Vita dell'Isola della Roccia

C'mon Baby, Light My Flowers

2010-07-23T05:30:00.001-05:00

No time to wallow in the mire, I got too much work to do (demolition and construction and, anything else I can) while the girls are out of town.

Why flowers?

Because, (a) these are what Marcel and I walked by after the car we were driving stopped working while we were in the middle of a busy day, (b) their friggin' beautiful wildness and, (c) a subtle reminder for me to stop and smell'em (no matter how much car problems can crap up a perfectly wonderful day).

Stop and smell The Mike Flowers Pops while you're here. I know you'll enjoy 'em!

•••

Light My Fire
(Buy: The Mike Flowers Pops: A Groovy Place)

Somebody's Been Watching Too Much Glee

2010-06-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's So Easy Being Green

2010-06-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

At least, Sushi makes it look easy.

•••

Grazing In The Grass
(Buy: Friends Of Distinction: Grazin')

Pretty Green
(Buy: Mark Ronson (featuring Santigold): Version)

NEXT TIME: EN LA GRAN HABITACIÓN VERDE!

Sometimes, It Takes Someone Else To Remind You Of That Which You Already Know

2010-06-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

Where else are you going to find yourself enjoying the words of Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse? Honestly, I wouldn't even know where to look.

And, this time, that reminder came via The Grand Poobah at Junior Society.

"There is no life I know
To compare with pure imagination
Living there, you’ll be free
If you truly wish to be."

A Post To Put My Amateur Parenthood Enthusiasms® (And, Other Such Syndromes) Into Some Kind of Perspective

2010-05-07T05:00:00.008-05:00

"Hey, get her away from those bricks! Is that a granite block over there? Do you hear a bee? Is Sushi allergic, because I sure am! For the love of Uncle Peat, get her back in the house!"

Okay, okay! Maybe I'm over-reacting just a little bit, but ...

I know, not only have I been slacking in the post department as of late but, I've been a little soft around the edges of those posts, as well. I don't know what to say, it all happened so quickly. I seemed to have little or no control of the situation but, I honestly think I'm recovering now. (In all honestly, I'm not being honest but, at 4:45 in the morning, I seem to have found a bit of time to sit and type out — in my plodding, keyboard stylings — a post or two.)

I could possibly blame the softened edges on my Amateur Parenthood Enthusiasms® (Hey, it's legit! I read all about APE® Syndrome in one of my previous posts and, as you all well know, if I wrote it, it must be true. As a matter of fact, I believe that that is now my new motto!) I believe it was Gandhi that said "Oooh, raising babies just makes me want to stop all my fighting"? Well, word to Mahatma. I know exactly how he felt.

Or, is the problem more with my Amateur Parenthood Over-Protectionisms®? (As you can tell from the caption above and, YES!, also a real thing, as I have just written about it in the previous sentence.)

"Hey! Is that open framing? Exposed lathe and plaster? Is that an electrical cord hanging down to some random outlet? Don't you ever put your child in a REAL hat?!"

However, also highly suspect, is my total lack of ability to put all the organizational pieces of my home/life/mind back together after the Holidaze Chimbley Incident of '09 (Yes, that is also a real thing and, I REALLY promise to throw out more on that in a future SideWise Timeshift. That's right folks, I'm talking about time travel! Oh, yeah, that's comin' too. If LOST can do it, so can I; at least to fill in the blanks of a, so far, lackluster posting history for 2010.).

Well, as those of you that have stopped by here to read anything before know, I CAN go on (AND, WILL in the future) and on on the littlest (and, lamest) topics but, I am putting on the brakes on this rant right now (for today).

No, my friend, all I came here for today was to share this remarkable, little trailer for the movie BABIES". (I'm sure, at a theater no where near me but hopefully, near you.)

Now, I'm not all that sure that — even with a sweet, new wonder of a child of my own — the entire movie is something that I could sit through and enjoy but, believe me when I tell you — and, you should because, again, I just wrote it — the 2 minutes and 26 seconds that you spend watching the trailer, will help you (as it did me) shake those Amateur Parenthood Over-Protectionisms® and, bring a smile to your face.

OH, YEAH, and, as if you need me to tell you to do anything else, click on the "Full Screen" toggle to watch this. It's clear as your television and, for some dog-forsaken reason, this template cuts off half of all the clips I post here. (And, it's SO BIG on your screen, you'll want to reach out and hug one of these babies!)

THAT'S ALL, NOW WATCH!

Well, my friend, if that didn't make you smile, you are a cold, heartless bastard and, well, I won't continue because, I know you loved it.

Now, let's have a hug!

NEXT TIME: LET'S SO DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN!

•••

Baby Love Child
(Buy: Pizzicato Five: Made In USA)

The Perpetual Self, or "What Would Saul Alinsky Do?"
(Buy: Sufjan Stevens: The Avalanche)

I DailyLove® An Evening Ferry Ride In The Puffy-Clouded Month Of May

2010-05-03T23:00:00.003-05:00

•••

Mr. Blue Sky
(Buy: Electric Light Orchestra: Out of the Blue [Original Recording Remastered])

NEXT TIME: DREAM A LITTLE DREAM ON ME®

Is It Too Soon?

2010-05-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

Because if it's not, I have a thing or two to say. (Which, by my continuation of writing this entry, means I don't think it is.)

“We are very lucky,” Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said at a 2:15 a.m. press conference. (Hey, it was 2 in the friggin' morning, whatta' you want, an 'I Think I Was Having A Dream' quality speech?) Photograph Credit: Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times

THING 1:

Does Mayor Mike tie his own bow tie at 2 in the morning or is that just a sweet lookin' clip-on?

THING 2:

Are all immediate public statements purposely staged to look like a SNL skit-to-be?

THING 3:

Thank Jevus for people that don't know how to make a friggin' bomb.

•••

Love Is The Message
(Buy: MSFB: T.S.O.P.)

I DailyLove® A Walk Around The Block

2010-03-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

And, so now does Sushi!

That's right, my friends, she walks! (She likes to dance, too, but more on that in a future installment.)

Now, if I can keep myself from the uncontrollable urge to dive in front of her every time she looks like she's going to fall headfirst to the freshly exposed gravel and sand covered pavement, we'll all enjoy our Spring-like perambulations.

p.s. Man, baby growth and development is astounding! ( Sure, that's a major understatement and a rookie observation but, hey, I'm a newbie at this so back off and let me wallow in A&W (Awe & Wonder) of my Amateur Parenthood Enthusiasms®.)

•••

Walk Don't Run
(Buy: Kazumi Watanabe: Mobo I)

I DailyLove® A Random Sunset (In The Morning)

2010-01-13T05:55:00.005-05:00

I'm just waiting for my clothes to dry and Sushi to wake up before the day starts.

I DailyLove® a random November '09 sunset from the ferry ride home (not indicative of anything other than the fact that it was the first picture up on iPhoto this morning).

Enjoy your day!

Now, If I Can Just Teach My Baby A Jimmy Flip

2010-01-02T17:00:00.014-05:00

When she's not walking (Yes, our baby took her first steps on January 1!) Sushi loves to bounce. And, when she bounces, her Daddy loves to sing. And, this is what he sings:

Even if you can't bring in Food or Drink (or, what is that, a Rabbit?) they're still genius! Now, excuse me, while I touch the sky.

Bouncy, Bouncy, Ohh, such a good time.
Bouncy, Bouncy, Shoes all in a line.
Bouncy, Bouncy, Everybody somersault,
Somersault, summertime,
Everybody sing along!
Bouncy, Bouncy, Ohh, such a good time.
Bouncy, Bouncy, White socks slipping down.
Bouncy, Bouncy, stilettos are a No-no!
Bouncy, Bouncy, Ohh! Bouncy, Bouncy, Ohh!
Every time I bounce, I feel I touch the sky!

I barely do it the justice it deserves but, I'm practicing.

Until then, I'll just let Vince and Howard (The Mighty Boosh) sing it like it deserves to be sung — with feeling.

And, remember, stilettos are a No-no!

•••

As an aside, I need a new look. Maybe over the next day (it's now been 5 months since I last wrote this) or so (or, 10), I'll reformat this thing. But, until then, read it and reap (the wholesome goodness that is this blog).

Happy Rockin' Nivea Year!

2010-01-01T05:00:00.010-05:00

Now, who was that that sponsored our Rockin' New Year's Eve Extravaganza again? And, really, is that Dick Clark frenchin' on national television, again?

Don't worry, people. 2010 (and, the future decade) will supply us with an endless parade of people (and has-been celebrity types) willing to shill a product for cash (or a stupid floppy hat).

However, this is the look to be sporting in Times Square for the 2011
festivities.

Sushi sez: "Really! Get a friggin' room, dc! Sure, I'm just the baby here, but even I have some boundaries!"

Get yours now, before it's too late! (Disclaimer: My daughter is in no way a shill. This is entirely her Dad's doing. Any proceeds may be forwarded to him directly. He, apparently, is a shill.)

•

Ding Dong, Ding Dong
(Buy: George Harrison: Dark Horse)

Feed The World (Don't You Know It Was Christmas Or, Something Like That)

2009-12-31T11:59:00.006-05:00

Yea, I will not be denied my long standing hatred of all the forced joviality of the holiday season. But, let me now profess my extreme enjoyment that a) it is now over and done and that, b) I had this nugget by Bob Dylan (by way of Brave Combo, by way of Lorne Greene, by way of Mitch Miller) to carry me through.

By Jove, all office parties (and, decades) should end so easily!

See ya' next year!

Yea, ye of little faith in my abilities to return to the blog. I might even make a resolution to stay on top of this thing in 2010 (that is, if writing more times than the 3 — as I did last year — constitutes 'staying on top' of this thing. I think I can do it. Or, not. Time will surely tell.

•

Go ahead, download the sweet, holiday goodness (in chronological order)!

Must Be Santa
(Buy: Mitch Miller and the Gang: Holiday Sing-Along with Mitch Miller)

Must Be Santa
(Buy: Lorne Greene (with the Jimmy Joyce Children’s Choir): Must Be Santa, RCA Victor, 45)

Must Be Santa
(Buy: Bob Dylan: Christmas In The Heart)*

*Oh, yeah, and buy Bob's holiday album. Feeding America will receive all of Dylan's royalties from sales in the USA, while two further charities, the United Nations' World Food Programme and Crisis in the UK, will receive royalties from overseas sales.

Dylan said: "That the problem of hunger is ultimately solvable means we must each do what we can to help feed those who are suffering and support efforts to find long-term solutions. I'm honoured to partner with the World Food Programme and Crisis in their fight against hunger and homelessness."

Not only will you be able to say (without lying) "Yeah, I got that Bob Dylan Christmas album", you'll also be able to say, "Yeah, that was me that helped feed some people." And, really, wouldn't you just like to feel a little better about yourself in the coming year? I know I would (like you to feel a little better about yourself).

Feeding America
World Food Programme
Crisis

I'm Back!

2009-08-26T21:13:00.011-05:00

Now, with EXTRA TOOTH!

•••

Well, only one at the moment, but they're comin' out, I can feel it!

•••

I'm Coming Out
(Buy: Diana Ross (She loves you) : Diana)

Supermagic
(Buy: Mos Def : The Ecstatic)

You're Most Digestable My Friend. Delicious Too, From End To End

2009-03-09T22:18:00.009-05:00

"Bananas are a solid food that doctors now include in baby's diet.
And, since they are so good for baby, I think we all should try it.

Si, Si, Si, Si!"

Indeed!

I Love My Baby, And My Baby Loves Me

2009-01-29T05:00:00.004-05:00

Daddy's (and Mommy's) Little Girl

•••

Okay, there is very little excuse for coming back from a two and a half month writing drought without any explanation. (And, let's not even acknowledge my total lack of reaction to the homophobic Election Day voting of California, Arizona, and Florida — but more on those later.) But, first, on a lighter note ...

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my 8-week old, very little (but growing like that little goldfish in A Fish Out Of Water) and always beautiful, Sushi.

Now, I make no promises that I have a future of consistent postings once again but, I believe my baby may have turned a "give Mommy and Daddy some of their lives back, maybe I'll sleep through the night" corner. (Of course, now having said that, I'm going to get my arse kicked tonight.)

•••

I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)
(Buy: Stevie Wonder : Talking Book)

All I Do
(Buy: Stevie Wonder : Hotter Than July)

My Baby
(Buy: Ken Nordine (and The Fred Katz Group) : Word Jazz)

Set My Peeple Free

2008-11-05T05:30:00.002-05:00

California steps it up for the food class, as well.

No, I'm not here to try to persuade you to put down that pork chop, or throw a Tofurky® (Honestly, I think I just like the idea of Tofurky® only because it makes me feel a bit dirty every time I utter the phrase.) into the middle of your time-honored Thanksgiving traditions, which, much like the days of yore, probably involve a healthy dose of televised "Sports!" (Tibby Boom Boom, if you're out there — that one was for you. We miss you. Your rooms waiting anytime you need it. But, more on that at a later date.)

Nice job Cali and, of course, Wayne Pacelle, and The Humane Society of America.

Now, lay off the meat a bit, eh?

But, I sure do like them fried potaters with a Maine, free range, graveyard turkey!

•••

Don't Fence Me In : David Byrne
(Buy: Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute To Cole Porter)

Or, buy anything else that supports The Red Hot Organization.

NEXT TIME: I'M STACKIN' WOOD, IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. (NO, REALLY, IT'S LITERALLY JUST ABOUT WOOD — AND STACKIN' IT.)

Hey, C.C., Shouldn't Today Be A Holiday — As Opposed To Columbus Day, Or Some Other Such Shite?

2008-11-04T09:00:00.002-05:00

Cousin Jeff, rockin' the vote — back in the day — as you should today. (If you're into it.)

I apologize for the image re-post but, once again, I am hoping that the great civil spirit that got my cousin Jeff elected (Oh, so many years ago) inspires all of you to let your proverbial freak flag fly, and get out your Election Day ya-ya's.

