Lionel Hampton, Who Put Swing in the Vibraphone, Is Dead at 94 (NY Times)

Say What? [] 11:05:36 AM  Permalink  

Hate, American Style. The Rev. Matt Hale, America's scariest hatemonger, would probably be flattered to hear his "church" referred to as America's Al Qaeda. By Nicholas D. Kristof. [New York Times: Opinion]

Makes me wanna puke. This is the absolute worst thing about America.

Say What? [] 8:29:07 AM  Permalink  

A cool cowpoke gets political
Steve Earle, a new disc under his belt, talks about his tumultuous career -- a hair-raising ride that has included many wives, an ugly romance with heroin, and watching a man die. (Salon)

Say What? [] 10:56:17 PM  Permalink  

Going it alone and broke? (Dallas/Ft. Worth Star Telegram)

It occured to me that I and everyone else is always linking to Dowd these days, and derservedly so, but we must never forget the original and the best of the Bush bashers - the one and only, Ms. Molly Ivans.

Say What? [] 10:23:31 PM  Permalink  

When she's good
Maybe everybody always reads Maureen. Today, as she deftly rips the veil off White House hypocrisy regarding the House of Saud, everybody certainly should. (Joe Conason)

Say What? [] 10:10:43 AM  Permalink  

Black Arthur's Return (Village Voice)

This is another terrific Weatherbird column by Gary Giddins about the great alto sax player, Arthur Blythe.

Say What? [] 6:44:46 PM  Permalink  

Internet addiction may be form of stress management [Reuters Health eLine]

If the shoe fits..............

Say What? [] 8:50:05 PM  Permalink  

Jebediah Springfield Lives.

Slate's Bushism of the day:

 "There's no bigger task than protecting the homeland of our country."

"The federal government and the state government must not fear programs who change lives, but must welcome those faith-based programs for the embetterment of mankind."—Stockton, Calif., Aug. 23, 2002 (Thanks to George Dupper.)

Reminds one of Jebediah Springfield's famous line: "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man."

[Steve's No Direction Home Page]
Say What? [] 8:41:04 PM  Permalink  

Stupidity and fear is dangerous.

Does this seem nuts?

 Half the countries facing famine in southern Africa are stalling food aid from the US fearing that genetically modified maize may cause health problems and harm their exports, but the United Nations is warning they are putting the hungry at greater risk.

Yeah, I'd say that starving to death is probably a big health problem. [Steve's No Direction Home Page]

Say What? [] 12:24:01 PM  Permalink  

New Jeff Buckley

According to JeffBuckley.com, we've got some new sonic goodness to look forward to. Five years after his death, we're finally gonna get to hear his very first recordings. This is pre-"Grace" stuff, people. The following excerpt was taken from the Jeff Buckley newsletter.

On October 15, Evolver Entertainment (a Knit Media company) and Knitting Factory records are pleased to release Songs To No One 1991-1992, a collection of previously unreleased recordings by the late, legendary Jeff Buckley and guitarist/collaborator Gary Lucas.

Recorded between October 1991 and April 1992, the album’s eleven tracks document a critical moment in Buckley’s career and life. They are culled from club performances, studio sessions and rehearsal recordings made during his introduction to the downtown New York City music scene.

Performing in an April 1991 tribute concert at St. Ann’s Church in Brooklyn for his father, the late Tim Buckley, Jeff caught the attention of former Captain Beefheart guitarist Gary Lucas, who subsequently asked Buckley to perform with his band Gods & Monsters. Buckley’s brief but fruitful time with Lucas yielded the material on Songs To No One… including “Grace” and “Mojo Pin.” Both songs appeared on Buckley’s 1994 landmark Grace (Columbia), the only full-length album released during his lifetime.

I have to give props to Buckley's mom, Mary Guibert. She has overseen both his posthumous albums and done a great job of organizing things for the fans. I can't wait to hear the new stuff. It's bound to be great.

