Rachael and her visiting brother emanate light.
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Welcome to Life in the Nohodome
I'm just a man with a camera and a monkey mind living in Northampton, a unique habitat in Western Massachusetts. I realize that you do have a choice when selecting a blog and I do appreciate you flying with the Nohodome. Enjoy your stay in the Northampton area or wherever your final destination may be.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette spotlights Life in the Nohodome
A Great Music Blog for Psych/Rock/Folk Fans
30 Dumb Inventions
Anti-Bandit Bag
40 years ago....
Click for full size.
Northampton High School Poetry Club
I was in Broadside Books today and overheard new staffer Emma DeLisle showing a co-worker a chapbook she had put together with classmates Miriam Kudler-Flam, and Hannah and Samantha Zimmerman. It's called "302" and is named for the room # where the Poetry Club meets every Wednesday at 2:10 to "read, write, share, and discuss poetry in a supportive and encouraging environment. Writers of all styles and levels are welcome," as the notice reads on the school's webiste. I beleive they will be for sale at Broadside soon. I asked her to sell me one based solely on my eavesdropping.
uncharted waters by Emma DeLisle
This is the first poem in the 302 chapbook, discussed above. CLICK to read the poem.
U.S. Prison Statistics
I was having a conversation about the U.S. prison business and guessing at some of the figures so I thought I'd look up the real ones. Click image for the Dept. of Justice's official figures. Here's one: there were an estimated 509 sentenced prisoners per 100,000 U.S. residents
Music from college radio and the clubs in the Valley circa 1985
A few playlists from back in the day before CDs, DVDs, the internet, and cell phones. Click for full size.
The Patriot Shop
Good clean humor right? No veiled message of support for the murder of non-"patriots"
Women Behind Bars - Female bartenders of Northampton from "Oh No Noho!:" circa 1985
Flashback to the '80s- Ads, articles, posters from the past. Click any for full size.
The All-Can Highway
Click for full size. The All-Can Highway runs 1520 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Fairbanks, Alaska, and is paved with over 17 million aluminum cans. Postcard courtesy Jeff Brown, KTOO-FM in Juneau, Alaska.
Raw Fish and Rump Shakin' at the North Star circa 1984.
The North Star Seafood Bar near Smith College at Green and West St. was THE place to dance in Northampton in the '80s. Sushi was being marketed to the U.S for the first time and the idea of eating raw fish was new and sounded risky but it caught on like wildfire, as did cocaine. The North Star transformed into a high energy dance scene on the weekend with DJ's like Evan Abramowitz, Scotty Dread, Tony Kord, and Jim McDee spinning soul, reggae, new wave, ska, and synth pop. Lots of Human League, Heaven 17, New Order, Specials, Wham, as well as a bunch of crossover rap and hip-hop like Run DMC and Grandmaster Flash.
So you've won a Pulitzer Prize
Well, maybe someday. But if you're like me, you've hear the phrase Pulitzer Prize winning poet, writer, photographer, etc. all the time and yet don't really know how much of a big deal it is or isn't. So here is a list of facts about the Pulitzer Prize so you'll be better prepared to understand what the deal is. It was on this day in 1917 that the first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded. Here are some things you might not have known about Pulitzer Prizes: They're announced each year in April and then awarded at Columbia University in May, during a luncheon at the campus library. Each Pulitzer Prize winner receives a $10,000 award and a certificate, except in the Public Service category, where the winner is given a gold medal. Only a newspaper, not an individual, can receive the Public Service prize for journalism. There are 21 Pulitzer categories. Two-thirds of the prizes (14) revolve around journalism. There are six for letters and drama (fiction, drama, history, biography, poetry, and general nonfiction), and there is one prize given for music. The Pulitzer Prize for fiction used to be called the Pulitzer Prize for the novel. The name was changed in 1948. Poet Robert Frost won the Pulitzer Prize four times. Playwright Eugene O'Neill also won four Pulitzer Prizes. The Pulitzer Prize is a very American award. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for the non-journalism Prizes. The exception to this is in the history category: a non-American can win the Pulitzer Prize if he or she wrote a book about the history of the United States. Foreign journalists can win Pulitzers if they write for a newspaper published in the United States. The New York Times holds the all-time record for number of Pulitzer Prizes received. The paper has collectively won 101 Pulitzers. Newspapers generally nominate themselves for Pulitzer Prizes. The fee for each entry is $50, and the material that the newspaper wants the prize board to consider must be accompanied by an entry form. An entry has to fit into one of the 21 categories; it can't be submitted on the grounds that it is just generally good. To be eligible, a paper must be published in the U.S. at least weekly. In 2009, for the first time, online-only news organizations were eligible for the Pulitzer. Before, it was restricted to print publications. Decisions about prize winners are made by the Pulitzer board in secret. Afterward, the board does not publicly discuss or defend its decisions.
Pac Man Skeleton
This Pac-Man skeleton was put together by Le Gentil Garçon and paleontologist François Escuilié, and was modeled after the skeletal structure of predatory animals.
Northampton BID melodrama hits the big time
Courtesy of Daryl G. LaFleur's Northampton Redoubt blog. Click photo for MSNBC video.
