Backup Experience

March 12, 2013

Sensor Logs for Bellingham Wa March 18Th 2011 to present

.. I decided to transmit my Data, because I actually have some;

My Radiation Monitor usually does Nothing! Maybe after an Atomic Test years ago, it rebooted indicating threshold detection. But nothing clear like the signals I have heard. In the interest of Science and the Environment!

Friday shortly after 10 AM my monitor chirps repeatedly, over 6 times, maybe several more shortly after, I thought it was malfuctioning. Several chirps or pings throughout day, one at a time though. A Friend informs me that some particle detection is possible, although the density is low. I find it interesting that events are happening at all!

Saturday several pings throughout day, evening, no multi strikes.

Sunday, same as previous day, none that Night.

Monday 9:08 AM, 9:30 AM, 9:49AM, 1:46 PM, 2:04 PM, 3:06 PM, 4:18 PM Double Ping!

Tuesday 5:41 AM Five Pings in one minute! Followed by 17 or 18 pings at 6:31 AM!!!

8:37AM 2 pings followed by another several minutes later! 1:40 PM, 4:02 Double Strike, 5:29PM, 6:48PM, 10:47PM

Wednesday 1:58AM Double Strike,At 12.01PM 5+1 Pings, 1:10PM,2:43PM, 3:07PM 3 strikes, 4:58PM 6 strikes!

Thursday 4:04 AM, 5:09PM 6 Pings, 3 around 6PM, 10:47PM

Friday 1:29PM, 1:30PM (it had only quit raining a few hours…)

Saturday 1:02AM, 3:35 PM

Sunday

Monday I did not detect the X-Rays from the Super Nova.

Tuesday

Wednesday : 4:08 AM

Thursday: 12:38PM, 11:08PM

April 4Th: 9:40PM

April 6Th: 10:21PM 7 Pings! 11:16PM

April 8Th: 8:40 PM

April 10Th: 12:41 PM 4 Pings

April 11Th : 2:05 PM 7 Pings! 8:53 Pm 11 Pings !!! Second highest to date. Was playing with son in Living Room.

April 14Th: 4:42PM, 7:41PM, 8:50PM

April 17TH: 7:33PM

April 19Th: 9:53AM, 1:58PM, 3:36PM 7 Pings, 3:54PM 8 Pings Was raining this morning (I was roto-hammering

April 29Th 8:55 AM, 10:50PM

April 30TH 5:02AM, 1:35PM, 5:06 PM 4 Pings

May 1ST 9:37AM 3 pings, 10:10AM 3 pings

May 2 1:06 AM, 3:08, 5:02AM, 6:48AM

May 3 2:33 PM 7 pings, 5:15PM 3 pings

May 4 3;15 PM 4 pings

May 19Th 9:03 Am 5 Pings

May 23rd 5:10 AM

May 29TH 11:58AM

May 31St 2:11PM

October 10Th 8:20 AM 3 Pings while raining!

October 17Th: 12:05 4 Pings, 2:55 2 Pings

November 3rd: 9:17 Am 12 Pings I don’t know why, it was cool, in the bathroom, it started going off 5 minutes later. Website says can sometimes have several pings from rapid warming, though they say 80F+ Degree change, and I doubt it was 40. I learned from an Engineer who worked 30 years with Satellites, “If you talk yourself out of it, there is nothing you can do.” I am entering this Data, even if I feel stupid. The self calibration appears to be working. It is still ticking which it is supposed to do if it is still working. The website has a Homeland Security Logo at the top of their Home page BTW.

January 10th Multiple pings (4-5) around 1-2PM (kinda embaressing when you are trying to work and your Client is standing next to you and your both trying to pretend you don’t hear it/ just saying.

January 11th Unit reboots? Was sitting near window, multi pings(10?)

January 17th Unit was pingy, though single pings today until 1:40 PM, at least 10 pings and I was not moving, and no temperature changes. I do not know why? When did that Russian Probe burn up?

At the End of June there was one Ping while picking Strawberries, I was not moving and Kathleen heard it too. Sometimes Kinetic/Static Energy will release a single Ping.

Seems to come back when rain stops…and sometimes it doesn’t fully leave.

Updates to Follow:

Unless otherwise noted time equels single Event.

I may have missed some Events from sawing, drilling concrete and maybe even sleep, but I am trying to catch and record as many as I can. Single events can have other causes though rare in general. Double pings are very unlikely Not to be X-Ray and/or Gamma Events.

March 1, 2013

Accidently Serious

I finished the Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (translated by Diana Burgin and Katherine Tiernan O’Connor); I enjoyed the Novel very much, although I was somewhat surprised (and saddened) to find Neil Gaiman lifted several scenes from the book, which are found in the series Sandman, and also in the novel, American Gods. I have considered Gaiman a gifted writer, and he was one of my favorites, though not as inspired as I thought. He admitted last year to making up lies about for his Resume, at the College of the Arts in PA in 2012, I watched this commencement address on Youtube.

I have tried to follow Mark Twain’s sage advice, “Always tell the truth, and you won’t have to remember what you said. It was also Twain who claimed “all creativity is unconscious plagiarism!’ Neil Gaiman is an award winning author, who I considered gifted for the last 20 years and yet a wee bit of a plagiarist. There are several examples, though the character of Mathew from the Sandman series appears to have been taken from the Master and Margarita, which has a black bird (also called rook) for a chauffer, which magically drives a car through the air/ time and space (along with luminal passengers-this is also in Sandman Graphic Novel, Brief Lives). Mathew is also the name of Jesus Disciple, the former tax collector, which appears several times in the Russian Masterpiece. There are a number of other borrowings, at a Magic Ball, the Dead come back to life, many have Brief Lives, and curiously, often briefly describe their murder, which seems to occur throughout the Sandman Series. The Master of Ceremony is none other than Wotan, who is also prominent in the novel American Gods, who also dances, seduces, and is reborn; previously published in Russian, and widely translated. It is a very good book; I find the plagiarisms rather vexing, and distracting from the earlier Novel. Sin has that effect. In Greek it means the opposite of witness.

I can’t claim to be enjoying writing of late; I mentioned last month that I’ve been bloging 3 years. I am finding it difficult to engage, and have been wondering if it is worth my efforts. Maybe the fault lies not in the Stars, but in me, to paraphrase Shakespeare? I jump around, streams of consciousness, and bad spelling!!! I try. I want to be needed. When I rejoin the wind, I hope there is Music, and food shared. I want to be remembered for working for music, health and experience.

I keep finding walls, folks who are shutting themselves off (not only from me), though I try and not take it personally. It is so hard to really talk nowadays.

Rick gave me a CD a while back, an artist he met at a leash free park in the Bay, the band PTAH- Freedom the name of the album. “We can pretend there is some knowledge that will bring us together…” Ho!

I had the honor of providing Sound for Bob Paltrow and Burning Clover at the Blue Horse on February 1^st. It was a Friday Night Gallery walk, which Bellingham knows how to enjoy! Downtown was packed. My friend Rob Jones helped with set up and taking down gear. It was good to have experienced help (you may well have heard him running Sound at Boundary). I don’t think the Blue Horse has rocked out like we did, in years. Bob released a CD with Burning Clover; they worked on the material for the better part of 2012. Several of the songs were already good last St. Paddy’s Day when Bob turned 50. I know because I did Sound for his Birthday Bash. Good to work with gifted artists, some I have known decades, and some still hope to get to know. Chuck Kitterman played drums, and has with several bands in Bellingham, notably the Clay People in the 90’s, and over 5 years in the Patriots of Tomorrow. I seem to recall meeting him in 1992 at the Easton House. I think a small Party came bye after a Speedy O’Tubbs show in Fairhaven (I think Morgan lassoed them, and Caryn was included) and I had baked bread that night, and was happy to feed late night stragglers! Oopps, another Time Warp! Maybe I ought to apply to the Spice Guild? Back to Burning Clover, Phil Heaven played electric Viola. I was glad that he and Chuck helped out with setting up Sound. I drew out a diagram of the Stage Snake, which I started doing since some momentary confusion at the last Jamboree. It really helps to have it on paper. That way if anything does change, and of course, it sometimes does, there is a place to note it. All jokes about herding cats aside, it helped me, to be able to say, and show, here is a plan, please stick to it. I counted 5 amps up on Stage, and I provided Powered Mains and Monitors, so there was no lack of Power! Kelly Grotke has been quietly charming her audiences in Bellingham for several years, though she has been slow to taking center stage. Bob wisely recruited her talents on mandolin, and encouraged her to sing. Jeff Willson played guitar, sang backing vocals and even made a cameo on drums! He is known for his bass playing with Underwater Radar, and I hope to hear more of both. Speaking of Bass, Kevin Olney had the honors. He is known for his consummate groves with Three on the Tree, another band that I want to hear more. Bob also brought in a talented percussionist Blake Cisneros, who came up from Seattle to accompany the Band. Last but not least Scott Greene (of Jasmine Greene Band Fame) played Lead Guitar on several songs. I met Scott in 2000, when I was building a house in the County as a General Contractor for a client that Scott grew up with. I didn’t hear him play guitar for 5 years, though I did pickup on that he was a nice guy, even then. Bob Paltrow also made a fantastic poster for the Event, complete with President Lincoln meme for the 150^Th Anniversary of the 14^Th Amendment, which ended Slavery (which ought to be used to free Corporations from their Owners too; but I have went into that in previous blogs). I enjoyed the music at the Blue Horse very much. Thanks Bob for your trust. I even saw some dancing! I know the recording came out okay too. Been feeling a bit behind with my recordings, I have several shows in the cue. I send samples as soon as I can, though I prefer to have some time, to listen, notice subtleties, and not so subtle things. If anyone is waiting, give me a heads up! I was joking with Pete, Pro Bono is better than No Bono!

My Associates at Stone Cloud have not been idle! JP Falcon recorded an excellent CD, which Mike Cloud Produced as well as engineered. He has also booked sessions with Meet my Shadow, the Blackouts and Corwin Bolt. The Shady Tones did a Blitz Kraft week, with Stone Jones calling more Artists than will likely be tracks on the next Offering, and hay, I am looking forward to hearing it, again! I am also proud of my colleagues for taking a young Trio under their wing, 3 young men, who chose to moniker Old Mutt. I mentioned to a few, that I felt this was destined to be a special Session when the guys showed up on the 1^st day in the Studio; one was sporting a righteous shiner on one eye! Mike has been doing considerable Sound Isolation in his Domicile, which has a Great Room, Lobby, Kitchen and Control Room. It still is not unusual to find an Amp stuffed in a Shower or in the Bathroom! Hay, whatever works, and it is!

