The Blogspell according to G

I went to Mexico, discovered another musical legend-of course he's dead.

2007-11-28T15:34:00.000-05:00

Several friends and I just got back from a wedding in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Never having been in the country before left me with a great respect for it's people and appreciation of the great sacrfice they make to earn the depreciating American dollar in order to sustain the rich culture of life back in their small, ancient, quaintly cobblestoned hamlets.
The wedding was amazing, much fun cavorting through the streets, complete with mariachis, a donkey carting tequila and my inspired doffing of a wrestling mask.
What we tend to forget to do on vacation from your normal everyday existence, refreshingly, is watch television. Although my Spanish is rough but improving there was a limited understanding of what is being shows, but with an ironic eye can still provide some amusement. The one sitting instance of Mexican TV watching I did turned to familiar territory: American Football En Deportes. Throughout the day this turned out to be the most entertaining and competitive series of games to air all year, but I felt I should not disrespect the wondrousness around me, or incur girlfriendly wrath by becoming consumed by it. What saved me was musical program that immediately hit me as unique and distinctive.
Valentin Elizalde had a group that plays "Banda music". While he looks like one of those NORTEÑO Cowboys, his singing on this in concert musical broadcast seemed flat and laid back, not terribly romantic. This band was insane! Like some carnival group in a streetfight with the Latin kings. But what made this group more insidious was the additional front line clarinet section, battling for space with the brass section and a very insistent tuba. One of the most bizarre sounding common-ethnic groups I ever heard. After a quick search, of course I find out that to his people he was wildly popular, a hero to his people and a tragic story. Killed in 2006 by suspected drug gangs 20 minutes after a gig. I mean, come on now, can't humanity catch a break? I was down on Sean Taylor before too, but has he got into trouble this year? No, after his kid was born he cleaned up his act and gets killed for it too.
Just a few more names to put under the tree and pray in my agnostic way for these great departed souls to find a better place in the hereafter.

More Dupont Circle Social Club

2007-10-17T13:21:00.000-04:00

A photographer came up with that title, why didn't I think of it? A catchy, yet self-explanatory description of what me and the gang have been doing all these Sundays has proved elusive. This day was fun, the weather was comfortable, been a few weeks since we cranked out some music, and it was well covered by the nu-media. Thanks to Elvert Barnes for the video, and Graeme King for the excellent pics which can be seen on my Facebook page.

2007-10-16T14:42:00.000-04:00

It Only Tuesday

A brief history of bootleg rock recordings

2007-10-09T22:22:00.000-04:00

My iPod thanks you

Bootleg Content on the Web Goes Mainstream

Since the late 1960s, the technology of music has been geared toward reaching more and more people. Part of the frustration the Beatles felt was that nobody could hear the sounds of the humble quartet over the screams of 50,000 girls. Clearly, their state-of-the-art 100 Watt Vox Amplifiers and ballpark PA systems were outmatched, and they ceased touring after their Candlestick Park performance in San Francisco in 1966.
Soon after, pioneers like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton necessitated the invention of louder amps that could maintain clarity, provided that they were utilized in a setting with decent acoustics. As the music critics at the time proclaimed, "pop rock" was elevated to the status of a sonic art form and not a disposable passing fad, thus more respect was given to the presentation of music.
Fans at the time were also attuned to the new technologies at hand. Uher 2-track recorders were small and portable enough to bring into arenas and fans surreptitiously created field recordings of legendary shows from small town VFW halls to chaotic outdoor festivals. Fearing the loss of record sales by this practice, some rock band managers instructed that bootleggers be found and their tapes destroyed, but some groups like The Grateful Dead embraced the practice as a sign of the fan's dedication, and not merely a capitalist venture.
Two-track field recordings were not the only source of uncontrolled preservation of performance material. European venues seemed to hold a greater appreciation for music, and were technologically more prepared. Soundboard recordings and multi-camera films were leaked without the band's knowledge of their existence.
Led Zeppelin was known as the band most notorious for enforcing control of their own product. Managed by the brutish ex-wrestler Peter Grant, the band was a touring machine, often playing shows over three hours long. Grant and guitarist Jimmy Page vociferously denounced the practice of bootlegging, condemning it as an inferior product compared to their well-polished and artfully packaged albums. While sometimes performed sloppily, perhaps self indulgent in terms of the solo lengths, their unauthorized concert recordings remain in circulation.
Frank Zappa was another 60s-70s performer who as a composer held tightly to the control of his recorded product. Feeling that bootleg recordings in whole form would show his music out of the context he desired, he had his live engineer record all of his live shows, assembling them later for a 12 CD compilation. Apparently he was aware of the significance of the performance ethos of the era in which these shows were created, and he called his live compilation "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore."

Pirated Digital Material

Over the years, diligent bootleg collectors weeded out multi-generational analog tapes and located high quality digital copies of their favorite shows. Artists like Zeppelin and Zappa furiously tried to keep up by issuing selected official versions of comparable shows, but the digital age continued to run it's course. Now the bootleg aficionado has only to search YouTube to see rare video clips that would have taken them years to collect. Complete audio recordings are available on sites like Concert Vault, where you can listen to a rare show for free with site registration, or download them for $9.99.
Ownership issues of bootleg recordings are still fairly nebulous. They don't belong to the shaggy guy with the fringed jacket and furtive microphone, or the industrious and overworked engineer of the era. The artist has seldom fought for ownership himself. If possession is truly nine-tenths of the law, now it's the guy with the server and cart application who claims ownership. The bootleg marketplace of vintage recordings is small and the attorney fees are too large to pursue every source of supply and demand that the musical completist at home enjoys.
Digital distribution of both legal and bootleg material demands high speed internet so FTP can reach the customer base. Net neutrality has been maintained, since an ISP provider would surely be too great a legal opponent for record label. It is doubtful that a label would choose this battle, judging by the marginal interest in a dated recording that specifically does not violate copyright infringement, even if the material is similar to an officially released recording. But if the record companies seek greater control of audio recordings in the digital marketplace, the legal battle would be directed at the ISP, not the distribution site.
The irony in this scenario would be for the consumer, whose concern for the life of the living breathing world has transmogrified to the world wide web, will likely direct his anger at the record companies, just like back in the 1960s. It's always the bread getting the way of the music. You dig?

The Times They Are A-Flaking.

2007-09-26T18:35:00.000-04:00

Following another boisterous protest of the House Appropriations Committee, The Encampment sits just across the reflecting pool overlooking the Capitol. There, several anti-war groups including Code Pink have erected a stage, meeting tents and work tables for a week-long series of events, leading up to a March and gathering on the National Mall Saturday, September 29th.
Just as the timing of General David Petraeus' and Ambassador Ryan Crocker's testimony before the Armed Services Committee coincided with the anniversary of 9/11, the anti-war movement has stepped up its efforts to complement these events by holding protests on the Mall simultaneously. With another Defense Department request nearing $200 billion for 2008, Code Pink members attended the Hearings, heckling and chanting in an attempt to echo the indignation of the Committee. Chairman Robert C. Byrd (D. W.VA) was in quite the indignant mood, directing most of his wrath at Secretary of Defense Robert Gates with great alarm at the price tag, most of which is to fund the production of the latest Armored Humvees. After several declarations by Byrd were echoed by the women in pink, the Chairman had enough, evicting the group from the premises, declaring that "he should have evicted them before they'd ever been born".

Verne Huffman and Code Pink member Liz Hourican
"When somebody goes to your house and doesn't want to leave, then you understand what occupation is, then you understand the urgency that we feel" said Liz Hourican , a member of Code Pink from Phoenix. When asked about the viability of the protests of her group in contrast with lobbying she added "Protests are important, it's a great outreach but I feel that lobbying at this point and being in the halls of where the decisions and where the power structure happens to be really comfortable is the answer." She also maintains that her group of Women Against the War were founded out of love for our country, utilization of "Visually bright, savvy and creative methods" and "fun is a big part of it".
Vernon Huffman was also present on Wednesday Evening in front of the capitol. His organization emphasizes bicycling as a necessary tool to decrease America's reliance on the oil resources of foreign governments, often seen as the precursor to war. His outlook on the passing of the next supplemental was grim. "There's no doubt that the machinery of war profiteering is time-tested, it's been around for a long, long time, and it's going to take a lot of us throwing sand in the gears to make it stop. But we are closer now than we have ever been"
The presidential candidate currently held in highest regard by the small crowd was Dennis Kucinich. Citing his trip to Lebanon last year during the conflict with Israel, Hourican proclaimed "Kucinich has a plan. He's speaking my language he's a man of character and integrity."
Overall, the sparsely attended event at The Encampment resembled a much smaller version of protests held on the National Mall in the 1960s and 70s during the Vietnam War. President Bush has been consistently in the negative when asked about the similarities between the two conflicts. But to the anti-war movement they are inseparable. Currently, other events such as the Katrina disaster, the Jena 6, the Scooter Libby trial, warrantless wiretapping and the Alberto Gonzales investigation have been added to the cauldron of misdeeds invoked by the protest movement, cited as cause to call for Bush's impeachment. But regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's efforts to end the war or Bush's presidency, Huffman was resigned to to despair "She can take war funding off the table and put impeachment back on, certainly the people of her district would support her, I can't tell you what her point of reality is, it's clear to me what her constituents want ."
For the rest of the evening, singers recycled 60s songs by Dylan, Van Morrison & Buffalo Springfield, with updated lyrics ironically linked to Bush. Tie-dyed war veterans recounted their experience in detail. Strings of logic stretched far into the possibilites of improvement the protesters envisioned. For some it seemed just like the 60s. The same place, the same cause, only on a much smaller scale, but no less important.

Singer:Ron Malero

Why the Nooses?

2007-09-22T22:06:00.000-04:00

With the notion of inequal criminal justice raised to the forefront over an exacerbated incident between white and black students, it is inevitable that an "Idiot Facor" enters the equation. Two white youths, 16 and 18 years old, adorned their pickup truck with nooses, which were the popular method of lynchings in the 1950s and 60s. Combine this with the fact that there are still as yet unpunished persons held responsible for civil rights crimes in the 60s walking the streets today, is affirmation of the long-held mindsets of racism and segregation still in existence today.

Driving through the streets of Alexandria, LA, teeming with post-rally revelers is a prank only to the criminal minded. The sad reminder of the most brutal symbol of our not-so-recent past is a tragedy. As we look to the black leadership for a response to the unfolding outrage, we have Jesse Jackson calling out Barack Obama for acting "too white" and then recanting it, while Obama isolated the incident into a "right or wrong" issue. In other words, one side is too passionate, the other not passionate enough. This leaves the middle ground screaming for justice of some kind. Inevitably it comes slowly.

Hector para el corazon.

2007-08-27T22:49:00.000-04:00

It looks like I've been stymied from seeing El Cantante in theater, but You Tube has the real deal. Even if the film was never made, it can be argued that Marc Antony got his whole style of performance from Hector Lavoe.

Taking note of his Scarface-like appearance. Today we say "Oh, look at the big cheezy lapels and the big glasses...so 70s".
Back then, it was cutting edge and in a way, something of an outlaw message. And the bleachers loaded with screaming teeny boppers eating it up, good for TV, but sure to make parents and politicians nervous.

This and other clips however blurry show a true showman. He shows so much feeling and soul searching when he sings these ballads.

Entourage, for a moment overcomes it's self-imposed Doucheousness

2007-08-27T16:17:00.000-04:00

When television programming is quickly growing further advanced that it is catching up to film, one can only be in decline, HBO and Showtime are making sure of that. But the blog has had a problem with Entourage since it came out. The reason?

Completely un-redemptive characters. Sycophantic parasites that glam unto Mr. Glamourpuss because they are old friends from "DA HOOD" Ooh, these are now some Hollywood badasses! Turtle in particular acts like he's never smoked a joint in his life. Drama-how superficial can you be?

Still, 2 weeks ago I finally witnessed an action on the show that helped it climb out it's fetid swamp of douche-water.
E, confronted with Anna Ferris' "Hollywood Boyfriend" talking like that judge from "Idol" and other selfish acts of douchitude "this is not working for me". And he managed to keep his cool and let the asshole evacuate himself in a Mushroom cloud of douche-smoke....it was admirable, and redemptive.

I'm not sure the show will continue this attempt at mature human behavior exhibited by these young Cro-maggots. Note the only non-promotional picture of Kevin Connelly I found on Google Images. This bar-room snapshot would be fine fodder for Hot Chicks with Douchebags

The great gig outdoors

2007-08-19T20:10:00.000-04:00

Here's a clip showing what Salsa is all about. "Guarira" by Ray Barretto with a young Ruben Blades. This Saturday August 25th, I take another crack at improvising my way through the unknown pockets of sound within the genre. Aug 25th around 11am. Columbia Rd. NW. The group doesn't have a name, but my guess is that it'll be called Francisco y El Grupo. catchy, right?

UPDATE:
Yes, of course...I have no further information. Well, if you live near Mount Pleasant or Park Road in NW DC, get out there and look for it. I'll be wearing a white tunic.

2007-08-16T00:15:00.001-04:00

More Sectarian Bullshit

2007-08-14T17:04:00.000-04:00

The blog mused today about the racist nature of the human race throughout history. America seems to think it has it licked, but only remotely began to face the true meaning of equality embedded in it's own Constitution within the last 50 years. We've come far, but not completely there, much less able to end racism in a foreign country.

Once again, Iraq is torn apart by tribal hatred. This is not a solution via political or military means. This will take decades to fix, and it does not look like we can endure the expense of 10 billion a week trying.

Countdown to cleansing time.

2007-08-07T19:27:00.000-04:00

Damn. It is becoming necessary for me to blog up a news digest of sorts on the
basis that my head might explode otherwise. Not that I wish to come across
as a big truth hugger bemoaning this war on language, deniability or some
other term that may be used to decribe Alberto Gonzales' testimony. It is
merely my translation of talking points delineated by major news sources, which i should site and link to more prolifically. However, I see the WashingtonPost.com has instituted a paid legal permission to republish articles electronically, so....follow the link below!!!

Let's start with the Iraqi government we're spending $10 billion a week to uphold. To declare this a unified entity is as flawed as the original plan for invading Iraq was by it's own design. Every day of sectarian violence is a result of the calamity the US has enabled. The most common perception of
the policy of President Bush and his few believers left is delusional. As he continues to push the same delusional message to leaders such as Hamid Karzai make this even more laughable. Just because we have been occupying
Iraq since 2003 does not make us an expert on the interrelationships within
the greater Islamic community. Theirs is not one of great love and
compassion equally between different sects and interpretations of the Quran,
but one of fierce loyalty to one's own sect. This does not always translate
into immediate violence, but it is a struggle for power. With the U.S.
planting itself in the middle of tribal conflict while looking for Al Quaeda
is like looking for an apple in an orange orchard. Here's where we get to talking points. Would Karzai not claim Iran was a
"helper" if he did not see signs of compliance from where he is coming from
(just across the way) and has there been any proof otherwise? Has Iran gone
to war with Afghanistan recently? Just because the US is backing a puppert
government in Iraq, dragging us down with a frenzied and fruitless search
for al Quaeda doesn't make us an authority on Iranian policy. I dont'
suppose giving heed to our tentative diplomatic efforts will be paid much
heed.
In a more thinly veiled breakdown of talking points, British Prime
Minister Gordon Brown cited Afghanistan as the front line of the war on
terror. An outsider's perception of the situation is objectivity
personified. A rare ally at this point needs to be taken to heart, not
drilled into necon theology which will become obsolete if it isn't already.
But I briefly digress. Why are certain magazines that offer sumptuously
photoshopped pictures of celebrities, that extoll their glamourous
lifestyles still interested in Britney Spears? It was tacky and borderline
fraudulent a year ago during her second pregnancy when we "treated" to
clothed and nude portraiture of the no-longer remotely "talented"
entertainer. Her current ouvre is train-wreck antics just short of police
intervention. To entertain any stories that show her being a model citizen
are completely at the other side of the spectrum. They should be covering
Reese Witherspoon, who while overcoming a tense separation from her husband
and father of her kids, is keeping her sanity and her body well preserved.
But that is probably due to her clear motivation to maintain a private like
and not going out to cheezy L.A. hotspots dressed like a crackwhore. While
Reese may also not care for the papparazzi, she does not make the situation
worse by maintaining a clear boundary, philosophically what she wants the
press to cover in a professional sense.
I briefly digress to mention Mitt Romney. Covering this campaign is the
most clear indicator of how shallow and carefully handled these candidates
are. The locales are set up for the bloke to answer the most commonly
repeated questions, lobbed in softly by dedicated journalist attuned to the
slightest variables in the delivery, which tell all the tale. Now I'm
getting tired of hearing these guys slap themselves on the back saying how
Conservative they are, just like Reagan. Is that something to aspire for,
especially when your record indicates otherwise? I hate to give Giuliani
credit for anything, but at least his non-Conservative views are still
intact, so I suppose this doesn't make him an ideal candidate for the
republican "I'm so Reagonesque-conservative" ticket. But that is not what
the media is targeting Giuliani for, he has far more hideous demons in his broom closet.

Incidentally, a little bird told me that if you want to be a journalist it's a good idea to start a blog. But if you're serious, don't write in the third person, don't rant about Iraq or Britney and don't post videos of you playing guitar. So how'm I don?

Also , this is the first post I have culled from text written at work, which will explain the skewed alignment, mispelling and discontinuity. Excuses, excuses!

Iraq Slogger-Your one-stop shopping for what's F'D up about the war in Iraq>gum

Commingling with the sweaty spirits

2007-08-07T18:45:00.000-04:00

Finally, one of the more prolific photographers of other people's bidness, DC's Elvert Barnes is documenting his out-and-aboutness on video shaky-cam and is posting on YouTube. Many photographers have shot me playing in DuPont and I haven't gotten copies yet, so thank you EB. I must claim though that by the time this was shot, I had been out there over 3 hours, must have been 90 degrees in the shade, and my conga drummer buds Freddy, Reynaldo and Francisco had taken off. Still it was a good day of riffing. Featured here, I'm playing Roky Erickson's Splash 1, Soundgarden's Black Hole Sun, bossa nova style, and more jamming with David Gest, who I met for the first time here, and John an old time street performer who hasn't been seen in Dupont for about 2 years. He was keen to grab his axe and plug it into my Taxi amp.

The Passion of the Salsa

2007-08-05T18:36:00.000-04:00

Sunday is my habitual public jam session in Dupont Circle. The music falls into a netherworld of salsa/merengue, jazz and classis rock improvisation. The Puerto Rican guys I play with are vets of their created scene, a spinoff from the larger jams their extended families play up in New York. There is an element of tall tales and wasted years and loco behavior.

This is somewhat emulated via Hollywood in the film El Canante. Sides are weighing in on the exploitative nature of the film, stressing the pitfalls of Laboe's drug use, Puchi's part in the matter and the obstacles of the business. I haven't seen the film yet, but I'm sure it is entertaining, both in the musical parts, and the wallowing in one's own crapulence part. Apparently Antony hasn't the range to make the character likeable for his maverick nature and social courage. Only thing the director demands is to sing hot then look wasted, which is within the realms of any halfway decent singer.

2007-08-04T18:52:00.001-04:00

Activision Reports Sluggish Sales For Sousaphone Hero

2007-08-03T22:01:00.001-04:00

Endless Summer

2007-08-03T20:50:00.000-04:00

Our duty as American's is to serve our country. If we are not in a position to serve as tradition dictates, the tradition now is to blog. If we must blog, let it be of substance, not to wax giggly over our last haul at Target, which perhaps I'm guilty of, but that's another story for another day.

