Every couple or three months or so I wander down to Gilmanton for some work-related shenanigans. It's located in a weird place, just below the Belknap Mountains. But it has a rich legacy or two.
This is perhaps the nicest house in the "4 Corners" part of town, which is a Historical District on the National Register of Historic Places. I'd love to see a virtual tour of this sucker.
For you literary types, Gilmanton is (drum roll) "Peyton Place". Hence this post title.
Trivia....PP was not only a book, but ABC TV also had a long-running prime-time soap opera with it in the early 1960s. It's available on DVD.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Return to Peyton Place
Fire In Koke'e
Haven't seen a followup to this yet
"Firefighters from five stations, including Pacific Missile Range Facility are battling a brushfire."
Volcanic Cirque!
Here in NH we have several remarkable bowl-shaped valleys called glacial cirques.
Here's the Far West version.
Scary Halloween Radio Alert
Firesign Theatre's Phil Proctor, the man of a million voices, will be a guest tonight at 9 PM PDT on the annual Halloween show hosted by Jim Svejda on the USC radio station in LA. Rocky will be featuring a cut from the new "Box of Danger" compilation, "Danger Meets E.T.". Click post title for the link.
Alaska Air Starts New Flights to Mau'i
Non-stop from Anchorage to OGG. Passengers get free macadamia nuts and their choice of a free Mai-Tai or a free POG.
Friday Music Digest
Lots of BLUES today.
A new album from the Vaughan Brothers
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/10/30/043336.php
Another musical group in legal limbo:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081030.HEALEY30/TPStory/Entertainment
Preview of the Sarasota Blues Festival
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20081030/ARTICLE/810290268/-1/NEWSSITEMAP
Stupid Music from the Golden Hill Ramblers
http://www.thevillagenews.com/story.php?story_id=33722
The Sax and Drumming Core (great name)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/musicnightlife/2008331949_ochs31.html
And a preview of the new album by "Simpsons" star Harry Shearer!
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://gothamist.com/2008/10/31/harry_shearer_songs_of_the_bushmen.php&ct=ga&cd=77mNo3l6K3I&usg=AFQjCNFmqGggc_ClwrBVuyEc9czkEiGG-g
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Just Say Los
Los Lobos has a couple of new projects in the works-a children's album of them doing Disney songs, and a concert/documentary DVD that will feature "Kiko" done in its entirety.
Tommy, Can You Hear Me?
One of the world's finest drummers, NRBQ's Tommy Ardolino, has a new 5-piece band, originally named "Tommy Ardolino and Friends", and they will be doing their first show, a benefit, in Massachusetts late next month. Opening up will be a band from here in NH, Fat Hands, and The Mayocks from CT.
Click on the post title for more info!
State of Flux!
Astronomers, including one from the University of New Hampshire, have confirmed a magnetic portal between the Sun and the Earth...
"Mmmmm, Sea Asparagus..."
Marine agriculture on O'ahu's North Shore! And to make it even better, its companion crop is ogo, the seaweed used to make Poke...
The Real Robinson Crusoe?
Archaeologists have unearthed fresh evidence about the real-life Crusoe - Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk - who was marooned in 1704 on a small tropical island in the Pacific Ocean for more than four years.
Best Restaurants In US Named
Some surprises, some not. One that keeps returning is Boston's L'Espalier, whose owner/chef, Frank McClelland, used to live in my house!
Thursday Music Digest
A review of some recent reissues
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Style/242026/
A major cultural forum opens in New Orleans
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/10/world_cultural_economic_forum.html&ct=ga&cd=LJqYgtMXkZk&usg=AFQjCNFt9GlvrIlf0cwVTa45yxfoe12ozw
Jazz violin
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/arts/music/30sche.html?ref=arts
Jazz from...Newfoundland?
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=24910
And stupid music from upstate New York
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20081030/ENT0501/810300307/1053/ENT01
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Phils Win.
A well-done to the Philadelphia Phillies, who just completed the rain-suspended Game 5 of the 2008 World Series with a win, to win the Big Dance 4 games to 1.
Nice to know that longtimes Phils announcer Harry Kalas got to call one more championship! He got his start of course calling Hawai'i Islanders games in 1961.
Click post title for box score.
In Search Of The Lost Chord
A Canadian music professor has figured out the opening chord of the song "A Hard Day's Night" from the first Beatles film. His findings may surprise you!
Football in London: A Review
As previously mentioned, a batch of New Orleans musicians played in London last weekend. They were there in conjunction with a football game between the New Orleans Saints (who were the "home" team) and the San Diego Chargers. The Saints won a wild shootout, 37-32. Here's a review...
Weds. Music Digest
Give me back my banjo!
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://offbeat.com/artman/publish/article_3378.shtml&ct=ga&cd=Vq0IQ5SMyGI&usg=AFQjCNHFeUMOJX0aVI1AyPifG9Ye2sTYCw
Solidarity forever?
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/horne281008.html
More South African jazz
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=30796
Hula for kids
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/10/prweb1533804.htm
And a Herbie Hancock sighting:
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=24871
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Return to "Penny Lane"
The identity of the “pretty nurse selling poppies from a tray” in the Beatles’ song Penny Lane is revealed in a new book about growing up in Liverpool.
Got Milk?
Here's a story of a guy who lives on the Big Island, and flies to work on Oahu! He fills milk bottles at Meadow Gold Dairy...
New Road to Open on Kaua'i
A much needed bypass down on the South Shore! This is associated with the previously mentioned Kukuiula development.
Hawai'i Meets Alaska Meets New England
A new multimedia show from the Anchorage Symphony called "Echoes"...
Tuesday Music Digest
Tangerine Visions by The Little Ones
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5008839.ece
Buffy Saint-Marie sighted-she's no fool, as she lives on Kaua'i!
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5g9_tvWY0gYCXqoO2UFYjgWwFMBCQ
Pedal (steel) to the metal!
http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2008/10/27/news/metro/10709070.txt
Mick Jagger headed to the Olympics?
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article1859021.ece
And Phil Spector must face the music...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/10/28/bmspector128.xml
Monday, October 27, 2008
R.I.P. New Orleans Songstress "Cookie" Gabriel
Cookie sang with many of the legends of N'Orleans music, and started out with Sugar Boy Crawford. She was 73.
Big Mac Back
Fleetwood Mac will reunite next year. Currently, Mick Fleetwood has a band called the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band.
Apparently the MF Blues Band members all live on the same island in our 50th state, but which one?