I want to talk about my new job at WWU. It was for the Performing Arts Center as a Stage Technician. I applied for a temp position around the Holidays, thanks to a heads up from my friend Heather D. We have mutual friends, Sparrow, and Peter James. We got taking with her partner at the Jamboree, after hours, about what I was calling Para Nets, and I learned some are calling Dark Nets; basically a parallel InterNet, based on it, but theoretically independent. What till I figure out how to do it for Festivals. I am trying to be in Teams. I think that is important. Okay this will be an exercise in brevity. I can go on, aye, though I don’t get a lot of adult time. I take my son to and from school; snacks included, and trying to do more than putter on my house. I primed the bathroom ceiling, swore for the second time, it was ready to paint in the Laundry Room.

I have been trying to get to the Green Frog twice a Month, and not only for the cider. Misty Flowers has made the Open Mic, the Real Deal. Her Birthday was celebrated with her Trio (Harry and Corwin) and Hot Damn Scandal really tore it up! Pete Wilson often makes a cameo at the Frog on Sundays (one of the reasons I go). Not only does he play might fine Resonator Guitar, he is a good singer, and a true wordsmith.

My partner and I marked our 21^st year since our 1^st Date, hiking to FragranceLake.

We have been trying to tell our children stories, about how we met, how we made it through tough times. Sometimes words can help. Kathleen says children can learn through stories, and I think this was true for me.

Been thinking about Pnuma, often translated Spirit, also air, and wind. Nuit the Mother is Eldest; the Universe expresses itself under and within. Ma is the most widely used word in the world. Funny how I never heard this explained. Lately, I think speaking in tongues (Glosnia in Greek/ Glossary? And what was that Soviet term Glasnost- Openness?) is multicultural communication; Explaining in several languages, relationships, in time. Ho.

Okay in the name of balance! There are some hypotheses emerging from the Pentaterabytes of Data from CERN. The Higgs Boson value has been measured to within 1%, which was desired for some time. Actually, this is an impressive achievement for Humanity and Astro-Physicists. Anyways after about 10 years of looking in the USA, and 2 years looking in Europe, they Found this Thing, And it has 125 Billion Election Volts, so there. Oh and someday Our Universe will be consumed by Another Universe at the speed of light, because of this Math, but hay, they aren’t sure when! All the best to you and yours! Thanks again. Roger

February 12, 2013

From the One I Miss

Sitting on a bench

Outside Trinity Library

Pillars,Bars and the bustle

of Today, a Monday,

my last in this Town.

My Lover is sleeping,

10,000 miles away,

and I am watching her.

Her mouth slightly parted,

her hair lets an ear through-

the covers pulled halfway,

and the clothes crawling out her door-

Moonlight covers our House

and I hope she is safe and warm.

Its hours till she need awaken-

by that time I will be on the Ferry

seeking another shore.

I ask a Friend

to guide my Love

safely across Dreams Shores,

and when tonight

I will take my rest

under her wakefullness,

and breathe Welsh Air

into my blood

I will lightly feel a kiss.

R.A. Hull

August 25Th, 1996

February 1, 2013

The G Word

I am missing the deadline for Taxes this month, guess I better not be late on my Blog.
I did try and file my Q4 Taxes, yet the State’s website, didn’t like my Math, and I could only enter the numbers I received from my Accountant, so many ways. Usually, the State says some of the math may not be right, though, we are willing to take your $, and sort out the difference, later. I have been filing my own Taxes with the State of Washington since becoming a contractor in 1996. I wish I was smarter. Actually, when I was audited at “random” by the Department of Revenue about 5 years ago, the State Auditor told me after reviewing 4 years of my records, that I was “basically an honest person trying to do the best they can”. I’d like to think so. Yet I can’t help and wish that business was easier to understand. I do think it is only a matter of time before I give up my Contractor’s license, as it isn’t really a Living anymore, and like I’ve mentioned, paperwork keeps getting harder. I am trying to keep open to possibilities. I have some promising prospects.
It has been 3 years, since I started a Blog on Face Book. I jumped ship last summer, and bought a perch on Word Press. I am surprised to find Views from Ireland, the U.K. and Spain! Most of my Readers are in the USA, and I am pleased to say that over a quarter are Canadian! Maybe now is an appropriate time to disclose a duplicitous scheme I came up with. I am thinking about joining the American Flag with the Canada’s. But wait, I am also thinking of making some versions with a red circle and the Flag crossed out. I am going to clean up!
My daughter won’t help me, and graphics aren’t my forte. Anyways it’s an idea, and from what I gather, legally my own. I have teased Canadians often in past Blogs, and I am going to show Mercy toward my Neighbors to the North (though an awful lot are at the Trader Joe’s less than a kilometer east, from where I call home.
Actually, I want to say some difficult, hard things to my fellow Americans, Canadians, et al. And it isn’t going to be fun, so I will put it off till later (the American Way). I will get the pleasantries out; still I think one of the missing secrets is more foreplay.
I am glad to be on the other side of the Holidays! Don’t get me wrong. It was good, just glad it’s not all the time. I will say as an unsolicited opinion; for some odd reason it seems that many Canadians I encounter remind me of Americans a couple decades back (not that I think Canadians are backwards, or behind the times; In many ways, the USA’s closest Friend). Of course we have our spats.
How holy is it to cross a Border primarily to be able to Shop, Dine and be entertained better than in one’s own Country? It is not hard to notice that many of the Canadians I meet seem to make a more comfortable living than myself, and many of my friends. I try and not hold anyone’s success against them personally. Sorry Warren, I am not there yet, (maybe it is all your Coal Trains, though they are killing people, making many sick, and returning Dividends to Share Holders). [Disowning your Grand Daughter for speaking in a documentary about $: Priceless]
I deliberately don’t write much about politics. And other than my ventures in Theology with my son, I try and keep a sage mouth. As I learned in Quaker based Consensus Decision Making I was fortunate to learn while at the RiverFarm in 1989; This Person speaks my mind.” There is a difference between apathy, and trusting that one’s concerns are most often shared. I have been thinking about what are We the People not talking about?
I do think there are some subjects that need more attention, though they are difficult to loquat, very easy to get into familiar squabbles. Dang, I guess I am getting serious.
Seems like there is some things we aren’t talking about. I am going to punt, with a fumbling metaphor. I smell Brimstone! It was difficult to sort out, over the smell of the Garbage, burnt Hair and plastic. The Nose can only take so much, remarkable Organ that it is. Visually I am reminded there is broken glass, and beer on the pavement and the bar floor, sometimes peanuts still. I guess there is the stink of old $ too, still a rather unremarkable vintage. I know thoughts of Sex are in the minds of many, cause hay, half of us are men. A Man can get it on, or at least is willing to try, and has, in Battle, during fires, and of course, while injured.
This is not at all impossible for women, though Broadly Speaking well, let me instead mention an anecdote from a Friend. He was with a women and another couple, and yes alcohol was a factor. He squatted in a Monastery in the Bay Area for several months before the monks kicked him out for bringing a woman in with him. At some point after getting 86’ed, many months, perhaps years later, he broke into the Spread, not to steal, rather he and a Friend needed a place to bring 2 women they met at a bar. He cut his arm in the process of breaking a pane of glass; it required several dozen stitches, later. “What did you do?” I asked. “Tied my sock around my arm, and we got it on!” “Good for you!” I slapped him on the back. Guys are odd. I am going to say this is hearsay, except he is my best friend in California, and we have been pals since we were 14.
If this were the last thing I ever got to write, is there anything I’d want to say? I want my Family to know I loved them; sorry I lost my temper over so many things that didn’t matter. I won’t miss stepping on Lego’s in the Middle of the Night! I imagine one wing of Hell(at least), is made of layers of small broken toys and plastic packaging, for miles and miles. I bet there are a lot of old batteries, blown speakers, smashed guitars and old Sound Mixers with Cold Joints. There are worse places.
We don’t get near enough warning as humans. Sure many say, do this, don’t do that. Yet that is not exactly a Path, let alone a home, and God knows where love is! I have given thought to human existence, and somehow manage to get out of bed, everyday and try. I apologize to my children once and a while for, “Sorry there are still so many problems in the world; We thought we would have more of them figured out”. That is not to say I have given up, though I did let go of listening to the radio everyday in 2012.
I started walking more last February, and I have noticed a difference. It was a hard year, though many good parts. There have been a couple times in my life, where I have resolved to change, and somehow manage too. Never like I think, that is a secret regarding music gigs; an artist’s shared with me. Made some new friends; seems lost one too. I am trusting time may hold more mysteries.
My Friends and Family are more woven in my soul than I can ever say, and I really can’t say, or don’t want to know the difference. I have been on mountain edges, stumbled several times, and thought of worse a time or two. I have been burned by fire, but never near as bad as by my sins.
I have been thinking about sex a little more than usual. Well, more from an Advisory Role, though I hope to practice more. Being a father, does make me think about things differently. My daughter will be dating soon, and we have agreed that she has my permission, IF they are good to her. I also wonder what the future will be like for my son. I have some concerns, based on my own experience.
I got a card in the mail not long ago. An old housemate from decades back sent me a picture of his newborn son! I like babies, and am especially fond of those I know Stories about their parents. My friend, is several years younger, at the time, I was something of a Mentor. Not that I have a ton of Dating Experience (and I can imagine my daughter’s voice, “Eww, Dad!”). And yet my friend needed some advice. He had a close call, which was actually dangerous. I think he fell in Love. He was smitten, I know, and he exercised “Very Poor Judgment”. Details: He met a beautiful and intelligent woman, and they became involved. Messed Around shall we say? I don’t think they had become Biblical, and yet my friend was hooked. He wanted more. Somehow or another, he decided to go to her house without calling, and let himself in without knocking. It was after Midnight. Well the Object of my friends Desire was not pleased to see him, and she justly yelled at him and told him to get out. What my friend did not know at the time was that not only was this poor judgment, and is illegal, his now suddenly Ex-Girlfriend’s Brother was sleeping over that night. My friend is lucky he only got yelled at.