I watch the news in all it's formats. I know about Britney as well as I know Iraq, and even an amateur news source should give equal time to the banal and the grotesque. How can we not admit, both subjects and their abjective planes have been on our mind. Heck for the last two years it seems like I hear of nothing else.

Following a previous post I lambasted the Congress for their douchebaggedry of persistent hastily-prepared bills calling for withdrawal from Iraq. My feeling was, great guys, but you missed the boat a couple of months back, by passing the supplemental, backing the surge. Apparently this only further alienated the Republicans in Congress who took this simpering defeat as an alignment with the common enemy-Bush. Sheesh! Anything to get elected in '08!

With the approval ratings as low as they are it's hard to imagine that the motivations of these politicians are rooted in the present, or to solidify positioning in next years campaign. Apparently John McCain is stuck in a nether region of both and has Gulagged himself out of contention practically.

Less than a month ago the consensus was that there was progress in Iraq. It could not be projected if the calm-by-Iraq standards would continue through the summer. Bush would cite this progress at every chance, with the proviso that Petraeus would most likely affirm this military progress.

A comparison of our Congress and the Iraqi parliament: pre-vacation.
Our Congress is unable to pass legislation, grounded by party-line votes and veto threats. Also sidelined by oversight investigations, gaining little new intel, but setting new standards for baffling non-answers, 5th amendment invocation and blame passing.
The Iraqi parliment is run by a Shiite tribesman, who was once sentenced to death by Saddam Hussein in 1980. He fled to Syria and plotted assassination attempts on Saddam from abroad. Now does he seem like the kind of guy willing to split power of the country with the Sunni? Apparently the Sunni think not. After boycotting Parliament for a month, the Sunni came back, apparently forgetting their gum .

Our main area of progress in Iraq is Anbar Province. This is a Sunni area, which was cleared of Al Quaida insurgents by Sunni insurgents, armed by the US. This has alienated Al-Maliki's government, but all they can do is ask the US to kindly withdraw, which is not going to happen.

Are we the problem? We didn't start the shitstorm, but we sure as shit stirred it up and it's costing us a whole lotta shit. So Bush better get his shit together and come up with some other shit, because this shit we're working ain't it.

Dr. Numbskull

2007-08-01T22:51:00.000-04:00

Listened to Rumsfeld's testimony today, with great caution lest my head explode. This may have resembled more of an old school military tribunal, but in a post-Gonzales world it might make your head explode from the banality. You figure of course he will claim to have known nothing about a cover up of Pat Tillman's death. But he will apologize for "errors made".
It is the perfect atmosphere for a non-complicit reaction from the civilian leadership, free from it''s own oversight. While at the very least, a general will lose a star and part of his pension as a result of this investigation.
Oh well, it's a good thing I turned off the CSPAN radio and prepared myself mentally for a comparable diversion: extreme dentistry. yes I was back at Cheney's dentist having three, count 'em, 3 fillings replaced/repaired. Some significant pain for a while, but not as I write this now. Chewing will be of a gingerly nature for a few days I think.

Necessary Escape-Ism

2007-07-27T18:26:00.000-04:00

It certainly has been a mind-numbing week here in Washington, and I've only just started drinking heavily. TGIF. The last meetings at the Senate with Alberto Gonzales, the White House subpoenaed, found in contempt, now a Homeland Security bill that will probably be shot down just to make the Dems look bad.

Jon Stewart (it takes an outsider) summed it up perfectly by taking much needed hits from an oxygen tank in reaction to Gonzales' nebulous answers before the Judiciary Committee. The air is thin, indeed here. And it is hot and muggy, and we have parties to go to, dressed smartly and talking clever when we need to be home on the couch recuperating. I was at a party last night blathering to people who have to cover the president word for meaningless word, how I could not get through 30 seconds of Bush's speech yesterday on CSPAN radio. It was the hot air of IGNAHEIMOUSNESS. (a by-product of doucheoussness).

In the spirit of escape-ism and the remembrance of good times, courtesy of YouTube I present...not Mike Gravel, he's good though.

Andy Kaufman on Late Night with David Letterman (remember when that show was edgy?)
Kaufman considered himself a song and dance man. Not a comedian or "performance artist" like many will tell you. These are two excellent examples of his work.

and Andy as Tony Clifton on the Dinah Shore Show. This is probably the only clip you will see of Clifton without his sunglasses. As you can see, it is most definitely Kaufman and not Bob Zmuda. Kaufman has a much better falsetto even trying to sing badly.

Tony rocks Dinah

Big problems on the LL Train

2007-07-24T16:41:00.000-04:00

Damn! The blonde look is finally starting to grow on me, I get it now. It only works on Lindsay when she's speeding out of her gourd. It's Manson girl for the 21st century. (She'd totally buy his schpeil! Can you imagine the orgies at the Lohan Mansion? Dina gettin' all up in there...)

Sorry, y'know I'v been rooting for this girl for a couple of years now, being one of those rare Disney kids with a bit of personality and pathos. It's hard to differentiate the typical star-machine creature from one that has inherent star quality. I don't know. LL doesn't have a great track record, just the one good film Julie and I are both fans of her, or it her chestial region specifically? You judge:

None of this assures any kind of success or quality in what stands as Hollywood today. There are no George Cukors, Frank Capras or John Fords operating. She's lucky she did one Robert Altman film, hell, she'll be lucky to even work again. I mean, there's nothing wrong with Paris Hilton that a Chauffer and a shot of Penicillin won't fix. It's a bad scene over there, kids. Find yourself a nice office job. Stay away from Hollywood and Army recruiters. That's the best advice I have to give.

Follow up on the flip-flops

2007-07-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

Her'es a cautionary tale, avoid the Wal-Mart thong sandals. Even though they're under $3 and really ummm... cute, so to speak in that Made-in China way, they can seriously give you chemical burns even if your'e not allergic to certain polymers. I won't include pictures from the site because they're kinda...horrible.

The Capitol of Douche-dom

2007-07-19T19:07:00.000-04:00

The summer of douche culture continues. I may be on the liberal side, so I tend to try to understand what Democrats are up to in the Senate, but this slumber party debate was bullshit.
SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!

The idea was to make Republicans look bad, and to try and convince other, not just the 4 they knew would vote for withdrawal from Iraq, to defect. Didn't happen, everyone ended looking like a gaseous bag of douche and us taxpayers are stuck for a goddamn takeout pizza bill. Hope you guys got heartburn.

I understand they have to keep up anti-war momentum by holding these motions and writing up Amendments. But why bother if you know you don't have the votes. Party lines die hard. You assholes missed the boat when you approved the supplemental. And these Republican jackasses making the same noise, purely driven by the '08 elections, all to no avail.

So Bush's numbers are going to continue to fall, big deal. He got what he wanted, more troops to do whatever. I don't know exactly what the strategy is, but I hope it really is something other than conquer and hold. I'll leave it up to the generals. If nothing substantive can be told of this surge until September 15, so be it. Civilian oversight is necessary, but they can chill out for 8 fucking weeks. Can't wait for them to go on vacation.

There is good news, however, in Iraq, as far as their government goes. The Sunnis and Al Sadr's Shiites are back in Parliament after a boycott, so at least they have a full room of guys to voice their grievances, or simply express their lust for power. If you're going to have a bipartisan democracy, these guys have to show up. If American military can get out of their way and not undermine Al Maliki in the process of pursuing Al Quaeda, they could be alright. Maybe not. We'll see.

Incentive to read on

2007-07-13T21:01:00.001-04:00

Bar Skanks Announce Plans To Kiss

Summer do's, don'ts and DOUCHEBAGGERY.

2007-07-13T19:24:00.000-04:00

Since my last rather expensive trip to Macy's for an age appropriate summer ensemble, I have been ruminating if I have gone too far in the style department. Sure, I know I am still cool in my own mind, with the mental reminders of my creativeness and continued aspirations to not only do well for myself, but to improve the world around me as well any way that I can.

But when I look in the mirror I see someone who looks longer in the tooth, more conservative, yet still goofy enough to pass for a really cool dude. But if you didn't know me personally...would YOU think I was just an average DOUCHE?????

(shudder!)

Let me tell ya something peoples. There is no age limit for douche-baggedness. You kids think you're so cutting edge and that, yes as generations go, this one is pretty goddamn easily co-opted. But when you're young, you make mistakes, and you might think you're all hot and stuff, brother, you smell! Thus I have an ethos of of humanity to uphold and have recited my Anti-Doucheas Mantra in privacy with due dilligence, to maintain my pride and essence, lest I descend into a depraved netherworld of those who pop their collars and act stupidly for the amusement of those they wish to be their friends.

Having not been to a Spring Break getaway or regular frat party, the line of demarcation for me seems to be the madras shorts. I was definitely in the market for shorts (with an extra inch to accommodate my growing waistline). Watching a lot of The Learning Channel had led me to the realization that an upgrade was necessary, staying within budget, but primarily finding the right look and advancing my style were all the points to achieve. Green and camo cargo shorts were standard fare, already in my closet, so there are two ways to go from there:
DOWN- J. Crew style khaki or white boat deck shorts
UP- Apparently the checkered Madras.

My gay...er...neighborhood is the perfect place to analyze how these items look on a person, the average consumer that might wear such an item. Now perhaps just looking at people and deducing their douchieness might be perceived as slightly prejudicial, but I can't really conclude this as an absolute.
However, several weeks ago as I was sitting in the park I saw a guy slowly walking around the perimeter several times wearing:
A ball cap of some kind, probably blue with Corona logo (not sure, didn't want to make eye contact).
White T-shirt with Corona logo.
Yellow pajama-type pants with blue Corona logos.
Velcro sandals with white socks.
Headphones, plugged into backpack.

ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY THE DOUCHE-BAGGIEST PERSON I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!!!
I should note that he was a 20-something, blond, white, athletic-type male.
In time, I shall have to do a painting featuring this apparition.

We all can remember times like the 70s, the 80s, even the early 90s when people just threw stuff together that looked quite hideous to some, but to a particular group might be considered somewhat chic. For some reason the 40s, 50s and 60s everybody seemed to look really good, regardless of social standing. The 30s everyone looked just worn out from the Depression and maybe that sowed the seeds of come-as-you-are.

But fashion has become a statement as to how important you think you are and how IN with your friends you want to be because there is safety in groups where people dress the same. This has created a culture in itself, and it seems to be coming to a head this summer. As Americans and those who wish to be Americans are fighting a ridiculous war in Iraq, they are dying every day to protect the rights and maintain the lifestyles of free-spending DOUCHEBAGS.
The culture itself is being widely analyzed in several publications of note:

http://men.style.com/details/features/full?id=content_5545
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=2008

and unmercifully skewered on the internet:

Hot chicks with douchebags
A deconstrution of Oliver, prototypical douche
My public service message of the day, as a reward to you after reading this rant, is how to avoid looking like a Douche, but still reward yourself with a few of the finer things in life in an un-obstemporaneous way.

Now there are the natural things to avoid like cell-phone related behavior, particularly using a bluetooth device in public. But I know for some people that might be too hard, phones can still be considered a necessity, so I'll stick to clothes here. Guys, avoid the following:

Golf Shirts.
These really went out with the 80s. To pay $75 for a fucking Izod shirt, I don't care if it's a new logo, the colors are fucking hideous, hard on the eyes. They're stupid! Unless you're wearing it in the SUV and safely back in the suburbs, don't come near my city wearing this shit.
My preference is blank or appropriately ironic T-shirts, a pocket tee is great. For more formal stuff, a cool button down Western shirt is kick-ass cool, yo.

Madras Shorts.
I really don't know what it is about them. Every single guy I see wearing them puts off this douche-vibeyness, it is unmistakable! These dense plaid patterns were a mainstay in the edgier days of the 60s and really set off the polyester well. Whether on vacation or on the golf course, it just seemed right at the time. That look however, is sorely dated. The skinny plaid pants made a brief revival during the 90s when grunge bands incorporated them into their flannel regalia and I liked the laid back look. That didn't last.
In full disclosure I did purchase a sort of micro-pattern gray-green item that I felt to be an advance of style for me. The jury is still out, my girlfriend likes 'em, says I can pull off madras shorts. Thank goodness for her, my strong legs and a cool calf tattoo doesn't hurt either.

Mandals
Girls feet: Nice. They look good, they are fetishized by many.
Guy's feet: Historically, they stink. You learn that in high school. They're pale and grody. There's hair on the knuckles, guys never get pedicures so there is no reason to see them. Now, the Romans invented a sandal that covers the toes while gaps in the straps provide proper ventilation and comfort. I have a pair of Timberlands that have served it's purpose well and I have not embarrassed myself exposing my...well, somewhat attractive feet, one was scarred in a childhood accident, but they don't look that bad.

To one's individual taste there should be a balance to the degree of how items coordinate. If you coordinate too much you look like catalog schmuck (male model you are not, sir). As I have spent years looking rather rumpled it is a habit that I don't wish to completely abandon. So, slightly rumpled yet coordinated is how I'd describe my sense of style. I have items from various major labels but don't wish to have any particular loyalty with one major exception.

The Gap has the coolest selection of boxer shorts on the market. It's a quality garment, comfortable and you can't beat the array of aquatic themes, alternated with vintage patterns. And as the seasons change, the patterns change, the old ones go on sale for $3.99. Put that up against Polo/Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein and it's no contest. Variety is the spice of life and your day might be saved with the subliminal power of the swordfish, hula girls, or lobsters (not shown, those are beetles) adorning your undies. I swear, if I had a backyard I would host Barbecues in these things.

Now I won't get into people's behavior, assholes will be assholes who have screaming babies who will grow up to be as obnoxious as there parent. But before this negativity becomes folly, consider your conscience. Take care of it and don't let the influences of douchebaggery in general infect your sense of self. Be an individual first and foremost and you will be above the pack.

Have a fun summer, boys and girls!

My 38th 4th.

2007-07-04T19:49:00.000-04:00

I used to have an odd tradition for the Fourth of July, to go along with my odd life. Since music was my primary avocation, and as my fellow crustoids informed me "Shit I ain't goin' out man...fuckin' lunatics out there!" I would stay at home, get baked and do a 4-track demo, usually titled "Independence Jam" or "The Fourth". All unlistenable, but with an inspired beat.

So here's what I observed on my outing in DC. Got on bike trail, Arlington via Georgetown-Key Bridge. By 1pm I observed many suburbanites already set up along the waterfront with canopies, grills, tents and all the fixins. Primed for an all day food-a-thon, with symphonic music piped in.

Passing by Jefferson Memorial, I nearly blew past the security presence which I found soon afterward was quite ubiquitous on the mall. Eventually I made it around to the parade route, but apparently it was the ass of the parade snake.
There was a cool Eagle mimi-float, followed by the Falun Gong corps and their massive marching band. Then at the very end were the beloved Hare Krishna people, which I observed in close-up, a very gay man riding with. I didn't see any floats celebrating Iraq's "Independence".

The Smithsonian Folklife fest was still kicking. Good folk and blues from Virginia, more cool weird sounds from the Mekong Delta, some fine whiskey-infused honey from Northern Ireland. Wolfgang Timmons at the Hirschorn: pretty edgy stuff by Smithsonian Standards.

Came home, had a sandwich. At my shift (it still is Wednesday) at American Art Museum I hear of the Tornado wreaking havoc on the mall. The storm seems to have passed. Soon it is back to the mall for fireworks. Hooray.

Dick Cheney's Dentist (?!!?)

2007-06-26T16:48:00.000-04:00

Today was supposed to be a routine cleaning. 6 months ago I had a bridge put in to cover a chasm where a root canal had gone bad years before. This was at a urban-loungey clinic off of Dupont Circle. My insurance changed so I had to find a new dentist. What I encountered was a whole other level of DDS.

First, digital Xrays were taken, the film was attached via usb cord to a laptop, newness there, I'm still waiting for them to email me the xrays.
Next, I put on the big Miles Davis glasses and a cheek spreader and William Burke goes to work. He's hooking and picking and high power-spraying.
I've been through rough dentists and gentle dentist. One was a guy in his 70s with very soft hands who when cleaning my teeth would rotate the brush 1 1/2 times per tooth. I'd insist, get in there man, I've got plenty of enamel! This man Burke wasn't playing around.
With my cheeks spread like a crab's stomach he sprayed at will, eventually I could detect when he finally moved on to the minty stuff. Then he proceeded to press his hook along the gumline front and back of every tooth while dictating numbers to his assistant. I was writhing heavily at this point and trying to stay slack in the seat.
Turns out I have 2 or 3 fillings gone bad and swollen gums that might require periodontal surgery.
At least I got some sobering advice and a nice goody bag of floss and coupons, along with a referral for my potential surgeon. I ain't gonna faint, brothers and sisters!

I thought all this time how on top of this guy was, and since it's close to the White House I figured this guy might have some important clients. This would be the guy Dick Cheney would entrust, so he can go on biting the heads off of alligators, goats, kittens and the young offspring of the common homo-sapien-bluestaticus.

Banjo Player Sought In Hootenanny Spree

2007-06-11T19:11:00.000-04:00

Banjo Player Sought In Hootenanny Spree

BOSTON—"These constant hootenannings must stop," said Mayor Menino, a staunch critic since Faneuil Hall's doors were forcibly removed and used as a dancing surface.

The Masked Debator: Running on his own ticket

2007-06-03T23:48:00.001-04:00

It's not all fun and lesbians on this blog. We do follow politics as well as entertainment (its all the same, ain't it?) So while we warmed up for the penultimate Sopranos episode with a little gabbaghool, we took in the Democratic debate, live from New Hampshire. Many of our friends are there covering it, so it was only right that we share their pain.

We as Americans like these game show formats, preferring to eat our candidates in small bite size portions. We also like ratings, so I will offer to you my public my rating of these ah...talking torsos.

Like-ability Factor/ Presidentiality Factor
Know what that means? Neither do I. From what I recall from the stage set-up, we go left to right, that is stage right to left.
By the way, I won't bother stating the candidates policies, voting history, stands on abortion, etc. I'm not a journalist and I'm no fact hugger. Just going on gut feeling and degree of warmth emanating from TV.

Mike Gravel: 7/2
Spontaneously spouty, yet laid back enough not to hog the air with what little he was offered. Liked how he sat back in his chair, satisfied with his VA benefits, then leaned forward to rip into Obama. Certainly doesn't take himself that seriously, so why should we?

Chris Dodd: 4/3
Rather typical political type that is good at ranting and railing about the problems the questioner poses, but thin on the actual projected answer he would have to such problems. Perhaps his appearance on the Daily Show was his only chance to look like a plausable alternative, and to plug a book noone will read.

John Edwards: 3/6
Divisive, derisive nitpicky rabble rouser. I can see him making alliances with some very powerful groups and having just enough charisma and charm to get over very impressionable voters. But I can imagine him as president gaining serious enemies in serious hurry. That's all we need is another president on an island, convinced he is right when the whole country is thinking in another direction.

Hillary Clinton: 7/9
Very polished, very chin-tastic. She's had a lot to answer for with her past: voting for the Iraq war, the failure of her universal health care plan under #42. She defends her stands well, never with a conclusive Yes/No but an expansive clear dictum. The voice is nasal and flat, but familiar and comfort inducing, to the point where you might just accept the policies like a good robot. I see the future and it has breasts.

Barack Obama: 8/6
It is admirable at this point to have an Afro-American candidate with a legitimate shot for presidency. Granted, Barack is a neophyte, his camp has put forth some proposals, mainly health care. Overall I feel his campaign is built on the vacuum of lowered expectations, thanks to the incumbent, but this time around may be just a test. Try again in 2016, and keep your nose clean, although I suspect it is already. I meant articulate!!!!!