Monday Music Digest
Web radio royalties fall, but it won't help much:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/technology/internet/27radio.html%3Fem&ct=ga&cd=BsvYXH4vob8&usg=AFQjCNHA6t45kMC-zfIBAtM9RFCXg2ib5g
Boz Scaggs turns jazzy
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/26/DDL613GP4R.DTL
Into the night with Mac Rebennack
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/Into-the-night.4630872.jp
A tennis dad plays air guitar
http://newsbiscuit.com/article/tennis-dad-in-hilarious-air-guitar-mime-393
And Yngwie Malmsteen sighted on tour
http://www.villagevoice.com/events/view/691007
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Waikiki Beach Gets $1 Billion Makeover
"A decade ago Waikiki was tacky, tired and sorely in need of a makeover. These days, the neighborhood is pulsing with excitement and change. Investors have poured nearly $1 billion into several major redevelopment projects including new shopping centers and the restoration of historic hotels."
State Takes Over Kawai Nui Marsh in Kailua
On Friday, the state officially became the sole owner of the 800-acre Kailua wetland. The transfer clears the way for restoration work, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to begin restoring an 80-acre pond that is home to four endangered and endemic water birds.
Sunday Music Digest
What do you get when you combine a kazoo, a ukulele, a toy piano and Europe’s “The Final Countdown”?
http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/856493.html
New freeware for jazz radio broadcasts:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-10074994-12.html&ct=ga&cd=ZhtfzXB_otc&usg=AFQjCNEWfQefnpVmpn3tjTVPYOcd3I10dA
The Oklahoma Heritage Orchestra plays Stupid Music...
http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/local/local_story_300002955.html
A DVD review of 4 old rockers-
http://www.cinemablend.com/music/Music-DVD-Review-CSNY-D-j-Vu-Live-13031.html
And jazz music goes to Malaysia
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/10/26/lifefocus/2346892&sec=lifefocus
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Scary Hiking Story
I've hiked a few very scary trails in my time-the knife-edge on Franconia Ridge during a thunderstorm comes to mind, as well as some nasty drop-offs on the Bright Angel Trail in Arizona. But only a fool would do this one! Click the post title and turn it up loud.
Secrets in a Kaua'i Cave
"And what we found was a cave — once a Pleistocene dune field, and later a sinkhole with pickling-jar powers — that may be the richest fossil site in the Hawaiian Islands, perhaps in the entire Pacific Island region."
Saturday Music Digest
A major Stupid Music festival in Texas
http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/wfaa/stories/DN-fw_redsteagallmusic_1024gui.State.Edition1.4abda64.html
Teaching jazz to 3, 4 and 5 year old kids-start 'em young!
http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/republican/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1224919332107390.xml&coll=1
Speaking of jazz, ever heard of New Zealand's Anika Moa?
http://www.3news.co.nz/News/EntertainmentNews/In-swings-the-jazz-for-Anika-Moa/tabid/418/articleID/77191/cat/55/Default.aspx
Dumpstahfunk!
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/wwl102508cbphunk.148247340.html&ct=ga&cd=0FxmzE2wczY&usg=AFQjCNEB7mNbU39ysTG0AJ76Z7AUxLXpjw
And a review of assorted new music releases.
http://www.kansascity.com/414/story/856594.html
Friday, October 24, 2008
Voodoo Fest
It's Voodoo Fest time in the Large Easy. Scroll down to page bottom for the RSS feeds from WWOZ...
Pu'a' in Taxachusetts!
Get the imu ready!
"Massachusetts State Police say a 200-pound Russian wild boar was euthanized after being struck by a vehicle on a road in Lancaster earlier this week.
That was a big surprise to state wildlife experts. They say although some wild boars are known to live in northern New England, there never has been a native population of feral swine in Massachusetts."
R.I.P. Merle Saunders
Keyboardist Merl Saunders, best-known for his outer-space voyages with Jerry Garcia, has left the building.
Eddie, Are You Kidding?
Turner Classic Movies will be showing a wild one, "200 Motels", during the overnight tonight, at 3:45 AM Eastern Time. This was the first-ever feature film shot on video, and stars Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention (including Flo and Eddie, of course), Ringo Starr and Keith Moon.
Click on the post title for an 11 minute clip of the film.
"Aloha Fridays" Signs Off
San Francisco's KFRC has fired all of its DJs and is going all-news. Which means their Friday morning Aloha-fest has ended.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Friday Music Digest
A new recording studio in Louisiana opens
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.thesttammanynews.com/articles/2008/10/24/news/doc4901c96b91468722539758.txt&ct=ga&cd=Y4Re4Fj4PrY&usg=AFQjCNFxwAzUlHRch4aCvr3E6NXSOZJB8w
Jazz music in Flagstaff
http://www.flaglive.com/flagstafflive_story.cfm?storyID=183825
Dent May and His Magic Ukulele
http://idolator.com/5067916/dent-mays-ukulele-and-stage-persona-are-both-magical
A tribute to Bessie Smith
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/122645.html
And yet another new band, this one called The Stepsons:
http://www.recorderonline.com/news/crowd_38652___article.html/band_stepsons.html
Antelope Valley Freeway...
That's Saddle Hill, as seen from the non-screamer lane of I-93 headed up past Hermit Lake in Sanbornton NH...
A Touch of Gray
I captured a light dusting of snow this morning on the summit of Mt. Shaw, part of the Ossipee Range just east of Lake Winnipesaukee. This is officially called the Ossipee Caldera, a much older and much smaller relative of Haleakala Crater on Mau'i. Volcanic rock (including pumice) has in fact been found on the other (east) side near Ossipee Lake. And you can see the remains of the crater at the top from this angle.
Just above the nearby treeline on the far side of the swamp closest to the camera, you can see the Castle in the Clouds, a mansion built about a hundred years ago that has been a tourist attraction for many years. It's currently undergoing a major rehab. Click on post title for CITC info.
Thursday Music Digest
Grateful Dead member (and Hawai'i resident) Bill Kreutzmann is going on tour-including the Islands. In fact, his tour kicks off on Kaua'i.
http://www.relix.com/Features/Daily_News/Bill_Kreutzmann_Confirms_Fall_Tour__200810223275.html
A wireless guitar is recalled-it can leak acid!
http://gizmodo.com/5067386/rage-wireless-guitar-leaks-acid-can-burn-your-rock-jewels
Waylon Jennings forever!
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jv6cZMkMBXutBKiLxIqZcy-_Sx3gD93VN2CG2
A review of the new Smothers Brothers DVD box set:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/21/DDRV13J3GH.DTL
And what's this-The Quarrymen, minus John Lennon?
http://www.signonsandiego.com/entertainment/street/2008/10/welcome_the_prefab_four_the_qu.html
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Ringo Does Damage Control
"The drummer said his message wasn't aimed at "real fans who have acknowledged that I have always signed items and am in fact the only Beatle to have been doing so". "
Mokulele Air Grounded
Auwe! The cabin crews aren't even trained in how to use the life preservers and fire extinguishers?
Canadian Airline Adding Hawai'i Routes
Westjet now flies from BC to HNL, KONA and OGG. They are now looking at adding LIH.