For total and complete details on the record, click here. (Blogcritics)

I was tore up when Jeff died. Yeah sure, I loved his music, but ever since Andrew killed himself eight years ago, I grieve deeply whenever young people die needlessly. I'm looking forward to this release. And Gary Lucas? Awesome player. I saw him with Beefheart in Boston, late seventies. To say that the Captain's stuff is, err, challenging to play is like saying that walking in space is a cakewalk, or something. (Tom, help me out here)

Say What? [] 11:54:25 AM  Permalink  

A New Revelation From the Nixon White House. A concert honoring Duke Ellington's 70th birthday at the White House during the Nixon administration finally yields an album, some 33 years later. By Leonard Garment. [New York Times: Arts]

Who woulda guessed? Tricky Dick and The Duke. An absolutely fascinating article.

Sympathy for a Rebel. "There were plenty of people vilifying John Walker, but...no one was trying to even consider for one second how he got to where he got." By Jason Zengerle. [New York Times: Arts]

Now don't go and get all worked up kids -- here's an interview with Steve Earle.

Treadmills of His Mind. I don't know enough about what the president is up to on Iraq. But I know too much about what the president is up to on a run. By Maureen Dowd. [New York Times: Opinion]

Say What? [] 11:29:48 PM  Permalink  

  Swami Satchidananda, Woodstock's Guru, Dies at 87  (NY Times)

For my money, Satchidananda kicked Maharishi's butt. I'm happy to say that, not only was I right up front at the Woodstock gig, but also present when he married my friend Craig. This cat was a cosmic hoot. Hey, how many other yogi types among your friends do you know who could maintain a perfectly serene lotus position while threading a string up his nose and out his mouth? Dig, Elvis may have left the building, but the Swami has dropped his body and that, my faithful companions, ain't no two-bit Madame X parlor trick.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Mo Motown 

I want this CD set.

[Doc Searls Weblog]

Say What? [] 11:04:51 PM  Permalink  

Office XP Receives Second Service Pack [BetaNews.Com]
Say What? [] 12:32:12 PM  Permalink  

Janis Ian Speaks Out [Dan Gillmor's eJournal]

Now this makes perfect sense.

Say What? [] 12:22:11 PM  Permalink  

A Confused Inquiry. Federal investigators who are both honest and diligent will find plenty of evidence of official wrongdoing waiting for them in Tulia, Tex. By Bob Herbert. [New York Times: Opinion]

Let's see now - I forget - how many roads must a man walk down?

Say What? [] 11:57:51 AM  Permalink  

Dude, Where's My Pain?. Marijuana-derived drugs could be powerful painkillers, but experts say research is just starting to reach critical mass. Randy Dotinga reports from the World Pain Congress in San Diego. [Wired News]

"Researchers have known about the active ingredient THC since 1964, and doctors can prescribe Marinol, a drug made from a synthetic form of it. But while some AIDS and cancer patients take Marinol to control nausea and improve appetite, experts say it's not as effective as marijuana itself because it doesn't absorb easily through the mouth."

Marinol don't do shit, Jack. There just ain't nothin' like a doobie. Still, I usually abstain these days because I'm on so much morphine that one good hit of Humboldt county's finest gets me so stoned it's downright scary. What a rip off, eh?

Say What? [] 11:37:08 AM  Permalink  

Hands-free writing software may aid disabled users [Reuters Health eLine]
Say What? [] 4:55:41 PM  Permalink  

  Pitbull attack update: I'm happy to report that Maya is coming along really well. Her wounds are basically all healed and her spirit is good. She was so traumatized by this event that for several days she pretty much just wanted to keep to her self and hide. But with a lot of love, quietly talking to her, and a lot of gentle touch, she snapped out of it in just a few days. It was so great to see. And yesterday we were really happy to find out, upon going to a park in our old neighborhood, that she still wanted to play with other dogs. That really made our hearts soar. Now, as far as we go, I think we're still more traumatized then Maya. But as an example of what you can do with your anger, take a look at the announcement below. This incident has really touched a nerve in the community and we're working hard to make something positive happen.

