It's been a while

But some things are worth waiting for. (Right?)

I just LOVE hearing of my friends' encounters and successes. First off, Broose had an encounter with Adam Clayton in NYC, as he was simply hanging outside the art school he's currently attending. Reports are that U2 (my all-time favorite band) will be recording soon and then touring in '09. I have it on good authority that I will be getting backstage passes when they come to Seattle. Right, Broose? :)

And my dear bud Frank continues to thrive as an artist in Dallas with all odds against him, as evidenced by this killer mural promoting the latest Donny Wahlberg flick. Artist and star pictured below.

That's my bud. (wow, very 3-d, Frank!)

You Say It's Your Birthday!

Happy 65th to the legendary Paul McCartney.

Uniforms as Gun Control

All I gotta say is.... Holy Cow!

On a related note, best bumper sticker of the day:
wag more, bark less

Party Like It's.....

Happy 49th Birthday to a great musical genius, Prince.

Here He Goes Again

Here's a trailer for the new Michael Moore documentary "Sicko", about America's health care industry. I heard it got a thunderous standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.

What He Said

In the last elections, Shrub was given the middle finger, Dems were given a mandate, and they STILL fuck it up. Not always so, but in this case - ah luv Bill Maher.

My Heart

Anyone who's known me for more than five minutes knows about my ties to Deep Ellum, the entertainment district on the east side of downtown Dallas. Here's a pretty cool video on the musical history and legacy of the area, and BTW it features my dear friend Broose's band pop poppins from back in the day.

Then again, I guess the whole video could be someone's version of 'back in the day', as it juxtaposes the 20's and 30's with the early 90's. And of course there's a lot more to the full history, but this is a really great start.

Another part of Deep Ellum that has faded is the tunnel. For decades, it was one of the main entry's to DE, a gateway, if you were driving south off I-35 or Central Expwy. You gotta go thru the tunnel to get to DE. Well, you did. They're filling it in now, to make way for a mass transit rail line. Actually, it's probably all filled in and re-routed by now. What a bummer.

Not that I object to mass transit routes to DE. I'm all for folks getting easy access, altho' the area is now but a shadow of it's former and former and former selves. But, as is typical of Dallas, they've torn down the history to make way for progress.

Oddly, Dallas has yet to convince anyone it's a progressive city.

Every few years my bud Frank would orchestrate Tunnel Visions, an artist project to re-do the walls leading in and out of the tunnel with new murals by local artists. It was a PR thing to draw attention not just to Deep Ellum, but to all the artists who had their start there, or who had made an impact in the area. Just so happened that for one of those re-do's I was Marketing Director of the Deep Ellum Association, so I (barely) helped Frank out in the organization and execution of one of the Tunnel Vision projects. This video gives a montage of all the work done during the various Tunnel Visions, of which, at the time of the filming, there must have been at least three that had taken place over the years, and there's been one more since the video. Don't ask me about the music bed because it does not represent DE at all, but in the end, I'm grateful that at least someone had the foresight to document what I suppose can be referred to as the Era of the Tunnel. Much of what is depicted some might consider graffitti, but I would argue it should be recognized as street art. Other depictions are genuine fine art, in my opinion. Maybe some of it is in-between, but that's exactly the point and the beauty of it. As with all art, the work was there for all entering Deep Ellum to view and then to enjoy/interpret/judge for themselves. As with Deep Ellum itself.

Especially because now the tunnel is no more. Making way for progress.

Love Yer Mother

Happy Earth Day!

Here are some very easy, simple things you can do today to start living more eco-friendly, courtesy of one of my she-roes, Oprah.

For example:
(1) Rather than buying bottled water, use a re-usable bottle that you can wash in the dishwasher, and refill it
(2) Decline the printed receipt option when you make an ATM transaction
(3) Receive and pay your monthly bills online vs. snail-mail (if your bank doesn't offer free online bill-pay, then your electric, phone, cable, car, etc., company probably does)
(4) Unplug electronics that you're not using RIGHT NOW - just being plugged in they use energy unnecessarily
(5) If every family replaced ONE bulb with a compact florescent lightbulb (CFL), it would be like reducing carbon emissions from 800,000 cars - WOW!
(6) Make a donation to one of the sites mentioned on the links provided herein to plant trees and reduce your carbon footprint

Bonus: many are money-saving! Click here for even more info and tips.

If you think this global warming thing is all a bunch of hooey, you should check this out. And you should also check into what pretty much every other developed country on the planet thinks about it. To summarize: the U.S. is the about only country whose government doesn't buy into the science.

What do YOU think?


PS - for more cool pics from space, go here

Dude, Where's My Planet?

I hope you've been watching "Planet Earth" on the Discovery Channel. The photography is spectacular, the nature is outta this world.

Who knew such weirdness existed? (I mean, outside of Dick Cheney and Pat Roberston.)

You HAVE to watch this. (If you have Comcast digital cable, you should be able to get it On Demand. And you should get it.)

Trust me, this series will win awards like you ain't never seen.

And the Winner Is...

Bumper Sticker Honor Awards go to:

Exactly What Are Conservatives Conserving?
("our values" is my favorite answer, and oh by the way that's from a military man)

At Least the War on the Environment is Going Well


And the winner is....

If Evolution is Outlawed, Then Only Outlaws Will Evolve

Raise Your Voice

MoveOn.org is hosting a virtual town hall meeting this Tuesday, with many of the top contenders for the President gig addressing members' questions about Iraq. Anyone can attend a local house party to watch the proceedings. Go here to find a location near you, or to sign up to host one yourself.

Suggested questions:
How long will it take you to begin criminal proceedings against the BushCheneyRumsfeldRoveHalliburton war conglomerate?
How long can we make them stay in Gitmo?
How soon will you re-establish relations with Cuba and then start selling tickets for American tourists to jeer outside the gates of Gitmo?
Will the rocks and rotten fruit be free or will they cost extra?
Will there also be a pay-per-view? If so, when, and for how long? Can we make it a "Truman Show" kind of thing?
The money should be used for: paying for the best medical care for all troops as long as they need it, with the rest going to Iraqi children so they won't attack us when they grow up. (Ok, yeah, that's not a question, but let's not get too technical.)

We've Come A Long Way, Baby

Here's an email I received today from one of my best friends in the world, Pam. She's a pilot for Continental Airlines. This is one helluva great story, and her mom would be so proud. We all are.