Beach Glass At Kailua
When we lived in Kailua in the 1960s, "beach glass" was a common sight on Kailua Beach; this was pieces of broken glass that had been worn smooth by years of grinding from the sand particles. Looks like a new outbreak?
Wednesday Music Digest
Lotsa long urls today!
The "Junco Partner" school of blues
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.mountainx.com/ae/2008/1022208soundtrack&ct=ga&cd=vNqL_Ursnvg&usg=AFQjCNG5knbmF0y1ufi-FcauLmKoqvhVAg
An interview with the great Louisiana guitarist Brian Stoltz, who did a stint with the Nevilles before joining Zach Richard. He's now a funky meter.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.connectsavannah.com/gyrobase/Content%3Foid%3Doid%253A10543&ct=ga&cd=0HwIBqaHc2E&usg=AFQjCNHfQ_srimgtJgqntg0epQOT4ZFb4Q
Oriental jazz treats
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Features/20081021170748/Article/indexF_html
The Mau'i "orchestra leader" talks about Halloween
http://www.mauiweekly.com/localnews/story7968.aspx
And a look at Wii music lessons
http://kotaku.com/5066687/wii-music-review-jam-with-the-bland
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
SCARY Grand Canyon Story
Serious stuff, this-The Plague, and how it killed an innocent Grand Canyon biologist.
Junior High
A new interview with guitar maniac Junior Brown, who even talks about his hapa haole music!
NYC Waterfalls Brought in the Bucks
The 4 waterfalls in New York Harbor were forecast to bring an additional $55 million into the City's economy. They actually brought in $69 million.
R.I.P. Pianist Dave McKenna
A true New England treasure, jazz piano pounder (and certified member of Red Sox Nation) Dave McKenna has left the building.
Cleared For Final Approach
Here's a great website featuring live radio transmissions from ATC (air traffic control) at a host of busy airports.
Tuesday Music Digest
The World Series makes its first appearance in St. Pete this year. But the city also has a jazz scene...
http://www.theweeklychallenger.com/News/article/article.asp?NewsID=91971&sID=37
Talking musika in Botswana
http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=7&aid=71&dir=2008/October/Monday20
The Zydepunks
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/63561/the-zydepunks-finisterre/
A big uke-out in New Zealand
http://www.voxy.co.nz/entertainment/getting-ready-quotbig-uke-outquot/5/4356
And Tool meets Guitar Hero
http://www.411mania.com/music/news/88198/Tool-Explains-Guitar-Hero-Involvement.htm
Monday, October 20, 2008
Scary Flying Story
A pilot has been arrested on board his plane on suspicion of being drunk, reportedly minutes before he was due to fly a passenger jet across the Atlantic
"Looks Like A Big Fried Egg!"
Thousands of documents about reported UFO sightings -- ranging from calm accounts by professional pilots to unhinged rants about the extraterrestrial menace -- have been released by the British Ministry of Defence.
We Lose.
The Boston Red Sox bid to repeat as World Champions of baseball fell short as they lost Game 7 of the ALCS to the amazing Rays.
The Rays went from worst in the league last year to their first-ever World Series appearance, where they will face the Philadelphia Phillies.
Monday Music Digest
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame induction this year will feature a tribute to stupid music
http://www.tulsaworld.com/entertainment/spot/article.aspx?articleID=20081019_272_D3_EddieP681138
Ted Nugent will ride a live buffalo onstage
http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272623287.shtml
Ovation introduces a new classical guitar...
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news6902.html
Kenny Wayne Shepard pays tribute to Jimi:
http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2008/10/19/Shepherd_Guitar_show_honors_Hendrix/UPI-47421224444135/
And tracing various Beatles back to Ireland
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/books/dublin-in-the-fab-oul-times-1502776.html
Sunday, October 19, 2008
We Jammin'
Kailua reggae soul singer Irie Love reflects on her recent world tour, where she wowed 'em in Africa.
Ko'olau Invasive Species Alert
"In August, Army staff discovered Cane Tibouchina on the Koolau summit in the Poamoho region.
This aggressive weed is not known to be naturalized on Oahu, although it is widespread on both the Big Island and Maui"
We Travel The Spaceways
In the Center of the Lagoon Nebula
Credit: A. Caulet (ST-ECF, ESA), NASA
Explanation: The center of the Lagoon Nebula is a whirlwind of spectacular star formation. Visible on the upper left, at least two long funnel-shaped clouds, each roughly half a light-year long, have been formed by extreme stellar winds and intense energetic starlight. The tremendously bright nearby star, Hershel 36, lights the area.
Vast walls of dust hide and redden other hot young stars. As energy from these stars pours into the cool dust and gas, large temperature differences in adjoining regions can be created generating shearing winds which may cause the funnels.
This picture, spanning about 5 light years, was taken in 1995 by the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope. The Lagoon Nebula, also known as M8, lies about 5000 light years distant toward the constellation of Sagittarius.
High Surf, High Risk
A sober look at last weekend's deadly surf on Kaua'i. Click the post title for part 1, and below for the sequel.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=53&entry_id=31660
Hawai'i SuperFerry Adds Whale-Watch Tech
"Hawai'i Superferry is installing a high-tech thermal imaging system that could detect whale spouts more than a mile away..."
Sunday Music DIgest
Another new stupid music band from Texas!
http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2008/oct/18/texas-gypsies-serve-vintage-jazz-hepcat-crooning/
Jazz music goes to church
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/communities/south/story/731211.html
Why a folk-rocker switched musical genres:
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/518740
Todd Rundgren checks in from Hanalei:
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/sos-review/Todd-Rundgren-interview-in-Todd.4604816.jp
And a cancer fund has been established for original NRBQ guitarist Steve Ferguson...
http://www.stevefergusonfund.com/
Saturday, October 18, 2008
We Win.
Game #6 of the American League Championship Series goes to the Boston Red Sox as they win 4-2 at Tropicana Field...
Under manager Terry "Tito" Franconia (intentional typo LOL), the Sox are now 9-0 in winning games in which they would have been eliminated had they lost. Game #7 is Sunday night.
Box score will follow in the post-title click link ASAP.
Update-box score added.
Looks Tasty! The Sequel
Sad news from Iran-the folks there tried yesterday to build the world's largest sandwich, but...
"Event organizers had planned to stuff the 1,500-meter-long sandwich with 700 kg of ostrich meat and 700 kg of chicken, and display it in a park in the capital Tehran.
But as the sandwich was being measured, chaos ensued. The giant snack was gone in minutes."
Today in History
1842-Samuel Morse lays the first telegraph cable between The Battery and Governors Island. But the cable is snapped by a ship's anchor.
50 years to the day later, the first telephone line connects the Big Apple and Chicago.
New Jan Berry Tribute Album
Many friends and admirers of the late Jan Berry, who of course was the guiding force behind Jan and Dean, have released a nice tribute to him.