So I took my friend under my wing, laid out a few Broad Suggestions, which included getting permission to go in anyone’s house. They only other thing I advised was, “you’re going to want to be friends first”. Not everyone agrees, though I have so far in my life. I have lost a friend once, over sex, or at least something near. And yet I don’t regret the experience, or falling in love. It is a rare love that need not be returned.
I have studied history, more than some. I have read myths too. I think they are somewhat inseparable. I know that people fall in love, sometimes on accident. It is possible to have your life changed without kissing. There are some souls who have changed me, which I never have even pecked on the cheek. I don’t regret having sex with anyone in my life (I may have wished I could have a re-take). I can think of a couple times I didn’t go with someone, that I regret, and it caused pain for many years.
Once at the end of HS, I was going out with a woman, (we had spooned) and she called me one night when I was 18, and asked me to come over. I could have. I didn’t trust myself however, because I thought, and this may sound stupid, I thought we might have sex. I think something bad had happened though I don’t know what. Maybe it was only a Bad Day, anyways, we quit going out soon after, as was right.
Around when I was 20, a girlfriend’s girlfriend was dressed as a French Maid at a Halloween Party, and suggested to me that I come visit her soon. I made the mistake of mentioning this to my girl friend, who was not nearly so flattered. Scars, I tell you!
I am so thankful to have been a part of life since 1963, though I guess our stories start at different places. I learned so much, and enjoyed so many fine times. I wrote all my passwords down in the Yellow Notebook. It is imperative we love! Thanks for reading.

PS I have a couple Shower Fixtures that are not Low Flow; I saved them, even though they are illegal. I haven’t installed them, yet.
The Sun shines in my front and my backdoor! The old Blues song rings true in my ears, and although it wasn’t my intention when our house was up in the air, I am thankful things have turned out as they are. That is not to say it wasn’t harder on our Family than I planned. It took a lot longer too. We already had our house’s blueprints stamped by an engineer, less than 3 weeks before I got hit by the Durango from Canada. We put the project on hold a year, while I recovered. Our Credit Union had already approved the money. I didn’t realize how bad I’d been hurt for sometime, and in ways, maybe it is best I don’t. Can’t compare it to anything, except and I am guessing, re-incarnating. Re-Generate is the words on Doctor Who. That is closer to the Gospel’s Gaia Gena (Greek) aka Born Again.
I can recall, especially before having kids, visiting Drinking Establishments with Friends more frequently. I recall raising glasses with my buddies, and talking about various subjects. Even back in the Day, I wished it was easier to get my friends to open up. I remember saying several times, “in my next lifetime I am going to talk about sex”. Though it has taken some years to sort out; I am post Accident- Life Changing as it is. So I find myself thinking, why not try?
I am not an expert, though I think it is fair to say I have given the subject many years of study. I hope to learn more, and yet as Bing Crosby put it, “I am less and less able to do anything about it!’ People will change your life, and many without sex. Yet a higher percentage of people that one is sexual with, will change one’s life than any other well behavior. I recall warning my fellows, that history shows, people Fall in Love, whether willing or not. We don’t talk about it much. The term Unrequited is centuries old, and yet it is one of the roughest paths a soul can journey. And yet I recall the poet’s words,” It is better to have loved and lost, than never loved at all”. Damn Straight.
Now go out there and get hurt. Get healed. Get confused. Gather. Let Go. Breathe. Recycle. Forget. Remember. It is okay, I am not really in charge either. I am trying to Act Free, a trick my friend’s are teaching me. I am a slow learner, though I love too. Forgive us our trespasses… Words that are especially precious among many Native Americans. Ho! Peace.
Majnun’s Memorials were both special. I was able to help provide Sound at the Majestic on the 13Th. There were many souls touched by his kindness, and thoughtfulness. Many souls helped to make the Gatherings special times. Sanctuaries of the Heart, now there’s an idea! This is idea that Majnun worked at. We have heard, and seen, and been touched by a Bodhisattva! Music surprised us, like a thief for Love, willing to risk their honor, time and status, that they might harbor, once more in a secret haven, that none may know.

Well I am going to apologize for not having better reviewed this month’s Blog. I started a few weeks back, like I say each month, where’s the time go?

So for I go, I had a thought, maybe it is about photons and Information Theory. I have some photographs my father gave me from the Apollo Moon Landing. Now some of my friends don’t believe it, however, these Photographs were considered Legal Evidence in the Time of Camera Film. Information Theory, if I understand it correctly thinks Information and Energy maybe related. The Gist is that it is harder to get rid of than we think.
So I was thinking about this photo I have, of a Saturn V Rocket blasting off, as I was taking a walk one day. I thought, actually, some of the photons from that launch were captured in those photographs; isn’t it wild that they still exist? As I was thinking about it I thought that some of those photons were triggering my thinking, and that they are in not only my head (and memories), there in us! Did I write enough about Peace and Love? No way. Well, till next month!

