Amazons International # 32 ************************** Contents: Susanne: What people expect... Thomas: Brigitte Nielsen filmography Steve S.: Bio -- Wonder Woman -- Joan Jett Thomas: Joan Jett, and themes in pop music Steve S.: "The Warrior": Amazon theme song Robert F.: Bio, and giantess Amazons Thomas: Info about Electronic MatchMaker Date of Transmission: 03.09.93 ************************************************************** Date: 4 Aug 93 08:16:38 GMT+1 From: Susanne Neumann Subject: What people expect... ...and what I am. Thomas has told me that I'm the first subscriber from Germany [We have five Germans now -- Thomas] and he asked me about the gender roles here, even in the unified Germany. I answered him shortly that it is the same old story (sorry, if you expected a more detailed answer :-). However, it seems that most of the subscribers are from the U.S. and from what I've read from some AI-issues the gender roles there appear so different from the situation in Germany. So I think it could be interesting for everyone to hear about Germany. Maybe you find it biassed but please forgive me: these are just some situations that did happen to me and which are good examples of the gender role situation in Germany. But first I want to make an additional remark to my Bio (see AI # 31). I wrote that I don't lift weights but now I've started with it. I did it mainly because of health reasons but nevertheless I enjoy very much how my muscles start to develop. Here are my 'scenes from Germany': Scene 1: This did happen to me several times after I've started with my studies. "You are studying chemistry? On which kind of school do you want to teach?" "I'm not going to be a teacher. I will be a chemist who hopefully gets a job at the industry." "Are you sure that you will finish your study? Chemistry and, in general, science is too difficult for girls!" Scene 2: When I had to copy several scientific papers I carried six books at once (each book had about 1000 pages) to the next photocopier. A man in the library saw me. "Can I help you? The books are really heavy." "No, thank you. You see I can carry them without any trouble." "But these books are too heavy for a woman!" Scene 3: People keep on telling me that I'm not lady-like. First because I'm usually wearing jeans, T-shirts and sport shoes (I just find these clothes most comfortable). Second because I'm smoking roll-up and sometimes cigarillos. Scene 4: When I'm done with lifting the weights I ride for about 30 minutes on one of those stationary exercise bikes. After that I'm really soaked with sweat. Last weekend there were two other women there. I was already taking a shower when these two women came together into the locker room and the one said: "Did you see that woman? I find it really repulsive that a woman sweats to such an extent!" Those were only a few scenes. I could tell you about more which have mainly to do with my way of thinking. I guess one part of the gender roles in Germany is that a woman _has_ to be cautious and compliant. I'm just not that way..... Susanne **************************************************************** * Susanne Neumann * * * * C.-v.-O. University Oldenburg / Dept. of Technical Chemistry * * * * " Cuddle a chemist and see her reaction ! " * **************************************************************** From: Thomas Gramstad Subject: Brigitte Nielsen filmography In an early version of AI # 31, which many of you got, I wrote that Sandahl Bergman played the character Red Sonja in the movie of the same name. That's wrong of course -- Red Sonja was played by Brigitte Nielsen (see review of Red Sonja in AI # 17). Sandahl Bergman played Queen Gedren, Sonja's mighty opponent. Below you will find a Brigitte Nielsen filmography. -------------------------------------------------------------- Actor/Actress Credits: Nielsen, Brigitte -------------------------------------------------------------- Red Sonja (1985) Rocky IV (1985) Cobra (1986) Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) Bye Bye Baby (1989) Domino (1989) Murder by Moonlight (1989) (TV) Chained Heat II (1993) Double O Kid, The (1993) ************************************************************** Date: Mon, 30 Aug 1993 02:25:02 -0700 (PDT) From: Steve Schumacher Subject: Introduction -- Wonder Woman -- Joan Jett I've recently gotten wired into the Internet, so this is my first mailing list contribution. I'm 6'3" 155 lb. thin-all-my-life 34 year old male, vegetarian tending towards raw foods, who exercises via yoga, Tai Chi, bicycling, and/or weightlifting daily. Pumping iron is about the only thing I've discovered which puts weight on me, or more precisely, keeps it on me. I divide my working life between computer programming, writing, and the health food biz at a Food Co-op, but I'm more interested in meditating and reading and the body. Having lurked on this list for a week and read 2/3 of the back issues, I've enjoyed most of the contributions and feel somehow I'm in good company (though the erotic fiction pieces haven't yet hit the target with me). My sexual desires aren't exclusively for amazons, but they tend that way, and I certainly resonate with most of the straight-on/no-nonsense/ no-makeup/no-self-limitations points in Thomas' excellent summary of Amazon features. Certainly, something immediately drew me to this list out of the hundreds I skimmed in a mega list-o'lists. I can think of two sources of attraction from my background: (1) I've read and loved comic books since I was 6. There are many strong, exciting images and characterizations of women (mostly superheroines) in comics, and I know I've deeply internalized them. Favorites include Sue Storm, Gamora, the Scarlet Witch, She-Hulk, Supergirl, various Legionnaires, Richard Corben's Den women, and of course Wonder Woman. Incidentally, the Wonder Woman title has been notable these last 5 years. George