Some of the performers include PF Sloan, who wrote "Eve of Destruction", Jan's former girlfriend Jill Gibson, who actually sang in a late version of the Mamas and the Papas, original Beach Boy David Marks, and Probyn Gregory of The Wondermints, better known as Brian Wilson's longtime backing band.
Best Islands In the World Named
In the Pacific, Mau'i is #1, Kaua'i #2, Big Isle #6, O'ahu #7, Lana'i #8.
Saturday Music Digest
A popular Hawai'i musician is busted for ICE:
http://www.starbulletin.com/news/hawaiinews/20081017_Recording_artist_sentenced_in_ice_case.html
Dave Mason-Always a welcome guest
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/oct/16/g22vmasonside16ev/
Another singer from Hawai'i-former Rainbow quarterback Colt Brennan, now a Washington Redskin
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/10/colt_brennan_has_the_voice_of.html
"A Ride With Bob" just keeps riding:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/music/31124664.html
And a happy birthday to Wynton Marsalis!
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/features/happy-birthday/2008/Oct/Wynton-Marsalis.html
Friday, October 17, 2008
Bluegrass on the Brain
"It’s not all that complicated. But, sometimes, playing the banjo really is like brain surgery. At least, it was for bluegrass virtuoso Eddie Adcock. The 70-year-old musician recently underwent brain surgery at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville.
The hope was to treat hand tremors that were threatening his ability to play his five-string. But instead of just hoping for the best, the surgeons actually had him play the banjo DURING THE SURGERY."
Levi Stubbs R.I.P.
"Baby I Need Your Loving"
"Reach Out (I'll Be There)"
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)"
Levi at work:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt89ZLRkgdE
Django Lives!
Radio Australia will repeat a show they did about Dorado Schmitt and the Django Fest band, whom some of us saw in 2006 at the Lowell "Folk" Festival.
"Island World" Review
A new book puts forth the notion that Hawai'i wasn't "Americanized", but that in fact it "Hawai'ianized" the Mainland!
We Win.
Early this morning, the Boston Red Sox completed the second-greatest comeback in baseball playoff history, coming back from a 7-0 deficit in the 7th inning to beat the Rays in Fenway, 8-7.
From the New York Times:
"The Red Sox fashioned the second greatest comeback in postseason history; only the 1929 Philadelphia A’s, who rallied from an 8-0 deficit to beat the Chicago Cubs, climbed a higher October mountain."
Disney Unveils Plans for Hawai'i
The family-focused resort will be located on 21 acres at Ko Olina Resort & Marina in West Oahu.
Friday Music Digest
The Smithsonian visits Ferriday, Louisiana, home of Jerry Lee Lewis:
http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081008/LIFESTYLE/81008009
Creative fusion from the Blue Flames...
http://www.dailyvanguard.com/news/2008/10/16/ArtsAndCulture/Creative.Fusion-3490149.shtml
A new rising jazz pianist from New Orleans-Aaron Parks
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2008/10/16/derk.DTL&type=music
An open letter to Ringo from a pissed-off fan!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-ft-ringo-letter-1016oct16,0,5780066.story
And a sighting of blues guitarist Tab Benoit-
http://www.chronline.com/storylife.php?subaction=showfull&id=1224177397&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2
Thursday, October 16, 2008
R.I.P. Edie Adams
Actress and singer Edie Adams, the blonde beauty who won a Tony Award for bringing Daisy Mae to life on Broadway and who played the television foil to her husband, comedian Ernie Kovacs, has died. She was 81.
Edie was also legend for her commercials for Muriel Cigars...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVYySKyBbUs
And here's part 1 of 10 of a lengthy interview with her:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dmksRLrKdI
Mmmmm, Guava...
"Guava has a higher concentration of lycopene—an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer—than any other plant food, including tomatoes and watermelon. In addition, 1 cup of the stuff provides 688 milligrams of potassium, which is 63 percent more than you'll find in a medium banana. And guava may be the ultimate high-fiber food: There's almost 9 grams of fiber in every cup."
Welcome to the Gathering Place?
Microsoft is working on a new consumer version of its multitouch computing device, which will be named Oahu (no glottal stop, apparently).
Sympathy For the Stones From a String Quartet
Bizarre mental picture alert:
"The string quartet Ethel, during a concert on Tuesday at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Harvey Theater, performed with a Hawaiian slack-key guitarist, an American Indian flutist, a Tejano accordion player and a Kentucky banjo player in a work that blended instrumental fragments of hits by Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles with famous lines from movies."
O'ahu to Legalize B & B's?
Following four hours of emotional testimony, the Honolulu City Council last night voted 6-1 to give preliminary approval to a bill that eventually would legalize bed-and-breakfast operations on O'ahu.
Termites and Hurricane Katrina
A new study finds that floodwalls that were breached in the 2005 hurricane may have been weakened by...termites.
Thursday Music Digest
San Francisco's "Jazz Church"
http://www.kswt.com/Global/story.asp?S=9178081&nav=menu613_2_5
Sonny Landreth sighted
http://www.examiner.com/x-1103-Blues-Examiner~y2008m10d14-From-the-Reach-of-the-slide-guitarist-Sonny-Landreth
ZZ Top announces a live CD
http://www.antimusic.com/news/08/oct/15ZZ_Top_Live_CD_Announced.shtml
Lindsey Buckingham interview
http://www.weeklydig.com/arts-entertainment/defend-yourself/200810/lindsey-buckingham
And jazzy gospel from South Africa!
http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=863699
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
For The Birds
Hawaiian Airlines airlifted some rare birds from the Big Island to Kaua'i the other day.
"Early Monday morning, 12 puaiohi were placed into two onboard carrying cases and buckled into passenger seats on Hawaiian from Hilo to Lihue, accompanied by two biologists.
On Kaua'i, following a one-hour drive into Kokee State Park and a 2km hike to the Alakai Wilderness Preserve, the birds were placed into a protected acclimation aviary where they will live for a week before being released into the surrounding forest."
Wednesday Music Digest
Women of jazz entertain South Africa
http://www.mcst.gov.bw/dailynews/artsculture.php?id=10757
Inside Dave Stewart's prop shop
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2006/12/dave-stewarts-p.html
Moog guitar
http://www.popsci.com/taxonomy/term/44392
Stupid music post 1
http://www.jaspernewsboy.com/news/2008/1015/viewpoint/030.html
And stupid music post 2
http://www.keepmecurrent.com/AandE/story.cfm?storyID=59439
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Wind Power?
Not sure who the photog was on this one...
Pop trained on this sucker from 1946 til 1950...long before it was painted with a slanted orange racing stripe!
New Folk City
The National Folk Festival has a long history, but only a handful of cities have kept the music going after the National ended its 3 year run in each location. The biggest success story, of course, is the one in Lowell MA. Bangor, Maine has also kept the music alive. The new kid on the block is Richmond Virginia.