December 31, 2012

An Alibi on the Way

I trust the Heart, more than GPS.
December has been a busy Month. Our Family flew to San Jose on the 8Th and came back to Bellingham on the 13Th. Though we looked several months back, it was nearly half the cost than closer to Xmas. I would rather spend the $ on Audio Gear, than padding an Airlines Bottom Line. My Brother seemed to feel I ought to be there on the Day of Xmas, though the rest of my Family seemed comfortable with the Proxy, or as I said while Presents were being opened, a Prequel. I really make an effort at respecting my Brother’s wishes; He is the one who introduced me to B&H. That is were TV Stations buy their gear, as do a lot of Photographers and Audio Engineers.
Having my own businesses has helped me to learn many skills, and practices, which I have found useful; and I want to be of use. I can’t say what the difference is between Needs and Wants; I don’t think they are completely separated. We have a Need for some Wants. I guess I think about these things. My Family puts up with me and greats me with a smile more often than not. My son thanked me the other day for adding Stations to the TV. Public Television is now in Bellingham, and I did an Auto Search on our TV, and found a few new ones: another Shopping Channel and a Spanish Station. Oh and a Music Channel added by 12! I rarely watch TV, which continues to change.
I met with a TV Producer several years back, strategizing on how to create a Local Music Show. I remember saying that the InterNet would swallow TV and ask for more. My son doesn’t even know a world of TV coming from Antennas. It is only another choice of Media, VHS, DVD’s and TV, may go the way of the Tape Cassette. They may well linger. I bought a USB Record Player for under $100 on B&H for myself for Xmas. I put on Dylan’s Slow Train Coming 1st, followed by Robert Sarazin Blake’s Vinyl LP, Kissing Last Night’s Smoke Stained Lips. No disrespect intended Mr. Blake, I listen to you a whole lot more than Dylan! I put on Van Morrison’s Common One after, then the Who- It’s Hard. Neil Young- On the Beach. Elton John’s Captain Fantastic (yes, I like some Elton). I have on Lou Reed’s awesome Record, New York. Been liking this Turn Table! I got to remember to turn the Record though!
I listen to Local Music more than 90% of the time, and have for years. I feel very fortunate. May Providence Live Long and Prosper. She is known by several names, though the Founding Father’s used Providence. The Ancient Greeks did too. Viva!
Our 1905 House is coming along, still feels like a good ship, though needs a lot of work. My daughter is excited to be in her new room. Emery slept in his room as well. We needed to paint over the watermelon pink, which my daughter says was her choice at 8. She is hosting a New Year’s Eve Party, with her Girlfriends. I have a recording Gig at Boundary with Jasmine Greene. Her partner Scott, Greene is playing guitar too; I hear good things. [Recording Tonight in the Tap Room, Stone Jones is working Sound. He and Mike and I, took over the Cabin Tavern last Friday for Astronauts and Air Balloons followed by Amish Warfare. We have all worked together before, and we saw it as a good opportunity for Stone Cloud to put on a Show, and Record in a friendly Venue. It was fun. I enjoyed helping with Sound, and being part of a team. Used mu Spirit M12 Board, and recorded though my MOTU’s.I thought my Mackie Thumps Screamed, though Mike is still incredulous about Powered Speakers. I think it was about right, a little Loud, though hay, it’s Punk Rock!]
I recorded the band Skitnik on the 19Th, up on High Street near the Armory. I worked with them at the Jamboree this last August. We have been in Dialog, for some months. RJ hosts the Band’s Practices, his Living Room was voted best Acoustics by the band. I planned the Session in advance best I could, listening to live recordings from the Jamboree, and relearning the 7 members’ names. Stephen I have known for a couple decades, we met through Carpentry, though also Music, and Juggling where near. He was in Nobody’s Fools, a Local Trio which performed Juggling and Feats of Daring Do! They are missed. Practicing with a small Drum kit, Kick, Snare and Hat instead of Flaming Torches, he was the last to join the ensemble; he adds the Spunk and Cool. Amiel plays a Big Saxophone, and does an amazing job of not playing too loudly! He has co-ordinate our Project. Ellie also plays Sax, with energy and grace. Carrie may intimidate the timid, she plays accordion and saw; she would be at home in a Traveling Roma Camp, our on Stage at the Edgiest of Clubs. The Other Accordion is played by Jeff aka Bones; he also plays Horn and Concertina! He is a Dapper Dresser too. If you live around here he’s likely caught your eye with his dance moves at many a venue. RJ plays Mandolin; it adds a backbeat to the Band, and also says northwest, which is hard to do when much of the Music is from Europe. Alex plays Clarinet, and he plays it with a power which brings one back nearly a century, to the Jazz of the Roaring 20’s, and the legendary Cabarets of Europe before the Flames of Freedom faltered. And he does this without much ado.
Skitnik took the Recording Session seriously, and played very well. We recorded for around 2 hours. I had 3 Microphones on the Drums (Kick, Snare, and Overhead) and another microphone for every Member of the Band. I think we have 6 good songs! The Web is a handy tool for exchanging Music. I used a USB drive to give Rumors the a year’s recordings from their monthly Sunday Night Extraviganza’s. Mike Cloud runs Sound, and got me the Gig recording shortly after the 2011 Jamboree. It has been great experience, and I have worked with many excellent bands. Learnening how to record Loud Rock ain’t the same as the Jamboree or David Lanz!
Please Mark the Date! On February 1ST, at the Blue Horse, Bob Paltrow and Burning Clover are having a CD Release Performance! I am really looking forward to this Show! I started working with Bob in 2006, recording his Band, the Patriots of Tomorrow. It changed my life. The band encouraged me to work with the Sound Board. Not only did it improve the recordings, I found I love working with Live Music. The Pats as I affectionately call them were my 1st Band. And after several years’ effort, I learned 1st Hand, why it is called a Break Up! Yet we all continued to work together, just not exclusively. I still haven’t got the Dream Recording of the Patriots; I Am glad I ahve tried! I haven’t given up, and though Cheri says she has retired, she promised to play at my upcoming 50Th Birthday on September 1st.
I need to be involved with a variety of Artists and Music. Fortunately this is still legal, and not uncommon, though not talked about, much. I do work at Networking. I know some great Artists, and some are my friends. I have sought my peer’s advice, and striven to co-operate. It is the hardest work I have done, except for Building a House (in 2000) and raising a Family (A Work in Progress). I have never been surer of wanting to learn anything, than Music,
There are a lot of Artists, and many are more talented than me. I try and help, though it is harder than it looks! I learned through Traveling, and also through remodeling many houses: Have a plan and be prepared to change it! This has been my approach with Music, and perhaps at the end of the Day, my life story.
I assisted David Lanz at a Benefit at the Amadeus Project (TAP) on the 15Th. I was thrilled to be able to work with him again at TAP. Last year on the 17Th (Mom’s B-Day) I did Sound for his Trio. He kindly let me record; though have felt somewhat intimidated, working with the Material. I passed on some Tracks from last year, which is one of my great joys (as Gay as the word is) in my life. The Captain speaks true! My friend Mike Cloud, loaned me a couple of precious German microphones (Seinheiser’s) to record, what David Lanz calls the “Best Piano in Town” (Schimmel, only 50 were crafted in 2000).
This year I used microphones of more humble origin, though they handmade in Olympia WA, by Cascade (M39’s). They are beautiful, and perhaps fairly Clones of the aforementioned microphones from German (and 1/4 the cost). I feel lucky, blest to record such good music. I did some research on the Web, at Sound on Sound (SOS) on recording pianos. I was able to hear samples of Audio uses various recording techniques, which focus on where to place Microphones. I had some ideas, and focused on the use of a pair of Condenser microphones above the Sound Holes (in a type of Coincident Stereo Miking (X-Y). I did it a little different, than the example from SOS; I couldn’t be happier with the results, and am likely to continue this practice for a while…
On the 5Th of December the Gallus Brothers played at Boundary Bay Brewery, in the Main Tap Room. I hadn’t seen them since last February at Winter Stomp, with Smoke Wagon at the Lincoln Theater in Mt. Vernon (Hometown of Glen Beck). I missed the Foghorn String Band, from Portland, which I regret because they are the Bee’s Knees. My Ride however, (my Friends Mike and Rob) can only take so much Proto Rock and Roll, at least not without access to Whiskey and/or Beer.
The Lincoln is a fine Theater, a Venue I hope to experience again. I called Rob, asked about recording the Show at Boundary, and received tacit approval. I have made several informal recordings at the Jamboree, with their peers, of various Artists and Venues, to the point I felt that Lucas and Devon wouldn’t blink about my practice. I used my 2nd H2 Zoom by Samson, and my SONY MS Stereo Microphone. My 1st H2 was a gift from my Family on my B-Day in 2007.
I put over 500 hours on it! It is still the best Digital Recorder for portability, quality and price. There are several good digital recorders under $200. Look for ones that record in WAV, sometimes called PCM. 24 Bit is a must for the serious, though a lot can be done with 16 bit WAV and MP3. Things get more complicated after Stereo.
Lucas and Devon are our Treasure. For those who don’t know them, perhaps think of them as Time Travelers who escaped Prohibition and Poverty of the Depression, yet Magically Managed to bring Bushels of Music of a Bygone Era. They do this not in intimation of anyone, they are Unique, yet I can think of no other Duo living, which is more Authentic. Now I like them both as an Act, and also with their friends the Crow Quill Night Owls (Alex and Kit) who often take in Strays from some of the finest in the Land. This year they accompanied Baby Gramps at the Jamboree as the Telepathic Brats.
It was the Fulfillment of a Dream, recording them, as is being an Archivist of the Jamboree. I was making Bootlegs (the Deadhead Kind) since 2008. Last month, I mentioned the pleasure returning CR Avery and the Boom Chasers their Performance at the Jamboree that Year. They had never hear it, and Doc told me “I got it All”. We are working on a Documentary about the Last Waltz Concert at the Green Frog which Stephen Ray Leslie and He, Produced the Amazing Collaboration and Tribute! We hope to make the Experience, more available, with a Screening in Bellingham and Vancouver at a Future Date. I think we need a Video Editor, though we have focused on the Integrity of the Sound Track first. It’ll be worth the wait.
I hope to work more formally with the Gallus Brothers, and Crow Kin. I am not feeling a rush. They already have good CD’s and Audience. I am making and changing plans… Although somewhat noisy, the Tap Room was a fitting Venue. I hope to pass the recordings on soon. They keep improving, and that is a good direction. It would have been So Much Easier for me 5 years ago, to have bought Pro Tools (The Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW), instead of the crazy Paths I have journeyed, yet I am so pleased with where I have ended up, can’t say I would change a thing. I wish I had experimented Live more perhaps, yet I really dislike Feedback.
Funny thing though, I dig feedback as in people making comments. Nobody said anything about my Satire regarding the President and Governor of Washington State. I thought it was clever, and it made me smile. Yet hay, can’t say I am good at this humor thing. Vonnegut says mention Death people will laugh more. Seems like a Bummer to me. I talk with my son. I guess Dying might be like falling asleep, or more like not wanting to wake up, feels too good to end? I have been near to few people, shortly before their deaths. My brother, and Sister in Law, and I were with our mom when she died in January of 2007. I am thankful to have been there. We all miss her. Cancer is taking too many; Way too many.
I finished the Ukulele Class at the Unitarian Fellowship. It feels great to be reading Music again. Not fluidly yet, though I can Call the Tune! Stairway to Heaven has been a great work out. And I try and play it all the way through, or I never do. Amplifying my Uke was a Thrill I have dreamed of since I was 12! Well, not a Uke specifically, yet it sounds like an electric guitar. I crank up the Overdrive knob on my Amp, till just before it howls. Of course I try and wait till the kids are out of the house, and give them the big Finale when they get back!!! “Who can bear to be forgotten?”
I bought another pair of 12” Speakers, Mackie Thumps. I did a lot of research and came back to buying duplicates of my first Main Monitors. They sound good. They cost less than most powered speakers. They are the lightest thing out there too. Their weakest feature is that they are small, and some people don’t talk anything but BIG seriously. I want to support All Age Shows, and I like the practice of using more Speakers, rather than having Louder Speakers. I want children to be able to be at Shows whenever appropriate. Don’t get me wrong, I love Rocking Out! Yet I want to keep my hearing thank you. Some sacrifice may be worthy for the greater good, yet I bet Pete Townsend of the Who (yes sadly I can’t explain), wishes they had placed the speaker in front of the Band more often than behind, as was a common practice in the 60’s.
I have found learning from Need, to be very educational. I didn’t think much about Monitors a decade ago, though I check them out, and the microphones and amps, likely before most of the Ladies. I have bought Monitors because Musicians want them, and I am trying to make musicians happier, even though Monitors complicate a Sound Persons life more than 2 girlfriends. Ok maybe not that much. It’s that feedback. It is more difficult for Musicians to hear themselves on Stage than known. It is harder than it looks!
I saw my buddy Rick down in the Bay. He took me hiking up in Cupertino, and for a couple drinks in Monte vista, where my mom grew up. They walls of the Bar are covered with hundreds of dollar bills, with messages written by customers and left on walls and ceiling. It is relaxing to sit with money all around.
We went to the Alibi, on El Camino. That is the Road between the 24 Missions in California; which began before the American Revolution. The Alibi is a small bar; couple Pool Tables, Juke Box. I have been in there several times with Rick. Folks know him there, and I now know a few there too. We Keep I touch and we talk about the real. He has been struggling; worked as a Roofer for 25 years, strong as an Ox. He lost his home, about a year back, an RV he called Beggar’s Tomb. Neither of us is seeking pity. Though the Brave New World that our Father’s worked many long hours all through the Cold War, didn’t work out the way we thought.
Our Families are spread out, many have left the Bay. When my Grand Parents were alive, we had an Extended Family. It still exists, though we rarely gather. A world sputtering with Tech, while many still do not have clean water, let alone housing and meaningful work. There’s much to do. We are not talking, not near enough.
2012 didn’t go the way I planned; I can count on that in 2013. And even if I could change a thing, and believe me, I have wondered about a thing or two. I caused pain, which I do regret. Yet, yet, yet! I am working on the real, how else would we learn? There are things I want to improve, mostly myself. The Universe keeps expanding, so may we too. All the best to you and yours! Thanks for listening. I am thankful for the opportunities, these gifts and storms. R.A. Hull

November 25, 2012

From Jayslee to Prez O

A Communique Between the 2 Washington’s. For National Security, only the Governor’s side of the Call is reveiled:

“HELLO, Mr. President?

Congratulations on being re-elected. Ah yes, very long Campaign. I was actually Elected myself, as Governor of Washington State. You remember a Community Organizer with Actual Powers, as Governor Palin describes the Job. Oh little joke there, from one Blue, to another…

Love what you’re doing with the smirks. My People say your ratings are going through the roof. Fantastic. No, the State, remember Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Starbucks started here, no really. Seattle? The Evergreen State. Yah well that’s partially why I’m calling. So Mr. President, it is a little awkward, as Governor I am supposed, sure I can hold.

Of course, don’t mention it, I am only one of 50 States. The secessionists, yes it is disturbing. No it wasn’t Law Makers.., We have this Crazy System in WA, let’s Citizen Actually make Laws, and then the State’s People get to vote on it. No , yes it is rather Left of Center. Not sure where that came from, another Study? Yes it is rather unpredictable. Well, see, we had a Vote, [and congratulations to everyone who won, condolences to those who lost] and seems the Majority, want Marijuana, to be not be so illegal. Yah well these votes. Crazy thing. Didn’t expect it. In the end, the Police didn’t fight it, actually said they had more important things to go after.