Really folks, if you do nothing else today (which, I believe, should be a national holiday to allow everybody this affects, which, I believe, is everybody to) get your arse up and out to the voting booths. And please, drag along all of your friends and family. Tell them that if they don't vote, they don't get to bitch about what happens next (and if something really bad happens, it's entirely their fault).

Now go Vote, for someone good for a change! (Yeah, yeah!)

•••

Vote Black President (Yeah, Yeah) : Kokolo
(Buy: Love International)

Chocolate City : Mavis Staples
(Buy: A Piece of the Action [IMPORT] [SOUNDTRACK])

Chocolate City : Parliament
(Buy: Funked Up : The Very Best of Parliament)

Two For A Penny (R.I.P.)

2008-10-03T23:00:00.001-05:00

Heaven

"Everyone is trying, to get to the bar.
The name of the bar, the bar is called Heaven.
The band in Heaven plays my favorite song.
They play it once again, they play it all night long.

Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.
Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.

There is a party, everyone is there.
Everyone will leave at exactly the same time.
Its hard to imagine that nothing at all
could be so exciting, and so much fun.

Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.
Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.

When this kiss is over it will start again.
It will not be any different, it will be exactly the same.
It's hard to imagine that nothing at all
could be so exciting, could be so much fun.

Heaven is a place where nothing every happens.
Heaven is a place where nothing every happens."

Thank You for Sending Me an Angel

Rest In Peace, Penny.

My Baloney Has A First Name, It's J-E-S-U-S (Or, Oh, No, You Didn't!)

2008-09-30T07:00:00.005-05:00

As I've mentioned before (and, I will mention again — often — no doubt), I DailyLove® my morning commute. And, really, with a start like this, can you blame me?

The Vinalhaven morning calm after the, well, sweet, wet, calm hurricane.

But, five minutes into my beautiful Monday morning excursion, I am surprisingly approached by one of the ferry employees.

"Did you here the latest?" she (or, he — I'm not divulging names or sexes here, folks — I'm just telling a story), says, out of the blue.

I am intrigued. I love "the latest." (In reality, "the latest" has often — and not without any doings of myself — evaded me. Because, really, "the latest" is more times than not, not.) But, it is early, and I am caught off guard. (Note to self: Be more on guard earlier in the morning.)

"No," I respond with as little enthusiasm as possible, hoping that my lack thereof is sensed by my sunrise interloper.

"Jesus was a community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a governor." (Note to reader: Pilate actually was the Prefect of the Roman Judaea province. Pretty much, a governor, but without any serious power. That is, of course, barring that whole Jesus fiasco.)

"What?" I reply, knowing instead that I should have just said "Good one", and let it go at that.

She/he repeats their new found political "zinger".

"Wow. That's a good one. It's kind of like that whole Obama being a community leader and Sarah Palin being a governor," I acknowledge. "But, I didn't the liberals went in for that kind of thing, but apparently, they're closet Catholics. Do you think Obama can actually walk on water, or Sarah Palin ever had anyone crucified?" I ask.

"What?" she/he asks, puzzled either by my question, or my new found interest in her story. So, I explain.

"You know, those two had some serious history. Are you telling me that I should consider that an analogy to today's political climate?"

"What?" she/he responds, a bit perplexed. "No, I just thought is was funny."

"Yeah," reply, "I guess. If you find that kind of political mumbo-jumbo funny."

"Yeah," she/he says, walking up the stairs without looking back.

I am alone on the deck, at last.

Thank you, Jevus.

•••

Sidebar: I also heard someone say that they "have seen far too many 'Muslim' slips from Obama. I still think he's in the closet waiting to come out? I would prefer 4 more years to that prospect."

What?! Really? People think (or, maybe more to the point, don't think) before they say things like that?

Why don't you amateurs leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. (Example? Yikes!)

To paraphrase Margo Channing, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride!"

•••

How's about a little Jesus music?

Jesus Is Just Alright : Reverend Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Choir
(Buy: 50 Blessed Years)

Jesus Walking on the Water : Violent Femmes
(Buy: Add It Up (1981-1993))

Peace Be With You.

Vinalheaven®

2008-09-27T09:00:00.006-05:00

A little DailyLove® never hurt anybody. (Really, it never, ever, has!)

•••

I was asked this (Friday) morning if I ever got tired of riding the boat from The Rock to the mainland (and back) everyday. I answered that, "If I thought about it that way, I'd never get on the boat again."

That evening on the ride home — with George McCrae playing on my iPod (Yeah, don't even ask why that's on there — aside from the fact that it effin' rocks — in the groovy, swingin' 70's 'diggin' the scene' type of way) — synchronicity presented to me a more concise answer.

I DailyLove® this ride.

•••

Rock Your Baby : George McCrae
(Buy: Soul Train Super Hits)

Snap It, Pal!

2008-09-06T13:00:00.003-05:00

Mushi and friend — Ahhh, the lazy daze of Summer.

But, alas, all things must come to an end.

Sure, I've made no mention of my extended absence from this "laborious thing that sometimes mentions DailyLove®" and, you know what, I'm not gonna'.

I have, however missed this thing.

I miss the rush to get something together before midnight, trying to beat the clock until another day goes by without getting anything written. I miss trying to decipher my handwritten notes from the ferry, trying to transcribe the morning memories of fragments of Overheard Boat Talk® into some semblance of readable something or other. But, most of all dear reader(s — depending on the day), I've missed you. So, I'm back. And, what better way to return to the "wide world of webness" then with a little thing I like to call Nature®.

•••

Sooooo, yesterday, my bosses' wife comes running into the office with a shoe box.

"Hey, look at these! They were crawling out of a hole right near our mailbox!"

"They need water!" I say, thinking, they need water.

"I just picked them up out of the street," she says. "They were crossing the street (heading for the pond near their house) and one of them got run over." (Can I hear an "Amen!")

"What are you doing with them?" I ask, thinking, they need water.

"I just wanted to bring them in to show you. I thought you'd dig it." (And, it's true, I do dig it.)

"Those are great!" I say, still thinking they need water but, "Wait right there, I'm going to get the camera!" And, I snap off some pictures as the babies try to pig-pile their way to freedom.

Ahhhh, Nature! (You can check out some pictures from an exodus which took place last year, and a more natural return to the wild at My Maine Backyard Treasures. Really, do it, it's really sweet!)

"They need water," I say again (You know what I'm thinking).

"I'm going," the turtle saver says.

I watch as she heads out the door and down the street with a box full of endangered species on their way to freedom. I smile, thinking, they really need water.

"We should have kept one," says another woman in the office.

"If people think that nature is their friend, then they sure don't need an enemy." — Kurt Vonnegut

Of course, in about 10 or 12 good years (and no run-ins with a tire of a car) these little beauties will be two feet bigger and terrorizing the local pond in which your children swim. (Remember kids — Don't touch that murky bottom!)

Mama (or Daddy, I can't tell from here) Macrochelys temminckii — who I believe got a pretty bad rap in Daikaijû Gamera (although, only until he saved Kenny) — lookin' super bad! Read more scientific information about them here (If you can read Japanese).

But, for now, we can regale in their cuteness — their little, snappy ways — hoping that one day, one of these prepubescent Macrochelys (Which, by the way, are listed by the IUCN as a threatened species, and as of June 14, 2006 was afforded international protection by being listed as a CITES III species) will return to the scene to deposit another clutch of "road warriors" to our little town. (Or, at least, the "Big Mama" that dropped these kids off will be back next year.)

Until then, as V. S. Naipaul (and, I had no idea who this was until I looked it up), once said (and hopefully only once, because, really, it's not that deep of a thought, you know), "The world is always in movement."

So, with that, I'll let our little friends entertain you with some ""I swear, I will bite your finger if you come any closer, Mushi!" movement.

"And, by the way, WE NEED WATER!"

I hear you load and clear. Enjoy some Turtles!

•••

You Showed Me
Happy Together
(Buy: The Turtles: Happy Together: The Very Best of the Turtles [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED])

School's Back In Session!

2008-09-03T23:00:00.001-05:00

So remember kids, if you ever need some guidance, go talk to your counselor. He or she, probably knows what's going down.

I'm just sayin'.

I Ain't Got Time For Bloggin', Man! I'm Out On The Street! (Sesame Street, That Is)

2008-07-16T13:00:00.002-05:00

Enjoy this while it's still on the ole "www", because I don't think it will be here long. (But, I could be wrong. Or, not.) But, don't fret, you can catch it televised (on August 11) as Ms. Leslie (Feist) takes it to the Street's first episode of the 39th season. (That's right, you are old.)

Enjoy it (with your tots, or all by yourself)!

Turning Off The Lights And Taking The Groove Line

2008-06-21T06:21:00.000-05:00

Corporate Safety Blanket No. 1 : Douglas Coupland (This has nothing to do with anything, but I love the subtle detailing of this blanket.)

After an 18 year courtship, friends of ours are finally having a pig roast (Eeeks! And,oh, yeah, a wedding), so I'll be out of touch for a couple of days (like, hey, I haven't been out of touch for just about the whole year so far).

Enjoy your weekend, and Douglas Coupland.

•••

POSTCARD NUMBER TWO:
POWER FAILURE

I really wonder whether all memories are the same or if some are "more important" than others. Like many people my age, I was exposed to extreme amounts of well-produced, high-quality information and entertainment from birth onward. The other day I saw a Shake n' Bake TV commercial, one that I had not seen in twenty years, and in a flash, the whole commercial came back to me, as though I had just seen it five minutes ago. So I guess my head is stuffed with an almost-endless series of corporation-sponsored consumer tableaux of various lengths. These "other" commercialized memories are all in my head, somewhere, and this is indeed something worth considering.

What would it be like to have never had these commercialized images in my head? What if I had grown up in the past or in a nonmedia culture? Would I still be "me"? Would my "personality" be different?

I think the unspoken agreement between us as a culture is that we're not supposed to consider the commercialized memories in our head as real, that real life consists of time spent away from TVs, magazines and theaters. But soon the planet will be entirely populated by people who have only known a world with TVs and computers. When this point arrives, will we still continue with pre-TV notions of identity? Probably not. Time continues on: Instead of buying blue Chairman Mao outfits, we shop at the Gap. Same thing. Everybody travels everywhere. "place" is a joke.

And here's something we've all noticed: During power failures we sing songs, but the moment the electricity returns, we atomize.

I am choosing to live my live in a permanent power failure. I look at the screens and glossy pages and don't let them become memories.

When I meet people, I imagine them in a world of darkness. The only lights that count are the sun, candles, the fireplace and the light inside of you, and if I seem strange to you at times, it's only because I'm switching off the power, trying to help us both, trying to see you and me as the people we really are.

From Polaroids from the Dead, Copyright © 1996 by Douglas Coupland

•••

But, I'll be back again (probably even sooner then I think).

•••

Oh, yeah, it's Summer, too. So, enjoy the Heatwave!

The Groove Line
(Buy: Heatwave: Central Heating)

Read 'Em And Reap (The Escapist Benefits, That Is)

2008-06-16T23:16:00.002-05:00

Happy Bloomsday!

No, this isn't Leopold Bloom. It's just some Senator from Dublin with a bunch of girls in bloomers.

Yeah, I have no idea what that whole thing is about, other than some reference to Leopold Bloom, the main character of James Joyce's Ulysses, a book that — I can say without too much embarrassment — I somehow avoided, or otherwise, just didn't have to read in the last (hand over mouth mumble, mumble, mumble) years but, bought today with the conviction to finally remedy this situation. Apparently, as the name suggests, the title alludes to the hero of Homer's Odyssey (said title name) and, as you will see in the list below, I tackled that epic poem this Winter (But, if you're so inclined to pick up some Homie this Summer, I totally recommend The Iliad instead), I figured it was just time to buckle down (Who the hell says things such as that?) and jump on the J.J.'s epic bandwagon. So, ...

No, this is not Leopold Bloom either. It's Marilyn Monroe, you hayseeds! Jeez! But, she's lookin' good as she hits Ulysses on her Summer reads, back in the day (before those Kennedy arseholes made the scene, of course).

I've said it before, and I'll say it again — as somebody on the ferry once said, "A lot of people likes to read a book." And, I'm one of those peoples. (I am also one of those people who is always looking for an easy filler for a dry blogging spell.) So, if you're one too (a reader, that is, or, an enjoyer of somebody else's list of books, as I am), here's the (very late, but better late then never) 2nd Annual 'Mushi's Mid-Winter's (now quickly approaching Summer's) Day Dreaming, While On A Ferry Day Reading List.' Enjoy 'em, like I have (if you so choose).

DISCLAIMER: If you decide to pick any of these up, and don't like them, I don't want to hear about it.

So, here goes.

Homeland: Sam Lipsyte

Zoology: Ben Dolnick

Bigfoot: I Not Dead: Graham Roumieu

The Iliad: Homer

The Odyssey: Homer

An Iliad: Alessandro Baricco

Sharp Teeth: Toby Barlow

Rant: Chuck Palahniuk

Song of the Earth: Hugh Nissenson

Revenge of the Lawn: Richard Brautigan

Polaroids from the Dead: Douglas Coupland

Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture: Douglas Coupland

The Devil and Miss Prym: Paulo Coelho

Stardust: Neil Gaiman

American Gods: Neil Gaiman

This is the Way the World Ends: James Morrow

Blameless in Abaddon: James Morrow

Outside the Dog Museum: Jonathan Carroll

Burning Patience: Antonio Skármeta

Word Freak: Heartbreak, Triumph, Genius, and Obsession in the World of Competitive Scrabble Players: Stefan Fatsis

Ecotopia: The Notebooks and Reports of William Weston: Ernest Callenbach

Cradle to Cradle: William McDonough & Michael Braungart

Rapture: David Sosnowski

And, just because I recommend this book to everyone (every time the mention of books comes up), I'll mention it here again (And, after you read it, you should do the same). Read:

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: Jean-Dominique Bauby

And, as I said last time, if you've read any of these, and are led onto any other reading goodness out there that you think I'd like — please — drop me a note. Really, I'll read anything!

•••

The Book of Right-On
(Buy: Joanna Newsom: The Milk-Eyed Mender)

The Book of Right-On
(Buy: Nomo: New Tones)

Signed, Sealed, And Delirious

2008-06-11T23:00:00.005-05:00

I don't get much mail.