Today I was flying the 757 to Orlando when the forward galley called on the interphone to the flight deck. After the Capt. talked a minute or so to our lead flight attendant, he handed me the phone and said Sally Ride wanted to talk to me. So I say "hello" and sure enough, I've got Astronaut Sally Ride on the interphone complimenting ME on how nice it is to hear a woman's voice coming from the flight deck.
I was floored.
I said, "no no no, the honor is all mine having you on our flight". And I went on to tell her about how my parents were both very active politically in the Women's Movement in the 70's and how they raised me to do whatever I wanted to do in life. She was on her way to talk to school girls about pursuing science and math. She was just a delight to talk to... the irony was she didn't want to talk to the Capt. at all. I hung up and asked him if he talked to her before handing me the phone and he said "no" and then tried to act like she wasn't that big of a deal anyway. WHATEVER! it was funny.

On a serious note, the quick conversation at 39,000 feet on Q100 will be one of my favorite moments in aviation. We (I) forget how truly amazing it is that we, women, are flying these aircraft all over the skies and that 24 years ago we were all in awe over this first woman in space. Quite humbling.

Cheers my sisters!
-Pam

Check It Out

The abysmal treatment of wounded soldiers is yet another disgrace of the current administration. Go here and do what they haven't the will to.

Drum Roll Please

Happy Valentine's Day (yesterday)! In honor of the occasion, here are some of my favorite Rock n Roll love songs. (None of that Celine Dion crap here.)

All the Kings Horses - Robert Plant
Dance Me To The End of Love - Leonard Cohen
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Sara Smile - Hall & Oates
Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
Here Comes My Girl - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
She's A Rainbow - Rolling Stones
For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder
Harvest Moon - Neil Young
In My Life - The Beatles
and the number one best Rock n Roll love song is.............
(of course) In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel

Holidaze pt 2

Ok, so I can't seem to tell this blog site which order in which to post my posts, so it's backwards. This one is part 2 - seems my first post was too rich in beautiful, meaningful, rich content (photos) for a mere single post. Ok, we're continued...or starting.....whatever.

Here's Mark & me. LUV him. Luv Larry too, but Larry wasn't there. If you happen across naked photos of Mark, someone's looking for them.







Here I am with Mike Schwedler. Photo's off-center, my fault. My self-shot ego had clearly gotten the best of me.





Ok, so can I take a moment now to brag about all my friends & family? Well, indulge me. It's worth it.

My family. Ohmygoodness they're the goofiest. If you could only see "The Card". I'll have to publish that story at my b-day I guess. If I do say so, it may be worth the wait (till October. 23rd, if you're marking your calendar. Gift certificates for Travelocity or Amazon would be great, thanks!) And I long ago on this blog mentioned the big "JFK" (the movie) saga, which really is a great story even tho' the ending isn't so Camelot-esque. Movie-worthy in itself, if I do say. But anyway....

And what a year this has been for the Vercruysse side of the family. One we'd not like to repeat, thankyouverymuch. For the most part, anyway. We had a wonderful Bright Light in the birth of little Stella Renee, to my cousin Matt and his wife Heather (recounted in a previous couple of posts). Prayers have been answered for us, but keep 'em comin' nevertheless.

Can I just say how much I love Laci? A beautiful woman, great friend, and the best chiropractor in Terrell. To that I would add Dallas. I know she sure helped me when I needed her!

Frank. My bro'. My bud. Making a living as an artist. In DALLAS? Are you kidding me??? Well, he pulls it off. While everyone else is writing off Deep Ellum as history, his gallery has been kicking ass for over a year now. No small feat, I assure you.

Frankie. My bro's boy. Hence, my boy. I've watched him grow up and become a truly talented musician. This kid's going places, mark my words. (I said that about LeAnn Rimes about 10 years ago....)

Broose. My other bro'. Goodness, so talented a song-crafter. Performer. Fine artist. I'm certain we've traveled many lifetimes together.

Michael Jerome. Well for cryin' out loud, he's the most brilliant drummer. Ever. Toured and recorded with some of the most respected artists in the music industry. Richard Thompson, Blind Boys of Alabama, Charlie Musselwhite, John Cale, and many club-level acts and bands of which he was a bona-fide member, including one of my all-time favorites, Pleasure Club. But what matters most is that he's such a cool, sweet, great guy. And a doll of a wife!

Mark Sonna. Successful boutique retailer in Deep Ellum for some 11+ years (and a couple years as "a chain" with another downtown Dallas store) - a Herculean effort, one that met with great success, until Mark's theatrical career suddenly begat a life of it's own, at about the same time that Larry had to relocate to care for his ailing father. So the tide turned, and now there are websites searching forMark's nude photos. Now I ask you, what higher compliment can one expect? (Well, who's asking for YOUR nudies??) :)

Mike Schwedler. We met when we were introduced by Ken Bethea of Old 97's, who Mike managed at the time. I subsequently interned for Mike briefly while he was managing them. It was great, because I witnessed first-hand a band that had organically grown it's fan base to the point of being the subject of a bidding war between major record labels. That's the template that I became fervently convinced that all acts should follow, but most are not so (1) smart, and/or so (2) fortunate. (The 97's subsequently recorded 2 records for Elektra, then moved back to a smaller label. And so it goes.) I so love that we have kept in touch. Every time we talk, we try to think of how we can work together. One of these days, Mike!

I had such a blast seeing you all! Until next time........xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

PS - and this doesn't even include my friends who I so love that I wasn't able to take pics of (oops!), or even see over the holidays....... Tom, Kay, Kristen, Pam, Tony, Chad, Paul, Dawn (survivor! you go girl.). Lord a'mighty, but I am so blessed.

Holidaze

Did I mention my holiday vacation in Texas? I had SUCH a blast! It was so great to see family and friends again.

This was taken at Javier's in Dallas. That's me (far left) with my cousin's hubby Trevor, cousin Kelly, sister Laura, and aunt Kathy. This was a reunion that should in all probability not have happened, and we are all so very thankful that it did. Similarly, if my Dad had been there, it would have been complete. So thankful, and SO F***ING GLAD that 2006 is behind us!






Here's my cupcake Laci and me at the Kettle Art gallery in Deep Ellum (Dallas), owned by my dear friend Frank.

This is Frank & me
(me and my 'self shots' again!).
He's my brother.
Love him and his family.

(below) This is Frank's son Frankie, aka "Frankie 45" playing at Club Dada. They were GREAT! Loved the lo-fi sound. I've known this guy since he was little kid. Sheesh.

















(below) Broose & Michael.
Broose is my other brother.
Michael is the sweetest sweetheart.

Me with Mike Schwedler.
Hey, Mike, keep meaning to ask,
can I score another
copy of "Hitchhike"?
Seems I lost mine...

Happy, Merry etc., and Happy

Well, well, time flies.

So I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas - or Happy Hannukah, or Happy Ramadan, or a nice Monday the 25th - and a Happy New Year.

