The title is a reference to David Lindley and his one time band, El Rayo X. They were fun. Lindley's played with thousands of people over the years- perhaps best known was his stint with Jackson Browne. His songs make me smile.
So for today's hum/whistle (should I change it to whum or humstle?) please give a listen to Tiki Torches At Twilight, or Quarter Of A Man. And think of David Lindley.
Sitting, having coffee this morning and I was reminded of Billy Joel's mortal fear- that he would be remembered as having made some great elevator music.The month of December is rife with songs that we hear in stores and coffee shops and then immediately tune out. One of my favorite things is making endless musical mixes and sharing them with people. Most of them look at me like I'm DIY's Josh Temple. He hosts a show called House Crash and he runs around home improvement stores looking for people that will take him home and let him renovate a room in their house. But a lot of people want no part of this. I like Josh. He is a little amped, but that's his character ( A Little Amped????) I may approach you and ask you if you want some music. I haven't resorted to tossing them into unlocked cars, but as William Shakespeare said in Twelfth Night, "If music be the food of Life, play on." I will.
Thank you. I'm glad you asked. My eyesight is back to normal today after watching a little of the battle of Oregon last night; Ducks and Beavers. Chartreuse vs Major Honker Orange. If only they could have played at Boise State's Smurfstadium. I'd still be blind.
I'm a big hockey fan. But I really don't care for shootouts. Last night was different, though. Chicago and Dallas went 11 deep before the Hawks, Ben Smith went high glove on +Kari Lehtonen. +Corey Crawford kicked out 10 and the Hawks prevailed.
Profound sympathies to those who lost their lives in Glasgow last night. There are things that happen that cannot be explained.
New poll out. AP-GFK reports that there is a continuing and alarming lack of personal trust in one's fellow people. Trust in institutions, government, church etc. has been abysmal but those leaders have developed thick skin that tends to preclude them from giving a shit what we think. That's awful and that shows. But this 'personal' side of trust drain involves thinking a clerk might memorize your credit card and ruin you- or someone you meet while traveling isn't wishing you well. I work hard to be as good a cook as I can be. With the number of shows on TV that depict a depiction of reality in restaurants, I really don't want to go out as much as I used to.
Having said that, this is the third day in a row that I am posting the praises of +Pope Francis . He is critical of among other things, trickle down economics. Life has changed, inexorably and sadly. I feel it and I suspect you do too. I know some blithe souls who always seem happy and positive. But there is a palpable inequality between people and it really puts a strain on trust and well being. It's world wide. This is my country and this is where I live and see things. But through social media, its possible to see this trend in macro and it's distressing- and world wide. Not everyone wants to just 'hug one out.' So, I'm lamenting trickle down mistrust. Thanks to +Connie Cass for writing about the poll and to +Jennifer Agiesta and +Dennis Junius for disseminating things we already can feel and sense as we go about our lives.
+Arlo Guthrie and +Pete Seeger, two of America's great surviving and traveling troubadors are together for a show in New York City tonight. Wish I could be there.
What I try to do each day is to scat about things that alter the thought process. Whether it be a song that flies in your head and won't leave, or a jab at a entertainment or sports personality who thinks they are the center of the universe, I'm not trying to be ugly or too controversial. I do notice on days when I write about politics and policy, visits to my blog triple. How did you know what I was was going to say? I didn't. I'm going to keep talking about some of these things because the mistrust, with all its manifestations is like congestive heart failure. The bile just builds up and people are real and unintended consequences. Like you're walking down the street and as part of a ritual, somebody comes up beside or behind you and knocks you out with one punch. I won't get into the social or racial aspects of this "game??" I will say it's fucking stupid. And I wish that people wouldn't play it. People have died. For what? This?
Asking people to love each other is nice, but it's also pointless, to a degree. What's going on in your life that makes you feel the way you do? Good and Bad. Just think about it and try to be nice to someone today. Then start a streak. Outdo +Cal Ripken. I sometimes say this on conservative blogging sites and I am usually told to kiss a unicorn or hug a tree. And Waaaaay worse. I don't retort, but I'm thinking, fuck you asshole.