But, when I am the recipient of any mail, even if it is addressed to "Postal Customer" (because I know they're really sending it to ME!), well, it's as good as a CARE package from Momma Moosh. And, I am a happy customer.

"One plastic container and a package of Mentos for Mushi. Check!"

So, when today's mail was sorted (with the majority of it going G's way, for she is in charge of all things important in the home world), and two pieces of contraband left behind for me. Yes, once again, I am eligible for insanely high limits on a random credit card (although, I fear, that they are not too aware of a past history of unpleasant phone conversations with competitor institutions), and an alarming notice from the United States Postal Service, which read:

"Letter carriers do not normally place soda bottles or other plastic containers containing liquids into your curbside mailbox. (So, apparently, that 2-litre of bottle of Mountain Dew® Supernova that I ordered will never arrive now.) Use extreme caution if you find such an item in your mail receptacle. Isolated acts of vandalism involving the mixture of common household materials (like Mentos and Diet Coke, or, let's say something like sodium bicarbonate, that when added to an acidic solution (like vinegar, or soda) will form CO2 gas via a chemical reaction) inside a sealed container have occurred throughout the country, including Maine. This can produce a powerful chemical reaction (However, the situation with Mentos is not technically a chemical reaction; the added nucleation sites just increase the rate that CO2 bubbles that can form, from CO2 already dissolved in the pop, so, no additional CO2 is made in this process. Try adding baking soda to orange juice; it would probably still fizz.) resulting in an explosion (by the literal definition by Merriam-Webster), with the potential (because it has never happened yet but, why not be the alarmists that we, the people of this fine country, including Maine, have become) to cause serious injury to individuals in the immediate area. Persons found to have placed such a device face criminal charges, including unlawful mischief and federal counts of damaging a mailbox."

The horror, the horror.

So, be a good citizen. If you happen to find one of these plastic-type container-type "devices" in your curbside mailbox, please do not hesitate to contact the United States Postal Service. And, if I were you, I'd rat out these two guys (at the 0:30 mark),

Weezer : Pork And Beans

because it's a very good chance that they are the subversives that are at the root of all this public delirium.

"Oh, man, could I use an after-Mentos geyser cigarette."

NOTE:
I have no doubt that you will soon be seeing this important bit of "public safety awareness" reported on your local news channels, soon to be followed by an "official statement from, both, Mr. Mento's and the soda manufacturers of choice.

In keeping with such warnings, be cautious of any flaming brown bags that you may encounter on your front door stoop. (via The United States Front Door Stoop Service.)

I (As Promised) DailyLove® Shiny Happy People!

2008-05-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

Sure, the Maine State Ferry Service promises to raise our rates another 12.5% this coming month. Sure, the Co Op (Community Opportunists) just hiked the rate of a gallon of gas up to $4.40 (Really!) this weekend. And, sure, that's enough of that. I want love. I want DailyLove®! And, if there's one thing I DailyLove® (aside from the beautiful island I leave and return to every working day), it's music videos with happy jumping people in them (witness, the Cloud Cult video posted just recently).

So, reach deep into those pockets when you leave the house next time, but, while you're sitting right here, share the DailyLove®, watch a shiny happy video, and jump around the room.

NEXT TIME: FIGHT THE POWER, SLACKER!

The Beatings Will Continue Until Morals Improve

2008-05-03T12:00:00.007-05:00

Zoinks, Scooby!

Anybody see that happening any time soon?

No, me neither.

Just how is your local pusher treating you? Have a look at Maine Gas Prices throughout the state. (Or, check them out throughout the nation at Gas Buddy.)

NEXT TIME: SOMETHING FULL OF DAILYLOVE®, PLEASE!

•••

Values
(Buy: Hamell On Trial: Songs For Parents Who Enjoy Drugs)

I DailyLove® The Clouds (When They're Out)

2008-05-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Standing next to the oil truck on the ferry; just looking at the clouds!

I don't want to talk about the price of gas (selling at the bargain cost of $4.25 a gallon out on The Rock now; or, oil, or groceries, or electricity) today. But, it is never far from thought (or, proximity).

"Everybody here is cloud.
And, everybody here will evaporate.
'Cause you came up from the ground,
from a million little pieces.
Have you found where your place is?
Have you found where your place is?
Have you found where your place is?

You've been spending your time
thinking about why you think so much.
If there was ever a time,
now would be the time to see
your time here is limited.

And, everybody here is a crowd.
We all walk around with a million faces.
Somebody turn the lights out
there's so much more to see,
in the darkest places,
in the darkest places,
in the darkest places.

And, everybody here is cloud.
And, everybody here will evaporate.
'Cause you came up from the ground,
from a million little pieces.
Have you found where your place is?"

— Lyrics from Everybody Here Is A Cloud, Cloud Cult

And, I DailyLove® Cloud Cult. And, you should, too; here's one reason why.

Everybody Here Is A Cloud : Cloud Cult

Happy May Day, everybody!

I See Another Hurdle Approaching

2008-04-28T23:50:00.004-05:00

Not just another drop of gas in the mower.

G swears that she wants one of those pushing mowers for the lawn this year. At the prices that gas will no doubt reach out here on The Rock this Summer, what the H-E-Double Lawn Jockeys, I'm all for it.

Well, that and, G does all the cutting anyway.

(Hey, that's enough of your ballyhoo! I do all the cooking! Now go on, enjoy some music.)

•••

The Cutter
(Buy: Echo & The Bunnymen: Ballyhoo : The Best Of Echo & The Bunnymen)

Green Grass
(Buy: Tom Waits: Real Gone)

Green Grass Grows All Around
(Buy: Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five: Man Alive — It's The Jumping Jive)

Puttin' The Wooden Brake Pedal To The Awkwardly Uncomfortable Metal Rolling Thing

2008-04-23T23:00:00.004-05:00

G trying out our new Summer wheels. Gas free for you and me, baby! (Photograph: Jacques-Henri Lartigue (French, 1894-1986)

As if The Rock Community Opportunists (Co Op) were answering my last post; the price of a gallon of gas went up another 16 cents today.

April Fuel Days

2008-04-22T23:00:00.004-05:00

The only true madness this March, was the outrageous price we were forced to pay for a gallon of gas.

Oh, I was sooo smug when I last addressed this issue last May, quipping; (as only the smuggiest of smuggers can smug) that "The way things are shaping up as of today, by mid-summer, we should be up around 3.85 a gallon."

Well, as I captioned up above, all through The Rock's 3D (Drunk, Depressed and Divorced!) month of March, our local Co Op (which now, apparently, stands for Community Opportunist's and, the only gas station on the island) added it's own "D" — Dispicable, into the mix! (Yes, the picture tells the story, but, I'll add my 1000 words to it as well.) We were paying $3.94 (and 9/10. And, really, why not just say $3.95 and get it over with?) at the pump for the better part, if not all of, the month of March. Outrageous, you say? (Or, did I say that?) Highway robbery, you say? (Well, I said that too.) So, I will add this too; that's Rock Island life, baby!

Look at them prices! Man, we'll never be like them mainland folks; will we?

Sure, we are used to paying higher prices for the everyday things that you may take for granted. Groceries, electricity (Oh, that's a whole different post and, quite possibly only a bit less shocking then, oh, let's say, ...), and heating oil (brought to the island by 2 competing companies and at, surprisingly, the same damn price! Now that's competition!) all come to us by way of the ferry, and the mark-up is, well, whatever it is. Really, what the H-E-Double Dollar signs are you going to do about it, punk? They got you (and by you, I mean me) bent over the oil barrel (or, grocery counter, or, whatever thing that the electric company may choose to bend you over) like a couple of hillbillies from Deliverance and, quite honestly, babies, it don't look like we're gettin' out of this without a couple of teeth missing.

Oh, yeah, we did get a break from the $3.94 price (coincidently?) on April Fools Day, with the unexplainable drop to $3.76 (That's right, amazingly, the cost of fuel on The Rock dropped 18 cents overnight, and stayed there for about, well) until today, when the price started its slow, painful climb (I mean, jumped — like a snowshoe hare, who sees this leap as it's last grasp to life, being pursued by a ravenous wolf that hasn't eaten in weeks — Oh, excuse me, I just finished reading The Iliad, and I think I may have just been channeling some wild Homeric analogies) to $3.88 a gallon! That's right, overnight, the price of gas has gone up 12 cents. And, well, ...

You can't get blood from a rock, but you sure as hell can squeeze it out of The Rock's residents.

I could have gone on (seeing that I started this post about a week and a half ago) but, today I have to stop putting it off and just post it, because, as of Sunday, The Rock's gas price hit the $4.00 mark. (And it's not even Summer yet!)

I guess when the lobster catch is down, there are always other fish in the sea from which one can make a profit. Now, can somebody please help me get this hook out of my cheek?

(Oh, yeah, and something, something, something, Happy Earth Day.)

•••

Oil
(Buy: Asian Dub Foundation: Tank)

Exxon : We Got 'Em
Exxon : Up Came Oil
(Listen & Download: WFMU Beware Of The Blog)

Jeepster
Life's A Gas
(Buy: T. Rex: Electric Warrior)

Only So Much Oil In The Ground
(Buy: Tower Of Power: Urban Renewal)

I Feel At Home Whenever The Unknown Surrounds Me

2008-04-01T23:00:00.001-05:00

"Lust for comfort suffocates the soul.
This relentless restlessness liberates me,
Sets me free."
Wanderlust! – Bjork

I won't even attach the little scratchy versions of the video available on YouTube here because they just don't do it any justice. But, I highly recommend you give into your own Wanderlust, and travel over to Encyclopedia Pictura to see the big, beautiful, large screen, Director version. Filmed in Stereoscopic 3-D (What? See more about it here.) — it is a visual, and musical, delight.

NEXT TIME: Okay, We Won't Be Fueled Again.

That Sunset Is Soooo Two Days Ago

2008-03-28T07:35:00.002-05:00

Today, I'll be shoveling snow.

•••

NEXT TIME: Wipe the Windows, Check the Oil, $3.95 Gas

The Sign That Launched A Thousand Lips

2008-03-24T22:00:00.005-05:00

Downstreet, the donut holes and cafes, ...

The rumors and gossip are just that. The only thing real here is the finely crafted Double-D placard. (Nice work, Ange!).

Sorry, folks, that means that you'll still have to take the ferry to the mainland for your styrofoam-cupped coffee and sprinklicious donut fix. D'oh!

Now I just hope the store that's really going in there gets as many people worked up as the sign did.

NEXT TIME: Welcome, White Castle!

•••

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

Sweet Thing
(Buy: Rufus & Chaka Khan : Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan)

A Windy Little Thing Called DailyLove®

2008-03-23T07:26:00.012-05:00

"I come here as often as I can. It's exhilarating. What do you call it? Nature! Life! Soul! God! At any rate, it's here, and we are part of it." — Dame Marjorie (Maude) Chardin, from Harold and Maude

Yeah, I know it's Spring. You can tell by the wind, and the waves. (And, the exciting backyard struggle of every little perennial to make its way up through the crusty, pale earth.)

The past few days, the wind has been blowing constantly at about 30 mph (on the first day of Spring, it blew so hard — 40 to 45 mph — that it rattled the house all night long), and has just today calmed down to about 20, which feels like nothing.

Fortunately for me, Friday's commute was full of students going over for 'Job-Shadowing Day' to the mainland — two of them, the Captain's children — almost certainly assuring my return to The Rock at the end of the day.

Now this is why I DailyLove® the Spring commute.

And, return I did.

Last night, G and I "went to the movies," to enjoy the latest offering in our "Queue," Harold and Maude. I've seen this film about 10 or 15 times. G had seen it once, but didn't remember any of it — which made it that much more enjoyable — to see someone's reaction to that movie like it's their first time.

Change. Rebirth. Death. Life. It's all here. I'm telling you, there's no better way (movie-wise, that is) to get ready for the return of Spring. (And, if you don't like it, then I don't like you. Is that too harsh? Am I being judgmental and petty? You bet, that's just the way I roll, babies!)

Welcome back Spring!

•••

(Oh, yeah, it even has a beautiful soundtrack, to boot.)

Where Do The Children Play?
On The Road To Find Out
Tea For The Tillerman (The song G calls, "The best short song you wish that was longer.")
(Buy: Cat Stevens: Tea For The Tillerman)

If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out
(Buy: Cat Stevens: The Very Best Of Cat Stevens)

Jesus Statue Was Gone, Jesus Statue Was Risen, The Owners of Jesus Statue Will Never Be Heard From Again (At Least, Not Here)

2008-03-22T22:00:00.007-05:00

I could try to explain the title of this post, the situation reported in the video below, and, well, just those two things, but then the video itself would be redundant, and I would have wasted all of that time explaining something that you could have just watched in the first place — doing your part, as we all must — to eliminate the written word, and save us all all of that reading. (Which I'll go into a bit more in detail in a future post about eye doctors, reading glasses, and that friggin' shite they put in your eyes that make you look like a speed freak for 3 hours after your appointment. But, like I said, I do that later. Right now, ...)

Watch a video.

"It has to be a young person because they put these lines around Jesus, no adult is going to waste their time doing that," says Mansel. "And referring to weiner poopie…my gosh."

That's right, it's just like the real Resurrection®, except with hillbillies, lawn ornaments, and fecal references. Amen.

Come to find out, the statue has now risen — taken not by "a young person", or neighbors, but by a family member. Jean declined to explain further, only that this has now become a family situation.

She says she is happy that 'Little Jesus' is back, and says she doesn't intend to press charges. (Which, I'm guessing, would have turned it into a much larger family situation.)

Happy Easter (like a month friggin' early)!

The Little Red Hen, illustrated by Andy Warhol

And, oh, yeah, did I mention Spring? Get your sprouts and seeds ready, Babies!

Arthur C. Clarke, R.I.P. (or, A.C. DeCeased)

2008-03-18T23:45:00.001-05:00

Arthur C. Clarke
December 16, 1917 - March 18, 2008

"It has yet to be proven that intelligence has any survival value."