North & East Animal Association (NEAA) Formed

Area Residents Say ‘Enough’ To Dog Attacks, But Your Help Is Needed

 

On Sunday, August 4, a group of about thirty-five Nor’easters met in the backyard of Bradley Brown and Susan Duckstein, 33rd and Clinton, to discuss attacks by pit bulls owned by another North & East resident.  Most attendees were dog owners whose dogs had been attacked by these pit bulls, or dog owners who were concerned about the safety of themselves and their dogs as they walked their dogs in the southwest quarter of the North & East. Passions ran high as folks (sometimes three or four at once) related their run-ins with this character and his ever-changing pack (he breeds and then sells the dogs). The decision was made to organize and research what needs to be done to protect the North & East from this irresponsible breeder/dog owner and any others like him.

 

A second meeting was held Sunday, August 18, same venue, not quite as many people, but with two officers from the CCC Animal Services Dept., and Lt. Eugene McBride of the Richmond Police Dept. in attendance.  The two Animal Services officers reviewed the situation of the breeder vis a vis the Animal Services Dept., and they were very familiar with his operation.  Essentially, once one of his dogs attacks someone, he gets rid of it immediately, so there’s little Animal Services can do.  They did advise and encourage everyone to report any animal attack, or for that matter, any animal transgression—being off leash when not on the owner’s property, for example. That way they have a record of transgressions, which might be used in the future.  To report any animal related offenses, call Animal Services at 925-646-2995 or 510-374-3966, and if the dog’s owner is involved, try to provide his/her address.

 

There will be another meeting of the North & East Animal Association at noon on Sunday 9/8/02, 3220 Clinton Ave. Until then, WE NEED YOUR HELP!! If a dog whose owner resides in or near the North and East has attacked you and/or your pet, please email Pam Drigger at shalom9900@aol.com with a detailed explanation.  Her team is compiling a list of local attacks, and these will be used to develop a file that can be used by a combination of the NEAA, Richmond Police and City of Richmond Attorney to begin to put an end to this example of irresponsible dog ownership in the North & East.

 

If you have any questions about the NEAA or want more details of what their plans are, you can either call Michael Britten and Ann DiFruscia at 510-232-9020 or e-mail them at  mbritten2@attbi.com or ann@eecs.berkeley.edu

Say What? [] 3:01:46 PM  Permalink  

Thanks to a post by Doc, we can all start the week right and:

"Feel good, automatically

Digging RealJoe's Affirmation Bullshit Generator for Sensitive New Age Guys."

Say What? [] 12:10:11 PM  Permalink  

Not Just Hanging On, Still Singing Young. Marianne Faithfull and Linda Thompson began their music careers in the 60's, but unlike many male counterparts, they're not mired in the past. By Anthony Decurtis. [New York Times: Arts]

Some of you might recall that I was totally psyched when I first learned about the new LT disc. I've been listening to it a lot since then. It's so lovely and bittersweet. One can't help thinking about Fairport Convention. I also think back to some of the quieter work that Van Morrison did with The Chieftains on "Irish Heartbeat." But don't get me wrong - "Fashionably Late" is a new album, with performances only possible from someone who has lived. Another highpoint for 2002 - and no shit, man, we need all we can get, eh? This one is a healer.

I have been a huge Marianne Faithful fan since her late seventies minfuck masterpiece, "Broken English." But I don't like her new one. The production is too techno for my taste. If you haven't heard her since the days when she was balling Mick, I urge you to give a listen to "Strange Weather."

Say What? [] 10:34:17 AM  Permalink  

    In 1965 The Rolling Stones released two albums that, to this day, continue to nourish my soul.  First was "Now", still my favorite early Stones record, and then "Out Of Our Heads" (with Keith's pimples prominantly displayed).