50th State Quarter Struck at Denver Mint
Hawai'i's coin features monarch King Kamehameha I stretching a hand toward the eight major Hawaiian Islands. Inscribed is the state motto, "The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness," in the Hawaiian language. It will go into circulation Nov. 3.
Music History For Sale
Tin Pan Alley, the home of George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and other great American songwriters, is up for sale.
USGS Releases New Volcano Video
The US Geological Survey's Hawaii Volcano Observatory has released video of the recent explosive eruption at Halema`uma`u vent...
Another Deadly Surf Day on Kaua'i
The fourth visitor in two days has drowned-this one from Poland...
Tuesday Music Digest
C, S, N & Y at Hotel California
http://www.thecuttingedgenews.com/index.php?article=785&pageid=23&pagename=Arts
"Stay Awake", the Disney music tribute, turns 20
http://www.kansascity.com/414/story/838879.html
Review of a new jazz DVD by Sonny Rollins
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/10/13/101131.php
Opera season opening in the Big Easy
http://blog.nola.com/chriswaddington/2008/10/new_orleans_opera_association.html
And Ringo has decided he's "too busy" for autographs and fan mail...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7666826.stm
Monday, October 13, 2008
Today's Stupid Music Post
Bob Sanders (not the football player) looks back at his childhood listening to Bob Wills...
Wild Weekend At the Vent
Our friends at Hawai'i Magazine update us (with video) of the past couple of days' explosions at the volcano on the Big Island.
NYC Waterfalls Post-Mortem
"Ben Corman, 21, a valet at the River Café, said that if he did not work so close to one, and go home smelling like the East River, he would probably like them."
Deadly Sunday on Kaua'i
3 tourists drowned on Kaua'i Sunday-two sisters-in-law on the North Shore, and a Japanese tourist in Wailua.
Monday Music Digest
An Aloha Festival in Colorado
http://www.timescall.com/news_story.asp?ID=12118
A new gospel music project from New Orleans:
http://eurweb.com/story/eur47775.cfm
R.I.P. music photographer William Claxton
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jxCoWvR5rxXiG2JRlMU5ipd6NBjgD93PA3385
Another review of a new stupid music album
http://www.albanyherald.com/stories/20081012f2.htm
And a music writer says we all need more Piazza!
http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=52158866-fb00-49c8-be07-409d5964bf43
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Back to Earth Part 2
To answer yesterday's trivia question, this is a picture taken by journalist Don Blair in 1969. Don was on the aircraft carrier that recovered Apollo 11 after its return from the first moon landing. He spotted Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on another world, strumming a ukulele in the crew's isolation chamber.
Click on the post title to read Don's account of how he took the picture.
Cane Break
A most welcome reissue-here's a review of a great long out of print live album done in 1972 by the late great jazz violinist Don "Sugar Cane" Harris.
Cane, who left the building in 1999, was perhaps best known for his early work with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers as well as Frank Zappa and the Mothers. His first band was started in the 1950s and was called "Don and Dewey"; in the early 1970s another electric violin player named David LaFlamme wrote a smoking tribute instrumental song by the same name which graced the second album by It's a Beautiful Day, "Marrying Maiden".
Click on the post title for the review, and click below to see Don at work:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7pv-rPJWVs
New Roy Orbison Box Set
This is long overdue-Barbara Orbison has finally released a 4 CD set covering all phases of Roy's career called "The Soul of Rock and Roll".
Includes a live version of "It's Over" recorded only 2 days before Roy's untimely death in 1988...
We Travel The Spaceways
Spiral Galaxy NGC 3370 from Hubble
Credit: NASA, ESA, Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA);
Acknowledgement: A. Reiss et al. (JHU)
Explanation: Is this what our own Milky Way Galaxy looks like from far away? Similar in size and grand design to our home Galaxy (although without the central bar), spiral galaxy NGC 3370 lies about 100 million light-years away toward the constellation of the Lion (Leo).
Recorded above in exquisite detail by the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys, the big, beautiful face-on spiral is not only photogenic, but has proven sharp enough to study individual stars known as Cepheids. These pulsating stars have been used to accurately determine NGC 3370's distance.
NGC 3370 was chosen for this study because in 1994 the spiral galaxy was also home to a well studied stellar explosion -- a Type Ia supernova. Combining the known distance to this standard candle supernova, based on the Cepheid measurements, with observations of supernovas at even greater distances, has helped to reveal the size and expansion rate of the entire Universe itself.
Big Isle Triathalon Results
The Ironman took place Saturday at Kailua-Kona, and the winners were Craig Alexander from Australia and Great Britain's Chrissie Wellington.
Sunday Music Digest
Ukuleles made in...France?
http://www.babygadget.net/2008/10/olivelse_ukulele.php
The internet didn't kill the record-store clerk...
http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/Content?oid=867562
A new Satchmo movie
http://www.gigwise.com/news/46692/Forest-Whitaker-To-Play-Louis-Armstrong-In-New-Biopic
Sliders-Sonny Landreth meets David Lindley!
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20081009-9999-1w09slide.html
And a chat with jazz trombonist Roswell Rudd (yes, he talks about playing with NRBQ)
http://www.jazz.com/features-and-interviews/2008/10/11/in-conversation-with-roswell-rudd
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Mule Train
A ride into the Grand Canyon from a different angle-the North Rim via the North Kaibab trail, which is much less-traveled than the Bright Angel Trail on the other side (which I hiked down in 1976).
Includes a scary bit of video shot by the article's author from the back of a mule named Fred!
We Travel The Spaceways
Bright Bolide
Credit & Copyright: Howard Edin (Oklahoma City Astronomy Club)
Explanation: On September 30, a spectacular bolide or fireball meteor surprised a group of amateur astronomers enjoying dark night skies over the Oklahoma panhandle's Black Mesa State Park in the Midwestern US.
Flashing past familiar constellations Taurus (top) and Orion, the extremely bright meteor was captured by a hillside camera overlooking the 2008 Okie-Tex Star Party. Astronomy enthusiast Howard Edin reports that he was looking in the opposite direction at the time, but saw the whole observing field light up and at first thought someone had turned on their car headlights.
So far the sighting of a such a bright bolide meteor, produced as a space rock is vaporized hurtling through Earth's atmosphere, really is a matter of luck. But that could change. Earlier this week the discovery and follow-up tracking of tiny asteroid 2008 TC3 allowed astronomers to predict the time and location of its impact with the atmosphere. While no ground-based sightings of the fireball seem to have been reported, this first ever impact prediction was confirmed by at least some detections of an air burst and bright flash on October 7th over northern Sudan.
Carmen on Kaua'i
In 1951, 4 years before she left the building, samba singer and movie star Carmen Miranda visited Kaua'i to give a couple of shows.
