Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Hanging with the Dog[s]

We have 3 dogs now. Our beloved Karelian Bear Dog passed in 2018. We inherited a 15 lbs rescue, from my M-in-L. We had him for several months. He slipped out and was hit by a car in front of our house. We were very sad for a long time. 

We got what looks like a Cairn Terror, but is a Pom Poo Chi (Pomeranian, Poodle, Chihuahua) in the summer of 2020. He’s super affectionate, barks easily and will eat anything; grapefruit, cucumber, watermelon, it doesn't matter. He’s a great friend.

Last March we got two more dogs. One on Petfinder caught our eye. We visited him, liked him and adopted him. We took his friend as well. One looks like a Corgi in front and a skinny Dachshund in the back. His friend, the impulse buy, looks like a Poodle, Jack Russell mix, we think. He's an absolute sweetheart. We'll get their DNA done when they run the sales around the Holidays.

I do very little social media at this point. I log in occasionally to see what family members are doing, but do not engage in conversations or look for news of the world. Social media is the last place I’d look for reliable news coverage. To stay abreast of current events, I subscribe to the weekend Seattle Times (you get daily digital access with it), a local weekly from my hometown and the NY Times online. The Seattle Times has been especially rich the past few years with gardening information, hiking ideas and lots of book, music, film and TV reviews and suggestions. I’ve gleaned a lot of great information from that paper.

I use our local library to access copies of the county paper and a local that has decent coverage, but seems to increase the number of real estate ads and conservative op eds with each issue. I subscribed to the latter, but the delivery person kept leaving the paper on the ground. It either got wet in the rain or blew up the road. Customer service was no help so I read the library copy now.

 

In the headphones:

I listen to a lot of local FM radio, Jazz, Rock & Classical + NPR News and the Weather! I do still listen to CDs and I get them at the local library. It's a great way hear what's available.


Starting Over by Chris Stapleton

Love the title track. Mr. Stapleton may be the best songwriter in Nashville right now.

 

Carry On by Mavis Staples & Levon Helm

Recorded live in Levon’s barn for the Midnight Rambles back in 2011. Great artists performing amazing music.

 

Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 

A live performance with lots of guest stars, celebrating the 50 year anniversary of their Bluegrass masterpiece.

 

On the nightstand:

I read approximately 50 books a year. I like to old fashioned codex book. I'm not a fan of eBooks or eReaders, but I do love to listen to audiobooks. Caveat emptor: A good reader can make a mediocre book much better. A poor reader can ruin a bestseller in one chapter or less.

Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty

Stories (mostly Dee’s) from a Native community in Maine told in 12 glimpses. It starts with a curse and ends with…

 

Small World by Jonathan Evison

Told from multiple perspectives across a couple of time periods, we get the see the first generation of pioneers as they maneuver to better their lot in life and pursue the American Dream. And we meet their descendants a century+ later, in a contemporary setting, continuing to make the possible probable. 


The Sentence by Louise Erdrich

The operators of a small bookstore deal with a ghost, the Me Too movement, try to make sense of the killing of George Floyd and gird themselves against COVID. Strong connection to all four doorways.

On the screen:

Thank the Gods for streaming services! 

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez collaborate to solve a murder for which they have been accused, hilarity ensues.

 

ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas (Netflix)

An interesting doc with everything you wanted to know about a bearded trio who delivered Blues through a Rock’N’Roll filter in the early 70s and took the world by storm!


Trailheads:

Our rescues get a little inimidated by big dogs so they can be a bit reactive. We're working on those issues so we can get back to our favortite spots in the Olympics and Cascades. We're fortunate to have an amazing local parks system so right now we're simply hiking on the island on one of the many well-maintained trails. 

 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Ascending


2 Jun 20
Still dog-less as we ascend to Stage II in the Return from the Pandemic. I remain positive and resolute in my search for a new best friend.
Speaking of dogs, it rained like cats & dogs and little kids on sleds last weekend which delayed the outside work so I’ll be wrapping up the fence project this week. 

What's on the Nightstand:
One Last Lie by Paul Doiron
The eleventh installment of Mike Bowditch, Maine’s crime-solving warden. A cold case involving Mike’s mentor, Charlie Stevens, puts Mike in the cross-hairs way up north on the Canadian border.

Inland by Téa Obreht
Part fantasy, part historical fiction, set in the late 19th Century Arizona Territory, Obreht weaves the stories of two desperate people, one starved with loneliness, another haunted by ghosts, as they stagger through a drought.

