me on my pro Facebook here       Join me  on Twitter here

I would also suggest reading this excellent piece here via Canned Lion Org who campaign against canned hunting.  Do please visit their website and read about the important work they do.

 PS: A  'go visit' plug for  great anti-hunting Facebook pages too  (run by ethical people not extremists  - I do not condone or support extremist behaviour)

 We Will Not Be Silenced About Hunters   https://www.facebook.com/WeWillNotBeSilencedAboutHunters

Hunt The Trophy Hunters
https://www.facebook.com/HuntTheTrophyHunters

The Real Kendall Jones Exposed
https://www.facebook.com/The-Real-Kendall-Jones-Exposed-754989901225153/






  (c) Marilyn Michaels














An Open Letter to Kendall Jones - the Hunter Who Has Become The Hunted

(update 27.6.16  - Since writing this 'open letter ' 2 years ago I am glad to see it is still getting widely read. Oddly enough it is  still the most popular post on my blog. I still get the pathetic mostly anonymous career wreck/rape/injury/death/ threats from p*ssed off hunters (hence every comment is screened now) and I am still filled with disgust by hunters.  May it long continue to p*ss off hunters while it spreads it's message. Kendall Jones is not the only one involved in these atrocities but she was the one who in her desperation for fame & attention managed to highlight that this vile activity belonged in dusty history books and NOT in modern times). In hindsight  2 years later would I have written it a bit differently? Possibly, probably! I wrote it in a moment of annoyance instead of with a cool calm collected journalistic head, but write it I did, and by it I still stand! - Marilyn Michaels )

------------------------------------------------------------------

To Kendall Jones

You may note I did not start off with the word 'dear' - for I do not wish to address you in an endearing manner

You will also note that I am one of the many people, who have paid a visit to your  page https://www.facebook.com/officialkendalljones/ and left comments. Polite comments which were immediately deleted and blocked.



Does this look like respect for the dead?

So were  my comments praising you? No indeed they were not. They were letting you know what I think of you and your atrocities.

By the same token, were my comments threatening you? Were they abusive?  Were they calling you foul names? (etc etc etc) No indeed they were not. You see Kendall I do not condone abuse, threats of violence, swearing or name calling. No I do not condone these things at all,  yet nor can I understand what makes you such a sick and twisted person to want to go kill any animal, regardless of  if the animal is cute , beautiful  or not.  ALL  have a right to life and you do not have the right to take that life away. 

Thus I can fully understand why your actions have moved so many  people to threaten you, to wish ill upon you, to call you every rude name under the sun and then some!  For that, I am afraid you only have yourself to blame.

So  what has driven people to this anger and outrage? What has made the hunter become the hunted?

Could it possibly be down to the photos of a once beautiful and majestic lion that you stole the life from and then braggingly posted  upon that Facebook page? Could it possibly be down to the other pictures videos and comments where you brag  about your atrocities?






  
Here you are  again Kendall, demonstrating  arrogance contempt and lack of respect for the lion you murdered




and  look ,here you are again Kendall, actually having the nerve to stand
on this elephant , the life of which you stole.


 You said: '' First dangerous 7 game down!! One of the prettiest animals in all of the land! ''

I say: you think killing this once beautiful leopard is something to smile, smirk and laugh about Kendall?



Most children (and adults)  would  give anything to see a leopard in the wild just  to admire it,  but even as a child all Kendall Jones cared about was killing them



So Kendall, I get the feeling this is why people have commented on your Facebook page. The hunter has become the hunted. Thousands of messages  from shocked and angry people have  landed on your page and told you exactly what they think of you faster than you can block and ban them.


You thought you could silence some of them didn't you Kendall? 
 You thought wrong. You certainly have not silenced me have you Kendall, because you inspired me to write this piece. Every time I take a moment to peek at your Facebook page I see the flood of angry, bewildered and shocked comments aimed  your way, far more against you than for you. Does that not tell you something?

 Various Petitions against you are springing up left right and centre and thousands are signing them.  These petitions range from calls to have Facebook remove your page to calls for you to be banned from entering Africa.

Does that not tell you  something? If what you are doing is 'so right' to you, why are so many speaking up and speaking out against you?  You may feel you are just doing what you enjoy . You may feel there is nothing wrong in what you do and have a right to do it. Oddly enough the Nazis thought the same.



People said it was crazy when women wanted the vote -
People said it was crazy to  want an end  to slavery -
People said it was crazy to want to end Apartheid -
Crazy, radical, whatever you wish to call it Kendall  but  there will always be people like us and we will keep fighting against injustice, animal exploiters, hunters and hunting and we WILL win this war eventually
So you think those of us who are vegetarian, vegan,  anti-cruelty, anti-exploitation,anti-hunting etc  are crazy don't you Kendall.   You like to poke  fun on your page at those of us who have respect and compassion for our fellow planet dwellers. That is fine, you can think that if you wish, but perhaps next time you preen in front of the mirror  take a good long hard look at yourself  and see the truth of an ugly soul looking back at you.