It would be decades in some cases before I had the revelatory experience of hearing Don Covay's original recording of "Mercy Mercy", Marvin Gaye's "Hitch Hike", Bobby Womack's "The Last Time", Chuck Berry duck walkin' to "You Can't Catch Me", Howlin' Wolf's menacing moan on "Little Red Rooster", or Otis Redding testafying on "Pain In My Heart" and "That's How Strong My Love Is", among many other great covers (not to mention original classics like "Heart Of Stone" and "Satisfaction".)

But it is two other songs here that bring me full circle to the present day; "Now's" killer opener, "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love" and "...Heads" standout ballad, "Cry To Me." In a perfect illustration of why music is such a lifelong pleasure for me, it was only a few weeks ago that I had the absolute thrill of hearing Solomon Burke's original versions of these two gems.

What motivated me to fire up my copy of KaZaA Lite and search for these songs in the first place, was the release of Burke's new album - "Don't Give Up On Me." All I can say is, with all due respect to Springsteen, this has my vote so far for album of the year.  Do yourself a big favor and check this one out.  I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Say What? [] 2:25:45 PM  Permalink  

Bad Taste Is Its Own Reward

AT HOME WITH JOHN WATERS (NY Times)

Home & Garden no less! Man, when I saw Divine eat dog shit in an alley at the end of Pink Flamingos in a Philly art house, at midnight, one steamy summer night some twenty five years ago, I never, ever, in my wildest, most perverted imagination could have dreamed up this.

Say What? [] 10:38:01 PM  Permalink  

Bush's Phony Forum.

Nice opening paragraph to Slate's piece on the fake forum in Waco:

 This afternoon at the President's Economic Forum in Waco, Texas, President Bush and Vice President Cheney sat side by side on the stage of a packed auditorium for more than an hour. That's the first time they've been that close together for that long in public since Sept. 11. Evidently they're no longer afraid of terrorists. What they're afraid of is Americans.

And the closing paragraph is good too:

 Of course, if all these people agreed with Bush beforehand, then the event wasn't about listening. It was about selling Bush's policies. And if the public had already agreed with Bush, the sales job would have been unnecessary. It would have made no sense for Bush to appeal to "those who are watching on C-SPAN" or for O'Neill to apologize to participants "who didn't have an opportunity to say something for the television cameras." In short, the operational premise of the event was that its stated premise was false: The "real people" onstage held beliefs that the real people watching it didn't share. That ruse may have been economical. But it wasn't very presidential, and it certainly wasn't a forum.

So the "forum" by its very existence proves its phoniness. What a joke. [Steve's No Direction Home Page]

I was just about to post a link to this same article when I saw that Steve had already done the honors. So, in addition, may I suggest Maureen Dowd's biting and hilarious "Surfing the Economy."

Say What? [] 12:33:31 PM  Permalink  

The Sept. 11 Symphony (Slate)

Say What? [] 9:52:46 PM  Permalink  

Hi again.  Sorry for the absence, but I had to spend another weekend in the hospital.  This is getting ridiculous, I know, but it really ain't no big mystery.  Actually, if it was a mystery it might be more interesting.  As it is, the shit is just plain boring.  

My bladder barely works anymore, so I keep getting these damn infections and the only thing that helps is IV antibiotics. I'll spare you the gory details about what we have to do every day in order to reduce the risk of future infection, but it's a major drag. Oh boy, friends, I'm a weary motherfucker - and yet, somewhat amused.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the meantime, the music keeps my spirit dancin'. One album that I've been relaxin' to lately is Jorma Kaukonen's wonderful "Blue Country Heart."

Hey Craig, Mike says "you'll really love this one!"

