March 5, 2015. A Tinker's Cuss – Koh Samui, Thailand

I am having a break in Koh Samui, Thailand, from running a fifty to sixty person business that is arts-centred. New Zealand is a small population and success there means becoming a household name and having your dole cut.

Government subsidies go to hacks who know someone. The best artists struggle, are never on TV and get no grants.

My most satisfying memories are of driving the Kilmog road to Dunedin gigs, of the Hotel Ashburton door with thirty drunk farm boys and glass jugs flying. Of Standard Vanguard and Bedford vans with pantyhose fan belts, and of Eddie Chin's club where we played for cigarette money.

My best mates died. They couldn't get liver replacements. They were buried with their Fenders.

Thailand is governed by the military for the monarchy.

The Russian tourists here are extraordinary. The men are 55 to 65 years old with 25-inch wide heads, greying crewcuts and psychopathic blue eyes. They wear speedos and gold chains. The women are overweight with flowery bikinis, blonde ponytails and gold jewelry.

I saw a Russian couple drag a three-year-old child across the floor for spilling orange juice. Spetnaz conditioning, I think.

A B-2 bomber costs $810 million and $135,000 an hour to fly. Culture affects children. Arts, love and genuineness are the best armaments.

Keep the Faith,
Jim Wilson