Free Sampler of Bands Coming to Northampton
Click Track List above for Download which includes artwork and tracklist/gig-date files along with 12 songs
Northampton Fairgrounds Opens New Saturday Market
From the Gazette: The Three-County Fairgrounds today kicks off a new, weekly vendor fair that organizers hope will grow as the summer goes on. Envisioned as a combination farmers market, craft fair and flea market, it will be open from about 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 3, with a few exceptions. "What we're hoping to do is keep it reasonable," said fairgrounds general manager Bruce Shallcross, noting booth space at the "Saturday Markets" will be sold for $20. "It might be a good place (to go) instead of having a tag sale," he said. The fairgrounds isn't taking booth reservations - they're offered on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 7:30 a.m. in the field next to the fairgrounds office on Fair Street. Shallcross anticipates 10 or 15 vendors for today's market, and hopes more will be attracted over time. He also sees the market as a tool for getting more crafters involved with the fairgrounds' signature event, the Three-County Fair on Labor Day weekend. "It's going to take a couple of weeks to build up, but we'll get a pretty good following I think," he said. As the Saturday Markets gain a troop of regular vendors and customers, Shallcross envisions using proceeds to help promote area artists, crafters and growers with shopping guides and other materials. "It's just a good service we can provide to our constituents" in Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties, he said. Saturday Markets won't be held on weekends coinciding with other big events at the fairgrounds. The dates include May 23 for the Paradise City Arts Festival; June 20 for the Twisted Metal Weekend of Destruction demolition derby; July 18 and 25 for the New England Morgan Horse Show; and Sept. 5 for the Three-County Fair.
Color Photography by Robin Marlowe and David Maxwell
Hosmer Gallery at the Forbes Library. June 2-29, 2009 Reception: Wednesday, June 3, 6-8 PM - Click Photo for Details- Beach Road Gas, photo by David Maxwell
{TFLN}
Texts From Last Night, a highly amusing new website that compiles memorable texts submitted by users.
Whistling Orangutan Brings out CD of Songs
Dave Sears of WRNX reported this story from his blog, which you can link to by clicking the orangutan. "I've been having major deja vu issues all week, so this story of a talented orangutan seems oddly familiar. Perhaps we've heard of him before. Perhaps not. But we will certainly hear of and from him very soon. There is a Tipping Point angle to the story, too, with the possibility that an orangutan karaoke product may be released."
Dave's take on swine flu
Reflections On Swine Flu Monday 04-27-2009 10:13am ET I don't mean to poke fun at anyone who's suffered from the ravages of swine flu, but the sudden hysteria on the subject is, to me, just another sign of accelerated cultural silliness. Swine flu isn't just being reported, it's being marketed. Like any other prominent topic it will be twisted into cheap banality. You'll be ostracized as uncool unless you have the latest swine flu accessories. It won't be long before there are swine flu reality shows, swine flu Twitter feeds, swine flu travel mugs, swine flu action figures, swine flu breakfast cereals. (Of course, if I come down with swine flu, I just hope I'll be able to yank this post before I look like a total fool...) (Click pic for link ro Dave's blog)
Overheard in New York
Six-year-old girl, with mace in hand: Look, mommy! A mace! Now I can hit unicorns and make them bleed. Death to unicorns! Mom: That's great, honey. --8th Ave & Carroll St
About Me
Amherst Bulletin Police Blotter
* 3:26 p.m. - A sick skunk on South Sunset Avenue was destroyed by police.
* 1:31 a.m. - A vehicle parked on the sidewalk on South Prospect Street was issued a ticket.
* 12:16 a.m. - Police checked the ID of a patron at a downtown bar after a bouncer refused to let the man in because the ID appeared to be fake. Police determined the ID was authentic.
The Gospel Four- I Won't Walk Without Jesus
Okay, I count five. Which one's Jesus?
THE NOTORIOUS B.I.D.S- 'DO-NOTHING' BIZ BOARDS UNDER FIRE
As Northampton wades into controversial civic waters, a recent article in the New York Post reports on the state of some BIDs in NYC. The comparison is not all apples and oranges.
God 'will not give happy ending'
When I lived in Los Angeles, there were several "health spas" in Hollywood that would likely render the Pioneer Valley's massage trade sputtering and shaken by comparison. The Archbishop of Canterbury's choice of words here gave me pause. The full story available by clicking the Archbishop.
Hey John Graham! Ninety years of birdwatchers' notes going online!
Click the broad-tailed hummingbird for the whole story.
Short and Sweet. One Minute Songs + Lyrics
We're Paying For Wall Street's Gambling Debts
I hope people are clear on the fact that the new Geithner "plan" basically uses taxpayer money to guarantee profits for hedge funds & private equity firms, in return for their cooperation in taking the toxic securities off the banks' balance sheets. The only reason it isn't being done directly (ie. simply having the govt. buy the toxic assets) is because it would look bad & the public would boil over in fury. So the whole gambit is being hidden behind the facade of a fake "market-determined" process. So, isn't this just what we need, boys and girls? Our government taking another trillion bucks of our money, and using it to guarantee fat profits for hedge funds & private equity firms -- while making sure the banks themselves don't suffer a whit? In other words, the government is taking money from 99.9% of the population, in order to save or actually enrich the very community responsible for blowing up the global economy, through their racketeering & fraud.The stock market is booming today about this plan. And indeed, why wouldn't they celebrate? There's nothing that fattens the ol' bottom line quite so much as the government handing you a trillion bucks with no strings attached & basically sending the message that there's more where that came from, if it's needed. -Dave Bronstein (Click Pic)
Thomas Jefferson Says...