Perez totally revamped the title with a strong Greek mythology slant (establishing many Paradise Island Amazons as casually lesbian, in a Comics Code approved comic yet!) besides furnishing lush artwork. When George left off drawing, the quality fell off dramatically, though his stories were OK. The last year the title has turned around again with strong scripts from Bill Loeb, fine art from Lee Moder (the last 1/2 year), and virtually perfect covers from Brian Bolland. The first part of the year featured a real blood-and-guts storyline with Diana stuck for months in a brutal alien prison camp before rallying an all-woman army to take on an oppressive all-male galactic empire of slave traders. (This was much better than it may sound!) Recent stories have revolved 180 degrees since Diana returned to Earth -- she's working for Taco Whiz while dealing with the apparent loss of her Amazon heritage. Check out back issues (probably available near cover price at most comic shops -- this book isn't yet a big seller). Amazonians may also be interested in the new 'Mantra' Ultraverse comic. (2) The other influence from my life conducive to the Amazon ideal is my interest in bodybuilding. I work out regularly myself, I like the culture (though I currently eschew steroids, growth hormones, etc.), and I definitely appreciate bodybuilding's effects on women's bodies. I remember one woman who very briefly worked out at my small local gym -- tall, fair, very muscular though not bulky, very self-contained and powerful -- just the way she walked and moved, she seemed to incorporate the physical side of the Amazon ideal about as well as anybody I've met in the flesh. But obviously Amazonia isn't merely muscle. By coincidence I was listening to Joan Jett's "Notorious" cassette from 1991 while skimming through old AI issues, which motivated me to write to Amazons International now rather than later. What an attitude she has! I've enjoyed her music via radio for years, but just this last 1/2 year I've gotten a couple of her albums ("Up Your Alley" is tops!) and gotten to really appreciate her great songs and delivery. I was kind of surprised that I've seen no mention of Jett yet in this mailing list. Though small physically, she is the archetype of a kind of Amazon ideal. I remember there was a long-standing polifidelitous community in San Francisco (Kerista, recently dissolved, alas) that adopted Jett as a patron saint or goddess or archetype, calling her Saint Joan (among other things), because of the power and freedom and uninhibitedness she projects. Another favorite singer who radiates some of this same kind of Amazon energy is Patty Smyth (from Scandal, not the Patty Smith who sang 'Because the Night'). Her recent hit album is not bad, though a bit mainstreamed, but she really went wild on her extraordinary solo album 'Never Enough' and her 2 extravagant Scandal releases, 'The Warrior' and 'Scandal'. Whatta woman! Well, that clears my slate for now -- I'll be interested in reading any feedback on the above. Awareness salves emotions, Stephen solmaker@pt.olympus.net ************************************************************** From: Thomas Gramstad Subject: Joan Jett, and themes and types in pop music I fully agree about Joan Jett -- she has a very dynamic, charismatic presence. When she smiles, she projects a deep, sensuous joy; and when she doesn't, she projects a fierce, intense vividness. It's really interesting to see how themes and types are illustrated and expressed in pop music. For instance, two other artists that often projects Amazonian vividness and dynamism are Janet Jackson and Madonna. Their dance routines and stage presence are self-expressive and self-assertive -- they are somebody, doing something actively, going someplace of their own choosing. Doers. Compare this with for example Whitney Houston or Sade. The latter two are passive objects -- seeing them one feels like being in a museum, looking at dead things. Interestingly, both Janet Jackson and Madonna have developed their physiques, and often underscore their attitude by stressing their muscularity, giving the message muscles --> motion --> self-directedness in action. ************************************************************** Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1993 02:20:39 -0700 (PDT) From: Steve Schumacher Subject: "The Warrior" -- proposed Amazon theme song! Patty Smyth: "The Warrior" (title song from Scandal's _The_Warrior_ album) ----------------------------------------------- You run, run...run away It's your heart...that you betray Feeding on...your hungry eyes I bet you're not so civilized Well, isn't love..primitive A wild gift...that you wanna give Break out of captivity And follow me, stereo jungle child Love is the kill.....your heart's still wild Chorus: Shootin' at the walls of heartache, bang, bang, I am the warrior Well I am the warrior, and heart to heart you'll win..if you survive the warrior....the warrior You talk, talk, you talk to me Your eyes touch me physically Stay with me, we'll take the night As passion takes another bite Who's the hunter...who's the game? I feel the beat...call your name I hold you close...in victory I don't wanna tame your animal style.. you won't be caged...in the call of the wild.... Repeat Chorus Shootin' at the walls of heartache (shootin' at the walls of heartache) The warrior..... I am the warrior, and heart to heart you'll win...if you survive The warrior...the warrior ************************************************************** Date: Fri, 23 Jul 93 18:40:32 WET DST From: reuvenf@bgumail.bgu.ac.il (reuven fredman ) Subject: Bio, and giantess Amazons I am a 37 year old Ph.D. student, after 10 years of working as an electrical engineer in those good old cold war years 1981-91 in the USA. I lived in Atlanta, Seattle, and Chicago. Before that I grew up in South Florida. Now I am