Take A Picture. It Will Last Longer.

I DailyLove® A Mellie Mel Chill

2010-07-06T12:00:00.002-05:00

"I'd love to be with you, and the sun will rise, the sun will rise."

Cool, blue heaven.
Penobscot Bay, Maine
July 2010

•••

As the ferry made its way across the bay, a cool ocean breeze reminded us why we should have stayed put. Thick blue haze on the horizon warned us before we touched down but, who listens to anything any more?

(The title of this post — along with the musical selections — came with me across the Bay, 'The Velvet Fog' laying down his swingin' 1968 version of 'Sunshine Superman' as only Mellie Mel could do. The super-hip vocal styling gave me a chill — like someone walking over my grave (but, in a nice, cool, friendly way) — as I tried to remember if the people I knew back then (Yes, of course I was alive WAY BACK THEN) really talked like that. They probably didn't but, I probably didn't know anybody hip to laying down that righteous jive.)

Damn, it's hotter than H-E-Double Effin' Dogs on the mainland!

•••

Sunshine Superman
(Buy: Donovan: Sunshine Superman)

Sunshine Superman
(Buy: Rickie Lee Jones: Duchess of Coolsville: An Anthology)

Sunshine Superman
(Buy: Big Jim Sullivan: Sitar Beat)

Sunshine Superman
(Buy: Enoch Light: Enoch Light's Action: It's Happening...So Let's Dance!)

Sunshine Superman
(Buy: Mel Torme: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head)

And, just because I needed a (cooler) little bit of the Super Rainbow to get me through this 'happening', well, here it is.

Sun Lips
(Buy: Black Moth Super Rainbow: Dandelion Gum)

Hello Darlin', Nice To See You

2010-01-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

I'm ready for my close-up.

•••

Man, they should take these things (blogs and, the privilege to) away from you if you go a whole year and just slap up one half-arsed post.

But, they don't so, what I'm tryin' to say is ...

Hello darlin' nice to see you it's been a long time
You're just as lovely as you used to be
How's your new love are you happy hope you're doing fine
Just to know it means so much to me
What's that darlin' how'm I doing guess I'm doing all right
Except I can't sleep and I cry all night till dawn
What I'm trying to say is I love you and I miss you
And I'm so sorry that I did you wrong.

Hey, look kids, I'm back to it! (Well, maybe until next year or, maybe this year I'll surprise both you and myself, and stay on top of this thing.) Don't get all wet, however, I did just say, "Maybe."

See ya' real soon! (Or, not.)

Photography : Sally Dennison (via)

•••

Hello Darlin'
(Buy: George Jones: High Tech Redneck)

Hello Darlin'
(Buy: Conway Twitty: The Very Best of Conway Twitty)

Two For My Baby

2009-08-26T22:17:00.006-05:00

Huang Yan (not my baby)
Swimming with the fishes. (Okay, okay, Mammals!)
2007

•••

But, only one to which my baby will dance.

(Can you guess which one?)

•••

Baby Beluga
(Buy: Raffi: Baby Beluga)

Punky Reggae Party
(Buy: Bob Marley & The Wailers: Exodus [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED])

George Carlin, R.I.P. (Or, Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, CockSucker, MotherFucker, and Tits)

2008-06-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

July 21, 1972, a little after the show at Summerfest.

•••

George Carlin
May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008

Filthy Words

"On JUL 21 1972 the above subject was on a stage at the Summerfest and during the performance he used words as Fucker, Mother Fucker, Cocksucker said in the presence of a Large audience of adults and Children. Several complaints from citizens were received." — from police report and arrest record of George Carlin, July 21, 1972.

Why We Don't Need 10 Commandments

My Dad loved George Carlin. He had FM & AM, Class Clown, and Toledo Windowbox and played them all, often (along with Stan Getz, Kai Winding, Glenn Miller, J. J. Johnson, Sergio Mendes, and a ton of other great albums) on the living room hifi, as the whole family sat around laughing and giggling (or, in the case of the music, clearing out furniture and dancing). Of course, I don't think that my brothers and sister (as well as myself) knew half of what we were laughing at, but to see Mom and Dad laughing on the verge of tears was all we needed to know (and, by my Mom's teaching, the Jitterbug).

American Bullshit

"This is a little prayer dedicated to the separation of church and state. I guess if they are going to force those kids to pray in schools they might as well have a nice prayer like this: Our Father who art in heaven, and to the republic for which it stands, thy kingdom come, one nation indivisible as in heaven, give us this day as we forgive those who so proudly we hail. Crown thy good into temptation but deliver us from the twilight's last gleaming. Amen and Awomen. "

•••

(So, how's that for a return to posting? Maybe I'll clean it up next time, but the way I'm feeling these days, maybe not.)

Show Me The Way

2008-04-28T22:50:00.003-05:00

I DailyLove® this car.

El Camino
Makin' the Scene
1964

•••

El Camino, El El Camino,
El Camino, El El Camino.

It's handsome like a car,
and it works just like a truck.

The front is where you drive,
and the back is where you ...

El Camino, El El Camino,
El Camino, El El Camino.

(With props to Cookie Palmer.)

•••

Show Me The Way
(Buy: Peter Frampton: Frampton Comes Alive!)

I'm In Love With My Car
(Buy: Queen: A Night At The Opera)

Jesus Built My Hotrod
(Buy: Ministry: Psalm 69: The Way To Succeed And The Way To Suck Eggs)

And, even though it's not an El Camino tune, it rocks the car theme perfectly for me. I hope for you too.

Brand New Cadillac
(Buy: Clash: London Calling)

Am I Blue?

2008-04-21T12:00:00.002-05:00

"The most beautiful skies as a matter of fact."

Morning Clouds
The Rock
April 18, 2008

•••

Well, yes I am. As a matter of fact, I'm sky blue!

I have no excuses (other than blue skies and beautiful weather) why I haven't written for the last 3 weeks.

So, without further ado, I owe you a picture (above) and some music (below). And, a (false) promise that I'll try to be more diligent in posting.

Enjoy everything! (And get outside! These computer screens are no good for you!)

•••

I'm Blue
(Buy: The 5,6,7,8's: Teenage Mojo Workout)

Sky Blue
(Buy: Death By Chocolate: Death By Chocolate)

Mr. Blue Sky
(Buy: Electric Light Orchestra: Out Of The Blue)

Blue Monday
(Buy: Nouvelle Vague: Bande A Part)

Little Fluffy Clouds
(Buy: The Orb: Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld)

Mr. E's Beautiful Blues
(Buy: Eels: Daisies Of The Galaxy)

And, just because I seem to have these last two songs in my head today, they're yours, also. And, yes, "Blue Skies" would have been an obvious post-up today as well, but, I just don't dig that one as much as these.

Revival
Little Martha
(Buy: The Allman Brothers Band: A Decade of Hits, 1969-1979)

Charlton Heston, R.I.P.

2008-04-06T23:00:00.002-05:00

A real straight-shooter (although, a little to the right in my humble opinion).

Charlton Heston, 1924-2008
Prideful, independent and valorific.
He was the N.R.A.

•••

We can only wonder who will step it up as our next celebrity spokesperson for the right to carry our homeland semi-automatic .50 caliber BMG's.

Now, will somebody please pry that thing "from his cold, dead hands!"

•••

Happiness Is A Warm Gun
(Buy: Beatles: The Beatles [White Album])

That's When I Reach For My Revolver
(Buy: Mission Of Burma: The Horrible Truth About Burma)

In Our Gun
(Buy: Gomez: In Our Gun)

And, a little step outside our 'Pictures Only' format, to bring you a little video ditty made most popular and, now hard to find, by Old Charlie. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, The Four Kinsmen.

Voulez Vous Le Sacre du Printemps?

2008-03-28T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Rites (and, Wrongs) Of Spring

Spring Snow Angel
The Rock
March 28, 2008

•••

"Voulez-vous (ah-ha)
Take it now or leave it (ah-ha)
Now is all we get (ah-ha)
Nothing promised, no regrets."

•••

Voulez Vous (1979 Extended Promo)
(Buy: ABBA : Voulez Vous)

And, just a reminder.

Don't Eat The Yellow Snow
(Buy: Frank Zappa : Apostrophe ('))

Head In The Clouds, Feet On The (Upper Deck Of A Ferry In The Middle Of The Bay, Surrounded At Some Point By, Solid) Ground

2008-03-27T23:00:00.001-05:00

L'Elephant. At least that's what I saw.

L'Elephant
The ferry ride home.
March 26, 2008

•••

THE ELEPHANT
(translation into English)

The elephant and the hippopotamus
Disguised themselves as men.
They walked to the beautiful village,
Walked, walked, walked, walked

On the path, they met
The children of men
And women, who were running,
Running, running, running, running

As they ran, the women were crying,
Crying fat tears.
Large drops, big fat tears, were
Falling, falling, falling, falling

The elephant and the hippopotamus
Wanted to know what was the matter,
Wanted to know the reason they were
Crying, crying, crying, crying.

A terrified child
Stopped to speak with them.
His mouth opened, but he remained
Mute, mute, mute, mute.

"Take off your foolish/beastly costumes,"
Sang to them the birds.
Pipits, screech owls, and owls were
Singing, singing, singing, singing:

"It is war, the war of men.
They have quarreled among themselves.
All around, they want to kill,
Kill, kill, kill, kill"

Kill, kill, kill, kill
Kill, kill, kill, kill
Kill, kill, kill, kill
Kill, kill, kill, kill

•••

L'Elephant
(Buy: Tom Tom Club : Tom Tom Club)

And, here are a few other gems for the Pachydermata amongst you, before I forget.

Nellie The Elephant
(Buy: The Toy Dolls : Dig That Groove Baby)

Elephant Man
(Buy: Bo Diddley : The Story of Bo Diddley)

Baby Elephant Walk
(Buy: Henry Mancini and his Orchestra : The Pink Panther & Other Hits)

How Does the Brain Wave?
(Buy: Baby Elephant : Turn My Teeth Up!)

Effervescing Elephant
(Buy: Syd Barrett : Wouldn't You Miss Me? : The Best Of Syd Barrett)

Elephant Love Medley
(Buy: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor & Jamie Allen : Moulin Rouge : Original Soundtrack)

Temple Music
Thung Kwian Sunrise
(Buy: Thai Elephant Orchestra : Thai Elephant Orchestra)

What's Up, Doxie? (Or, A Little Dachshund DailyLove®)

2008-03-22T12:50:00.013-05:00

"Lump, he’s not a dog, he’s not a little man, he’s somebody else."
— Pablo Picasso

Picasso and Lump
Cover photograph from "Picasso & Lump: A Dachshund's Odyssey"
Photography : David Douglas Duncan

•••

"One spring morning in 1957, veteran photojournalist David Douglas Duncan paid a visit to his friend and frequent photographic subject Pablo Picasso, at the artist's villa near Cannes.

Traveling with Duncan was his pet dachshund, Lump. The photographers nomadic lifestyle and his other dog a giant Afghan hound had never suited the jealous and temperamental Lump. (What?! A jealous and temperamental dachshund?!) So when they arrived at Picasso's Villa La Californie that spring day, Lump decided that he had found his paradise on earth, and that he would take up permanent residence with Picasso."

Excerpt from Editors description of "Picasso & Lump: A Dachshund's Odyssey" by David Douglas Duncan

•••

Happy Dog (For Caggy)
(Buy: Blondie: No Exit)

Happy Loving Couples
(Buy: Joe Jackson: Look Sharp!)

You're My Best Friend
(Buy: Queen: A Night At The Opera)

Happy Together
(Buy: The Turtles: Happy Together)

Where's The Sunshine?

2008-02-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

"What say we promenade through the yard, Mushi?" (Amazingly, this is the same little man that will do anything he can to stay out of the rain.)

Marcel Duchamp
Skin Hill, The Rock
February 2008

•••

Marcel loves the snow.

Heading out for his morning rituals, he plows through the snow — chest-deep (as well as everything else that hangs down below), head down, snorting loudly — on the trail of who knows what. Leaps and bounds, trying to get the jump on whatever he smells.

"Where's the sunshine? When is this weather going to end? Enough already!" people gripe — when we finally see them. But we won't be seeing them for a while. (It's only 4:30 — the crack of arse.) So, we enjoy the weather.

Marcel loves the snow. And, so do I.

•••

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Fun In The Sun
Splashin'
(Buy: Maceo Parker : Southern Exposure)

Where's The Music?

2008-02-22T22:30:00.001-05:00

Morning Gulls
Carver's Harbor, The Rock
February 2008

•••

Hey, I found it!

(Yeah, it's been a while.)

So, here it is.

TOMORROW: Where's The Sunshine?