What's on the Screen:
The Outsider (Netflix)
What begins as a murder mystery takes a turn toward the supernatural and dark forces begin to overrun a small community. A few rather gruesome scenes, but mostly, deliciously dark, fantastical storytelling. I binge-watched this in two large bites

Bloodlines: Second Season (Netflix)
Death, drugs and double-cross abound as the Rayburn family navigates the fallout from the death of brother Danny. Sister Meg continues to drink and make bad choices, brother Kevin continues to use drugs and make bad choices and Brother John attempts to hold things together. If I was brother John would sell and move north to save my soul and sanity.

What's in the Headphones:
Building playlists on Spotify and listening to our local airwaves; KNKX, KEXP, KBCS & KISW, and playing my guitar.

Trail Heads:
Buck Lake, 2-3 miles (one way) through various terrain with the turnaround at a Hood Canal beach. Nothing too strenuous, a very nice walk.

Be well and stay safe.
More to follow...

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Avoiding Entropy


Greetings All,
I haven't posted for a while because I have no dog with which to hang :(
but I'm looking in earnest and hoping to have a new member of the family and hiking partner soon :) 
I have been working lots on garden projects, spreading more mulch, fixing and adding fencing, along with general clean up and organizing of everything within our ½ acre of brush and trouble.

What's on the nightstand:
I just started A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell 
The story of Virginia Hall, an American spy who worked undercover in France during World War II for Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE). I devoured the first 50 pages this morning. We'll be discussing it next Tuesday at evening at the Eagle Harbor Mystery Book Discussion Group.
One of my recent faves is Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry
A lyrical stroll down memory lane by two, socially challenged, low-level enforcers for an Irish crime interest as they wait for the arrival of a friend on the ferry from Tangiers.
In audiobook format:
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
A tell-all, sometimes shocking, always frank and very funny tale of Chef Bourdain's career in the restaurant kitchens of Manhattan. He pulls no punches as he bares his soul with tales from nearly 3 decades of creating haute cuisine while pursuing new nadirs of debauchery.

What's on the screen:
Messiah (Netflix)
A ten-part story about a burned out CIA officer looking into a Middle-Eastern man whose followers believe him to be the Second Coming of Christ. Lots of twists and turns :)
NCIS (Netflix)
Full disclosure, I never watched this as a Prime Time series in spite of its 17 seasons. Started watching late last fall and now I can't look away. I'm not saying it's not-to-be-missed and in spite of the somewhat pedantic scripts with a fair amount of formulaic, predictable plot, I have grown to truly enjoy the series regulars. Which presents a bit of a challenge as many of them leave the show eventually. The team is a bit quirky, as are the mysteries they solve, but I find them endearing, even in the 14th season when they jettison one of my favorite characters to introduce a team member whom I find quite challenging.

What's in the headphones:
Mostly I've been listening to local, FM radio. We're fortunate to have several great, independent radio stations in our region. And I've been listening to a lot of 70s Rock via Spotify, e.g., Derek & the Dominos, Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, etc.

Be well and stay safe.
More to follow...

ek

Friday, August 9, 2013

2013 Bumbershoot Preview

Sadly I have been so preoccupied with other responsibilities (e.g., walking the dog) that I have been grossly negligent in my commitment to post information about books, movies and music, which no one will read.
Finally had a chance to listen to all the bands in the 2014 Bumbershoot line-up and there are some I will be sure to see (designated with an asterisk).