Small business Saturday. Do your best. That's one of the ways we can encourage owners to do the ultimate act of kindness- increase their bottom line so they can give their employees health insurance coverage. Poll after poll states clearly that worrying about one's health is the number one concern of Americans.
See you soon.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Black Friday (The Steely Dan Version)
I live 8 miles from a mall, so as I went out this morning, it was very quiet. There was a creepy moment in my local Starbucks where as I read the morning papers. yep, I still do that, I was being stared at by a man I didn't recognize. The cool, detached way he was masticating his danish only heightened the drama. But I finished the Op Ed pages and shot him a glance as I left. The next stop was at the post office to get my mail and there was a guy sitting in his Mercedes 600, staring at me. I figured home would be a good destination so now my monitor will write that I'm staring at it. All's fair.
I think creating a news event whereby thousands of people sleep outside a store, waiting for it to open-- and then when it does, recreating the running of the bulls in Pamplona, is really lame. I understand that "the business of business is business," but seriously, do you want to get stabbed in the parking lot of a Wal Mart because somebody wants that fucking toaster worse than you? I must be missing something. When it snows, the Weather Channel sends Jim Cantore or Mike Seidel to stand in the street talking to you as it snows. ANd today CNBC and your local news channels have dispatched reporters to malls all across the country to ask people what they're going to buy.
Pope Francis- it's two days since your exhortation about economic inequality and you're still my hero. When will we get it?
So here starts the month that will point out the selfless nature of ordinary citizens and the acts of kindness they routinely do for a majority of the other 330 days of the year. And it will seem like we really don't hear that much of it for the other eleven months. Some people are dicks. But the vast majority are wonderful. I still read newspapers because they have this curious little thing called a journalistic ethic that requires the reporter to fact check what he's about to write.
We brined the turkey yesterday and it really made a difference. Apparently the dogs thought so as well, because although we put the bird way back on the counter against a wall, they got it. I could only think about the dog scene in A Christmas Story.
Whenever it's on, I watch Mississippi Burning. Just thought I'd mention that.
Ronan Farrow? Just go on TV and say something that riles up all the people who frequent Tucker Carlson's mosh pit. I won't mention the name, because I'd be helping him make more money. Even though the internet is a wonderful thing, and everybody's entitled to their opinion-------------- anyway. Nice going. I know you graduated college at 15, but your intelligence doesn't preclude you from Comiendo Los Zapatos de chocolate.
Another STFU award. Numerous utterances the past two weeks have you moving up the charts with a bullet-- Charles Krauthammer. Please get back on your meds.
RIP- Arik Einstein
Congrats to the Saskatchewan Roughriders- winning the 101st Grey Cup.
Can Aaron Rodgers be that good?
With an average of 320 million hits per day, did it not occur to HHS to get some Google guys to help build the website for the Affordable Care Act?
124 days til "Opening Day".
Woody Johnson? According to the Atlantic's Allen Barra, your table is NOT ready. Interesting read on why the Jets have stunk for so long. Don't worry, Woody, Willard Romney will call you and you two can commiserate.
I don't think the State Department lists Lyon or Marseille as places not to visit because of criminal behavior. I could be wrong.
Enjoy your day. Please think about rewarding your local merchants tomorrow as Small Business Saturday will be in effect.
Whistle and Hum for today:
Jackson Browne- Before the Deluge
I think creating a news event whereby thousands of people sleep outside a store, waiting for it to open-- and then when it does, recreating the running of the bulls in Pamplona, is really lame. I understand that "the business of business is business," but seriously, do you want to get stabbed in the parking lot of a Wal Mart because somebody wants that fucking toaster worse than you? I must be missing something. When it snows, the Weather Channel sends Jim Cantore or Mike Seidel to stand in the street talking to you as it snows. ANd today CNBC and your local news channels have dispatched reporters to malls all across the country to ask people what they're going to buy.
Pope Francis- it's two days since your exhortation about economic inequality and you're still my hero. When will we get it?
So here starts the month that will point out the selfless nature of ordinary citizens and the acts of kindness they routinely do for a majority of the other 330 days of the year. And it will seem like we really don't hear that much of it for the other eleven months. Some people are dicks. But the vast majority are wonderful. I still read newspapers because they have this curious little thing called a journalistic ethic that requires the reporter to fact check what he's about to write.