All of the above were great for me. My sister came to visit for Thanksgiving because I had no vacation time to spare and would otherwise have been alone. I showed her around some of my favorite areas (Cap Hill, Ballard, Fremont), shopped, and of course had sushi and other seafood.

Christmas week was a blast. My office was closed (YAY!!), so I went back to Texas to visit Mom & Stepdad in the Houston area, and friends and family in Dallas. I ate at no less than 5 Mexican restaurants while there. (Can't find good Tex-Mex in Seattle, I don't care what anybody says. Likewise, I will never order salmon again unless I'm in the PNW.) I'll post pics soon. It was so good to see everyone. By the time New Year's Eve rolled around, I was pretty well partied out, so I enjoyed a quiet evening at M & S's house (they were out at a friend's).

Now back to reality. Bah humbug.

Wow

I'm still in shock. I can't believe the voters really - FINALLY - came out in force and gave the middle finger to Shrub. Well, that's how I view it, anyway. The Dem's have control of the Senate AND the Congress, AND Rumsfield resigns, all in one day. More than I ever expected, but definitely what I dreamed of and prayed for - thank God! Woohoo!

Now we have to just make sure that the Dem's don't screw it up, because they've been such (forgive my language) pussies for the last 6 years.

Prior to today, I had been thinking of my next favorite slogan/bumper sticker. I think I like "Real Patriots Vote". Bitch all you want, but you truly cannot be a patriot unless you participate in that most American of institutions, the democratic process. Because the right to vote, the right to have a say in your country's government, is sacred, and it's what thousands, if not millions, have fought and died for throughout the centuries. It's what keeps America the Land of the Free, and a government by the people, for the people. May God bless those who have, for the last 4 years or so, served this country with horrendous leadership and insufficient armor, training, information, supplies, and support. They are the ones who today have both won and lost the most. Now it's up to us as citizens to ensure that those who serve are now properly served. Keep paying attention, and keep raising your voice to your Congressmen and -women.

I dedicate this post to all in the U.S. military, especially my dad, a Coast Guard vet, my dear friend Kay's hubby Tommy (Navy), and my co-worker Winsor, a 10-year Army vet, who confirms to me that Rumsfeld's resignation is a good thing. Here's hoping a changing of the guard is a real change for all those who are serving in this Mess O'Potamia.

Sistas

I am blessed to have great friends. Many of them are great women who I am proud and so very grateful to have in my life. Here's one of them. Happy Birthday, Pam!

Love Yer Mother

This site will eliminate or offset your "carbon footprint", which is the amount of CO2 everyone puts into the environment. They do so by directing your donation - which can be one-time, or recurring - towards renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation.

YAY!

Much love and congratulations to my dear friend Kay and her hubby, the proud parents of their first child, Oliver Jacoby. All are well, thank God.

President Bush Speechalist

Hilarious

Art vs. Graffiti

Here's a take on street art, which many confuse with graffiti, as told by some Dallas street artists including my bud Frank. The gallery shown with the street art show is his, Kettle Art on Elm St. in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas.

Scary, Pt. 2

It saddens me to think of the timing of this latest terror alert situation in the UK. There is a (growing?) circle of conspiracy theorists who link the timing of these situations to bad political PR. The tail wagging the dog. The theory is that when things are going bad for Shrub, they invent a terrorist-related story or threat to re-direct (distract) our attention to what the Administration considers it's great strength and advantage. Consider this NY Times column from last year.

So some of Bush's toadies just lost in their primaries on Tuesday. Pundits are crying the impending victory of the Dems in November, folks have had it with the Mess O'Potamia (thank you, Daily Show, for that brilliant title), polls show support for the war is lower than ever and there's a pissed-off electorate ready to send a slew of Bush-supporting politicians home. About damn time.

And now, two days after these possibly Republican-dooming primaries we have a huge terror threat, very scary, and just on the verge of the fifth anniversary of 9/11. Coincidence? Many would say no, and if you research the history you might acquiesce to the timing.

The absolute worst theory is that this administration was itself the orchestrator of 9-11. Wow. Even for me, an absolute and total despiser of this administration and everything it's done and not done and everything it's stood for and against - that's a tough one to wrap my brain around.

And yet, these days it just wouldn't surprise me if that were the case then or now. That makes me so very sad, to think that I don't trust my country's government to do it's most basic and fundamental duty, which, as with all law enforcement, is to protect and serve. To take care of their country and it's citizens. (Like the bumper sticker says, "I love my country, but fear my government") Yeah, sure, there's always corruption and sleaze, but this is extreme to the extreme. My only consolation is the belief in karma. God watching. You reap what you sow. THAT is something I have absolute belief in. So, whatever the truth is, whether I'm right or wrong, I know that justice will be served. Someday. To all.

I hate having these doubts and suspicions. And I truly hope and pray that I'm wrong.

But in the spirit of good karma, or just to express thanks - regardless of your opinion of the war in Iraq - you can go here to say thanks (for free) to the soldiers who are serving in what I hope will somehow turn out to be a worthwhile effort.

You Say It's Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Kay! The big four-oh, and a baby on the way. Oh my, what a big year this is for you.

Love ya!

Video Killed the Radio Star

Today is the 25th anniversary of MTV. Where's the candlelight vigil?

Scary

"Free Speech Zones"

Silly me, I thought this whole country was a free speech zone. Something about the First Amendment to the Constitution - you remember that one?

Bush has repeatedly demonstrated what one must assume is either a lack of familiarity with or a total indifference to the very American and sacred right to free speech. Maybe, as with the Geneva Conventions, he considers that one 'quaint' too. Never mind that he swore to uphold the Constitution when he became President. (Maybe he's reconsidering his title or something.)

Think I'm being a histrionic leftie, making things up to smear the Administration? Think again. And let me tell ya, the truth of what's been perpetrated against Americans and the Constitution is far scarier than any stories I could ever invent.

At least now, finally, people are starting to fight back. You can too.

Good One

Here's another one of those emails that gets sent 'round and 'round.  This one 
I remember from some years ago when "Doctor" Laura started a controversy over 
comments she made regarding homosexuality.  When I first got this, I checked my
bible to make sure the verses cited were correct.  They are.  Enjoy.


Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law.
I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that
knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the
homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22
clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other
elements of God's Law and how to follow them.

1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it
creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors.
They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in
Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair
price for her?
 
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in
her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is
how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male
and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A
friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can
you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus
35:2. The passage clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally
obligated to kill him myself?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of
abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I
have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses.
Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the
hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by
Lev.19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig
makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two
different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing
garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He
also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we
go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - 
Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private
family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev.
20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy
considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can
help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and
unchanging.

