Wanted: New Cyprus Flag and Anthem (thanks, Larry)
The UN is soliciting submissions from composers and artists to create a new anthem and flag for the divided island nation of Cyprus. Um, excuse me here, guys, but shouldn't you try and get everyone together BEFORE you recreate the trivial trappings of nationhood?? I've lived in Cyprus, and from my experience, it's going to take more than a pretty flag and a hummable tune to bring the Greeks and Turks together.
The competition is preparing the ground in case the island's aging ethnic leaders beat the odds and clinch a long-awaited settlement by a February 28 deadline, ending years of partition.
Right, and the next thing you know, Tampa Bay will win the Super Bowl. Since the original Turkish invasion in 1974, there have been many false alarms. From what I've seen, this one promises to be yet another one. No great surprise there, eh?? Having come within a split-second of being shot by a Turkish soldier, I can testify to the intractability of both parties. After 29 years, it's difficult to see that changing, unless it's for the worst.
Anyway, back to the competition. The rules are really pretty simple.
The anthem:
1) Need not have lyrics, but if it does, no lyrics referring to "stinking Greeks", "dirty Turks" , or avenging the death of various relatives will be accepted.
2) No references to rainbows, sunrises, shining cities on a hill, or singing frogs will be accepted.
3) Should be 30-60 seconds long, unless it is submitted by John Tesh, in which case it can be up to 3 1/2 hours long.
4) Should be catchy, but remember, using the melody from the Dead Kennedys "I Saw Your Mommy and Your Mommy's Dead" is a copyright violation.
5) No paraphrasing of any works by William Burroughs will be accepted.
The flag:
1) No nationalistic images will be accepted. So, no graphic representations of bayonetting Turkish babies or raping Greek women will be allowed. Sorry.
2) Must be fairly monochromatic. Accordingly, no submissions from Peter Max will be accepted.
3) Must demostrate the unity of Cypriot Greeks and Turks. Yeah; I know...the impossible dream. This requirement may be made optional.
Deadline for submitting works is February 17th. Don't expect much competition.