studying for a Ph.D. in optics in Israel, and work in a solar energy research facility in the Negev desert. I have network access to the world via gopher, which I am just learning how to explore (it's a big world out there), and I have my own IBM PC 386/387 and MAC LC. It makes up for my self-imposed poverty, and Amazons International is the most interesting as far as "culture" for my tastes. Thomas is courageous in setting it up. Also I want to promote Amazons, and they need support from all us Amazon fans and promoters, against our fellow men who can't handle the concept. I am fairly tall myself 6'2" (188cm), but all my life after childhood I always wanted to meet tall women. On the few occasions I have met women taller than myself I have never forgotton it. I remember after I had just graduated and got my first engineering job I was out to a disco, and I asked this very tall looking girl to dance after a long conversation when she seemed to smile about a secret I didn't know as if it was candid camera. Well, I ended up dancing with a beautiful 6'4" (193cm) woman made even taller by high heels. I didn't get to date her due to my lack of a Corvette stingray as far as I am willing to admit. I have dated women my same height and my finance is close to my height. I have always wanted tall women to stand up straight and tall and display their strength. Why does our society discourage it? Amazons can definitely be as feminine as they want, and it depends on one's point of view. As far as point of view and fantasy I find the giant Amazon endlessly fascinating. I share Larry's preferences in fantasy as described in AI # 9. I would like to hear from others about those very special tall women. I really liked the articles about dancing with taller women (these men are truly secure with themselves), and being carried by tall and very powerful women (this is the outmost in femininity). Steve (AI # 31) obviously has a great list of giantess references, but I must add my favorite. It is a movie by the famous Italian movie director Enrico Fellini who obviously loves big women. The best one is called Boccaccio 70 (I think) which is a movie trilogy. The first part _The Temptation_, features a 60 ft. tall version of Anita Ekberg, who in _La Dolce Vita_ is an Amazon in real life. In the movie a man campaigns to have a huge billboard picture of Anita in a advertisement for milk in an Italian city. Anita of course is very well endowed. He succeeds in convincing the church to have the billboard covered to the great dismay of practically everyone else in the city. After a storm he finds the billboard is uncovered and he decides he must destroy the billboard. Just then the giant Anita steps out of the billboard in her evening dress right over him. She then proceeds to seduce him, even at one point to drop him in her giant bossom to retrieve his umbrella. The special effects are good! I can still never forget the fantasy to be picked up and seduced by a gigantic girlfriend. Are there any Amazons out there who have the fantasy of being gigantic? As gigantic Amazons, would they like to catch a few Amazon admirers or perhaps teach a few tiny overbearing men (who don't like Amazons) a lesson in overpowering vast feminine might. Queen Kong or the colossal surf punk girl conquers La Jolla, or the amazingly hip colossal Harlem sister takes on Wall Street? See you on the net, Robert F. reuvenf@bgumail.bgu.ac.il ************************************************************** From: Thomas Gramstad Subject: Info about Electronic MatchMaker As you know, one of the purposes of AI is to create and maintain an environment and network supporting Amazon people as well as the ideals/values. Nevertheless AI isn't a contact service. However, for those of you who are interested in a contact service, I would like to recommend Eric Klien's Electronic MatchMaker Service. The Electronic Matchmaker is a free worldwide matching service which can be used through electronic mail. This service is based on a very thoughtful and thought-stimulating questionnaire which permits you to specify your wants, preferences and priorities as well as stating your own characteristics. Even if you are not going to use the service, you may still benefit from pondering the questions asked in the questionnaire. And thanks to my input during its creation, you can specify Amazon traits and preferences there. This contact service is world-wide and gratis. It has been in the making and build-up stage for some time, and has been available on the net in its current form for about half a year, and it's really taking off. To get the questionnaire, send a mail to perfect@match.com containing these two words in the body of the message: send form. If you decide to fill out and return the questionnaire, please cite me, Thomas Gramstad, and Amazons International as your source. It is possible to E-mail anonymously with the MatchMaker, so that even the MatchMaker admin doesn't know who you are, if you use one of the anonymous mail services. For example, the one in Finland may be used to send anonymous mail to MatchMaker by addressing your mail to this address: perfect%match.com@anon.penet.fi (In other words, you can send anonymous mail to any user on Internet by following this address pattern: user%host.domain@anon.penet.fi.) For information on the features of the Electronic Matchmaker, send mail to perfect@match.com with the two words: send help. You will receive a file explaining the available commands. If you have any questions about the service, direct them to admin@match.com. ********************************************************** * Amazons International * * Thomas Gramstad, editor: thomas@smaug.uio.no * * Administravia: amazons-request@math.uio.no * * Submissions: amazons@math.uio.no * ********************************************************** "A Hard Woman is Good to Find" -- The Valkyries