No one knows, the Law is 8 pages long. Years. Taxed and Regulated, similar to Alcohol. Crazy Idea, even crazier, it passed. Funny you ask, well half of the Taxes are going to Health Care for Low Income People. I don’t really know, we have our share of the Tea Party. That’s a good one, hadn’t thought of that. They put the T in THC! Well I did go to College. Well, I can’t say exactly, a while. Not everyday! So I am in a bit of a Bind. People actually want this Law to take effect,soon! December 6Th, near as we can guess. It is 8 pages. No of course not, I’ll hold.

Well as you know over 25% of the Nation have voted for Medical Marijuana. Yes, we realize Federal Law hasn’t change. We aren’t alone, Colorado did too. Yes they think the Ski Tourists especially marketable. I used to Board myself. Well like I said Mr. President, we are on the phone, yes, never know who might be, yes, I can hold.

Oh I understand, well I want you to understand the rather complex nature of this Law, yes and there is the Border. Well more than a Fifth of the Business at Trader Joe’s in Washington, is going into Canada. COSTCO too, very serious. Yes the Canadians are an unpredictable, though Loyal Lot, yes, I find them to be. Well since you ask, somewhat like Americans, perhaps a little more polite. Yes they do seem, a little more European. No the driving thing, maybe it is the Metric System, sure, hadn’t thought of that, Drugs use Grams, Ounces, Pounds and Kilo’s, yes, that is Balanced. Another Study? Little joke…

….Well we would appreciate it, if you would have Your People, call My People, thank You. And if your ever out here…

We could met at a Casino? May help with the plausible Deniability, “Complex jurisprudence is our jurisprudence”, little inside Joke here in Olympia. No, I was meaning the State Capitol, Evergreen College? Yes the very same. We are. Well we need some Federal Oversight. Oh people are already whining about the Law, yes 8 pages. Well they won’t be happy till they are getting an Ounce in the Mail. Not yet. No. Well we don’t know what it will look like.

Some are organizing Midnight Masses for December 6 Th, using the Web. Lot of Supporters. The Repeal of Prohibition ( it was the only amendment every repealed), it ended on December 5Th, and this new Law takes effect on the 6Th. Yes we think Students may have been involved, yes, the dates seem to close to be coincidence, it could be Historic.

Remember Churchill said Democracy was the worst form of Government, except for any other”. Yes it does sometimes seem people are always wanting More. Well if yah get out this way, maybe we can have a coffee, and a little Session. Ha Ha, good one! Yes and to you. Looking forward to it. Tell Michael we’d love her to see our Gardens out West, on the Left Coast. It’s All Good, Mr. President, we sure will. Goodbye”

November 19, 2012

Blog Highlights:An Intro to the Bible with my Son; talking about Satan in the Kitchen

Perhaps I ought to warn my Friends, that I am sharing a Secret Communique to the President of the United States, from the New Governor of Washington State, or its Gist, in this Blog. Stop reading now. You could say you didn’t know. Only wanted to read about Local Music. Say you were worried about me, just checking up, keeping an eye on me. A Lawyer I know, Calls it Modeling. In all seriousness, “the method, means and materials are my responsibility”,this has been my practice, and profession since 1996. Some info is best shared in private. I have pondered the legal, ethical and moral quagmires for many years, and “While it has come at some cost to my soul”, I feel it is important to make the effort. Each Month I weigh the ramifications my Words may unleash (Advice is a form of Material Support, according to US Law). What if something I say might be shared with Foreign Nationals, ( I have reason to believe Actual Canadians) and perhaps some far worse. My Friends trust that I do this for a greater good, however, this is not the entire Story. I still get lonely, though I know many cool people. Please call.

My son has been struggling with some serious issues, which I am learning, are life long. It is hard to get friends, it is a busy World, and our money is more limited than our imaginations. M, which is our nick name for my boy; he’s learning to read. In fact he read me a poster at the Pizza Parlor a few weeks back, for the 1st time, “Have You Seen Me?” from a Family looking for a Son. I was proud to hear him do it, though, the Irony of Our Times, kinda smacked.

I had a Blog vanish a couple of weeks back, and hay, it happens. I was writing about my son, some of our questions. I don’t mind so much that it disappeared, I figure the Higher Authorities, can get it if they are interested. I read the Bible with my son the other day at Bedtime. Now one of the Secret Powers of the Bible is fighting Insomnia; Before the 3rd Chapter of Genesis was finished he was sleeping peacefully. something like this:

“M, your almost 7, do you think your old enough, for us to read a little of the Bible? Nods head, interested, he asks, What’s the Bible? It is a very old Book, we are lucky to have. Thousands of years ago, before electricity, and TV, even before Books… There are old stories, and some of them seem wild. I think that Questions are important, and sometimes I think the Bible tries to get us to think. I touched his head. Some of these stories are for our… I touch his heart. It is ok that it doesn’t always make sense. So we read the beginning of Genesis. I mentioned another Secret, that I said it says, there are lots of Clues, though most people didn’t know for thousands of years. See here, the Days and Nights aren’t 24 hours, see the Sun isn’t even made yet. I was quick to point out, that the use of the word Us, showing that God is not alone. My son likes to talk about God’s friends, we steered him away from his previous musings about God’s Wives, which I found rather endearing. We talked about how Earth was Empty for a long time,”the Earth was void and without form..”

I try to talk about Space, and Astronomy with my children. Sometimes we talk about Stars exploding and how this in turn creates more stars. I like to remember, when I cook, that Cast Iron comes from the Heart of a Star which exploded before our Sun even existed. So I kept reading Genesis. I sang some of Dylan’s “Man Gave Names to All the Animals”, from Slow Train Coming; as we read that part of the Story. We talked about how God didn’t know where Adam and Eve where when they hid. I have told my son previously, when asked if anyone has seen God, the Story about Moses asking too. God told him he couldn’t bear it, however, if he went in a Cave, The I AM would pass by, and he could see their back. Interesting. When my son said, the Snake is trying to trick her, I said, maybe. Look what they do though. And I tried to show how they passed the buck. I wanted to show how the Angel has something like a Light Saber, that keeps them from returning to Eden, yet he was sleeping by the time Adam and Eve got kicked out.

My daughter is in 8 Th Grade, and they are studying the War of Independence. They are enacting a Trial over the Boston massacre. I studied it a little in College, so we talked about it over Dinner. And that is why I brought up Satan. My daughter is playing a prosecutor in the Trial after the massacre. It took me several decades of listening, though I gathered that Satan was the name of Traveling prosecutors during the formative years of the Bible. I had wondered about this, as in the Book of Job, Satan appears to be doing his Job, before the Assembly, as being the accuser. I think Satan is only mentioned a handful of times in the OT. My daughter seemed to understand, and was glad I didn’t take an hour to explain either. The massacre as we recall took place about 5 years before the Revolution. It might have been any number of places, times in History. Have and Have Nots. Soldiers, Locals. Tension. A dispute had been brewing, bad tempers. Yelling. Slogans, cursing. Traffic had been disrupted in a busy area of Boston. When a Former Slave, a Giant by All Accounts, made his way through the Crowd to find the Trouble.

In a required College Course in American History at De Anza in 1983, my teacher taught us that a soldier likely panicked when Cyprus came up through the crowd. I explained to my son this morning, talking about the Blog (which he knows what it means) that it was hard to get out of being a Slave before the Civil War. Maybe he was really smart, figured out a way to do some extra jobs, made somebody a deal: I will do this for freedom, and maybe somebody thought they could save or make a lot of money. Something like that.

I was pleased to hear that the Prosecutors (DA’s) in King and Peirce County’s have dropped over 200 pending cases involving Marijuana. Going before a Jury with something that will be legal on December 6Th. I have never legally smoked marijuana, though I am encouraged that I live in a State that trusts me with choice. I was not happy to hear Bellingham’s Prosecutor was continuing to go after Dope cases. I wasn’t shocked. I served on a Jury in the late 1990’s with this person, not knowing who they were. They dress well, and have a good command of English. I think this person is so Un-Bellingham, that I (a Known Sinner) have spoken with peers (years ago) about running against him, as he has run unopposed for several terms. Did I say I wasn’t crazy?

Anyways, I try to practise full disclosure; I want to be trusted, I love doing Sound. I am listening to the Stringband Jamboree as I write this. Robert Sarazin Blake singing about Dingle, Ireland, which is visited by many from Bellingham. I have been working as Archivists for the last 2 Jamboree’s, and had been trying to wiggle into this role for several years before that. I bootlegged (Not for Sale) several years, though I gve Artists the recordings, when it comes out ok. I have been studying Digital Law since 2006.

I was able to use FB this year, to great effect, and regular Vanilla Email to get Material to Artists. Took fewer Thumb Drives. Speaking of which, I passed on a few at the Gallus Bothers and Crow Quill Night Owls at the Shakedown here in Bellingham a few weeks back. They are my favorite Alliance. They play a lot of Proto Rock and Roll. We danced for hours. I also wanted to pass along the recording they made with Baby Gramps at the Jamboree this last August. It was the 1st, they had all played since. Lucas is doing much better, He told me he has been in Chemo land. My Family knows something of this, losing my Mom in 2007 to Cancer, and its treatment. As I write, my son is playing in the Living Room with a classmate, whose mother died of cancer this last Spring, he has a brother who is 4. We used to talk last year, and I noticed she wasn’t coming around, and she had lost her hair…

It has been a great pleasure to return Music, to Artists, as I receive so much enjoyment from listening to Music. I have met so many great people, and many souls who help me to try harder. I keep trying to learn. Other than doing a little work on the Sound Track for the Documentary about our Local Last Waltz Tribute, I have had a rather slow Month. I haven’t touched a Sound Board in weeks. It is perhaps why I have been wrestling with Computer Drivers. I have a PHONIC interface that I got last Summer, so that I could record 2 Stages, as I have a MOTU Traveler for over 3 years, and an 8 Pre by them for a couple. USB has been the Issue. FireWire is going away, it solves many problems with trying to record over 8 channels at a time. It is not uncommon to do 18 or more, and have done Studio work with over 30 tracks. The other day I was waiting for a Building Inspector, and so I sharpened my chisels, maybe 7 of them. It had been a while, maybe a lick and a promise, on one or 2. It had been months. I don’t think I had tried to re-install Drivers since testing several weeks leading up to the Jamboree. I ended up using FireWire on both Stages. I am going to Email Phonic soon, gonna try another couple of things. I like solving problems.

