The Tempest Trailer

I watched this and the non-HD version a number of times, and finally decided that I could tell this one as better, even though it meant subjecting you twice to a teensy request for comment and rating. Not my request mind. Hopefully those two small rectangles at start and finish will not be intrusive.

This movie could be terrific or terrible, as one youtube reviewer remarked. The bigger they are the harder they fall, supposedly. Although with all those amazing people in it, and the master's great story, it would be hard pressed for it to be less than something approaching stellar.

I have, however, been wrong many a time before. :)

Love the casting! I could - should I have the energy - spend a post about each of the actors in each of their roles. It's way too late for contemplation of that sort tonight at least. Enjoy the trailer, and hopefully later, the film itself in a venue of your choosing.

Is it just me, or has the old time excitement for a special movie coming out nearly every weekend given way to once to thrice a year? This is one I look forward to in the theater, and I guess that makes 3 for me this year outside in the collective halls of visual delight.

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Bowie & Albarn - Morning Coffee Alternative...?

Not much comes to mind to write. I think that's okay sometimes. Enjoyed the video. Hope you do too. The quality is good. The beat's solid, and all players seem happily in the groove. A bit of classic candy to catapult the day.

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Lacrimal Song, White Album, Before 'Can You Take Me Back"

www.evonseah.blogspot.com

Paul McCartney said that this was another one of John's songs from India.
It's followed by the short piece by Paul.
George (Martin?) plays the harmonium on this and two other songs, says Wikipedia.
I can't help but wonder if it was meant to be Harrison, but I'm guessing it's correct.
Just a guess, mind.
Its original lyrics were 'make your mother buy' rather than 'sigh.'
John may have disowned the song later, or it may have been a glitch in the interviewer's tape.

Seems more is not known, often, than is known... about most things.
What is 'known' is easily open to interpretation, even by the self that said it before.
We stand on shifting sands where tears are immediately absorbed by arid land.

All things considered, it was a good day - a day for contemplation and peace.
He was right to give it a chance and say those words aloud.
Thanks for being, John Lennon.
For trying to be conscious, most of all.

Celebration and the music replace the tears -
A life lived fully, but shorter than was hoped by many.
A thought came: alive again and amongst us.
Jack White would have been a 'perfect circle,' I thought
but the math doesn't match.

In the end the tears give way, evaporate, nourish the new.
We watch and remember.

Cry Baby Cry by The Beatles  
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28-Cry_Baby_Cry.mp3 (4358 KB)

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From Light to Light on December the Eighth

Light.
Where does it go when extinguished?
Where does it come from when glowing once more?

Some people call December 8th the day -
yet another day
- when the music died.

John Lennon, you have not died in me.
I remember where, when, what...
... and when I heard the shift
It was hard to reconcile the *why* part at the time,
And still is... to this 30th anniversary of your passing.

A collective stay of breath.
What does this mean?

Safe journey on, I wish you.
I will never forget you and all the many ways you gave..
We all take from this world.... and give something.
You gave a great deal to me, and I am just one of millions.

My uncle also died on December 8th.
He did so by his own hand.
I miss him terribly.
Now you are somehow bound together in my heart.
An unlikely, but beautifully eccentric coupling.

Safe journey on.
Safe journey all.

American Pie by Don Mclean  
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01-American_Pie.mp3 (12108 KB)

Watching The Wheels by John Lennon  
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03-Watching_The_Wheels.mp3 (4926 KB)

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The Lion in Winter

Thinking about favorite movies of days gone by this night, "The Lion in Winter" succeeds on all counts of film-going qualities in my book, but especially the portrayal of royal erm... disagreement. I thought I couldn't imagine sibling rivalry and parental favoritism on such a scale until I saw this screenplay and magnificent cast. Royalty found in all layers of the onion...

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Polly Jean

PJ Harvey makes me search for just the right words. She possesses a quality that I can't easily access on demand.

There's range. There's a mix of honesty and theatricality, though those two need not be mutually exclusive. There's beauty which spans the conventional and non. She tweaks it as need be or life carves. Even though I am practiced at watching the following videos, they still surprise me. I'm not really sure whether they'll proceed as they have done in the past or change midstream like real life.

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"Promentory" - Productive Background Music for Artistry

This song from "The Last of the Mohicans" is part of my soundtrack of music to write by. Important that it not have lyrics for concentration sake. Inspiring for that special turning point, beginning, or ending. The actual scene is poignant beyond words; I try not to picture it or I'll be drawn away by fey beings.

If you are a writer or a creative soul at heart, it is handy to have background music at times, especially when you're in need of an especially tailored mood to help you along.