Bill Richardson: 8/5
I have been hearing how qualified a candidate he is and was looking forward to a good showing tonight. didn't happen. Slow, dull, slower, sullen. kept droning on while moderator Wolf Blitzer tried to move on to the next question.

Joe Biden: 6/7
Another guy with alot to answer for, being one of the prime movers in the Senate, if anyone can explain the process of litigious red tape, with an iota of candor and charm, Biden can do it. But that might make him the bad guy in the liberal's eye.
He has got his diarreah of the mouth under control, but he did bring his flame thrower.

Dennis Kuchinich: 6/4
Can we possibly have a president that doesn't eat meat? It would certainly make State Dinners rather dull and cheezy. This little guy cutting the budgets of Homeland Security and Defense, trying to recreate a pre-911 world makes me nervous.
He may like like a little mouse, but he is the only HARD LEFTY in the bunch. Anti-war all the way, this guy could have been in the Weather Underground. Radical professor!

I like it when you die.

2007-05-17T16:42:00.001-04:00

Dept. Of Evil: 'All Of You Must Die'

L'Deaux- Season 2 Wrap-up (As If...)

2007-05-16T22:30:00.000-04:00

Yo, what happened to my readership? Thought I had a thing going with the lesbian community and all, me being a straight guy with a sensitive streak. I was hoping this would lead to a touring gig with Toshi Reagon, or maybe play lead guitar in Heart (More on that later).
Dayum, I could have been the original Angus, except with better facial hair. Actually I am that. Feel real sorry for that actor, he did a really good job as Sam Phillips in Walk the Line, but as a rock and roll performer ah...nope.

So I will persevere for novelty's sake, and if you're a really fuckin' hardcore fan of the VAGENE, and it's inherent element, the G, read on, and comment, you lez-beenz!!

The rating system again, LF/DF (Like-ability, Do-abilty)

Season Two, bitches!

Alice
LF/DF: 8/8
Well the production designers settled on a look and she looks really good here. She's not all wrapped up in the Our Chart and that makes her less creepy, although it is a good move that she brings in up on the radio show. Somehow, the whirlwind fuckfest with Dana feels wrong to me. They're such good friends and so sympatico, it's hard to impose deeper feelings between the two. Alice is the more dominant personality and the personality of the romance. However, Dana is growing more confident at such an exponential rate that she is not subjugating herself to her romatic paramour anymore. After finally vanquishing the repulsive Tanya, the sky's the limit for Dana and this leaves Alice soon to be heartbroken. Sad times ahead, but Alice has plenty of spirit flowing through that bangin' bod. Holla!

Bette
LF/DF: 8/7
I am happy to give Bette a higher rating this season. She is the only character with a real backbone and Fuck-You quality, and she's still hot n' sexy. Also props for taking much grief and guff and stuff. Coming clean with her sinful ways and making it back with Tina the long way. She Urned it. More props for being good mom at birthing, good daughter at dad's funeral and good sister to Kit in general. Big FUs to Helena and the museum director.

Carmen
LF/DF: 6/9
Just smokin' man. Hot lil' bod, nice toothy smile, fun lovin' disc spinnin babe, but totally undecisive as to who she want to be bangin'. You got Shane, you got Jenny beggin' for that BEAV. No questions, give it up, dammit!

Dana
LF/DF: 9/8
Those weeks with Tanya were just painful. Hard to endure, you could see the frustration building up. Thank goodness for a clean, amicable break. Melissa Rivers!! That's funny stuff. Anyway, Dana looks great, has a great work ethic (she works, folks) under a lot of pressure. But perhaps the balance of career and relationship is too difficult for Dana to balance, but she's trying to make it work. She' a horny gay woman with years of no fingerbanging to make up for. Can't blame her for hooking up with Alice, it's comfortable and acceptable to her friends. Dana searches for a way to satisfy herself, only to find she is servicing her partner and her sponsors first.

Helena
LF/DF: 0/2
Let's just say the writers have an axe to grind with trust fund babies. Helena is gratuitously shot as a series of reaction ranging from power-trippery to jealous scavenging wantonness. It's going to be interesting to see how she works her way into the lesbian coven, after being disowned by her mother. She's definitely got it coming.
Folks, I was definitely grossed out. Grossed out by the pregnant cunnilingus. I don't know what that makes me, but there it it. I think an infection was spread to the baby by Helena's tongue from hell. Then to see her perving on other women, wishing they were knocked up so she could do nasty things to their hormone-swollen bodies. Sick, Was she trying to suck the amniotic fluid out of Tina? Is Helena that hungry for power and estrogen that she's gotta do that? Fuckin sick!

Jenny
LF/DF: 6/6
Holy shit, it's alright to like Jenny! With a heavy hint of caution. Apparently the producers were met with tons of hate mail by the hardcore lady-humps offended by the ever irritating presence of the psycho straight waif. Clearly steps have been made to make the character more likeable, but still maintain a degree of unpredictable edginess. I thought fair warning was due when she came on to Carmen, more crazy Jenny sex starved loony stuff. But eventually Jenny didn't threaten anyone with her self destructive ways but herself.
Now, the notion of stripping being a cathartic experience to expunge yourself of bad childhood memories is something I don't necessarily believe in, but clearly the writers do. Jenny endorses the activity explicitly, and follows through by cutting herself, a punishment for her (unwilling) participation in a shameful, horrible experience. This will hopefully be a positive for her in the next season, with the combination of her writing class with Sandra Bernhardt. Maybe she will divert the energy from her confused sex life and put it into her writing, which may transmogrify from plagiarism and vampirism to ecstatic self-realization and dark catharsis where it belongs, I guess. Dig the short cut.

Kit
LF/DF: 7/5
Not much happening with Kit this season. I'm all for her taking over the Planet, big chance there. i'm even for her brief romance with Benjamin's TOE, who looks like a Milk Dud. Got her in the state of mind she needed to be in.

Shane
LF/DF: 8/7
I like the short hair, I like the integrity. Taking a gig with a big crazy director and telling her to fuck off when it just became filling her ego void. Still a good friend, but I don't know why the writers would even entertain hooking her up with Jenny even briefly. Too much room for conflict. Just keep it on the chill tip Shane-O. Cut Jenny's hair, bang the shit out of Carmen and you'll be fine.

Tina:
LF/DF: 7/4
Wow, looks like she's carrying Season 1 and 2's baby simultaneously. Huge! I can understand the arc of making Bette slowly work her way back and using Helena as a bit of leverage, but that was taking things a bit too far with H, as it turned out. Ick!

Now I've got something to say about home birthing devices. What an egregious waste! A huge, largely temporary device you use only once and then have to go to the hospital anyway. How do you biodegrade that? Landfill sucker! Minus point.

Now I've got something to say about cloth diapers. I assume they'll come to be utilized by the new parents. Madonna recently endorsed cloth diapers as a great environment-saver. I'm sure they're great if you can afford somebody to clean them for you. But I'll bet there are millions of parents that would slit their wrists if you took away their Pampers.
And Sheryl Crow, another tree-huggin adopt-a celebutard. One square of toilet tissue? Perfect to absorb that cube of edamame you had for lunch, but me and my Popeye's Spicy 5 piece need half a roll at least. Why can't these ladies age gracefully like Marianne Faithfull and eventually die elegantly like Anita O'Day?
Smoke 'em if you got 'em ladies, as long as they're backstage.

See you after Season 3, or sooner if I can pass the audition for Heart. I got Crazy on you on the Brain!

The cheesy white center in the middle of Chocolate City

2007-05-12T15:17:00.000-04:00

The most Whiskey Tango event I have ever seen is going on in the big parking lot in the middle of downtown DC. Bands like Silversun Pickups (yawn) are bouncing off the big hotels like Dramma dramma dramma dunnnnnn! Countless NoVa residents are sampling chili and drinking lots of (dometic beer). It is the DC101 Chili Cookoff or something.

"We" hope we passed the audition

2007-05-12T11:12:00.000-04:00

I think it's alright for a solo act to refer to itelf as "we" and it's a John Lennon quote so, cool, OK?

At my 95 second audition today I realized what a wise decision I had made in my repertoire of jazz standards, particularly Monk material that is a more brevious AABA format than say, a Mingus composition which has many parts.
I was maybe the 5th person to set up before the 5 or 6 person panel. Gave a quick introduction and background on myself until it grew tiresome, they declared me to play and I went right into it. No setting up pedals, no tune up, no wiping off the sweat (it was humid) and I did dress nicely for the occasion. Right into "A Train", after the third A (a full stanza) the judge asked for another tune...right into "Blue Monk". Sensing the m.o. before me, I finished one stanza of that and went right into "Straight, No Chaser". One stanza of that and I was done. Smiles, thanks, exit stage...whatever.

A guy outside immediately starts talking to me like we'd met before. Circumstances discussed. He (50 yr old black dude w/ dreads) says he auditioned on Thursday, did "Hey Joe" and when the judge asked for another tune, he didn't have a follow up, thus he was back again. What followed was undoubtely a tedious affair of ethnic acts, earnest acoustiphiles, entire violin classes and perhaps a soft shoe or 2.

23 skiddoo, I need this gig, yoo-hoo!!

2007-05-11T23:33:00.000-04:00

Blues Singer's Woman Permitted To Tell Her Side

All the guitars in the world!!!!!!!!

2007-05-11T19:53:00.000-04:00

Perenially at the risk of boring y'all I will tell you of my visit yesterday to Guitar Center in Twinbrook, near Rockville Maryland.
Shall I mention the Metro ride? Well I felt queasy and crappy being on a train, but hey, it's cheap. I am going for the Metro performers license on Saturday and I needed a battery powered Taxi amp. Normally I would have ordered this amp online but time was short and I haven't been in the cozy guitar filled confines of guitar center in quite a while.
I entered, a salesman brought my amp up, put it behind the counter and I grabbed guitars for at least an hour.
The Fenders were rather unimpressive. The Tele Deluxe 1972 replicas were what you'd expect from a Mexican made $629 axe. They don't make a USA model with that configuration, so no interest. The $249 Squier JagMaster actually had a cooler vibe than the all black $500 Fender Jaguar. I like the simplicity and the sunburst/fake turquoise pickguard as well as the gritty tone I elicited from the 10 watt Fender Champ I was cranking on. The only Strat I touched was one of those "restored relics", which combines vintage specs and parts with "aged" effects like belt clip scratches and weather stripping. I liked the candy apple red with matching headstock. Those were around 2 grand.
Gibson had a nice 3 pickup SG in faded ebony. Very natural. The regular Firebirds were a disappointment. Really cheesy finish in red and sundburst but the beauty of them all was a 3 pickup Non-Reverse Firebird in white with dark flecks. I've never seen a finish like that, kind of like dirty snow. That axe was immaculate and not ridiculous at $1700.
Acoustic wise was all the usual, Martins, Taylors and Ovations. There was a 00 Martin with the real vintage headstock but it still didn't seem like a real parlor-style guitar to me. Also the new Taylor slimline electric was remarkably average. The consumer models (or are they discounted down from 2300 to more around 1500??) Were fast and crisp but felt unsubstantial, especially for the money they charge.
Fender has the right idea with the USA made P-Bass. Badass bridge and vintage LARGE lettering on the headstock are all that's required. I was playing along to Minor Threat. How the hell can you try out guitars in a store when they're playing the Minor Threat anthology on the PA? I know it's short, but still...

Why I don't write love songs (prodigously)

2007-05-10T20:23:00.000-04:00

Inspiration sometimes comes from the most unlikely sources. In fact it may arise from the polar opposite of the emotion elicited from the subject. Such was the case when I viewed the new Marilyn Manson video. I don't remember the title, all for the best that I keep a direct acknowledgement vague.
Not a big fan. Why? It seemed that the MM act consistently went out of their way to offend the public a. naming the band members after celebrities & serial killers (which is not offensive to me) and b. making mediocre music (most offensive to me).
So years have passed, his star has risen and leveled off considerably, and he is known as of late to have dumped his wife, Burlesque model/performer Dita Von Teese for the considerably younger actress Evan Rachel Wood. The video is supposedly some kind of cathartic expression of his guilt, joy and horniness.
The backing track isn't awful, sounding more like the Clash than Ministry, which gave me the courage to hang in through the 8 minute duration of the video. When you have money and fame the only thing you have to worry about is how to balance your love life with your career. This leaves MM in a state of whininess, crooning about his heart, his love, his flesh.

Dat. dat dat dat dah......
Shut the FUCK...UP!!

It may take me a while to finish this songt, along with the last one I wrote, cuz i have no studio time lined up, no Discmakers order to place, so I will just let you in on a preview of the songs that I will finish when the time is right.
It;s great being in love, feeling secure and cared for so what else is there? A world with a big flaming open sore right in it's solar plexus. Iraq, the birthplace of civilization, the Tigrss/Euphrates rivers which birthed us all is a mess, a victim of America's leadership preemptively and with micromanaged precision in a stranglehold out of control. Our own process of government unable to better this place by example for it cannot get out of it's own way.
The idea, metaphorically and humorously is to encapsulate the flawed logic ruling the process of our politics, currently. To lament without being didactic is my hope. I'm searching for the reverse inspiration as well to write a little dittty for my GF, maybe if there's a gig coming where I can really make her blush up in front of her peeps. Awww!

L'Rewind: The Beginning (Now I'm just asking for trouble)

2007-05-05T16:23:00.000-04:00

Well ladies and germs (all present?) My season 4 wrap up was such a huge success (3 comments!) that I had to be true to my word and watch season l'one of "L". Not necessarily that I need a PHD-like understanding of these iconic and culturally prescient characters, but more about how rare and essential it is to find a big chunk of programming me and my girlfriend can share somewhat comfortably. (My manhood is still attached to my greater torso).

My "what do you think of her?" rating system is as follows: Likeability/Doability Factor (LF/DF).

LF/DF: 8/6
A slight dip in the looks department. It seems the producers can't decide on a look for her. Sometimes punk, sometimes preppy, episode 13 has her in a 60s polyester suit and swept back hair as she makes her desperate mystery move on Dana. Very odd indeed. I would think this move would be symbolic of her primary motivation:to maintain her close friendship, paticularly with the perenially troulbed Dana. I loved her flashback to her college band (her coming out story). The experimental affair with lesbian-identified Male, Lisa (??) is a testimonial to A's searching and confused path to fulfillment, thus a person better suited to serve her friends than herself.

LF/DF: 6/5
Bonus points for her brave front grabbing and defending the "Provocations" show. Minus points for leaving her phone off when Tina was in a panic (after promising to do so), guilt tripping Tina after she returned from NY, and for getting jealous of Tina's charity work, and cheating with Candacel (although I wanted them to get it on in the jail cell). So we see the signs of Bette's controlling nature graduate through the series that will eventually destroy her thing with Tina, that will be a recurring theme in Season 2 no doubt. Beals' "method acting" is starting to get on my nerves, frankly.

LF/DF: 8/8
It is refreshing to see a bit of New York style self-conscious turmoil in this freewheeling circle. For family and career, Dana finds herself in the closet unable to follow up on her impulses, or even look her best. As far as she comes in overcoming these obstacles with the game and garrolous Lara, Dana pushes forward to wriggle into a comfort zone. She settles with the annoyingly JAP-ish, stalkerish cat-murderer Tanya because she fullfills Dana professionally and pads her ego, not seeing the totally selfish nature of T. Sad to see someone who works so hard at self-improvement doomed to imminent tragedy.

LF/DF:1/3
Tim LF/DF: 6/n.a.

I will introduce Jenny in the proper context: an appendage, a wife-to be, a neighbor. We are voyeuristally exposed to Jenny as a someone who exists in a series of reactions, someone not fully in control, exposed to a world, an atmosphere, a set of impulses that are all new to Jenny, who is "an innocent". It is indicated that she is a writer capable of dark imagery, and as her professor insists, she must act upon impulses to expunge these experiences into sullen dank prose. That is her gift. But who reads fiction anyway? It is only after she has obliterated both sides of her sexual conquests that she finds a metaphorically safe venue to expound on: the mating rituals of the manatee. But in the process she meets Gene, a marine curator, and in the process doubly cuckolds Tim.
Tim is an archaic male character. A jock settling down with a High School girlfriend. Clearly he is too dumb to not anticipate
a lesbian hijacking by bringing Jenny to LA. He must not be paying attention to the glances being exchanged at the planet, perhaps he is a grab your mug and go kinda guy. Neighbors Bette and Tina must have seemed mature and settled to Tim, unaware of the cabal the lezzies barely contain (see the chart!) Tim is hopefully deranged, going through with the marriage then leaving Jenny in Tahoe, remarkably restrained allowing her to rent the tool shed, which is finely remodeled. I'll give the writers credit either way for making Tim, under the circumstances suitably complex. Go back to Salt Lake, Timmy!

LF/DF: 8/6

Pam looks very well put together this season and seems on a good path to sobriety. I expect big trouble in Season 2 when her recording deal with Slim Daddy (played by Snoop Dogg-holla!) falls through and Bette gives her a big I told-you-so glare.
The depression will set in, she'll start drinking and maybe take up with some slobby guy. This will break the heart of Ivan (Kelly Lynch), the pompodour-femulletted drag king who has made a big romantic play for her affections. It is a shame that Kit will not join the pack for it seems that not only does Ivan care deeply for her, she could also keep Kit sober, having been through the program for a decade or so.

LF/DF: 3/5

Serious character deductions folks. Julie was constantly prodding me, asking "Isn't she beautiful? Isn't she just gorgeous? C'mon tell me!!" Look, I see the Ingrid Bergman with rock hard abs vision of smoldering sexuality doling out lattes and loving. But what in Hell's Honey Hole is this woman doing persuing the psycho straight waif Schecter???? Isn't that breaking code or something? I understand the arrangement she has with her girlfriend Francesca, but Marina could have nipped it all in the bud by the time F got home from her work. I think the experience should have taught her a lesson in dealing with straights, but I suppose ruining a marriage and ruining her own relationship/business arrangement are miniscule when looking into THOSE EYES....THOSE thin lips....those bony hands...that unpublished genius of a homeless troublemaker, who has told her off, insisting theirs was a mistake etc. Marina sinks further, dragging herself to Jenny's level by horning in on Jenny's first lesbian conquest (Robin). Trying to make Jenny jealous? Bitch please, my head's gonna explode!!

LF/DF: 7/8

It's tough to do, but I have to give Shane some demerits for having too big a heart. I know it's early, and her hustling days, though they feel quite distant are less in the past than they are later, but possessing coke, doing coke, giving coke to hustler buds and letting them crash in your already crowded apartment, well that's just trouble. Toughen up, be a dick, especially to hustler junkies and be stronger than what you have overcome. And be a proper mentor to a troubled youth and don't let yourself be a victim to their drama. Clea fucks up a sweet deal with Shane's salon, but that might have been doomed anyway with the dramatic passive-aggressiveness Sherri (Rosanna Arquette). And how does Shane manage to "fall in love" with this woman so quickly, as this is so not "the way of Shane?" Perhaps the hustling is still not far behind her, the lure of the quick buck, the sweetheart deal. Shane is looking a bit more femme here, and still a down to earth friendly sort.

LF/DF: 8/9

Here's the steal of the season. I had no idea Tina was this hot seeing her in season 4. Very sweet and wholesome looking, so supportive and generous. Taking humiliation and emasculation with selfless devotion a. having a baby with lesbian lover, b. having large Afro-American sperm in her body, a bit challenging to a WASPY woman, c. dealing with crazy Asian wife threatening legal action, having to deal with her single-handedly. d. via TV magic, managing to still look very hot, maintain love of domesticity while showing no overt signs of imminent pregnancy. e. dealing with total rejection of Bette's father (the late Ossie Davis). Her reaction to Bette's infidelity was quite understandable, sympathy points for being overpowered and fingered forcibly. Minus points for being all hung up on group therapy and excess talk of vaginal discharge, asst. baby blather.