The other day I get a Call from City Hall. My Inspector had gone on Vacation (i haven’t had a Paid one since become a Contractor in 1995), and it seems some of their Paperwork hadn’t got turned in. I was in a bit of a bad mood at 1st. I remembered Jesus asking People to go the extra Mile, or kilometers. A retired Major I work for doing carpentry (I couldn’t get him to do anything with my statical analysis I commissioned regarding the mujahideen in Pakistan in the early 90’s, demographic support, compare to per Capita participation of 10 countries, It is on FB. Anyways, he taught me that Romans Soldiers, back in Jesus’ Day, could ask people to carry their gear, for 1 mile, and as a Form of Community Organizing (IMO) Jesus advocated going twice the required distance. So I brought in the Permit, in person. Now I armed myself, with the Armour of the Captain; I had one of Jesus best Speeches, especially regarding Building Inspectors, and City Hall, “You pile enormous burdens to people’s backs, yet won’t extend your pinkie finger, to help them!” I didn’t say that, instead, I made a small joke to the person who photocopied my form, pointing to some Plans on a Table, They aren’t getting any smaller, and suddenly we were on the Same Side, chatting about the days when we did whole houses with 5 pages (or less). I have found that Attitude makes a difference, and sometimes, authorities, can become Allies, if one is careful, and picks one’s battles.

I decided not to run for Office, years ago. Alright, those are the salacious details for this Month. I didn’t even get to talk about rapping about Dark Matter with the Mayor of Bellingham’s Right hand, who is married to a friend of mine. Well I introduced them, It is complicated. Real Life is. Lot of Boring Details, between the grins.

So about the Communique, maybe I ought to say, I am using Psychic Means to Hack this information, I can’t guarantee its legality. Please, Rather than worry about my Soul. For what its worth, say a Prayer for Private Manning’s captors, after all when an American Citizen (without Trial) is put in Solitary confinement for the better part of a year, often forced to be Nude; allowed to speak for the 1st time, last New Year’s Day, he said, “Pray for my Captors”. Amen.

I am not going into my Spin on the smack down of Top Brass, Ring Knockers One and All (although VMI is as prestigious in my Book, if not more, and I ain’t alone there). Civilian Oversight of the Military is a Sacred Principle; We need each other. It was a Huge Mistake to place so much Brass in Key Positions of Authority, especially Intel. The CIA has had civilian leadership since post SAS days. And the Brit’s have a long tradition of Civilians leading MI 5 and 6. And this is wise. We need perspective. Soldiers want meaningful work, and this is shared by We the People. The Gospels never instruct People to not join Armies, however Jesus is said to have told soldiers, not to be cruel. He also said, ” A well guarded house is not robbed”. That is another message from the Gospels, which I have studied for over 3 decades. One of my Cousins knows the Bible better than me, though I think I am farther along with Greek.

She is by popular account, a Tea Party Person. I don’t Dis her for that. I have actually been sticking up for the Tea Party for several years. I don’t agree with some of the Smack I hear, though their Goals seem Noble in part, and I like that they have interest in America’s Roots. My Friends are sometimes rude to Christians and Republicans and Tea Party Folks. I try to defend them when I can, though I also try to speak up for Transgendered Persons, Mormons and Moslems, Etc. The Boring Details are in previous Blogs, (almost 3 years of Blogs), though still available on Facebook, as I left my Notes open to Friends of Friends until shortly after FB went Public, of rather became fully Private, with Stock Market Shares, which I suggested all users received a share for every Friend they had! Although a popular idea in my circles, it was not adopted by the Board of Directors. In full disclosure, I don’t know Mark Zuckerberg, though I kinda like Facebook. Oh and I did go to Jay Inslee’s Website once, after the last Election.

Truth be told I was considering filing a grievance with Washington Conservation Voters, and I went to their website, and they endorsed Jay Inslee :[I posted links to Wikipedia for a week or so]

So I went to his Site, prior to his announcing his cadency for Governor. I thought he would do well, as he is rather handsome, looks good in sweaters, and bet is a good talker.

Well it had to do with Coal (which kills), and the Trains which go through Bellingham. I wrote an Op Ed against burning Coal, prior to the 2011 Election. The Race for Mayor got rather ugly, at least by PC Bellingham Standards. Although 2 Democrats were running for Mayor, some were being Holier than Thou… Not giving Yard Signs opposing Coal Trains to people who might be voting for a different Canidae than they wished. This pissed my off, no end. If you want people to put Signs up in their yards, just say Thanks, and give them a Sign, a Test seems rather Thought Police to me. Polis means City in Koine Greek.

I consulted my Chief, regarding the Communique Between the Two Washington’s, Legal Questions, I ask questions. like is it ok to say I am using psychic methods, or shall I say undisclosed sources, or that this is merely Satire: Answer, All of the Above. Wiki wiki! This Call, which for reasons best explained as quantum mechanics, it appears (likely influenced by the Inverse Square Law Governing Energy). Perhaps for National Security Interests, I am only publishing the Governor’s side of the Call:

“HELLO, Mr. President?

….Well we would appreciate it, if you would have Your People, call My People, thank You. And if your ever out here…

I want to dedicate this Month’s Blog, to the Modern Family! It is impossible, let’s try anyways? Yesterday at Home Depot buying some newer Lighter weight sheet rock (“every little bit helps”) I ran into a couple of Friends out in the Parking Lot. They were leaving, I going in. They had their Baby in the CarSeat, and were towing a work trailer. They had been remodeling for an out of State Client, using the Web to communicate, and exchange photos, questions, and $. It is a crazy time, for a World with a History of, well,the Bible calls Skandala: That which causes one to stumble, the Man said they were Bound to come. I admire those who keep trying, especially, after the fall, and during it too.

Rick K called me from the Bay today, we’ve been friends since we were 14 , he’d fight Bikers for me, I might for him. He wanted to know about the New Law. I gave him my best info, they are interested in the SF Bay.

I went to the Green Frog tonight, heard Pete from Hot Damn Scandal, as featured Act (I did catch several other Artists). So good, Charlie from Scandal sang some too, though she didn’t play Saw. Been talking with Pete since the Jamboree. They stole the Show at the CHILL OUT this last Labor Day.

All the best to you and yours, R. A. Hull

Thanks for reading, as Baby Gramps says, “See Ya All of a Sudden!

October 31, 2012

Natural Interests and Serving the Status Flow!

The complexities of Time Travel, both forward and back, seem somewhat over rated,at least this has been my experience to date. All Things Change or as Reagan said, All Things Flow! Personally I don’t rightly know how another month has passed since my last Blog. Well like I said last time, dead lines can help. I am working on insulating our Addition. I did put up several hundred square feet of Siding (HardiPlank 7 1/4″ btw Fellows at the Lumber Yard couldn’t get it to burn with gasoline till the 3rd try, and they said only a little!). Well since I can’t think of anything especially profound at the moment, and the aforementioned Dead Line Looms Large and Near (for the Moment) perhaps I will focus on Music and Blues, keeping it as Local as possible. Though the Stats on My Blog last month, Canada and the US were neck and neck for a while there. Speaking of Conflicts of Interest, I do know, associate, and am even friends with Actual Canadians (who despite being warned by Dick Cheney (maybe because of) I have trouble believing are Dangerous. Yes they are Human, and that is admitting much. I don’t like Everybody.

In November of 1995 I met a person I didn’t like. He was staying in Nooksac, next to the Sumas Border Crossing. I was doing Weatherization with a Non Profit. A North Easter hit while Kurt and I were on the roof, the temperature dropped like a Rock, anyways, I didn’t like the guy, gut feeling was Bad, like he was a Con Man/Coke Dealer, turned out to be the Beltway Sniper. I might be a good judge of character. I know you are, why else would we be friends? Even a Long Haired Overfed Odd Drake like yours truly can have a Blog, getting Friends too read it, well hmm, get back to me in another 49. That is my current chronological age +/- 9 months, depending on how you count. I think in China I would already be 50, so that’s another reason to be Proud I am an America.

Not that I am about to endorse any Political Party, No Thanks! I had a friend get mad at me for saying I wasn’t into this Election. I don’t see any Party willing to risk Peace, except on a Future Schedule, with Options, and Fridge Benefits too. Sure I am gonna Vote, and I am for Marriage Equality (Put a Statement to this effect in our Wedding btw). And yes I have leanings, so what. Yet things aren’t going to change nearly as much as some claim, and I suspect other changes are coming that we don’t even see. Did any Official vow to make Clean Water a right of All People on the Planet? Most days I don’t think about it, though I do have friends who do, and provide water systems to thousands. So I am lucky to have good friends. Yet I keep my mouth shut more than some know, I know a little. Much to learn, because I want too, not because people need me too. There are Natural Conflict of Interest: I am trying to make myself obsolete, and yet hope to get invited to the best Parties?

While I have written about my experiences, trying to provide Sound for various Public Officials, and Events; this has made me try harder to be Fair, even if as I have been told by Council, this is Not what the Legal System is about. I am lucky to be friends with several smart Lawyers. So far I haven’t had to call on them in Trouble! I don’t know the Future, being unstuck in Time, doesn’t seem to come with much in the way of Marketable Skills. I can be fun at Parties.

It has been raining and had to wait a little on weather. Another Inspection coming up, not dreading it as much as the last. Still, might as well prepare, as if going under the Knife… Sure are worse things than the Building Department, though it is a painful subject. I often think of Jesus great Speech, which perhaps was somewhat inspired by Regulators, “You pile many burdens on people, and yet will not extend a pinkie to help !” Forgive my pondering. Last Inspector was new, and we didn’t get off to the best start. I added blocking and metal anchors since, even though it was Signed Off. The aforementioned Carpenter encouraged folks to do more than asked by Authorities, seems a worthy plan.