Check It Out

When I first lived in Seattle, 3 years ago, I discovered the world's best radio station. Fortunately for those of you who don't live in Seattle, you can listen online. I have often recommended it to fellow music lovers, especially those who lament the trash disposal that radio has become across the country. It is THE best for showcasing great music of all genres, especially rock, and especially unsigned, independent, and emerging artists. They also feature jazz, blues, roots, country, electronic, and they have a killer Sunday morning soul show. The music is top-notch, the DJs are passionate, and the station is involved in the community. Everything radio should be.

If you want them to take a crack at your stuff, go here.

Oh, and it's a non-profit community station, so you should donate.

Snot-nosed Punks

And I knew this guy when he really was a little snot-nosed kid. Ah, it makes a girl proud.

Actually, he's a really great guy with a really great dad and family, and I am indeed very proud of who he has become.

Yay Team!

Right now it would be great to be back in my hometown of Dallas.

Go Mavs!!!

So THERE

My two favorite subjects - music and politics - wrapped up in one beautiful headline. Accomplished without ANY support from mainstream country radio or TV, which is, to my knowledge, unprecedented.

FUTK and all like-minded rednecks, bullies and ignorants.

I said it in 2003 and I'll say it again - Dixie Chicks for President!

Dude

Today was kinda one of Those Days - mostly just frustrating. From dropping and breaking my eyeshadow this morning, to wasting time on pointless bullshit at work to the construction traffic on the way home - it was just one of Those Days, ya know? So it was great when I turn on the tube and catch a preview of tomorrow's episode of Dr. Phil, which evidently is about slacker adults who refuse to grow up and move out of their parents' homes. And one such loser, in this preview, expresses his trepidation about appearing on the show in what is now my new favorite phrase:

"It harshes my mellow".

Dude, that is totally awesome.

I'm Baa-aa-ck

Wow, that took a while.

So here I am in Seattle! It took for-EVER (or so it seemed) to get online at home and finally have the time to surf the 'net for fun stuff, begin catching up on emails, send photos from my last days in Santa Fe, etc.

And much to my chagrin do I find one of my sistas STILL has not updated any of her three blogs!!! Oy. Well, at least now I also have hers and my other sista's myspace domains, where I stumbled upon the following little tidbit about me.

Your Personality Profile

You are pure, moral, and adaptable.You tend to blend into your surroundings.Shy on the outside, you're outspoken to your friends. You believe that you live a virtuous life...And you tend to judge others with a harsh eye.As a result, people tend to crave your approval.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

The deal is, you click on the one photo that speaks to you most at that moment, and the above was my choice. Followed closely by this one:

Your Personality Profile

You are dependable, popular, and observant.Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness.In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive.You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while.And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Pretty kewl, huh!

Still need to get around to posting photos - had a great couple of send-offs in Santa Fe! And I really want to find some places to go hiking in or near Seattle. Oh, and I need to find some good whale-watching info for when my Dad comes to visit in the fall. Need to locate a nearby Walgreens.....

Ok, I just got back online today! All in due time.

Bigger & Better

Finally!

I'm relocating to Seattle in less than two weeks. Better gig, bigger city, more to do, more people, more trees & water, bigger mountains, more music, less attitude (and less altitude, which can be just as sickening).

Santa Fe has been a blessing in many ways. Now it's time to move on.

Can't wait!!

What She Said

Ah luv Molly Ivins.

People Are Stupid

In November of 2002 I was embarrassed to be an American. I was embarrassed that this country had re-elected the absolute worst president in the history of the country. Rampant and reckless violations of the Constitution, deceit (doesn't anyone remember "weapons of mass destruction"? Or the bullshit allegation that Bin Laden and Hussein were in cahoots?), corruption (Scooter Libby, Jack Abramoff), and incompetence are the hallmark of this guy's administration, and people in this country were fucking stupid enough to vote to keep it going for another 4 years. Somewhere in the 8th circle of hell Stalin is howling with glee.

Now I'm embarrassed to be a Texan. I mean, WTF, people???? Tom DeLay is as crooked as a dog's hind leg, with mounds of evidence to show so, and people STILL voted for him over THREE OTHER CANDIDATES.

Un-fucking-believable.

I've heard people posit rationalizations such as "people like him (Shrub)"; "people think he's a straight-shooter" (no, that would be Cheney); "he's the kind of guy you could have a beer with on the front porch" (no, that would be cocaine).

Bullshit. Here's my theory: people are stupid.

At least there's a small bastion of sanity in Vermont. I'm moving to Vermont.

Or maybe Seattle.

Thank God for Darwin

Thanks to my Dad for sending this article. I don't know why science is all of a sudden so hard for some ignorants to take. After all, doesn't the Bible tell us that with God, all things are possible?

Sistas

Quotes of the night:

Friend: "Welcome to Free Will"

Drummer: "So, who here is single?"

Driver: "Right turns are good for atrophy"
alternate: "St. Francis is good for atrophy"
conclusion: best bet: only right turns on St. Francis for atrophy

Sista: "Hey! Do you know a good anti-vomit song?"
(as opposed to a bad one?)
Answer: "Something by the Carpenters"

Mantra: "Game on!"

I luv my sistas.

Love Letter

This was written by someone who shall remain nameless, to someone else who shall also remain nameless. Why it was forwarded to me I have no idea.


Dear Alcohol,

First & foremost, let me tell you that I'm a huge fan of yours. As my friend, you always seem to be there when needed. The perfect post-work cocktail, a beer at the game, and you're even around in the holidays, hidden inside chocolates as you warm us when we're stuck in the midst of endless family gatherings. However, lately I've been wondering about your intentions. While I want to believe that you have my best interests at heart, I feel that your influence has led to some unwise consequences:

1. Phone calls: While I agree with you that communication is important, I question the suggestion that any conversation of substance or necessity takes place after 2 a.m. Why would you make me call anyone in the middle of the night, especially, an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend when I know for a fact they do not want to hear from me during the day, let alone all hours of the night?
2. Eating: Now, you know I love a good meal, but why do you suggest that I eat a kebab, a butter chicken curry along with a sausage with cheese, onionand mustard (washed down with WINE & topped off with a Kit Kat after a few sweet chili and sour cream red rock chips)? I'm an eclectic eater, but I think you went too far this time.
3. Clumsiness: Unless you're subtly trying to tell me that I need to do more yoga to improve my balance, I see NO need to hammer the issue home by causing me to fall down. It's completely unnecessary, and the black & blue marks that appear on my body mysteriously the next day are beyond me. Similarly, it should never take me more than 45 seconds to get the front door key into the lock.
4. Furthermore: The hangovers have GOT to stop. This is getting ridiculous. I know a little penance for our previous evening's debauchery may be in order, but the 3pm hangover immobility is completely unacceptable. My entire day is shot. I ask that, if the proper precautions are taken (water, vitamin B, bread products, aspirin) prior to going to sleep/passing out face down on the kitchen floor with a bag of popcorn, the hangover should be minimal & in no way interfere with my daily activities.