Say What? [] 6:29:36 PM  Permalink  

Ok.  For those people that didn't like my single issue voting stance in regards to stem cell research.  Here is my reply:

>>>I don't like single issue voting either. However, this is too close to home. I don't want to wake up some morning to find my 10 year old dead due to an insulin overdose. A cure is the only way out of this constant nightmare. I also don't want to see my father become completely immobile due to Parkinsons. He is too damn close to that now, and for an extremely active man, it would be a tragedy.  

All other considerations -- economy, war, terrorism, abortion, taxes, etc. -- are remote abstractions. I would love to see a future situation where those issues are the only things I have to think and worry about. You are lucky if they are. <<< [John Robb's Radio Weblog]

Say What? [] 11:03:06 AM  Permalink  

Stem cell backlash?
John Robb suggests that Bush's year-old stem-cell research policy -- hailed by some at the time as a Solomonic compromise -- is a failure, one that will bite back at the president in future elections, as voters with ailing relatives who might have been helped by robust research turn on him. As I argued at the time (and Michael Kinsley later echoed), the policy -- which is built around Bush's stated conviction that all embryos are sacred and the government should act to protect them -- is baldly hypocritical. Vast numbers of embryos are created and discarded every year during fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization. If Bush actually felt this was profoundly immoral, he'd do something to stop it. But since such fertility treatment touches the lives of a huge swathe of the electorate, the president wouldn't think of banning it. Couples who are stuck with extra embryos as a byproduct of such treatment typically have no choice but to dispose of them; stem cell research offers a way to make good use of them for the betterment of all. Why not allow that? Why not, in cases where it doesn't conflict with people's religious beliefs, encourage that? [Scott Rosenberg's Links & Comment]

I've been trying to say that, haven't I? Still, it feels good to see my views confirmed.

Say What? [] 11:00:08 AM  Permalink  

The August edition of Puremusic is up.
Say What? [] 10:52:27 AM  Permalink  

Botox found effective for type of stroke disability [Reuters Health eLine]

In case you thought it was only a hollywood type of thing. I can tell you from my own experience that it's a highly effective treatment for severe spasticity caused by a wack CNS.

Say What? [] 5:14:30 PM  Permalink  

NYT.  The administration fumbles to find ways to stop the slide in stem cell research due to its restrictions on the number of lines that can be used.  The problem is that the ban went into effect well before there were enough stable, abundant lines in place (with prenegotiated intellectual property rights).  This gaffe has all but stopped stem cell research that is critical to curing diabetes, Parkinsons, and a huge variety of other diseases.  This means the President has just locked-in opposition to his re-election by the millions of families that are impacted by these diseases.  They will likely be one issue voters.

For example:  my father has Parkinsons.  If this ban wasn't in place he would vote Republican, but now he will probably vote in any Democrat that supports lifting the ban.  So would my mother.  In addition, my daughter has diabetes, so I am absolutely going to vote in any Democrat that would lift the ban.  So will my wife.  I hope that as the election nears the rest of my immediate family is going to to follow the same pattern.  That's another 8 or so votes spread over electoral swing states. 

The creation of millions of one-issue voters joined in opposition to you,  is like touching the third rail in American politics.  You do it, and you won't survive long in office. [John Robb's Radio Weblog]

Say What? [] 11:37:02 AM  Permalink  

The right man for the job
His county -- and his country -- cried out for him. And Bruce Springsteen came through. (Salon)

Most of Salon's music criticism is pretentious bullshit, but Joyce Millman does a damn fine job here.

But while the rest of the universe is drooling and fumbling over itself about "The Rising", those in the know are hanging out at LITTLE STEVEN'S UNDERGROUND GARAGE.

Say What? [] 10:53:41 AM  Permalink  

Tulia's Shattered Lives (NY Times)

The  other articles about Tulia don't begin to drive home how devasting and inhumane this travesty actually was like the saga of Mattie White.

If you're just joining us, I suggest that you also read Part 1 and Part 2 as well. What year is this?

Say What? [] 10:53:48 PM  Permalink  

"I don't count on anything anymore. I just go with the flow."   Laura Rothenberg

sounds about right to me.

