Two notable books delve into the vibrant intersection of punk culture and journalism, particularly through the lens of the Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine. The first, released in 2019, offers a retrospective exploration of the punk scene, documenting its influences and the impact it had on the music industry and youth culture in that era. This book serves as an essential companion for anyone interested in the roots of punk as well as the evolution of independent journalism during this transformative period.
The second book, which is set to launch this year, continues this narrative, focusing on the pivotal years from 1977 to 1987. It provides an in-depth look into the ten-year journey of the Flipside Fanzine, celebrating its contributions to punk rock storytelling and the DIY ethos that characterizes the movement. This documentation not only covers the milestones of the fanzine but also highlights key bands, figures, and events that shaped the more shadowy punk scene.
Both works are particularly special as they are tied to the Anniversary Celebration of the Ten-Year Anniversary Issue #54, which is a landmark publication in the history of Flipside. 2027 marks an incredible fifty years of Flipside and punk rock, a testament to the enduring legacy of both the fanzine and the genre. Together, these books not only celebrate a storied past but also invite readers to reflect on the continued relevance of punk culture in today’s society.
Whether you’re a long-time punk enthusiast or new to the scene, these publications offer invaluable insights and rich historical context.
“Teilhard argued that the “sense of the Earth” is the passionate concern for our common destiny, which draws human consciousness ever further toward unity. He warned that unless humanity shakes off old prejudices and builds the Earth, it risks perishing. This vision of a unified, conscious humanity points toward a social order that transcends narrow self-interest, which is a core value of both socialism and, in a broader sense, cooperative capitalism.”
~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin on Capitalism and Socialism / French Jesuit priest, scientist, paleontologist, philosopher, mystic, and teacher.
These Data Centers or Big Ugly Apartments going up are a real issue with this country. Based on investors, corporations and big city planners who are letting this happen. All politicians. It does not have to be this way.
Environmental Etiquette is a theory I produced to look at this issue.
Before more Data centers are built, or big Ugly Apartments, we need to get them to see where there are building. Not just a random profitable place. What can they help with in our communities to amplify good community?
Are they looking around to see where they are? They must help with building up our infrastructures instead of raping them. Plant trees, pay their own power bills, and help build parks. Be upfront and honest. It is not the technology that I am against, it is how these corporations are implementing their projects.
Instead of building big, ugly apartments, why not create single-family homes with front and back yards? They use less power, reduce overcrowding in our communities, and can also support our infrastructure. How does their Etiquette improve our communities? Ignore the big lie of affordable housing when it only gives greedy corporations permission to take over and further exploit our communities.
We must think of wildlife, pollution of all kinds. More people mean more schools, more hospitals, and a bigger strain on our already weak and old infrastructures and overburdening our electricity power plants or nuclear sources causing massive “Electrical Arcing” proven to start fires and this is due to poor Environmental Etiquette. Poor city planning.
Where are the politicians who care? Why don’t we hold companies accountable and require them to practice good Environmental Etiquette?
We live in an economically based society. It is both socialistic and capitalistic, and hopefully we can stay democratic. Money and humanity and good Environmental Etiquette.
A Church Bazaar” is the Sabian Symbol for Pisces 5° — precisely the degree area of the August 27–28 lunar eclipse Moon (~4°54′ Pisces, rounded up to 5° for Sabian symbols).
That makes the symbolism especially interesting with Diana beside the eclipsed Moon.
“Throughout all this we have no difficulty in understanding the absolute accuracy of the Divine adaptation. The density of the stars, respectively. Proceeds, of course, as their condensation diminishes; condensation and heterogeneity keep pace with each other; through the latter, which is the index of the former, we estimate the vitallic and spiritual development. Thus, in the density of the globes, we have the measure in which their purposes are fulfilled. As density proceeds—as the divine intentions are accomplished –so, in the same ratio, should we expect to find an acceleration of the End. — and thus, the philosophical mind will easily comprehend that the Divine designs in fulfilment. –and more, it will readily give the advance a mathematical expression; it will decide that this advance is inversely proportional with the squares of the distances of all created things from the starting-point and goal of their creation.”