Alcohol, I have enjoyed our friendship for some years now & would like to ensure that we remain on good terms. You've been the invoker of great stories, the provocation for much laughter, and the needed companion when I just don't know what to do with the extra money in my pockets. In order to continue this friendship, I ask that you carefully review my grievances above & address them immediately. I will look for an answer no later than Thursday 3pm (pre-happy hour) on your possible solutions & hopefully we can continue this fruitful partnership.

Thank you,
Your Biggest Fan

P.S. THINGS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:
1. Innovative 2. Preliminary 3. Proliferation 4. Cinnamon

P.S.S. THINGS THAT ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:
1. Specificity 2. British Constitution 3. Passive-aggressive disorder

P.S.S.S. THINGS THAT ARE DOWNRIGHT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:
1. Thanks, but I don't want to have sex.
2. Nope, no more beer for me.
3. Sorry, but you're not really my type.
4. Good evening, officer. Isn't it lovely out tonight?
5. Oh, I couldn't. No one wants to hear me sing.

Animal Instincts

Who doesn't love animals? Ok, there's the occasional future serial killer, but other than that... I mean, really, how can you not?

So here's my take on two movies I just saw that are good flicks in their own right, and especially if you love animals.

Last night I watched the documentary "Grizzly Man" on the Discovery Channel. The movie was released last year to much acclaim, but I don't go to the movies much (I don't know why, I always enjoy them!) so this was my first time to see it. You may recall the story of the man who lived among the grizzlies in Alaska every summer for 13 years. When not in Alaska, he would travel to schools to talk about the bears to kids - for free. He was not a scientist by any means, just a man who felt an extraordinary kinship and love for these animals. And in the end he was killed by one of them, which made headlines. The issues brought up in the film are fodder for great debate - he was there, he said over and over, to protect them from people who would do them harm. While his motives seemed quite noble and selfless, he also came across - in my opinion - at times more interested in what the bears could do for him rather than the other way around. He called them his friends and would get in very close proximity to them all the time. So his ultimate fate is really no wonder. Still, an engrossing movie, told with the Grizzly Man's own extensive video footage as well as additional interviews with officials and friends. It does an admirable job of capturing the enormous power, beauty, and brutality of Nature; and it tells a very human story.

BTW, if you decide to watch it on the Discovery Channel, be prepared for way too many commercial breaks. I recommend taping it, watching it later and forwarding through commercials, or renting it.

And today I finally got around to watching the much celebrated "March of the Penguins", a short but sweet documentary on the unbelievable lengths that emperor penguins in Antarctica must go to in order to mate, breed, and nurture their young. A really endearing effort. And I've never seen seals portrayed so menacingly!

Go check 'em out.

Stella Renee

And here she is!
The new little one
with proud Papa
and Grammy Marie.
What a cutie!

Introducing Stella!

I'd like to wish a very Happy First Ever Birthday to little miss Stella Renee Whitfill, coming into the world today at a robust 8lbs, 9oz. She is the firstborn of my cousin Matt, the first grandchild of my Aunt Marie; indeed, the first of a new generation in the family. Everyone is said to being doing very well, for which we are all thankful. Welcome to the family, kiddo. Congratulations and love to all!

State of the Union

In honor of tonight's State of the Union speech, I give you the following words of wisdom:

This year, both Groundhog Day and the State of the Union Address fall on the same day. As Air America Radio pointed out,"It is an ironic juxtaposition: one involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to a creature of little intelligence for prognostication, and the other involves a groundhog."

Raising Republicans

My dear friend Kay sent me this hilarious link
on which you can find the following and more:

R.I.P. Wilson Pickett

In the spring of 2000 I was PR Director for an R&B festival in Dallas that had one of the most fantastic lineups you can imagine. Wilson Pickett was on the bill. That was my only experience of seeing him perform live. I wish it had lasted longer, but storms cut the (outdoor) show short.

Wanna give a shout-out to my homegirl Dr. Laci, a wonderful person, great friend and the best back-cracker in North Texas. Keep the faith, sister.

May the Dream Never Die

Here's to justice, activism, and non-conformity. Here's to observing, meditating on, and living the true meaning of this day and his legacy, rather than so many retail sales. Here's to one of the greatest men in history.

Q: How many Bush administration officials does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: None. There is nothing wrong with the light bulb; its condition is improving every day. Any reports of it's lack of incandescence are a delusional spin from the liberal media. That light bulb has served honorably, and anything you say undermines the lighting effect. Why do you hate freedom?


"Do you (Americans) know that there are other countries?" - Eddie Izzard

Good Hikin'

New Mexico is replete with all sorts of stuff for the outdoorsy type. I didn't grow up that way, but the one camping trip I went on in my entire life - in beautiful Texas Hill Country - was great. I also like to go hiking, and fortunately I have a friend here who is a hiking enthusiast and knows lots of trails and stuff. This was our first outing, in December, up the Atalaya trail, which goes up to 9100 feet. Yes, we went the whole way. That's me 'resting' on the tree. I did a lot of that. :)

Holiday in New York

My mom and stepdad were very generous this year to my sister and me, treating us to 8 days in New York City over the Christmas holiday. We did a lot of touristy stuff, of course, and took many photos. This is one of my favorites. Boy did that transit strike SUCK.

Among the many highlights: the Russian exhibit at the Guggenheim (exhibit's about to close), "Spamalot", and Carmine's restaurant (just be sure you have a group going to eat).

Happy Birthday, Mom!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Deep Ellum, pt. 2

Below is an excellent response about the state of affairs in Deep Ellum, which I wrote about in a recent post. It's from my bud Frank, posted here with his permission. Love ya, Frank.