"That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."
The Rachel Maddow Show
Deregulation for Dummies (click Rachel). "Do you want an example of how this deregulation thing worked? You can totally use this at the high school dance or a bar or whatever to try to impress someone. Somebody starts complaining about the bailout. Complaining about AIG. You tell them actually the real villain here is Gramm-Leach-Bliley. Just say it with total confidence. Watch. You will get dates."
Surplus Hippo Farasi Is Saved
Thanks to Dave for this one. This story is from Switzerland, and when I gave it a casual look I assumed that the key phrase "fed to tigers" was the translation of some Swiss idiom, maybe the equivalent of our overused "thrown under the bus." Upon further review, however, it turns out that the tiger-meal reference was quite literal: it was suggested in the case of a surplus hippopotamus at the Basel Zoo. Now, we all understand that hippos are large, high-maintenance animals, but still, there has to be a better way of addressing that issue than feeding 'em to the tigers. And fortunately for Baby Hippo Farasi, cooler heads prevailed.
Crime Wave! Amherst Police Calls (with comment) February 2009
"I just want to know what the limit is of the weakest link in the human body."
A Chinese man pulled a car by a rope attached only to his eyelids for more than five metres. Yang Guanghe, 35, of Guizhou was cheered and applauded at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Guangzhou as he towed the VW car. Yang, who weighs only seven stone, said he had been practicing the stunt for more than 10 years. "At the beginning it was a bit painful, but gradually I got used to it," he told the Guangzhou Daily newspaper.
Watermelongate
The mayor of Los Alamitos is coming under fire for an e-mail he sent out that depicts the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title "No Easter egg hunt this year." Local businesswoman and city volunteer Keyanus Price, who is black, said Tuesday she received the e-mail from Mayor Dean Grose's personal account on Sunday and wants a public apology. "I have had plenty of my share of chicken and watermelon and all those kinds of jokes," Price told The Associated Press. "I honestly don't even understand where he was coming from, sending this to me. As a black person receiving something like this from the city-freakin'-mayor - come on." The Orange County Register first reported the e-mail on its Web site Tuesday night. Grose confirmed to the AP that he sent the e-mail to Price and said he didn't mean to offend her. He said he was unaware of the racial stereotype that black people like watermelons. He said he and Price are friends and serve together on a community youth board. "Bottom line is, we laugh at things and I didn't see this in the same light that she did," Grose told the AP. "I'm sorry. It wasn't sent to offend her personally - or anyone - from the standpoint of the African-American race." Grose, who became mayor in December, said he sent an apology e-mail to Price and her boss and also left her a voicemail apology. Regardless, Price said it will be difficult for the two to work together. "Now I am like - wow, is this really how he feels?" Price said. Los Alamitos is a 2¼-square-mile Orange County city of around 12,000 people. The mayor is elected by fellow members of the five-seat City Council.- Huffington Post
No Ifs, Ands, or Butts
The tenderness of the delicate American buttock is causing more environmental devastation than the country's love of gas-guzzling cars, fast food or McMansions. Click photo for full story.
Overheard in New York
Lanky white guy: Well, I'm still expecting my pony from Obama. Female friend: He cured your leprosy. Stop complaining. --187th & Broadway - Overheard by: Zev
I can't believe it.
I am baffled at the still-widely held belief of perhaps half ouf our nation that the bible is literal. The mystery of incarnation- God becoming human in the form of Christ- is no more than an allegorical fable which tells us that divine and human natures are not radically or intrinsically different. It's a myth, a fable, a story. Read Joseph Cambell for a rigorous and fascinating dicussion of the subject. He said. "Every religion is true one way or another. It is true when understood metaphorically. But when it gets stuck in its own metaphors, interpreting them as facts, then you are in trouble." He also said, " I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive." Which is what Kierkegaard says to a large extent.
Chomsky: Obama OKed Israel's Gaza war
February 21, 2009 from "Press TV" via Info Clearing House-- Renowned US intellectual Noam Chomsky says Barack Obama did not comment on Israel's war on Gaza, as it was part of the "premeditated" plan. We have been informed by an Israeli source that the recent invasion of the Gaza Strip was completely premeditated, Chomsky said in an interview with the French Al-Ahram daily. The plan was to deliver the maximum blow to Gaza before the new US president took office, so that he could put these matters behind him added the famous intellectual, referring to Obama's pledge to resolve the Israeli Palestinian conflict. According to Chomsky, while Israel was pounding the Gaza Strip -- during which over 1300 Palestinians were killed --, Obama excused his silence by saying that "There's only one president at a time." This, however, did not prevent the then president-elect from commenting on other leading issues of US domestic and foreign policy, Chomsky argued. The recognized political analyst also criticized Obama for repeating the notion that defending Israel is a US priority. He predicted that during the Obama presidency US will hold the same policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Boston Mini-Photos
The Plough and Stars Pub, Cambridge
Plough and Stars #2
Charles Street T Stop- Boston
Leavitt & Pierce Tobacco and Sundries, Harvard Square
Mmmmmmmm. Jelllllyyyyy.