Have you not seen this movie? Depends what you like, of course, but I recommend it. I absolutely did not want this scene from the movie for this video. Even I wouldn't spoil that piece of cinematic magic.

Better to close your eyes if not writing, painting, or dancing and let your mind's own pictures go where they will.

~*~

I remember in college - the second round - when this book was part of an Independent Study I signed up for in American Literature. My heart sank when I began to read its language, the first few pages of the hearty tome. It soon transfixed, however, surprising me with its definitive slice of time - here once and then gone forever.

When I eventually closed the book after reading the last page, I had tears on my face. I was grateful that James Fenimore Cooper took the time and effort, the keen observation and careful transcription of a period now past. I always picture an early scene, that of now-extinct birds blackening the sky with their unlimited numbers. So many details so beautifully and poignantly set down for the future. Hard choices and eternal patterns despite the disappearing setting.

There are those who are writing, photographing, drawing, and more... right now, capturing this time as it passes forever into the misty background of time. Minstrels to carry the word forward across the globe.

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Elephant Grief

www.elephantherd.multiply.com

I am a selfish being. I care about others as they have an impact on my quality of life. I tell myself that I do it for their sake, and while it does serve that purpose at the same time, does that absolve me of my intent?

 

My concern is for her well-being, naturally, and it comes from my own desire as it will never be less than an utterly heartbreaking thing to lose her. She lies down in front of me, perhaps for the last time. I will visit again and always.

 

I am affected. That’s all I really know how to say. I feel something lurking that knows it shouldn’t be ‘about me,’ and it isn’t, not really. It’s about us as sisters...a bonded pair.  What we do affects one another. This can help me to understand better my impact as well.

 

I feel so close to her, and yet I know there will be a big change coming... in one part of myself. As she lies here winnowing down, I am witness.

 

I feel for you, Sa, and I don’t want you to leave this life without peace.

 

Is everything always all about us? It has to be, doesn’t it? As the lens through which we interact with reality and consciousness, it seems like it would have to be true.

I will see you off on your journey. I will stand here forever if that is what you need. I can tell even though you make no sound. Eternal journey. Endless visit.

 

In The Cold, Cold Night by The White Stripes  
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The White Stripes - Elephant - In The Cold, Cold Night.mp3 (5580 KB)

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Pandora Peace Upside

www.myspaceantics.com

It's been a moody day of sharing.... because of events, and well... mood.
Like Hope caught behind, last left after all ills departed Pandora's not-to-be-opened box, let peace rule the day when all is said and done.
December fourth - you have been instructive, and for that and life I am grateful.
December fifth to follow, and I'd like to be here for it.
Peace and sweetness - Hope and encouragement to all.

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Richard Feynman - What's Going on in this Corner?

I have admired Richard Feynman for years. To me, the mark of true genius is to take the complexities of - in his case physics - and paint the picture simply enough for non-physicists to apprehend its essential truth. Once one gets to the core, that truth can then be applied to innumerable fields and examples. If that isn't magical, I'm not sure what is.

Analogy opens locked boxes everywhere.

'lurdanhelhart commented on YouTube under the following video:' "Proof that knowledge makes life more joyous, more hopeful, more ineffably __beautiful__, than all those who claim "ignorance is bliss" can possibly imagine."

Intriguing. Stunning.

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Radio Free Beck: Morning Becomes Eclectic

There's something about acoustic music. Don't get me wrong. I love what electric can do for a smashing song, but I dig skeletons... bare bones sound and the talent to bring it forth simple and unabashed. I feel the same way about stories, peeled back to mythology, to folk tales, peeled back to dreams and experience, back to the human imprint internal if not eternal.

There's something about Beck. Any way he serves it up, I will listen. You can too, if you so desire. Here are three acoustic pieces from a radio show presentation in November of 2008. They are: "Gamma Ray," "Orphans," and "Modern Guilt."  I especially like these versions of the latter two.

And just to be 'fair,' one great electric submission of live "Loser" to wrap up.

Not much more to say. The mood is driving the music selection tonight. Sometimes it's the music that gets a person through to the other side. Here's hoping! Cheers!

Electric Alert: DO NOT stand in water, for safety sake:

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"Trouble"

There will always be trouble. Misunderstanding, Distance, Loss. It is one side of a coin which cannot be separated from its more joyous face. The butterfly on the lotus petals of the heart alight first on one, then the other, and so it goes in neverending counterpoint and interplay. Trouble. How much and when? If it was known, then what would be different? Anything?