More characters (unpictured)

Candace Lf/DF: 7/7
Dayum! Hottest thing in overalls since Bo Duke.

Francesca LF/DF: 4/6
First I felt her arrangement was justified, both can have affairs when she and Marina are apart. Understandable to play a few games with Jenny when Fran sensed the hubbub. But the controlling nature became a bit too tight for reason. Money corrupts.

Ivan LF/DF: 9/4
Just an entertaining goil with style and love to give.

Lara LF/DF: 8/8
Just a fun flirty femme fagale. She did all she could to bring Dana out, make her feel good, sexy and loved. She deserves better treatment than she got. She didn't see the star Dana, she saw geeky scared closeted hottie Dana.

Robin LF/DF: 7/5
Bonus points for showing boobies. Negative points for being gullible enough to get caught in Bermuda Triangle i.e. Jenny/Marina mess.

Sherri LF/DF: 3/6
Selfishly seduces Shane, subsequently spurns same. Insufficient proof. Destructive!

Tanya LF/DF: 1/1
If she had just done her job, fine. But alas, someone with a lower rating than Jenny.

"Medium Well"

2007-05-03T17:23:00.000-04:00

That was my response to all who asked how I felt today, 24 hours after my last painful Kidney Stone episode.
Percocet goes nicely with Spinach Pie. And Bananas have less Potassium than Gatorade or Wonder Bread.
WTF???

Shameless Plea for Sympathy..with built in rewards

2007-05-02T16:35:00.000-04:00

You know when you go on a vacation and get back late at night and just go to sleep because you have to be at work the next morning? Well my scenario was something like that. Home at 10pm last night and had to be at work by 9.

OK, I know I'm boring you so far, so I offer you Sienna Miller's ass as an incentive to keep reading::

That's just an apertif. More nook where that came from.

I woke up at 6:30 a.m with what I thought was another of many calls of nature, only to find myself already spent.
10 minutes later I get the familiar abdominal pain associated with a Kidney Stone. I had one once before and this pain was identically excruciating. Whimpering pain and discomfort for hours was sure to follow. Along with the prerequisite nausea, sweating and overall clamminess. Okay, I know this is making you readers uncomfortable and perhaps a bit nauseous yourself. But I'm sure we've all been there. It's all a part of life, take the good with the bad. For example, take the hard pAAArtying habits of Ms. Lindsay Lohan. I'm not sure what motivated her to go into rehab (spiritual reasons?) Maybe one particularly strenuous service at the porcelain altar might give her perspective. But God bless her anyway, she's young, seemingly indestructible, thick and freckly skinned and ummmmm, take a gander:

So I'm home from the ER, got medication and will be resting up for the time being. I am the kind of person who doesn't like to shirk his responsibilities in the workplace however. I should really take my time, lest I be seen as somebody such as Britney Spears. Her Rehab stay IMHO was all to brief and did not address certain issues running deep in her psyche. But if it's a creative outlet she wants I think it's a step in the right direction. But the atmosphere surrounding here recent club appearance in San Diego and this picture below signifies there is something amiss in that there brain thingy.

If I haven't lost you by now, then you are a true friend of the G. I shall bounce back shiny and fresh as a freshly cut Portman and will sing karaeoke to the break of midnight once again! Special thanks to my special one, my girlfriend Julie who did much in the way of comforting me through this and stayed home to make sure i'm alright.

A tough day for art

2007-04-15T16:59:00.000-04:00

I would have stayed home but I couldn't do nearly as well as this. Untitled (Pineapple) by Saul Steinberg. Note Don Quiote commencing his charge. The late artist is famous for his New Yorker Magazine drawings for six decades, but of course I'm just discovering him, and quite blown away by his humor and invention, as well as a very accessable style. Makes me believe I can actually create something with simple pen lines, some colored pencil and a bit of collage. I won't dull the blogosphere by blasting myself for not thinking like an artist, for my life is filled with far greater things, currently.
To make up for my thus far shoddy efforts at sketching and doodlecraft I've visited Saul 2 days in a row, in rain, through DC Japanese-American fests, thru a lecture today I could barely stay awake thru. The lesson this weekend is to enjoy the repose and tranquility of the couch and my companion. Maybe a bit of laundry with spur my creativity.

I got mad skills.

Waco III

2007-04-09T20:48:00.000-04:00

Why? Because it was my birthday Saturday I flew down to Waco to be with my GF and her buds in the press corps. I may not have the professional experience and devotion to their respective craft and career, but I know of what they write, not necessarily how they live. Well, everyone lives their own version of a normal life, I mean the day-by day doldrums of the bureau or the constant chatter with CNN HQ that journalists endure. Often the item of coverage makes news so infrequently and insignificantly, as is the case of our current "decider" excuse me..

"Heh...Ha ha . Ha HA!! Hey man..what's going on man?

What? Oh hey, it's Tommy Chong popping up on my blog here. Uh, hey man, big fan, love your movies and your guitar playing but I didn't really dig your book "The I Chong" It just kinda seemed a bit random, here, there, caught a misspell too.

Oh yeah, man it's just something I decided to do when they put me in the joint for 9 months for selling fuckin' bongs on the internet. Fucking fascists. I met some heavy cats, played casino, bocce ball and just prayed and meditated alot in there. Couldn't wait to get out and get on with life and my wife, y'know man?

I know what you mean, man. You've got a lovely wife in Shelby there, God bless. So hey man, Crawford was kinda lame man, I mean you got Cindy Sheehan and these ole' hippies with nothing to do but the same tired 60s routine with the flowers in the machine gun barrel type of non violent thing. They tried to send painted Easter eggs to Bush's compound but the security wouldn't even accept them. She blabbed on her bullhorn for the cameras awhile and that's about it. I hung around the file and that was the only news happening.

Oh..Pphhhhhhsssstt! Yeh mn.....wow....thats far out...

Thanks man. Well I can see you're busy. Hey thanks for checking in here. I'll always have a spot on my guitar God mantle piece for your solo bit in Next Movie and of course, Earache, my Eye. Love ya Tom.

Peace!

Cute, Funny or Macho?

2007-04-04T20:43:00.000-04:00

"L"legory

2007-03-26T18:59:00.000-04:00

Seriously folks, I never thought I'd get into watching the Showtime soap opera "The L Word" but I have gotten through a full season now and have grown quite accustomed to it. I recall the hype when the show first debuted and saw and early episode and found it incredibly boring.
Let me describe the scene I saw: The ensemble cast sitting on a couch very casually talking, the mood supportive with an implied poignancy. Jennifer Beals' character Bette is in a cab making a call on her cell....she waits as it rings and rings....all the while the cab is on her and cuts to nothing else. I can't fully describe how dull I found it. No sex no nothing. Anyway I got rid of Showtime shortly after this. I briefly watched Queer as Folk on DVD, just for the sake of watching a full show on DVD and found the characters so unlikeable and nauseating I questioned why I was wasting my time with this. To me entertainment is intrinsic on it's own sake, and I can't say I have a point of reference for all things Queer,so ditch that.
Now I live with a girlfriend who loves the cable and loves the lesbos, so now...I have a frame of reference, I guess. This has also required that I initiate a point of view, but I am rather leery of opinionating too much on the characters/actors individually
UNTIL NOW!!!!!

If your'e a lesbian (or just want to look like one) enjoy this one-time only event, for I may not survive the wrath of the Estrogen Avalanche that is dumped upon me, as I rate the stars of cable-TV's L WORD!!!

word.

My douche'y criteria is simple: Likeability and Do-ability. In other words, how likeable do I find the character, how DO-able I in my ultra-sensory heterosexually modified mind, find the actress as presented on the screen.

I may make minor notes about script, music, shooting style etc. which are of course integral factors, I'll try to keep them brief,but ..ladies, if I may clarify something ...it's all about the BOOBIES!
Am I right? Can I get an A-(wu) Men? ....'yyyellow?....(acid stares)

Okay, here we go!

LF/DF: 6/8
I can't stand her voice. Nasal and very very busy. Still she does have some zingers, laced with colorful profanities and disses. Like most of the characters, she doesn't seem to have a regular job and spends much of her time looking for fresh Vageen and I liked that she was rather loose, but eventually settled down with the armored vixen Tasha. Too bad T's headed back to Iraq, Alice needs to settle the fuck down, she acts 24 but is probably closer to 33.

LF/DF: 4/5
Why does the show dwell so often on Bette's fearful "Deer in the headlights" glare? At work she's Miss "in control" cursing and legislating and micromanaging. With her relationship with her ex (Tina) and current flame (Jody) it's this woman who is afraid of fucking up and clueless as to what her inner feeling tell her. Still, she is rather attractive despite some hideous "couture" wardrobe. Really stupid silk tops and mutant sport coats.

LF/DF: 5/8
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I liked this gal much better when she was a broke-ass caterer. I missed much of Helena's background in previous season's affairs, apparently she came from money and was cut off. Now she's reluctantly whoring herself to degenerate gambler/functionally undead Katherine. We love Helena's little accent, her high cheekbones, her chewy brown nips. But that horse race was just wrong, dirty but wrong. Such folly, the girl is fucked, but you know an evil deed like stealing a million from a more evil person on this show will SURELY go UN-Punished. I repeat, unpunished. The gang flaunts the law on a regular basis, commiting, indecent exposure, trespassing, theft and vandalism on a regular basis without a single indication of possible intervention by the po-po. Where is Erik Estrada when you need him? Wait, I have his agent on the phone...the condo scammers dumped him, he's available!

LF/DF: 1/3
This one I really must answer for, because I made a comment to J that I found Jenny "somewhat attractive". Granted, this is a show about lipstick lesbians and they're not going to cast someone with missing teeth and crawling acne, though I wish they would. The main crux of the matter, and the writers have been merciless in driving the point home is that Jenny is an unscrupulous insufferable back-stabbing cunt who claims to be an "artist" and a "serious writer of FICTION" "Fiction in Jenny's mind is writing minor changes to the accounts of personal experiences of her friends, with slight name changes. What is most unrealistic, or unbelievable about this show is how SUPPORTIVE and CLOSE this circle of friends are. They hang out all the time, with few, very noticable absences if any single one of the main characters fail to show up for any get together, no matter how insignificant. How these modern "working" gals manage to fit these coffeeshop, nightclub, shopping and/or beach combing events into their schedule so consistently boggles the mind. So Jenny's expose is a crass violation of any percieved code of privacy these gossip sessions have. Why they still hang with her "supportively" is a glaring gaffe by the show's writers. They can certainly do without this character and have written every reason that she should suffer some form of estrangement. Still she lingers on, although last seen she was lingering out to sea on a suicide life-raft.
When I opined that Jenny was...y'know. it was in a scene where she was in a nightrobe drinking a large cup of tea, very cozy like. I truly believe in the restorative powers of tea and perhaps it is a redemptive act. Unfortunately as she was holding the cup she was defending her "craft", sarcastically addressing Tina that again, her work was one of "fiction". No hope for this one.

LF/DF: 6/5
How the fuck can you not singe your big perfectly coiffed tresses while using a blow torch? If you've seen Marlee Matlin's act, it's kind of take it or leave it. She is a remarkable actress, sure, but when she's on screen why does it always feel like I'm in the presence of E.T? Does the Earth stop rotating on it's axis when she is signing? What's the big deal? It was a big deal when she won an Oscar for her performance in Children of a Lesser God, and looked damn good doing it. But I feel her looks have slipped a bit, frankly but she's the right age for Bette. She played the party scene well, although with her hair tied back she looked like a greyhound. It wasn't until the last episode that I even began to understand her "art" It's ah, sort of vertical.

LF/DF: 6/4
Kit (Pam Grier) Gets madd brownie points for her past work in such films as Coffy, Black Mama/White Momma, Drum, Scream, Blacula Scream and Jackie Brown. She was fierce, proud, gorgeous and talented. Although her looks and singing ability are not what they once were, she has a place on this show, basically playing herself. Another possible gaffe by the writers is why Kit takes Angus back after his wayward fling, but I suppose we are led to believe that this unconvincing guitar player with his unconvincing beard has some strange effect over Kit that keeps her off the booze. Sho' yer right, baby!

LF/DF: 9/8
Here's a shocker,folks! High scores for the pre-op! You gotta hand it to somebody who wants to give up being a hot chick to be a computer nerd dude! It helps to not have a Cheetos addiction. Maybe I just like it that Max goes to work like a normal person and has to take crap from real people, doesn't live in a lesbian coccoon and doesn't sleep around because he's not comfortable with his body. Very sympathetic, very dude-a'riffic. And I understand the actressplaying Max is just an actress playing a part so it's okay, right?

LF/DF: 5/8
What the fuck happened to this girl's mojo? A whole bunch of hype for a couple weeks, Papi was billed as an enigmatic figure on the ourchart site, but only based on how many girls she slept with, so I guess that doesn't quantify to much outside the the BOX. We aren't left with much in the aftermath: a hit and miss fashion show by this Indian girl playing Hispanic. And her conquest of Kit is pure starfuckery, causing her to derail her lesbian hit parade, stuck in the mud of rejection malaise. And what excuse does she have for hanging around these lezbot buds she AIn't FUCKIN??? Her whole M.O. is limo gig, make the cash, use the limo as portable Pussy access palace! Work Bitch!! And pick up some snatch! That's what you do!!!!!!!!
Word.

LF/DF: 4/3
Okay, greeaat. Every time she's in a scene, things get "a little weird". Perhaps it's better to be camp on a cutting edge show than basically playing an older married lady in some freakin' drama. I'm not a big fan or hers, nor does Candace Bergen move me. At least Cybill was good in The Last Picture Show and Taxi Driver. The scene where her (real life) daughter berates her for abandoning her and the family for her own selfish means is illuminating, but very weird. It would mess me up a bit if it happened to me, are you reading this Mom?

LF/DF: 8/8
It is probably worthwhile for me to Netflix the previous season of L to get proper background info on Shane. I must have come along at an impasse, as Shane is currently depicted as very responsible and eek...monogamous. The first thing I recall is Shane washing up on the beach doing lines of coke with Rosanna Arquette. A few weeks later she's shacked up with T3 (Kristanna Lokker) and getting all palsy with her kid, and previously her little brother. I confess I don't fully "get it" with Shane's purely sexual appeal. But I like that the character is fairly independent of thought, gives not a fuck, has her own fashion sense and does have a soft side to her reptillian visage. Plot-wise, the cat is out of the bag on Lokker's experience on the show, so we look forward to a return to promiscuous form by the Shane-ister.

LF/DF: 7/7
You almost wish they played out the ambiguousness, the distant lurking mysterious nature of Tasha a bit longer. However, not only do the eyes never lie, they provide the majority of subtext. The messages are sent like phermones through the air and when there is a new scent in the room, someone like Alice is bound to sniff them out. Their courtship was sweet, the much procrastinated consummation salivating, but you knew there would be a political issue in the pudding. I give the show thumbs up for introducing a character associated with the Iraq war, but a thumbs down for not advancing in a way that would drive home a critical point in why we should choose love over an unjust war. And the issues regarding "Don't ask/don't tell" are played to a stalemate, just where it stands in real life. For a show purporting to be cutting edge, you have to advance thought processes as pertains to the current conditions we are living in.

LF/DF: 6/6
Now I'm wishing I didn't do this alphabetically. Took me a while to figure out who she was (again, this is my first season) but she was all bitchy with the kid stuff with Bette, but now it seems they really patched things up at the end. In a really weird weird way. The character is pretty nice considering she's an agent of some kind. I don't know what's her conflict with not wanting to bang Lez Girls director Kate (Annabella Schiorra). Basically Tina's fucked up after her awful straight marriage experience, her breakup and prolonged flirtation with Bette or all 3 combined. Yes, LA is a mess if you're a high powered lesbian with straight tendencies and film deals to nail down.

DENOUMENT:
The name of the show, what does the L stand for. One's first instinct of course, is Lesbian, It could also be lust, lifestyle, labia etc. But it seems the characters are all looking for a relationship, for completion, for intamacy, so my guess would be love, and I won't be looking up any Eileen Chaiken interview to confirm this. So that is it.
Excuse me while I pick up my penis from the floor.

The scary process of democracy

2007-03-23T23:22:00.000-04:00

You only have to live in DC and read the papers everyday to be truly consumed by the perplexing process of our democracy. How the hell do things get done when you have two parties doing their cleverest jobs getting in each other's way and stymie a bill solely on the grounds that it came from the OTHER guys. On top of that you have a president with a 30% approval rating complaining that there's too much "politics" going on! (!!!)
Pot-meet kettle.
We in DC. approximately 500,000 citizens have no voice in the House because we are not a state. And we won't be because it's 90& democratic. Yep, George hates us. The whole freakin' place makes him sick. Why the fuck did he become president?
Oh, daddy, is it my turn yet? Oh daddy I'll get that bad Saddam for you, he tried to kill you!
We cut and run in 1991 and let Saddams helicopters fly over Bagdad and wipe out thousands of Shiites. That was Dick Cheney's call! Oh an invasion wouldn't do there, huh? That's because #41 was soooo smart. What a cheap victory that was.
Sorry, ranting...ancient history.

So we have Pelosi and Murtha floating up another vote with all kinds of conditions and a timetable to end the war. Is this the best they could do. Well, the politics dictate that they want a pull out date, but no immediate cut in spending. This is all elementary because it will be vetoed. Back to square one. And to the next arena, give Bush's advisors Rove and AG A.G. a whole lotta shit, so much that at least one of them will be out of a job mmmm, probably two weeks from now.
We are not moving forward people. We are stuck in bureacratic mud and dusty sandy IED laden mud in Iraq.
A fine example of democracy we set, and are selling to the people of Iraq, what's left of them.
It's only fitting, and historically consistent that Iraq is in a civil war with meddlesome outsiders involved with their own interests in the region. It has been this way for centuries, but never before has so much been at stake. There are some things in this world you dont' want to fuck with. Bush is doing it and doing it and doing it all wrong.

Pentaghoul?

2007-03-17T22:29:00.000-04:00

There was some thought of covering the latest (recurring) March on the government buildings here in DC. But the Pentagon is just over the bridge in Arlington, VA and there's really nothing to see around there, IMHO. Unless you're into the spirit of protest and brotherly bonhomie or if you believe in levitation through group think you might give it a pass. I did, but only because it was too darn cold.

Instead, I opted for a typical stroll to the mall, headphones on.

Walking down the mall, towards the Capitol, I could not help but think of the endless mechanations and useless committees formed, the processes this building produces, it makes you question the effectiveness of our democracy. Despite the clouds, the colums below the white dome looked dark and dirty, yet transparent. It made me think that the Senate and the House have absolutely no teeth. The likeness and character of this toothless dome is best exemplified by Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-MIchigan).

Just like the political grandstanding and demands for heads on pikes, there didn't seem to be much of a protest fever happening. However as I got close to the reflecting pool, I came across a little tent city set up by troopsoutnow.org with a sign reading CUT OFF WAR FUNDS NOW. It was just what I had in mind, in my reverie. However, lest any politician come across as undemocratic and not "showing support of the troops" they will not cut war funds.

What you find, what you feel, what you know to be Real

2007-03-16T23:33:00.000-04:00

And you thought I was going to opine about Gonzon-gate. Eh? Eh? Oh, nevermind.