•••

Where's The Music?
(Buy: Medeski Martin and Wood : Let's Go Everywhere)

Greetings From Sunny Vinylhaven!

2008-01-25T21:45:00.000-05:00

If I had a band, it would be a Manly (Iowa) band. What would your band be? Check it out below.

Manly, Iowa
The Sun Is Shining
2008

•••

I've got vinyl. Lots of it. And very little room to store it.

I've been lugging around my collection of vinyl from house to house, state to state, and decade to decade for, well, decades. I can't get rid of it. And, why should I? (Well, aside from the storage issue.) The thought of buying their Cd replacements would be cost prohibitive, and the mere memory value alone has prevented me from leaving them behind instead of packing them onto the moving truck yet once again. Just what is a vinyl addict to do?

G, having put up with these 'beats of burden' for the last four relocations, finally took action. This past month she purchased one of those turntable-to-computer wonders that allows me to turn all of my scratchy musical memories into scratchy digital mp3's. Now, every other night or so, I hook up this mother of musical invention to my laptop and, "Hey, G! Listen to this! I loved this album!" And, DJ Mushi Mush is on the needle, slowly, but surely, digitizing the old into the new.

I'll post more as they come.

•••

Oh, and you want to find out What's Your Band?

1. The first article title on the Wikipedia Random Articles page is your band name.

2. The last four words of the very last quotation on the Random Quotations page is the title of your album.

3. The third picture in Flickr’s Interesting Photos From The Last 7 Days is your album cover.

4. Throw it all together in the graphic program of your choice, and ...

5. Show your friends your new album cover because, You Rock!

•••

Now, enjoy some scratchy music!

•••

Wild Tales
(Buy: Graham Nash: Wild Tales)

Don't Be Sad 'Cause Your Sun Is Down
(Buy: James Taylor: In The Pocket)

Here Comes Sunshine
(Buy: Grateful Dead: Wake Of The Flood)

Any Way The Wind Blows
(Buy: The Mothers Of Invention: Freak Out!)

Johannesburg
(Buy: Gil Scott-Heron : Brian Jackson: From South Africa to South Carolina)

Bob John Roberts Edwards 2008

2008-01-16T22:00:00.000-05:00

When worlds collide.

Bob Roberts
John Edwards
Washington, D.C.
Hopefully, Never.

•••

Am I the only one that finds this a little coincidentally freaky?

•••

Get UR Freak On
(Buy: Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra: Hits The Hits)

Tonight We're Going To Party Like It's Nineteen-Mushi-Nine

2008-01-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

Judy, Betty, (my best friend) Mike, Mushi (at head of table with that cocky,'Hey, It's My Birthday' cake-eatin' slouch), (my other best friend) Mike (Hey, all my best friends are called Mike. It just easier that way.), Carol, and Francis. (Sushi, and 6 or 8 others are at the other end of the table.)

Mushi and Sushi's Basement Birthday Party
New Jersey
1965

•••

"Youth has no age." - Pablo Picasso

And I thought I just liked Pablo because he could paint a good picture.

•••

Born To Be Wild
(Buy: Steppenwolf: Steppenwolf)

Born To Be Alive (Extended Dance Mix)
(Buy: Patrick Hernandez: Super Born to Be Alive)

Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)
(Buy: Talking Heads: Remain In Light)

Birthday
(Buy: The Sugarcubes: Life's Too Good)

Mr. Peanut Gets A Bit Older

2007-12-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

But, none the less feistier.

A Goober and a Tuber in an Exchange of Fisticuffs
Acrylic on Canvas, 24 " x 30", 1998
Todd Schorr

•••

'Little' brother 'Nut just celebrated a birthday. He is no longer the size of his childhood given nickname (he has children that have now taken over that status), but he still lives it (Whatever!? I don't even know what I think I mean by that.).

Anywho, ...

When I went away to school, Nut stayed in Jersey, 'colleged' (What? That's not a word?) there, and experienced the ever-rich Jersey music scene. When I came home for holidays, new music (on NEW! vinyl) always awaited. We still share it today, when we get a chance.

Thanks, Nut. And, Happy Birthday!

Love, Mushi

•••

Time Is Tight
(Buy: The Clash: Super Black Market Clash)

The Way I Walk
(Buy: Robert Gordon: Fresh Fish Special)

Brokedown Palace
(Buy: Grateful Dead: American Beauty)

Shadow Of A Man This song, 'Nut used to play in the minivan. His kids LOVED it! (This song, and some Disney song about a baby beluga whale, or something.)
(Buy: Oysterhead: The Grand Pecking Order)

It's Only Make Believe This might be the best karaoke song ever! Well, Peanut will just sing it any chance he gets.
(Buy: Conway Twitty: It's Only Make Believe)

Your Enduring Freedom, At What Cost? (Momento Mori)

2007-11-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Freedom, actually, is free — War, however, is not.

Veteran's Day
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Dedicated 1995

•••

"I have of late — but wherefore I know not — lost all my mirth,
forgone all custom of exercises; and indeed it goes so heavily
with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth,
seems to me a sterile promontory, this most
excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave
o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted
with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to
me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours.
What a piece of work is a man! how noble in reason!
how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how
express and admirable! in action how like an angel!
in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the
world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me,
what is this quintessence of dust? man delights not
me: no, nor woman neither, though by your smiling
you seem to say so." Hamlet Act 2, scene 2, 303–312, William Shakespeare

•••

Dedicated to all those veterans who fought in World War I, "The War To End All Wars" (And, every war, that wasn't called a war, after that).

WWII (Second World War)

The Korean Conflict (The Forgotten War)

Vietnam Conflict (The Vietnam War)

Operation Just Cause (Invasion of Panama)

Operation Desert Storm (Persian Gulf War)

Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan War)

Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq War)

•••

Stars & Stripes Forever
(Download the entire Pride of the '48 Band's: Sousa Marches over at Oddio Overplay!)

War
(Buy: Edwin Starr: War & Peace)

War
(Buy: Bob Marley & The Wailers: Songs Of Freedom)

Find The Cost Of Freedom
(Buy: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: So Far)

Les & More

2007-11-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Figure & Stairs
Woodstock, England 2006
40 x 40 in. Carbon/Pigment Print
Photograph: Dirk McDonnell

•••

"When all is said and done, though, this is simply the way things looked as light fell, in certain places, at certain times, in that fugitive moment which is always now."

Excerpt of the Artists Statement from the upcoming solo exhibition, AS LIGHT FELL: Photographs by Dirk McDonnell, opening November 15, 2007, at Throckmorton Fine Art, NYC.

•••

Stops Out
What's Up?
You Don't Say?
From The Les The Better

Glass Eyed
The Long Way
Goodbye To All That
From More From Les

(Download more songs from Les Enfantsperdus Ensemble.)

Sweet Little Sunset®

2007-10-29T23:05:00.000-05:00

Somewhere On The Rock.
Sometime in the Fall.
Somehow never boring.

•••

"Load the fan brush with Van Dyke Brown. Hold the brush vertically, start at the top of each tree and pull down to add the trunks. Thin the Brown with odorless thinner and use the liner brush to add the tree branches. Highlight the trunks and branches by adding White to the Brown.

Use the 1" brush and various mixtures of Brown, Blue, Green and Crimson to underpaint the tree foliage and small bushes at the, ...."

That's right, people — just like a painting by the Master — it's all Sweet Little Sunset®'s here.

•••

Evening : The Sun Set : Twilight Time
(Buy: The Moody Blues: Days Of Future Passed)

Happy Days

2007-10-22T21:15:00.000-05:00

Sushi & Mushi
Children of the 60's.
Elizabeth, New Jersey

•••

You know, you didn't need much to keep my sister and I happy back in the day. Just give us our Colorola coloring box and the latest issue of TV Guide (What the hell?), and it looks like we were pretty damn happy.

Yes, we were sweet, little coloring vidiots.

•••

Get Happy
(Buy: Judy Garland: Summer Stock [Original Soundtrack])

Happy Days
(Buy: Ted Hawkins: Love You Most of All: More Songs from Venice Beach)

Shiny Happy People
(Buy: R.E.M.: Out of Time)

Apparently, I've Been A Loser, Baby

2007-10-18T20:50:00.000-05:00

Carvers Harbor
The Rock
October 18, 2007

•••

But, I think I'm finally back.

Time will tell.

•••

Loser
(Buy: Beck: Mellow Gold)

North American Scum
(Buy: LCD Soundsystem: Sound Of Silver)

Crumbs

2007-09-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ride, Jasper ride, upon your mystery ship.

Jasper Ridin'
1994, Oil on canvas
Mark Ryden

•••

Almost 20-something days away from here (due to severe computer malfunctions and various other 'bugs'), and all I have for you today is 'Crumbs' (and, this great, and one of my favorite Mark Ryden paintings).

Enjoy! (But, especially, enjoy Hal Sirowitz's reading of the same poem, below.)

Don't eat any more food in your room,
Mother said. You'll get more bugs.
They depend on people like you.
Otherwise, they would starve.
But who do you want to make happy,
your mother or a bunch of ants?
What have they done for you?
Nothing.
They have no feelings.
They'll eat your candy. Yet
you treat them better than you treat me.
You keep feeding them.
But you never offer me anything.
'Crumbs' ©2003 Hal Sirowitz

•••

(Okay, now this link really is 'Crumbs', sorry about that.)

Crumbs
(Buy: Hal Sirowitz: Mother Said (Poems))

(My crashed and burned computer should be replaced in a couple of days. Until then, I'll try to patch up and post whenever I can. – Mushi)

(Oh, yeah, still down! September 15,2007 — Mushi)

Mawidge Is What Bwings Us Togewer Today

2007-08-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

I now pronounce you rehearsal man and rehearsal wife.

Karen and Bruce
Wedding Rehearsal
The Rock
August 10, 2007

•••

On, what might possibly be, the most beautiful day (and, the day after the day shown in the picture above) this Summer, our friends Karen and Bruce are getting married. I just packed G off for a day full of pre-wedding primping, and will probably not see her again until the wedding (That is, of course, unless I have to do anymore taxiing of guests today).

It is truly a great day for, well, a White Wedding.

•••

Perfect Day
(Buy: Lou Reed: Trainspotting [Original Soundtrack])

White Wedding
(Buy: Whip: P:ear: Bridging the Distance)

The Great Intoxication
(Buy: David Byrne: Look Into The Eyeball)

•••

(You can, and should, read more about the p:ear organization, and their goal of building positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth, on their website.)

No, Not Harry! That Other, Amazing Potter (You Know, Sparky's Kid!)

2007-08-08T13:35:00.000-05:00

The Bicentennial, baby! Let your giant freak flag fly!

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
Connecting Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island
Photograph via Forgotten NY
June 28, 1976

•••

Enough Harry Potter already!

I met Grace Potter when she was maybe 6 or 7 years old (some 16 years ago, or so), during a visit to her father, Sparky Potter's workshop (and home) nestled on a mountainside near Mad River Glen (where snowboarders, like myself, dare never tread), in a bucolic little town in Vermont.

A trip to Sparky's mountainside retreat was like taking a walk through the Shire, an experience only (much) later envisioned on the big screen in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy (I kid you not, it had that same magical feeling!). A walk amongst the buildings and out-buildings of the Potter compound afforded you glimpses of signs in various stages of completion, Sparky's wife Peggy's hand-painted wooden bowls, in a rainbow of colors and stages of finish, drying on outdoor shelves, and the sense that you were in a place of complete creativity. Sparky was, and still is, one of the finest craftsman (and signmaker) I have ever had the opportunity to work with. He is damn funny to boot (and, has a personality and openness that is immediately infectious).

I had the chance to stop by Sparky's shop again while traveling through that little town a few years ago. Having changed very little (other then now having his shop away from the house, and a little (16 years, in fact) older, as I had become) over the years. He remembered me immediately (apparently, neither of us had changed that much), and gladly took me on a tour through his new workspace, once again, filled with colorful and creative projects in various stages of completion. At the end of the tour, he excitingly handed me a CD. "This is my daughter Grace's band," he exclaimed with a proud exuberance, "Enjoy," he said.

We shook hands, and said our goodbyes. With a warm feeling in my heart, and a copy of "Original Soul" in my hands, I walked to my car, and left.

Every time I hear a Grace Potter song now, I think of Sparky, too. And smile.

•••

Well, on the day after her third release, This Is Somewhere, I took the opportunity to visit her website, where I read this explanation about the cover images of the CD, from her recollections of the photographic archives of her father.