When I first saw the movie, "Harold and Maude," it was a revelation. And the times after that. The story, images, set pieces. The acting, the soundtrack... has stayed with me so many years that I'm coming full circle, having turned from youth to age, running the gamut of character... Not quite. But someday soon I will wake up and think of Ruth Gordon in a new light: less as teacher than peer. I don't want to fear... trouble. This is life.

Two versions follow, one from the movie and one by Eddie Vedder. Enjoy the light that comes from behind its contrast with roiling clouds.

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Vanilla Sky: Another Ending - Spoilers a la Sigur Ros

I honestly don't know about this penchant of mine for posting spoilery film endings, but some contain the most moving moments in the whole piece. If you haven't seen either the American or Spanish movie renditions, don't let me spoil you if you think you might be interested someday.

What brings the whole scene together for me is the beautiful "Nothing Song #4" by Icelandic band, Sigur Ros. The song is natively entitled, "Njosnavelin." No pronunciation guide included, I'm afraid....I'm still working it out myself. :)  Genre: ethereal?

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Molly Tuttle Amazes Me!

Molly Tuttle is a talented young woman from a family of musicians. She's been playing with them and on her own for years back into childhood. Many of the songs she performs are traditional folk tunes like this one: "Old Man at the Mill," but of late she's been writing her own songs as well. I've been watching her ramp up her already staggering talent for years, and I feel fairly certain that she is someone to watch in future.

Besides her confidence and vocal range, in this video there is also her invigorating demonstration of clawhammer guitar, a personal favorite of mine. She has a natural feel for the content and emotional tone of the songs she sings. There are so many beautiful videos out there of her renditions, solo and with her brothers and the rest of the family, it was hard to pick what else to showcase... I'll leave that to you should you find interest here. Enjoy.

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Bowie, Mellow in Acoustic Portuguese - Seu Jorge

http://www.platetectonicmusic.com/id150.html

I was one of those people who loved Wes Anderson's movie, "Steve Zissou: The Life Aquatic."
It's one of those movies (and directors, most likely) that you either love or you don't.

Just one of the myriad things I dig in it is the soundtrack, a portion of which is Seu Jorge singing Bowie songs accompanied by his acoustic guitar in character... and the beautiful language of Portugal and Brazil, Angola, among other places.

Here are three from the movie: "Life On Mars," "Starman," and "Queen Bitch." The latter is played during the credits - and wow - what is that huge painting in the background?... Of course they add more in the context of the story and the character Jorge plays. These won't be for everyone, but I hope folks will like their mellow whimsy and acoustic Portuguese take on Bowie.

An aside: I've been away from this blog for over a month. Hard for me to believe, and I hope to be back more consistently now. I was off participating in NaNoWriMo - (Inter)National Novel Writing Month - 50K words in 30 days. One of the best distractions I've ever had.

I'll post about it separately, but since this is my first entry in such a long time, I thought I'd mention it.

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Le Noise

Taken as a whole, or even watched in bits, this was a very enjoyable and varied way to spend time with Neil Young and his current musical and visual endeavors. There are some lovely effects to augment the music, along with heartfelt renditions of solo pieces.

I hope you enjoy it as I did and will again.

You've been there since I turned on to music at a very young age, Neil, and it continues to be quite something to watch your evolutionary arc through what you chose to share with the public.

Individuated models for growing up and older are valuable in my book.

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Happy 70th Birthday, John Lennon...

... wherever in your travels you may be
I wish you smooth sailing and food/drink for your
journey on

It seems like yesterday that you turned 40,
still here with us celebrating

And still... here and not forgotten.
Thank you for everything.

       

Instant Karma (We All Shine On) by John Lennon  
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05-Instant_Karma_(We_All_Shine_On).mp3 (4700 KB)

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Amadou & Mariam, My Late Discovery!

From their Wikipedia page at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amadou_%26_Mariam

"Amadou & Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) (born in Bamako 24 October 1954) and Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Bamako 15 April 1958). The pair, known as "the blind couple from Mali" met at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an interest in music. Amadou lost his vision at the age of 16 while Mariam became blind at age 5 as a consequence of untreated measles."

Here is their official website:  http://amadou-mariam.com/_sites/AMADOU2008/html/index2.htm
There are some lovely videos and other goodies there as well.

I just heard them for the first time the other day while watching 2009's Glastonbury Music Festival on television, and all of a sudden out of all the bands there was one unrecognized, totally magnetic and joyful sound that I had to stop and find out: just who are these people? Apparently in many parts of the world they are quite well known and have many albums out

I would love to find a clear, non-wobbly live version of either of the songs as the entire band is very different to watch than just to listen - so dynamic, so varied in motion, so full of exuberant joy. I'll keep looking. In the meantime, above is a music video for one song, and a static album version of a different song in the video below.