Click for full impact. This was an ad for the cellophane wrapper on the bread. "Let's you see exactly the loaf you want." I think Suzie's been doing bong hits out behind the carport with crazy uncle Gus.
Great Moments in Bedhead
"The Midwinter Afternoon Nap Snarl"
Great Moments in Deadhead
Bobby Weir
CRIME WAVE- Amherst Bulletin Police Blotter Highlights (with commentary) 12/31-1/9
I'm The One That I Want
I always thought Shel Silverstein's book The Missing Piece was bullshit. This site is refreshing for solo flyers. Click logo.
The End of the Financial World as We Know It - New York Times
"OUR financial catastrophe, like Bernard Madoff’s pyramid scheme, required all sorts of important, plugged-in people to sacrifice our collective long-term interests for short-term gain. The pressure to do this in today’s financial markets is immense. Obviously the greater the market pressure to excel in the short term, the greater the need for pressure from outside the market to consider the longer term. But that’s the problem: there is no longer any serious pressure from outside the market. The tyranny of the short term has extended itself with frightening ease into the entities that were meant to, one way or another, discipline Wall Street, and force it to consider its enlightened self-interest." Click pic for full article.
Failure to Grasp the Concept
A woman in Connecticut this week found that the lottery ticket her husband bought the same day that he died of a heart attack was a $10 million dollar winner. This is touching and a bit odd, really. But even so, this coincidence is not what stands out for me. It's what she said she was going to do with the money. "I might go to Mohegan Sun," she said. (Click image for the full story.)
CRIME WAVE- Amherst Bulletin Police Blotter Highlights (with commentary) 12/22-28
May not be suitable for readers of a gentle disposition.
Me and Al Anderson of NRBQ...he did it.
Al and I went over to WRSI-93.9 The River this afternoon where Sean O'Mealey did an interview and Al played solo acoustic versions of "Ridin' In My Car" and "Pawn Shop Guitars." We were plugging his shows at the Iron Horse on New Year's Eve.
Selected Calls From The Amherst Police Department (with added commentary) for 12/15-12/22
Jim's photo barrage
Cambridge, Mass. Bumper Sticker Onsluaght
(Click Pic) People in Cambridge have as much trouble fitting all of their philosophies on one thin bumper as Amherst and Northampton's "auto-didactics" do.
Snowy Sunday Scenes
The final weekend before Xmas in Northampton was probably a bit of a bummer for local merchants because of the weather.
Surgeon Removes Tumor, Finds Foot In Baby's Brain
A pediatric neurosurgeon found a tiny foot when he removed the tumor from the brain of an infant. The doctor also said he discovered the formation of another foot, a hand and a thigh while removing the growth. The doctor isn't sure what caused it but says it may have been a type of congenital brain tumor. The 3-day-old newborn is otherwise healthy, but he'll have to undergo monthly blood tests to check for signs of cancer, along with physical therapy.
Stop The Pike Hike
Bob Neill's Favorite Classical Recordings for 2008
This is my father's Baker's Dozen of Favorite Classical Recordings for 2008, New Releases, January - November. If you're shopping for a classical music lover, impress them by getting them one of these. Click the dog.
Obscurities of My Childhood Record Collection
Hoboken, New Jersey. After Sinatra but before Yo La Tengo there was The Insect Trust. Click the album for the story.
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Portrait of the Blogger as a Middle Aged Man (the more I say it, the harder it gets.)
NO McMuffin for you!
Foul bat!
Cynthia is so proud!
This is my friend Cynthia. We worked together once at La Cazuela. You may recognize her from Pizzeria Paradiso. I assure you she is a hand washer. She is house/dog sitting and soon departing for Puerto Rico. She is always shuttling off somewhere it seems. I admire her nomadic ways. She doesn't say I wish or I should or someday. She says, yes, one ticket outa here, aisle seat if possible, thanks. We don't know each other that well at all but we seem to have a connection and the inability to gross out the other, try as we might. So of course, this is the scene I came upon last Sunday. I promised her i would post the picture and I apologize to those who would prefer I kept it a little classier around the Nohodome blog. Note Cynthia's dexterity: One hand dealing with dog biz, the other holding not only her lit cigarette but also her NEXT cigarette. Click pic.
Great Song Covers Site!
Discovered this looking for Shawn Colvin's version of "Twilight" by the Band. Click the photo to link. Also, just noticing the young Robbie Robertson on the right. When I lived in Los Angeles I was good buds with his son Sebastian though he didn't talk about his dad much.