The front and back cover images are taken from a photographic document of the mounting of the largest American flag ever made up to that time; it was hung on New York’s Verrazano Bridge to commemorate America’s Bicentennial in 1976. The photos were shot by Dream On Productions, an art collective founded by Grace’s father, Sparky Potter, and commissioned by New York advertising executive turned flag-obsessed Vermonter Len Silverfine, who came up with the idea and secured the involvement of the city and state of New York. Silverfine had the flag assembled by a sailmaking company in Marblehead, Mass., and, two days before the Bicentennial, it was unfurled from the side of the bridge in a dress rehearsal. Hanging from the arching steel structure, the huge flag looked “magnificent—a real show-stopper,” Sparky recalls. But then the wind unexpectedly picked up, causing the flag to billow dramatically. Realizing that the heavy, wind-whipped flag could very possibly tax the structure of the bridge, the engineers on hand called for it to be taken down, and Sparky was one of the five crew members who held onto a halyard in an attempt to pull back one of its corners.

“The wind was so strong that it lifted me several feet in the air,” he says. “Because of the force of it, we were dangling like little rag dolls until the wind eased up. From that point on, the flag just kept continually ripping, but it must’ve been a six-hour process before it got to a manageable point, where people could actually cut the sections and take it apart.” As the effort continued, shutters snapped, resulting in some truly memorable images. “For those of us who were on the bridge, it was the most dramatic sculpture you could imagine,” says Sparky. “From looking at the flag through my lens, it became more and more of a piece of art as it fell apart.” And now, 31 years later, those images have become a metaphor for the state of the nation as observed so insightfully by Grace in the songs of This Is Somewhere.

“It’s an amazing piece of Americana,” says Sparky, “and it probably would’ve stayed stashed away in the closet if Gracie hadn’t had a momentary flash about some slides of an American flag that she remembered from her childhood.”

Then, I came across this:

"On June 28, 1976 the largest American flag in the world was placed on the Verrazano. It lasted a few minutes before winds tore it apart. (Technology wasn't quite as advanced then). Since then a bigger flag was produced in Thailand, but we're told an even larger flag was produced in the USA. Help me out, Forgotten fans!"
From a recollection of that same event, 31 years ago, via Forgotten NY

(Ah, synchronicity! Don't you just love when those things happen.)

And now, for your enjoyment, as well as mine, some music by the amazing Grace Potter.

•••

No Good, Mean Old, Lowdown Lover Man
(Buy: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: Original Soul)

Nothing But The Water (II)
(Buy: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: Nothing But The Water)

Here's a live version of that same song, and, I believe, the reason for the band's popularity. (Their live performances, I meant, if you didn't know what I meant. Or, maybe it's that bitchin' Hammond. Or, Grace's voice. Or, maybe it's just because that the damn band rocks it live!)

Nothing But The Water (LIVE)
(June s, 2006 at World Cafe Live!, Philadelphia (NPR))

Here's To The Meantime
(Buy: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: This Is Somewhere)

•••

And, here's one for those bicentennial flag "supporters" on that windy little day in June.

Don't Pull It Down
(Buy: Various Artists from Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical: Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical [Original Broadway Cast])

Did I Ever Tell You, You're A Zero (Or, I See Dead Drunk People)

2007-08-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

A rogues gallery of, well, rogues.

One (Too Many) Bourbon + One (Too Many) Scotch + One (Too Many) Beer
American (and an Aussie) Idols
Making Us Proud

•••

"Hey! See that guy over there? Follow him when he gets in his truck," G says, as I watch the tall, lanky kid step into his ride. As he drives away, another truck pulls up behind him and follows him out of the parking lot. We follow them.

"That guy totally just bought alcohol for the kid in the truck behind him," G explains, "I want to see the hand-off." G is excited that she spotted this little interaction.

We are tailing the two trucks, hanging back with discreet, spy-like skill (No doubt honed from some lame "Murder She Wrote" episode, where Angela Lansbury (G) and Tom Bosley (me) pursue, at 15 miles an hour, a geriatric lawbreaker.)

The trucks pull into a dirt parking lot, only about a quarter mile from where they started (and still, mind you, in pretty public view). The "legal" (if you can call buying liquor for minors legal) buyer pulls in first, the younger "illegal" (yes, minor) pulls his truck around so that they are window to window (Because, we are transacting illegal business here, so why try to look any more indiscreet?). The elder (by only 5 years or so) hands off the package, and pulls away fast, in a flurry of gravel and dust (because, were still not drawing attention to ourselves yet). The minor, sauce in hand, pulls out slower.

"That was so cool," exclaims G.

"Yeah," I respond.

Fortunately, the night goes by without any incidents or accidents on The Rock.

But, two days later, the someone driving a truck, hits a telephone poll (Not the minor above, but a legal drinker, and, not an uncommon occurrence out here on the island), and is airlifted (by plane) off The Rock.

Two days later — while drinking in the local (only) bar on the island — we overhear somebody telling of that accident (his girlfriend, who is sitting right next to him, drinking). He is drunk.

They get home safe that night.

Three days later, a drunk somebody runs his truck into an abandoned trailer home. Plane, hospital, broken bones, and he returns to the island.

It will happen again (and, again) out here. Until somebody dies.

And then, it will happen again.

(Please, drink wisely. And don't, for phuck sake, drive! Really, I don't care if you hurt yourself, but, there are 1,200 others out here who prefer not to go down with you.)

•••

It Was A Very Good Beer
(Buy: The Simpsons: The Simpsons: Songs In The Key Of Springfield [Original Music From The Television Series])

Ballantine Beer
(Ballantine Beer Orchestra))

Beer Beer Bottla Beer
(Download: A. C. Ducey: Thurl Festival! (At WFMU: Beware the Blog)

Beer Run
(Buy: Todd Snider: Near Truths and Hotel Rooms Live [LIVE])

All for Me Grog
(Buy: Dan Zanes: Sea Music)

Alcohol
(Buy: Gogol Bordello: Super Taranta!)

I'm feeling a bit thirsty. Let's head out.

Nite Club
Friday Night, Saturday Morning
(Buy: The Specials (Featuring Rico): The Singles Collection)

Seeing double yet? Well, how about now?

Beer Barrel Polka
(Buy: The Andrews Sisters: 60th Anniversary Collection)
Beer Barrel Polka
(Buy: Roy Clark and Buck Trent: Banjo Bandits)

What's The Use Of Getting Sober (When You Gonna Get Drunk Again?)
(Buy: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five: Louis Jordan & His Tympani Five [Original Recording Remastered])
What's The Use Of Getting Sober (When You're Gotta Get... )
(Buy: Joe Jackson: Jumpin' Jive)

Too Drunk To Fuck
(Buy: Dead Kennedys: Give Me Convenience Or Give Me Death)
Too Drunk To Fuck
(Buy: Nouvelle Vague: Nouvelle Vague)

In Heaven There Is No Beer
(Buy: Frankie Yankovic: The Best of Frankie Yankovic)
In Heaven There Is No Beer
(Buy: Brave Combo: Polkas for a Gloomy World)

Well, you don't have to go home, but, you can't stay here.

I Wish You Were A Beer
(Buy: Cycle Sluts from Hell: Cycle Sluts from Hell)

Closing Time
(Buy: Semisonic: Feeling Strangely Fine)

I'm From Jersey! Are You From Jersey?

2007-08-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

A face only a mother (And, the entire State of New Jersey) could love.

Tillie
Palace Amusements Building
Kingsley Street (between Lake and Cookman Avenues)
Asbury Park, New Jersey
1994

•••

For over 100 years, Tillie, the bug-eyed, high-collared, grinning beacon of Palace Amusements, reminded all (Well, me at least) of the glory and wonder that what was — once, the greatest place on Earth — the Jersey Shore.

Unfortunately, in 2004, amongst protests from the State of New Jersey's senior historic preservation officer, who reminded the Palace owners that the complex was listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, and expressed her office's official position that "if saved, this complex could serve as a major tourist attraction as it did historically and be a cornerstone to the redevelopment plan of Asbury Park," the developers tore the building down. But, not before a little rescue mission.

Over four days in mid-June of 2004, Save Tillie members and a crew of sawing experts, steel fabricators and welders under the direction of Save Tillie member Gary Loveland of Universal Fabricators in Jackson, New Jersey, separated the Tillie mural from the Palace at the corner of Cookman Avenue and Kingsley Street. They sawed through foot-thick high density cinder blocks, and surrounded the mural with steel frames until the entire 16-foot high, 14-foot wide and 16 tons of Tillie were fully supported by the frame.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued a waterfront redevelopment permit to the City of Asbury Park and Asbury Partners, directing Asbury Partners to preserve artifacts from the Palace Amusements complex, a National Register of Historic Places building in Asbury Park, and to reuse the artifacts in a new building that will be constructed on the Palace lots. The permit stated:

"Prior to demolition of the Palace, the developer will work with the City and its technical review committee to identify certain parts of the existing Tilly [sic] mural and Palace Amusement building that will be relocated and preserved. The preserved sections will be incorporated into a new hotel development or retail development at this location as a part of the lobby wall. The images of the existing Palace Amusement Building shall be incorporated into the design and flavor of the new structure of [sic] the site."

I'm sure that in some future display, in some gentrified hotel lobby or public park, we will be able to once again enjoy the smiling face of Tillie, and think fondly, and sadly, of Palace Amusements.

•••

I started this post trying to figure out how to post a few songs from a great new recording by yet another Asbury Park icon. A friend of mine just finished touring with his new 'Boss' (playing sousaphone, trombone, mandolin, penny whistle, and euphonium), and came by the house bearing gifts of a CD and DVD of concerts recorded live in Ireland.

They sounded pretty good. Here's a few tunes.

•••

Old Dan Tucker
Further On (Up The Road)
Love Of The Common People
Pay Me My Money Down
Growin' Up
(Buy: Bruce Springsteen With The Sessions Band: Live In Dublin)

What Is Essential Is Invisible to the Eye

2007-07-31T23:55:00.000-05:00

Or, It's Right In Front of You

Marcel Duchamp
Enjoying what's right in front of, and all around, him.
The Rock
July 2007

•••

I guess I'd say I've been on vacation. (Or, a total slacker.)

No, I'll say vacation.

•••

The Sea
(Buy: Morcheeba: Big Calm)

Perfect Day
(Buy: Lou Reed: Trainspotting [Original Soundtrack])

Sun Lips
(Buy: Black Moth Super Rainbow: Dandelion Gum)

Island In The Sun
(Buy: Weezer: Green Album)

Its A Sunshine Day
(Buy: The Brady Bunch: Nick at Nite: Beach Blanket Bash)

Blinded By The Light
(Buy: Bruce Springsteen With The Sessions Band: Live In Dublin)

Fuzzy Fruit Salad Daze

2007-07-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know about the rest of 'em, but the grapes look pretty comfy.

Fruit Salad
A few days past its prime.
The Rock

•••

Yes, I know, there are children starving somewhere. I promise, I will compost this with a guilty conscience.

(And, eat the fruit faster next time.)

•••

Here Come The Fuzz
(Buy: Jon Spencer And The Elegant Too: Hot Fuzz [Original Soundtack])

Here Comes The Fuzz (With Jack White, Freeway & Nikka Costa)
(Buy: Mark Ronson: Here Comes The Fuzz)

I Love You For All Seasons
(Buy: The Fuzz: Art Laboe's Dedicated to You, Vol. 2)

Fuzzy Freaky (Mark Walk And Ruby Mix)
(Buy: The Visible Man: Luaka Bop 10th Anniversary: Zero Accidents on the Job)

Chocolate Covered Demons Atomiques!

2007-07-11T12:23:00.000-05:00

Assalto alla Terra! (Italy), Atomische Duivels! (Belgium/Flemish), Des Monstres Attaquent la Ville! (France), Formicula! (West Germany), La Humanidad en Peligro! (Spain), O Mundo em Perigo! (Portugal), El Mundo en Peligro! (Mexico), One! (Poland), Politiet og Uhyret! (Denmark), Són Elles! (Spain/Catalan), Spindlarna! (Sweden)*, Yön Pedot! (Finland) No matter how you say it, it's killer atomic ants — in my backyard!

THEM!
The Rock
July 2007

•••

I've got 'em! Right in my backyard! The dreaded European Fire Ants (Myrmica rubra)!

How they got out to The Rock in the first place, I can only speculate. (Most likely, with the influx, and in the roots of, the also dreaded, Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) that some idiot decided would be great to grow out here.) But, G and I have been gardening around them ever since we bought our house, three years ago. I had never had any contact with them before moving here. G knew what they were right away — and what they were capable of. You see, these little (about 3/16 inch long) red fuckers defend their territory pretty agressively and sting, at first burning like hell, and then (for me at least, being apparently allergic to whatever the little red devils are stinging me with), leaving behind a pretty good size welt.