2013 Bumbershoot
Saturday
The Flavr Blue (Pop) Techno Pop to be more specific
Matt Jorgensen + 451(Jazz) Similar line up to Human Spirit
Dave B (Hip Hop) Interesting background beats
Human Spirit (Jazz) Similar line up to Matt Jorgansen
*Ernie Watts with New Stories (Jazz) Coltrane influenced sax
Nacho Picasso (Hip Hop) Interesting background beats
*Down North (R&B) Funky and Soulful like vintage Stevie Wonder
Diamond Rings (Pop) with electronic undertones
Joey Bada$$ (Hip Hop) So bad that using letters to spell his name was ineffective
Robert Glasper Experiment (R&B) with Jazz undertines
*Davidson Hart Kingsberry (Rock) has a real C&W feel to it
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down (Rock) Indie darlings
Kendrick Lamar (Rap) Interesting background beats
Icona Pop (Electro-Pop) Swedish duo with catchy hooks
ZZ Ward (Pop) Soulful songstress with a great voice
Gus + Scout (Roots Rock, bluesy, soulful, folky)
The Physics (Electronica mostly)
!!! (???) These guys are so hip that a search of their name on the Interweb yields no meaningful results!
Total Experience Gospel Choir (Gospel, duh!) Seattle’s own
*Lake Street Dive (Jazzy and Soulful) From Boston, but sound like New Orleans
DJ Tylor Brown (Techtronica) Remixing with abandon
            https://soundcloud.com/iamtylerbrown
Watsky (Jazz) Acoustic guitar combo
*Charles Bradley (Soul with a capitol “S”) Saw him a few years back, the real deal!
            http://thecharlesbradley.com/
Gary Numan (Rock) He’s here, is his in car
*Kris Orlowski (Rock) Very pleasant, mostly acoustic, melodies
Sean Majors (Techno-Electro)
            https://soundcloud.com/seanmajors
*The Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Experience (Rock) Gonzo’s prodigy keeps Zepp’s tunes alive (because Robert Plant is too much of a pussy to tour with Jimmy and John)
Hyperfunk (Electronica) Seattle music mixologists.
*Washed Out (Electronica) Theme from Portlandia guy
Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside (Rock) Portland combo
Heart (Rock) The Wilson sisters live at the Key
*Maceo Parker (Make it Funky) JB’s saxman
Crystal Castles (Electronica) Dynamic Duo
DJ Dannic (Technocracy) Dutch mixster
Cookie Monsta (Electronica) The Sherriff of Nottingham

Sunday
Kithkin (Electronica) A bit New Wavish
            https://myspace.com/kith_kin/mixes
Ayron Jones and the Way (Rock) Crunchy on the outside with a bluesy center
The Redwood Plan (Rock) with a pinch of punk
*The Mowgli's (Rock) Edward Sharpe with a harder edge.
Nikki Hills (Rock) Shirtless shredder
Ramona Falls (Rock) links to Menomena
The Round 100 (Organic performance art)
Tegan & Sara (Rock) Two girls from Canada, eh!
            https://soundcloud.com/teganandsara
FIDLAR (Rock) Sweaty, angry and in your face, the way RnR is supposed to be!
*The Duke Robillard Band (Jazz) Master guitar player a la Les Paul
David Bazan (Rock) Former Pedro the Lion founder/leader, indie sound
*fun. (Rock) Fun music with a singer channeling Freddie Mercury
Charli XCX (Pop) Next chart-topping Diva?
*Eric Burdon & The Animals (Rock) an overfed, long-haired leaping gnome” and 60s-70s Icon
The Comettes (Rock) Surf-guitar centered, Seattle music leaning toward the somber side
Mates of State (Electro-pop) Kansas Duo
Bob Mould (Rock) Melodies from former Husker Du member
https://myspace.com/bobmould/music/songs
*The Grizzled Mighty (Rock) Distorted and bluesy one minute, stripped down acoustic the next
*Vintage Trouble (Rock) If James Brown had favored Rock over Soul
DJ Phase (ElectronRock)
Tamaryn (Rock) Ethereal, haunting melodies from down under
Rise Over Run (Folk) Acoustic trio with nice voices
BRONCHO (Rock) Punky
The Breeders (Rock) members of The Pixies and Throwing Muses combine for 90s supergroup
*Ra Ra Riot (Rock) Saw at B-shoot a while back and loved ‘em
DJ Supreme La Rock (Re-electronica) Big in LA, NYC and Gorst
*The Zombies (Rock) 60s chart toppers
Beats Antique (Electrionic) World flavored with electronic filling in the spaces
DJ Girl 6 (Mixster) Lots of Hippity-Hoppy infused tracks
Matt Pond PA (Rock) Folky, pleasant melodies
*Death Cab for Cutie (Rock) Seen ‘em a few times and they are good
GUY (Electiononica) Trinity Nightclub’s DJ spinning like a top
Take it on faith, no music link available
Matt and Kim
Vicci Martinez (Pop) Tacoma’s own, bluesy and soulful
DJ White Shadow (Electrovisionical) Dropping beats