Your vanity in it's sickening need to proudly pose next to a dead animal is highly unattractive. Your need to place your foot upon  the body of an animal is a concern. I suggest you get some therapy and soon.


                                 her teeth may be bleached  white  these days but her bloodlust remains the same
It seems to me you grew up sick and twisted Kendall. While most teen girls worried about boys  and had pop star crushes, you were busy  killing  wildlife  and thus crushing the life out of them

                                                       you are pictured here with your first rhino kill  Kendall. Disgusting!  

  
  You talk about conservation Kendall,  that is a big CON yes
The only reason hunters spout about conservation is because they want plenty of animals to kill!
Please don't try to kid us OR yourself that you give a damn about wildlife Kendall
People that give a damn don't go chasing around the world spending  thousands of dollars to kill
Those that give a damn simply donate money to protect the world's wildlife

Do not claim you want to help, help should never be offered with a price tag, especially if that price is the loss of a life.
And that reminds me Kendall, posting the picture below about how you were going to take these  things over for the poor children in Africa  may make you feel like Lady Bountiful  but I put it to you that the thousands of dollars you spend killing  just one lion or other wildlife is more money than the average African will see in a lifetime, or many lifetimes! It would probably build a school, or a hospital. If you really truly cared Kendall you would put your money to that, instead of trying to fool people that you are about conservation.  Kendall, you only care about blasting at some animal who has done nothing to you. You only care about getting your  self publicity and perhaps a TV show. ( If you do, we will be ready with our boycotts!!) .  Well you are getting that publicity now aren't you Kendall, albeit perhaps not the kind you would like! Mud sticks. As it should!



Dear Reader, thank you for taking the time  to read this. (May I ask that you please share this with likeminded friends? ) Thank you to those who take the time to leave a comment.

  If you are as angered as I am at the atrocious activities by Kendall Jones and other hunters like her, then please be pro-active and fuel that energy into something positive , It is easy to just type angry comments, but it does not change anything. Make your voice heard in a more positive way . Many of the trophy hunters come from the USA thus   please contact the Director of US Fish and Wildlife Service to  demand a ban on the import of 'trophys' into America  

https://twitter.com/DirectorDanAshe




 Have something to say? Feel free to comment below.  (threatening or abusive comments directed at anyone will not make it to the page, state your opinion by all means no matter which side you are on, but do so in an adult manner) )

You will also find me on my pro Facebook here       Join me  on Twitter here

I would also suggest reading this excellent piece here via Canned Lion Org who campaign against canned hunting.  Do please visit their website and read about the important work they do.

 PS: A  'go visit' plug for  great anti-hunting Facebook pages too  (run by ethical people not extremists  - I do not condone or support extremist behaviour)

 We Will Not Be Silenced About Hunters   https://www.facebook.com/WeWillNotBeSilencedAboutHunters

Hunt The Trophy Hunters
https://www.facebook.com/HuntTheTrophyHunters

The Real Kendall Jones Exposed
https://www.facebook.com/The-Real-Kendall-Jones-Exposed-754989901225153/






  (c) Marilyn Michaels














Saturday 7 June 2014

Sunday June 8 on Radio Deeside hear Josef Brown and Alan Fletcher from Neighbours'

(Yes yes I know,  there have been a fair amount of Neighbours related blog posts from me of late, but as I have recently done a pile of interviews with  various cast members, no surprise there!  )

Sunday June 8th tune in at 16:00 to hear  2 features in 1

 Josef Brown    aka 'Matt Turner' will be on at 16:00 (4pm) we'll be talking about Neighbours, Spartacus, Dirty Dancing and even vegetarianism . Full feature of great Aussie tracks and chat with Josef. (also see HERE )

Around 16:45 (4.45pm) catch me also grabbing a quick chat with Alan Fletcher (aka Dr Karl Kennedy) just before he goes onstage at Neighbours Night at  The Elephant & Wheelbarrow in St Kilda, Melbourne with his fab band Waiting Room (subscribe  for free to Fletch's  site /blog here for some special goodies! )

Tuning in to Radio Deeside is simple and can be heard from anywhere in globe or via Tune-In by clicking right here:

Happy listening!! 


 Feature advert  (c) Amy Grainger


Alan Fletcher Twitter   
       
 Josef Brown Twitter     

  Radio Deeside Twitter

Marilyn Michaels Twitter


(c) Marilyn Michaels 2014
 

Monday 2 June 2014

pre Feature 'Teasers' : Actor Josef Brown talks Neighbours, Spartacus, and smashing the 'wimpy vegetarian' stereotype

UPDATE:   This feature will get it's first airing on Radio Deeside Sunday June 8th  between :16:00 - 17:00  (UK time) it can be heard from anywhere in world via above link or simply click this link to LISTEN via TuneIn .  This will be a 'full feature' of music & chat with Josef.
 