I have had better bad news for a change, and many blessings too. Doors keep opening in Music, though it isn’t a Linear Path, mine at least. Did I mention I have been talking a Class on ukulele at the Unitarian Fellowship? Speaking of, “When was the last time Jesus Christ, was mentioned at the Unitarian Church? When the Carpenter fell off a Ladder working in the sanctuary! “I accidentally told that Joke to an Unitarian Minister at Jennifer Warnock’s Memorial in Portland. Foot in Mouth, one of my strengths. I have tried to speak, may have heard more than I let on. I do try. I rap with my son, we bounce ideas around, have some good talks and times. I was trying the Proverb, as I was taking him to school, Remember 2 Ears, 1 Mouth! I reckon we are supposed to listen twice as much as we talk. No he says, our Mouth is Bigger than our Ears. He had a point, so I said, Let’s Try and Keep It Equal, he said OK.

I was in Parent Teacher Conference with my Partner, my son is in 1st Grade. Good Teacher, pretty serious, though she is warming up. They often aren’t sure about me, at first. I get that a lot. Peace. Oh, yah I went on a Field Trip with the Class, had 5 kids to watch. I made sure to implement the Buddy System, I need you, to help me keep and eye on one another! 2 girls and 3 boys at a Farm. We were riding in a Tractor driven train of carts, whole Class in the rain, none of the kids seemed to mind. It was fun. I posted some pictures of the Apple Farm on FB. Getting back to the Conference, I may have an odd memory. I still remember some of my Parent Teacher Conferences growing up. Interesting to see so much of myself in my son, and yet he is very much his own Man. I respect him. He has courage. I learn from him, my daughter, and Wife. I also learn from my Kin, friends and community. I feel so lucky! Why’s it so hard? That’s the Story!

I was at the Green Frog for the Sunday Open Mic. I like to make it down a couple of times a month, sample the Cider, catch some Local Music. Misty will often sing a little, though she runs Sound for many Artists, and she does it well. Her Open Mic draws regulars, On Stage and Audience, who enjoy the Mix. Generally there is a featured Artist who does an extended Set, while most Acts are limited to 2 or 3 songs. I have been meeting Dobro Players of late, as the Frog is a Vortex of Proto Rock and Roll, especially of the 1920’s and 30’s, early blues and Cowboy Jazz. Check it out.

Speaking of the Green Frog, I have been collaborating with David Herbert aka Doc, on building a Sound Track for a Documentary on the Last Waltz Tribute, which was performed at Equinox. Stephen Ray Leslie (he and Doc produced this Miracle) has been on the Eastside of the Cascades for a few weeks, doing Carpentry; I am looking forward to his hearing the Audio. Lauren Huggins has come over to twice, and recorded some vocals, where the recordings were thin, at some points. I had some doubts about how well this would work, though Doc has a good ear, and Lauren a great voice. We recorded in our Basement aka The Rec Room for the 1st Time! I still have a ton to do, though it is dry! I will keep updating about the Project. We hope to Show this in Bellingham, and hopefully in Vancouver. Over 30 Artists were involved, and the Music is fantastic. Duke did a good job with Sound too! Our tough choices will be getting a 3 hour Show into a meaningful experience, and still find time to tell the Story of how it came to be. You’re in the Loop!

My Friends at StoneCloud have been busy. Mike Cloud produced an Album for JP Falcon in his Studio. (Groovy Stuff, reminds me of Christopher Cross, America and early Talking heads, hows that for unique mix? JP and Mike go back a ways, and he stole the Show at an Open Mic before the heavy Guns came out at Chuppa’s, among the Alumni: BlackBeast Revival, Rev. JD and the Black Outs, Human Infest, Old Mutt, Dead Reckon, Astronauts and Air Balloons and Curse of the Black Tongue, to name some of the gifted Bands that played there in 2012. So much is changing in the Music Industry. Like many of the Artists I work with, I have been investing in equipment, networking, and practicing, aka Living the Dream. I feel lucky, I live in an incredibly diverse Music Scene. This is where I want to be. An Artist from Ireland approached me the other day regarding recording, this was at the Open Mic at the Green Frog last Sunday!

I have been listening to Robert Sarazin Blake rapping about Van Morrison and Life in his portion of the Last Waltz. It is a Tour de Force, some of his best guitar playing, with some great crooning as Van the Man, and yet managing to weave in Put It All Down in a Letter, a song which Titles his latest CD (I published a Blog on its release last year BTW). Robert always does it in a unique manner, and tries to make it about his experience Wherever he performs. It was recorded in Philadelphia with the Powder Kegs (who I got to do Sound for last year at the Jamboree!) and also special guest, Jefferson Hammer on guitar. RSB has a website with digital Streams to hear! James Bauckman has posted some videos on Youtube from the Jambore. I was working rather quickly after the Festival, trying to help James get Video ready within 3 weeks. I won’t bore ya with the details.

Many of the Artist I have mentioned, have CD’s of Merit, I feel fortunate to have been involved with several, and have some in the works. I don’t know where it is going. I am trying to be useful. I agree with almost all music. I try to do a good job with All Bands, even though I can think of some that have offended me. I am still glad they make Music, even if I don’t like it. I am gonna try to help. I am gonna make mistakes, though I will be paying attention. Hope too! All of the Artists I have mention have Music available at their Websites, and I hope you will give them a listen. For years, I have been going to Local Artists, with Mobile Recording; and this is leading to side Projects in our Studios as well. Check out the latest recordings from Chuppa’s Halloween Bash. I heard some of Antique Screams Set, talk about Power! I can’t think of a Harder Duo. StoneCloud also released a 3 CD Set, from 3 Shows at Chuppa’ this year. I recorded 2 of the Shows, and Mike and Stone Jones did the Mixes, DSP and Produced the Albums. We collaborate, and share equipment, tips and troubles. I am glad to be able to team up with them, and enjoy hearing our collaborations, as well as our independent efforts. I have heard some of the latest efforts from the Stone Jones Trio, with Chrispy and Friend. I even encouraged Friend to sing, and well, he did it! Love their Mad World, and enjoy the samples Stone has shared. I hear Mike will be doing the Mastering of the Trio’s new CD, with the Multi Track Audio aka Stems. It wasn’t the case until the last few years, yet it is now easy to transfer Digital Recordings between different computers and Didital Audio Work Satations (or DAW’s). There is much more in common than different, like Maya said about People, when one compares DAW’s. “The Art of Style” is a line of Jimi Hendrix, seems an apt term for our didgital age.

Our friends Smoke Wagon are playing a lot of Gigs. StoneCloud and I helped with their CD: Spaghetti-Surf-Garage-A- Billy! I caught them at Boundary Bay a couple Mondays back, in the Main Tap Room. Dean, Randy, Peter and Matt all live in and around Bow and Edison. Check Them Out. Stone did a good job with Sound. The Owners of Boundary Bay, Ed and Janet have supported Local Music, since starting what has become an Internationally recognized Micro Brewery. Ed is a smart man, minored in Chemistry, and studied Zymergy (Wine Making).

I have been diving into my Archives. I bought a 3 Terabyte Seagate Hard Drive from Costco. It is over 2/3rd full already, mostly Local Music! I don’t write much about my Computers, even though I am fond of them, and appreciate them more over Time. Too easy to take for granted, if you ask me. Lately besides listening to the Last Waltz, I am listening to Artist from the Jamboree. I have listened to Baby Gramps a Ton. The Daffodils stole my Heart, and I find myself playing them daily, as well as singing aloud often! I need to mention John Elliott, a gifted Song Writer. He sort of crept into my playlist, though I didn’t give him enough attention at the Jamboree, though working with over 30 Acts, there was much ado. I have been able to send Audio to most of the Artists over the Web. This is handy Tech! It wasn’t easy to do even a couple years back. I even sent some Music from the 2011 Jamboree, via the Web to Artists I hadn’t tracked down. It pleased me to be able to give CR Avery and the Boom Chasers, the Bootleg I recorded of their Epic Performance in 2008 at the Jamboree. THAT was a TIME! A Dylan at Newport Moment, while many were wildly cheering, some Folks Freaked Out! Beat Box perhaps is an aquired taste, and CR, well, He is a Rare One. ” No one’s got to shine, like you got to shine!” I recorded their Show with my SONY MS Mic, and a tripod, and have listened to it a gazzilion times. I tried years back to get it to them. Talk about Time Travel, guess I got hit by the Durrango less than 2 weeks after the Jamboree. That has been a Journey, and although I didn’t make it back unchanged, I am present.

Folks think I’m joking, though really, it feels like a form of Time Travel to me, to be able to Open recordings I made years ago, and find Audio I wasn’t able to dig out (so to speak) because of inexperience with use of EQ, Compression and Limiters. I can move around after the event. It keeps changing. My Experiences change my perceptions. For me, Forward is Harder than Back. Your Milage may vary.

Remember Bring It On! Look what that got us! Life doesn’t goes as I plan very often, portions. Carpentry is rewarding, making a difference, fixing, and improving, sometimes even healing. That is how I approach working with Music, I want to help. Well I am gonna get back at it for a bit, I got my daughter’s new room insulated today. She has 4 girlfriends over for Halloween tonight. I hear them laughing. They are gonna Watch Batman, the Dark Knight Returns, where Keith Ledger plays the Joker! And watch Scream! I am trying to get this finished before the Trick of Treating Hordes demand Candy. What a Holiday! Love, Rog [ The Hordes were friendly last Night, no extreme greediness]

Happy Halloween! I think I am going to put on Donnie Darko. The Director’s Cut, has better Music, he wasn’t allowed to use the for legal reasons, the music he wanted for the Sound Track, until the Special Edition. It is my favorite Time Travel Story, followed by Peggy Sue Got Married, and City on the Edge of Forever (an Original Star Trek written by Harlin Ellison). I walked up to him at the Sci Fi convention in SF in 1977, and asked him for his Autograph, because he Looked Famous to me (I was 13)! I notice tonight that Donnie Darko takes place in 88. I moved to WA in 1988, which is the year that this Movie Takes place, it was the least Logical Journey of my Life, though I didn’t consider it Time Travel then, though I have gone through the Ride more than once it seems, and I can’t frankly tell you how I lucked up here, though if Time Allows, I am gonna try! Kaplah!

October 13, 2012

Who Touched Me?

Remembering,

a feeling lingers,

another’s warmth,

in my hand.

I know it happened,

somehow I can’t remember,

though wasn’t long ago,

this year…

Naw, shucks, it’s not like that,

not that that’s ever,

never,

almost been,

never not wanted too,

nearly wished I didn’t did.