Monday
*Cascadia '10 (World) Afrobeat, think of a slightly subdued Fela Kuti, to be more specific
*Hot Bodies in Motion (Rock) A mazingly sweet, soulful, vocals and a highly danceable beat
BellaMaine (Rock) Solid, nicely arranged popular Rock
Aurelio & Garifuna Soul (World) Honduran melodies
*The Maldives (Rock) The Norwest’s answer to The Band. These guys are great. Go see them!
Red Jacket Mine (Rock) Folky, soft Rock from Midwest transplant to Seattle
The Men (Rock)
*alt-J (Rock) With a Techno lean, 1st heard on my way to the Turkey Trot last Thanksgiving, so impressed that I downloaded the album after the run.
*Lissie (Rock) Rootsy, bluesy approach to Rock and she did the theme to Justified
St. Paul de Vence (Folk) and quite independent at that
*MGMT (Rock) After all these years I thought they were singing about electric eels…
Redd Cross (Rock) inspired by breakfast cereal and kiddie TV 
*Kinky (World) Funky alternative Latin electro-dance band
*Kopecky Family Band (Rock) These guys are pretty good, thoughtful, indie-Folk-Pop
*The Sheepdogs (Rock) Winners of Rolling Stones’ “Choose the Cover” contest, they are steeped in 70s rock tradition.
Baroness (Rock) Leaning toward the heavier end of the spectrum
Mark Pickerel & His Praying Hands (Rock) a Bumbershoot regular, Seattle’s own rootsy, indy rocker
*Delta Rae (Rock) A crash course in Americana Musica from a talented bunch.
Sol (Rap) Interesting background beats
Superchunk (Rock) Reminds me a bit of The Clash
*Ivan & Alyosha (Rock) Folk Rock from Seattle in the southern California style
*Allen Stone (Soul/R&B) Blue-eyed soul. Michael Bolton wishes he was this good!
Justin Townes Earl (Rock) Named for a Folk legend, son of an Alt-Country pioneer, music is in his DNA
GTA (Rock) Pop
Deerhunter – From their Myspace page, “Deerhunter does not have any songs”
*Lone Bellow (Folk) Group members call it Brooklyn Country Music.
BASSNECTAR (Electrostatic) “…known for its eclecticism, embracing elements of extreme bass, dubstep, breakbeat and other IDM styles…”  
*Trampled by Turtles (Bluegrass) Saw these guys a couple years ago, stellar show!
Joy Formidable (Rock) Pop trio taking the world by storm

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

No Joy in Mudville

My last post was filled with excitement for the beginning of baseball. The dog and I love baseball, but it never ceases to amaze me how the soulless owners of the clubs find new ways to remove the joy from the game and dollars from my wallet. Case in point, the Mariners flexible pricing plan for seats at Safeco. Using the pricing model from the airline industry where adjacent seats may differ in cost by the $100s, Howie, Chuck and the boys have decided to award their dedicated fans by letting market demand determine the price of every seat in Safeco for every game. So those wanting to see Felix pitch on a Friday night against the Yankees may pay $90 for a seat that was priced at $42 last year. I'm not talking about scalper or secondary market pricing. This is what the Mariners are charging at their ticket offices. Meanwhile the dedicated fans, fans who purchased tickets, went to the games and bought overpriced hot dogs, pop and merchandise while watching their team lose 100 games, are reduced to taking the day off to get left field bleacher seats on a Wednesday afternoon against the Royals!
I usually go to 6-8 Mariners games per year. Not this year! I bought tickets for train night and that’s it. I’ll go see the Blue Jackets play in Silverdale. They are more affordable and they’ll probably win more games. Ernest Thayer was right. There is no joy in Mudville.

To add insult to injury the Mariners are publicly supporting efforts to bring the NHL and bring back the NBA (who cares about the NBA!) with a new facility south of Safeco's parking garage. Unfortunately, they are doing everything they can behind the scenes to stop the process and perceived threat to their fan base. Maybe I'm crazy, but if the mariners actually fielded a competitive team with serious prospects for post-season play they wouldn't have to worry about other sports teams syphoning off their patrons.

The Alpha and the Alpha’s Mate traveled to eastern BC to play in the snow without the dog and then were gone most of the following week despensing justice and tearing up casinos with librarians. Needless to say the dog has been feeling neglected in need of therapy or a support group. The Alpha’s Mate is still traveling this week but E and the Alpha are home. We’ll do our best to make the dog feel wanted. We’ll be settled in and back to our routine by next week.

In the Headphones
Carnivale Electros (2012) by Galactic
Funky, Soulful R&B crafted like a good pot of gumbo with the influences and performances of a who’s who of contemporary New Orleans musicians. The Birthplace of Jazz indeed.

Preaching the Blues (2011) by Fleetwood Mac
The founding members of Fleetwood Mac began as John Mayall’s band, The Bluesbreakers. Preaching the Blues is a snapshot from a time capsule capturing a 1971 performance in Canada. Also, it's pretty much Disc 2 of the 2003 Madison Blues box set.