RIAA Bans Telling Friends About Songs
Courtesy of The Onion: LOS ANGELES—The Recording Industry Association of America announced Tuesday that it will be taking legal action against anyone discovered telling friends, acquaintances, or associates about new songs, artists, or albums. "We are merely exercising our right to defend our intellectual properties from unauthorized peer-to-peer notification of the existence of copyrighted material," a press release signed by RIAA anti-piracy director Brad Buckles read. "We will aggressively prosecute those individuals who attempt to pirate our property by generating 'buzz' about any proprietary music, movies, or software, or enjoy same in the company of anyone other than themselves." RIAA attorneys said they were also looking into the legality of word-of-mouth "favorites-sharing" sites, such as coffee shops, universities, and living rooms. (Cartoon courtesy Toothpaste For Dinner.)
Thanksgiving looms. Turkeydom doomed.
The annual turkey holocaust approaches. It always strikes me as vulgar that the President "pardons" one turkey every year. It equates capital pinishment with dinner, death row inmates with meat, and implies that all of Turkeydom has committed a crime worthy of mass poultricide from which one turkey will be spared. Was there last minute evidence rushed in to vindicate this one bird? Maybe he rolled over on his buddies. A stool turkey. The picture of the guy poised over the turkey is a little disturbing as well. At the dinner table, mom's thinking she hasn't seen that view in 20 years or so.
Dude, no, I'm not just a Subway employee. I am a sandwich artist. It's totally related to my major.
Um, why are you folding the turkey into a swan? Whoah whoah, I said extra mayo, not glitter. Um, is this bread encased in epoxy? Wait! The roast beef is red enough and you don't need to weave the onions into a chain. Okay, I'm going to the Black Sheep, the mustard squirted into likenesses of Jesus along the bun is too much.
It's a Dog's Life...
...and it's at stake. Dave Sears tipped me to this Craigslist plea, accusing me of ghost-writing it, but it's hilarious and tragic and worth a read. At least he's being honest and not trying to pawn her off to unsuspecting adopters. It's in Austin so you don't have to feel guilty. Click the Capitoline Wolf for the listing.
Local Celebrity Profile: LORD RUSS
Lord Russ is a performer of life, whether in his various bands or staging his one man show Queen Elvis, or anchoring any number of killer ensmbles at Transperformance over the years, or doing obscure beautiful Bowie ballads solo at the Obama benefit at Sierra Grille last weekend or doing a heart-wrenching "Without You" (Nillson) with Henning Ohlenbusch at the same show or playing Ed Sullivan at the annual Really Big Show, the man is marvel of nature, a self-made original beau brummell dandy deluxe. Thank goodness he's here to make the rest of us feel a little more comfortable when we dress a bit outside our fashion comfort zone. The boundaries he pushes become the new norms.
Pale in the nude.
Chicago painter Bruce Elliott has come up with a novel way to get customers into his Old Town Ale House. The model for the nude Sarah Palin painting was his daughter.
Welcome to the Machine
My pal Paul linked me to a fascinating and ominous piece from the New York Times. Click the (unrelated...cough cough) image above to read. You may need to sign up but it's free.
My mom lent me a pretty good book yesterday and I already finished it.
I rarely read a book cover to cover. I usually read 10 books, 20 pages at a time, all at once, and rarely finish any. A surgeon at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and an assistant professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Atul Gawande succeeds in putting a human face on controversial topics like malpractice and global disparities in medical care, while taking an unflinching look at his own failings as a doctor. Critics appreciated his candor, his sly sense of humor, and his skill in examining difficult issues from many perspectives. He conveys his message—that doctors are only human and therefore must always be diligent and resourceful in fulfilling their duties—in clear, confident prose. What I took away from the book that I think is most important to share with you is this. The definition of "diligence": Constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind. That's what we need to do every day, and we can sleep soundly. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Buy My Shitpile, Henry
Hey, Wall or Main, it's a two way street. Click the dog toaster.
The Good People of Northampton
I don't know what it is about autumn but I always seem to become more aware of my circle of friends. Who have I fallen out with? Who are the new stars? I don't think there's ever been as nice a batch of friends in my life since I moved back to town 5 years ago. Megan and Laura are two of my new friends this year and they are both extraordinary people. I met Megan at the Sierra Grille. She spotted me reading James Tate's new book of poems and when you see someone reading James Tate, you know it's destiny. Then I discovered that Megan was good buds with my downstairs neighbor Laura. Laura and I share internet now. EAT ME Comcast. She has a tool collection rugged enough to allow me to break into my own apartment and precise enough to aid in the creation of elaborate chapbooks . This is a Megan and Laura Appreciation Moment.
I Did Not Know That
The word is now commonly used as an incantation by stage magicians. In ancient times, however, it was taken much more seriously as an incantation to be used as a cure for fevers and inflammations. The first known mention was in the 2nd century AD in a poem called De Medicina Praecepta by Serenus Sammonicus, physician to the Roman emperor Caracalla, who prescribed that the sufferer from the disease wear an amulet containing the word written in the form of an inverted cone as it appears above.
The Hollow Earth Salad Bowl Society LIves!