"Yeah Dada may be closed and it is no suprise! But they may suprise us all and reopen! Trees is gone and that's been dragging on for too long as well. I hate to see it go but the spirit and energy are no longer there so why bother? What gets me is everyone saying Deep Ellum is dead. They've been harping on the negative for years now, like their bad experiences are a trendy social thing to discuss. This seems to be perpetuated even more so by the press and of course the ongoing coverage of the David Cunniff civil suit against the EC. The dude got in a bar fight for not minding his own business and got his ass whooped. It could've happened to anyone. Lyles story in the Observer is pretty much lifted from his blog and I expect will be included in his book somewhere on down the road. But his closing line of Deep Ellum as a creative force is history, is just more tired old man BS. You know, jaded folks who feel they have seen it all? There seem to be a lot of those weighing in on the subject. I guess it makes them feel important or superior. I've heard this kind of talk since 1989 about Deep Ellum not being as cool as it was from goofy fucks who can't accept evolution... Clubs which are doing well include Red Blood and The Darkside... Pepe & Mito's, All Good, Crustaceans and Tarantinos seem to be doing fine restaurant wise! There are other new ventures opening as well, such as two other new restaurants and another gallery, next door to Barry Whistler! Ironically (Frank's daughter) Amber and I, believe it or not, are going to see the Old 97's tonite at Gypsy! Overall I see it as evolution and the parking situation and the homeless are still the biggest drawback the area has in my opinion. The gallery is doing great, except I don't have the energy to keep 'normal' business hours. We had an opening a couple of weeks ago and we sold 15 out of 75 pieces! Broose played and sold two! So I don't know... I'm fighting one hell of a battle and I am not alone but sometimes it seems like I am. The DEA seems worthless and apathy is contagious! What more can I say? When the tunnel comes down in May, I'll host a tunnelvisions art show w/ every artist I can wrangle. I also plan to do another Walk on Walls probably in March to get people talking. It's the January / February dulldrums that I fear!Whatever eh? Everything will always be allright coz I've lived through worse!"

Frank

Comic Relief

After the previous depressing post, it's time for some comic relief. Who better than Will Ferrell as our Commander in Chief of the World?

Sad News in Big D

The last several years that I lived in Dallas, the area on the east side of downtown called Deep Ellum was my second home. I was Marketing Director for the area for a while, then took a job doing club promotions which meant more time there. And after that, I hung out there all the time, because by then I'd made so many friends and it was a great place to go. The area has a great history, from the early 1900's, then it was abandoned for a long time until a group of artists and musicians - including a few friends of mine - started living there, booking bands, opening clubs, etc. In the 1980's it was still an edgy, dangerous place to go, but it was the beginning of a beautiful thing - THE place in North Texas to go see the best local bands, and where many touring 'baby bands' would play before going on to great success. In the 90's it really thrived, with a bunch of live music venues, art galleries, tattoo parlors, boutique shops, and restaurants, all in about an 8-square block area. Park and walk, day and night. Mark Cuban, now owner of the Dallas Mavericks, started Broadcast.com there, which he later sold to Yahoo for about a squillion dollars. (I knew several people who were cursing themselves for not investing with him in the early days when Cuban approached them.) I had too many great times to count, and made so many friends, most of whom I still keep in touch with. I was just there in November over the Thanksgiving holiday, and it was great to go back and say hi.

So you can say Deep Ellum has a special place in my heart.

In recent years, Deep Ellum has been going through a rough patch - businesses closing, some crime, but from what I'm told by locals, no worse than any other part of town. But it got bad press locally because it's a high-profile area, and that hurt business, drove people away, and attracted some unsavory characters.

Today I read that two of the longest-in-operation live music venues - clubs that were the anchor for the scene - are closing. Club Dada closed a couple of weeks ago, and Trees will close on Jan. 2. Both had been open 15+ years, which is nothing short of a small miracle in the club world. Their importance to the area, and the impact they have had, cannot be understated. So it's with a heavy heart that I learned this shocking news today. I knew D.E. was having a bad time, but this is disastrous, for the area in general and most especially for the music scene. I have often said that "Austin gets the juice, but Dallas is the shit" when it comes to local music. So much talent. So many great acts I saw there. As a matter of fact, I just finished creating a couple of mix CDs for New Year's Eve, which include several Dallas bands - Burden Brothers, Jibe, Old 97s, pop poppins.

I once had optimism that things would bounce back eventually, but now....

I hope the remaining key venues there - Gypsy Tea Room, Curtain Club, and Club Clearview, can keep things rolling and that new venues open and things take a turn for the better. I hope my friends at Dada and Trees find new gigs soon. I hope my friends at the other remaining venues, friends who have other businesses in the area, and my bud Frank who just opened an art gallery there (and part of the aforementioned 1980's era contingent), keep up the good fight and hang in there.

Fingers crossed.

Check 'em out

The Ike Reilly Assassination played the closing night party of the Santa Fe Film Festival tonight, and they were fantastic. Last year, it was the Arcade Fire, which was one of THE best bands I've seen in a long time - great musicians and a killer live show, and they've since gone on to much acclaim and attention. The IRA is one to watch in the coming year.

R.I.P. Richard Pryor

We lost a genius.

Today is World AIDS Day. Click here to add your voice to the campaign. Click here to make a donation.

Websites for a better world

There are tons and tons that fall into this category, but I have a couple of favorites. This one you 'click for free' and it's an automatic donation to a variety of causes, free to you because the actual donations are paid for by sponsors. You can also shop the sites for items whose proceeds benefit others.

And the other: http://treehugger.com/

All I'm Sayin'

I love Las Vegas.

Quote of the Day

"Too bad lies don't leave semen stains."

- Jon Stewart, The Daily Show

Mixing It Up

My friend Pam's birthday was recently, and as part of her gift I thought I'd create a mix cd for her. It had a bunch of different songs from different bands, some that conjure up fond memories ("Dance This Mess Around", B52's, "Dancing Barefoot", Patti Smith), some I know she just likes ("Show Me", Pretenders), and some that I thought maybe she hadn't heard but might like ("Laura", Scissor Sisters, "Shout! You're Automatic", Pleasure Club). It was great fun thumbing through my (ever-incomplete) collection, finding stuff I'd forgotten about, finding stuff that made me think "oh, yeah, that'd be perfect!", and then choosing specific tracks, because of course I just could not make up my mind.

Then for my birthday, also recently, what did my homegirl Kay give me? That's right. A mix cd.

I decided to create Pam's cd while doing one for myself, which I have unofficially titled "Decompression" - good music for a bad day. It has stuff from Coldplay, Rolling Stones, Patti Griffin, Damien Rice, many more. I have to say, it's a great cd, and I listen to it often, bad day or no. In the couple of hours it took to make these mix cd's, I came up with a list for at least 5 more, some for decompressing, some for rawkin', etc. Who knows where this may lead?

Check 'Em Out

Here's some cool websites:

Astronomy Picture of the Day - some beautiful photos, and interesting bits about them
How Stuff Works - they've got EVERYTHING on this
News of the Weird - the title says it all
History through art

And if you really have a lot of time on your hands and are into weird, silly, freaky websites, or if you just decide to find out once and for all if there really is a website for anything and everything, check out my friend John's blog.