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Late Night Thoughts About Home

I'm sitting here, late at night in this house I call home.
I've been thinking about it a lot lately - the building
And the concept of a container for our lives,
What it feels like inside.
Barrage of crabapples plummeting onto the roof
Creaking floorboards
Hidden water heaters
Potential flood waters
Bowl shaped property
Larger Place for thoughts and feelings to reside
Shelter
Gorgeous view
Privacy

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'Mark Twain Shoe Shine' ~ Pete International Airport

Mark Twain and Family at Mark Twain House

Behold the fool saith, "Put not all thine eggs in the one basket" -- which is but a manner of saying, "Scatter your money and your attention;" but the wise man saith, "Put all your eggs in the one basket and --WATCH THAT BASKET."
- Pudd'nHead Wilson's Calender (Mark Twain)

I am not one to argue with those of wit and experience. All I will say is this: there are two sides to every coin. They are inextricably linked. This quote of Mark Twain highlights a most interesting duality.

Mark Twain Shoe Shine by Pete International Airport  
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04 - Mark Twain Shoe Shine.mp3 (7110 KB)

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Every Effort Reduces Entropy... A Ghost Story

Art in Car's Dust by Scott Wade - based on the painting, 'Hylas and Nymphs' by John William Waterhouse (1849-1917)

Be an optimist -- at least until they start moving animals in pairs to Cape Canaveral.
~Anonymous

I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else.
~Earl Weaver

The basis for optimism is sheer terror.
~Oscar Wilde

For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else.
~Sir Winston Churchill

Churchill seized upon the central point for me today - to be OF USE or not to be OF USE.

What is 'of use' against pessimism, loss of heart, and entropy?

Entropy is in constant backward motion, eroding whole categories much as oxidation results in rust or tarnish. Every little step I take pushes it closer toward the pure morning sunlight when the day was starting and all things were possible.

Sitting down and succumbing to thoughts, images, and potential catastrophes is of no use against entropy and therefore aids its regression, which is ultimately cyclical as New continually becomes Old and Old gives birth to New.

There is optimism in that cycle, especially when I'm not stuck in the future or the past, with this particular form, associations, or possessions.

It's more important than I think to be gentle with myself.

Allowing too much oxidation of spirit sends it low and becomes frightening. Lightheartedness and good cheer are also contagious and can return to assist in a challenging moment.

This is my ghost story. My night sleeping in the haunted house on the corner for a dare. Waiting to see if i will emerge despite the bumps and visions to solid day once more.

I know it's important to make that effort. I eat blueberries which are excellent antioxidants.

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"Truth Doesn't Make a Noise"

"My baby's got a heart of stone

can't you people just leave her alone
she never did nothing to hurt you
so just leave her alone

The motion of her tiny hands
and the quiver of her bones below
are the signs of a girl alone
and tell you everything
you need to know
 
I can't explain it
I feel it often
every time I see her face
but the way you treat her
fills me with rage and I
want to tear apart the place

You try to tell her what to do
and all she does is stare at you
her stare is louder than your voice
because truth doesn't make a noise"

The combination of sensitivity and observation with chaos and rage in the lyrics goes with the musical aspect of the song so well. Together they reel me in like a overeager trout. A gem in the stone. Tiny hands and quivering bones. All you need to know. Just try to tell her what to do. Keep on trying; it makes no never mind. And all the time the gentle observation...

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Aloha Image-ined

The spirit of Aloha, as channeled by Quantum Fractal Energy Mandalas:

http://fractalenergymandala.com/  for more information or your own prints or personal energy mandala.

This image moved me and called out to be shared and contemplated.

What I've come up with so far:

There are so many words and images of welcoming in the many languages and mediums on this blue world. There is something comforting about that aspect of humanity. Once a person practices welcoming, it can progress far beyond a simple greeting to a personality with whom we are familiar. There is an allowing of the space needed for the presence of others, self, concepts, truths, and all manner of deeply held experience to flourish.

Aloha!

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Blind Threshold and Lightning in a Bottle

Beats Antique just came out with a new album named, 'Blind Threshold.' David Satori, Tommy Cappel, and Zoe Jakes will tour with the Eco-Bus for the Sustainable Living Roadshow. Here's the link if you would like more information:

http://www.sustainablelivingroadshow.org/

To celebrate, I'm including this video which includes a clip of Zoe Jakes' belly dancing without quick edits to obscure her style. Here is what the YouTube uploader said:

"Enjoy BEATS ANTIQUE performing live at LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE 2010 in California Memorial Day weekend. There is something fascinating about capturing live video from a video screen being mixed live of a live performance.... a multi dimensional moment in time and space indeed."