Please click above photo before you read this spiel. Spencer Peterman makes these bowls from maple and the eclectic PINCH at 179 Main Street in Northampton sells them. They look to me like inside out globes with all the continents visible. In 1692 astronomer Edmund Halley (of Halley's comet fame) postulated that the earth we walk on is a hollow shell about 500 miles thick, with two inner concentric shells and an innermost core, about the diameters of the planets Venus, Mars, and Mercury. These shells are separated by atmospheres, and each has its own magnetic poles. The spheres rotate at different speeds, thus accounting for long-term magnetic field variations. Halley did wonder whether clay and chalk beds of the outer crust are sufficient to prevent the oceans from leaking inside, but he was sure that "the Wisdom of the Creator has provided" some way to prevent this. Click the bowl for a better view and click the image below for the whole wacky story.
Click below for the whole story on the notion that we're not just in a Nohodome, but a Globodome!
Spencer Peterman's other pieces on display at Pinch.
Click for full glory.
The Brass at The Basement
I finally got a chance to see The Brass, a local combo that have their own thing going on and seem to be playing out a lot more lately. Click photo to enlarge.
Your arts is shit, buddy.
Related Article: Planet Mercury Covered With Strange Blue Substance
Friday, October 31, 2008 WASHINGTON — Earth's first nearly full look at Mercury reveals that the tiny lifeless planet took a far greater role in shaping itself than was thought, with volcanoes spewing "mysterious dark blue material." Click Mercury image for full story.
Thorough hygiene for employees is encouraged at Hugo's Bar on Pleasant Street.
Cut that crime out!
No U Turn either, pal.
Northampton's music scene is filled with enthusiasm and support for fellow musicians.
Your fortune told on the dressing room door at Roz's Place
Patriots replace Tom Brady with Son Of God
He throws a mean Hail Mary pass.
Tom Brady relaxes at home, post injury, pondering his options.
Here's what I think.
What I think is often based on an incomplete grasp of all the facts, but whose facts? I could keep my yapper shut but I'd rather throw my thoughts out there while I wade through all the information in the hopes that it's actually a collective discussion and we can all fit our pieces together and come out better informed and prepared. Republican Capitalism: Drive it into the ground, then turn around and ask for a socialized bail out once the wealth has been shifted to the wealthiest. According to Ralph Nader, his father said to him when he was a boy, (paraphase): 'Capitalism will always survive because socialism will be used to save it.' The Wall street greed debacle is about to come to an end in the flames of the global economy. "Derivatives" is a euphemism used to obscure risk beyond reasonable concepts of lending, and legitimizing the drive for greater wealth for the few at the expense of the many. Global depression might have the unintended consequence of rebuilding the global economy around a conserver society. It may be the harbinger of human survival amid the economic crisis. A new look at the global economy is necessary with a view to smaller is better. The USA economic juggernaut which keeps the military ready to protect it, should give way to global economic cooperation. There can be no recovery, no self-righting of a false system. More industry will only hasten the demise.
Money for Northampton Artists!
Northampton, MA--Applications are now available from the Northampton Arts Council for grants. NAC will be distributing up to $13,400. Projects may start no earlier than January 1, 2009, and must be completed by December 30, 2009. Completed applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at the Arts Council Office. Grant recipients are chosen on the basis of the quality of proposals and work presented; potential benefit to the community of funded work; and creative accomplishment and dedication. Funds are available on a reimbursement basis only. Click the logo above for application and full story.
Piano Busker in Downtown Northampton, Sunday 9/14
Click any photo for larger version.
The world's verdict will be harsh if the US rejects the man it yearns for
Jonathan Freedland of the UK Guardian: An America that disdains Obama for his global support risks turning current anti-Bush feeling into something far worse. Click photo for link.
The view from New Zealand...with new addendum
A New Zealand acquaintance of my father's responds to Freedland's article above: "Yeah, not at all surprising to me. Many here in N.Z. would echo these sentiments. I for one will no longer buy U.S. made goods, as it seems the only thing U.S. politicians and corporate respond to is economic pressure. I no longer see much difference between the White House, the Senate, The mainstream media, most corporations. It all looks totally dumb and self-interested – “to hell with what the rest of the world thinks – Democracy must be done OUR WAY” – and “We don’t have to deal with the consequences because it’s not at our back door”. Personally – having lived in Oregon for 2 years in the 90’s, at the time of the first Gulf War, and I was studying Global Conflict – I was not surprised at 9/11 – I thought you guys so set yourself up for a backlash. And you reactions since have only make it all much worse for the entire world. Frankly we don’t trust you, we are scared of your next steps. Many of us PRAY for Obama and the Democrats to bring some sense. If McCain/Pallin win – well many of us think it’s step 2 of 5 in the major demise of the U.S. Your Presidential system is dumb, your economic system is dumb, your government acts like bullies, you make lousy decisions and we all wear it Wake up America before it is all over." -Errol Hudspith --P.S. I do not intend just having a shot at the U.S. Sadly N.Z. is going in a similar direction - we have not learned from U.S. mistakes. Fortunately we are a puny nation and can only damage ourselves, not the rest of the world. We have an election here in November: There will be a change of Government, and the Leader who will become Prime Minister totally backs the U.S. on economics/politics, he said he "backed the invasion of Iraq", he will repeal the Emissions Trading Act, he will cut taxes and have to borrow overseas. He is cunning and a total slime-ball - I would not trust him with my bank account or my kids It's a sad world at this time. I fear what our kids are going to have to deal with. May some miracle occur to save us.