` Edgar Allan Poe Eureka: An essay on the Material and Spiritual Universe Pg. 120
“A true paradox makes for a strong devotion and a mystical union powerful enough to endure the problems.”
Owning Your Own Shadow~ Robert A. Johnson.
Taken down the spring light of multi-colors that lingered from passed holidays. I was on a mission to find some lights for autumn. I got in my little green number, Fiat, and went for a drive.
Firstly, I went to the old Jo-Anns fabric and Craft store that is now a Spirit Halloween store. I walked with much joy throughout the store. Macabre as it was with all sorts of fun stuff. I did not find any string of lights. I asked the workers too.
Feeling delighted to see that a new Jo-Anns was opened next door. Bigger and better. I had not been here for some time because of my saddens when one of my favorite stores closed. What a gift to know that it just moved.
My routine of shopping is focused these days. Not as easy to get around.
Walking through the stores I felt so much creative joy I was beside myself. A massive Halloween exuberance had taken over this store. Yet no Halloween lights. Again, I asked the workers.
“No lights.” They told me.
Found a pumpkin basket with a hat. Big enough for my kitties to jump in. And they did and have been fighting over it ever since I brought it home.
I then drove to Home Depot. I talked to some workers, and they told me that Halloween decorations will be dropped in a day or so and then the Halloween stuff goes up. They had no string of lights.
Got mulch for the front garden roses and three bricks to surround them. A lovely tall bush that has the most glorious roses. Big and lovely.
Last stop is just a short drive down to Target. One of my favorite stores that has windows that look out upon my beloved Verdugo Mountains. Only a few ghosts and pumpkins around. They again were not set up for Halloween. Yes, I asked … and no string of lights to be found. I walked a lot. I walked out with nothing in my hands.
The heat now was in the nineties, and I felt the ideocracy of myself walking through a hot parking lot forgetting where I parted my little number “Oh there it is.”
Frustrated I went home. Overseeing the bricks took it toll on my week neck. So, out came a couple Advil. Ok this is when I hit Amazon.
Within two hours my lights were delivered to my house. This is the first time I have used their two-hour service. They keep their promise. I ordered two orange, purple light boxes. I put them up around 9PM.
Reflecting on my determination and mission I sat down that evening about to watch “Murder She Wrote,” with my cup of magic coffee. Being truly content of reaching my goal that day of feeling bitchin’. Orange, purple lights are up. Illuminate my joy.
Jim Jordon is our anti-hero. As a society we must balance somewhere in-between. As our House and Senate do nothing to support our heroes and allow our anti-heroes to rise, for me it is a sad lukewarm reality this country faces.
War and tariffs and now the evil immigrants.
Back in our history during religious inquisition, in general, the church did the same thing to its own people. Because some had different faiths and were starving. Not paid a decent wage, occasionally defining a storm a peasant stole the life stock to feed their family when the land was cold and wild animals were hard to come by.
They were captured and called devils.
So, the name lycanthropy was invented. Based on the She Wolf ancient culture persecuted by a Christian power in control. Somehow a culture can shame us and throw their shadows upon the weak and nature loving. Those women and men who are only human, yes better than those who accuse them.
The End of Roe v. Wade
Is the number one worst thing done in our modern times… to take this freedom away from women. The right of a woman to do what she will with her body. Only between her and her god, her autonomy.
I have experienced it all. At fifteen I got my period, at about that time guys started to follow me around. Boys, dates, and boyfriends. Rape, abortion, miscarriages and two healthy sons. Sons who are well in this contrary world of ours.
Over these long years our government has helped me as a young woman and as I matured. Also Planned Parenthood and now having good healthcare that cares about me and my body. Yet I still must be my own advocate.
18 years ago
I lost my ability to have children. Now as a crone I see that as a female my power is in my Solar Plexus my belly. My sexuality is sensitive and creatively inspired. I can discern our worlds shadow and false narratives ruled by power, religion, and the unbalanced often unchecked patriarchies. This is where I focus my creativity on balancing or bringing a wholeness.