We brined the turkey yesterday and it really made a difference. Apparently the dogs thought so as well, because although we put the bird way back on the counter against a wall, they got it. I could only think about the dog scene in A Christmas Story.
Whenever it's on, I watch Mississippi Burning. Just thought I'd mention that.
Ronan Farrow? Just go on TV and say something that riles up all the people who frequent Tucker Carlson's mosh pit. I won't mention the name, because I'd be helping him make more money. Even though the internet is a wonderful thing, and everybody's entitled to their opinion-------------- anyway. Nice going. I know you graduated college at 15, but your intelligence doesn't preclude you from Comiendo Los Zapatos de chocolate.
Another STFU award. Numerous utterances the past two weeks have you moving up the charts with a bullet-- Charles Krauthammer. Please get back on your meds.
RIP- Arik Einstein
Congrats to the Saskatchewan Roughriders- winning the 101st Grey Cup.
Can Aaron Rodgers be that good?
With an average of 320 million hits per day, did it not occur to HHS to get some Google guys to help build the website for the Affordable Care Act?
124 days til "Opening Day".
Woody Johnson? According to the Atlantic's Allen Barra, your table is NOT ready. Interesting read on why the Jets have stunk for so long. Don't worry, Woody, Willard Romney will call you and you two can commiserate.
I don't think the State Department lists Lyon or Marseille as places not to visit because of criminal behavior. I could be wrong.
Enjoy your day. Please think about rewarding your local merchants tomorrow as Small Business Saturday will be in effect.
Whistle and Hum for today:
Jackson Browne- Before the Deluge
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Amidst it all- GIVE THANKS
On the Day Before Thanksgiving:
Turn inward and breathe. Understand and embrace what you can control and what you cannot. After all, there's an awful lot that we cannot. Not easy.
There is the intersection of Chanukah and Thanksgiving. First night is tomorrow. Weird. How did central casting get those two together?
Congratulations to the most sober city in the U.S. Salt Lake City
And the winner of the drunkest city in the U.S. Bakersfield
Useless information is my life.
Without any IAEA inspectors allowed in Iran, how do we know how many centrifuges they have?
I am still amazed at Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation that was released yesterday. I usually give popes a lot of room to operate, but the document which was 223 pages was pure balls. Love ya Paco.
We will discuss this in more detail after the holidays.
Have you noticed that despite reports of significant absence of traffic in the past few months, yesterday was a day when your trip took twice as long as it usually does?
So today's hum and whistle is the Perry Como version of It's The Most Wonderful Time Of the Year.
I didn't post yesterday. First time in three weeks. Apparently nobody missed me.
125 days until Opening Day. Remember what Yogi said: If people don't want to come out and watch baseball, nobody's gonna stop em'.
Remember, your crazy uncle who lives in the basement and wants to marry Gretchen Carlson from Fox News? Invite him upstairs tomorrow and tell him you love him.
Seriously?? Pray for Peace and Civility.
See you soon.
Turn inward and breathe. Understand and embrace what you can control and what you cannot. After all, there's an awful lot that we cannot. Not easy.
There is the intersection of Chanukah and Thanksgiving. First night is tomorrow. Weird. How did central casting get those two together?
Congratulations to the most sober city in the U.S. Salt Lake City
And the winner of the drunkest city in the U.S. Bakersfield
Useless information is my life.
Without any IAEA inspectors allowed in Iran, how do we know how many centrifuges they have?
I am still amazed at Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation that was released yesterday. I usually give popes a lot of room to operate, but the document which was 223 pages was pure balls. Love ya Paco.
We will discuss this in more detail after the holidays.
Have you noticed that despite reports of significant absence of traffic in the past few months, yesterday was a day when your trip took twice as long as it usually does?
So today's hum and whistle is the Perry Como version of It's The Most Wonderful Time Of the Year.
I didn't post yesterday. First time in three weeks. Apparently nobody missed me.
125 days until Opening Day. Remember what Yogi said: If people don't want to come out and watch baseball, nobody's gonna stop em'.
Remember, your crazy uncle who lives in the basement and wants to marry Gretchen Carlson from Fox News? Invite him upstairs tomorrow and tell him you love him.