Here's what I think.
1. Everyone has decided who they're voting for already. The energy and money should go into assuring the votes are counted without any Diebold (now Premier Election Solutions) bullshit or vote suppression. 2. Any media attention paid to Sarah Palin takes the focus off of McCain who was running out of steam. This, I suspect, was Rove's actual strategy.
Inflation Buster Student Discounts at Guild Art Supply
Only 10% ?
I think this might be from Lord Russ's family photo album.
The Glorious and Ghastly '70s
Jesus... is that a flashlight? (click)
Your move.....
Checkmate! Ha! Oh fuck. Umm. Yeah! errr...damn!
I don't want no smarty pants people running my country!
My father sent an email to my sisters and I today: "What scares me most about Palin is what she represents: the belief that has taken over a lot of this country that nobody is wiser, more knowledgeable, or less selfish than "I" am. That's what "we're all equal" means. And if someone appears to be wiser, more thoughtful and better educated & more knowing, and more public spirited and civic minded than "me," s/he's just acting: s/he's an elitist phoney, not one of "us." Worse, s/he's un-"American." This includes mainly teachers and statesmen...err politicians. These citizens will vote only for someone who tells (and shows) them that they're as ignorant, short-sighted, and self-serving as they themselves are. "You go, Sarah. You're what we're all about." Running a little scared these days. Dad/Bob"
His Room As He Left It
My friend Ariel Kotker has been working on an epic art project and even received a grant from the state... so now she HAS to finish it. Click the photo for a glimpse into a bedroom, abandoned by a boy who disappeared with no trace but for the "evidence" in his room. Everything in the room is made by Ariel from the cigarettes to the pencils to the pants to the shelf to the...bread tie.
Finish this headline:
Collage: The Last Three Months
Paper, scissors, gluestick. June, July, August.
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Rifles, scopes, ammo, wigs, fake I.D.s, bullet-proof vests, etc. = No Credible Threat
I'm sorry you have to look at these guys again but this story is still bugging me. This notion of "no credible threat" flies in the face of the facts and the evidence. Why did the media bury the story? Sure, you don't want to encourage copy-cats by blowing it up in the news, but factor the media out for a moment and just look at what is known. Click on the picture of the white supremacists for an analysis.
Your Housemate May Be a Terrorist!
Watch for these tell-tale signs. (Click photo)
The Decider
A Flesh and Blood Robot With a Push-Button Brain
Taught hate by the flick of a switch. (click)
The Anti-Sex League is Watching You
Even in the privacy of your own home! (Click)
1984 vs. 2008
Click for analysis
Vaguely Unsettling Antique Store Finds # 1
FROGMAN at Antique Center of Northampton on Market St.
Osaka with Alyssa and an Idea Worth Spreading from a Brain Scientist
I'm posting this note not solely to demonstrate that I have sushi with hot women but also because of something we talked about at dinner. Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions -- motion, speech, self-awareness –- shut down one by one. An astonishing story. Just click Alyssa's photo for the video.
Alyssa Dee Krauss- Jewelry Art + Design
In addition to keeping me philosopically stimulated and linking me to TED speeches, Alyssa is an amazing artist. Cick the "Bandage For The Heart" for the ADK experience.
Quotes of Note
"Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself. It invites anarchy." -Louis D. Brandeis
Gas Prices in Perspective
Speeding from the scene of the crime, a Chinese boy tows a floating plastic bag of stolen natural gas last week. Flouting a government ban, farmers around the central Chinese town of Pucheng frequently filch gas from the local oil field.
The only way to eat mussels at the Sierra Grille
One of the best deals on the menu at the Sierra Grille on Strong Ave. is the steamed mussels appetizer. It's less than 8 bucks and is big enough to be an entree. They ahve three different sauces, Mediterranean being my favorite. I was always annoyed that the emptied shells didn't all fit in the empty bowl provided. Tonight O'Brian showed me the way to solve this problem, and proceeded to insert each shell within the next. There's always an answer right in front of you if you really want one.
Here's a closer look at the technique.
I suggest a side of sourdough bread and a Radeberger Pilsner in its deep tall glass.
Lunch of the Lost! Tips for the downtown lunch bunch that have grown weary of the options.
Pinnochio's pizza is best about 5 minutes after it's come out of the oven. I usually spot the newest pie in the case and request a slice from it specifically, and the very nice people there have always obliged. If the selection looks a little tired and there's no evidence of anything happening in the ovens, the best bet for re-heating is the spinach and mushroom pie. I think feta or ricotta is in there too. It loses none of its spontaneity or freshness and is even better with a side of marinara. And of course a cherry coke.
The New York Junkies
My sister Sarah is a serious Sox fan and told me that Argentinians pronounce the Yankees as Junkies. Adds a whole new dimension to trying to score.
Local Typos of Note: L&M Furniture on Market St.
This one has always bugged me too no end. (Click)
This is an old one but it's still bizarre.
The twenty folded this way evokes the burning twin towers. Click for better view.
Vintage Daily Hampshire Gazette Photo
Well, what are ya gonna do?