I do this honestly
Through mythologies and nature. My art. By way of myths and my own jovial psyche. When my shadow and light play in my mind and heart during my night walks under the moon and stars. Where my psyche and the cosmos meet. While hearing nature and the sadly growing asphalt jungle. Whether I like it or not I am part of it all.
A few days ago, I was out front watering the potted plants. As I was watering one potted plant out popped a praying mantis.
I went to get my phone to take a family picture when I put my iPhone’s password in backwards… had to wait for the security to clear 1 minute. I looked at mantis thinking,
“Oh, the wind is blowing mantis around. If I were mantis, I would crawl up that hanging rosemary vine.”
I put the security in backwards again. I had to wait 5 minutes.
“Oh no”
About 20 minutes later I went back outside and there was mantis crawling up the rosemary. I got the password right this time and took the pic.
“We think alike!”
Then as I came back, I saw that mantis caught a bee. After climbing to the top of the red brick.
“Oh my,” I thought.
The serendipity of the whole thing. I also remember in a dream where Praying Manits spoke to me about how cats in our yard have eaten a few praying mantes. That Praying Mantis has also eaten a butterfly.
So, what came to my attention was this.
Respect the bee for its work.
Respect the mantis for its hunger.
Respect yourself for being able to witness both without turning either one into a villain.
Now I am working with my shadow. This is what bee and mantis are sharing with me.
Life is fleeting; it involves experiencing light and shadow and striving to find balance between the two.
New hardcover~ glossy inside and out, desirous inside and out, and delicious… it feels good. A part of a history that I feel is presented with sexy respect. The first handheld device of information. The fucking fanzine.
The most challenging times somehow make me highly creative. My list is complete for now with what I wanted to create this season. My Chapbook Dark City Punks and the Original Ten-Year Anniversary Issue 1977 to 1987 the hardcover.
To open the cork and celebrate that special Flipside Fanzine Issue. It looks great and I am incredibly happy with it. A dream complete of a hardcover copy. Within time I will make obsolete the Paperback edition. Even though that was a grand accomplishment on its own.
It was a process and like most things done by the Flipside Fanzine crew we learned as we grew. Seven years since it was published again. Thirty-nine years since its original publication.
2027 will be 50 years since the creation of Flipside Fanzine. So, this is an early move into that period of reality of how fast time goes by.
It was not my ambition to preserve Flipside Fanzine, but I have accomplished a lot for that strange little rag created to get into shows for free from Whittier California.
My gratitude goes to the original creators, my mentors, especially the master mind X-8. Yet this history is shared in the three narratives LOS ANGELES FLIPSIDE FANZINE THE NARRATIVE DOCUMENTARY / FILM. EPEISODION ONE, TWO AND THREE. For free viewing on my YouTube channel.
The Chapbook Dark City Punks shares a whole perspective of what I went through to get here. Sometimes a very lonely journey. I wanted to share the fermentation of punk inclusion and exclusion of punk intimacy.
It may not be what you want to hear but it is honest. Are we not assholes, are we not human beings… yes, we are good and shady. I am tired of all these punk rock icons and legends. That is all bullcrap.
Click on image below to order your copy.
Both for sale now and soon on my Amazon Authors Page.
I was inspired today by watching the video below. The ideal of “CODE for the people.” Is a new concept for me but not an old one.
From acclaimed director Bao Nguyen (BTS, Be Water, The Greatest Night in Pop), Code for the People is a documentary short exploring the past, present, and contested future of the open web.
In this video so much of what I have always done and fought for was talked about. The growth of computers and the internet.
Years ago, I used Quantum Link with our Commadore computers at Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine. I had a group I met with called Midnite Mystics. We communicated across the USA.