Not being one for panic and pesticides, I've not had much luck in finding a solution for our predicament (other then walking around the yard with a tea kettle pouring hot water on them), but, I am not beaten yet and, with (according to research, so far,) no redeeming natural qualities, and a potential threat to the environment (especially, mine!), they will not win.

Now, it's time to bring it on! (Or, start eating them!)

* Actually, in Sweden, Spindlarna! translates to "The Spiders!",which might might have been a bit misleading to the viewing public. Or, maybe they just chalked it up to us 'Demons Atomiques Americans'. Who knows?

•••

Ants v. The Universe
(Buy: Richard Laviolette: A Little Less Like a Rock, a Little More Like Home)

Army Ants
(Buy: Tom Waits: Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards)

Ants In The Kitchen
(Buy: Masters of Reality: Sunrise On The Sufferbus)

Antmusic
Beat My Guest
(Buy: Adam and the Ants: Very Best of Adam and the Ants)

Baby's On Fire
(Buy: Brian Eno: Here Come The Warm Jets)

Water Your Garden
(Buy: Lucious Jackson: Fever In Fever Out)

· · · — — — · · · Same Old Shite (Or, iPick-A-Little, iTalk-A-Little Less)

2007-06-30T23:55:00.000-05:00

"Yes, I'm just rowing up to the dock (in my floppy 'I'm on vacation, and I don't care how stupid I look on a cell phone rowing a boat' hat on) now. Where are you? Oh, yeah, I can see you from here."

Nauti-call Lymie
Rockland Harbor
June 29, 2007

•••

I'm not sure if you've heard anything about this yet but, apparently, Apple has come out with some type of new 'phone' thingie, and people (which so far includes, the media, anybody owning stocks in Apple, and maybe that tool in the picture above, although my guess would be that he is PC all the way) are pretty darn giddy.

So, here's the deals, as I think I understand them. The iPhone itself, is only about $500. to $600. depending on how much money you have, and how much memory you require. (But, orders are limited to two per customer, so please, don't get greedy!)

You'll also be required to sign up for a two-year AT&T service agreement and an activation fee (and are subject to AT&T credit approval). The minimum plan prices out at $59.99 per month (or, $1,439.76 over the two-year required contract), not including any service charges (and, being AT&T, you know there will be plenty), which will only 450 minutes (which is only 7.5 hours. But who talks more than that on the phone in a month?) of talk time a month.

Intrigued yet?

Well, if you're coming out to The Rock, don't be — because your iPhone (or, cellphone for that matter) won't work here. (That would be another one of those great things about living out on The Rock.)

•••

Connection
(Buy: Elastica: Elastica)

Telephone Line
(Buy: Electric Light Orchestra: A New World Record)

Call Me
(Buy: Nancy Wilson: Cocktail Mix, Vol. 2: Martini Madness)

The Call Up
(Buy: The Clash: Clash On Broadway [Disc 3])

Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little
(Buy: Hermione Gingold & The Biddys: The Music Man [Original Soundtrack])

Downtown (If You Know What I Think I Mean)

2007-06-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Before the Great Disneyfication (But, I'll save THEM for another day.)

Times Square, New York City
1997
Photograph © Spencer Tunick

•••

"You can always go downtown."

•••

Downtown
(What? Do I have it in Deutsch, you say? Sure! Petuland Uber Alles!)
Downtown (Deutsch)
(Buy: Petula Clark: Downtown)

Downtown
(Buy: The San Remo Golden Strings: Hungry For Love)

Downtown
(Buy: Booker T. And The M.G.'s: Soul Men)

Downtown
((I don't know why you'd want to) Buy: Anything by: Mrs. Miller)

(Well, that song just about put me off 'Downtown' forever, until Peaches. But, I think she's singing about a different town.)

Downtown
(Buy: Peaches: Impeach My Bush)

And finally, this from Emma Bunton (aka Baby Spice). Oh, yes, it sucks as bad as you think it might — and you probably won't make it through the whole video (and I strongly suggest you don't!) — but the hand gestures in the first 25 seconds make it worth it. (I think I know what she's talking about. Or, not.)

(Sorry. I intended this post to go in a totally different direction from yesterday's — that is, until the end, when it took on a life of its own — then, it was all 'Downtown' from there.)

What's That Word I Was Thinking Of?

2007-06-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

We don't need no education!

Chrissie Hynde, Vivienne Westwood, and Jordan
SEX, 430 King's Road, London
Any time in the 70's

•••

Oh, yeah, that's the one.

•••

Ever Fallen In Love
(Buy: Fine Young Cannibals: Something Wild: Original Soundtrack)

Temptation (Single Mix)
(Buy: New Order: Something Wild: Original Soundtrack)

Gary's Got A Boner
(Buy: The Replacements: Let It Be)

Add It Up
(Buy: Violent Femmes: Violent Femmes)

What Do I Get?
(Buy: Buzzcocks: Operators Manual)

Shine On Your DailyLove® Light (To A Power Rawk Ballad)

2007-06-24T20:10:00.000-05:00

Flame On!

George Blaisdell
Inventor of the Zippo® lighter

•••

Ahhh, the power ballad. Was there no quicker way for your favorite 'rawkers' to totally become your least favorite? (Rhetorical question. The answer is a definite, "NO!")

But, hey, I thought all of these bands sucked before their big hair got all wrapped up around their hearts.

'I gotta take a little time,
A little time to think things over.
I better read between the lines,
In case I need it when I'm older.'

Oh, wait, I love this one! Lighters up!

•••

Without You
(Buy: Mötley Crüe: Dr. Feelgood (Remastered))

November Rain
(Buy: Guns N' Roses: Use Your Illusion: 1)

Every Rose Has Its Thorn
(Buy: Poison: Open Up and Say...Ahh!)

I Remember You
(Buy: Skid Row: Skid Row)

Love Hurts
(Buy: Nazareth: Hair of the Dog)

And, finally ...

Can you just imagine the sing-a-long with this one, no doubt, the final encore of every one of their concerts after this song came out.

Argghh!

I DailyLove® You — You Damn, Dirty Ape!

2007-06-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Taylor and Zira sitting in a tree ... (Beware of the dinosaurs!)

Man + Monkey = True Love (4VR)

•••

Evolution vs. Magic. Is there a more divisive topic? I think not.

"Theres a sign on the wall
But she wants to be sure
cause you know sometimes words have two meanings.
In a tree by the brook
Theres a songbird who sings,
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven.
Ooh, it makes me wonder,
Ooh, it makes me wonder."

No matter what the folks over at the new — state-of-the-art 60,000 square foot 'bringing the pages (you remember those passages about dinosaurs, right?) of the Bible to life' (and , quite honestly, amazingly well funded for such a hair-brained endeavor) — Creation Museum might say, they're wrong.

But, as always, I welcome your opinions. Pass the bananas, please.

•••

Banana Ghost
(Buy: Man Man: Six Demon Bag)

Monkey Spanner
(Buy: Dave and Ansil Collins: Double Barrel 7")

Monkey Gone to Heaven
(Buy: Pixies: Doolittle)

To be fair, here's one for the other team. (Listen at your own risk!)

Stairway to Heaven
(Buy: Pat Boone: In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy)

(Beware: Linking to Mr. Boone's website — also, at your own risk. No, really! Sitting through Boonie's Barry White-wannabee release 'Hopeless Romantic' may cause an aversion to any romantic feelings. You've been warned. Now, you have to go listen to it, don't you?)

Druids With Third Eyes and Pagans With Rings — These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

2007-06-21T14:06:00.000-05:00

Druids, drummers, pagans and partygoers welcomed the sun Thursday as it rose above the prehistoric monument on the longest day of the year. (Hey! Are those regulation Summer Solstice mylar balloons?)

Summer Solstice
Stonehenge, England
Carl de Souza/AFP — Getty Images

•••

Druids and pagans! Don't even get me started.

But — starting today - the summertime rolls.

•••

Summertime Rolls
(Buy: Janes Addiction: Nothing's Shocking)

A, To The B, To The C You Later!

2007-06-14T06:15:00.000-05:00

So long, Crabby!

Miss Crabtree with the children.
Last day of school.

•••

All of you that live with, or know, a teacher, will appreciate — as much as they do — that today (on The Rock, at least) is the last day of school.

On that note, here's some sugary-sweet loveliness to guide you into the Summer!

•••

Sky Blue
Ice Cold Lemonade
A B & C
Who Needs Wings To Fly?
If You Want To Sing Out Sing Out (From Harold & Maude)
(Buy: Death By Chocolate: Death By Chocolate)

The G8's Got Nothing On The Four

2007-06-13T22:20:00.000-05:00

The Oxfam G8 'Big Heads' dress up as Pinocchio, to push home the point that the leaders' noses grow longer by the day, as they break the promises they made in 2005.

G8 Summit 2007 Heiligendamm
To Hell With Poverty — Next Time.
© 2007 Craig Owen/Oxfam

•••

To hell with poverty.
The check will arrive.
It's in the post again.

•••

Not Great Men
Damaged Goods
To Hell With Poverty
(Buy: Gang Of Four: Return The Gift)

Orchestrated Chaos

2007-06-12T22:40:00.000-05:00

Tesla Urn, 2004
Marina Abramović
'Tesla Urn' is dedicated to the Serbian-American scientist Nikola Tesla, who made some ground-breaking inventions that are still of importance for us today, especially in the area of electric engineering. In the video, Marina Abramovic holds her hands over the urn that stores the ashes of Tesla (normally kept at the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Serbia) in an attempt to absorb their energy.

•••

Welcome to the Balkanization of America.

I only hope that you can wrap your hands around this selection of music, in an attempt to absorb all of its energy.

(You can read more about Marina Abramović here, and see more of her work, here.)
•••

When the Trickster Starts A-Poking (Bordello Kind of Guy)
(Buy: Gogol Bordello/: Multi Kontra Culti Vs. Irony)

Jupanese Ju Ju
(Buy: Hungry March Band : Critical Brass)

Šiki, šiki baba
(Buy: Kočani Orkestar: Alone At My Wedding)

Warsaw
(Buy: Luminescent Orchestrii: Too Hot To Sleep)

El Zopilote Mojado
(Buy: DeVotchKa: Curse Your Little Heart)

Adir Adrimi (Featuring Victoria Hanna)
Bulgarian Chicks (Featuring V. Tomova. M. Alexiava)
(Buy: Balkan Beat Box: Balkan Beat Box)

Isle au, Hey, Haut

2007-06-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Life like an Eric Hopkins painting.

Isle au Haut
On top of some rocky hill.
June 10, 2007

•••

About ten of us took a glorious trip out to the beautiful island of Isle au Haut (Pronounced AISLE-a-hoe — not EEL-a-hoe, not EEL-a-who, just AISLE-a-hoe — and if you say it any other way, you're saying it wrong!) yesterday. You could not have asked for nicer weather, which made for an even nicer day. Hiking, picnic, and, in the end (of a I don't know how far a hike), everyone was laden with plastic bottles, bouys, and miscellaneous flotsam and jetsam which we dumped into the back of a (fortunately parked) park ranger truck at the end of our trip.

Two of the Best Quotes of the Day:
When one of the two 5th graders who came on the hike with us, picked up a L-shaped piece of driftwood, held it under his arm like a machine gun, and said,

"Say 'Hello' to my little friend!"

(It is unclear, if he has actually ever seen 'Scarface', or just picked up on which is now, a classic line. Either way, his father was thoroughly teased about it.)

The same child, a mile or two later, was walking with myself, another adult, and a classmate of his, when they were noticing some of the bigger tree roots crossing the path. His friend made a comment, which I missed, when 'Lil' Scarface' said,

"If you don't keep moving, you'll root like those trees."

True enough, brother. Keep it moving.

(Eric Hopkins beautiful island paintings can be seen in just about every house on The Rock. For many, who have known him for years, they got his work quite inexpensively when he was just starting out. For others (summer folk), they paid for it well, as his work became a symbol of their connectedness to the islands. For the late-comers, who still love his work, but can't afford it any more, there are posters and prints, or the wonderful selection of packages of organic soils and fertilizers from Coast of Maine Organic Products, Inc.)

•••

In The Garden Of Earthly Delights
(Buy: Combustible Edison: The Impossible World)

Mr E's Beautiful Blues
(Buy: Eels (pronounced EELS, not AISLES): Road Trip Soundtrack)

Mr. Blue Sky
(Buy: Electric Light Orchestra: Out Of The Blue)

Rock The Boat
(Buy: Hues Corporation: Soul Hits of the 70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind)

Ru Paul 2008: Hope For America

2007-06-09T05:57:00.002-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, your new President of the United States.