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Boardwalk Empire Meets BJM

I sat down to watch the critically touted, "Boardwalk Empire," and couldn't believe what I was hearing in the opening credits, which I loved and thought I'd pin down here. It's possible, given the top ten Google search hits that I'm in the minority.

As my eyes were feasting on both the subtle and overt lighting changes, as well as Steve Buscemi's magnificent face, I was hearing the strains of "Straight Up and Down," by the Brian Jonestown Massacre. Their music is dear to my heart... and yet, not something I expected to hear in a mainstream presentation on HBO.

This link will take you to an article about the development of the history of that time and place from page by Nelson Johnson to screen.

http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/arts-and-entertainment/boardwalk-empire/Empire-Builders-from-plexus-to-HBO102974859.html

First episode had plenty of conflict and complications. The commercials almost deterred me as it seemed like the pacing would be too pulse-pounding for my frame. Commercials and end product? Not always identical in overall effect, I've found.

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Happy Double Birthday to the Baggins Duo!

Today is the date Professor Tolkien set as the birthdays of Frodo and his uncle/cousin, Bilbo.
It's also the date they each set out on their individual journeys in 'The Lord of the Rings.'
Finally, it is the date I begin to read the books again - often aloud to others - annually for many years. This past year someone read them to me over Skype from across the country over months' time. What luxury.
I've been a fan for as long as I can remember, and I raise my glass now to the author and the characters that have threaded throughout my life with much chewing over meanings and bottom lines. At this moment, I'm thinking of the story in terms of one of its themes ~ how means justify ends is chosen over ends justifying means. It's been worth the contemplation for me.

Secure in the love of one of my favorite tales, I offer a bit of fun with The Flight of the Conchords performing, "Frodo, Don't Wear the Ring."
Even if you've seen it before, you might watch until the end for it to yield all of its silly treasures.

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'Quiero Dormir' with English Subtitles

This appears to be a Public Service Announcement.
No description is available on YouTube.
It is a long time since my last posting.
I need a little kick in the pants to get
Myself going again.

This video reminds me of my experience during days
This autumn. Just when I least expect it, once again
The untrimmed crab apple tree pummels the roof
With its fruit in its continuous rally to keep me
On the edge of my seat.

Here are some other ways to be kept alert.
It may seem as though you are advised not to
Try them at home, but that all depends,
Doesn't it?

The nicest thing about it is its good cheer
And friendly attitude.
That's always welcome.

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Free Hugs... for Free.

Such joyous recognition in heart, arms, smile... and a placard
There are such campaigns all across Europe, East and West,
Australia, Japan. This is one from Italy.
In case you should feel inspired to know more or do your own,
Here is the official website:

http://www.freehugscampaign.org/

There's never any time like the present for a real,
Honest to goodness hug.

Takes people a while to allow themselves that public happiness
But then the river flows, and it's something to look closely at the faces
Of those being hugged.
All the tension released.
Something held - maybe for years... or decades.
Let go.

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11:11pm Hermes and Athena Tonight?

 

Deities live within me

And speak to my ear inside

No particular era or geography

But Now and Here – always right on time

The clothes they wear – not important

Their stories reveal paths broken in part

Tonight Athena and Hermes

Came up from the basement

Messages, compassion, and meeting

Stormy temper, craft, wisdom bursting from pain

I balance the voices, echoing aspects similar

It’s the stories that are everything

In the end they supremely reign

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Dig a Tunnel, No a Pony: Everything Has Got To Be Just Like You Want It To...

Warning Sign by Talking Heads  
Download now or listen on posterous

04-Warning_Sign.mp3 (5502 KB)

This post started out as an idea for a poem - digging a hole, something like this:

"The hole I dig grows deeper, the tools more effective.
It's not a burden to remove the dirt from the space
It wants to leave, seemingly - nothing in its place
The shovel lifts itself; I barely have a task at all.
I don't want it that deep; someone might fall
It might be me; should I care about that?
I'm following an odd rabbit; should leave a warning mat
Imagine what treasures I might've found if I'd paid attention
... my kingdom for a sieve is the lamenting intention.