At 90 years old, Sir Arthur certainly put some mileage in on this dirty old world. Fare thee well, Old Monkey.

(Sorry 'bout ACDC reference. It just popped into my head, and I had to get it out before it got stuck there.)

Huzzah! Daylight Savings Time!

2008-03-12T23:30:00.002-05:00

Lairey's Narrows on the (new, improved, daylight savings time) morning commute.

Sure, I should be feeling some bloguiltrip due to my erratic postings of late, but I don't. I've been slogging through my annual 'community good deed', by preparing a calendar for the Rock's medical center fundraising, and have had little (or, no) desire to jump back onto my computer in the evening.

See, I'm not lying. Bitchin' aerial photograph of The Rock and it's neighbors. © Michael Mesko.

But, I'm done now, and should be back here with some kind of regularity soon enough (to avoid feeling any future bloguilt).

NEXT TIME: Spreading Some Overdue DailyLove®, The Return of Overheard Boat Talk® and, Automatic Damnation For The People (via The Holy See)

Oh, Hell, Odin! (And, The 3-Man Weave)

2008-02-23T15:00:00.004-05:00

Sadly, it is our own slain who will be led to Valhalla this time.

'The Girls of The Rock' lost a heart-breaker today against the Buckfield "Lady" Bucks — who had come into the game with a 22 - 0 record — and just downright outplayed the ladies in red.

G tells me that the Bucks did the Vike's in with good defense, and the classic '3-Man (or, Girl, in this instance) Weave.

Whatever, I think that the game was just to damn short. (I mean c'mon, 8 minute quarters? We could have come back, even with a 10 minute quarter. Or, not. I just felt like I should sound outraged or something, just for a second there.)

The dreaded '3-Man Weave'. Damn you, and your high-falutin' mainland strategies!

'Five hundred doors
And forty more
Methinks are in Valhalla.
Eight hundred heroes through each door
Shall issue forth
Against the wolf to combat.'

Well, that may be a little over the top, Norse dudes. But, at least they can 'issue forth' to the Girls Class D Western Maine Championships, next year. (Now, quick, everybody get back to the boat before it leaves!)

NEXT TIME: Hey, Mister Ferryman, When Exactly Does That Next Boat Leave?

•••

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Your Grievence
(Buy: Clem Snide : The Late, Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered)

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

Don't Stop Believin'
(Buy: Petra Haden : Guilt By Association)

Happy 50th! (I DailyLove® This Old Dream!)

2008-02-21T22:00:00.004-05:00

PEACE, Gerald Holtom, 1958

Gerald Holtom, a conscientious objector who had worked on a farm in Norfolk during the Second World War, explained that the symbol incorporated the semaphore letters N(uclear) and D(isarmament).

If you cross your eyes, you can almost see it. (Just kidding. Stop doing that, you'll hurt your eyes.)

He later wrote to Hugh Brock, editor of Peace News, explaining the genesis of his idea in greater, more personal depth:

"I was in despair. Deep despair. I drew myself: the representative of an individual in despair, with hands palm outstretched outwards and downwards in the manner of Goya’s peasant before the firing squad. I formalised the drawing into a line and put a circle round it."

Gerald Holtom had originally considered using the Christian cross symbol within a circle as the motif for the march, but various priests he had approached with the suggestion were not happy at the idea of using the cross on a protest march. Later, ironically, Christian CND were to use the symbol with the central stroke extended upwards to form the upright of a cross. — (via CND)

Keep on keeping on, PEACE, some of us still believe in you.

Hail, Odin! (And, The Rock's Viking Girls!)

2008-02-21T12:00:00.007-05:00

"Valkyries" by Peter Nicolai Arbo, 1869.

Látum eigi
líf hans farask;
eigu valkyrjur
vals of kosti.

"Mind, maidens, we spare not
One life in the fray!
We corse-choosing sisters
Have charge of the slain."

Charge of the slain indeed!

The Rock's own valkyries (Well, Viking Girls basketball team), have carried, yet another, of their most heroic of those who had died (Valley-Bingham Girls basketball team) in battle (Well, this mornings Girls Class D Western Maine Semi-Final, 59 - 49), and sent them off to Valhalla (You know, the shining citadel, Valhöll, the "Hall of the Slain").

Next stop, THE FINALS! (Well, not actually THE Finals, but the Girls Class D Western Maine Final. If you want to watch THE Girls Class D State Final Championship Game, you'll have to wait until March 1st. The madness, the madness!)

Don't miss the action — SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 at 1:00 PM, in Augusta, Maine. You can even watch it on-line, here. But, if you do miss it, you can check back here, and I'll tell you about it — or, at least what I've heard about it — because I won't be there either. (I've got a 185 year old house that needs some fixin'.)

Rest well, our slain adversaries.

•••

Loser
(Buy: Beck : Loser EP)

Divine Hammer
(Buy: The Breeders : Last Splash)

My Sword Hand's Anger
(Buy: Apostle of Hustle : National Anthem Of Nowhere)

Lunarcy In U.S.A. (Or, What The Fuck, Missile?)

2008-02-20T23:45:00.008-05:00

"Whatever you do, don't stare into the eyes of the moon during a lunar eclipse!" (Ladies and gentlemen, Andy Williams as, The Moon!)

"Picture this: The year is 2025 and you're on the moon. "Home" is 100 meters away—an outpost on the rim of Shackleton Crater. NASA started building it five years earlier, and it is growing fast. You're one of the construction workers.

As always in these polar regions, the sun hangs low, barely above the craggy lunar horizon. You adjust your visor. It amazes you how bright a low sun can be when there's no atmosphere to dim it.

Suddenly, the lights go out.

Up in the sky, a big black disk covers the sun. A red "ring of fire" appears where the sun was only moments before, and its glow turns the ground red beneath your feet.

You've been waiting for this. It's an eclipse."
(From NASA's Lunar Eclipse web page.)

Now, picture this:

Building houses on the Moon in 2020? Rings of fire? I'm a construction worker on the fucking Moon? What the fuck are you talking about NASA? It's a friggin' lunar eclipse, not a look into the vaseline-coated crystal ball of NASA's questionable future! Next thing you'll be trying to get me all jazzed up about will be flying cars and them moving sidewalks. Yeah, man. That walking thing is SO OLD! But, I know I'm just in for more disappointment. (Which, by the way, would be totally sated, if I were to get just one of those jet packs everybody was promised about hundred years ago. Well, 1960-something, anyway.)

But, you know what? Fuck that, too.

The future? Jetpack and helicopter traffic around my helmet-shaped "House of Tomorrow"? Count me out.

What's really got me worked up about all this lunarcy lately, however, (aside from the effect of the full Moon on my delicate mental balance, and I'm only able to make some vague connection to the eclipse by association that both of these things are hanging around up there in "outer space") is the whole blowing the "broken" spy satellite out of the sky with some missile shite.

First of all, am I to really believe that we are actually spying on people/countries/etc?

Secondly — even if there were spy satellites shot into space for the purposes of, say, our spying on people/countries/etc. (which I highly doubt that our government would ever condone such behavior) — do you really expect me to believe that those things really ever worked?

Thirdly? Okay, then — Why the H-E-double Reconnaissance Missiles is the big rush to all of a sudden shoot our space shite out of the sky? I mean, come on, what am I, a fucking idiot? The United States Government and NASA have been watching shite fall from the sky as long as they have been shooting it up there. All of a sudden they're concerned that something might fall on somebody's head. Have we finally evolved into that "kinder, gentler nation" I heard tell of back in the days of yore?

Oh, Great Luna, Earth's only natural satellite, you better watch your arse now.

Fourthly? (You want a fourthly, don't you? Well, I got one, dammit!) Do you think that I should have any concern that this particular event concerning a Chinese test missile — which actually happened in early January of 2007 — might have something to do with our sudden need to "blow things up", too? (Nah, me neither. I mean, come on, we aren't that insecure about our missile prowess, are we? Or, is it not the size of your missiles, but what you can do with what you have?) It is truly a question that will, forever, bore the friggin' life out of all of us.

But, I can tell you one thing (well, maybe two):

Firstly, they will certainly not make as big a deal of "Watching the Satellite Blow-Up in the Sky" at 10:00 tonight, as they (you know, that generic public media that, at this moment, is more concerned about how John Stewart is handling his preparations for hosting the Oscar's, now that the writers are back, or ...)

You know what, I had to stop there, because by the time I actually got around to this exact point of finishing this friggin' post, they had already shot their load spaceward.

Friggin' premature propagandists!

But, you know what? China did it first. Man, we suck again!

Oh, and di you miss the lunar eclipse tonight? Don't sweat it, you can catch it again Decemeber 21, 2010. (That is, of course, if the Chinese better us again, and block our view! Where's my government when I need them?)

TOMORROW: And Then I Go And Spoil It All, By Saying Something Stupid Like I DailyLove® You

(Now, enjoy some music.)

•••

"Hey, whatcha' doin'?"

Moon River
(Audrey Hepburn : Breakfast at Tiffany's)

Moon River
(Buy: Andy Williams : American Songbook Series: Johnny Mercer)

Moon River
(Buy: Frank Sinatra : Academy Award Winners) Note: This album actually came with our house. WTF?

Moon River (With rippin' guitar solo!)
(Buy: Luciano Pavarotti : Pavarotti & Friends, Vol. 2)

And, one more, but this one is played on the Matryomin.

And, oh yeah, here's a bomb and a missle.

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

What The Fuck, Missle?
(Buy: Finally Punk : Primary Colors)

I DailyLove® The Power Of Wind

2008-02-15T23:00:00.007-05:00

Hell's Belles! It's windy old weather out here on The Rock tonight so, I figure I'd just give him his props. (Homey.)

The Power Of Wind, the award-winning advertising spot — at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes — for EPURON.

•••

Hot Wind
(Buy: Les Baxter: Hell's Belles [Original Soundtrack])

Blow Wind Blow
(Buy: Tom Waits: Frank's Wild Years)

Windy Old Weather
(Buy: Dan Zanes: Sea Music)

Wailing Wintry Wind
(Buy: Baroness: Red Album)

(And — Oh, My Dog! — could I really not stop myself from posting these two classic gems?)

Wind Beneath My Wings
(Buy: Bette Midler: Beaches [Original Soundtrack])

Dust In The Wind
(Buy: Kansas: Point Of Know Return)

Ocean Fresh DailyLove®!

2008-02-14T22:00:00.005-05:00

I DailyLove® The Pearce Sisters, a short animated film directed by Luis Cook from Aardman Animations (that's right, the same people that have brought you Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, and so much more).

Watch the entire tale of these twisted sisters. You'll love them too.

The Pearce Sisters

Well, now that you've enjoyed that, let's sit down for a spot of tea, and watch this old nugget. (Also, from Aardman, back about a thousand years ago.)

Happy Valentines Day.

Throw Another Shrimp On The Bloggie

2008-02-07T23:00:00.000-05:00

Mmmmm, tasty!

Gulf of Maine + Winter = Fresh Shrimp, Baby!

One of the most amazing things about The Rock, is the ability to constantly promote and practice the 'Eat In My Backyard' policy. (I think I may have just made that saying up, but not the policy, I think that's called something else. Or, not.) Be it lobster, be it shrimp, be it clams, be it mussels, be it halibut — it be great! (Yes, of course, there's tons of vegetables grown out here also, but this post is about seafood, Mama!)

Babette bides her time and keeps her eye out for floor shrimp.

And this, coming from a kid raised in suburban New Jersey eating Mrs. Paul's Fish Sticks. (Of course, my policy then was, 'Be it cake, be it stick, be it patty, be it breaded — it be great!')

Pass the scallops, please.

Hold Tight
(Buy: Fats Waller: Handful Of Keys [Box])

I DailyLove® 'America' (Or, I'm Super Tuesday, Thanks For Asking)

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

Cousin Jeff, rockin' the vote — back in the day — as you should today. (If you're into it.)

As you should be.

America I've given you all and now I'm nothing.
America two dollars and twenty-seven cents January 17, 1956.
I can't stand my own mind.
America when will we end the human war?
Go fuck yourself with your atom bomb.
I don't feel good don't bother me.
I won't write my poem till I'm in my right mind.
America when will you be angelic?
When will you take off your clothes?
When will you look at yourself through the grave?
When will you be worthy of your million Trotskyites?
America why are your libraries full of tears?
America when will you send your eggs to India?
I'm sick of your insane demands.
When can I go into the supermarket and buy what I need with my good looks?

America after all it is you and I who are perfect not the next world.
Your machinery is too much for me.
You made me want to be a saint.
There must be some other way to settle this argument.
Burroughs is in Tangiers I don't think he'll come back it's sinister.
Are you being sinister or is this some form of practical joke?
I'm trying to come to the point.
I refuse to give up my obsession.
America stop pushing I know what I'm doing.
America the plum blossoms are falling.
I haven't read the newspapers for months, everyday somebody goes on trial for murder.
America I feel sentimental about the Wobblies.
America I used to be a communist when I was a kid.
I'm not sorry.
I smoke marijuana every chance I get.
I sit in my house for days on end and stare at the roses in the closet.
When I go to Chinatown I get drunk and never get laid.
My mind is made up there's going to be trouble.
You should have seen me reading Marx.
My psychoanalyst thinks I'm perfectly right.
I won't say the Lord's Prayer.
I have mystical visions and cosmic vibrations.
America I still haven't told you what you did to Uncle Max after he came over from Russia.

I'm addressing you.
Are you going to let your emotional life be run by Time Magazine?
I'm obsessed by Time Magazine.
I read it every week.
Its cover stares at me every time I slink past the corner candystore.
I read it in the basement of the Berkeley Public Library.
It's always telling me about responsibility. Businessmen are serious. Movie producers are serious.
Everybody's serious but me.
It occurs to me that I am America.
I am talking to myself again.

Asia is rising against me.
I haven't got a chinaman's chance.
I'd better consider my national resources.
My national resources consist of two joints of marijuana millions of genitals an unpublishable private literature that goes 1400 miles an hour and twenty-five-thousand mental institutions.
I say nothing about my prisons nor the millions of underprivileged who live in my flowerpots under the light of five hundred suns.
I have abolished the whorehouses of France, Tangiers is the next to go.
My ambition is to be President despite the fact that I'm a Catholic.
America how can I write a holy litany in your silly mood?