Ru Paul
'Reworking It' for a new America.
2007

•••

When I first noticed the recent searches on line for 'Ron Paul', I just assumed that she had come out with a new album, or just another celebrity checking into rehab. But, boy, was I wrong. Imagine my surprise, when I found out that this 'Paul' was not only a Republican, but one of the first supporters of Ronald Reagan in 1976 (A sure fire way for other Rebs to start loving you.), and running for president in 2008.

Anyway, to say the least, I don't care for him. (Although I do find some strange attraction to him due to his uncanny resemblance to the narrating postman from the Rankin & Bass television holiday special 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.' But, not enough to vote for him.)

My votes for Ru, every time.

•••

Black Barbie
(Buy: Jahcoozi: Pure Breed Mongrel)

Barbie Girl
(Buy: Aqua: Aquarium)

And, just because Ru has finally decided on her campaign song for 2008:

Hillary could learn a thing or two from this.

Work it, Ms. President!

I Don't Give A Damn About Her (Or, Her Husband's) Reputation!

2007-06-07T15:00:00.000-05:00

My American Idol — Saint Joan of Art

The Honorary Ms. Joan Jett
Warped Tour 2006
July 14, 2006
Nampa, Idaho
Photograph ©Otto Kitsinger|Performance Photography

•••

Just don't ask me to vote — for this!

"Your votes narrowed down the list of choices, and we added your top suggestions. Vote in the final round of our campaign song contest — and don't miss the latest video."

What is this from? The latest call to the best use of cellphones for placing your votes with Dancing With the Stars or American Idol? Well, sort of. You see — in the great tradition of taking mediocre songs and hoping to personify them into a national call to action (i.e. The hellacious pairings of Bill Clinton & Fleetwood Mac: 'Don't Stop', Arnold Schwarzenegger and that pitiful Twisted Sister, Dee Snider: 'We're Not Gonna Take It', Ronald Reagan using 'Born in the USA', or George W. Bush and Van Halen's 'Right Now'!? Holy Shite! These might easiest be the worst songs ever done by any of those bands! You can read more about this here.) — Ms. Clinton would like you to select her 'song'.

You know, just when you thought that a woman could step up and turn the White House — and the whole 'white man government' thing — around, we find out that she is just another politician 'utilizing' (Showing with absolute blazing colors of un-hipness, her lack of 'connectedness' with anybody remotely associated with the American voting public), while using that 'World Wide' thing-a-ma-jiggy to its fullest capacity. (Please, give us a little more credit, and a major effing break!)

Anywho, if you need to go vote, you can do it at Hillary Clinton's 'Pick A Song (and, Maybe Find Out What I Stand For') website. But, even if you don't vote, you should go and see what songs the collective voting 'WE' think are 'IT'. Guaranteed: You will only be disappointed. How disappointed? Would you believe that your 'Final Choices' are between KT Tunstall (Who the effin', friggin' hell is KT Tunstall?) [G informs me that she knows KT. She, apparently, has a song on the Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack. What are the chances that somebody in the Clinton 'Camp' may have plugged into that popular program by accident? And, hell, for that matter, what about something from Ursula 1000?], Shania Twain (Nuf' sayd!), U2 (Hey! We're not an American band!), The Temptations (Because Hillary's down with all music, homes. And the 'kids' LOVE their new stuff — if they even know who they are!), and, that effin' band Smashmouth (You know, from the 'Shrek' movie!)

Below, are songs that I think could stand up against any of them. Enjoy, and, okay, vote when it's time. (For somebody with a cool song!)

•••

Who Can You Trust
Coney Island Whitefish
(Buy: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: Album)

Roadrunner
(Buy: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: Good Music)

A.C.D.C.
(Buy: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: Sinner)

Do You Want To Touch Me (Oh Yeah)
(Buy: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: Bad Reputation)

And, my personal favorite (and what politician couldn't be telling the truth with this one?),

Bad Reputation
(Buy: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: Bad Reputation)

I Can Travel Decades In My Space-Age Esquivels!

2007-06-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Whatever you're servan' is good by me (as long as it's hyphenated)!

Donald's Serva-teria
Pratt, Kansas
Bringin' the Smorgasbord into the future!(?)

•••

If you don't know (Juan Garcia) Esquivel — then slip on into your time-machine, mix yourself an Appletini — and hold onto your hats, while you travel through this wild world, man!

Mini Skirt
(Buy: Esquivel: Esquivel 1968!!)

Now, Dude, where's my flying car?

•••

Cachita
Cachito
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
(Buy: Esquivel: Music from a Sparkling Planet)

You Were Born. And So You're Free.

2007-06-05T18:05:00.000-05:00

You know, that I know, that you know, that there is not a cooler 60 year old out there.

Laurie Anderson
Born, Free: June 5, 1947
Glen Ellyn, Illinois

•••

About 15 years ago, I walked by Laurie Anderson at a crosswalk in Soho. Nothing else happened. She has given the world her music. What else could you want? I gave her her privacy.

So, Happy Birthday.

•••

Sweaters
Born, Never Asked
O Superman (For Massenet)
It Tango
(Buy: Laurie Anderson: Big Science)

The Island Where I Come From
Pieces And Parts
Here With You
Life On A String
(Buy: Laurie Anderson: Life On A String)

Take Me Down To A Place In Surf City — Where The Sand Is Warm, and The Girls Are Pretty — Take Me Down

2007-06-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

Mushi Muscle Beaching

Your's Truly
Surf City, New Jersey
1962

•••

If another person bitches to me about the weather, ...

(I love the ellipsis. It might be the best device to avoid having to write what you really don't want to write about anyway.)

Well, if you don't like the weather here, then take a little trip in your mind. But, don't forget to lotion up!

"I said the beach be one of the best things we got,
Where it's not what you have on but what you not.
And I want that stink and I want that sweat,
In fact the beach be better than most things get.
In fact the beach be one of the best things we got.
Where it's not what you have on but what you have not.

Cruddy sugar lemonade, but I love people when they're on parade,
And the beach be one of the best things we got.
Where it's not what you have on, it's what you have not."
— 'The Beach', Jonathon Richman

•••

The Beach
(Buy & enjoy more: Jonathan Richman: Rockin' And Romance)

All Summer Long
(Buy: The Beach Boys: American Graffiti: Original Soundtrack)

Catch A Wave
(Buy: The Beach Boys: The Warmth Of The Sun)

Castles In The Sand
(Buy: Jimi Hendrix: Axis: Bold As Love)

Sun Is Shining
(Buy: Toshinori Kondo & DJ Krush: Ki-Oku )

Lovely Day
(Buy: Bill Withers: Menagerie)

•••

There! Aren't you feeling better already?

Hot, Big Damn Nation!

2007-06-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Photograph from 'The Impossible Tasks' Portfolio
© 2007 Cig Harvey

•••

Three things (among a plethora of other things, not to be mentioned here for brevity) that I consider to kick arse.

1. The photography of Cig Harvey.

Sure, she's a friend but, her photography still kicks it!

2. The music of The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band.

To quote Mike Breen, of the Cincinnati City Beat (Am I really going to quote somebody from the big 'O-HI-O'? You betcha'!)

"Rousing, hyper, and authentic brand of blues that sounds like what might come out of that secret meth lab nestled deep in the backwaters of the Mississippi Delta."

(Go meth labs! And, the Mississippi Delta! And, to The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band's website!)

3. This beautiful damn day!

Time for more gardening! Later, gators!

•••

My Old Man Boogie
Long Gone
(Buy: The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band: Big Damn Nation)

Money Can't Buy You Love — But, It Will Allow You To Purchase Everything Else (And, Probably Even Love) — Who Am I Kidding?

2007-06-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Excellent!

R. Murdy (Doing his best Mr. Burns impersonation).
Photograph © Gary Voth-Microsoft, via Associated Press
(via New York Times)

•••

"As we have been since 1902, the Bancroft family remains resolute in its commitment to preserve and protect the editorial independence and integrity of The Wall Street Journal as well as the leadership, strength and vitality of The Journal and all of the other publications and services of Dow Jones.

Since first receiving the News Corporation proposal, the family has carefully considered and discussed among ourselves and with our advisers how best to achieve that overarching objective while serving the best interests of the company’s various constituencies.

After a detailed review of the business of Dow Jones and the evolving competitive environment in which it operates, the family has reached consensus that the mission of Dow Jones may be better accomplished in combination or collaboration with another organization, which may include News Corporation.

Accordingly, the family has advised the company’s board that it intends to meet with News Corporation to determine whether, in the context of the current or any modified News Corporation proposal, it will be possible to ensure the level of commitment to editorial independence, integrity and journalistic freedom that is the hallmark of Dow Jones.

The family also indicated its receptivity to other options that might achieve the same overarching objective.

There can be no assurance that the dialogue with News Corporation or any other party will result in the negotiation, or the desire of family members to purse the negotiation, and execution of any agreement regarding the company or in any transaction. References herein to the Bancroft family are to various individual family members and trusts for the benefit of family members. Ultimate voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares of the company held or controlled by such individuals and trusts resides with those individuals and the trustees of the trusts."
— Bancroft Family Statement (Regarding the sale of Dow Jones & Company, which — I was shocked to find out, and am embarrassed to admit — is private effing owned company; which, apparently, now has it's eyes on the big canvas bags with the dollar signs on them.)

Apparently, (the right amount of) money really does change everything.

•••

It's All About The Benjamins
(Buy: (P. Puffy Daddy) Diddy (& the Family): No Way Out)

I'm The Slime
(Buy: Frank Zappa: Over-Nite Sensation)

And, if you download just one song this year, make it this one ...

He Was A Big Freak
(Buy: Betty Davis: They Say I'm Different)

Goodbye, To The Ephemeral May, Fly

2007-05-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

Mayfly (Insect order: Ephemeroptera)
One day, in May.

•••

The fly
Of May
It lives
One day.

When that day is done
The MayFly does not complain.
It flies into the setting sun.
It goes back to the place
From which it came.

The fly
Of May.

Ask how
Ask why
One day
MayFly.
That's all
You get.
You give
No thought
To it.

Me, my life is long
With reasons few like you.
When I go and when I'm gone
I will understand these things
I never knew.

The fly
Of May.

One day one day one day one day
It's long enough
If you really think about it.

The fly
Of May
It lives
One day.

•••

MayFly
How We Quit The Forest
(Buy: Rasputina: How We Quit The Forest)

And, this, from Vodafone — where you can make yourself into a mayfly — for a day. (Sure, the mayfly as shill, but it's still cute.)

And, speaking of commercials (sans shilling), this:

Diamond Mind
(Buy: Rasputina: How We Quit The Forest)

There Is No Place Like Aum (or, Broadway)

2007-05-31T10:55:00.000-05:00

Good Grief!

•••

The little round headed kid and his dog.
Charles M. Schulz

•••

"I'm trying to get my life together."

This was the subject heading of a blanket e-mail I received the other day, due to the fact that I signed my name to a mailing list 2 years ago. I really have to be more careful about signing up for things.

And, I hope that you can figure your life out. (Or, have a really good time trying!)

“Sometimes I lie awake at night, and ask, 'Where have I gone wrong?' Then a voice says to me, 'This is going to take more than one night.'” — Charlie Brown, "Peanuts"

"If you feel that you are not enlightened, you can always try to be." — Harish Johari (Friggin' brilliant, HarJo!)

•••

Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin': Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II (Singer: John Raitt), Oklahoma!

I Got the Sun in the Morning: Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin (Singer: Doris Day), Annie Get your Gun

Tomorrow: Music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin (Singer: Andrea McArdle), Annie

Put On a Happy Face: Music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams (Singer: Dick VanDyke) Bye Bye Birdie
(Buy: Greatest Hits of Broadway)

I Promise, No More Dog Pictures For A While (Unless They're Really Cute. Which They All Are.)

2007-05-29T10:05:00.000-05:00

He ain't nothing but a lawn dog.

Nature Boy
Yesterday
The Rock

•••

Sorry 'bout that. I just wanted to add this song to yesterday's selection.

•••

Hound Dog: Big Mama Thornton
(Buy: In Europe: Big Mama Thornton with Muddy Waters' Blues Band)

La Vita Musicale Dolce di un Cane

2007-05-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Sweet Musical Life of a dog (as Erik Satie).

Marcel Duchamp
Memorial Day
The Rock

All dogs must have their day, and today, Marcel is having his.

With the excitement of being allowed to express his respect in honor (and memory) of his favorite musicians, he donned his favorite bowler and, proceeded to regale us with a few 0f his favorite musical numbers — which I will share with you — below.

Who's your best friend, man?