"Later, when asked if the Portuguese spoken on Kaua‘i was the same as in Brazil, she replied, “No, no, it’s a great deal different. The accent is very different. It’s like in America. Those in the north talk with a different accent from those in the south.”
But as to men, she replied humorously, “Oh, those big bad wolves are alike anywhere you go in the world!”
Upgrade to a Firesign Site
Thomas has added a blog to his Chromium Switch Firesign Theatre fansite, as well as never-before-published stories from "Everything You Know Is Wrong!", as well as some other goodies.
Kaua'i Receives Conservation Award
The Garden Isle was cited for its efforts to acquire conservation land.
Saturday Music Digest
Working out to stupid music?
http://www.sacbee.com/107/story/1299540.html
Speaking of which...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081010.WYNTON10/TPStory/Entertainment
A little uke with your wine
http://www.examiner.com/x-1050-SF-Weekend-Getaways-Examiner~y2008m10d11-A-Little-Uke-with-your-Wine
Why the Fab 4 never did Vegas
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081010.TOGETHER10/TPStory/Entertainment
And music opens some doors in New Orleans
http://www.uticaod.com/news/x1272969511/-The-music-is-opening-up-doors-for-other-stuff
Friday, October 10, 2008
Straight Flush
I happened to be on NH Rt. 25 in Meredith yesterday when the Meredith Fire Department decided to open up this hydrant in order to get rid of the 5 to 30 pounds of waste that some experts say are spackled and pasted to its inside.
Jake Shimabukuro Sighting
(press release)
10/10/2008 - BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. (AFNS) -- Air Force Band members from here will be in the national spotlight in a Veterans Day extravaganza when the symphony orchestra and Singing Sergeants join celebrities and recording artists Nov. 10 on public television.
Band members collaborate with two-time Grammy winner Patti LaBelle, country western singer Clint Black, Academy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson, and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.
He Walks By Night
Got an update earlier today from Phil "Rocky Rococo" Proctor-the new Firesign Theatre "Box of Danger" CD box set is doing very well at Amazon.com-#1 in Spoken Word, #17 in CD Box Set...
Haleakala For the Birds
The high point on Mau'i has a TV transmitter antenna farm that will soon be dismantled. But the birds get first priority.
All Fall Down
The city of New York has invited the public to Governors Isle today, to watch them demolish "Liberty Village" on the southern part of the rockpile. This was built long after we lived there (1988) and by next summer will be a picnic area!
This weekend will be the last of the season on G.I. before it shuts down 'til next May. It's also the final weekend for the NYC Waterfalls.
Friday Music DIgest
A new jazz voice from New Orleans
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=24099
"Just Creep"
http://www.stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/1008wad
Yet another original band name-Rupa and the April Fishes!
http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_10680288
Mama Africa sighted...
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/653893
And ono New Orleans band Galactic brings its music to Vermont
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081010/FEATURES02/810100304/1011/FEATURES02
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Old Timer
After living here in NH fulltime for almost 40 years, today I finally stopped, took a closer look at, and photographed the ancient White Oak tree in Laconia. It's about a mile north of Laconia's downtown on North Main Street, next to Perley Pond. In Saddle Hill terms, it's about 9 driving miles distant, much less as the crow flies.
This tree is over 400 years old, and the trunk has a circumference of 20 feet. It's the oldest such tree in the state.
Hard Rock Alert
Yet another visit to Lower Sandwich, NH...this is the infamous "Great Wall of Sandwich", located right around the corner from the house where Claude Rains lived.
Not shown is the equal-length portion directly behind me.
Early Colours
A look at one of the local Tree Tunnels from earlier today...we're at about 65% color here. This is at about 1,000 feet above sea level...
Thursday Music Digest (Bonus Edition)
Wow, a lot of stories today-all good stuff too!
Japanese blues-
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/arts/20081010TDY14004.htm
Stamp out the Beatles!
http://www.retrotogo.com/2008/10/george-harrison.html
A look at legendary New Orleans modern jazz band Astral Project:
http://www.louisianaweekly.com/news.php?viewStory=428
All-star guitar tribute to Les Paul in Cleveland!
http://www.cleveland.com/music/index.ssf/2008/10/slash_richie_sambora_billy_gib.html
And last but not least, Klaus (Not Santa)
http://undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=6516
R.I.P. Lloyd Thaxton
(Photo from Lloyd's blog)
Lloyd Thaxton, the LA version of Dick Clark, has left the building. We watched his syndicated show in Hawai'i starting in 1964.
Lloyd had his own blog here on Blogger, and was active to the end!
http://lloydthaxton.blogspot.com/
New Stupid Music Release
"Boots, Buckles and Spurs" celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the National Finals Rodeo, and includes tunes by Bob Wills, Gene Autry, Johnny Cash, and (of course) The Sons of the Pioneers...
Thursday Music Digest
Roots music from Old Crow
http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=63331
Bossa Nova in Massachusetts
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081009/ENTERTAIN/810090306/-1/ENTERTAIN
Indian jazz
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08283/918386-42.stm
Diana Krall sings in Taiwan:
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/art/music/2008/10/09/177915/Jazz-diva.htm
And another great name for a new band-Noah and the Whale!
http://www.redandblack.com/news/2008/10/08/Variety/British.Band.Makes.Melodic.U.s.Debut-3475359.shtml
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Two Flying Stories
"I embarked on two very different aerial journeys: in a whisper-quiet glider over O'ahu's North Shore, and in a swooping helicopter over remote portions of Kaua'i."
Talk About a Guitar Fest
Click on the post title to see the video...
Weezer have set no less than five world records with their brand new video, ‘Troublemaker’, taken from their recently released ‘Red Album’.The band broke the records while shooting the clip, and had Guinness World Records official, Stuart Claxton come along to monitor and certify the record attempts.
The band and their friends set new records for Largest Game of Dodgeball, Most People in a Custard Pie Fight, Most People Riding on a Skateboard, Largest Air Guitar Ensemble, and Longest Guitar Hero World Tour Marathon.
In addition, Pat Wilson played the World's Smallest Drum Kit in the video, a record the band is trying to get in the book as an official record.
Rad Gumbo
I first saw the Radiators live about 15 years ago. The New Orleans band is still going strong.
Wednesday Music Digest
Jazz from Yemen!
http://www.cjnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15491&Itemid=86
A new release from Kaua'i resident Todd Rundgren
http://www.mountainx.com/ae/2008/100808the_personal_and_the_universal
A new music education center opens in the Big Easy
http://www.loyno.edu/news/story/2008/10/6/1597
Producer Russ Titelman has worked with many of the best...
http://www.ny1.com/content/features/86800/one-on-1--titelman-produces-the-songs-that-make-the-world-sing/Default.aspx
And an eyewitness to rock and roll history
http://newcastle-news.com/2008/10/07/an-eyewitness-to-rock-%E2%80%99n%E2%80%99-roll-history
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The "Green Wave" Returns
Nice story about the revival of the sports program at New Orleans' Tulane University, post-Katrina.