I will continue like Henry Ford my strophes are as individual as his automobiles more so they're all different sexes.
America I will sell you strophes $2500 apiece $500 down on your old strophe
America free Tom Mooney
America save the Spanish Loyalists
America Sacco & Vanzetti must not die
America I am the Scottsboro boys.
America when I was seven momma took me to Communist Cell meetings they sold us garbanzos a handful per ticket a ticket costs a nickel and the speeches were free everybody was angelic and sentimental about the workers it was all so sincere you have no idea what a good thing the party was in 1835 Scott Nearing was a grand old man a real mensch Mother Bloor made me cry I once saw Israel Amter plain.
Everybody must have been a spy.

America you don't really want to go to war.
America it's them bad Russians.
Them Russians them Russians and them Chinamen.
And them Russians.
The Russia wants to eat us alive. The Russia's power mad.
She wants to take our cars from out our garages.
Her wants to grab Chicago. Her needs a Red Readers' Digest.
Her wants our auto plants in Siberia.
Him big bureaucracy running our filling stations.
That no good. Ugh. Him make Indians learn read.
Him need big black niggers. Hah!
Her make us all work sixteen hours a day. Help.
America this is quite serious.
America this is the impression I get from looking in the television set.
America is this correct?
I'd better get right down to the job.
It's true I don't want to join the Army or turn lathes in precision parts factories, I'm nearsighted and psychopathic anyway.
America I'm putting my queer shoulder to the wheel.

'America' © Allen Ginsberg.
Berkeley, January 17, 1956

I'm Super, Thanks For Asking

2008-02-03T22:30:00.000-05:00

I'm standing in line at the local convenience store (which is emblazoned upon entry with a day-glo hunter's orange poster of a some-pointed buck and the greetings, "Budweiser, Welcome Hunters." Yes, the right to bear alcohol and firearms. That which makes America great.), one customer behind me says to another behind him, "Bud Lite is going to kick Bud's ass this year." yes, indeed, it's Super Bowl Sunday!

Ahh, Super Bowl XLII!

The pageantry! The aged-rocker half-time show! The expectations that a team (whose name will not be mentioned here, because they really were a good team, I mean c'mon, they went undefeated, aside from that one game, which I thought that they should have lost on a forfeit instead of getting fined half a million dollars, but, hey, that's just me, I mean, Jevus, what kind of message are we sending to the kids who watch this game if they think you can get away with cheating just by paying the fine? Answer? I don't know. But, I'm sure time will tell.) can defy the law of averages and go undefeated for an entire season.

The unbridled cuteness! (Oh, wait, that's Puppy Bowl IV!)

"The odds are against them," I said at the Super Bowl dinner G and I were invited to this evening (by, and with, a house load of, I'll say, fans from a northeastern team).

"What do you mean?" queries G.

"Well, you can't go undefeated forever. The law of averages has got to be against you," I says.

"They have a 50-50 chance," says G.

"True enough," I agree.

I want(ed) the Giant to win (They did, of course. Thank you, although no money was ever wagered on said event). Have to, being from New Jersey and all. Plus, you have to root for the underdogs in a room full of fanatics.

Truth be told, if I had cable, and had stayed home tonight, I would have probably ended up watching Puppy Bowl IV. As a matter of fact, while at the Super Bowl dinner (which, by the way, was very nice and entertaining) — and while a bunch of us were watching some painful pre-game tribute to (What!?) The Declaration of Independence — I asked if we could turn on Animal Planet to see what was happening there. With some trepidation (I know, "We hold thefe truths to be felf-evident ..." is one of my favorite commercials also, but ...)

"There's cute puppies on the Puppy Bowl!"

I voted for Scuba. I just thought he had it in him. Unfortunatley, on video, he was just a dirty player. Ahh, now that's a trait to which Marcel can relate.

And, true enough, there were cute puppies on Animal Planet. But, pre-game fever was rampant in the house, so Puppy Bowl was off as soon as it began.

We, the collective fans and un-fans alike, watched and enjoyed (well, if you were a Giant fan) the first half of the game. G and I left as Tom Petty (aforementioned aged, hip by network television and NFL big wigs, rocker half-time show) was leading into his second tune (Apparently, he's still not backing down) and, headed home. School tomorrow, you know.

I watched the last 1:46 minutes of the game (and, apparently, the best 1:46 minutes in the game) from home — until Bill Belichick stormed off the sidelines in a huff — and the Giant's won the Super Bowl (in that order).

Later, I got on-line to write this post, and watched a few clips from Puppy Bowl IV, including a half-time show that could only have been upstaged by the reappearance of Janet Jackson's nipple star.

Ahh, Puppy Bowl IV!

As Tibby Boom Boom (more on him at another time) has been known to yell, at any particular event that rallies the masses to some unexplained fever pitch, "Sports!"

Ride, Sally's, Ride

2008-01-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

ANZ151-290200-
/O.CON.KGYX.GL.W.0008.000000T0000Z-080129T0200Z/
PENOBSCOT BAY-
700 AM EST MON JAN 28 2008

GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING

REST OF TODAY
N WINDS 20 TO 30 KT WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 KT. SEAS
9 TO 12 FT...SUBSIDING TO 6 TO 9 FT THIS AFTERNOON. SNOW LIKELY
THIS MORNING...THEN SNOW AND SLEET LIKELY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN
THIS AFTERNOON. VSBY 1 TO 3 NM. LIGHT FREEZING SPRAY.

This type of forecast does not usually bode well for my morning commute, and usually ends up, if we do go, as this type of ride.

File footage (I always wanted to use that phrase) — from back in the day (2 years ago) — when we weren't such Sally's.

But, G and I jump into the car and head down to the terminal. (Yes, I could have called first and, yes, sometimes they'll actually call me before I leave the house. Ahh, life on The Rock.) There are no cars in line, but it's about four minutes before seven, and by this time the cars are loaded anyhow. There are only two cars parked in the lot, and one of them, I notice as one of the ferry employee's. It does not look good for morning commuting today.

As we approach the building, the door opens and Albert leans out, waving us on and nodding his head and mouthing the words "No boat!" repeatedly.

"Apparently, there is no boat this morning," I say to G. "I'm just going to run in for a second to say "Good Morning."

When I get back into the car, G says, "I think the canceled ferry has taken the place of the power outages." (Referring, of course, to the constant outages we used to have on The Rock every time the wind blew or some boat dragged the lines — which used to just sit on the bottom of the ocean, before they finally buried them there — and shut the island down.)

"Yeah, it seems that way."

"What Sally's."

So, I am home again for a forced — what is it, 4 days — off from work already in 2008? I guess things could be worse. I do have work things that I can work on at home today, so, I figure I'll get some of them done. Plus, I can now go down and get Marcel's 2008 license before the price triples (at the end of the month), get to the dump (Transfer Station, in name only), and pick up some images for the 2009 island calendar that I have to get out to the printer in about 33 days.

Well, I better get to gettin'.

In the meantime, I'll just leave you with some 'File Footage' of a boat that's always ready to set sail, regardless of the weather. Enjoy!

In The Navy : Village People

Sweet Little Sunrise®

2008-01-25T22:50:00.000-05:00

Smoke on the water, fire in the sky.

A chill is in the air, and there is, well, you know.

Smoke On The Water
(Buy: Dolapdere Big Gang: Local Strangers)

Hot Dog! It's Almost Done

2008-01-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posting lately.

It's not like nothing has been going on on The Rock, it's just that we've been trying to install a wood stove (a Vermont Castings Aspen — a "beginners" stove — to those alternative home heating, wood burning snobs that have upgraded to the pricier models) and finish the 'Florida Room' (named primarily for its previous finishes and color scheme) at the homestead.

Hot (Wiener)Dog! That's one fine lookin' stove!

I am happy to say, "It's almost done!" The stove is now working, and all that's left to do is the other half of the flooring and some miscellaneous trim and paint work. But, for the time being, Babette, Neko (our two feline housemates) and Marcel Duchamp camp their furry little behinds down in front of the warmth every night.

I'll be back more regularly soon.

I DailyLove® A Beautiful Morning Sky, A Ferry Ride, And Some O.B.T. (Overheard Boat Talk®)*

2008-01-16T21:35:00.000-05:00

*Overheard Boat Talk® is 100% Guaranteed — Unprovoked, Unabridged, and Unbelievable.

FILE UNDER: THE ISLAND OF BROTHERLY LOATHE

"We went to Mexico, but I didn't like it. Nobody understood me, and I didn't understand anybody else. It's like they're all speakin' a different language and all.

I like that new thing that they were talkin' 'bout on the news the other day. If you want to be an American, then you have to write and speak the language. You have to speak American. It's that simple.

I couldn't even go into a convenience store to buy a pack of gum without them speakin' Spanish to me.

Canada's the same way."

What the H-E-Double Taco's ws that all aboot?

•••

Tijuana Taxi
Spanish Flea
(Buy: Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass: Going Places)

Mexican Hat Dance
(Buy: Brave Combo: Group Dance Epidemic)

Mexico
(Buy: CunninLynguists (featuring Club Dub): Dirty Acres)

I Believe These Children (Gorillaz, Dirty Harry, and Bootie Brown) Are Our Future

2008-01-15T23:00:00.000-05:00

Gorillaz: Demon Days Live At The Manchester Opera House

"I need a gun to keep myself from harm
The poor people are burning in the sun
But, they ain't got a chance
They ain't got a chance
I need a gun
Cos all I do is dance,
Cos all I do is dance."

And, if I have been so slack as to not wish you a Happy 2008! yet, Happy 2008!

Oh, What? A Beautiful Morning (That's What!)

2008-01-07T22:25:00.000-05:00

Hey, I'm restarting a little slow this year but, check out that sunrise.

I've said it before and, I'll say it again, my morning commutes kick arse!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (But, Cool It With The Ice)

2008-01-05T23:05:00.000-05:00

"What I want to know is how we're going to stay alive this winter." — Tonya Gromyko, Doctor Zhivago, 1965

This morning at 4:45 AM, Marcel Duchamp and I step out onto our crusty, snow covered front porch, closing the ice-crystal paneled storm door, which immediately sets off some random memory from Doctor Zhivago (you know, that beautiful country house turned into an ice palace scene) and, of course, reminds me that it has only been freezing bloody cold for about the last 24 hours and that, Jevus!, even though I love the snow — I mean, really, aside from the soft, warm white sands of any beach in the summertime, is there anything more magical than a fresh snow-covered landscape or forest? (The answer to that rhetorical question, if you actually thought I wanted an answer, is "NO!") — this 0˚ weather (with wind a la mode) is shite!

Marcel Duchamp walks gingerly on these windy, ice-laden mornings choosing his steps wisely, strategically placing each paw down, as if he half expects to stick to the ground, like some dummy's tongue to a frosted metal surface. (Not that I, personally, have ever tried such a stunt. I mean, as if! Who would ever do something so silly, even if only see what might happen? Certainly not me!) But, they do not stick. And still, he does not seem entirely convinced that the next step won't be the one, so, he fakes a limp, playing up the little, cold dog routine until I either pick him up and carry him, or we head back into the house (where he will run around in circles, playing with the cats and, miraculously, his leg is cured!).

"Truth be told," admits Mssr. Duchamp, "Given the chance, I'd drive everywhere I went."

But, this morning it is 10˚, a good 10˚ warmer then yesterday morning — and, there is no noticeable wind — so, surprisingly, it feels pretty nice out here. So, as I was saying, ...

I shut the storm door of our ice palace, and walk to the edge of the porch (a good 4 feet from where we started) and look up to the sky to see a large crescent moon. From out of my peripheral view overhead, a shooting star trails from 12 to 6 o'clock, disappearing for a split second (that would be a split of a split second, seeing that the entire star falling event only takes a split second) behind the shadow of the moon, until it vanishes into the eastern sky.

Put on a happy moon face!

Waking (and walking) at these early hours, when the stars are still prominent in the dark sky and The Rock is silent and beautiful, I will see three or four shooting stars a week.

(And, that's where my notebook writing stopped. Since it has been so long since I have written anything down, I ask G to read it through and tell me what she thinks.

"I like it," she says. (I think that's a positive review.) "How are you going to end it?"

End it? I think. How am I going to end it? I hadn't really thought that all the way through and, since I am already 5 days into the new year without a post, I'll end it this way ...)

These are not bad ways to start winter mornings.

The Return Of DailyLove® (With A Side Of Alaska's Finest)

2007-12-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

CoHo! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!

•••

Do I really have to add anything else to one of the funniest holiday cards ever seen?

I think not. Well, other than, Anne Geddes wishes she was this cool. (But, she is so not! As a matter of fact, she may be the polar opposite of said coolness.)

And, as another matter of fact, this might even be cruel. But, as long as she's selling her signature bag and hats, it's all in the name of corporate cuteness. (Oh, wait, I'm doing DailyLove® here today. Sorry.)

The Mother and Father of this fine, little pink 'keeper' once taught with G out on The Rock, before moving back to 'The Land That Light Forgot'. Until it is 'The Land That Light Forgot To Leave'. (Which by the way, Alaska.com defends, kind of, here.) We miss them as neighbors, and as close-living friends. (That is, we still consider them friends, but Alaska is a looong way away.)

So, that's my DailyLove® for this holiday season. After this (and, maybe, one or two more moments of weakness), my holiday cynicism reigns supreme.

Happy Holidays! (for today!)

•••

NEXT TIME (OR, SOME TIME SOON): YES, SANTA CLAUS, THERE IS A VAGINA (Which, I've been told, even has something to do with where babies come from! Cosmic Coincidence? I think not!)

Hey, Holmes! Confidence Is In; Wallowing In Shame Or Fear Is Out

2007-12-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Photograph of Comet Holmes, via Sky & Telescope©Dennis di Cicco

December, aside from being full of the undue pressures to fulfill holiday shopping and festivity expectations, is full of astronomical wonders. This month you can observe the awesome beauty of Comet Holmes (in the composite photograph above), as well as the coming of the Geminid meteor showers, which will peak on the 13th and 14th.