•••

Preludes Flasques (Pour un chien) - I Voix d'interieur
Preludes Flasques (Pour un chien) - II Chanson canine
Preludes Flasques (Pour un chien) - III Avec camaraderie
The Moog Synthesizer with The Camarata Contemporary Chamber Orchestra: The Electronic Spirit of Erik Satie
(via: WFMU Beware of the Blog)

And, here's 4 more, for a little canine coda.

Kidz Are So Small: Deerhoof
(Buy: Friend Opportunity)

Stoned To The Bone, Part 1: James Brown
(Buy: Star Time)

Spikee
Dogman Go Woof: Underworld
(via: The White Noise Revisited)

One (Inter)Nation(al) Under The Groovy

2007-05-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Wabi-sabi, baby!

Okay, this post isn't much different from yesterday's but, (this time the picture is not of me, and,) it is in Japanese. Here's three, from a 1971 Japanese recording of Hair: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical.

These come by way of Jersey City, New Jersey's own WFMU — Beware of the Blog — my favorite radio/on-line connection for things gathered from the nether regions of the musical world, and beyond. (Warning: Make sure you visit when you have nothing else to do, BOTB may be addictive.)

•••

I Got Life
Hair
Walking In Space

Doumo arigatou. Yoi ichinichi o!

Lest I Forget (I'd Like To Wish You A Good Weekend)

2007-05-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

Fly that flag on the ferry, FREAK!

It's because somebody fought somebody, that I'm able to let my freak flag fly. Or, that's what somebody who fought — would tell somebody like myself — who doesn't believe in such fighting.

Have a great weekend, on whichever side of this issue you may stand. (And, 'Don't Drink and Drive!')

•••

'You know kids, I wish every mom and dad would make a speech to their teenagers and say, "Kids, be free, be whatever you are, do whatever you want to do, just so long as you don't hurt anybody. And, remember kids, I am your friend."

I would just like to say that it is my conviction
That longer hair and other flamboyant affectations
Of appearance are nothing more
Than the male's emergence from his drab camouflage
Into the gaudy plumage
Which is the birthright of his sex

There is a peculiar notion that elegant plumage
And fine feathers are not proper for the male
When actually
That is the way things are
In most species'
– My Conviction, from Hair: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical Lyrics: Gerome Ragni + James Rado

•••

'Om mane padme om
On mane padme om
Folding the flag means taking care of the nation.
Folding the flag is putting it to bed for the night.
I fell through a hole in the flag
I'm falling through a hole in the flag
Help!

Don't put it down
Best one around
Crazy for the red blue and white
Crazy for the red blue and white

You look at me
What do you see
Crazy for the white red and blue
Crazy for the white red and blue

Cause I look different
You think I'm subversive
Crazy for the blue white and red
Crazy for the blue white and red

My heart beats true
For the red white and blue
Crazy for the blue white and red
Crazy for the blue white and red
And yellow fringe
Crazy for the blue white red and yellow'
– Don't Put It Down, from Hair: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical Lyrics: Gerome Ragni + James Rado

•••

I Got Life
My Conviction
Walking In Space

And one for good measure, and Memorial Day (or Patriot's Day, or Patriot Day, or Veteran's Day, or Flag Day, or whatever the holiday is that you celebrate your life — which should be everyday, babies!)

Don't Put It Down

(Buy: Hair: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical – The Original Broadway Cast Recording (1968))

The Law Is The Law. What's Your Weapon Of Choice?

2007-05-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

"I consider the ownership of arms not only a right, but the duty of a free people to themselves and future generations." – Dan, from 'Armed America' (What maybe concerns me more, is Dan's collection of Domino's boxes in the corner of his little white, gun-laden room.)

Portrait from 'Armed America'
Photographs by Kyle Cassidy

•••

On the Friday morning ferry, I sat down in front of a man reading the a 2007 Gun Guide — a catalog of fire arms from the dainty Derringer to the (should never be used anywhere but war, and even to that note, there should be no war) AK-47. (Another side note to that: I'm sure that there were bigger guns in that guide also, but just the fact that somebody was reading this on my usually quiet and peaceful morning commute, may have distracted me from the plethora of other weapons of choice.)

Anywho ...

We were talking about guns (I was WAYYY out of my league here, but you've got to be social on the boat, you know) and where the hell one might use such devices — when he turned to a particular page showing knock-down/put-together models of some type of rifle.

"Where would one ever use something like that?" I asked, a little mockingly, because, (Sheez!) I can understand the right to hunt for deer and moose, and occasional squirrel (An island thing, which I REALLY DON'T understand), but, this was a compact, 'assemble-it-as-you-need-it' firearm. "Really!" I continued, "Really! Where in the hell could you justify needing that?"

"Pilots use them when they get shot down behind enemy lines. It's easy to build, and they get to protect themselves," he responded, without a hint of sarcasm.

"Behind enemy lines?"

"Yeah. You know, when their planes get shot down."

"What the hell have you been watching?" I asked, laughing, as I turned to pour another cap of coffee from my thermos, and to find something else to distract me from our further discussions of wartime weaponry and tactics.

"It's true," he said, leaning over my shoulder, getting in the last word.

I let him have it — plugged in my Shuffle — and wrote this down.

•••

"Fuck me, hold tight. What's that?"

"It's me belt."

"No, Tommy. There's a gun in your trousers. What's a gun doing in your trousers?"

"It's for protection."

"Protection from what? "Zee" Germans? What's to stop it blowing your bollocks off when you sit?"
– Dialogue between Turkish and Tommy, 'Snatch' (2000)

•••

"The question of gun ownership in America is a fractious one. Even the number of guns in the country is in significant debate. The National Rifle Association (NRA), the country's largest pro-gun lobbying group, quotes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE)'s estimate that in 1999 there were about 215,000,000 guns in America and one gun in about half of the households in the country. The Brady Campaign (the nation's leading anti-gun coalition) estimates there are 192,000,000 guns in America, owned by 39% of the population.

This isn't a book about guns. It's a book about people.

Whether it's 39% or 50% of Americans, it's still an awful lot of people. I started wondering just who they were, what they looked like, and how they lived. Such was the genesis of Armed America: Portraits of American Gun Owners in Their Homes. The idea was to photograph a hundred gun owners, in their homes, and do a gallery show. I figured this would take about two years. But very soon after I started, it became evident that my ambitions were too low. My mailbox flooded with letters from people I didn't know wanting to participate – I realized that I could probably photograph a hundred people in two months, but it wasn't a number of people that was important, it was their stories – a cowboy in Texas, a survivalist in Montana, a deer hunter in Pennsylvania, a sheriff in Georgia, a soldier in Idaho.... What I really needed, I realized, was to get moving, to drive across the country and find America somewhere between here and there." – Kyle Cassidy, Introduction from 'Armed America'

•••

Fleming: "I was born and raised 12 miles down the road from where Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed and killed – this was in 1935. As a result of that incident, Northern Louisiana gained a reputation for being a very violent part of the world. And indeed, everybody – that I knew anyway – had at least two guns; a shotgun, and a .22 rifle. But these weapons were looked upon mostly as implements for harvesting food, mutch like you do with hoes, rakes, shovels, and things like that. Because they were used to take wild game. And in a country at that time where there was no electricity, no trains to speak of, you couldn't buy anything. If you didn't grow it or kill it yourself, you didn't eat. So everybody that I new of, went out to hunt for food and shells were expensive – it was on the edge of the depression, shortly before World War II and people learned to practice gun economy, i guess you would say. People took care of guns, guns were cherished ... and you didn't mess with somebody's gun. They were used as something to acquire food. That was all they were used for. This business about people shooting each other – that has come about, I think, as a result of money being introduced into our culture. Some people didn't have any, and some people wanted some, so they went out an "liberated" it."

Jean: "I hate guns. Don't get me started."
– Jean and Fleming, from 'Armed America'

•••

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee."
– Jules, quoting Ezekiel 25-17, 'Pulp Fiction', (1994)

•••

In Our Gun
(Buy: Gomez: In Our Gun)

Elephant Gun
(Buy: Beirut: Lon Gisland EP)

Weapon Of Choice
(Buy: Fatboy Slim: Halfway Between The Gutter And The Stars)

Weapon Of Choice
(Buy: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Baby 81)

Packin'
(Buy: Porno for Pyros: Porno for Pyros)

Ezekiel 25:17
(Buy: Pulp Fiction: Pulp Fiction: Music From The Motion Picture)

(And, for those of you that are free of arms.)
Pea
(Buy: Red Hot Chili Peppers: One Hot Minute)

Mother's Day — Better Belated Than Never

2007-05-15T23:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know, that there are people out there who have never been complacent about war? Go ahead, ask your Mother.

War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things
Lorraine Schneider (1925-1972)
1967

"For my Mother's Day gift this year,
I don't want candy or flowers.
I want an end to killing.

We who have given life
must be dedicated to preserving it.

Please talk peace."
— Another Mother for Peace, Mother's Day card, 1967

"The most indelible, and doubtless the most positive of all protest images is Lorraine Schneider’s 1969 poster for the group Another Mother for Peace of a flower around which is scrawled the phrase “War is Not healthy for Children and Other Living Things.” The slogan, neither patriotic or unpatriotic, immediately became the mantra for the entire anti-Vietnam War movement. In fact Schneider’s poster had more widespread appeal than many of the satire and sometimes shocking graphics against war because it was void of sarcasm and irony and spoke simple truth to folly by addressing the devastating impact of all war on everyone of us, regardless of side."
(Steven Heller, via AIGA/NY)

•••

Fuck The Motherfucking President
(Buy: Witchypoo: A Slice Of Lemon)

Mother Where Is My Father?
(Buy: David Peel: Have a Marijuana)

Mother
(Buy: John Lennon: Shaved Fish)

And, a Bonus track (without a Mother reference):
The Fish Cheer/I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag
(Buy: Country Joe McDonald: The Best Of Woodstock)

I'm A Little Lost (But Not In A Bad Way)

2007-05-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

"Here you see is the pedestal of a statue, with only half a leg and four toes remaining: there were many here once."

"Perfectibilians, deteriorationists, statu-quo-ites, phrenologists, transcendentalists, political economists, theorists in all sciences, projectors in all arts, morbid visionaries, romantic enthusiasts, lovers of music, lovers of the picturesque, and lovers of good dinners, march, and will march for ever, 'pari passu' with the march of mechanics, which some facetiously call the march of the intellect. The fastidious in old wine are a race that does not decay.

Literary violators of the confidences of private life still gain a disreputable livelihood and an unenviable notoriety. Match-makers from interest, and the disappointed in love and in friendship, are varieties of which specimens are extant. The great principle of the Right of Might is as flourishing now as in the days of Maid Marian: the array of false pretensions, moral, political, and literary, is as imposing as ever: the rulers of the world still feel things in their effects, and never foresee them in their causes: and political mountebanks continue, and will continue, to puff nostrums and practise legerdemain under the eyes of the multitude: following, like the "learned friend" of Crotchet Castle, a course as tortuous as that of a river, but in a reverse process; beginning by being dark and deep, and ending by being transparent."

Preface from 'Headlong Hall' (1815)
Written on March 4, 1837 by Thomas Love Peacock

•••

"The path of secrecy is a slippery slope. While necessity may dictate, at times, that we shade ourselves and out work from the all-too often harsh light of inquiry, habitual secret-keeping can mire even the noblest of intentions in shadow. It is this shadow I fell prey to, blinded not only to the action of colleagues like Dr. Thomas Werner Mittelwerk, but also to the works of my own hand.

I fear the lessons learned have cost many their happiness. Some few have even lost their lives. My regret for this is endless. But, I assure you now, as I did then, that the work of The Hanso Foundation has always been intended to bring rebirth to a dying land and a dying people.

Our methods must change. As of this moment, The Hanso Foundation enters a period of restructure and overhaul. Transparency and oversight will be our guiding principles, excellence in communication and response to feedback our greatest strengths. To save humanity, we need first tap into just that — our humanity.

Much time has passed — perhaps too much. Thanks to the tireless efforts of my daughter, Rachel Blake, and a worldwide movement set against the dark entity that was Thomas Mittelwerk's regime, I have been exonerated and freed of imprisonment. Thanks to the grace and foresight of the Global Welfare Consortium, we at The Hanso Foundation have been given a second chance to build a future that can support, enrich, and cradle us all in peace and joy.

It is to this I dedicate my life and my Foundation. My only hope is that you will join me."

Namaste

Statement from Alvar Hanso
The Hanso Foundation

(I personally don't care if they (the writers of 'LOST') have this thing figured out or not. In a way, the end (and, the answers) can (or, will) be hardly as entertaining as the journey along the way.)