What will I leave behind... breadcrumbs to find my way back?
Some memory, imagination or hard cold real fact?
If I leave this hole that wants to dig itself,
Will I find out more about this self,
Or just more play around wasting time
I don't want to think it's a crime,
But I'm meant to do, to create, to understand and listen,
It's easy to note the good days; the whole world glistens
But in the hole it will be different; concentration on nothing
And velvet black.
It sounds peaceful; I hope I find my way back."
by Morning Ambassador

Then I started to think about what music might support this immature first draft of a poem
I was focusing on the word, 'Dig' - which most recently conjured thoughts of my favorites,
The Brian Jonestown Massacre's film, but I went back further to "Dig A Pony" by the Beatles -
the word play, the radiance, the poignancy and melody.

It took me back to the mid-1970's when N.S. and I rented "Let It Be" for college movie on the schedule.
I watched it all the way through during multiple viewings every day of that week, some of it from the front row of that wonderful theater of my memory. And what I came to see, more and more clearly was that the film being made in reality was not necessarily the film that was envisioned, except for the fact that it was meant to document what was going on those days in the band. And that turned out to be a gradual and bittersweet dissolution by polarization. My opinion, based on nonscientific studies.

People come toward each other and move away all the time. But there are specific incidents when it's more momentous, representing more than a simple parting of the ways. All eyes are focused and there before us unfolds a mythological scene acted out with real people, human beings.

The connection between the way that I dig holes during parts of days or life and the song, "Dig a Pony,' had to do with that scene on the rooftop of the Apple Studio Building. Holes just naturally dig themselves sometimes. The effort or action, the task at hand has more to do with stopping it from happening than doing what comes naturally. And who can say which is better? We do learn from dark places, sometimes even more than from the light where we can 'celebrate anything we want.' But we must come back when all is said and done and 'radiate everything we are.' Or the scene will remain, incomplete.

"Dig A Pony" by The Beatles

"I dig a pony
Well you can celebrate anything you want
Yes you can celebrate anything you want
Ooh

I do a road hog
Well you can penetrate any place you go
Yes you can penetrate any place you go
I told you so

All I want is you
Everything has got to be just like you want it to
Because-

I pick a moon dog
Well you can radiate everything you are
Yes you can radiate everything you are
Oh now

I roll a stoney
Well you can imitate everyone you know
Yes you can imitate everyone you know
I told you so

All I want is you
Everything has got to be just like you want it to
Because-

I feel the wind blow
Well you can indicate everything you see
Yes you can indicate anything you see
Oh now

I load a lorry
Well you can syndicate any boat you row
Yeah you can syndicate any boat you row
I told you so

All I want is you
Everything has got to be just like you want it to
Because-"

Side note: I realized that John Lennon would have been 70, come this October 9th, had he lived. Had he not been assassinated. He is missed. I miss him. Holes.

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No One Quite Like Kim Deal

Apparently someone else thought so too.

Too late at night to write so just listening

Times like this take two YouTubes and go to sleep.

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Beats Antique and a Zoe Jakes Solo

The first video is that of Beats Antique performing 'Beauty Beats:'
(Beats Antique Video of Sidecar Tommy, David Satori and Zoe Jakes performing at Lightning in a Bottle and TempleSF 2008.)

Below, I've also included a solo performance of Zoe Jakes since through the first video I was hoping for more of her dancing since creating a musical accompaniment for her is what was the genesis of the band and it's gypsy calliope sound.
That's just my description. For some info on the second video:
(http://www.rachelbrice.com.     May 14th, 2009 Broadway Studios, SF CA.      Photos: http://photos.jenniferyee.com/gallery...

My brother introduced me to their music.
I love the fusion of so many influences, and at certain times lately - it's the only music that fits.
Thanks for the tip, HM!

Deep in the heart of the forest, strains of unique and intertwining instruments play
Waving off the day, welcoming the darkling heated night
The dancers sway, concentrating with all their might
The slightest movement, broad and concentrated: round and tight
Expanding ever outward, sequins in the light
All are watching, enthralled, barely a quarrel or bare knuckle fight
As their eyes are captured by smoky lids opening and closing right
Up until the end, the magic unbroken, far into the early starlit pre-light.

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Compassion and the Trickster

Grandma seemed overwhelmed with the number of requests for money that came every day in her mailbox, for one organization or the other. Small children, certain illnesses, homeless animals. Many of them worthy causes. She learned as a girl in Russia that you help people who ask for it. You never fail to share with those less fortunate. But the sheer volume took space to store until money was available... and more notably it took emotional space.

The more she gave the more frequently those envelopes would appear. There were piles of envelopes still waiting on her washer and dryer the day they moved her out of her home.