It's been a while for me here, in this new town to find some truly edificational musical companionship. And if there is a bible of tunes for once-or anytime jazz musicians to congregate with it's the much dog-eared Real Book of jazz standards.
These charts look like this, y'see

Those dots and squiggles you see are the notes you're supposed to play. It is evident I never got particularly good at reading these things. But I have a good ear and a fair memory of what I would call geometric patterns on the guitar which I can recall certain tunes that I am familiar with.
So I encountered a guy my age with a large apartment accomodating many guitars (and plants) and amps. On this "wintry mix" of a night we jammed, if you will, on several tunes. As is usually the case, he was the slightly better reader and played correct chords in a mellow style, passing as a decent jazz guitar player. I brought my amplified acoustic classical guitar, adding the distinctive Brazilian flavor and ripped and shredded leads, mangled melodies and chopped and crunched some chords in accompaniment. It appeared that we were on a similar level and quite compatable, as well as getting along pleasantly in a social manner. Yes folks, good things happen with a bit of patience.
Um, where's the sarcasm? Oh fuck it.
Monday I'll be jamming with some old guy on barrelhouse piano. 1930's era style. Something different.

Blowin' back in town

2007-03-15T23:01:00.000-04:00

Forgiveth me if I begin with the weather. I was all ready for springlike frolicking and now there is wind and rain and tomorrow will be cold again. Just in time for the weekend. Good thing I have indoor activities planned.

In other news, Bush is back in town. With little substantive initiatives green lighted. The system works!

A note about...that person

2007-03-06T17:26:00.000-05:00

Since this blog could care less how many hits it gets, whether it registers in a Google search at all. I will omit the name of the person I have but a brief opinion on today. To call John Edwards a faggot does him no harm, he is not a fag and publicity can only help a person running for president. But to offend homosexuals at large and you have something to lost, like advertisers on your website, set up to sell books, this is bad publicity for anyone. Polaraizng the general consensus is not always a good thing and we've had enough of...it.

However, there is another A.C. that has for years brought me great moments of joy and mirth. Visit them if you will, above!

I couldn't resist!

2007-02-22T23:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's her, taking out a bit of frustration on a papparazzi vehicle. Most unfortunate.

Carry on...with caution

2007-02-22T22:44:00.000-05:00

Feeling fine, quite good actually. But pardon the blog for being somewhat cagey. I'd like to tell my public all about what I did tonight, who I met, what I saw. But recent comments by an ignoramus I know vaguely and all too well had been commenting negatively, fabricating media with my images and putting computations together like (2+2=0). So I will not disclose anything about my immediate social life because it's nobody's business but my own and my SO.

So I will leave with a few suggestions:
1. The current New Republic. Great article on Tom Vilsack, The Wrong Surge. I wish I could hang around the business mail post office to read and talk politics with these hometown DC folks.
2, The Departed on DVD. Best movie in at least 3 years-better win the Oscar.
3. Waylon Jennings-The Journey. 12 CD Anthology. Took a while to find the right material for this golden-throated singer. Equal parts rock and roll, country and folk. Truly was a one of a kind.

Halfway home from Hell-Walter Reed

2007-02-19T11:28:00.000-05:00

Very sad, angering and important story in the Washington Post Sunday and Monday. Walter Reed hospital in DC is the first stop back for many wounded soldiers after their surgeries and amputations in Germany. Here they come to convalesce with their families but are caught up in bureacratic red tape. Medical records lost, disability benefits called into question by the Army claiming "preexisting conditions", squalid conditions. Even funds raised for new TVs and an air hockey game lost, fearing an audit around Christmas time. We see the solidiers usefulness is clearly forgotten once they are injured and unable to do Bush's bidding.

Also, last night was a story on 60 minutes about how life in Kurdistan in Northern Iraq is flourishing and free from violence. They have their own security and infrastructure, but our leaders will not allow it to become a free separate state for political reasons.

You've gotta be F'n Kidding Me!!!

2007-02-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

The blog, awoken by strange dreams involving the FLOTUS turned on the news to even something more bizarre.

If my information is correct, Charles Manson is in jail, most of his followers are in jail and are born again Christians, so it's a little late to be joining the Helter Skelter movement. Either that or this person here just doesn't have a fucking clue, but we knew that already. I suppose clubbers will still want to "party" with this thing because of who she used to be and still has money and is eminently bloggable. Now we can summon psychological experts, I'm sure we can find some that'll work pro bono. We can hate on celebs for the stupid lives they live, and I know it's annoying having the papparazzi in your face, some handle it quite well but the is sympathy in the world for people with genuine problems.

After her less than a day stay in ultra-cushy rehab, BS is now on the way to be a case for the textbooks. Really stupid fucked up mess, people. This is not rock and roll rebellion, protesting her blondeness, whatever. Get the bitch help, keep her out of the clubs, get her children away from her and get her out of LA somehow. At least she's ready for electro-shock therapy.

I'm onto you

2007-02-04T12:17:00.000-05:00

Let's consider this past week to be transitory, eh? Not to say that the blog had nothing to opine upon, but had nothing to offer the readers (??) but a link to the now much linked K-Fed super bowl commercial. This however elicited comments by some anonymous asshole who feels superior to me, or feels an affinity with K-Fed or something. Now I do welcome comments, but I would appreciate a dialogue with my readers. I'm not representing a news organization, this is blogspot, eh?

So last weeks recap:
Gates before the Armed Services Committee describing the Iraq war in 4 or 5 subsets. What a clusterfuck, you're not helping things!!
The Cheneys. Mary is a hypocritical coward for A. Campaigning for his dad despite their anti-gay marriage stance and B. Claiming she is not a political operative or a public figure. Write your book under a pseudonym, ya Ho!
Suicide bombings in Baghdad;s marketplace. So much for waiting for the weekend to do your shopping. The Sunnis are onto you. This is civil war folks. If you're going to have a Shia government, and a weak one at that, there will be trouble and it's deeper than just government, it's way personal. This can't end nicely.
21 billion spent on the war in 2006. 9 billion lost or embezzled. Shall we give this new Bush plan a chance? I think not.

Super Bowl Prediction: Colts 34, Bears 27.

The Power of Protest, fueled by Trail Mix

2007-01-27T18:10:00.000-05:00

The last Anti-War protest G attended in Sept, 2005 was by far more widespread, but the timing was ripe and the weather was ripening for today's Demo on the Mall.

A pause to observe a fluffy chickadee in McPherson Sq. It flitted away just after the click.

This is the best shot the blog managed to get of Jesse, Jane, Susan and Tim enroute to the podium. Heh.

Our fearless leader came but seemed busy rehearsing for his stage version of Chaplin's "The Great Dictator" Note bloody hands and (obscured)platform shoes. (He's only 5'4!!!!)

First observation-Inventive use of the English language for sloganistic purposes.

Good old fashioned punnery.

And these young people...just crazy about the bongos.

Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, being the most vocal of the anti-war candidates, was the trendy pick of the day, and why not with such vixens handing out the literature?
After moving up as far as I could, settling in, the crowd settled down around the blog and the situation began to get a bit crowded.

Being in such close proximity to these folks, I got into the spirit, but was annoyed to have to endure the minutae of people's habit, particularly their cell phones.

Where are you? I'm....uh...hello...I'm over here by the...uh...
and in the spirit of macrobiotic bliss, the Love crowd shared a bit of Trail Mix with each other.

Things were getting spirited, but hectic, with crowd surfing and bad acid cases

Soon, after the speeches and before the short March towards the Capitol, some in the crowd paused to rest,

Give their dog friends some water and let them play some drums. Baroo?

Eventually the blog departed, sadly observing the muddy detrius left behind:

and bore witness to the (symbolic) horror of the uncharged detainees of Gitmo:

Praying hopefully that they at least get one phone call

Then, a brief bit of satire outside the museum:

Past the Washington Monument, you would have never known there was a protest going on

and by the White House, there was no protest route extended there. It was business as usual.

Felled by a hit single

2007-01-25T18:53:00.000-05:00

We give equal time on the blog for the politics, and the pop. Everybody get some!
Due to a scheduling change on NPR radio, G was forced to the FM hit radio stations and low and behold the rockin' and poppin'.
There was leeriness if giving boy-band associated popsters a shot, regardless of the gossip obsession going on, but after hearing Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack" the realization was quite clear. This was a brilliant piece of pop fluff.
It's funny for those who like funny, it's sexy if your'e tuned into that, and it's incredibly dance-able. So danceable as I discovered, that you could do practically any move to it and look like you're dancing in a music video. Regardless of being in tempo, on the one (first beat of the measure) or a mirror image of the vocal line, you can get your freak on instantly.
And the singer, who is the ultimate twink, doesn't come off too whiny, greasy or fake-tuff. There are no significant samples, just a simple 2-beat and simple synth lines. No breaks in the fun.

SOTU View-Spot the Sunni

2007-01-23T21:47:00.000-05:00

The blogs' view recently of the Iraq war is unchanged. but maybe Bush has finally developed a tactic in his first-hand way of addressing the enemy. By now, enough of us know the parties involved. He has namechecked the Sunni insurgency several times as perhaps the worse of all evils or even directly linked with Al Qaeda. Saddam's peeps were Sunni.

The point is, make a damn decision who you want to back and back their ass up. And if you wish the Sunnis to not be ethnically cleansed out, make a pact, split the country, give them some oil revenues and make your bed with Al-Maliki, the Mehdi army of Al-Sadr and the Shia. Show some support, dammit!

Do I get tax-exempt tenure?

2007-01-22T18:58:00.000-05:00

Upon hearing a preview of Bush's State of the Union speech, the blog became angry. Very angry!
The blog had been without health care coverage of any kind for 12 years. It's all been out of pocket including a failed root canal which left the blog without a molar for 4 years. Toothless was G!
This summer after starting a new job, the pay was reasonable, the health benefits simply fab.
But Bush's idea is to tax people's health care benefits provided by their employer, to pay for public health care for people
with no health care. Not to come off as cold hearted or superior in any way, but that puts a real kibosh on a sweet deal, well earned after some low-down times.

Tales of the new Yuppie and the new Fondue.

2007-01-21T15:06:00.000-05:00

New title of the blog? Nah. But there were ideas of (in an attempt to generate sponsors who would insist on more frequent posts) turn this blog into yet another home for political discussion. And to refer to "The Blog" in the third person. Talkin' radical stuff here. We'll see where the energy goes. For now, allow the pseudonym "G" to stand for "The Blog" representing your author.

There was a notion of posting this week regarding the impending covers gig G had intentions on for some time. There was a declination, a rejection by this particular fast food manager, declaring that although my playing and material were good, the singing was not up to (the establishment's) standards. Needless to say this was disappointing and hurtful, and made G recall briefly watching American Idol the night before, a rare occasion. Of note was a proud but delusional Latina girl whose vocal warbling were rebuked by Simon repeatedly. To smugly retort "you don't know nuthin' 'bout me, you don't know nothin' about music" was somewhat out of line. If you don't make the audition, it is simply wasted time chalk it up to the need for more practice. The cruel lesson is, the pain is real, though not acute.

Now until G gets serious about the blog the material will remain it's varied-topical self, full of silly anecdotes chronicalling the modernistic adventures of G. Got one for you now:

There's been alot of cheese lately. A lot of cheese. Urp! I just turned down raw brownie batter after just a few licks. Let's see. Yesterday's breakfast was a cheese omelet and 3 pieces of bacon. Late lunch was a can of CBAD Ravioli (sprinkled with peppered parmesan). Dinner was a lovely party at the home of a "Washington Socialite". There was smoked gouda, pizza and a very large German pretzel which G smeared with goat.

Tonight is a party home, just to hang with our main gays. The item featured is a device and a cheese of the same name:RACLET. It is a soft stinky Swiss solid cow milk product. The device is an electric grill with trays that you slide underneath to melt your cheese, On the flat top, you grill small cooked potatoes, which are later semi-mashed, salami, pepperoni and prosciutto which are fried crispy, and apple and pineapple for contrast and extra flavor. Pair this with a fine Pinot and you have an interactive and smoky fun experience which is both appetizer and entree.

Now here's the kicker, J and G go to nearby Whole Foods to purchase these pricey vittles, finding everything but the most vital ingredients: the cheese and the meat. It is now starting to snow, first of the season, cause of much jubilation on G's part, or at first I thought as much. All that matters is the task at hand, the obstacles notwithstanding, minor but daunting in my mind. The mission is to hop on the bicycle in moderate snow a couple of miles over to Dean & DeLuca in Georgetown.
Now I'm a sale watching, coupon clipping, discount store trolling fellow, as is my usual inclination. But now I have a great loving and cultivated girlfriend that likes me eating organic foods and wearing cashmere sweaters. There was a time I would not have imagined wearing such items, or shopping at such places as D & D. Perhaps Whole Foods occasional for certain items if they were on sale like couscous. So, why shop for raclet when you can microwave a can of cheez whiz? If your'e watching a football game alone it's fine, but in my situation now it just won't do.
This is all mean to be funny people.

So I did the mission, one of those trudgy grindy rides, wore many layers outside but sweating heavily underneath. To confess to a bit of pride to accomplish this is somewhat hubristic. The same kudos would have been earned if the run was done in a motorized vehicle, but to know further what is possible with the will and the ways currently employed is the standard by which the blog abides and will continue to do so.

Soundtrack to this blog entry (subject to new-hipster shufflings' sake)
The Killers "Jenny was a friend of mine"

Emulating the master?

2007-01-07T18:27:00.000-05:00

2006 may have been the first year since 1988 that I did not play a single gig. I'm really not sure if i can count the Hispanic Street Festival, since it was so unprepared. It was noteworthy though that I shook hands with DC Mayor-to-be Adrian Fenty, but the performance was a mess.

Doubtless he captured the gay vote.

I'm also hesitant to count the improv-collective jam I took part in at the Electric Possible series at GW (linked above-tonight there is a ballyhooed THEREMANIA Extravaganza). The night I played I had the only non-electric instrument, and still sported hair on my head by the time the performance was done.

So, I'm still putting myself out the on CList and word of mouth. I'm working on cover tunes I can play with deep concentration and conviction, like Segovia (pictured) doing pop hits of the day. Note the calmness of his demeanor and his pillowy sausage fingers. Imagine if he could sing too. That's what I'm going for.

End of music/year of Best 2006-The

2006-12-27T22:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I have nothing prepared.
Actually what prompted this post, this dime a dozen idea that everyone in the blogosphere postulates, their top albums of the past year, was not anything that I bought this year. But I admit, I don't think I bought a new album this year, who does anymore, but you know, there are other ways. If I ever made an album, and I tried thrice, nobody would buy it anyway, so FU.

What worries me tonight is not the state of the musical consumption index, but what the fuck happened to David Bowie's voice?
After a listen to a special Xmas release of DB with Pink Floyd performing their first single, Syd Barret's "Arnold Layne", I am sincerely dreading a world without a David Bowie. Now he could die tomorrow, or get incurable laryngitis, lose a lung in a cab or something, but to hear him struggle is even worse. Fancying him as one of those guys who does more with less seems absurd.

Now James Brown could get away with half assed singing. He's been grunting gobbledygook for years, but a guy in his 70s that can still do the Mashed Potato is something to behold. Sadly he is now gone too. His hitmaking days are long gone, his last hit 20 years past, he was not the reinventive kind of guy. He was an innovator in one particular genre. He could adapt funk with Disco, with pop strings, with big 80s drum sound. Pizzy and Ludacrap and all those biters can steal his shit and make money for decades to come. As we can already see, the Estate of JB is in shutdown mode, to protect a huge empire from being stripped clean. Still, they should let the last wife back into her house to get a few things shouldn't they? I mean even FedEx managed to get through his former home's gates to pick up a few ball caps, right?

So um, I'm at a loss to opine on any hot release of '06 at this time. However I have gabbed at length about Tenacious D and K-Fed in previous posts so, go back and read that if you are so disposed.

Xmasukkah Mullitude

2006-12-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

Being a Jew during the Xmas season has sometimes given me pause to break out my jolly stick. Not that Hannukah is sober, not at all, there have been some great ones. What has always been there is my giving in small ways to balance the two great spiritual forces and generally deflect them outward in that spirit of All-American inclusiveness. We do it all here. I wouldn't necessarily want equal time between a jolly Rebbe and a even more jolly St. Nick. Wait, is Santa Claus the same guy? What do I call him? Nicholas Claus? Mr. Claus, what is a Santa any way, a saint is a saint, and he sure does saintly work alright. Does it make sense to put on pounds for appearance sake but have to climb up and down chimneys and such.
It is a priviledge and an obligation of this blog to ponder these things, while enjoying the priviledge and joy of the accoutremont and the love of this season with my lovey counterpart. By staying in town and avoiding the greater family entanglements we are giving back to our more isolated comrades, some going through painful breakups, soothing them with wine, melted cheese and pleasant chat. J asks if I mind all this, no of course not. I enjoy the company and I enjoy the giving, like a spoon of porridge to young Mr. Twist.
Merry all, happy all.

Man about town at Xmas time.

2006-12-14T21:27:00.000-05:00

What's it like having a social life? Well, you go to parties, you're invited to places, especially during the holidays when everyone's you know...cheery.

Enjoy if you will a few pictorial highlights from a couple of parties me n' girlfriend attended this past week. One was at this old place in DC, don't know if you've heard of it, The WHITE House. You've heard of it, right? Huh?

Deconstructing The D

2006-12-04T20:04:00.000-05:00

The other night, girlfriend and I were watching Tenacious D perform on Saturday Night Live. Being that we live in a small, thin walled apartment of fellow hard-working adults we respect our neighbors peace even on weekend evenings. If we were young and lived in an unfurnished basement or frathouse we might be more apt to enjoy the implied power and glory of this revisionistic heavy metal tribute band the D portray themselves to be. Alas, a lass, she commented "I don't get them".
While I gave her a cursory explanation of what the D is about, in their respective aspects of humour, parody and straight up musicality, I feel an in depth study is called for. Great for those blog for those who read it so, here' tizz, fo' shizz.
The D makes great reference to the more commonly known aspects of 1980s era Metal (pre-1986 hair metal which is false)
a)Those aspects are the worship of Beelzebub aka Satan etc.
b)The power of true metal and it's host power Satan to rid the world of false metal and authority figures seen as obstacles to one's ascention to musical greatness and worldly glory.
c) The sheer ridiculousness of these notions and the resultant geekification of the sorry ass kids who buy this marketing gimmick, taking it so far that it becomes the focal point of their life and social viewpoint.
Best example noted in the documentary Dream Decievers http://imdb.com/title/tt0104140/

On their first self-entitled album, the D declared that their power to rock, in classic blues fashion, derived directly from Satan. While most people took Devil Worship seriously in the 80s, as a direct threat to the young fan's attitudes of all-American values, today it is something to lampoon, pure satire. But if anyone took it seriously, the D went so far as to specify exactly what they wanted from Satan and what they didn't want from Satan (see Anal Sex) and were willing to fight for their gifts and their earthly souls.
On their current album (which I don't believe can be called a soundtrack to the movie-The Pick of Destiny) they pull their hero from a slightly less ancient region of the evil netherworld, 33rd cubicle of section 666, belonging to one Ronnie James Dio.
Who Ronnie James Dio is is an integral point to the core of the debate about 1980s heavy metal, the true metal.
Is it the music to move men's souls to unimaginable divination?
Or is it cheezy 3 chord schlock with horrid coloratura warbling by men with more hair on their chest than their scalp?

Ronnie James Dio replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath from 1980-1983

Black Sabbath started as a hard blues band from Birmingham called Earth. They hooked up with wild street thug John Osborne in 1968. During their 10 year run through 1978, the principal songwriters and business movers Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler basically treated Ozzy like a hired gun, content to let him go wild on and offstage with drugs and drink, essentially a rudderless ship with a steady gig. By 1978, their music was in decline and Ozzy was burnt out and greatly disenchanted with the results of the Never Say Die album, which was mixed in a freezing Toronto recording facility.
Ozzy was dropped like a hot potato, but was saved from a boozy demise by his future wife and manager Sharon.