 
Josef Brown aka Matt Turner in Neighbours
 
I recently had a whirlwind of interviews with some of the cast from popular TV 'soap' Neighbours . (In fact I have done so many various music/tv/film/theatre related interviews in the last month. I do a fair amount of interviews but not usually well over 30 in one month!  )
 

Josef Brown (aka Matt Turner) and I look at posters for Lassiters Hotel (Neighbours) on 'offer' there are massages and what we hope is vegetarian pasta . it's ok 'Lauren Turner' don't clobber me, it was purely professional interest ;-) 


A few minutes into my interview with Josef Brown he was called to the set, it happens, it's showbiz dahlinks.

Fortunately we were able to catch up the next week over a coffee (a 'Proppa' coffee at that ;-)     )

Josef is an actor, dancer and choreographer.     ( as well as being an efficient multi-tasker  managing to drink his coffee and untwist and untangle my ''curled up contorted chaotic '' as he put it,  earpieces''  all  whilst being interviewed - thank you Josef!  It 's definitely one to add to my Unique Interview Moments List right next to James Brown helping to towel dry my hair!)

As we  have a fair bit in common (including vegetarianism)   I was  especially looking forward to speaking with him as  I knew we would find plenty to talk about, and I was right about that! We spoke about  his role in Neighbours as policeman Matt TurnerAuctus in Spartacus - Gods Of The Arena,  his time as Johnny Castle in the stage production of  Dirty Dancing   and as Patrick in Dance Academy amongst other topics

Josef Brown .Simply stunning shot. Don't try this at home! 




in Dirty Dancing

 
''  I was a soloist with the Australian Ballet  before I left and went to Turkey, I came back and joined The Sydney Dance Company for seven years ''

'' I played Johnny in Dirty Dancing which was an absolutely fantastic role to do.  Which is why I stayed doing it for four and a half years .''  -Josef Brown  interview excerpts    (be sure to listen in to hear more)

 
Josef Brown as Patrick in Dance Academy

'' I couldn't believe it when I found out  the character's name was Patrick  after I'd just come off  four and a half years  playing Johnny Castle  (Dirty Dancing) who was played by Patrick Swayze ..''  - Josef Brown interview excerpts (be sure to listen in to hear more)




Josef Brown  as Matt Turner in Neighbours


''  I didn't start off as a dancer,  I started off as a guy wanting to become an actor, through the process of trying to become an actor I came in contact with dance and  I fell in love with dance.''

''  I love the role of Matt  (in Neighbours)  ' He can be a little bit of the cop at home as well   but he's having to learn to be a bit more emotionally   receptive and engaging at home ''  -Josef Brown  interview excerpts (be sure to listen in to hear more)


Then we got onto the subject of vegetarianism.  As someone who feels as passionately about animal rights issues as I do I really enjoy being able to speak with someone on the same 'wavelength' ! 

I found myself apologising  for posting photos (such as the one below)   on  my  Facebook pages with the caption  'And you thought vegetarians were wimps'   It wasn't intended in a sleazy way however it made me feel like I was being sleazy or sexist

 '' Well, we're trying to break stereotypes and clichés aren't we. Unfortunately when you are trying to fight propaganda , fighting such mass propaganda out there you tend to have to be  a little extreme sometimes to  sort of get through, to cut through. ''

 '' Veganism or vegetarianism is not going to stop you having a powerful body. So yeah sometimes we have to put out those photos just to sort of get rid of those myths  and clichés and dispel that propaganda''   - Josef Brown interview excerpts (be sure to listen in to hear more )



And you thought being vegetarian was for wimps? Josef Brown as Auctus in Spartacus-Gods Of The Arena


Josef also wrote and produced At The Fork a series of short films in which the teenage children in a family start to question their parents about factory farming and environmental issues . I think they are very easy to watch and well worth viewing 

 '' One of the problems that I had with a lot of the vegetarian/vegan propaganda  was it was very in your face .''

'' I think  there is always somewhere along the process that you need something a little bit more gentle,  you need to be seeded with the thought in a much more gentle way especially for children .  So our teenagers are very thoughtful and caring. They start asking questions of the parents. each episode is just one question and you see how the parents react.'  - Josef Brown interview excerpts (be sure to listen in to hear more!)



As I recorded enough with Josef for two radio features the first one is about his acting and dance career and partly about vegetarianism, the second one will be more focused on vegetarianism and animal rights issues . Both will feature some great music between interview segments so be sure to tune in!


  
The all important links:

      Josef Brown website       Josef Brown Blog     Josef Brown Twitter


  


(c) Marilyn Michaels 2014   -  My Twitter       My Facebook