As is usually the case, Tulane sports has a historic connection with us folks here in central NH, as former Tulane Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk held the same job at New Hampton School before he headed down south to Boston, and then eventually to the Crescent City. Chet's dad was also a Tulane athlete.
Tuesday Music Digest
Ray Benson, the "country Jewish Giant"?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1222017470628&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Jimmy Thackery sighting
http://www.tbnweekly.com/editorial/local_entertainment/concerts/content_articles/100608_leconcert-04.txt
An orchestra specializing in "cartoon jazz"
http://www.voanews.com/english/AmericanLife/2008-09-08-voa28.cfm
Opening night at SF Jazz
http://www.contracostatimes.com/teens/ci_10651174
Leroy Jones in N.O.
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=30640
And a report on the UPCOMING benefit for original NRBQ guitarist Steve Ferguson, who is battling cancer:
http://www.louisvillemojo.com/blogs/Blog.cfm?EntryID=71794&BlogID=5829
Monday, October 6, 2008
We Win.
The Boston Red Sox advance in the tournament. No click-on-title link yet, but that will be soon come.
UPDATE: Click on post title for box score.
Mysterious Traveler
Big light in sky slated to appear in east.
(AP) Astronomers say a small asteroid is about to make a fiery but harmless dive into Earth's atmosphere early Tuesday morning over Africa.
Harvard scientists announced late Monday afternoon that the unnamed asteroid will burn up in the sky, making a fireball that people in northern Africa should be able to see.
The rock is between 3 feet and 15 feet in diameter.
It's expected to enter Earth's atmosphere above Sudan at 10:46 p.m. EDT Monday, which is just before dawn in Africa.
Projected Hawai'i Air Capacity Down
"US Mainland flights are expected to decrease 18.2 percent to 1.4 million, led by a 19.3 percent decline in visitors from the US West region. ... "
New Pearl Harbor Book
From Bess Press-preorders now being accepted.
"MacKinnon Simpson's newest book, USS Arizona - Warship • Tomb • Monument, pays tribute to the ship, her crews, and her symbolism through the years."
"The Great Stearman Men of the West"
The title is a line from a great book I have mentioned here before called "Flight of Passage", which is about two teenaged brothers from New Jersey who flew a Piper Cub across the US in 1966. The Boeing Stearman figured prominently in their life stories.
Here's a story about a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines who gives Stearman rides from Dillingham Field on Kaena Point.
Seeing the Universe From Hawai'i
I'm hoping to do this myself next year...I have had a standing invite from an astronomy prof at UH Hilo to take a tour for almost 10 years now!
End of a New York Era
The original Carvel ice cream store just north of New York City served its last cone Saturday night.
Monday Music Digest
Critics' picks from the Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/10/04/critics_picks___pop_music
Two-fisted blueswomen:
http://www.bloomingtonalternative.com/articles/2008/10/05/9742
What this generation lacks-The Beatles!
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/oct/05/young-people-lack-empowering-force-like-the/
A new interactive web site teaches lead guitar online
http://www.wireservice.ca/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=471
And Harry Connick Jr. gets ready for X-mas...
http://www.ibtimes.com/prnews/20081006/ny-columbia-connickjr.htm
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Well, DUH!
ScienceDaily (Oct. 3, 2008) — Supporting what many of us who are not musically talented have often felt, new research reveals that trained musicians really do think differently than the rest of us. Vanderbilt University psychologists have found that professionally trained musicians more effectively use a creative technique called divergent thinking, and also use both the left and the right sides of their frontal cortex more heavily than the average person.
The research by Crystal Gibson, Bradley Folley and Sohee Park is currently in press at the journal Brain and Cognition.
Community Radio on West Kaua'i
The main station, KKCR, is up on the north side in Hanalei-KAQA helps them out down Waimea way.
Flying the Mails
Many pilots have Walter Mitty dreams of flying the mail to Australian sheep stations. Here's a chronicle of how it's done.
Sunday Music Digest
A New York guitarist writes a song about the soon-to-be-gone Shea Stadium:
http://www.spinner.com/2008/10/04/guitar-virtuoso-devotes-song-to-shea-stadium/
A look at the 2008 JazzMandu Festival in Nepal...
http://www.wavemag.com.np/issue/article2903.html
Carrie Underwood sighted in London
http://www.wavemag.com.np/issue/article2903.html
Ukuleles for Peace in Toronto
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1232895
And a new release from Wine Country-
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/hawaii/detail?&entry_id=31020
Paging Steve Goodman
Chi Cubs 1
LA Dodgers 3
Final-LA wins series 3-0
"The Cubs’ latest flameout has to be among the most galling, considering they fell flat against the Dodgers after their best regular season since 1945."
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Saturday Classic Music Video
As I have mentioned a few times in the past 2 weeks, the Makaha Sons returned to New Hampshire for yet another benefit show.
But here's where they got their start, with IZ.
Sweden Meets New Orleans
The New Orleans music scene has a recent Swedish transplant, name of Theresa Andersson.
And in related news, TVLand the other day showed a classic "Beverly Hillbillies" re-run where Swedish actress Julie Newmar moved in with Jed and Granny to study their accents for her upcoming movie role...
Mapping the Spaceways
"It makes for one heck of a project mission statement. Explore the nature of dark matter, chart the Solar System in exhaustive detail, discover and analyze rare objects such as neutron stars and black hole binaries, and map out the structure of the Galaxy.
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is, in the words of Jeff Kantor, LSST data management project manager, "a proposed ground-based 6.7 meter effective diameter (8.4 meter primary mirror), 10 square-degree-field telescope that will provide digital imaging of faint astronomical objects across the entire sky, night after night." Phew.
Why Helen Likes The Frank Sinatra Stamps
Here's a great chronicle of one of my assorted zany relatives, Helen Dexter, who studied to be an actress in New York City in the early 1940s. She liked to listen to the Big Bands.
Half a century later, she would be the founder of a school and orphanage in a remote part of India!
She's still with us...
John Lennon's "Lost Weekend"
An interview with onetime Lennon girlfriend May Pang, who has a new photo book out. She in fact took the final picture of L & M together...
We Travel the Spaceways X 2
One of the bloggers I link to on the sidebar is Ernie (Not Bert), who shares out a lot of his nice photos (as well as some 65 or so Christmas albums each November and December). Click on the post title for his latest adventure, photographing the Space Shuttles in Florida.
Solar Power at Hawai'i Airports
Hoku Scientific will install photovoltaic power systems at airports across Hawai'i, the company announced Friday.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
A new guitar album by various artists has been released. Mixed reviews.