I remember her standing there, walking from room to room as others decided what was kept and given away, what could be brought to what would be her new home now.

A bit at a loss for how to be supportive during such an important transition; independent decision-making to something else. She was a bit at a loss for how to contain and minimize the impact. I could see it in her face and how she paced into room after room. My darling grandmother.

Recently, following this same lineage of thought that I learned from my grandmother on whatever level/continuum of consciousness, I responded to someone I'd met on the internet. A young woman (supposedly). She was in trouble, and there wasn't anyone who could help. Needed help until next Friday when she could certainly pay me back. Could I do anything to help; it wouldn't be any problem to return the money... just waiting on a check. My heart went out to her, and I couldn't NOT help.

Like Gram I didn't have much, but I gave until it started to hurt. She asked for more. I couldn't give it. She never returned my money. I keep wanting to say, 'At least I learned my valuable lesson,' but I'm not sure exactly what it is yet... Still chewing on it. I love you, Grandma!

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Tom Not Petty Down in Jericho

Got the Mojo...

Once again it's love that makes the world go
  and it's Love that brings the world-go-round anew
Remember love and then there's Love - so...
  which you got going on right now, blues?

Love the set... rugs, guitars and band make the perfect backdrop to these bouncy blues

Is there an empty mike in honor of someone(s), or is that my miscalculating imagination?

"The official music video for Jefferson Jericho Blues, from the new album Mojo by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers"

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Animals, Born and Bred; With Opportunities to Grow Human As Well

We are animals - members of the Animal Kingdom as classified by the classical Carolus Linnaeus. We seem to be the type of animal, like so many others, to draw boxes around groups and lines in the sand to show that we're a better, stronger, or more clever species of animal than some other, even to the extent of measuring percentages of blood lineage or counting bumps on the head or  sizes of various skulls.

It takes a bit of work to reach the level of consciousness and consistency to evolve into a human being. Most of us are not born at that place... or if we are, how quickly most of us forget.

Am I saying I'm there? No, that isn't what I'm saying... Just that it's possible and takes a bit of practice after all to stop drawing boxes and lines in the sand... among other things.

I do think we need to get on it, however... It's late in the day.

Not so we can be better, stronger, or more clever than some other... but so that we can see the equanimity of us all - living things, stones, the rest.

My opinion at 5:57pm on a Saturday evening.

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I'm a Total Geek: Deathly Hallows Trailer

Reading the last book aloud for the benefit of one who hasn't yet had the pleasure, and before the movie comes out, so it will be a richer experience in two mediums and 3 dimensions... :)

I'm especially noticing the many Tolkien references this time around, though I always knew they were there. So many others as well, but in my opinion this does not make a unique work completely derivative. After all there are only so many stories... Variables and a stout wardrobe make all the difference.

Parallel universes.

I can't wait.

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Some Nights I Feel Old; Others Young - Not in Order!

  William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)

                    When You Are Old

    WHEN you are old and gray and full of sleep,
    And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
    And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
    Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

    How many loved your moments of glad grace,
    And loved your beauty with love false or true,
    But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
    And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

    And bending down beside the glowing bars,
    Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
    And paced upon the mountains overhead
    And hid his face among a crowd of stars.

<http://www.potw.org/archive/potw12.html>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Butler_Yeats

"I'm every age I've ever been, and even some I've never been... " ~ me

Two things:

Like the Brothers Grimm, Yeats was a walking collector of the stories and legends told in the Celtic oral tradition. Up and down the countrysides, like the Census - only with stories! What could be better?

Shakespeare from Hamlet: "There's the respect that makes calamity of so long life."

*********

So you're telling me for the millionth time that "Ode to a Grecian Urn" is Keats, not Yeats. I think I've got it, finally.

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Unity in Diversity - Part 1

All in One! One in All!
Difference a change in clothing
Shimmer and gone; shimmer back when called.
Out of everything rest as 'no thing'
In the space between breaths.

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Happy July, Julius and All

www.bom.gov.au/calendar/archive/2008/july.shtml

July is coming
July is already here
Summer is over.

That's what my grandmother always said, to be realistic and not discouraging, I'm sure.

Time passes quickly
It comes not this way again
Enjoy each second

Usually coupled with the following...

Good or bad, mind it:
This too shall pass, by its way.
Yes. This too shall pass.

The idea of a
Calendar is not simple
Research is needed.

So, born in July
Friends with Julius then, yeah?
Not really, brother.

The Who performing Summertime Blues live at Leeds

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"Running Through the Jungle" - Cheers!

"Tell us. Tell us the end of the story!"