Geminid Crickets! Get a load of them meteors! This photo shows Geminids streaming away from the shower's radiant near the star Castor. It was made by combining 83 out of 1,256 exposures shot over an 11-hour time span on December 13-14, 2004. Click above for a larger image. ©Fred Bruenjes

At 4:30 the other morning, Marcel (in sweater) and I (baggy in hand) took a walk out into a silent, windless morning for his daily constitution. What we saw was a site not unlike the photograph below ...

Venus and Moon are alright these days. Check out more of the amazing astrophotographic images of Steve Barrett.

Although, certainly, I could not have taken such a spectacular picture with, (a)Marcel yanking me forward to find the perfect place to do his 'business', and (b)my total lack of a camera these days. So, the image above will have to suffice. But, it was as awe inspiring, as you can see (unless, this type of thing does nothing to inspire awe in you).

But, maybe, 'amazing' astrological readings are your cup of tea. In which case, prepare to be awe inspired by the in-depth forecasts for the month of December. Yes, each one of these is directly from a 'reliable' astrological source, and I'll try to give credit where credit is due. Here goes, ...

•••

"Being impatient can get on your nerves! In an instant – anyone can become a live-wire today. If your dream seems to be dissolving, try to stay out of deep waters with negative undercurrents."

•••

No shite! That little bit of astro-illogical mumbo-jumbo is 'Today's Astrology Horoscope (for all signs)' from ArtCharts Daily Astrology. Now, I'm no astrologist, but I can tell you this, they will only get better.

Like this one, from Georgia Nicols.

•••

"Moon Alert! We have the All Clear today to shop (for anything from a coat to a condo or a company) and make important decisions. The Moon is in Sagittarius."

•••

And, how appropriate! What are the chances that anyone would have even thought of shopping (for a coat, to a condo, or a company) any time in December? Well, if that's you, you have the 'All Clear.'

But, she has more, for me personally, in my sign.

•••

"You have two options today. You can either be stubborn and make it difficult to work with others because you want your way; or you can join forces with others and get a tremendous amount done by working together. Your call."

•••

Now, the fact that I only have these two options today, makes me a bit apprehensive for how I will deal with others for the rest of this month. You know what though, I may mix it up and try each every other day. That way, I'll be able to judge which approach works best for me. Whichever produces the best results, is what I'm carrying into the New Year. Or, not. It's my call.

But, wait, this one has some other recommendations.

•••

"You take a hard line in what you want to accomplish. You tend to ignore others' feelings. You must develop tact and persuasiveness, forego resentment and guilt-tripping. Negative emotions interfere with efficiency."

•••

Crap! I sound like a real A-hole. Maybe I need to work on that. (Or, not, it's still my call.)

This astrological wave of insight is crashing down around me!

But, let me give one more spin of the wheel and see what Mark Lerner of Astrology.com has to say.

•••

"The playing field is more level today than during the previous 48 hours.

The good news is that the Moon is now traveling through Sagittarius - providing a sound foundation for reaching long-sought goals in the fields of education, publishing and literature. Giving you an extra boost to reach those aims is a supportive, 60-degree link between Mercury in Sagittarius and Chiron in Aquarius (5:35PM PST)."

•••

A good start. Level field. And, some actual Moon and sign info in there to give it a little juice. And, hey, look! numbers and degrees! This guy has got the stuff.

•••

"New and inspiring ideas can illuminate your thought process throughout the day and night."

•••

Sure, a little vague. But, good things to remember.

•••

"The one main obstacle to progress is a morning inconjunct or 150-degree liaison between Mercury and Ceres (5:54AM PST)."

•••

Ahh, now we're back on track.

•••

"Antique hunters need to keep within a sensible budget. Travelers should factor in the possibility of delays and unforeseen tie-ups on highways or at airports. Note that this is the last day before a New Moon and that can coincide with a rise in physical exhaustion. Nevertheless, anytime the Moon transits through this ninth sign of the zodiac, it's a great time to kick up your heels, enjoy fun and games or get back into a favorite sport. Give hard work and monotonous chores the brush-off. Toss self-pity and guilt feelings on to a funeral pyre and light the match.

Confidence is in; wallowing in shame or fear is out."

•••

What!? What the H-E-Double Hockey-sticks happened there? "Confidence is in; wallowing in shame or fear is out?" Since effin' when? Man, this better have a strong ending because that whole — "antique hunters" and deals, "travelers" and delays, "enjoy fun and games" — just left me a bit like I was reading a Disney cruise or Fall travel guide (maybe, through my cosmic journey!).

And you know what, eff the ending! I see this gong nowhere good, and besides, I have something more important to talk about (and, I just realized that I haven't put a picture in in too long), so here goes.

•••

A face that pretty much everybody loves (except those lazy, no-good owners that dumped him in the shelter in the first place).

December 6th marked the 1-year anniversary of Marcel Duchamp into our home. A chance meeting in a coffee shop brought us together and — now that he has lost the bad habit of not being house-broken (a habit, by the way, that I blame entirely on the lazy, no-good owners that dumped him in the shelter in the first place) — now enjoys a new 'cosmic journey' with G and I, as well as his little cat friends, Babette and Maneki Neko.

Thank you, lazy, no-good owners that dumped him in the shelter in the first place.

From the bottom of my heart.

•••

NEXT TIME: F*CK OFF! I FEEL A COSMIC CLEANSING COMING ON.

Snow Day!

2007-12-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

The backyard as pre-Winter Wonterland.*

The 5:30 phone call confirmed what G was hoping for all evening, Snow Day! I had already resigned myself to the fact that I wasn't going for a boat ride today — but, it wasn't until I ventured out to the ferry terminal myself, did I discover the boat in dock — and, that nobody else was going anywhere either.

So, I came back home to take out the boy, and he loves the snow ...

until he's done with his business.

Stay warm!

*G thought I should make a not that the little building is not our house, but the old two-holer. (To which I will add, Hooray for indoor plumbing!)

Sure, Sometimes It's Time For Blogging — But, Tonight, I Don't Feel Like Writing — So, It's Business Time

2007-10-29T22:15:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, Flight Of The Conchords. Your new (if you haven't heard of them before) favorite two man, digi-folk band, from New Zealand.

All business. All the time.

The Red Socks Win! The Red Socks Win!

2007-10-25T23:30:00.000-05:00

No, not the Big Daddy Warbucks Red $ox.

I don't give two shites if Bo$ton wins or loses. (Well, that's not entirely true. I hope they really lose. I mean, really, they spend $ 143,026,214. on the salaries of the Red $ox. You could pay the combined salaries of the Cleveland Indians AND the Colorado Rockies, and still have over $26,000,000. left over — for which you could then use to pay the salaries of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays — and still have $2,000,000. for your own mad money. I mean, shite, if I were the owner of the $ox, if they didn't bring me home a World Series ring — or, at least, a cure for cancer — I'd be pretty upset, too. What does your team pay in salaries? You can check 'em all out here.)

"Daisy Duke" Matsuzaka, the $103 million dollar man. Man, don't even get me started on acquisition this tool!

No, my dear readers, I am talking about The Rock's own Boys High School Soccer team! The Vikings! (I think they actually wear red socks too, but, I could be wrong. I know for a fact that they do wear red jackets though.)

Returning from their mainland pillage, with their spoils of war, and the sweet smell of victory!

Yesterday, in what the local mainland newspaper called "an improbable turn of events", The Vikings, The Rock's Boys High School soccer team (ranked No. 6) won in a double overtime against to make their way into the Finals for the Western Class D Championship game — which I really don't understand that well, seeing that The Rock is some 16 miles east of the Coast of Maine — beating No. 2 ranked Rangeley, by a score of 3-2.

This may sound like no big deal to many of you readers out there — who come from bigger cities and towns, and are used to being part of large, well funding sporting programs — but this is the first time in history (which I think goes back, at least 8 to 10 years, that The Rock's soccer team has EVER made it this far in the season.)

Meeting the ferry on it's return from sea, were the town's fire engine and police car, and two dozen students, teachers, and parents — in a cacophony of sirens, beeps, whoops, and claps — all welcoming home the victors, and sharing in their revelry.

Really, this is the first time I have ever seen or heard the Police car's lights or siren on, since I have moved out here. (That is, if I don't count that one time 5 years ago when I was pulled over at 1 AM in the morning on my way to help a friend get his dock out of the water at a moonlit, high tide, by an officer that swore that I went through a STOP sign. We disagreed about the call and, the thing I really dig about this island — after about 5 minutes of debating the issue — I went on my way with a warning. But, I won't count that time if you don't.)

Well, tomorrow The Vikings (9-6-1) head back to the mainland to fight their way to Western supremacy against No. 1 Richmond (14-1-1)! They've canceled school tomorrow (which they hardly even ever do for the weather) so that everybody can get on the boat of their choice and get over to The Main to cheer them on.

My Greydar Senses Are Tingling

2007-10-22T23:00:00.000-05:00

"You cannot imagine how his ideas caught me, Harry, inflamed me."

Indeed!

(But, really, that's not the reason I didn't like the books. Well, let me clarify. I read the first book — because G enjoyed it — and the last six chapters of the last book. And, yeah, Dumbledore, the outed Headmaster of Hogwarts, is still dead. But, his lover? Still alive.)

You know what they say at Hogwarts, "Don't ask. I'm not telling."

•••

Here Comes Your Man
(Buy: Pixies: Death To The Pixies 1987-1991)

Gay Bar
(Buy: Electric Six: Gay Bar [UK CD #1])

Just Can't Get Enough
(Buy: Erasure: Erasure: Live)

The Masochism Tango
(Buy: London Gay Men's Chorus: Showtime)

A Shiteload Of Honey Mushrooms (And, Oh Yeah, A Pipevine Swallowtail)

2007-10-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Mr. Natural strikes again!

Out, as usual, wandering around The Rock — collecting mushrooms, digging the scene and, taking some sweet pictures — Mr. Natural struck 'black gold.' (That is, of course, if you consider rare sightings of butterflies 'gold' — which, hey, some of us do — so either read on or shut up!)

With some sweet pix of a beautiful, and a bit battered, Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor).

After contacting one of the state's lepidopterists (Yeah, I didn't even know there was one.), ...

Big Pipey, hanging with the monarchs.

he discovered that the last Pipevine Swallowtail reported in Maine was Bar Harbor, in 1907!

One in a hundred (YEARS, that is)!

Not to overstate the discovery of this rare traveler to The Rock, our wonderful little island paper, The Wind, described the event this way:

On September 29th, a naturalist and former resident of Alaska was walking on Lanes Island and saw a pipevine swallow tail butterfly. The last one reported in Maine was in 1907. Please everyone, keep reporting interesting nature sightings you spot. Thanks. M.D.

•••

Nature Boy
(Buy: David Bowie & Massive Attack: Moulin Rouge [Original Soundtrack])

La Nature
(Buy: We Are Wolves (Nous Sommes Loups): NON-STOP Je Te Plie En Deux)

And, just because Mr. Natural and I both hail from The Great Garden State, here's some 'Old Schoolie Nature.'

Uptown Anthem
(Buy: Naughty By Nature: Naughty By Nature)

•••

(Note: Although M.D. describes Mr. Natural as 'a naturalist (which he certainly is) and former resident of Alaska (which he certainly was), he has lived on The Rock for 5 years. I think you can actually refer to him as a 'resident' now. Tough town, The Rock. And, really, is a once in 100 years event just 'interesting'? Whatever! Nice find, man.)

It's A Girl! (Or, To S.I.R., With DailyLove®!)

2007-10-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

"Lawzy, I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' babies!" (Well, aside from the hot water and clean sheets thing.)

But, it's a good thing that somebody does.

Isa, Isa, Baby!

After an unexpected 2-week layover at 'Hotel Mom's Belly', Sarah Isafina (last name withheld because, well, it's none of your bees wax!) finally made her out, and back to The Rock to add herself to our little town's ever-growing population.

Congratulations to the 'rents!

(And, just because I DailyLove® everybody that comes back to read here every day, here's 10 (random, true, and some are a stretch) 'Baby' songs for you.)

•••

Sarah's Song
(Buy: Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham: The Ruby)

Baby Love Child
(Buy: Pizzacato Five: Made In USA)

Girl U Want
(Buy: Devo: Tank Girl [Original Soundtrack])

Beautiful
(Buy: Clem Snide: Beautiful [EP])

Hey, Girl
(Buy: Figurines: When The Deer Wore Blue)

Stay Up Late
(Buy: Talking Heads: Little Creatures)

Baby Elephant Walk
(Buy: Henry Mancini: This Is Henry Mancini)

Steppin' Out, With My Baby
(Buy: Tony Bennett: With Love)

To Sir, With Love
(Buy: Lulu: To Sir, With Love [Original Soundtrack])

Material Girl
(Buy: Madonna: The Immaculate Collection)

•••

[A little side bar to Isafina's return to The Rock.]

G had thought it would be nice to shoot 'Baby's First Ferry Ride' from a rock just outside of the ferry landing. She had brought along Marcel for the event. As you can see (above, and will see, below), it was a beautiful night for a boat ride — that is, of course, until Marcel decided it was also a beautiful night to chase after some seagulls — and to take a little swim. G had to follow him in the water to retrieve him, because, he's a bit obsessive and probably would not have returned until he caught one.

He did not — but, G and Marcel met me at the boat — he, totally soaked, and G, soaked only up to her knees.

My Heart DailyLove®'s You

2007-10-18T21:25:00.000-05:00

"We met because of destiny.
We also create false promises."

Well, I'm back. And maybe it's because of destiny that you find yourself here, but here you are too. So, let me create this false promise:

I will never be gone for as long as I have been again. (Unless my computer dies on me again, then, I may never return. But, until that time, I'm back. And, I hope you are too.)

(Yeah, I know, I posted this video about a year ago. But, jeez, I gotta' start slow people — it's been over a month since I've written a word here! And, well, what better way to re-start then a YouTubed Bollywood Beatles Moment?)