•••

Lost Message
(Buy: Air: Pocket Symphony)

A Little Lost
(Buy: Arthur Russell: The World of Arthur Russell)

I Got Lost
(Buy: Dinosaur Jr: Beyond)

What A Girl Wants, (Is Only) What A Girl Gets

2007-05-08T23:00:00.000-05:00

Look all you want — but if they don't want — you ain't gettin'!

The Girl Watcher
June 1959
Copyright 1959 by Bonanza Publishing Co., Inc.
(via Vintage Girlwatchers)

Grrrls, grrrls grrrls!

They love you. They hate you. They love you. They bait you.

Grrrrrrrrrls!

•••

The old,

Do You Want to Touch Me?
(Buy: Joan Jett and The Blackhearts: Fit To Be Tied: Greatest Hits)

the new,

Nestle in My Boobies
(Buy: The Coathangers: Ladies of Leisure)

Dirty Song
(Buy: Cars Can Be Blue: All the Stuff We Do)

and, the (un)real deal — with a side of Lemmy.

Stand By Your Man
(Buy: Wendy O. Williams: from, Wendy And Lemmy (7" single, 1982).
(Good luck finding this one.)

The Horror. The Horror. (The Horoscopes, That Is.)

2007-05-06T09:10:00.000-05:00

Well, it's a good thing I only have one.

Fortune cookies (above) and canned personality generalizations — that's what makes life worth living.

'There is a burning restlessness inside you that is activated because you don't feel as if you are fulfilling your life's destiny. You may have a sudden insight that you have a much greater purpose in this lifetime than what you are currently doing. Explore this idea, and see what you can do to move toward this great desire that comes from deep within. This is the perfect time to put large, long-term goals into action.'
(My horoscope for some day in April, when, really, I was really feeling this way. Oh, wait, I felt that way yesterday, also. And, a bit like that today. Oh, man, I don't see tomorrow looking much different.)

Oh, wait!

Today is the first day of the rest of you life! (Sure, I know that that's a bit cliche, but it sure beats the last fortune I received, which read, "You will get some clothes." (Jevus! What? Do they save up all the shite fortunes for the island take-out orders? Or, has the whole fortune cookie business just given up on creativity and inspiration?)

Oh, wait! I have one.

Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life!

•••

I Want Everything
(Buy: Cracker: Kerosene Hat)

Tristeza {Goodbye Sadness}
(Buy: Astrud Gilberto: Rhythm Of The Tropics Volume 2)

(Who needs cookies? At a minute-thirty, Walter Wanderley brings more joy then any cookie could deliver — just give it a listen!)

All Good? [Can 7 Supermarket Remix]
(Buy: De La Soul Featuring Chaka Khan : Stereo Sushi 2 [Disc 2])

C'è il sole & Sabato!

2007-05-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Oggi a mia, dumani a tia, semu tutti 'n cumpagnia.

And I've got clothes to hang, gardens to rake, and, oh yeah, I've got to finish tiling the bathroom. (But, I can do that tonight!)

Get outside and play!

Buona Giornata!

•••

Until I'm Ready
(Buy & enjoy more: Halsey Burgund: Aesthetic Evidence)

Why Does The Sun Shine? (The Sun Is A Mass Of Incandecent Gas)
(Buy: They Might Be Giants: Why Does The Sun Shine? [EP])

Sun Is Shining
(Buy: Bob Marley & The Wailers: Kaya)

Surfin'
(Buy: Ernest Ranglin: Surfin')

Yo, Cornelli! My Porcine Detumescence Is Digging Your Meaty Bloviations

2007-05-03T23:30:00.000-05:00

MC Supersize and his Cowgirls.
Popaganda®: The Art and Crimes of Ron English

But, hey, did you just try to call us fat pigs? (Or, am I just one of those average Americans that don't quite get the meaning of 'dem big ole' college-priced words?)

To quote Inigo Montoya, "I do not think it means what you think it means."

•••

You're The One For Me, Fatty
(Buy: Morrissey: Your Arsenal)

The Freed Pig
(Buy: Sebadoh: Sebadoh III)

Gluttony (The Bloody Beetroots Remix)
(Buy: Hostage: Sins EP)

Common People
(Buy: William Shatner: Has Been)

Word To Your Mother! (Earth, That Is)

2007-04-22T08:33:00.000-05:00

Lookin' Good, Mama!

Brustbild Gaia
Paul Klee
1939

It's sunny out, tulips, crocus, and the hint of day lilies have finally made their way out of the soil (hopefully without the return of a snow covering), and it's Earth Day.

So, turn off all your shite, go outside, and enjoy the Earth (and, your day)!

•••

Whole Wide World
(Buy: Wreckless Eric: Wreckless Eric)

Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part 3
(Buy: Ian Dury & The Blockheads: Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll: Best Of Ian Dury & The Blockheads)

Say It Loud, Say It Proud! It's Here, Tain't Beer (Or, Twisted Tea, Unbelievably), Git You'st To It!

2007-04-20T16:20:00.000-05:00

Although, I believe, Twisted Tea cans are still No. 1 in the preferred 'Roadside Trash of The Rock.' (As personally evidenced by the two dozen flattened cans I have picked up from this past seasons walk-abouts.)

The Fisherman's Friend
The Rock, Maine
April 2007

Some things just make you proud to be an American (Mainer). And some just make you cringe. This little bit of news, apparently almost as important as any other pressing global topics of the day, makes me do a little of both.

"When it comes to spirits, coffee brandy remains Mainers' libation of choice.
State sales figures for last year show that Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy remains by far the top-selling brand of liquor in the state, just as it's been every year for more than a decade. Nearly 994,000 bottles worth $11.9 million were sold in four different bottle sizes in Maine in 2006.

Allen's is so popular that its different bottle sizes rank first, second, sixth and ninth on the Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations list of the top 25 alcoholic items sold last year. Allen's is the only brand that appears more than once in the top 10.

Coffee-flavored brandy is something of a New England specialty and is not well-known outside the region. Allen's is made by family-owned M.S. Walker Inc. of Somerville, Mass. (On who's site, you'd be hard pressed to find ANY mention of they're No. 1 seller in Maine, because they only deal with "Fine Wines & Spirits Since 1933.")

The dark-colored liquor that's been called "the champagne of Maine," while immensely popular, is also associated with the state's substance abuse troubles. (Really? Alcohol and substance abuse? Trouble?)

A decade ago, state Superior Court Judge Robert Crowley was quoted as saying the brand "is very prevalent in the criminals who come before me. I don't know whether brandy is more bang for your buck but it runs the gamut.

"I see it in bar fights, domestic assaults, drunk driving, and worse crimes."
— Associated Press, via MaineToday.

With the predicted price of bait (Which, apparently, Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy was once used to store. Although, highly unlikely.) and gas this year — and some of the lobstermen already forecasting the leanest lobster season in years — my guess is that we're in for another record-breaker next year! (And, maybe a few more "bar fights, domestic assaults, drunk driving, and worse crimes.")

One more cup of coffee (flavored brandy) for the road?

•••

(Sorry, couldn't locate any songs regaling (or even mentioning) Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy — yet!)

Java Jive
(Buy: The Ink Spots: The Ink Spots [Decca])

The Coffee Song
(Buy: Frank Sinatra: Ring-A-Ding Ding!)

If You've Got the Money (I've Got the Time)
(Buy: Merle Haggard: Roots: Volume 1)

North American Scum
(Buy: LCD Soundsystem: The Sound Of Silver)

"Weather Like A Steven King Novel"

2007-04-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

And that's a direct quote. (Although, the misspelling of the author's name is totally the fault of The Weather Channel, which, since yesterday, they have corrected.)

"It's Like The Storm Of The Century."
Ellis Island, Maine
April 16, 2007

What I assumed, when I first read this headline, was that the storm was going to be just like the one's we've seen a dozen times before, that it would go on forever, traveling into regions we know it should not be traveling — with some gratuitous violence and death, and littered with some clever, semi-appropriate lyrics from some 1980's ACDC songs that would hopefully fill in the blanks (and give it some Rock & Roll/Metal edge) — only to conclude with a flock of birds, a spider, or an exhausted, unbelievable sigh. But, I was wrong. (Or, was I? And who really cares? Because the weather, like Stephen King novels, will keep on coming. The sooner we realize that we have no control of it, the getter.)

But, it was the observation and reaction to these (the weather, not another book, yet, I don't think, but I'm probably wrong about that) events that got me going today.

There's no accounting for the stupidity of random clichéd quotes from behind the wheel of drivers (during a storm that is knocking down trees and electrical wires, and blowing roofs off of buildings). But, rest assured that the clichéd reporter standing in that same torrential downpour, will add a few winners of their own clichéd atmospheric alliterations to round out a stellar weather report. (You can watch it yourself, here.)

Or, you can enjoy an alliterated collection of clichéd climatic classics below.

•••

Stormy Weather
(Buy: Dinah Washington: Classic American Music: Les Plus Grandes Voix Du Jazz)

Stop Your Sobbing
(Buy: Jonathan Richman: This Is Where I Belong: The Songs of Ray Davies)

Something Stupid
(Buy: Robbie William with Nicole Kidman: Swing When You're Winning)

Super Stupid
(Buy: Funkadelic: Maggot Brain)

Goodbye Jesus ...

2007-04-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

and Smokin' Bunny, and Ernie Ball, and Lil' Reaper — and, especially you, little ASS sticker — I'll miss you most of all.

Blackie's Farewell
The day of his big trade-in.
2007

Cars are the Devil's henchmen (or women, if your so inclined to name yours likewise). But, we all have our cars to bear, and Blackie (a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta) was mine. He was a good car (as far as an inanimate object with a given name can be), and got me where I needed to be (most of the time). But, lately, he had been ailing (in ways that only large amounts of money could have cured), making the parting of our ways all too imminent.

Now, this would all be the makings of a sad story if, (A) We were talking about a human life (and not another friggin' automobile!), (B) He (Blackie) didn't sound like a Panzer tank barreling down the street (I don't even really know what the hell a Panzer tank sounds like, but, I imagine that it's really loud, don't you?), and (C) He was not the spawn of Satan. But, he had become (or, always was) all of the above.

But, he had great stickers. And that is what, in the end — with all the rust, the loudness, the erratic starting, and the overflow of flotsam and jetsam from too many a beach-combing adventure (That last part is entirely my fault! Sorry for blaming that one on you, Blackie.) — is what I will miss the most. He had great stickers. (One in particular was a personal favorite of mine, and a source of endless giggling for many of G's students. "Ms. G, why does Mushi's car have an 'ASS' sticker on it?")

Blackie is now out of my life. (G and I made the trek over to the mainland last weekend and did a little test-driving.) He has been traded in for a new vehicle. It's (Gender and name yet to be determined) different. And, black. (My only criteria, being the anti-motorhead I am. I mean, Jeez!, I don't even know why they make cars in any other color!). But, I'll get used to it. (And try to keep the sticks, stones, and beach debris out.)

Now, all I have to do is try to find some new stickers. I have a few in mind, but have a smaller area to work with with the new wheels. I'll have to pick wisely.

Any suggestions?

•••

Satan Is My Motor
(Buy: Cake: Prolonging The Magic)

Stickshifts And Safetybelts
(Buy: Cake: Fashion Nugget)

Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac
(Buy: Dizzie Gillespie: The Roots Of Acid Jazz)

Brand New Cadillac
(Buy: The Clash: London Calling)

Pick Your Friends Carefully

2007-04-12T23:30:00.000-05:00

Devil Baby
Rockport, Maine
2001

•••

In the light of recent events.

•••

Your Racist Friend
(Buy: They Might be Giants: Flood)

Racist Friend
(Buy: Special AKA: The Singles Collection)

Why?
(Buy: The Specials: The Singles Collection)

What Sarah Silverman Says, Is True! (As Though You Had Any Reasons To Doubt Her In The First Place)

2007-04-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

JESUS IS MAGIC!

Jesus rises from the cave wearing a rabbit suit — slays the warring factions, and brings forth a bevy of colored eggs (For Christians the egg is a symbol of Jesus' resurrection, as when they are cracked open they stand for the empty tomb. No-one actually knows when eggs were first used as symbols at festival times, but it was long before Jesus' time. (Or, around the same time they invented Mother's Day, Santa, Valentine's Day, etc. Thank you Hallmark!) Eggs were always thought to be special because although they do not seem alive, they have life within them especially at springtime when chicks hatch out. (Really, I didn't make ANY of that egg crap up!)) — forecasting six more weeks of Winter.

At least, that's the way I remember hearing about it. (Dates and stories may vary.)