The rest is history.

Ronnie James Dio briefly sang in Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore's side project Rainbow, but apparently the artistic differences became too much for the two to take. Apparently what Sabbath wanted was a more professional singer with range and an ego to match their own. Dio's image, at whatever point he adopted it was more of a mystical magical caster of spells, a force for evil or good, depending on your point of view. Ozzy, as always was seen as an everyman, a victim of circumstance, caught in a mental trap between worlds: good and evil, Hell and Earth. Dio's Sabbath netted 2 studio albums, Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules, and a live album. Sabbath's next album featured yet another ex-Deep Purple related member, Ian Gillan on vocals on the Born Again album, but their success was eclipsed by a gargantuan wave of more heavy metal bands and thus they lay low a few years.
DIO saw adequate success as a solo band due to a few good songs, a guitar wiz Vivian Campbell and a cult following of fans who actually felt Dio was a more legitimate singer than Ozzy. Ozzy couldn't sing as well, and was also a sell-out because of his immense solo success and perhaps from being spurned by the Heavy Metal Godfathers, the originators of all evil.
Dio not only possesed a powerful voice but also employed a hand signal that the true fans of heavy metal could identify: the extended devil horns, symbol of Satan, he is near! Ozzy's hand symbol was the double peace symbol, employed by hippies and Nixon. Hardly original, or evil.
Anyway, for some reason, Dungeons and Dragons gamers got into Dio as well, seeing him as some kind of Wizard or something.
Another band dwelling in the realm of the true Metal between worlds of good and evil is MANOWAR

They're like this ridiculously macho, animal fur wearing bunch with an operatic singer, an adherence to heavy metal principles to biblical purportions and of great appeal to nerdy kids who buy into it.
Now it is 20 years later. Manowar is still performing to their core audience. Black Sabbath will continue to cash in for as long as their creaky bones will carry them. By the way,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OZZY! WHAT DO YOU WANT THIS YEAR?
Um, never mind.

I like the D very much, but to revamp their idealism and originality in the wake of their growing popularity is unfortunate. Their mythology was very specific. They recieved INSPIRATO from the unholy and it gave them the power and courage to rock the socks off the apathetic open mic crowd they first entertained. It gave them drive and willingness to train hard and endure the pain and strain of up to one COCK PUSH-UP per set to be better rockers.
We listen to THE METAL as Jack name checks great bands we already know, but my favorite part of the album in during MASTER EXPLODER where he simply boasts "I do not need a microphone, because my voice is fucking POWERFUL!" With the lead guitar interplaying with the melody, this is the direction I believe suits the D's progress the best. I am all for Ronnie Dio's actual cameo, answering JB's prayers to the metal God in Kickapoo. The reappearance of Sasquatch is another distictly D bit, and Papagenu is another fun track. I recommend the CD, haven't seen the movie yet. That's got me thinking...woudn't it be the ultimate trade of souls to the devil for a hit movie turnout. Studio heads would be lined up at the door of Hades.
I hope this gives you an idea of what Tenacious D is referring to in the half-serious heavy metal revival. They don't really worship Satan, the proof is apparently at the box office, a good scandal might bring out the bad publicity oglers. People would show up to protest the film as being Pro-Satanic and people would be more vocal standing up in their love of the D.
Either that or the true-Metal geeks out there are too broke or too ashamed to go to the flix sans date. It's not like supporting a band live, you're just going to your local theater, it feels the same as if you were going to see a Cameron Diaz movie. The D are fun personalities but perhaps their ideal realm was HBO and that time has come and gone. I'm sure a live tour would do well but movies are the ultimate risk for the producers. Even from a sociological stand point this essay is of a marginal nature, but it's better than blathering on about Fed Ex. Like the Intrepid, all ships must sail.

Thank God It's Union Job Friday

2006-12-01T18:17:00.000-05:00

It's been over 2 working days since our $75,000 Konica Minolta copier broke down at my job. It did so rather arbitrarily. All that remained was to deliver our last successfully copied paper to the Business Mail Depot in Brentwood. This place feels like the ultimate achivement for USPS personnel to rest their weary feet at last behind a big gray desk and demand correct paperwork.
Today I caught the fellows not too busy, but in the midst of Xmas holiday decorations. Several boxes of ornaments from years of use were laid out. There were wreaths about 12" diameter being Scotch taped into windows 2 X 4, centered and looking like a bum smear. There were lights wrapped around cardboard for storage. One worker about 60 years old was hanging a single red ornament suspended by a ribbon in the center of a massive hanging metal duct.
I told him "You don't seem to be having much fun."
He replied "As long as I'm getting paid, I don't care"
I said "But this is fun stuff"
October was more fun, it was Business Mail Customer Appreciation week and they had Frito snacks, donuts and soda laid out. Just enought to ruin my lunch appetite.

Losing Interest?

2006-11-27T23:45:00.000-05:00

Not to worry, I'm certainly not going to give up blogging, but I'm rather annoyed at the inability to enable comments on here, and I keep forgetting my password so I haven't been able to send slideshows from Slide or video from YouTube. It's just not a full service blog these days. I'll come up with some stuff soon. My ole band buddy Spyro started a great new blog, linked above. He's real funny, y'all.

OK no more Britney posts, definitely, I'm feeling kind of played by her shenanigans.

Yesteryear or World premiere?

2006-11-20T19:36:00.000-05:00

Now you think jazz listeners are snobs? What about classical "purists" To say for some people there hasn't been a good piece of music written in 150 years is not an unusual statement to hear. Although I wouldn't have been able to glean that viewpoint from yesterday's concert at The Kennedy Center because I don't speak Russian.

My sophisticated and culturally informed girlfriend treated me to a lovely afternoon concert (dragging me away from another football fest) primarily to hear one of her favorite pieces, Mozart's Requiem. I'm more of a Tchaikovsky guy and am used to hearing just the orchestra and maybe a soloist out front bustin' some Suzuki style violin. But this piece relies heavily on the 100 strong chorus and 4 lead vocals.

It's clear that Mozart's a genius, completely at ease baring his tortured soul to parchment and letting the music sweep and drag it all over the gentry's soft sensibilities. The man was clearly too hardcore for Salzburg, and it is apparent the city does not honor his legacy adequately. I've seen the documentaries, and girlfriend assures me, Austria ain't all that.

Preceeding this piece was a world premiere piece by some young composer alinged with the Washington Chorus. Description is as such:

"Hope and Remembrance"

Join Maestro Robert Shafer and the 200 voices of The Washington Chorus for a concert of hope and
remembrance to mark the five-year anniversary of September 11. Mozart's Requiem was performed
throughout the world following the tragedy of September 11 in a "rolling requiem." This Mourning,
commissioned by The Washington Chorus from composer Joel Puckett, is written for chorus and
orchestra and features the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Thomas Bailey Aldric

Well, it was another example of how maligned modern classical music is. There's too much attetion to setting the mood and using alternated techniques to achieve this mood. Attention young composers, if you're not a genius, if you haven't lived music at least for 3/4ths of your life, if you don't draw little dots on your bedsheets, do not offer yourselves up for commission. Lay low and practice, but you man, these tickets are expensive! Don't waste my time!

The element most mismanaged was the use of the Washington Gay Men's Chorus, 30 strong, who were there, not to bust pipe {heh} but to do that rub the crystal glass thing, making some kind of "haunting semi-tone chord" while the violins played the same chord. The 100 voice chorus chortled and garbled in some kind of CNN-white noise murmur and the lead sang the borrowed poetry, A God as Died...etc.
Boring!
Mozart is awesome dudes, check 'im out!

Album reviews

2006-11-14T20:17:00.000-05:00

Hip hop is fairly dead to me. With the likes of Jay-Z and it's widespread commercialization and product-placement, it just doesn't have the same cultural push I needs, in my opinion. But two new releases are out coming from the bottom of the barrel so to speak that I must make note of.
Yes, I am the lowest common denominator and no I did not pay for them. But this is my blog so consider it free publicity and exposure y'all.

Um, K-Fed. You know that was coming. Has G Force lost his mind, how masochistic can you be? Well I spend over an hour a day stuffing mail sacks with copiers grinding in the background. I can stand any kind of diversion, and the mental notes just pile up like so much copy. So this album begins, of course with the sound of whiny children (?) asking Grampa Fed to tell em a story..about his famous ex-marriage I suppose and the tabloid frenzy etc. That and the actual vocal appearance of Britney Spears, heavily multitracked later, are the only mentions of "the wife". We are then thrown into narcissistic purgatory.

Here's the information I gathered from this bit of cultural TP:
He has the "West Coast thirst" for weed.
"Popozau" was intended only for his Brazilian fans. (!!)
Persecution complex (whining) check
Some life changing event happened to him in 1993. Unclear.
Clearly he is a "superstar" in his mind, the album has very few cameos by other singers, so, not a a lot of variety here.

And the usual, he's a whiny lame rapper, too many chorus repeats:
Who want's to dance with a Pimp????
OMG
and oh yeah, he don't give a fuck, I quote.

Now I digress, and wonder. Did Britney support this shlub's music because she loved him (or just that first month of boning) or did she think his foul mouthed music was good? Good for him, or her and her fans who are presumably the first people likely to buy this germ...I mean gem. The album plays out how he looks, greasy, petulant and snide.
The production is actually pretty good, they put an effort around this clown, but you know, little substance. And even more irritating, you have the bonus song after 6 minutes of silence on the last track. This was a brilliant move when Nirvana did this stunt on Nevermind (Something in the way...12 minutes of silence...Endless...Nameless....Secret Song)
I waited it through and got some bit called middle finger. Shouldn't have stuck around.

PART 2
FLAVOR FLAV-HOLLYWOOD

First of all the title and cover art are an afterthought, hastily slapped together, sloppy. This album is more of anthology of tracks assembled after he got out of Rikers Island in 2003. His status as a man of Hollywood is only thanks to his VH-1 output. None of the songs reflect this lifestyle. I was hoping for a cameo appearance by Deelishis or Krazy from Flavor of Love 2 but no dice. Sorry, lay-dees.

The album is pretty long and you have a lot of variety. There's depressing R & B about seniors dying, love heartaches, being locked up, and just being Flavalicious. He tries like the dickens to sing of course, and of course he' s way off key, not nearly bad enough to be cute, not grating enough to turn off completely. There's too many instrumental gaps and of course, chorus repeats. Very uneven production, some actual dips in sound levels and vocals that need bringing up in the mix.
As a bonus, you get an actual word for word remake of Cold Lampin' called Cold Limpin'.
I guess it's everybody's dream that he would do a whole album in this vein, but at least he tries a remake. It seems he's tried several directions over the years, anticipating getting picked up by a label. But these are hard times for record companies and it took all somebody could do to throw enough of his songs into the hamper and make a production, leave it up to a distributor to sell some units. I don't think it will do very well.
There is also the matter of a bit of negative press surrounding Flav and his post-show antics. The show ended happily enough, but him announcing another woman is pregnant with his kid and she wasn't even on the show? How much poon does one guy requite? Is it like phantom Vagin came in through the window of his mansion and none of them reality show bitches noticed it? The reumion show also blew chunks, not new tidbits there. DVD of the whole sordid mess coming out this month. But I feel the fever of the flavor of flavor might be waning before Christmas if he keeps putting out hastily patched together product.

Day of Reckoning!

2006-11-07T21:03:00.000-05:00

At this point I nor the collective media can project any winners of the Mid-Term elections sweeping our nation (USA! USA!)

But I have to muse more on this K-Fed thing, as it is news and it is somewhat official.
Here I am still trying to figure out why this dweeb is getting a push at all from anybody.
He's going to have to make a good deal with Mr. Vince McMahon of WWE if he's going to be able to pay his end of the legal fees for his divorce. Way to stick it to him Britney! And as the script goes, John Cena accepted K-Fed's flaccid challenge to a bout on New Years Day, no doubt will be assisted by actual wrestlers running interference of course. I liked this scenario the first time...when Andy Kaufman challenged Jerry Lawler back in 1984. The difference though is massive. Kaufman was an established and curiously talented star comedian with a genuine, if not perverse desire to get involved in pro wrestling. These days the splash is cheap and small, short sighted, and not nearly as dangerous. K-Fed gets off a quick chair shot and runs away.
I hate when celebrities get involved in wrestling, although perhaps like Kaufman, Fed might actually be ignorant enough to get involved to the point where he might suffer some injury, which I certainly would not put past the ignaheimous. I hope for at least a severely sprained neck, so he can fake paralysis when being carted out of the ring. Perhaps a broken jaw (like Kaufman got) so his minimal vocal abilities will be severely hindered.
And K-Fed's gig at 2am in NY after Britney didn't show due to the two not getting along? 70 people hung around. Ha! And what's with the cape?

Ugh! Enough for now. Go Democrats!

K-Fed's day of the dead.

2006-11-01T19:49:00.000-05:00

Wazzup y'all. I'm sure everybody in the blogosphere has had Halloween marked so if so inclined, they can pickup this "rap artist's" debut CD. It seems the distribution is not up to snuff as many have not been able to locate said "work".
While there's not a Republican's chance in Heaven I'd buy it, certainly I'm willing to opine. Why? Because the guy pisses me off to such a point I was spewing venom in the middle of a tranquil late TV night with my honey the onliest enduring my spittling.
Do I hate KF in the way he wants, the way his management have so carefully constructed that i may be one of the millions giving him some sort of push? Only as far as Google search result will quantify. By the time that data is tabulated I hope it worth not a farthing.
I'm LIBERAL yo. I look for the good in anyone...with redemptive qualities that is. The clip last night was a radio interview with Ryan Seacrest and Kev is so inarticulate and transparent. I wonder if Howard Stern is on his appearance list because he will at least ask him relevant questions that the common person wants to know which is very simple.
The only thing the common man would want to ask Federline is not about his album, his lifestyle, his childhood, his special scent, his literary aspirations. It's the same question Stern hypothetically asked Bruce Willis, when he was indulging in his brief musical career. (substitute Britney for Demi Moore)
"What was it like BONING Britney Spears?" "Did sparks shoot out of it or what?"

Now I won't get into the aw, give some brothers a record deal schpeil at all, not a race thing. What scares me is the notion of the modern promotional machines put into motion a campaign for a guy that absolutely nobody can stand. He's a sloth, a repugnant humanoid type-thing. Look at him sitting on the fucking couch with the remote control in his hand. Had he earned the fucking right to waste away on that couch when he should be selling Slurpees? Aargh!! He want's to be considered a serious artist, and an author, when all he raps badly about is bling and party and players and my wife, yo, word, Federation records, McDonalds, Viacom, yo yo yo.

It sets a really bad precedent. I just gotta vent. Wish he'd just go away, lest I be tempted to mock him in other ways, like do a solo version of Popozao at a coffeeshop, remind everyone how sucky he started as and how sucky he'll always be,.

UN-Fuck K-FED!!

2006-10-21T16:55:00.000-04:00

Girlfriend and I are really looking forward to seeing BORAT. Here is some Q & A with students at it's premiere.

Irrelevance/Malevolence/Iraq-Federline

2006-10-20T19:04:00.000-04:00

Try saying that title ten times fast. Ok, well that's not my point.

Two subjects of not today, Federline and Bob Woodwards "State of Denial-Iraq Part 3"
Seeing as the two having nothing in common I will start with K-Fart.
It's been an interesting week for Fed. I caught his appearance on WWE Raw completely by accident. Seeing him enter the arena, knowing what reception the obnoxious wrestling fans would greet him with, being obnoxious camera hounds themselves had me realizing that he was clearly stepping out of his protective box., Somebody is clearly aware that he cannot possibly look good or even remotely credible, all that remained to be seen is whether he would suffer physical damage.
After calling the LA Crowd "Superficial Poseurs" Ha ha haha HA!! He came into the ring to perhaps explain why he would not trade "microphone skills" with former "white-boy rappper" gimmick/current "Marine" gimmick star John Cena and got slammed with Cena's FU finisher. All I can say is Suh-Weet!!!
Now the other night, Federline and band show up on the Tonight Show. Now there isn't a talk show host that hasn't dragged Kevin through the dogshit alley, so the guy has no pride, no realness at all, he has however, an "album" coming out this month so, guy's no other purpose on this Earth other than impregnating Britney than to promote this turkey.
I will not post the video from Tonight show, just go to YouTube and see for yourself, unless you saw the broadcast. The studio audience was awful quiet. No clapping along, very mild applause at the end, but when Jay came out with Sally Field (!) the applause rised considerably. Good for those audiences of superficial poseurs indeed. The real scam, however remains to be seen. I feel there is a purpose to the mechanations of this publicity machine, knowing that this dork is so completely unlikeable and unattractive.
Fed reminds me of another Kevin I used to know. In 1993 I was in a band called Stick Figure. It featured a tall skinny white boy rapper named Kevin. What I remember about him were his big white sneakers, his whiny rap style, and the way he skipped town after owing a lot of people money (including me) from a record label he started that went under. (Deja vu Federation records???) Actually the band had a little bit of spirit, this was a time that most rap lyrics had social conscience and our signature song "I died a little today" was about a friend who OD'd, and y'know....bummer.
K-Fed's lyrics? Well, he's having a great time drinking Cristal, smoking who knows what and partying with his imaginary friends on who's dime? Oh yes, the Brittster whos at home with 2 babies, a bag of Cheetos, waiting for Aliens to take her to Starbucks. What's not to like?

Enough of HIM, let's move on to Woodward.
I read the excerpts of his new book in NEWSWEEK and I'm simply shocked. I'm believing it and I feel like running down 15th street and screaming "Rumsfeld!! Where are you, you War Pig!!" The state this war is in is so fucked up, I know you've heard it before but you're hearing it from me now. Well, you heard it from Woodward...if you bought the book on tape version you heard it from him...wait does he narrate it? I dunno, never picked up one of them things. Hey, I do read, I might even read this book if the library has it...damn I'm mad.
So, we invade in March 2003, we set up an Office for Post-War Iraq planning, installing this guy Jim Gardner as it's head and he does a study of the tasks at hand to figure out what needs to be done to run the country. 6 out of 10 points he made were clearly not in our capacity, most having to do with security. (sorry don't have the article in front of me, damn I'm a lousy journalist). This study gets ignored while we bomb the shit out of Iraq and eventually capture Saddam. Hooray! Click Click!!
Rumsfeld installs this guy Bremer to replace Gardner, although offically they offered Gardener some kind of second-bananna consultancy position, but Bremer makes all the decisions..and here comes the big mistake: Bremer dissolves the Iraqi Army and the Ministry of Interior, simply because they were of the Baath Party and in charge under Saddam. Well that's great, Rummy wanted to start the whole government and the Army from scratch, any of Saddam's men can't be in any position of power. Talk to most Iraquis and they'd tell you they'd shed not a tear if Saddam was no longer in power, the army and government workers would follow any new head of state, especially if they had clout and security behind it. But they're all out on the streets and have nothing so where do they end up? Sectarian groups fighting for turf, old wounds opened up, blame the Americans and their inadequate forces of security and trigger-happiness. Fucking chaos!
The opinions are rolling in from high and low, Woodward asks Rumsfeld point blank what he thinks of them and Rummy mistakenly thinks he is referring to an imaginary pile of "intelligence reports" all conflicting with each other day by day. He even compares varied reports of insurgent activity to fruit in a basket!!! Say an IED bomb taking out 4 Marines in a humvee is an orange, small arms fire is an apple, a suicide bombing of an Iraqui Police station is a honeydew. Etc.
Gardener had a couple of meetings with Bush and his advisors (we know who they are) and found it to be a jocular, formal, not at all unpleasant if non-productive experience. "Stay the course, kick some ass" and it's all a hunky-dory party on De-Nile. He met with Rumsfeld in 2004 after Bremer disbanded the Iraqui army and chaos became more widespread and tried to turn things around before things got too our of hand. Rumsfeld says, "we are where we are so there's not much we can do about it"
DENIAL DENIAL DENIAL!