Fatherly Advice

I've often said (1) I will never date another musician (right!), and (2) a great band could be formed of all the musicians I've dated.

The Best of Times, the Worst of Times

I like to think the best of humanity. Like how people really came together after the hurricanes, gave millions in cash and donated all kinds of goods and services, people who took evacuees in, all the many benefits from community efforts to nationally televised fundraisers. When something epic and terrible happens like hurricanes, the tsunami, 9/11, etc., it brings out the best in so many around the world and that is as it should be - that is what it means to be a Human Being.

So when I hear stories of those who do the exact opposite, who take advantage of others in their most disadvantaged, despairing and vulnerable state, it really pisses me off.

Mismanagement by beaurocratic idiots who leave those in need hanging - even still, after over a month - is one thing. But bottom-feeders trolling for victims is a whole 'nother thing. The latest story is of call center employees hired by the Red Cross who ripped off donations. Sadly, this isn't even the worst story I have heard. A co-worker's aunt was stranded on her roof, being attacked by rats, and had to remove her top to get rid of the rats. So as she's in her bra and clinging in desperation waiting for someone to rescue her, 2 men in a boat come by and offer to take her in exchange for sex. She said no. She ended up waiting, clinging, terrified, for another eight hours.

I also try to be as non-judgemental of others as possible. But I'm not Jesus. There is a special place in hell for these people, and I'd buy tickets for that show.

Check It Out

You gotta check out this great website.

Near Misses

A co-worker just gave me a copy of Robert Plant's newest CD, "Mighty Rearranger", and it's really quite good. It reminded me of an experience I had earlier this year.

In my life I have had the good fortune and great fun of encounters with celebrities, including Lyle Lovett, Paul Reiser, Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick (recounted in a previous post), John Doe of seminal punk band X, Dick Dale, actor John Hawkes ("Deadwood"), members of Cheap Trick, Steely Dan, the late great Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Little Richard, and the saga of Oliver Stone and the movie "JFK", which is a long, fantastic story that someday I may take the time to post here.

I'm certainly not a celebrity stalker, and indeed am only interested in meeting and perhaps getting a photo w/someone if it's ok with them - I respect the fact that they are just people who may not always be in the mood for the ten thousandth person this year to come up to them and try to talk to them, etc. If that were not the case, the above list would be MUCH longer. So when I'm in the same room with someone famous, I usually just think, "Oh, that's cool that so-and-so is right here." If I get the chance to be introduced, great. If not, it was still cool.

And then there's Robert Plant.

There's fame, there's celebrity, there's superstars, and there's legends. The last category is very finite, very small. The members of U2, for example, one of my all-time favorite bands, are superstars. But I wouldn't call them legends. In my opinion, rock music legends can be counted on about 2 or 3 hands. And, as is the aforementioned Emancipator of Rock 'n' Roll, Robert Plant is most definitely a legend. So when I was in Austin for South by Southwest earlier this year, standing outside the hotel and overheard a couple of valet guys saying he was there, I had to find out exactly what the deal was. They said, "Yeah, he's right there in the bar." (He was at SXSW to be keynote speaker and play a couple of shows.) Poor guys didn't even realize exactly who they were talking about. So I rush over in a state of frenzy. Lucky for me, several co-workers were in there having a drink, so I identified the best vantage point and squeezed in with them. Robert Plant and his entourage of about ten people were directly across from us, about 10 ft. away. This is as close as I got, and that was just fine with me. I actually started to cry - I mean, here I was in the presence of greatness! Legend! Icon! One brave soul in the bar tried to approach him for an autograph, but a bodyguard shooed her away. I couldn't stay long because I had to go to work, but for about the next 2 hours my co-workers and I were in something of a trance - "I can't believe it, Robert Plant" we kept saying to ourselves and each other over and over.

He had red wine.

The Blues

This is one of those things that's popular to forward to your email buddies, which is how I got it the other day. I think it's one of the funniest.


If you are new to Blues music, or like it but never really understood the whys and wherefores, here are some very fundamental rules:

1. Most Blues begin with: "Woke up this morning...."

2. "I got a good woman" is a bad way to begin the Blues, unless you stick something nasty in the next line like, "I got a good woman, with the meanest face in town."

3. The Blues is simple. After you get the first line right, repeat it. Then find something that rhymes - sort of: "Got a good woman with the meanest face in town. Yes, I got a good woman with the meanest face in town. Got teeth like Margaret Thatcher and she weigh 500 pound."

4. The Blues is not about choice. You stuck in a ditch, you stuck in a ditch...ain't no way out.

5. Blues cars: Chevys, Fords, Cadillacs and broken-down trucks. Blues don't travel in Volvos, BMWs, or Sport Utility Vehicles. Most Blues transportation is a Greyhound bus or a southbound train. Jet aircraft and state-sponsored motor pools ain't even in the running. Walkin' plays a major part in the Blues lifestyle. So does fixin' to die.

6. Teenagers can't sing the Blues. They ain't fixin' to die yet. Adults sing the Blues. In blues, "adulthood" means being old enough to get the electric chair if you shoot a man in Memphis.

7. Blues can take place in New York City but not in Hawaii or anywhere in Canada. Hard times in Minneapolis or Seattle is probably just clinical depression. Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City are still the best places to have the Blues. You cannot have the Blues in any place that don't get no rain.

8. A man with male pattern baldness ain't the Blues. A woman with male pattern baldness is. Breaking your leg 'cause you were skiing is not the Blues. Breaking your leg 'cause a alligator be chomping on it is.

9. You can't have no Blues in an office or a shopping mall. The lighting is wrong. Go outside to the parking lot or sit by the dumpster.

10. Good places for the Blues:
A. highway
B. jailhouse
C. empty bed
D. bottom of a whiskey glass

11. Bad places for the Blues:
A. Nordstrom's
B. gallery openings
C. Ivy League institutions
D. golf courses

12. No one will believe it's the Blues if you wear a suit, 'less you happen to be an old person, and you slept in it.

13. Do you have the right to sing the Blues?
Yes, if:
A. you're older than dirt
B. you're blind
C. you shot a man in Memphis
D. you can't be satisfied
No, if:
A. you have all your teeth
B. you were once blind but now can see
C. the man in Memphis lived
D. you have a 401K or trust fund

14. Blues is not a matter of color. It's a matter of bad luck. Tiger Woods cannot sing the Blues. Sonny Liston could have. Ugly white people also got a leg up on the Blues.