•••

'You have probably noticed that the date for Resurrection Sunday ("Easter") varies considerably from one year to the next. This chosen date comes from a formula established by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. You can use the formula to verify the date for Resurrection Sunday each year.

First, find the vernal equinox, or first day of spring (about March 21-22), on a calendar that lists basic astronomical data. Then look for the next full moon, usually indicated in a corner box of the calendar. Resurrection Sunday will then fall on the following Sunday.

According to this rule, the latest possible date for Resurrection Sunday is April 25, next occurring in 2038. The earliest is March 22, in 2285. Most often, Resurrection Sunday comes during the first week of April.

For merchants, the changing date of Easter is inconvenient for their annual planning of sales and inventory. However, it is pleasing to realize that this special day is not determined by commerce but by the movements of the sun and moon. This agrees with the divinely ordained purpose of heavenly lights as markers for times and seasons. (Gen. 1:14).

Whatever! You know what? That mumbo-jumbo was barely worth copying and pasting let alone spending the time telling you where I even found it! So let's just forget we ever saw it and enjoy our candy and music (And six more weeks of Winter!).

Hoppy Easter, Peeps!

Mmmmmm, Peeps!

•••

White Rabbit
(Buy: Jefferson Airplane: Surrealistic Pillow)

Rise and Shine
(Buy: Polk Miller And The Old South Quartette: Music of the Old South)

Divine Intervention
(Buy: Matthew Sweet: Girlfriend)

The Golden Path
(Buy: The Chemical Brothers(with The Flaming Lips): Singles '93-'03 [Limited])

Chocolate Jesus H. Christ, On a KitKat® Cross! (OU* Status Uncertain)

2007-04-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

Ceci n'est pas une pipe de chocolat. (This is not a chocolate pipe.)

The Treachery Of Images (La trahison des images)
René François Ghislain Magritte (1898 - 1967)

•••

And this, is not Jesus. But, it is chocolate!

Let's try to keep a lid on our outrage. (I mean, jeezuz, it's not like Resurrection Eggs or anything that bad. Although, that Crucifixion Kit, hmmmm.)

*OU: Orthodox Union, of course!

•••

Chocolate Jesus
(Buy: Tom Waits: Mule Variations)

I'm Going Straight to Heaven
(Buy: MC 900ft. Jesus with DJ Zero: Hell With The Lid Off)

You're The Bomb!

2007-04-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

Miss Atomic Bomb (Lee Merlin), 1957
Photograph by Donald English at the Sands Hotel, May 24, 1957.
The identity of the woman has been in some dispute.
(But, a December 2004 Department of Energy publication identified her as a Copa showgirl, Lee Merlin. By accounts, so far, she has yet to be found.)

•••

YOU'RE THE BOMB!

That's right, YOU!

YOU! Who have come back here day after day, looking for new music, and finding nothing (For the last 20 days!).

YOU! Who, for some reason or another, have still come back to see new (old) pictures that I have found in old boxes and folders laying around the house (that for some reason, still undisclosed, had not found their way up on the site for — did I mention? — 20 days!).

Well, YOU!, I'm back! And I promise, it won't happen again! (For all that that's worth — from a person you have never met, and most likely never will.)

•••

"Well, boys, I reckon this is it - nuclear combat toe to toe with the Roosskies. Now look, boys, I ain't much of a hand at makin' speeches, but I got a pretty fair idea that something doggone important is goin' on back there. And I got a fair idea the kinda personal emotions that some of you fellas may be thinkin'. Heck, I reckon you wouldn't even be human bein's if you didn't have some pretty strong personal feelin's about nuclear combat. I want you to remember one thing, the folks back home is a-countin' on you and by golly, we ain't about to let 'em down. I tell you something else, if this thing turns out to be half as important as I figure it just might be, I'd say that you're all in line for some important promotions and personal citations when this thing's over with. That goes for ever' last one of you regardless of your race, color or your creed. Now let's get this thing on the hump - we got some flyin' to do."
Major T. J. "King" Kong, from Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964)

•••

You Dropped A Bomb On Me
(Buy: The Gap Band: The Gap Band IV)

Bomb Squad
(Buy: Motocade: Into The Fall)

Sex Bomb
(Buy: Tom Jones: Reload)

I Get The Same Old Feelin’, Every Time You’re Here

2007-03-20T23:25:00.000-05:00

The Dark Overlord and his Minion
Planning World Domination (with unseen observer).
Camp David

April, 4, 2007

Ooops! After an extended, inexcusable, lapse of anti-posting, I tried to get some new writing and music up here. Instead, I seem to have deleted the post about Marcel and his Secret Ops Weekend.

As soon as I can remember half of what I wrote here 15 days ago, and post it back up, I'll be back. I'm hoping later this evening.

But there's still the music! Ahhhh, Barry White!

Love, Mushi

•••

You're The First, The Last, My Everything
Never, Never Gonna Give You Up
Can't Get Enough Of Your Love
(Buy: Barry White: Just For You)

This Memory Will Not Fade Away

2007-03-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

Joe, Nick, Fritz, Casey, Mark, Brad, Charlie, Mushi, and Ozzie
Raceway Park, Englishtown, New Jersey
September 3, 1977
Photograph taken by Kevin at NewJerseyRock.

Well,actually, that's not true at all. This memory fades away quite often. But, when G started digging through some boxes of old pictures yesterday, this is what I remembered ... (fade out)

At Summer's End, my friends and I (and some 150,000 other stragglers) gathered in a field in New Jersey to see The New Riders of the Purple Sage, Marshall Tucker Band, and the Grateful Dead. They played the following set:

Promised Land
They Love Each Other
Me & My Uncle
Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo
Looks Like Rain
Peggy-O
New Minglewood Blues
Friend Of The Devil
The Music Never Stopped
Bertha
Good Lovin'
Loser
Estimated Prophet
Eyes Of The World
Samson And Delilah
He's Gone
Not Fade Away
Truckin'
Terrapin Station

Which I remember nothing of, except — while looking for a song to add here tonight, and listening to a number of shows from 1977 (and the original live recording of the show here) — I got goosebumps. That means, (a) that something inside of me still remembers that time, and the feeling of seeing that band live at such a rich period in their careers, or, more likely, (b) somebody just walked over my grave. (I can never get that one straight.)

•••

He's Gone
(Buy: Grateful Dead: Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ, 9/3/77 LIVE/Original Recording Remastered)

(This song is actually from a November 5, 1977 show at Community War Memorial Auditorium in Rochester, NY, via Internet Archive. But you can buy the September 3, 1977, Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ show here.)

Added BONUS:
Here's what my ticket looked like. (I've come across mine, once or twice, in the dozen or so moves up and down the East Coast, but I'd be hard pressed to find it. No, my friends, that's work for a peoples much more anal-retentive (and organized) then me. Like these folks! Maybe there's a ticket you've been looking for?)

(No, effin' shite! Did I actually just travel 30 years — from Daft Punk to Grateful Dead — in one day? I'm fading out ...)

In The Future (Pretty Much Everything I Do Has The Potential To Be This Time-Wasting)

2007-03-18T16:20:00.000-05:00

Daft Punk
Is Playing At My House (As well as, some LCD Soundsystem, and a healthy dose of Ground Components.)
March 2007

Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world

Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world
Around the world, around the world

'Around The World', words and music by Daft Punk.

This morning, I figured out that I have traveled over 48,409.16433 kilometers (That's 30,080 miles, you metric-phobe!) over the past 4 years of my daily ferry commute. (That's 2,350 hours over the past 4 years — to think about things like this — that potentially, become this time-wasting.)

You can check the math, and see what the hell got me on this track in the first place, here.

•••

Around The World
(Buy: Daft Punk: Homework)

Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
(Buy: LCD Soundsystem: LCD Soundsystem)

Coming In From All Angles (Feat. Macromantics)
(Buy: Ground Components: An Eye For A Brow, A Tooth For A Pick)

Go N-eiri An Bothar Leat!

2007-03-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

Willie Doherty, Incident, 1993

May the road rise to meet you!
Old Irish saying.
March 17, 2006

"Mr Leopold Bloom ate with relish the inner organs of beasts and fowls. He liked thick giblet soup, nutty gizzards, a stuffed roast heart, liver slices fried with crust crumbs, fried hencods' roes. Most of all he liked grilled mutton kidneys which gave to his palate a fine tang of faintly scented urine."
Ulysses, James (Augustine Aloysius) Joyce

•••

Donegal Express
(Buy: Shane MacGowan & The Popes: The Snake)

Rehab
(Buy: Amy Winehouse: Back To Black)

Cats, Kittens, Pussy

2007-03-13T23:25:00.000-05:00

Space Cat and The Kittens
Ruthven Todd
1958

MEOW!

•••

Put Your Cat Clothes On
(Buy: Carl Perkins: The Best of Sun Rockabilly, Vol. 1 [Original Sun Recordings])

Space Booty
(Buy: Valhalla Kittens: Valhalla Kittens)

My Girl's Pussy
(Buy: R. Crumb And His Cheap Suit Serenaders: The R.Crumb Handbook: including the CD, 'R. Crumb's Music Sampler')

Lymie, Am I Ticked!

2007-03-12T04:20:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Thunderdome (Photograph from a local cable program on Ixodes scapularis)

Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis)
Many enter. Few survive.
July 2006

I took Marcel to the vet the other day (for a pulled muscle in his neck which, after a week of doggie-profens and some mellow-down time, is doing much better — thank you for asking) — and after a routine check-up — the doctor asked if Marcel had had his Lyme Disease vaccinations yet.

"Lyme Disease?" I says, "We live out on The Rock, I didn't think we had that problem out there."

"It started to show up last year," she replied.

"Really? How did that happen?" I ask, now a little ooked out by the whole scenario of the upcoming warm weather and outdoor activities.

"The tourists brought them with them," chimes in the doctors assistant.

"Tourists!" I say, through clenched teeth (in a manner that can only be described as the worst imitation of somebody trying to sound like Jerry Seinfeld saying, "Newman!").

"Tourists," she repeats.

Damn you (as I will now refer to them), Lymies!

•••

Hell On Earth
(Buy: Deer Tick: War Elephant (When the album drops, in May.)

(Until then, check out Deer Tick on myspace, and get your pets their shots!)

A Breath Of Fresh Colours

2007-03-08T22:50:00.000-05:00

Coombs Neck
The Rock
March 2006

•••

Colours
Breathe
(Buy: The Cinematic Orchestra: Breathe)

The Rock Island Dog

2007-03-07T23:55:00.000-05:00

Marcel Duchamp
The Rock
March 5, 2006

What else do I have to say?

•••

We're Going To Be Friends
(Buy: The White Stripes: White Blood Cells)

Burn, Baby, Burn

2007-03-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photograph © Rich Entel

A boy, his dog, and a big, blazing bonfire.
Town Dump, The Rock
March 2006

Ahhhh, fire. The cold has returned with some kind of purpose. While walking Marcel this morning, my hair froze solid.

So, sitting in my warm kitchen, drinking coffee and doing work from home today — I'm just thinking about the warm weather — and fire.

(Oh, yeah, and the Town Dump? A great place to find everything I don't need to drag home — where I don't need it. Ask G, she'll tell you.)

•••

Ring of Fire
(Buy: Johnny Cash: Love & A .45: Original Soundtrack)

Fire
(Buy: Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child: The Jimi Hendrix Collection)

Burnin'
(Buy: Jersey Street Allstars: Disco Pogo For Punks In Pumps Vol. 13)

Disco Inferno
(Buy: The Trammps: Saturday Night Fever)

The Heavens Open Up To Cover The Rock With A Beautiful White Blanket Of Snow (And Kick The Arse of Wall Street)

2007-03-01T23:50:00.000-05:00

Photograph © Alex Kraus/Bloomberg News

Tao Jones'n
Wall Street
February 28, 2007

An old, miserable guy goes down to the banks of the river. He raises his arms to the heavens. He beseeches the angels. He calls on them to make things better for him. They show up, but their mood is ugly. They tell him he has a scrawny neck, that they're tired of guys like him. When he complains, they knock him down. They beat him with their thick fists. They roll him into the river. They walk off stolidly through the mists, not saying anything, breathing hard. Under their robes their shoulders are big and violent, under the great horns of their wings.

Angels, from A Man Jumps Out of an Airplane by Barry Yourgrau.

(Oh, and Wall Street, if you're reading this — Get a friggin grip!)

•••

Angels
(Buy: Robbie Williams: Life Thru A Lens)

He Needs Me
(Buy: Harry Nilsson & Shelley Duvall: Punch-Drunk Love Original Soundtrack)

Thank You For Sending Me An Angel
(Buy: Talking Heads: More Songs About Buildings and Food)

Shambala
(Buy: Three Dog Night: The Complete Hit Singles)