Saturday Music Digest
More stupid music-Miss Leslie and Her Juke Jointers!
http://www.countrystandardtime.com/d/column.asp?xid=296
Classical music meets the iPhone
http://www.macworld.com/article/135902/2008/10/itunes_classical.html
Jazz in Hartford
http://blogs.courant.com/richard_kamins/2008/10/the-world-of-jazz-comes-to-har.html
Reissue of a Miles Davis classic
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-kindofblue_0928gl.ART.State.Edition1.26dbed6.html
And The Edge and U2 offer aid to New Orleans
http://www.u2france.com/article13208.html
Friday, October 3, 2008
Classic Music Video of the Day
Los!
This is perhaps the best video Los Lobos ever did. It combines their music with Alfred Hitchcock and then throws in the epic collapse of Galloping Gertie.
We Travelled the Spaceways
After an 11 year search, amateur astronomer Mike Brown is giving up his search for new planets.
excerpts (click post title for the whole thing)
"After 11 years of (robotically) scanning the skies almost every single night... I am done, as of last night...
The sky-scanning has evolved greatly over the past 11 years.The very first version, started in July 1998, consisted of real people at the telescope taking real photographic plates (!) of the sky...
When the photographic plates were finished we sent them to David Monet at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Flagstaff who digitized the photographic plates using an outrageously precise mega-scanner he had painstakingly develop just for these purposes.
Soon after the initial survey ended, the telescope got a giant digital camera and a robotic brain... Chad Trujillo... came on board to lead this new effort. Within a year we had a first major discovery: Quaoar...The robotic telescope soon got a second generation camera... and David Rabinowitz... began working with us. From 2003 until 2005... we found Sedna, about 2/3 the size of Pluto... Orcus, half the size of Pluto... Then, in one four month period, we found the big three: Haumea (3/4 the size of Pluto), Makemake (2/3 the size of Pluto), and Eris (5% bigger than Pluto!)...
That's it. No more coming up. We have nothing up our sleeves (well, OK, we haven't completed the analysis of last night's data, so there is a miniscule chance that we happened to make a huge discover on the last night of our 11 year program, but that doesn't seem so likely)...
Starting next January my new student Michele Bannister is going to start a new project; she will be looking for new planets every night... from Australia. The southern sky is the last pristine territory to search for dwarf planets."
USS Grunion Found
Navy officials at Pearl Harbor have confirmed that they have found the sunken wreckage of the World War II submarie USS Grunion, which sank near the Aleutian Islands...
R.I.P. Nick Reynolds
Kingston Trio co-founder Nick Reynolds has left the building. Nick helped start the band after meeting Bob Shane, who in turn introduced Nick to Dave Guard. Shane and Guard had previously played together in Guard's native state of Hawai'i. The rest as they say is history!
End of an Island Landmark?
Hilo Hattie's has filed for bankruptcy...the company was started in 1963 on Kaua'i.
Bridge to Nowhere
I stumbled across this fascinating little covered bridge Thursday way out in the middle of nowhere in the burg of North Sandwich. It's called the Durgin Bridge, was built in 1869, and has a fascinating history, including its role as a waypoint on the Underground Railroad. Click the post title for more...
Friday Music Digest
There are several blues cruises out there. Here's a blues train!
http://thesewardphoenixlog.com/news/show/3411
What's your musical taste?
http://www.southwestiowanews.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20148320&BRD=2703&PAG=461&dept_id=558054&rfi=6
Singer Eric Carmen popped for DUI
http://www.ohio.com/entertainment/enjoy/30074239.html
Blog coverage of DC's upcoming Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2008/10/02/duke-ellington-jazz-fest-coverage-at-black-plastic-bag/
And Chuck Mangione pays tribute to Dizzy Gillespie:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08276/916663-42.stm
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Pie Material
Sighted today at Moulton's Farm here in Meredith NH. Believe it or not, they are also still picking and selling sweet corn.
I had 3 ears for suppah (65 cents an ear, but it had just been picked).
On Golden Pond
Yes, that is the real Golden Pond.
Yes, this picture was taken by yours truly late this afternoon (October 2) at the northeast end of the pond.
And yes, that is someone water skiing.
HAL To Add New Flights
Auwe! HAL is getting 4 new Boeing 717-200s, and will add an additional 40 flights a week from Honolulu to Kaua'i, 27 new flights a week to Mau'i, 25 more to Kona, and 18 more to Hilo.
SCOTUS To Rule on Hawaiian Lands Case
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear a case that will determine if the state of Hawai'i can sell or exchange land once owned by the former Hawaiian monarchy or have to wait until the claims of Native Hawaiians are resolved.
The Day The Music Died + 50 Years
Several Buddy Holly packages are coming out, including the "Apartment Tapes"...
Congo Square Rhythms Festival
Here's the final rundown from WWOZ on the details for this weekend's mayhem, which will be held at Bayou St. John, at the corner of Orleans Avenue and North Jefferson Davis Parkway in N'Awlins.
As noted previously the event will not be held at Armstrong Park due to ongoing electrical work there.
Thursday Music Digest
Bonnie Raitt sighted
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/ticket/story/486391.html
New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint hits the road
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081002/ENT04/810020331/1039/ENT04
Dave Brubeck at Monterey
http://www.courant.com/hc-riffscol.artoct02,0,1427827.column
More new music reviewed:
http://www.bradenton.com/134/story/921787.html
And another gabbin' session with Uncle Tom Moffatt
http://www.midweek.com/content/columns/utg_article/uncle_toms_gabbin135/
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Doing Things Cheap in the Big Apple
The NY Times names Governors Island the 6th borough of the city!
Garden Isle Cheap Eats
"My rule of thumb: If it's sitting on the counter and looks homemade, it's probably delicious. I've bought kalua pig, coconut and butter mochi, ahi poke, fried chicken and countless other items this way for much less than any menu item, and have obviously lived to tell the tale."
Helping Displaced Airline Workers
Honolulu is using a $1.4 million grant to help those locals hurt by the closure of Aloha Airlines and ATA...
Don't Try This at Home
A New Hampshire man recently completed a thru-hike on the 2,174 mile long Appalachian Trail in just 54 days, 21 hours and 12 minutes. That works out to about 40 miles a day!
10/01 Music Digest
Preview of the Te Vaka 2008 tour
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081001/GETPUBLISHED/80930067/-1/SPORTSFRONT
Uncle Chickie staging a charity auction
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/jazz-legends-return-forever-paid/story.aspx?guid=%7BD8366561-492B-47A6-9CCE-D08C5BC6ED89%7D&dist=hppr
Big Al Anderson heads to Durango
http://www.gazette.com/articles/songwriters_41188___article.html/expo_durango.html
A new stupid music group from (where else?) Texas...
http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/columnists/jim_beal/29943039.html
And a nice appreciation, with video samples, of New Orleans drummer Earl Palmer
http://blogs.courant.com/richard_kamins/2008/09/his-name-was-earl.html
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