15. If you ask for water and your darlin' gives you gasoline, it's theBlues. Other acceptable Blues beverages are:
A. cheap wine
B. whiskey or bourbon
C. muddy water
D. black coffee
The following are NOT Blues beverages:
A. Perrier
B. Chardonnay
C. Snapple
D. Slim Fast

16. If death occurs in a cheap motel or a shotgun shack, it's a Blues death. Stabbed in the back by a jealous lover is another Blues way to die. So are the electric chair, substance abuse and dying lonely on a broken-down cot. You can't have a Blues death if you die during a tennis match or while getting liposuction.

17. Some Blues names for women:
A. Sadie
B. Big Mama
C. Bessie
D. Fat River Dumpling

18. Some Blues names for men:
A. Joe
B. Willie
C. Little Willie
D. Big Willie

19. Persons with names like Michelle, Amber, Jennifer, Debbie, and Heather can't sing the Blues no matter how many men they shoot in Memphis.

20. Blues Name Starter Kit:
A. name of physical infirmity (Blind, Mute, Lame, etc.)
B. first name (see above) plus name of fruit (Lemon, Lime, Kiwi, etc.)
C. last name of President (Jefferson, Johnson, Fillmore, Clinton, etc.) For example:Blind Lime Jefferson, Pegleg Lemon Johnson or Lame Kiwi Clinton, etc. (Well, maybe not "Kiwi.")

21. I don't care how tragic your life is: if you own a computer, you cannot sing the blues, period. Sorry.

Whew!

Thank goodness hurricane Rita's effects were not a repeat of the horror of Katrina. I'm especially thankful because I have friends and family there. I've not heard from everyone yet, but my mom and stepdad are fine except the loss of power, which is no big deal.

Fall-La-La-La-La

I love Fall.

I love Labor Day, back-to-school, and the start of pro football season, because all those things mean that Fall is close at hand. When I lived in Texas, all these signs meant that there was a light at the end of the Brutal Summer tunnel, even tho' said light was usually still a good 2 months away. But here in Santa Fe, if Fall is not quite yet here, at least Summer is behind us.

I have mixed feelings about Santa Fe, but the weather here is spectacular.

And this year I intend to follow football like I did when the Cowboys ruled in the 90's. I say this to myself at the start of every season, that I'm going to pay attention, to know the teams and their records and their starting players, all that basic stuff. But then I always slack off and don't pay attention and by the time the playoffs roll around I have no idea what's going on and who to root for.

What's the big deal, you ask? Well, did I mention that I'm from Texas? Plus my dear departed Grandpa was a sports writer early in his journalism career. He had no sons to coach or play catch with. I guess my mom (the eldest) felt the need to be a part of this important part of his life somehow, and so became something of a sports fan, and in particular a Cowboys fan. I can recall as a kid on Sundays watching my mom pacing up and down in front of the TV, smoking like a fiend, and cursing the Cowboys out loud.

So this year I'm back on track - gonna pay attention. Which means I should be watching right now, as there's a couple games in progress.

Go Cowboys!

Kay, You're So Right....

...as usual.

My homegirl Kay says to go to Google, enter "failure", then click on "I Feel Lucky".

Kay rocks. Hey, I don't hang wit no chumps.

Helping NOLA musicians

Below is an email from friend Dr. Ira Padnos, aka Dr. Ike, organizer of one of the best music events ever in my opinion, the Ponderosa Stomp in New Orleans.

hey chillun .the time is right to supprt the new orleans musicians we all love.here`s one way to help out.noahleans is an organization dedicated to getting the displaced new orleans musicians back on their feet by providing them with gigs,instruments,clothes,rides,etc.they want to get these musicians working .they want to help the musicians but allow the musicians to maintain their dignity in view of all that has happened.this is a damn good idea thati hope spreads to other cities.please check out their website, http://noahleans.com/.their contact person is gigi hill.her email address is gigi@noahleans.com .her phonenumber is 713-522-2299.pleasehelp out the musicians and noahleans.
thanks for your help,dr ike

MFNW

I just returned yesterday from my second annual trip to Portland, Oregon for MusicFest Northwest, a showcase of local & regional acts that lasts 3 days/nights. I had SUCH a blast there - I just love that city, the people (good-looking men everywhere!), the scenery, the food, and of course the music. I did NOT want to leave.

Highlights:

• An on-the-fly fundraising effort on Wednesday at Dante's to benefit a couple of New Orleans music industry friends, one of whom is James Hall. I have been a big fan of James Hall for years, and so was excited to learn of this benefit and had a great time. JH himself was not there, but I was treated to some great entertainment by Adam MacIntosh (I think that's his last name, and I hope I spelled it right), and also Storm and the Balls, described as lounge punk jazz fronted by a blonde vamp with a killer voice that goes from torchy to howlin' and back again without breaking a sweat. She plays there every Wed, so go if you can, and say hi to cool bartender chick Stephanie.

More James Hall (at left): because he is now homeless after Katrina, his friends at MFNW plugged him into a couple more shows, so I had the *pleasure* of seeing him perform 3 times. Each time was a different set and great fun.

• The Friday night set at Mississippi Studios was probably my favorite, because I was hanging w/my dear friend Kay (here we are)......who had driven down from Seattle, and also the venue is intimate (ok, small) with a great vibe. I don't really know how to describe JH other than to say that he is one of the most diverse, talented, and electrifying musicians I've ever come across. I connote "pleasure" above because the name of his most recent band is Pleasure Club, featuring my friend Michael Jerome on drums. PC is currently on "indefinite hiatus", as they say, which is very sad because they are one of the best bands, period. But at least now James is touring, so do yourself a big favor and see him. Stop at nothing to see him.
• Kay and I got to the venue on Friday early just in case. Boy, was that a good idea. We caught the set by Pat McDonald, who played ahead of JH. You may recall a hit in the 80's by Timbuk 3 called "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades". Well, half of that act was Pat McDonald. But if knowing that gives any preconceived notions, let me put those to rest right here. It was just him and a guitar. Bleak poetry set to raw blues rock.
• One of the biggest buzz shows at MFNW was the reunion of some grunge acts which were the shit back in the day. I was fortunate to catch a bit of Crackerbash, the entire set by Pond, and about half of Hazel (well, after all, I was there to work). One thing that struck me about the bands was that they still sound fresh and relevant, for the most part anyway. I don't know if that's how good they are, or how crappy some current music is. Probably a bit of both. (couldn't find links for Pond or Hazel...)
• More buzz: I missed these shows, but heard folks talk a lot about hip-hop artist Jean Grae; and my bud Joel just raved about Viva Voce, so I gotta check them both out.
• Picture disclaimer: I have this thing about taking a 'self-shot', where I extend my arm out and aim the camera towards me and my photo companion. The above shots w/Kay and Pat McD were done this way. It usually works well, but sometimes I have this look on my face like I'm about to burst.