Seriously?? Pray for Peace and Civility.
See you soon.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Hey Iran! Come to Philadelphia
Don't worry, I'm not making Terducken this week.
Remember This? Let me give props to a website called America 1979. I remember an awful lot of these bumper stickers
OK, so maybe the world is not telling America its table is ready. Maybe they're asking if we still want a table. Do we?
I'm thinking Philadelphia is a metaphor for policy acceptance.
I forget who it was, but they once referred to Philadelphia sports fans thus. "They'd boo a cure for cancer." So, 85% of Americans approve of the initial U.S./Iranian agreement over the weekend. But once the dumbpundits (If Merriman Webster can add new words every year, maybe they'll like this one) got their hands on the story, one would think the number was the opposite.
It's almost like Healthcare, Immigration, Economic Equality. We try to do things with the best of intentions, rarely succeeding to nearly anyone's satisfaction. So, as we examine the verities (or otherwise) of the weekend's events, let's try to focus on a really important question.
What happened to defense in the NFL?
We saw Bombino, the band founded by Omara Moctar on Saturday night. He is a guitarist, born in Niger who fled during the uprisings in 1990. His music reflects the travails of the Toureg culture and people. His family fled to Algeria and he was a devotee of Jimi Hendrix among others. The band plays acoustic and electric. My initial reaction was that it was powerful. I liked the acoustic very much. When he picked up the electric guitar, it was different. The vocals, in the Taureg language are difficult to discern and get a little drowned out by the rise in decibels Their current record, Nomad is worth a listen. The band like many once obscure acts came to the attention of American musicians with some juice and influence; in this case Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
Hums and Whistles:
Jethro Tull- The Whistler
Cat Stevens- Peace Train
Big Joe Turner- Big Legs
Alvin Lee- Let's Boogie
RIP: BRIAN
The Griffins, as well as all devotees of Family Guy mourn the loss of Brian. Wouldn't it be great that anybody who is dying could have that moment with their family to thank them and to tell they love them.
Margot Bingham AKA "Daughter Maitland" in Boardwalk Empire? You sing very sweetly. Your table is ready. Your song ending season 4 at the juke was something else. Not a bad Ship of Zion either.
On that beautiful note, I take my leave for today. But I'll be back.
OK, so maybe the world is not telling America its table is ready. Maybe they're asking if we still want a table. Do we?
I'm thinking Philadelphia is a metaphor for policy acceptance.
I forget who it was, but they once referred to Philadelphia sports fans thus. "They'd boo a cure for cancer." So, 85% of Americans approve of the initial U.S./Iranian agreement over the weekend. But once the dumbpundits (If Merriman Webster can add new words every year, maybe they'll like this one) got their hands on the story, one would think the number was the opposite.
It's almost like Healthcare, Immigration, Economic Equality. We try to do things with the best of intentions, rarely succeeding to nearly anyone's satisfaction. So, as we examine the verities (or otherwise) of the weekend's events, let's try to focus on a really important question.
What happened to defense in the NFL?
We saw Bombino, the band founded by Omara Moctar on Saturday night. He is a guitarist, born in Niger who fled during the uprisings in 1990. His music reflects the travails of the Toureg culture and people. His family fled to Algeria and he was a devotee of Jimi Hendrix among others. The band plays acoustic and electric. My initial reaction was that it was powerful. I liked the acoustic very much. When he picked up the electric guitar, it was different. The vocals, in the Taureg language are difficult to discern and get a little drowned out by the rise in decibels Their current record, Nomad is worth a listen. The band like many once obscure acts came to the attention of American musicians with some juice and influence; in this case Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
Hums and Whistles:
Jethro Tull- The Whistler
Cat Stevens- Peace Train
Big Joe Turner- Big Legs
Alvin Lee- Let's Boogie
RIP: BRIAN
The Griffins, as well as all devotees of Family Guy mourn the loss of Brian. Wouldn't it be great that anybody who is dying could have that moment with their family to thank them and to tell they love them.
Margot Bingham AKA "Daughter Maitland" in Boardwalk Empire? You sing very sweetly. Your table is ready. Your song ending season 4 at the juke was something else. Not a bad Ship of Zion either.
On that beautiful note, I take my leave for today. But I'll be back.
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