Enjoy! And, come back again. I probably will.

Apologies All Around (Except For You, You Effin' Computer! You! You! You Can Burn In ... Ah, Who Am I Kidding, I ♥ You, Too.)

2007-08-31T04:16:00.000-05:00

Forgive me, Blog Readers, for I have sinned, it has been 17 days since my last confession. (Oh, wait, that's just one of those hangers-on from my catholic school upbringing.) Anyway, you get my drift. I've been gone to long (so I may be a bit rusty).

But, definitely not as nasty-arsed rusty as The Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge Which, by the way, is looking every bit of it's 68 years old, but rocks, sways, and bounces as each car and truck makes its way by you! (Which, actually, is kind of cool, if it wasn't for all that rust.) But, the Maine DOT swears it's safe. (Which, I'm sure after its current re-decking project completion, it will be.) But, please, at least cover that shite up with a new coat of paint. You know what they say, "If you can't fix it, hide it!" (I don't know who actually says that, but I bet you somebody does.)

I have good excuses though. But, I really don't want to use them all up here. So, I'll just give you the one that made the biggest dent in my existence here in the last week or so — and that is — Babette (my laptop's nom de plume) shite the bed on me. (Well, it didn't actually shite the bed ON me mind you, but actually shite the bed on it's own.) Therefore, bringing down a whole world of shite on me, pushing me to the (already, woefully under) limits of my computer hardware and software knowledge (or, more correctly, my entire lack there of).

But, behold, fair readers, I have come out of this minor episode cost, stress, and fat-free! (Well, two out of three ain't bad! Ahh, Meatloaf.)

I'll spread more love around tomorrow, should Babette allow.

Is that a silver lining I see?

(NO! I started this post yesterday, but Babette, for whom I earlier professed my love, totally crashed on me in the end. What a total piece of shite!)

Return My DailyLove® (Of Cartoon Opera) To Me

2007-08-13T23:00:00.000-05:00

Well, yeah, the ballet has its moments but, let's not forget the opera.

And, what young little vidiot (I mean, music aficionado) didn't get their first taste of the wonderful big 'O' on some sunny Summer, cartoon-packed Saturday morning?

Quite possibly, the best cartoon ever made. Richard Wagner's 'Die Walküre' (featuring the unparalleled vocal styling of Mel Blanc). Ain't opera grand?

Need more off that good old opera stuff? Then, head on over to Radio David Byrne for 2 hours and 39 minutes of the best of the best, sung by the best of the usual suspects (You know, Plácido Domingo, Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Alceo Gabbiera, and Jessye Norman, right!?)

But, you better get over there before the last of the fat ladies sings, because, at the end of the month, a new playlist arrives.

Encore!

MMM! Maine Milk(man) Magnificence!

2007-08-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

Remember, August 9th and 10th, only! Deerhoof's Milk Man: A Ballet at the Waterman's Community Center on North Haven (Maine, that is).

You don't want to miss these shows.

Deerhoof's Milk Man Ballet: 'Milking'

(And, if you won't take my word for it, check out the review on the DVD from The Weekly Geek.)

Deerhoof's Milkman Ballet: 'Rainbow Silhouette'

You have only 3 more days to get your tickets. (Go here or here for more information.) And, if you can't make it to Maine for the shows, give it up for the island's new school, and buy the DVD here! (It's all for education, and art, baby!)

(These two clips are MY amateur tapings of the show. The DVD was filmed by professionals — high quality picture, sound, and enjoyment!)

The Milkman Cometh (Again!)

2007-08-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

No, not me. But, hey, anybody up for a little ballet?

Last October, I had the pleasure to see and write about the 'World Premiere' of Deerhoof's Milk Man: A Ballet (based on the Deerhoof's 2004 album of the same name, based on the artwork of Japanese artist Ken Kagami) at the Waterman's Community Center on North Haven (our little island neighbor across the Thoroughfare), and performed by students, teachers and community members of North Haven Community School.

I posted clips here, and here, (and to this day, viewed over 15,000 times on YouTube) for those of you that missed this spectacular evening.

Well, this on August 9th and 10th, you will have an opportunity to see it again (or, for the first time, if you didn't see it last time).

Make your arrangements now, and don't miss these shows. You may never get another chance.

•••

Here's a clip from the 'official' DVD (documented and edited by 'real' filmmakers, and on sale here, and whose profits go directly to the construction of a new school on the island).

Really, you don't want to miss this again, do you?

August Or Bust

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

Later, July.

The Japanese Tower Of Pistol-Whipped Grrrl Power, Say!

2007-07-10T21:22:00.001-05:00

I'd like to thank The World, my daily commuter companion, for turning me on to Pistol Valve today.

The girls of Pistol Valve. (Insert your own Two Live Crew joke here. Or, not.)

I don't know what they're saying but, I know I'm digging it.

(And, let's just say that I've been on vacation since the 1st of July. That way, I have no guilt about not posting for the past 10 days.)

I think I'm back now.

A Musical Interlude (With Music and, Quite Possibly, Ludes)

2007-06-30T23:50:00.001-05:00

George Clinton and the Parliaments, 1969
Basic Black (Say Brother)
35th Anniversary Celebration

I DailyLove® Home Work!

2007-06-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

I woke up late this morning, and didn't want to rush to get to the first boat. So, I decided I was staying home.

As PeeWee would say, "Mmmm, cloudy!"

When I was a kid, and didn't want to go to school (or any other event of undue stress or anxiety), I would think of a thousand excuses that would try to convince my Mom and Dad of my dilemma.

"I've got a stomach ache."
"I think I'm getting a cold."
"My head hurts."
"I feel like I'm going to throw up."
"Feel my head. I think I have a temperature."

"Dude!" says MD, "Those excuses are prehistoric!" "Or, Only about 6000 years old, depending on your camp," I retort. "You are retorted!" MD barks. "No! You are!" (We'll work this out ourselves later.)

Yeah, I know, every excuse lamer, and more pitiful then the last. (I mean really, what the hell did I even know about temperature at 8?)

The only reason that I bring this up, is that that's the way I felt this morning. I'm adult, for Jevus sakes! What's that all about? For the first few minutes this morning — as Marcel Duchamp and I were taking our morning usual promenade around the neighborhood — I'm thinking of some good excuse to call into work with.

"I've got a stomach ache."
"I think I'm getting a cold."
"My head hurts."
"I feel like I'm going to throw up."
"Feel my head. I think I have a temperature."
(Oh, wait, that one definitely won't work. No, shite! With 40 more years of experience and knowledge, this is all I can come up with?)

Until I realize — I've got an ad deadline today (And, it can all be done on the laptop at the kitchen table!) — I can work on it from home! My pace quickens, Marcel even seems more excited. (But, he is not, because, ...)

I'm working from home today!

I highly recommend it!

(It makes me feel a little better, too, knowing that it is about 15 degrees cooler out on The Rock today. Maybe even 20 with the breeze. Ahhh, island life!)

Mister Fluffles, R.I.P. (Or, Something Old, Something New, Something Cold, and Something Blue)

2007-06-26T15:00:00.000-05:00

"What do you have there," I asked, noticing the little picnic basket in her hands, "a lunch outing?"

"No," she answered, opening the lid to display its contents. "It's Mister Fluffles."

A face only some Mother could love. (Not really Mister Fluffles, but a damn good look-a-like.)

We are standing in the ferry terminal lobby, preparing to board for the morning commute. People walk by, peeking into the basket, as do I, curious as to what would actually fit in such a small basket bearing the name of 'Mister Fluffles'.

"He's my little (something-something breed)," she says, (assuming that I actually thought that there was more than one type of) "guinea pig. I'm taking him over to the vet today."

"Is something wrong with him?" I ask, concerned.

"Yes. He's been very sick, and he has a tumor on his right side. He can't get around any more. I'm taking him over to be put to sleep."

I feel as though she should have whispered that, not wanting Mister Fluffles to hear of his demise.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I respond. "I'm really glad I got a chance to meet him," I finish, giving Mister Fluffles a gentle scratch on his head, then running my hand down his back.

She tucks in the gingham cloth snuggly around him, and covers the lid. We walk on board, talking of how it is such a beautiful day.

"Good luck with the vet," I say, walking starboard.

"That you, Mushi," she says, heading portside.

I've never been one to understand the appeal of rodent pets. I had mice as a child. My brother had gerbils (Until the multiplied, and ate their young. Nobody needs to see that. Nobody.) After that, it was all dogs.

They're all so cute! (Except for those with the demon red eyes. Oh, Jevus, they all have demon red eyes! )

The next day, I board the ferry, and see a friend with his dog. (Don't go and get ahead of yourselves now! He's just going to visit friends.) I say 'Hello', and take a seat a little aways back — wanting to do some writing, undisturbed, on the ride — when Mister Fluffles owner's son sits in the seat in front of me.

"How's your Mom doing?"

"She's fine. Why?"

"Oh, I just saw her on the way to the vet to put Mister Fluffles to sleep." Hey, I was genuinely concerned. I know how people get with their pets (me, being one of them), and I wasn't sure how close she was to him.

"She got another one yesterday."

"Oh. I guess she's okay then." I laugh.

"Yeah," he continues, "at least this one went better than the last one." ("Do tell! Do tell!" I am thinking to myself, ready to forgo other writings for what I'm sure will make for a good post. And tell, he does.)

In Peru, they love their guinea pigs so much, at the Festival of Corpus Cristi, they dress them up in cute little outfits ...

"She had another guinea pig, I don't remember what his name was, some time ago. It was in the winter, about 6 years ago. My father was terminally ill at the time (Eeeks! I wasn't ready for that. But, if I've learned one thing in my 5 years of confined morning commutes, it's this — nothing if off limits.), and Mom was always distracted with other things, when one day she noticed that the guinea pig was laying on its side in the cage. Not moving. She was a little sad, but had other things on her mind, so she wrapped it up (I remain uncertain about the sex of said guinea pig, as all he kept saying was "it"), and put it out in the meat freezer."

"What!?" I asked (or, exclaimed, or, stammered, or, whatever I did ...)

"Heh, yeah. It was December or January. She wasn't about to go out with an ice pick to dig a hole for it. So, there it lay. Until I came over a week or two later.

I had just come back from a hunting trip, and was bringing over some venison for my folks. My Dad loved deer meat. Not Mom so much. But, Dad did the cooking so, I brought it over to the house. I said my hello's, and went back in to put the meat in the freezer, opened the door, and ..."

"No way!" I laugh out loud.

"I yell, "Mom! Can you come back here for a minute." She comes back, and in the freezer is the guinea pig. Only, it had obviously woken up from its death sleep ..."

I burst out, "Like a little friggin' zombie!"

Before they eat them. But, you know what they say. "When in Cuzco ..." (No, really! You have to check out the sixth picture down on that last link!)

"Yeah, I guess. (I don't think he appreciated my interjection at this point.) So, it had obviously woken up from its sleep, and not death, and had tried to claw it's way out of the freezer. It's standing on its hind legs, with its little paws like this (at which point he makes his hands into little paws, frozen in a scratch pose, distorting his face. I am hauntingly disturbed by this pose, but do not show it) but, not before eating quite a bit of the meat that was stored in the there. I guess 30-something degrees isn't that cold for guinea pigs. It must have been awake in there for quite a while."

"Now that's sad. Hopefully he just layed down and finally just slept forever ("Before cursing all of humanity to a cruel and freezing death," I think to myself)."

"Right," he says, looking at me a little perplexed. "Anyway, I take it out of the freezer, along with the 3 or 4 pounds of meat it dug into, and put take it in a bag to take to the dump."

"Making sure it's dead, right?"

"Oh, yeah. It's dead now. So, as I'm walking out of the house with the garbage bag full of guinea pig and chewed frozen meats, my Dad yells out ...

"If you come back here later on — and you don't see me anywhere — please don't talk to your Mom, just check the freezer."

"Will do, Dad."

(That is a true story. At least, as it was told to me. How could I ever leave my morning commute?)

•••

The milk truck hauls the sun up
And the paper hits the door
The subway shakes my floor
And I think about you
Time to face the dawning gray
Of another lonely day
Baby, it's so hard
Living without you

It's so hard
Baby, it's so hard
Baby, it's so hard
Living without you

Ev'ry one's got something
And they're out tryin' to get some more
They got something to get up for
Well I ain't about to
Nothin's gonna happen
Nothin's gonna change
Baby, it's so hard
Living without you

It's so hard
Baby, it's so hard
Baby, it's so hard
Living without you.

— 'Living Without You', lyrics by Randy Newman.

•••

Guinea Pigs
(Desmond Reed: Hear more of Desmond's music here.)

Pets
(Buy: Porno For Pyros: Porno For Pyros)

Living Without You
(Buy: Curtis Stigers: Secret Heart)

But, We've Come So Far. Haven't We?

2007-06-24T20:51:00.000-05:00

Maybe.

But, I'll tell you more about that tomorrow.

I DailyLove® the Summer!

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

And, I DailyLove® this song (and, practically, every version I've ever heard of it) even more.

Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high

Your daddy's rich
And your mamma's good lookin'
So hush little baby
Don't you cry

One of these mornings
You're going to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky

But till that morning
There's a'nothing can harm you
With daddy and mamma standing by

Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high

Your daddy's rich
And your mamma's good lookin'
So hush little baby
Don't you cry.

'Summertime' (Music by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. Lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin.)

(Okay, just one note on that last version. I totally dig Devendra Banhart's voice. Hell, I'll even overlook the fact that he seems to be sporting the look of the lovechild of Perry Farrell and Captain Jack Sparrow. But, if the coming of Summer means just one more hippie in a poncho and underpants doing the timeless 'Grateful Dead Sway' dance, I'm gonna' freak!)

Uh, oh.

It's Only DailyLove®

2007-06-19T23:00:00.000-05:00

Sure, 5 days can fly by before you realize you haven't posted for a while. Or, maybe 'It's Only Make Believe'. (But, I'm pretty sure I've been slacking for 5 days.)

Quite honestly, the best damn karaoke song ever written.