Aargh! It's time to get mad people! If all we can do is put the Democrats in control of Congress to turn this thing around before it really is too late then we have to do it

Thank you Columbus and Daniel

2006-10-09T19:01:00.000-04:00

What a nice thing to have a 3 day weekend, simply because my paper does not put out an issue for what most companies classify a sort of optional holiday, which is Columbus day. I got in a decent workout after clearing my head from a slight hangover. Walked around on this sunny Monday, picked up some buttery spread. Did some laundry.
Currently I'm rewatching the fine documentary "The Devil and Daniel Johnston". These are the kind of stories, true, disturbing and enlightening that screenwriters cannot hope to achieve, it's not the kind of world that inspires rich stories such as his. It's not the medium that gives you so much bang for the buck anymore. At the premiere, Johnston himself endorses the filmmaker for keeping the humor intact, his brilliance apparent while exposing every aspect of his life, all his secrets out. Great movie!

Waiting for the nU GunZ

2006-10-05T21:11:00.000-04:00

There's the hypothetical and the immediate factors to take in when you've had a personal trainer construct a series of workouts for you which supposedly will change your physique to a noticable degree. Your typical gym enthusiast will climb on a cardio machine until they are pouring sweat until they climb off and inspect their hopefully improved buttocks in the mirror. Hopefully they will have wiped their sweat off afterwards. These people read the fashion mags and are going for complete slimness.
I just want to look good in a shirt and I know I have a barrel chest crying out for definition (do not use the VdM for reference to that comment) What I am doing is pumping iron 'til it hurts, and it hurts for 2 days afterwards, folks. Stretching is beyond my ability and I can't really straighten my arms. I'm probably sore in the ab region too but it's of less concern than my extremities.
Tomorrow is leg day and I hope I'm not paralyzed by the weekend. If I make it through a couple more weeks i might start to look alot better. Just a bit of improvement folks, not trying to be anything special!

Upsetting a sensitive SYSTEM

2006-09-28T16:46:00.000-04:00

This is part two of my special lecture series on the word DIDACTIC!

Here is an example: Ann Coulter: Didactic, John Stewart: Satiric
Which do you prefer?

Here is another example: Rage against the Machine: Didactic
System of a Down: Cathartic.
Which do you prefer.

Thus, I'm obsessing, my favorite band of the moment, is SOAD. Why? Well it always takes time for a band's ouvre to sink in.
These guys came out in 1998 just around the peak of the slew of bands that played "SICK" a subgenre of metal with radical
stylistic changes and extreme lyrics. But what I find very interesting about the Down is that for a band with so many songs "about Heroin" their music is a junkie's worst nightmare. Throw in some traditional Baltic-region influence, a furious attack and moment's of musical humor they shred with furious beauty. The operatic lyrics however describe and mock the floating and dreaming of heroin intoxication and suggest peddling your ass to prolong the experience. The consequences however, are left entirely up to you, have a blast.

To have this message of absurd worldless joy pounded into your skull is incredibly cleansing. You feel like a microbe in a sterile test tube. Impervious to the effects of chemical assault.

I did not quote Chuck Klosterman in this blog entry, so bah!

A Word for September

2006-09-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

di‧dac‧tic [dahy-dak-tik] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective
1. intended for instruction; instructive: didactic poetry.
2. inclined to teach or lecture others too much: a boring, didactic speaker.
3. teaching or intending to teach a moral lesson.
4. didactics, (used with a singular verb) the art or science of teaching.

(I will get to the groovy slideshow of P-Town pictures, just uploaded them)

I've had this word Didactic on my mind for a little while. I first heard it in the Minutemen documentary, We Jam Econo.
If you compare these two SST bands (Minutemen and Black Flag) you'll find that the politics are the same but the mode of expression differs. Rollins and the Flags other writers come off as typically angry punks. Ready to chuck a bottle at a cop at the next glance, piss on a wino, cut themselves with glass and overall sick-of-it-allness, (More on NYC/HC;s finest later, perhaps)

Upon discovering the Minutemen (I admit it, I'm late) it's quite surreal to hear a poetry-based punk rock band. I can't believe they were so universally accepted being so fucking Dada. But I think it's nice to be expressionistic, instead of being bitchy and irritating. there are other ways to get your point across. I don't consider the aspect of teaching to be a prime motive in the didactic motives of les Punx. They would not claim their opionions be the gospel for all, just those who come to shows and buy T-Shirts.

We're Baack!

2006-09-23T22:59:00.000-04:00

Did you miss me? Or my girlfriend, who's the only other person reading this I bet...she's right here...

So I've been in Provincetown, Mass for the past two weeks. I'm back and I'm not gay. Actually it's just a fine, picturesque and cool place to hang out, relax, grill, beach-out and get your unwind on. I'll have more pictures later, just getting reconnoitered now and it feels like I've been gone alot longer. Glad I have a job to come back to and a paycheck a waiting. Actually that one's for the rent...never mind.

More Elevation

2006-09-04T18:09:00.000-04:00

13th floor elevators

new Lyrics

Just having a mellow Labor Day, doing a bit of brunching, so I will forthwith finish my thoughts on what I still feel is one of the most remarkable bands of all time.
The 13th Floor Elevators

I've already espoused what a great "bench" they have, from acid-guru/Electric Jug-ist Tommy Hall's songwriting to singer Roky Erickson's profound James Brown in a young white body talent, to Stacy Sutherland's Duane Eddy meets Jeff Beck axe slinging.

There are scant live recordings of the Elevators, several Live releases being crudely overdubbed crowd noise over studio recordings, which is just wrong. This CD, Levitation is from a club in Houston, a short hop from their home town of Austin after their first record came out in 1966. The sound quality is remarkable for the period and of curse, the druggy circumstances. This band must have done nothing but rehearse and drop acid. Sutherland's guitar sounds as compressed and twangy as the studio recordings. Bands to this day can rarely achieve the right sound that took many hours of baffling, tweaking and room sizing to master in the studio. John Ike Walton's snare drum sounds the same and plays with the same energy.
What is most illuminating on this recording, particularly on the first song is Benny Thurman's bass playing. One minute he's in the pocket and sounding exactly as he does on the record. But then he gets lost, it seems he may have dropped something strong he veers off and loses the simple chord progression and throws Roky off completely. Which is most unfortunate. The band is a little spacey, but they definitely have their sound together, such a shame. They so fuckin' rock!
check em out at allofmpr3.com or if you desire full ownship, go to amazon.

Ernesto's my main Ho

2006-09-01T17:30:00.000-04:00

DC is a hot, humid place. I've been here most of the summer and even the dry heat and space of Texas in August would be a relief. Still, I have to stay here and work.
Fortunately, Ernesto has blown in with moderate Tropical Storm-like intensity. The rain has been moderate, a bit sideways with the umbrella-crushing wind. The temperature is precipitously lower, like 20 degrees.
It feels GOOD! Soooo good. I wish to prance with the precipitation!
Ah, lovely lovely!

On the wings of Flav

2006-08-30T20:27:00.000-04:00

I've never been a fan of Reality TV shows. I watched maybe half of Season 2 of Survivor, and lost interest towards the end.
But I am hooked on Flavor of Love. Why? Maybe it has one element that the other shows lack, and it's not the bounty of struggling and desperate female talent. It's star power. Flavor Flav is a star that has only been waiting to be realized for years.
I was a big Public Enemy fan back in the days. I rung in 1990 New Years at a PE show. I can recite Welcome to The Terrordome at will. But after listening to the entire Nation of Millions album the other day, I find Chuck D sort of didactic.
Flavor has a voice, a presence, an energy, a vocabulary. Cold Lampin nearly had me choked up it was so fucking dope!

But back to the show, I missed the first episode, so I have only caught the last three, and I have some petty views to express.
It is most compelling that Flav is seeking "real-ness" in these girls. That meaning honesty and open-ness. Who knows what kind of rationalization Toastee had in mind thinking what she might have done in the past could be considered non-porn. Her explanation was a bogus smokescreen. Even if it's solo toy show, it's porn, especially if it's video. The breakfast with Nibblz appeared to be mildly "interesting", but it was most apt that Nibblz admitted to doing nude modeling and having a stripper pole in her apartment. Flav likes it honest and real!

The preview of the next episode is a glaring example of things to come. Up to now, Flav has been searching for chemistry and ethical strength in a select group of girls. Many have not asserted themselves glaringly enough or are too quiet to get involved in these bitchy frays. The next step by inviting the rap groups as guests for a pool party will be to establish their hip hop credibility. Flavor wants a hip hop queen, worthy of the admiration and respect of his peers. She must be fun and FLY, but not overtly skanky, i.e. HO, Skeezer. etc.

Krazy gets into hot water by "fronting" before the guests. Krazy, for all her beauty and grace, is possessive and prudish. She feels above the other girls and has not gauged the competitive atmosphere as an equal struggle for Flav's attention. This is where Deelishis is stronger in this department. She has Flav's attention and affection, but is playing it just cool enough not to get carried away.

Next week, look for Deelishis, Bootz and Buckeee to make a good impression on the hip hop impresarios. Krazy is exposed as a diva wannabee and loses it back at the house. How long will Buckwild be tolerated given her cartoonish antics? Like Dat will snap from the pressure of simply being ignored. Beautiful will hang around in the background on a chaise looking beautiful. Will anyone notice her?

Wheels of agony

2006-08-29T20:53:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I purchased a bike. The trip back from Target was nerve-racking. I had to take two buses with the bike in the front rack, and with the way those drivers slam the brakes...it was rather stressful.
The maiden voyage did not go as well as I could have hoped for. The seat was quite chafing, my endurance was shot and the gears kept getting caught in between positions. Now I must debate either investing in an alternate seat, a different bike altogether or stick with it and risk penile dysfunction. What would Matt McConaghey do?

Last of many weary good mornings?

2006-08-14T17:06:00.001-04:00

I'm in a perfect state of mind to ponder all things depressing. Even me, Morose Miles Millstein has to admit things are pretty good now. My girlfriend Julie returned from 10 days in Crawford, and we had a most pleasant evening if you will. Mmm.

My new job is going fine. My only complaint is due to my susceptability to paper cuts. But every job I have seems to be rough on my hands, a matter of masculine and hereditary pride. I finally have a speculation, that in a long-gone previous life I must have been a stone cutter, working on pyramids and carving the Gods for the Pharoahs.

But let me say now I have no plans to take up sculpture, never had, and currently I'm not a big fan. Brass and marble seem unweidly and expensive and I sure as shit ain't working with terra cotta. Just don't like the sound of it, like some dumbass is going to peruse my shit and say "Duh-huh...he's making art out of cheese....whattya callit?....Head cheese? Duh-huh...huh huh..."

So what was so depressing today? Just stopping in to my old job to pick up my last paycheck. No I'm not depressed that the check was a little light, only 1 weeks worth, but that's nothing new. It's being reminded how low the morale is in that place.

8:45 in the morning and you feel like you just opened this refridgerator and saw this piece of lettuce and feeling like it's your pride. Nobody had much of a warm greeting for me as I ordered a bacon, cheddar and liquid egg sandwich and a latte. Nobody hit me up for gum. Nothing. Must be a bitter pill to swallow, it's been 2 weeks, and on this day it seems that they haven't found a replacement for me. The acting manager was 2nd register and the District manager made my latte. No warmth from him at all, can't say I blame him. He hides his grief well. I know he secretly, silently had management plans for me. Hopes dashed...endless days of stressful adherence to corporate food service processes.

I pray to the highest power that I should never have to wear a hairnet in public. Not my kind of look. I sure wouldn't be smiling in front of a camera either.
So this has been a healthy discourse, and I came out of there with an even healthier outlook. I should stay away from that place with their fake egg sandwiches and ease up on the coffee as well. If I need a morning pick-me up I'd more likely go to the Snooty Smoothie joint, where the kids working may not be well paid, but they don't have to dress like a corporate jerkoff, and they have a tip jar! That's empowering!
I'm done debating these depressing thoughts and reminding myself humbly that I am finally above it and am more in control of my dignity and self empowerment. Yes. But I digress. I leave you with one more depressing picture:

A Day at the Zoo

2006-08-12T15:57:00.000-04:00

Another lovely Saturday, late summer. I dare'd to commingle with the tourists and check out the Smithsonian National Zoo. As an information specialist, I felt it my duty to enrich myself with such experience. Besides, it was prime time that they feed the sea lions and herd out the pandas for all the strollers to see. Boy were there alot of strollers and strolling. As well as amateur photogs like myself, and people eating ice cream, which I might later. I prefer no M & M's in mine, thanks.

The smell at times was not so great. There was occasional disappointment with some animals being on the shy side. You have to look hard and annoyingly so, point them out, arm extended to your mates with lesser vision. And getting a good camera shot is not easy. This felt like the quintessential Zoo experience: tiring, but mildly exciting.

Juice'd up

2006-08-07T17:17:00.000-04:00

Yeah baby, the start of many a Monday hereafter.
I'm getting the hang of the new job, and doing reconnisance of the many options for lunch. The lure of the ever-present golden arches beckons me daily on my return trip, after I deliver the paper to the post office. There's just something about grabbing a burger for a buck and getting back in the van, tunes a rockin, one hand on the wheel, the other around a burger.
But that wasn't enough, as I know not to push my luck with french fries and soft drink unless I want to become a burp and fart machine. So I come back to the office, and I go out.... Mini-salad? No. Sushi? Not in great supply. Wait... I have a Robeks Smoothie coupon on me and they're a block away.

Service? Not a strong point. Atmosphere? Not great. Prices? Other than this one, it's premium.
The product? A Motherfucker! I chose a raspberry smoothie with sorbet with an immuno-shot, coming off the allergies I felt a need. My sinuses and other compartments around my brain opened up like a butterfly's wings. Ahhhhhhhhh!
Next time I get the 20 Oz.

Now before I get all "It's so great to be a self-satisfying Yuppie with a sense of entitlement..and a JEW to boot" what bit of hypertexting I come across on another blog but this bit of humourous punditry. I'm not one to defend the Hebes with everything they do, this current war a case in point, no I don't have the answers, I'm sorry. But I will certainly lose no sleep if the LA Courts step up and do their job and throw the book (according to validity of the charges) at Mr. Gibson. Just for a change, must they let another powerful, famous person off with rehab? Just a wish, a crave, a wanting of all things justice...
http://ihatejuice.com/

Challenging Adjustments

2006-08-05T15:04:00.000-04:00

It's safe to say, I'm free and clear of service industry entanglement. Now it is back to the office, where I have not meandered daily since 1995. There it will be the same faces, relative silence and repetitious comfort. I would have enjoyed this week all the more if not for my sinuses.

Oh, my sinuses...eh heh! Hennn! Gnah! What is wrong with me? The triple digit days have passed, I've taken Claritin, Benadryl, Zinc lozenges, tea. I even had cereal and milk to battle any calcium deficiency. Thankfully, I no longer work weekends so I have a bit of home time on this lovely day to blog and self-analyze. Girlfriend is in Waco covering the dearth of news surrounding Bush's vacation, but no fear, Sheehan will find the cameras soon.

Back to the job, it sort of involves publishing a legal daily paper. Much of it involves posting probate releases, detailing Death and Representation. We had a power lunch @ Jimmy's on K Street, a very fine shirt and tie eatery. The maitre'd was most hospitable and the waitress, very elegant in black dress announced that she's had a fine week until her air conditioner broke and she'd been sweating her ASS off! Ahem...may I see the Whine List please?

So the office will consist of my boss, Don who looks like Private Pyle, the occasional appearance of Mike, the legal editor who writes the headnotes of opinions, as he's done for 50 years, and myself. One more week of training with Caleb, who I'm replacing and is off to be doted on by his folks in Long Island. At this point I have about half the job down, the rest will sink in further once my sinuses let up, and I have my OFFICE cleaned and decorated (modestly)
S'cuze me while I exclaim... "WHOOO!"

Why Doc Strangelove? The movie's been on my mind...I think I must have a viewing!

In other news...

2006-07-29T18:11:00.000-04:00

And now for something slightly more substantial. I've been tinkering on the blog with a degree of selective honesty, as the barista thing became less compelling to me, more of an embarrassment, professionally speaking. Actually I've found myself at parties fibbing about how I earn my paycheck. As enriching as my Smithsonian time is, it has netted me a total of 25 cents and assorted abandoned swag, minus travel costs (very litlle).

Soon I will start a job which in someways might become something of a career. How apt indeed being around print media pros, and living with one as well (Hola poo!) that I should end up "doing it on the paper" as well.

I still don't want to divulge too much but I will declare that my coffeeshop job is kaput after Mondays lunch rush. Assuming I survive it I will start my new job on Tuesday.

So here I am on the cusp, armed with a new wardrobe and humble hopes on the soles of my Sketchers. Eager to earn and learn!

And the irony is, I was about to leave this coffeshop job and take another coffeeshop job. I'd had it with the overall stress and mismanagement and was not fullfilling my creativity with the coffee drinks. I mean, look at this capuccino in particular. It's kind of erotic, don't you think? How rarely did I get to serve a coffee in a mug with a copious, marbelized, lovely and fresh layer of foam on top. Hot stuff, I know. But I look forward to having a bit of time to relax in a hip place where I can admire and digitally photograph a sweet cup of joe of my own!

Now that's a circle!

2006-07-16T20:25:00.000-04:00

Now I understand why the empahasis on starting/finishing early in Dupont Circle matters. Y'see, Dupont's a small place, kinda self conscious, pretty folk, can't really let it all hang out, and a good reason not to have too much volume.
Beginning at 4 pm is a drum circle jam at Meriden aka Malcom X Park up 16th street. I was warned it was gonna be big and loud and it certainly was that. In this midst of this, I will bring up comparisons and pros/cons.

Dupont being small and our group just 3-4 drummers enables a degree of musicality and a enabling of other elements of music is possible. Drums and percussion are great, but why not have a little melody if it's amenable to all and not an ego trip for the melodicist? It also does not dominate the park and give anyone a migrane, I don't think...

Meriden's jam was pretty wild, but organized and concise, and given that DC is a predominantly Afro-American City, you can see a fine example of this here. It was as close to the real deal as you can get. In NYC, the drum circles I think about are conducted in hippie-ish circle jerks in Sheeps Meadow. This was neighborhood folk, weekend warriors and office workers.
For the 5 hour jam, there were at least 30 drummers, 15 dancers and assorted break dancers. Some drummers had congas, djembes or trap drums. There were wood blocks and copious shakers. Various tranced-out conductors danced within the dirt lane between the 2 rows of drums. To the side, gay boys, black girls, pasty white girls and some in between lined up in 2 rows for some fairly traditional dance moves. Although I employed my electric flute and mandolin early and got some photo attention, eventually I was subdued by the wall of sound. At first it was one or two djembes cracking and popping high against the beat that got me beaten down, but eventually I had to completely give it up, having played myself out already.
Perhaps a change of tact next time. Although I can play myself out rather quickly on bass clarinet it's worth a shot. Maybe I can stroll a bit and work within the ritual for a little longer. My stamina was pretty good, but after a while I got to wondering why I was sticking around,

Now if only I can get an earlier start in the quiet confines of Dupont, that would necessitate getting a job change, long time coming!

2006-07-10T15:46:00.000-04:00

Tweaked Elvis

Man, this is kind of sad. I've been viewing the Graceland full color program next to my toilet ever since my girlfriend visited there with the president. If Koizumi could see this! He's probably got it on DVD. Hey I'd work a nice trade if I could get this whole show. But this is probably the best part. Love the Aztec Sun jumpsuit!