My friends did not have a clue back then what I was doing. Yet it is a dinosaur to what we have now. My oldest son is an advanced computer engineer, and coding is a second language to him. Like my youngest son’s is math. Another language. Both beyond me but I do have my art. That is my source of communication between art and writing. My husband speaks so many other languages, but Chess is one that takes time to see and understand.
Symbols are my language and narratives. I was touched by this video, and it is some of the ideas shared that were like direct contact for me.
The fire of Promethius or Open Source as a way for the people to experience “the Freedom to be Free.”
I wrote about this in my new book Electric Honey and in the art of Attis.
I gathered this all together today to show us all that WordPress is a wonderous example of an open source to share our words, ideas, and art.
“He was shy. He did not talk much. We three sat together.
Saturn said that Pholus was pleased with my painting of him. Then Pholus kindly spoke,
“I often sit in my garden like you and watch the praying mantis.”
He told me the name “mantis,” has great value and meaning to him.”
“Small acts can unleash far-reaching consequences,”
7/3/2026
I had an active imagination last night. I imagined a female voice announce that Saturn would like to see me. I had turned him down a couple of days ago. Had a tough week. Yet last night I agreed. So, the lovely white horse with wings was waiting- then zoom I saw the rings of Saturn.
“How fast,” I thought.
We landed and I gave the horse some barley and oats. I tickled his whiskers on his nose.
I walked up to the large open ballroom with rounded door. I was given a lovely white dress to wear. Feeling silly I asked if I could just be in my regular clothes.
“You mean your bitchin’ pants and t-shirt.”
I turned around and there was my beloved Saturn.
He escorted me to an upstairs room. He told me there was someone who wanted to see me. He introduced me to Pholus.
Pholus held out his hand and I said,
“Hello.” I touched his hand.
He was shy. He did not talk much. We three sat together.
Saturn said that Pholus was pleased with my painting of him. Then Pholus kindly spoke,
“I often sit in my garden like you and watch the praying mantis.”
He told me the name “mantis,” has great value and meaning to him.
Pholus told me gently that he has a healthy healing potion for my foot cut. So, Saturn was there to help him put a small, exceedingly small drop on my cut…
I fell asleep.
Later in the morning I remembered the experience and softly said,
“Saturn and Pholus I am sorry I fell asleep. But I assume Saturn brought me back as usual.
In reflection:
Pholus was in the shadows, soft spoken, gentle, and filled with a goodness that was a wonder for me to behold. He asked if I would finish the right of the painting with yellow. I hope I got that right.
What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you wish you could experience again for the first time?
“Love is eternal. It has been the strongest motivation for human actions throughout history. Love is stronger than life. It reaches beyond the dark shadow of death.”
The film noir thriller Laura.
As many film noirs this one is always an amazing adventure.
Characters change, where good guys become bad guys, and bad guys become good guys.
Dana Andrews, Vincent Price and Gene Tierney were just a top selection of actors that I was beginning to know.
The first time! Every time!
Laura is always a deep wonder of shadows and delights.
The soundtrack pulls this whole film together.
I love a good detective film. Love and betrayal and overall, a deep side kick of audacity!
“Laura, you have one tragic weakness. With you, a lean strong body is the measure of a man. And you always get hurt.”
What I love about this global WordPress community is that it feels real. Even as countries clash and leaders create division, it is comforting to know that people around the world can still connect, share this planet, and exchange ideas through art.
The artist Vincent van Gogh said this:
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
Fourteen years ago, I began this WordPress journey without knowing where it would lead.
Today I noticed a collection of WordPress achievements that made me pause.
Visitors from over 150 countries.
Readers from more than 50 countries.
Fourteen years of publishing.
Hundreds of posts.
A community that continues to read, follow, and encourages my work.
These aren’t awards in the traditional sense. They’re reminders that showing up matters.
I’ve never chased fame. I’ve simply tried to keep creating—painting, writing, publishing, and sharing what feels true.
Thank you to everyone who has stopped by, read an essay, looked at a painting, left a comment, or quietly visited from somewhere in the world. You are part of this story.