Voice of Ages (2012) by The Chieftains
In their 50th year as a band the Chieftains have put together a collection of mostly traditional folk tunes with the help of an impressive group of friends.

Visuals
The Big Screen
Gary Ross (Pleasantville) directs Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) as a kick-ass Katniss.

On the Player
Young Adult (2011)
Jason Reitman (Up in the Air) directs, Diablo Cody (Juno) writes, Charlize Theron leads the cast and Patton Oswald steals the show.
A depressed author of a young adult book series travels back to her hometown in an attempt to resurrect what she remembers as a “happier” past. It has it's moments.

A version of Marilyn Monroe’s trip to England in 1956 when she made The Prince and the Showgirl. Michelle Williams is fantastic!

Joan Allen stars as a VP hopeful to Jeff Bridges’ president. Gary Oldman shines as the McCarthy-like congressman who plans to spoil the party.

Tube
If I can’t watch a show on the network website then my favorite place to go for online TV is Project Free TV Sure you get a few pop-ups, but there’s nothing to download and I have very few problems.

Just finished the 4th season. It’s the best cop show since The Shield. From TNT, the first 3 seasons are out on DVD.

William H. Macy is absolutely brilliant as morally challenged citizen attempting to game the system at every opportunity and his resourceful brood haven’t fallen far from the tree. Some of it's best moments are when Macy's character rails against everything that's wrong with the government. I’ve no doubt that my more conservative friends think this is what happens in the home of every welfare and disability recipient in the country. From Showtime, the first season is out on DVD.

Nancy Botwin is a selfish, amoral scumbag! Doug, Andy and the boys are the only reason to continue watching! From Showtime, the first 7 seasons are out on DVD, the first 6 are on Netflix to stream.

On the Nightstand
Life (2010) by Keith Richards
All things Rolling Stones from a man who slept twice a week for decades whether he needed it or not. 

What the Dog Saw (2009) by Malcolm Gladwell
A collection of Gladwell’s articles from The New Yorker. How to communicate with dogs, how to hire the right person for the right job, the secrets behind the collapse of Enron and finding a solution for homelessness in America, among other topics.

An Unfinished Life (2003) by Robert Dallek
A degenerative condition of the spine, constant urinary tract infections, digestive issues, chronic pain, the use of copious amounts of drugs to counter the effects of the previous, chasing skirts, trying to change Civil Rights laws and thwarting the Red Menace. JFK probably would have died by the early 1970s if he hadn’t been killed in Dallas.

The Tiger’s Wife (2011) by Tea Obreht
Less a novel than a collection of stories spanning nearly a century shared by a granddaughter and her grandfather in Bosnia.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

a promise of what could be...

One phrase in the English language that tends to fill our hearts with hope, “Pitchers and catchers report to training camp” While the dog and I pay very little attention to Spring Training (we give it up for Lent) those seven simple words are filled with potential, a promise of what could be. Some of you would say, “Why bother? Your home team is the Mariners and they’re usually done by Father’s Day” I would reply, “I may live in the moisture laden Pac NW, home to only team to win 116 games in one season, besides the Evil Empire (Yankees). However, I was born a Red Sox fan and will remain one until I die!” Just to clarify, I do cheer for the M’s as long as it helps the Sox. Unfortunately the Sox have established a tradition of playing poorly in Safeco. While the seats are better/cheaper and the food is tastier at Safeco than at Fenway ($9 bleacher seats and I’ll take Al’s Gourmet Sausage over a Rem-Dog any day of the week) it’s rare to see a Sox victory on that field.
I was laid low this past week, hovering on death’s door with a life threatening man cold. Haven’t slept well since Tuesday, my throat feels like I’ve been gargling with ground glass and hot coals, freezing with chills then frying with fever and lastly, aches and a general feeling of malaise. The dog loved having me home, but was a bit let down due to a lack of trips to the park. I’m feeling better now, thankyouverymuch.

In the Headphones
We’ve been listening to a lot of opera lately. The dog loves anything by Puccini and I can’t disagree. To give Giacomo’s work some perspective, we’ve been contrasting it with various shows from The Grateful Dead’s Complete European Tour circa 1972 and several Pac Northwest shows The Black Crowes have done over the years. Tacoma, Dec ’10 was amazing! One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. Live Downloads has many Black Crowes shows available, direct from the sound board. For the Dead’s stuff you’ll have to go to their site or scan e-bay or Amazon for people selling used copies.
By the way, if you haven’t checked out an HD simulcast of The Met performances you have to check it out. It’s the next best thing to actually being at the opera house and you can wear jeans and eat popcorn!