"That's for another night. Time for bed now."

"Please? Just this once?"

"Well, alright. Just this once.

     Settle down nice and quiet. That's it. You're about to hear how young Gabeldyn surprised everyone by joining the circus that was passing through the village at the very same time of the first attack from above."

"Is that the one where he comes back just in time to fix the thousand creme brulees everyone needs to save the society dinner's history of high class stuff?"

"Yes. this is that very same story. Even with the changes, the story remains the same."

"I always liked that one."

<Live at Wembley Stadium, June 2008

Dave Grohl: Vocals
Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Jimmy Page: Guitar
John Paul Jones: Bass>

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Song to the Sea Turtle

Courtesty of: http://www.jenniferbranch.com/j/Paintings/16/SeaTurtleVIII.htm

All efforts to protect and rescue
Precious endangered sea life
Are being pushed aside and stunted
Causing great heartache and strife

Do not these beautiful & sentient beings
Have the right to live without torture
Being burned alive to clear 'the mess'
Created by a corporation fleeing
Their responsibility.

It makes me sick to my heart and bones
To hear of their urgent travails
How will this be answered when
Reconciliation comes;
Karma deals its fair and mighty blow
Sending back the pain in tens.

It didn't have to be this way
The price didn't have to grow so large to pay

All that is left is tears
Floating in the sea
Tears where turtles ought to be
In an unpolluted sea.

Sailor by The Brian Jonestown Massacre  
Download now or listen on posterous

BJM Sailor.mp3 (3515 KB)

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"Everything Is Illuminated"

A quirky little movie based on the book that I have not yet read. There are gems in all the places you don't expect them. The quiet suspense and budding resolution are lovely and sad and joyous... all it should be. Yes? Yes!

Also, the soundtrack mirrors those emotions, and this is a musical follow-up from a neighboring land to the last post, but with a distinctively robust, buoyant, rebellious, and yes, explicit... tone.

To be accompanied with V, neat.  :), I guess.  (insert laughter here)

Blood searches for blood. Collectors collect. Adventurers move about the earth.

In time, everything is illuminated, secrets revealed, light shone upon dark places, layers peeled.

Cheers!

Start Wearing Purple (Explicit) by Gogol Bordello  
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09 - Start Wearing Purple [Explicit].mp3 (7006 KB)

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Hamlet Gonashvili

While copying out the "To be or not to be" soliloquy from Shakespeare's tour de force - one of SO many - I came across this Georgian singer of great subtlety and gentle beauty of voice. I hope you enjoy it, with chorus. It evokes in me a feeling of being far from home, but traveling with a deep sense of camaraderie all the while.

It's hard to believe there once was a time when hearing music from across the globe was reserved for the likes of singular persons like Marco Polo.

The fact that days go by when I do not acknowledge how very fortunate I am in this regard is truly shocking when I stop to think of it. What pearls and diamonds lay outside our 'borders,' if we but stretch out our arms and ears to take hold and listen.

Enjoy if you hear something that resonates...

Satrpialo by Hamlet Gonashvili  
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01 - Satrpialo.mp3 (5754 KB)

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Living on a Thin Line: Pete Quaife Passes Onward

Article can be found at permalink:
http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/06/25/kinks-bassist-pete-quaife-dies/

"Kinks Bassist Peter Quaife dies at 66
by Leah Greenblatt
June 25, 2010
@EW.com ~ Music Mix Blog:

Pete Quaife, a founding member of British Invasion icons the Kinks who played bass and sang vocals for the group from 1963-1969 and appeared on their classic albums Something Else By The Kinks and The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, has passed away at the age of 66, after a decade-long struggle with kidney problems.

Quaife appeared on the band’s early hits, including “You Really Got Me,” “All Day and All of the Night,” “Waterloo Sunset” and “Dedicated Follower of Fashion,” but reportedly left the group after clashing with childhood friends turned bandmates Ray and Dave Davies; he was replaced by bassist John Dalton (who himself was later replaced by Jim Rodford, in 1978).

Quaife went on to form the country-folk outfit Mapleoak, which failed to replicate the Kinks’ success, and ultimately earned his living as a graphic artist in Canada. He did, however, return to perform with the Kinks at their induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990."

Though Pete did not play on the song, 'Strangers,' which I've included here.. its lyrics and context in 'Darjeeling Limited' seemed somehow appropriate, though not in a straightforward mention of passing on. More about those we meet along the way and the things we do have in common. We are one... traveling the road.

Strangers by The Kinks  
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16-The_Kinks_-_Strangers.mp3 (4228 KB)

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