In 1965, Sylvia and her sister Jenny were left by their parents in the care of a woman named Getrude Baniszewski. This woman lived in extreme poverty and had seven kids of her own, but she agreed to board Sylvia and Jenny for $20 a week. Less than four months later, Sylvia was found dead, with over 150 bruises, scars, and burn marks over her body. She had been the victim of months of torture and abuse, overseen by Gertrude and carried out by a gang of neighborhood kids (including several of Getrude's own).

There were two books written about this case (John Deans's "The Indiana Torture Slaying" and Kate Millett's "The Basement"). When I first read about it, I found it hard to forget. I learned that there was a movie in the works, so I visited the board at IMDB. I found out that many others were haunted by the case, as well.

A few people at the boards wondered why O'Haver would want to put a story like this on film. I think it's an important story to tell, especially considering that incidents similar to Sylvia's are still happening far too often today.

On Sunday, you can hear O'Haver talk a little about his film and what it was like to work with Keener and Page. Tune in to KAOS at 89.3 FM (or online here). The interview should start at about 11:30, and run for about 11 minutes.

Join Lucky Cat Radio Promotions at their Grand Opening show on Saturday, May 17th, featuring live music from Glass Elevator, The Hard Way, Z Kamp, and The Transport Assembly.

Lucky Cat Radio Promotions is a company dedicated to promoting independent music at college and noncommercial radio stations around the United States. The company was founded by former KAOS music director Melissa Suther, and includes Tammy Tillinghast (also a former KAOS music director) and graphic designer Anna Horvath.

Currently, Lucky Cat is working with Seattle label Broken Twilight to promote a handful of releases, including the record "Improbable Songs" by The Transport Assembly.

The Grand Opening show will include a live deejay and should be a lot of fun. Come on down to The Voyeur on 4th Avenue in downtown Olympia at 9 pm. See you then...

Besides, snow's no fun without snowboots and ski jackets and gloves and a yard, and then if there's not enough to build a snowman then what's the point?

Bah!

A conversation in another thread has me thinking of this chorus from a David Rovics song:

For I am the Vanguard of the Masses
And all of you should just follow me
And if you doubt my analysis
You must be in the Petty Bourgeoisie!