Visuals
On the Big Screen
The Descendants
The movie is very good and Clooney’s OK, albeit a bit flat. I'm just not sure it’s worthy of Oscar noms for Film, Director, Actor, Screenplay and editing.
On the Player
Anonymous
A film based on the Oxford Theory of Shakespeare Authorship, i.e., Bill Shakespeare did not any poems of plays, the Earl of Oxford actually did.
The Big Year
Three men compete to spot the most species of birds in North America in one year, a very pleasant and enjoyable movie.
Contagion
An exotic disease contracted by an American businesswoman leads to 26 million deaths and global chaos. Watched this while I was sick, probably shouldn’t have.
Superbad
From 2007. Pretty much a documentary film of how males approach their high school years. A must see for every teenage girl!
Warrior
Estranged brothers end up in the same mixed martial arts competition, both with huge reasons to win. Somewhat predictable, but I gotta say I liked it.
Tube
Dune
The William Hurt, mini-series version from 2000. A bit closer to the book that the David Lynch version.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
OK, OK. It’s slow, dry and confusing, but Alec Guinness rocks!

On the Nightstand
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Just started it so can’t say much except that I’m hooked.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Non-fiction story of a poor, African American woman from Baltimore whose cells were used to discover a vaccine for polio, are present in nearly every research lab in the world and her family has never seen a dime in compensation.
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
A fictionalized account of a marine company in Vietnam. Intense and tragic.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Snow Day

The snow finally arrived. The dog and I, joined by the alpha’s mate, went for a walk in the park. Both the dog and the alpha’s mate love the snow. It’s too bad that 4 inches of the stuff shuts everything down, but who doesn’t love a snow day!
I picked up a LeMonde RevMaster stationary bike and have been logging some miles in the cave, in front of the tube, in an effort to make good on my New Year’s imagilutions. The dog’s smart enough to embrace her imperfections and accept her lot in life. She is at peace with the world while I continue to rage against the dying of the light, refusing to go gently into that good night.
The woodstove is cranked. The prodigy just finished filling the wood box. The dog and I are rotating through the artists listed below along with whatever else suits us on this wintery day as we putter around in the kitchen making pizza dough, sauce and prepping toppings.
One for the Deadheads; I just picked up a copy of The Grateful Dead’s complete European Tour from 1972, all 22 shows which include eleven versions of Dark Star. The dog loves Dark Star

In the Headphones
All We Are Saying… Bill Frisell
Frisell masterfully creates instrumental versions of John Lennon tunes.
Dennis Coffey - Dennis Coffey
The funkiest, most soulful R&B guitarist and band leader that you've never heard of.
El Camino – The Black Keys
Down and dirty, the boys from Akron do it again.
I’m With You - Red Hot Chili Peppers
The first Chili Peppers studio release since the Dead Sea was sick.
Hurry Up We’re Dreaming - M83
French combo's been around for a decade. This is their double disc release of mostly techno music. Very nice.
The Other Side of Midnight – Galactic
Galactic gets every musician in NOLA to show up on this live release. It's getting a lot of rotations on my playlist.
The Singing Mailman Delivers – John Prine
John Prine was an FM radio staple in the seventies sharing simple songs with simple lyrics telling simple stories. This release features some of his earliest live shows. Americana at it's best.

Visuals
Big Screen
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Loved the original, but this version seems to do a more complete job of telling the story.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol
The first was the best, but this is a close second.

On the Player
Beginners
A sad story of life beginning at 72.
Ides of March
Some people will do anything to win.
Moneyball
Loved the book, loved the movie and Phillip Seymour Hoffman is a god!
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil
A dark and gory, very humorous take on the teen slasher movie.

Tube
Justified: Season 2
Rayland Givens, a local boy turned FBI agent, attempts to thwart crime in rural Kentucky and he's not too particular about how he does it.
Boardwalk Empire: Season 1
Prohibition-era Atlantic City

On the Night Stand
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
Why didn’t any of my history teachers tell me that our 16th president was a skilled and successful dispatcher off the undead?
Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer
Hope’s aunt cooks and Hope waitresses, after losing their café in Brooklyn they head to Wisconsin. Newbery winner and ALA Notable Book.
In the Garden of the Beasts by Erik Larson
William Dodd’s experience as Ambassador to Germany in the 30s.
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
Eli and Charlie Sisters are hired guns with a code. However, the code does not involve a social contract with any other human on the planet. A good, old-fashioned western.