How much for a pound of flesh, sliced?

2006-07-06T17:39:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what I can add to the millions of disappointed minons who craved justice against this fellow. I'm being generous here, he's another friend of the Bush family, NSA might be reading here.

I suppose many had some jailhouse justice in mind, and I'm a big Oz fan, so I sure wouldn't mind watching some of that. Perhaps we would start with a bit of sodomy at the hands of a white supremacist, then a swastika burned into his butt. Then we have his kids kidnapped and parts mailed to prison to increase his mental duress. Then perhaps a few agonizing weeks we feed him ground glass in his food, but only enough to give him gastroeneteritis. Maybe slice his hamstrings, an occasional "human cocktail" thrown in his face for fun. Then some forced sexual assault by a dykey CO, then finally give him two months on Death Row to contemplate his existence before the lethal injection.

But alas, there will be no real life retribution a la my favorite premium cable show. Rarely in real life do we have the same justice we see on TV, but don't give up yet, people. We still have Skilling to deal with. Let's hope they move up his sentencing date so we can get this ball rolling and get Skillings' balls in a nice little vice and we can do the deed upon him.
Allahu Akbar!

Independence Jam '06

2006-07-05T17:12:00.000-04:00

This was a fun year, different, and heavily involved. In years past I would do the typical musician activity for the 4th of July, which is hang out at home and practice, or record a self indulgent demo jam.
I did my first tour of the reopened Smithsonia American Art museum, squeezed in about 1/4th of it. So much knowledge to take in, all the portrait of our forefathers, early senators and civil war players, mingling with the modern artists. Just endless information. A couple more runs and I'll be up to speed.
I got back home in time to help Julie finish the laundry and dodge the ubiquitous summer downpour (I'm presently enjoying another one) Fortunately the weather cleared up and cooled down so we had a nice rooftop BBQ at Stacy and Peters (he just moved in-down the block). Beers, burgers, sausage salad. Then we pranced down to the White House South lawn to take in the fireworks, symphonic music, Dove Bars, All our pictured buds from the press corps (more photos pending approval).

Old Folks life

2006-06-30T23:50:00.000-04:00

Finally getting out of the house, out of the coffeshop and onto the thick chewy mall grass (the Albertan Cows seem to like it's taste). Today was the first day of the Folklife festival. You know I'd don't mind helping tourists out when I'm behind a desk, but having to stroll around with them in the sun and the turf is prehaps a bit trying, and they sometimes get in the way of the entertainment.

First thing I encountered was a Blackfoot Indian tribe doing a demonstration of native dances. They had the full garb on, cool drumming and singing, they finished with a friendship dance and I got right in there holding hands with real Canadians, er..Indians...eh?

Later on I caught a vary traditional New Orleans jazz group led by Dr. Michael White. I'm a bit leery of musicians with doctorates, they tend to be more by the book, than out of the box, but I'll forgive him that. He's not as bad as Wynton Marsalis. The music was good, but very trad, making me want to hear more of an Ellingtonian interpretation, just something more edgy with stops and codas with extensive solo breaks. Lots of old folks with those ugly print stretch pants were taking pictures, crowding the aisles and invading the dance floor. I got up there eventually. Partially because my butt was sore, partly wanting to hear closer and to visually inspect the group. It was a septet (7 members) The banjoist looked perfect, he lost his home and his barber shop to Katrina, they all looked very stately though, occasionally standing up for the real hot blowing, but despite not being really old guys, they were extremely disciplined and played as though they were in Kennedy Center. This is while people in the aforementioned prints, umbrella hats and some other old hippie garb were waltzing Bechet and Lewis all the way home where they'd Been in the Storm so long.

In the meantime, my girlfriend was at Graceland with Bush and the Japanese prime minister. All in all we all had a bit of fun. She had the camera, so thus, no pics from folklife, but go to blogs.chron.com/whitehouse to see some pics of a real once-in a lifetime event or just...some rarified air.

I can't take this....

2006-06-28T15:07:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if I can articulate my feelings too accurately at this point. I'm really losing my mind what with the....sycophantic, passive aggressive, unapologetic.....nerve that this bullshit "artist" is perpetrating. I suppose her publicists let her get so low that they had to do an intervention and use her current condition to their advantage. Everyone gets a cut. But you know, this has all been done before. I suppose the miraculous thing is that somebody actually bought these pictures, figuring the public might appreciate them in some grotesque way.

Perhaps she has been advised...don't bitch about the media, cuz she has most definitely lost that priviledge. If she whines anymore again how awful it is to be in the public eye, I wanna see papparazzi coming at her with UZIs blazing

So what's up with me? Nothing much, just a coupon carrying working man with barely the opportunity to strum guitars with some college kid, much less book studio time at the drop of a dime to spout some self indulgent pablum to canned beats.

G's take on Brick-ney

2006-06-19T17:48:00.000-04:00

OK this is embarrasing, but I got a few things to say about this....thing.
I could have quit halfway through this interview, having gotten the point already that Britney is a complete brick. I'm calling her Brickney. She is completely unalologetic firstly of her hypocritical criticism of the media. She is using the media as a scapegoat.

More examples of her stupidity:
Referring to Federline as being "simple" gives me a good idea as to what their relationship is like, and I didn't need to see a clip of Chaotic to tell me that. These are two Hollywood sycophants that have no idea what to do with themselves but have sex, watch TV and drive to Starbucks. And, in her blatant lie, when she claimed to be running away from a stampeding herd of papparazzi when she pulled out of Starbucks with Sean P. on her lap. Who's in the passenger seat in the infamous picture? A security man! No wonder this guy was fired, he's on his phone, could care less, but you'd think he could scatter a few photogs. Nobody has gotten past Perry, the manny either. Photogs will not mess with security, that's why celebrities have them.

Which brings me to opine on the sorry state of Brit-Brit during the interview. I truly do not feel sorry for her, finding her deluded, psycophantic and hypocritical. Page Six told me what I already knew. I sure had a feeling that there was no professional representation present for the interview. Nobody is running the show. OK Britney is a shrewd business-person and a master-manipulator, but only when her folks, her lawyers and her record company is behind her running the show. I have the feeling she has let down many of her professional partners with the way she is currently running her life. Just a fertile emotional wreck that cannot even succeed at cooking and cleaning her house with an ego too large to contemplate some classes in parenting.

Some Photos from last weekend

2006-06-17T16:51:00.000-04:00

This was interesting. My mom and boyfriend in town. Experimenting with a non-digital camera, actually a disposable. Good look. Julie made Migas, wasn't any odd talk at all. Also some cherry blossom shots from April.

Me and you and everyone we know and our Sinus Infection

2006-06-10T21:39:00.000-04:00

There clearly are mysterious forces at work. On the same day in the same week we see 06/06/06, the messianic first born of the Bradgelinas, and the death of a guess what....he's now a martyr, way to go Abu M.A-Z,Esq.

Going into this week I offered up my life forces, in addition to my regularly schedule ardor, to work the tourist infested information desk at Museum of Natural History, Mall side rotunda in front of the big Bull Elephant. Y'know if that fuckin' thing wasn't so big and distracting and fearsome people might be able to see and find the hallway to the rest room and the IMAX theater cuz' you know those are the 2 main things I gotta direct people to. Try as I may to enrich people towards a diversion to the art museums on the lower mall, they just want to see shit blow up real good like.
4 MOST POPULAR DC MUSEUMS

Air & Space
Natural History
American History
Holocaust.

shudder...!!

This bit of moonlighting is of course, to further my hopes of working for Smithsonian (but I'll take any boring gov't job, please) and get me out of Cosi as soon as possible. I felt up for it, as this past weekend was blissfully relaxing. Got a massage and manicure on Saturday, light work on Sunday, jam in the Park and an evening improv show Sunday. But the sniffles began at that very Sunday night show, bringing back old memories of sick, sick, sickness. Julie commented, or suggested in fervent hope that I may be allergic to jazz..

Monday, oh fuck, I got 4 days of Les Miserable Existenz to deal with. Juul spared one night of low Murkin-tide beneath the bosom of the Bush tree. Actually more of a hot sweaty day in the New Mexico desert, then onto the streets of Laredo (see Chron.com)

Now the worst is over. I have medication and chicken soup and 2 days free from work, where apparently everybody else is dealing with similar symptoms. Perhaps I dont' see it. Naturally paranoid as most Caucasians are, though we are more primarily concerned with money, i.e spending of and getting value from. At times I've worried I might have too much of a conscience, an ethic, unable toi un-express my feelings, to be strong and resolute-less. I took my flyer on the second day of not feeling well but all week I've worked while sweating coughing and briefly bleeding.
I don't want to encourage a lawsuit, most of our customers have health insurance and are hopefully immune to our un-covered maladies. I'll just pray for a bit of patience and compassion, and please, take off you headphones and remove the cell from your ear when you come to my counter. And don't be afraid to try the shrimp.

Thanks, Blogger. That post was 3 days ago. Doing a bit of maintenance there, eh?
Well, it's Saturday night. Saw the gay parade with Jules, saw my moms n' pouty BF off. Saw some museums
of course. Ah, what the heck, I'll start from scratch later.

Meanwhile, I repost my post from Julie's Chron.com White House Blog as I get all night club emcee-E upon the
occasion of Abu Musab Al-Zarquari's demise, and the uh, Brangelina thing.

Good evening folks, welcome to the opening of the Crotch-Wig Cafe. I am your host and owner, Alouicious P. Murkin We're gonna have some fun tonight but first, I croon the news...
Abu, Abu  I'm gonna miss you-ooo Your style your grace The way you switch your face you're like the Manson of Al Quaeda You crazy infidel-hater Who knows what the after-life will bring Could be some virgins Could be a meat cleaver on your thing But I gottsta tell ya somethin' Moose I give you props for believing what you believe in And I don't know what's in that crazy Koran you got But I've heard a few verses and they got some boss tunes in there let me tell ya. I know this kid,got no shoes. He knows the whole book. Taught me one it goes sort of like....eeeyaaah! Orieeeygnyahh!! Oh what the heck! Anyway, enough about me, I'm gonna bring out our first act of the night. He's well, he's not a young man but he's an innaresting man. Quite arresting in fact (rimshot!) He's been working on his act for several weeks I think you'll enjoy it. In the tradition of Harry Houdini he will escape from solid brass manacles, legi...what'dya call em if they're on his legs? Y'know, let's call em tentacles cuz he's gonna free himself in no less than 10 minutes given time off for good behavior. He may have stepped down but he still walks like a Texan...
Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Tom DeLay!!

(blues shuffle)

C'mon youse guys. Didn't you like the act? Was it the band? I'll fire all of them. Maybe I'll get better acts. I tried to get McKinney but she said she couldn't do the gig, had to get her hair done.
I had Scooter Libby lined up as part of the big human pyramid with the whole clan, but he's been nursing that broken leg for so long, I suspect a conspiracy not to work the clubs.
This non compliance of these entertainers we call our government is an outright shame. It makes mockery of their very jobs we elected them to do. Which is tragic. It's travesty their putting this country through. Put em all together and it's a Trave-ShaM-rockery!!
I know you Irish people can appreciate what I'm saying. You there with the blog, or should I say, you there, the blog. You know that I know what I'm talking about. Well it's my nightclub but it's your blog so all I gotta say is, it's nice just to be here with you good people. Can I smoke in here?
Just kidding folks, have another drink on me. And a toast to our not-so dearly departed. We never got to know you too well Abu, but I've seen all your videos and think you're quite photogenic. And you sure know your way around a Kalashnikov. I can barely find my way around the block in Minsk, can you believe those street names? But I'll delve into that bit next time our pal Putin comes to town so until then. I leave you with a little song

(to the tune of Mack the Knife, and um, excuse me while I go off-topic. I trust THE BLOG wont mind)

Bran-gelina
Had a baby
At some private resort-in Africa
All the tabloids put up big bucks
For the first picture of the kid
Shiloh Nouvel's got some lips, yeah
Just like mom's got, Bee-e-e-stung
Daddy Bradley's mighty happy.
He must think he's Abraham!

All those movie stars dropping babies
Better back up, for they know
They won't be so very important
When Brangelina's kids are back in town.
Bennifer and those crazy TomKats
Nobody's going to care or give a hoot.
All Americans need distraction

Cause let me tell you people something before I go. Thank God we live in a democracy....where you crazy kooky people can go out any day of the week and protest the govenment's decisions, or tap out some spew from the sanctity of your home. Say what you gotta say. But we all gotta live together, the conservatives, the liberals, the Scientologists. This is America, and we have a free press who calls it like they see them so don't believe all that conspiracy mumbo jumbo. They get up at the crack of dawn and put on their shoes one leg at a time. Just like I do when I'm finishing my last Gin and Tonic. Bartender!! Another!

Goodnight folks, it helps to breathe, you'll live longer!

That's Entertainment.

Combination Preoccupation

2006-05-31T15:59:00.000-04:00

It seems there are two things infecting my subconscious mind. My crummy job, and the Sopranos. Dreams eventually take on a life of their own where we invent our own system of logic or in some cases, casting decisions. So last night, in my dream, I'm in a Sopranos episode, serving up latte's at my usual establishment. In walks Tony and his current Goomah, played by uber-90's vixen Valeria Golino (pictured). After serving up a fine Cappuccino, Golino proudly pays with a credit card made of red felt with an invisible magnetic strip.

Ethos, Pathos. Penny Ante Craphos

2006-05-24T15:08:00.000-04:00

This may yet be the most petty, bitchy oversensitive and cheezy post yet. As presumed from the previous post, I'm of the mind from both sides of the employee/manager/customer dichonomy that it's best to choose your spots when to apply your theoretical boundaries of disciplinary excercise.
I can think of at least a dozen regular morning customers who get the same type of coffee, be it regular, custom latte, what have you. A bad barista can still fuck up a simple cup of coffee a thousand ways. If I'm familiar with you, and you don't always have to break a $20 bill with me, I'll serve up a damn good drink. That familiarity should pass both ways in a small but professional way. So how would you feel if after paying very nearly almost EXACT change for a drink, then get in your zen mode of anticipation of your drink made by Senor Speedy behind the counter....your change of $.01 is left at eye level, on top of the credit card printer. Now is the occasion that they want to know your name? Not for a thanks, G, great latte like always.
The rest of this morally dillema I will leave purposely vague because, yes as a rule you hand the customer their change. But if the customer is in a meditative pose and you have one cent change to offer, breaking their dream state, would precious time be better served expediting the cycle of service a wee bit?
I just gotta....mmm. rr! I just...gotta....grr! gotta.....PISS!!!!

Ruminating on the Elevators

2006-05-22T22:26:00.000-04:00

Just thought I'd repeat this review I posted on Amazon for the 13th Floor Elevators final album, Bull of the Woods. They're from Austin, TX! The first and only true psychedelic band!

A band with a good bench, May 22, 2006

My appreciation of this band contiunes to grow by leaps and bounds. This is the Elevator's swan song, recorded under incredibly difficult circumstances. Their second album failed to land a hit single, as the first one did.PSychedlia was perhaps, on the wane, which this band with irretrievably tied to, which is fair.
Of course, the obvious circumstance of Roky Erickson's breakdown and hospitalization were the primary reason for the band's demise, but the chemistry had been upset for some time. Electric Jug-ist Tommy Hall had been the main lyricist and LSD as revolutionary tool advocate. The rest of the band were becoming more into hard escapist drugs and grew tired of Hall's philosophy.
Taking the needle and the mantle was the late lead guitarist Stacy Sutherland, truly an unsung guitar hero if I ever heard one. His playing is just enough country and Syd, not sounding overly slick,and a bit of laid-back Jerry Garcia. His lyrics a more accessable bridge abutting conventional songwriting and Hall's metaphors for the psychedelic journey to self-enlightenment. Sutherland is more grounded, down to earth, dirty and dead-end. Despite his dark nature, band members regard him affectionately. And I gotta give props to the new rhythm section of Dan Galindo and Danny Thomas, these guys chug and stammer like The Magic Band on 'Til Then.

Great Stuff

Withheld, Offered

2006-05-22T20:55:00.000-04:00

Withheld, Offered
Originally uploaded by gragsie.

I have not altered this photo in any way, respectful of the original photographer's original artistic vision. But I was just looking for an artsy shot representative of the give and take kinda relationship I have with my manager. A minor event occurred today, some embarrasment with a purpose apparently, certainly unnecessary in my opinion. I digress...

Note the hairy arms. He's hairier than I am, has a bit of dry skin surrounding is copious beard at all times, not flattering. But this is not about hair or sexuality mind you, although I got the pic off a gay picture page. Something about bears...hmmm.
Digress I must again. Is a single small cup of regular coffee worth embarrasing a customer whose debit card was declined, and embarrass the associate that allows him to walk out of the store? You make somebody feel good, but that means somebody must feel bad? How does that make sense? Is the manager there to support his staff, vice versa or both? It is both IMHO.

Will I ever make anything resembling a reasonable income in this job relies on a bit of mutual trust and effort on both parts. See the pot? You gotta plant a seed, brotha! Just a note to the universe...Plan B is coming home to roost not quickly enough!

Any which-a-way; direction and ambiguity

2006-05-21T19:02:00.000-04:00

DSCF0086 - coffee beans
Originally uploaded by nasebaer.

Sunday, like every day is espresso day!

Working on a Sunday feels like a direct im not sacreligious imposition on my general lifestyle or my aspirations heretofore of jamming in DuPont once again. Alas the weather was not ideal anyway so nix it I did and showed up at a convenient time for lattes and breakfasting. What struck me today was the difference between the laid-back tourist crowd and the weekday business crowd. I did see one regulat who comes in for coffee dressed in weekend warrior apparel: Mandals, cargo shorts and pirate tee, ala Target. With the tourists, it's more enlightening giving them directions to museums and suggesting items, even suggestive selling works better. Anything is better than just....the usual!

'Dillo Jammy

2006-05-17T17:41:00.000-04:00

'Dillo Jammy
Originally uploaded by Gary Miles.

See more shots from my weekend in Houston on my flickr page!

Ben-iGn poetry

2006-05-10T20:06:00.000-04:00

So how've I been, let's see. Felt a bit of the atmospheric allegies lately, as well as some dust-bunnies, relative to the moldy surrounding of our storage/laundry room. Briefly affected me at work, but caffeine is usually an effective antidote. I've really felt those lattes kicking me into gear. Begun some training for the Freer-Sackler museums, most prestigious in my book. Still trying to write songs, but it seems that I stumbled onto a bit of a poetry bug, which I wrote in an old book in the park (my laptop's battery doesn't work) so I will reprint it here for your permanent enjoyment...wait a moment...

Here tis.
By the way, the picture is of Ernie Kovacs, early TV personality, as my favorite character: Percy Dovetonsils, Poet Laureate

Poem 1 for Coffeeshop

Drip that coffee black and hot
Recall all that I forgot
Experience is stewed, an old life now renewed
Pass the gas and walk a few more miles
Relate, don't promulgate the efforts of other-man
Deign, not wean, not lean but stand Fat (now it gets good!)
Walk the bean in between sweat grinds
Crunch blue and siphon green
To riff it alone is solo, it's awesome!
Make paper and waste excess. It's a way!
Take patterns and keep a log.
Plans to stick to the downward path, it's slope not upstanding.
Heart battery not needed at this time, but note if so desired switch position to one less instilling.
So much sodium and other high numbers.
The table overflows with RXs, and no more or less than TEN FREE TOES!
Treat your serf to a cold omelet.
Hold lard and request a condensed mint on the side.
It's repetitious, but only in moderation.