Punk Rock Colleague & Historian and Professional Consultant
Hudley Flipside
I want to apologize to the people who previously posted a flyer for this event. I denied it happened because I had completely forgotten about it. While searching through my old Flipside Fanzines for another show I thought I attended, I found this instead.
I was looking for a show Mike Patton posted today for The Starwood. An image of a Ticket February 3rd THE WEIRDOS, MIDDLE CLASS, AGENT ORANGE,
I know I was there but did not find the review in Flipside Fanzine. So many shows in an intense and brief time of our youthful rebellion. We are the seeds of a once blossoming culture.
Here is the review I found instead with images. It is an odd feeling to have a documentation of my youth. Things I have forgotten but cannot deny when they are right in front of me. No fake stuff here all authentic in 1980s time. From Issue 24 the Blue Jack TSOL issue. I was wearing my American Flag shirt I sewed up from a real flag but that is another story.
FLIPSIDE BENEFIT – MAY 8, 1981, at Vex Hall in Los Angeles
We’ll have to start off by thanking all the bands that played (or offered to play) and all the people that came to the show and put up with the heat and waited.
THE CROWD opened the show; to make a long story short, the band that was supposed to open SOCIETY’S VICTEMS couldn’t go on because they were supposed to use some of the GIRLSCOUTS’ equipment, and the GIRLSCOUTS didn’t show up (for whatever reason).
So instead of waiting,
The CROWD took the stage. Hud announced them as the Punk Beach Boys, which nobody likes (great joke), and they ran through their set. I was surprised at how well they played in the heat,
“We love summer, it’s like August here,” said Jim!
Despite the heat the audience danced, and the CROWD danced and it had to be one of the best sets I’ve ever seen the CROWD do, and they’ll tell you that.
After a long wait the band scraped up some equipment, SOCIETY’S VICTEMS
Steve from Flipside’s band, and Whittier’s one and only punk group came on. They did what they were supposed to do – 3 quick songs. They got quite a reaction, ranging from wild slamming to wild spitting, what can you say about a band’s first gig?
At about this time the Police made their first of three visits. They came in, did a quick head count, asked Joe about the capacity, and decided to close the doors to any more people – but the show could go on!!! Unfortunately, they chased away about 100 – 200 people that were still outside.
By now everyone was feeling the heat, and trips backstage or to the bar were common.
THE ADOLESCENTS faded into existence from sound check to actual set. I really don’t know when the set started – there were always people running around stage and Casey yelling for more drum monitor, anyways they played a frantic set. The heat didn’t stop anybody from going crazy, and the crowd seemed to eat up every song now that they know them by heart.
Mike Ness even got up to do the singing on ‘House of the Rising Sun’ – it was funny seeing him trying to wiggle like Tony.
CIRCLE JERKS were the last band to go on and did more than an adequate job of being the end to a great show. They played very intensely; the only time I’ve seen them better was at their own Birthday Party Gig, but tonight it was special because they debuted a bunch of new songs – so new Keith had to read them in the paper. And they are good ones too – songs about the RCP and such!!!
A great set, a great end. Lastly, we’d like to thank Joe for letting us have the show at his club, and all the bouncers who were really cool and had a great time celebrating Bam Bam’s (BIG bouncer) birthday.
Long ago we took our kids to bookstores. Finding their favorite books was a big treat for us as well as for them. Today we had a good pint and meal and a walk. The local bookstore is still there where it has been for a long time now.
Bookstores have disappeared over the last few years. I am happy that Barnes & Noble is still moving along nicely and was filled with characters and other book lovers of all kinds.
I was on a mission to find one book by Alan Watts. And I searched all over and found none. Below and above this two-story store. I was focused on the Philosophy section. I did look elsewhere yet no luck. Then youngest son said,
“How about we try it again on the second level.”
The three of us went up the escalator but no dice. Husband was gone for a brief time.
Coming back to us He asked,
“What section are you looking for”?
“I am thinking Psychology but cannot find that section.”
He said,
“It is behind this shelf. See, what would mama do without me?”