Ladies and gents, Conway Twitty. (Go ahead. Sing along. You know you want to.)

People see us everywhere
They think you really care
But myself I can't deceive
I know it's only make believe.

My one and only prayer is that some day you'll care,
My hopes, my dreams come true, my one and only you.
No one will ever know how much I love you so
My only prayer will be someday you'll care for me
But it's o-only make believe.

My hopes, my dreams come true, my life I'd give for you,
My heart, a wedding ring, my all, my everything.
My heart I can't control, you rule my very soul,
My only prayer will be someday you'll care for me
But it's o-only make believe.

My one and only prayer, is that some day you'll care,
My hopes, my dreams come true, my one and only you
No one will ever know how much I love you so
My prayer, my hope, and my schemes, you are my every dream
But it's o-only make believe.
— 'It's Only Make Believe', (Conway Twitty and Jack Nance)

(Now, 'You and I' both know, this would have been a better campaign song for Hillary Clinton. Celine Dion? Geez!)

Just Shut Up (And, Go Already!)

2007-06-14T05:40:00.000-05:00

Sorry, kids. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here!

At least once this Summer, I'll hear somebody say to G,

"Teachers have it easy. They work for only 9 months, and get the whole Summer off."

"Did you hear what he said? Look out!"

"Yeah, it's a pretty easy job," she'll respond, "Come on in to school any time, and we'll switch jobs for a day, and then we'll see how you feel."

Oh, yeah. Today is the last day of school on The Rock. (If you are one of those people with a "real" job, stop reading shite on the internet and get back to work!) If you're a teacher, please, wait at least a week or two before you start thinking about next year.

Enjoy your Summer!

•••

Hot For Teacher
(Buy: Van Halen: 1984)

School's Out
(Buy: Alice Cooper: School's Out)

To Sir With Love
(Buy: Lulu: From Crayons to Perfume: The Best of Lulu)

Hannah Pingree, Et Al: The New Toxic Avengers

2007-06-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

(You know what, I'm going to apologize for the ending of this post right from the start, but, I do what I have to do.)

In Body of Evidence: A Study of Pollution in Maine People, a study of 13 'lucky' citizens, that was just released yesterday afternoon by the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine it was reported that the "study found a total of 46 different chemicals (of 71 tested) in samples of blood, urine, and hair. On average, each participant had measurable levels of 36 toxic chemicals in their bodies."

Hey! That a pretty cute report cover (for a report that's totally freaking me out)!

Not to jump the gun and freak everybody right the hell out (too late), the press knew just how to handle it. Example?

"STUDY FINDS 36 TOXIC CHEMICALS IN BODIES OF MAINERS TESTED" (with the classic sub-heading reading "EVEN A TEENAGER HARBORS TOXINS AT 10 TIMES HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.")
— From The Portland Press Herald

(I live in Maine, too. But, I'm young, and I don't have to worry about anything, like that teenager, who probably is an above average student anyway.)

But, don't panic. From the Press Herald article:

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association acknowledges that chemicals enter the bloodstream but maintains that the concentrations are not high enough to cause harm.

"We're living longer and better than we have ever have, and I think that these sorts of studies make people worry when I don't see a reason for that level of concern," said Dr. John Bailey, the trade group's executive vice president of science.

I'm sure, of course, Dr. Bailey has no allegiances with the cosmetics industry.

Any more then Dr. Death, here, had with the cigarette industry.

So, light up, and, wait! There's more!

"MIDCOAST LEGISLATORS AMONG MAINERS CONTAMINATED WITH CHEMICALS" (Zoinks!)
— From The Courier Gazette (our little 3 times a week wonder)

What? You're not concerned yet?

"TESTS ON 13 MAINERS FIND INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS"
— from The Bangor Daily News

(Hey, you're thinking, "It's only 13 people. That ain't me!")

"Get lost, Fanboy! (And, your baby,too!) There's a new Avenger in town!"

But it is this one, my personal favorite (that was written by Jessica Alaimo of the Sunjournal (dated, April 29, 2007) and, apparently, reported at Earth Hope Network — a good two months ahead of even yesterday's release of the study — but I can't find it anywhere on their site.) ...

"SO YOUNG. SO TOXIC."
(Oh, yeah, that's right! Young! And, Toxic!) This one even had a great tag:

"It doesn't take a lifetime of unhealthy living to accumulate toxins in your body. Ask 30-year-old Mainer Hannah Pingree, House majority leader in the Legislature and a walking chemical soup. She's not alone."

Oh, yeah, that's right. You are right there with her! That is, if you're one of those 12 others tested. (My recommendation? Stay away from tests. Period!)

Yeah, here's a guilty pleasure. (Who'da thunk that this hillbilly would be creeping us out more then Lonnie, you know, the banjo playing kid from Deliverance, shortly hereafter? Well, everybody!) And, the only chance that I'll get to abuse the use of this song ... That is, until the rest of us are tested.

When asked about what she thought about the results, and how the public should deal with this news, Ms. Pingree responded,

"I just wanted to reach out to all of you and explain some of the things that I have been faced with recently.

It's so funny how many stories are put out there about people. It's like we all want our side of the story out there as well, but at the end of the day only a few people care to hear what is really going on since the bad is always so much more interesting than the truth. I don't know why, but this is so weird to me. I used to be angry at the tabloids for printing horrible things about me, but now I try to just be numb to what I see. I saw Tyra Banks once get really upset and cry on her show because they made her look fat. We all want a certain image of ourselves out there, and at some point we all do really care what other people think or we wouldn't be here.

Recently, I was sent to a very humbling place called rehab. I truly hit rock bottom. Till this day I don't think that it was alcohol or depression."

(Oh, wait! I'm REALLY SORRY! That was Britney Spears. In my rush to get this post up, I copied the wrong quote from the wrong site. Here's what Hannah really said ...)

"Personally, I stopped eating sushi and tuna. But, you really can't live your life saying you're going to stop doing X, Y and Z."

"But look at us! We're so cute! You can have just one of us. Remember all the good times? We won't hurt you. We promise. We love you!" (Ooooh, their downright evil! But, sooo tasty!)

Thanks, Hannah, I feel better already. (But, that image of poor Tyra — being upset, and crying on her show — because she thought she looked fat. How are we ever going to get past THAT?)

Stay healthy, everyone! (And, really, stay away from tests!)

•••

Toxic
(Buy: Local H: ALIVE -05)

But, nobody does it better then (a remix of) the original ...

Toxic (Les Clones Remix Club Edit)
(Buy: Britney Spears: In The Zone)

except, maybe, Mark Ronson, and some Ol' Dirty Bastard ...

Toxic (Feat. Ol' Dirty Bastard and Tiggers)
(Buy: Mark Ronson: Version)

And, you know what, you can NEVER get too much Mercury! (Freddie, that is!)

Don't Stop Me Now
(Buy: Queen: Shaun of the Dead Original Soundtrack)

Okay, I'll stop now.

Yes, Odocoileus Virginianus, They Can Swim

2007-06-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

5:15 AM. Not a bad way to start the day.

Up top of the ferry yesterday, I was telling the person I was standing with about how I haven't seen any porpoises out in the bay yet this year when, off the starboard rail, we saw these two.

Hey! Do those porpoise have ears?

No, they weren't porpoise, they were a different mammal.

Deery-paddling the way to freedom!

Whitetail deer!

These two were about a mile off any of the surrounding islands, and coming from the direction of the mainland (some 12 miles away)! As the ferry passed them, the lead deer changed direction, and turned to swim into the boat's wake.

We continued our journey to the mainland, as the deer continued in a new direction and, hopefully, eventually, to land.

Tomorrow: A Picnic Excursion to Isle Au Haut.

School's (Almost) Out For Summer

2007-06-08T23:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay, I'll finish!

So, how many classes do you think you can 'cut' before you end up repeating (said class) in summer school? Well, I can tell you. The answer is, one less then I estimated. You see, this was not a letter grade class I am talking about, no, no chance. This is a 'pass/fail' (or, apparently) summer school class. And what was this class that I chose to cut, and failed, and to which my parents decided I was going to make it up this summer of '76 (the Bicentennial, baby!) because,

"There is NO WAY that you are staying back for this! You'll NEVER get into a college if you stay back now!"

What class was that? It was gym. That's right — gym.

That year, I made the miscalculation of cutting the only class that, to this day, can bring laughter to whomever I regale with this tale, one too many class. The outcome, unbelievably, meant 3 weeks in the beginning of that summer, spent in 'Summer School for Gym'.

Who exactly ends up in summer school for gym? Well, let me tell you.

Our class of 'stellar citizens of the future' consisted of 3 drug dealers, 6 stoners (A phrase, back in the day, that just meant excessive pot smokers. Okay, and maybe some LSD. And, peyote. But, not much else.), and 3 other random pillars of society (or, the girlfriends of the drug dealers or stoners). I was not a drug dealer. Nor, a random pillar. But, I really wasn't a 'stoner' either. I just didn't quite keep tract of my minor indiscretions (or, class missing).

The educator in charge of this dirty dozen was, indeed, the same person that sentenced us all to this hell. And I'll tell you that — even though he was the one responsible for gathering us all in an all but closed school at 8 AM every morning and, most likely getting paid for his time (which, I suspiciously think, might well have been the only reason we were there in the first place) — he did not make it a pleasant time for anybody.

The first thing we did upon straggling in each morning, was to run a mile around the track out back. Now, this is not a huge deal for many people (like those who are actually awake, at their peak of physical fitness, or any of my friends who I tell this story to that were 'letter children' in their highschools), but this group was not of that ilk. But, we did it. Sort of. As we half-ran, half-walked our way around the track, all 21 eyes (There was one student that actually had a note from his parents or doctor, that got him out of the morning haul. And, one student with one eye. Not that he didn't have two — one just had a temporary patch on it.) were on the teacher, waiting for him to turn to the 'excuse-barer' (Who, quite honestly, did a wonderful job at engaging him in conversation, every day. Did I ever tell you you're my hero?) so that we might all slow down and suck wind, walk, or just plain stop. ("Not allowed! I want you to run it! RUN!") our ways to the finish line. And, finish we did. And, to our amazement, throughout those 3 weeks, we started to actually be able to run the whole thing. (But, we still took every opportunity to slow down, walk, or stop when we could. No brown-noses on us, mate!)

Not like us. Except for maybe that guy laying it down to the ground. (Montreal. July 1976. Games of the XXI Olympiad. Men's athletics: Lasse VIREN of Finland crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the 5000m event in a time of 13:24.76.)

We were lucky if we got up 20 minutes after we ran — all laying around the edge of the track — huffing and wheezing to catch our breath (or, milking it for all it was worth to keep from going into the gym, and filling up the rest of the morning). Yes, after we were done running in circles, regardless of the beauty of the day, we had to go inside and 'play' gym. And that, was the worst part of the whole ordeal. (Well, again, except for the horrendous radio music selections that no doubt haunted your thoughts throughout the summer. Really, click any of these clips to understand.)

Not being the jocks that might have picked up a 3-on-3 basketball game to quickly pass the remaining hours we had to this ordeal, we would make up games — like Tennis Racket Basketball Baseball or Badminton Bombardment (Shite! Those shuttlecocks hurt.) — which would not only pass the time slowly, but often get us into more trouble and the prospect of having 'detention' in a summer school class. (I think now, that you can start to get the vibe of my Summer of '76.)

But, finish the sentence we did. All but may 2 of the 12 of us. Those two, I believe, cut summer school too much. (And I don't now where you go from there, but, I'm guessing it was nowhere in the upward direction.) We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

And musically, things started to look up.

In the following year, when we would pass each other in the halls, we would smile and nod our heads in recognition (and quiet embarrassment) of our very special summertime blues.

I never went to summer school again, finally graduated, and got into a college. (They'll be proud of this link.)

And, found myself some good music. (And, rid myself of my 'Basketball Jones.')

***

Basketball Jones
(Buy: Cheech y Chong: Los Cochinos)

It Might Be Hard To Believe (But, When I Was 17, It Was Not A Very Good Year)

2007-06-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

No, the video below (nor the fact that this song played ALL summer long) was not the worse thing to happen to me (But, it was close. And, I cannot speak to how many others it may have scarred), in 1976. I'll get the rest out tomorrow. Until then, click below, if you dare.

Even the radio was against us.

Strange, But True:
Amazingly, in 1976, the Starland Vocal Band's song, 'Afternoon Delight' received a Grammy Award for 'Best Arrangement for Voices' and the band also received one for the 'Best New Artist of the Year.' They also received 3 other Grammy nominations and their song is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (But, hey, they let Bob Seger in there too, so how could you keep SVB out?)

So Fresh! So Clean! It's Cows, Of Course! (Or, Yet Again, It's Springtime for Heifers and Galloways)

2007-06-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

That's the other thing (Like I even told you the first thing yet, or something.) I really love about Spring in Rockport.

Fresh, farm-grown, baby cows!

Aldermere Farm's got 'em!

GO BELTIES!

Home Alone

2007-06-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

G has headed up to 'Les Verts Monts' for a college reunion, so, wee man (Marcel), the girls (Babette and Neko), and I are by ourselves this weekend.

Now, I don't usually do this (because G likes to make believe she's mowing Fenway — making diagonal patterns in the lawn — and because I do all the cooking in the house), but today I'm heading out to mow the back 40. I think I'll make believe I'm mowing Shea Stadium. (If you know what I mean.)

Let's Go Mow! (Photograph © Kev Belcher)

•••

I Hate Vermont
(Hear more of: The Smittens)

Cat Eyes On The Prize

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

Of which she got none of, I promise you!

Maneki Neko (the little black silhouette below left), spent the weekend consulting her Sibley's Guide, and adding a few more checks onto her Birds (I'd Like to Eat in My) Life List.

Much like Neko, this time of year, I am partial to the color yellow in the yard.

G and I spent the weekend (and what a beauty it was) weeding, planting, and mulching. My back is spent, but the yard is looking good!

Pass the snacks (ibuprofen), please.

It's A Bit Toasty Outside

2007-05-25T14:00:00.000-05:00

But, I'm not complaining. And, neither should you.