Say What? [] 10:30:07 PM  Permalink  

Audio Diary Records a Young Woman's Battle With Failing Health. A 21-year-old describes the past two years of her life with cystic fibrosis in "My So-Called Lungs," which will air on National Public Radio. By Dinitia Smith. [New York Times: Arts]

If you miss it, visit Radio Diaries.

Say What? [] 2:30:27 PM  Permalink  

Dylan, Once a Newport Heretic, Returns to Folk Festival Cheers. Bob Dylan returned in triumph to the Newport Folk Festival on Saturday, to the cheers of a sold-out crowd of 10,000 people. By Jon Pareles. [New York Times: Arts]

Apparently, the "thorny, cantankerous Mr. Dylan" and his band kicked ass.

Say What? [] 8:55:55 PM  Permalink  

In the Twilight, Unaffected and Indirect. Beth Orton's third album, "Daybreaker," isn't a radical change of course, but her song hooks have grown stronger. By Ben Ratliff. [New York Times: Arts]

I've got this one on order and it should arrive any day.  Orton's first two albums, "Trailer Park" and "Central Reservation", are among the best in my collection.  "Haunting" is the first word that comes to mind.

I've got a lot of new music to write about. I'll be able to get it done if I forget about  politics and other distractions for a day or two.  As an intro, I'd like to second Steve's motion about the new Springsteen album - "The Rising".  I'm not a huge fan, but I don't think there's any question that it's the best thing he's ever done.  Stunning, really. Powerful as hell.

Say What? [] 5:38:21 PM  Permalink  

Bush's Shame (NY Times) - In a stinging indictment of the whole Bush-Cheney foreign policy team, Thomas Friedman is outraged by the pathetic non-response to a grave injustice perpetrated against a leading democracy advocate by the Egyptian goverment.

"How about before we go trying to liberate a whole country — Iraq — we first liberate just one man"

 

Say What? [] 9:16:16 PM  Permalink  

Having just returned from taking my dog Maya for a walk, I feel like I'm sittin' on top of the world. Why is this such a big deal? Because a week ago, while on a walk one evening with Ann, Maya was brutally attacked by a Pit Bull. And because in order to take her out I have to tie her leash to my wheelchair, we're both sitting ducks.

I promised Ann that I would not do it anymore on my own until the situation was resolved. The fucking asshole who is responsible has six Pit Bulls in his backyard (totally illegal) which he breeds (totally illegal), and sells the puppies to kids (totally illegal) who use them as status symbols without any training.

Since I already feel like a complete prisoner, locked in the dungeon of my disease, I am not about to relinquish one of the few independent pleasures I have left in this world -- taking my baby for a walk.

Upon investigation, it turns out that people around here have been terrorized by the situation for years. This time, however, they fucked with the wrong people. We're having a meeting tomorrow of what will become a newly organized neighborhood dog group. The local watch commander from the police department will be there as well as dozens of folks who either have a dog or are simply concerned about quality of life issues. We could give two shits about the vet bills, but were gonna sue his ass too. I'll keep you posted.

Say What? [] 4:44:13 PM  Permalink  

A Folk Festival's Idol Returns. Bob Dylan returns to the Newport Folk Festival today after 37 years. The question is what will he do? By George Wein. [New York Times: Opinion]
What do you mean, what will he do? I bet he'll play one of his festival shows, 12-14 songs. Since it's the start of the tour, the question is which, if any, unusual songs he'll throw into the mix, and also, I suppose, if he's fired any of his band members. We'll know soon enough on the news group. [Steve's No Direction Home Page]

I don't expect any surprises from Dylan anymore in terms of song selection. I just wish that I could be there to experience the electricity in the air right before he hits the stage. This band can, and usually does, blow the roof off the sucker. Since, in the case of Newport, the roof is the night sky, the potential for cosmic hilarity is great indeed.

Say What? [] 9:50:31 PM  Permalink