The very top and the furthest away turned towards the window I found a short group of books in the Psychology section. Behind another section that had another topic.
There was a peculiar man sitting in a chair. There were only inches to walk by him.
He seemed introverted and looked down. I then said,
“Excuse me!”
Looking at books at the very bottom in the back corner.
“Oh, there is his book, the only book?”
To my surprise, the book bore Alan Watts’s name and was titled The Book. It was a small volume, and I’ve often found that my favorite books are the little ones. I then said kindly to the man,
“Thank you, I found my Alan Watts book.”
He looked at me and smiled and mumbled words I did not catch.
Unexpectedly on the way out I was inspired and found myself walking out with other books not so small. A lovely book about Alchemy & Mysticism including a few illustrations by William Blake!
A second book entitled Native American Legends Illustrated with an image of White Buffalo and a story.
Lastly, a Carl Jung Psychology Test in a box with a deck of cards.
I was enthusiastic to learn that Alan Watts held a master’s degree in theology and a Doctor of Divinity. It helped me understand why his work may be drawing me back to a path I stepped away from some years ago.
Thanks to husband who dropped the honey to look back, in the backside, and in the corner nearby the peculiar man.
I almost gave up. Finding a book on Amazon is easy but this was as mystical, peculiar and wonderful as Alan Watts seems to be.
“This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” ― Alan Watts
A week before Easter and a week after I spent two weeks in Hospital. I almost died from a colon blockage. It has been a month since I have been out of hospital recovering.
Squirrel the Brave is here “our family garden.”
Tomorrow will be my last day of taking a time released steroid which I have slowly decreased as recommended by my gastrologist doctor.
I am still on a soft food diet.
I still feel like I am recovering since the steroid is like an elixir.
An immensely powerful drug to heal inflammation. I also started receiving infusion of a drug that will help my immune system to stop attacking my body. I was given plenty of antibiotics my first week. And a more powerful steroid the second week.
I am blessed with excellent healthcare from Kaiser. I am incredibly grateful but like anything else I also must be my own advocate. I pay attention and ask for things or ask for advice. I am that artist or perspective, or interval to disagree… if it is worth a new perspective or evaluation from a doctor.
So far, I have listened to my original hospital team and my gastrologist.
My potassium is stabilizing but my cholesterol is up and that very well could be due to the steroid. The powerful elixir steroid from the second week did make my blood pressure become truly angry and my heart felt like it would fly away.
Now my blood pressure is particularly good, and my heartbeat is comfortable again. As I start a normal diet and focus on healthy eating as usual, I hopefully will see that cholesterol go down.
Nacho Flower is here “our family garden.“
Due to a past unbelievably terrible experience with steroids from 2018 to 2019 I do have a type of traumatic experience when it comes to steroids. Some call it PTSD.
It is the beast I face and this time it was not different.
This time I had a wonderful experience with a nurse who touched my heart and made me release the healing that was going on in the process. At that moment I learned to use my years of Jungian perspective and alchemical processes which are to change the base metals into gold.
I did this by creating art, cleaning, and keeping a balanced perspective even though the beast pulled at my dark soul and amplified that strange unknown grief.
Now I am feeling in my belly the warm embers of a once unbearable raging fire.
I was shocked by my face with death. How close I was.
On this strange journey I found a gift, Alan Watts.
I guess I knew about him, but he arrived today with a random synchronicity. I have been called on this strange journey before. A vision quest.
As gentle as the softest elements of existence yet simultaneously imbued with a profound ability to uncover deeper truths.
I will take him as I do honey in my coffee. A little at a time. Maybe a book on my shelf for a while before reading. To feel that presence he so often writes about.
I pray for all who do not have the good health care I enjoy.
I advocate universal healthcare for everyone.
We are here, as I am here… we all deserve healthcare.
A fine singing bird is here “our family garden” where nature and humankind coexist.
Urania is often associated with Universal Love. Sometimes identified as the eldest of the divine sisters, Urania inherited Zeus’ majesty and power and the beauty and grace of her mother Mnemosyne.