Hannah watches the Red Sox
This was two seasons ago actually. She tired of them after Damon left.
Freaky Freecycle Find #2: Molly in Florence offers Cow Bones
"Any biologists or artists or interior decorators out there who would like some cow bones? I have the 2 mandibles (lower jawbones) with most teeth intact, the pelvis, and one of the vertebrae (axis or atlas, I can't remember which)." (Note: this picture is not of Molly's cow bones.)-Jim
The Future Was Wide Open
Ironically, while I was one of the four cover grads of the UMass Alumni magazine, it took me two more years to graduate
Freecycle Find # 1: Wanted: Motorcycle for Science Experiment
Freecycle Northampton is a marketplace to give away and ask for things for free. It's a great way to save money. Click the photo for more info about your local Freecycle. This listing was in today's digest: I know this is really out there, but my friend and I think that we may be able to get a motorcycle to run on water. The bike doesn't need to be anything specific, or running, or even have a title. We are not trying to be greedy, just hoping that someone has a junker that we could get out of their hair. Thank you! (posted by jessie.kramer@gmail.com if you have one.)
Strange Days in Los Angeles Still Haunt My Photo Albums
I lived in LA for 8 years (with mixed results) and one of the artifacts I still have is this bizarre Polaroid I took of Rebecca Gayheart on the railing of a house in the Hollywood Hills. We had a dinner party and hit the hot tub (I know I know) and the candlelight had this effect on the photo. It came out of the camera just like this.
A Pre-Dawn Northampton Vignette from Dave Sears on his way to do the morning show at WRNX
Several Drama Club types in the Dunkin' Donuts parking lot on King St. at 4:05 this morning, singing: "If we have a virgin, then we'll do it all by rote But if there are no virgins, we'll have to use the goat."
Tim
Tim
Muffin Mishap
Has anyone else noticed that the "fork split" Thomas's English Muffins haven't been as accurately split of late? The last few six-packs have all suffered from off center splits or splits that don't go all the way through the muffin. Traditionally I've been able to pull the muffin apart with my bare hands without the help of any utensil but increasingly the results have been dissappointing. In some cases the muffins have been rendered untoastable and I've had to put them back in the package for disposition at a later date. Is this poor quality control or planned obselescence? Where's Frank Zappa and the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen when you need them? The muffin above was split well off center. The one below, well, I don't know what to say really.
Click either muffin for full horror.
The Only Sensible Choice
Brendan and I with Markita Irglova of the film "Once"
Markita and Glen Hansard played the Pines with Josh Ritter Sunday night and we geeked out and asked if we could take a picture. Well, I geeked out and Brendan was happy to join the shot.
Thao and the Get Down Stay Down live at the Iron Horse
Killer set from the Vietnamese frontwoman Thao Nguyen and her band. Last time through they opened for Rilo Kiley and they'll be back to Northampton for sure. (Click)
Jim Morrison's Boot
Turn It Up! is filled with musical artifacts like this piece of classic rock footware that once shod the left foot of Mr. Mojo Risin, the Lizard King himself. (Click)
NRBQ drummer Tom Ardolino turned up at Turn It Up! in Northampton
His tie collection may rival his music collection. (Click)
Kevin Walsh of the Sierra Grille indicates that his outlook is positive for the most part.
The Den is opening soon for all your water piping needs
A hookah is painted outside The Den, due to open in the Fall. (Click)
Sometimes you feel like an APE.
Sometimes you don't.
Built Ford Tough
It's always a treat to run into Sierra Grille bartender extraordinaire Matt Ford when he is logging some rare daylight hours in public. Matt is well equipped for rain and rock, and his colors a vibrant addition to the town's rainy day pallet.
Eric Gaffney (Sebadoh, Fields of Gaffney, Streets of Nothampton.)
APE had an opening called Back To The Future Friday night as part of Arts Night Out and the wine and cheese fueled hobnobbing was in full effect. Click him for a burst of fruit flavor.
Family of three spotted on The Brewery deck
Rob Murphy of Disturbed Theatre, his wife Heather, and their li'l girl whatsername. (click)
WRSI alumni Jim Olsen & Johnny Memphis at the annual Memphis family BBQ.
"Perhaps I am a miscreation, No one knows the truth, there is no future here, And you're the DJ speaks to my insomnia, And laughs at all I have to fear, Laughs at all I have to fear, You always play the madmen poets, Vinyl vision grungy bands, You never know who's still awake, You never know who understands and, Are you out there, can you hear this? Jimmy Olsen, Johnny Memphis, I was out here listening all the time, And though the static walls surround me, You were out there and you found me, I was out here listening all the time. --Dar Williams
The Headless Man at the Farmer's Market
...or the man with the tiny gray head. (click)
Southern Culture on the Skids at the Horse
The madcap North Carolina band played the Iron Horse Saturday night and drew a colorful sold-out crowd with their irresistably raucous B-52's meets Hee-Haw set, complete with fried chicken tossed into the crowd. (Click photo for full glory.)
Pleasant Street Theatre Video
Calvin
Guilty Conscience?
This guy stood at King and Main every Saturday this past Spring. His shirt says "Ted Kennedy's car killed more people than my gun!"
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