Maybe it ought to be another …

poem, lover, fool

who unveils their tapestries;

Learning, grace and entertainment.

It really was a gift to see her mask,

though she wears it well,

sometimes the hidden,

comes though,

let’s me know,

you wanted to too.

This isn’t that Tangled Stuff,

supposedly less rough.

What or who I don’t know which,

I’m trying to remember?

Maybe a Stranger’s Child,

held my hand,

with kryptonite hidden!

Maybe a Kindly Crone,

willing to join a Healing Circle?

Sometimes the Waves ain’t seen,

though the bow breaks,

me and baby we fall,

craddled arms.

Better to go feet first,

surface not quickly,

sometimes you meet Shore,

not friends,

some Moments,

oddly longer,

never really end.

Freelance Gumshoe,

just the Facts,

matter of fact,

I have used them,

rather than wax;

filter the Sirens.

Doesn’t always work.

Yet another memory,

keeps returning.

20 years or so ago,

I went to the Highlands,

somethings to work out.

Backpacking,

in my wee tent.

Went through a Gale,

snug bug in Gortex Bag,

I laughed,

peeing naked in the Storm,

in the middle of the Night,

such a small brief flame!

My Feet merit mention,

been through many Duties,

few understand,

yet my Dogs are due praise,

I never treated anyone so poorly.

Forget the Man,

walking with his pack,

weeks out of any Hostel.

Aberdeen is a Grey City,

concrete, asphalt and grey granite.

Huge Lorries,

stinking Diesel and Noise.

The edge of a forsaken in between place.

And there she was,

an Old Women,

comes up to me,

and takes my hand,

and gently leads.

Together,

we crossed that awful street.

No word passed between us,

that I recall.

Though the warmth of her hand,

stayed in mine,

awhile.

R.A Hull

10/21/12

September 29, 2012

Heritage and History are Working It Out

Sometimes deadlines can help. Well September’s Blog is here. I didn’t even have a sermon planned, though one started last Monday. I went to a Rally for Missing Persons outside the Courthouse, organized by 3 women who have toured the Country in vigil to a woman who disappeared in Whatcom County, WA in March of 2000, Leah Roberts. Her journey across America, and up I-5 ended near Bellingham. Her car was found in Glacier, off of the Mt. Baker Hwy. Her sister formed an organization 9 years ago, which has widened its focus toward Missing Persons, this years attention is towards the West Coast, and over 60 people currently missing. I was in not the best mood when left the Rally.

Seems to me that some changes are in order, though the how, is trickier than the why. We are vulnerable. We live in a busy world, full of get a way cars, and weapons, loads of bad karma. We are so busy, and yet isolated in ways that are difficult to recognize. Working with Music, I am frequently in Bars, though I rarely drink when I am doing Sound. You know the joke about Laws and Sausage, I sometimes add Music (and wonder about Love), You don’t want to know how they are made! Alcohol is much more fun internally than externally, in fact it stings, stinks, and is still listed Medically as a General Anesthetic. I find it Ironic. Alcohol is a sacred matter, and even the LORD is known to have indulged.

I have been concerned about Drug Abuse for many years, and have lost friends, in many ways am effected by this issue. I write about it, though it is Not a Crusade. I do think Islam has ideas of merit within its Culture (All Cultures have perspective with merit) which bear on Alcohol, and dare I say, Men and Women. I mention this Religion, as it is at least talking about Gender, and Alcohol, few Faiths focus on this. The only warning about alcohol we are likely to encounter, is from Bartenders, Law enforcement, or in the written WARNING Label Required by Law on the Bottle of one’s Spirit of Choice. I worry about the Drinking, I see folks making tough choices, and yet we, as one of the women from the Rally, On the Road to Remember, said to me, “We don’t want to be told what to do”.

I have been thinking about the Warning of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing. Perhaps the parts about Wolves, as they hunt in packs. So I am thinking that the Lone Wolf idea, is over used. Wolves are social creatures, as are humans, though we deny it to our peril. The term Culture gets bandied about, and yet if the term fits. Our culture is vulnerable, our immune system is compromised, which leading philosophers, were quick to link with terrorism. I have also speculated regarding allergic reactions, or how the immune system turns on itself. Often the Over Reaction is Fatal, as bee stings, or getting kissed with peanut butter. In the bars I see, that few practice the Buddy System. And it is seen as natural to meet people at bars, and this has been so for millenia. And yet I want to see us, talking greater interest in each other. I think we need to, not only for our own defense, for our health.

While Scientists, Clergy and Musicians know that we are social beings, and politicians depend on Social Networks for their very paychecks, few can risk unity! Bi-partisan has become a rare word, let alone experience, while Bi-Polar is going places! At the risk of messing with the Bees, I think Men and Women, need to work closer. Now I need to acknowledge that Men are doing the majority of violence. Men need to work together, far more. And yet, surprise, surprise, we’d like some help. Maybe we even have a hard time asking for it. I do ask, and read directions, btw, and as much as I want to be normal, feel I have failed in this effort. It has been interesting though. I talk with people. I read, ponder and do research. I even do science experiments from time to time, I can pretend I want to educate the kids. Yet like the Song, “I Want to Know!”

So what is Sacred to me, besides Life and Music? I went to Scotland in 92, spent sometime wandering around. I went to the Clava Cairns, which are older than the Pyramids. I camped there, and later took Kathleen, I hope to bring my children there too. Yet I won’t camp there again, and will ask them not too. My friend Jak Random passed on last month. He taught me that Clava is where many of those killed at Culloden were buried. This was in 1746, and the last Battle between Armies on the Island of Britain. That is not widely known, even in Britain and isn’t on any plaques, Musuems or books I have read. And yet I know it in my Heart. It has the Ring of Truth to it. This touches on a subject I has thought of bringing up, the importance of Oral History, this to allude in a way to the Title. To me Heritage is more Her side of the Story, and History is more His. My friend Mary Hobberman teaches at a Community College, she wisely added the subject of Oral Histroy, as to it being Written, as was taught in a Course on Archaeology I watched from Stanford I got at our Library, when Hannah was an infant. Another time long ago, she is in 8Th now. I find in Music, that the stories are have a life. I work with many interested in preserving the songs from generations previously, and although much effort is made at getting the history true, myths abound. Several times at shows working Sound, an Artist will say that song was by So and So back in… and the next thing I know somebody hasmy Ear, well Actually that Song was first by … *So back to Clava.

This was the first place in the world, where I experienced strong connections with my ancestors, yet also misgivings regarding balancing Archaeology and the Sacred. I wrote in a previous Blog of how this latter lead to me meeting the Haida Man, George Bain at the Musuem of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. And yet what I remember most of my experiences there at the Clava Cairns, perhaps was a Vision. I saw much time, and cold winters,.. lean hard times, and cold winds. And somehow admists all the wars, struggle and wanderings, Grandmothers strength kept Us together, kept the children fed, held on with a strength greater than oak roots, surviving more than cold. They kept us on this planet, from going Extinct as a Species, and it needs to be remembered, more than any Date, War or Person.

I read a People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn when I lived at the River Farm. I think it took another decade, and 3 journeys to Britain and Ireland to have any criticism of Zinn, who is a Historian I respect, and he will be missed. I have been remembering Zinn’s writing on conditions on Native American Reservations, especially after WWII. There continue to be great needs on Reservations, and yet conditions have improved in recent Generations. Zinn speculates that Women made the difference. Men were having a difficult time finding employment, let alone meaningful work. Alcoholism, domestic abuse and violence became common. Many men who tried to stand for change were killed. The Worker’s Rights Movement is indicative, and similar in that Women’s efforts have been greatly undervalued and recognized. May this change.

And yet I think Men have a part, perhaps beyond our current function as Jar Openers, Spider Transporters, and Sperm Donner’s (that last one I think has been eliminated already). I’d like to think it is a Balance. Yet I don’t want to say I am an expert at that. I even wonder about people growing into part of Earth’s Immune System, rather than attacking our Host, learning to thrive. Computers may help. They are good at remembering. And they can be very trustworthy. I have been speculating with Emery about How are we Going to Keep from getting Stuck inside Computers. We haven’t figured it out, but I say if we can, we will try it (Humans). I guess I am an expert on Houses. I have been a carpenter over 25 years, I have worked on hundreds of houses. I started Whole Approach in 1996, and continue to work on homes. I have some other interests. Of which I write, and yet I find People to be the trickiest. Maybe I know some stuff, though I am not an expert on Men or Women, though I likely know more on the former, and less and less, about the later! And yet I am trying to remember .

Maybe deep in our Hearts, We the People, know it is coming to an end, this time, of unlimited possibilities. We have some choices, though in my journey, I have found recognition, rather than choice, to be inseparable at the core. We love because we recognize our connection, and our gap. Agape, means without gap, that is what the Classical World called Love. The word Love, being from old English LOOFAH, which I like to point out is remembered by the antonym, Aloof. And that is what I am trying not to be. And yet love is dangerous, it can pull! And the shields are heavy. There are side effects. How did the pop song put it, “Love is like oxygen, it gets you high, not enough and you’re gonna die!” That was Sweet, famous for Ballroom Blitz, and I also like their song, Sweet FA, which is a great British Slang phrase.

And there is the rub. The Hurt. A wounded bear is dangerous, even more are hungry wolves. So there is my Homily.

I have been working with Music much. I have for several weeks in a row, working with recordings from the Stringband Jamboree. I have been working with James Bauckmen and his assistant Ben, to synch Audio with the Video they gathered at the Festival. It was an amazing Experience, not all easy, but the best things aren’t always. Artists make me try harder. I want to improve, because I know I can, and Beauty deserves more. I feel much of my job recording is to try to preserve something of the essence of Music, as with doing Sound, trying to get obstacles out-of-the-way. This is a role of a General Contractor too. I love digital audio, computers and this amazing tech. Though science is helping, it also needs heart. Some willingness to struggle, and some ability to compromise.

Yah I said it. There is much going on that we don’t know, other times, places, even dreams. Now I know that computers exists even without humans, and countless Extraterrestrials, that we will never, well, likely won’t get acquainted with for a while. Angels, Demons, and Dimensions, Across the Verse! I like to tell my children at Dinner, that Parents are struggling with their children throughout the Galaxies, trying to get them to eat vegetables, pick up their toys, and spend less time on the computer! I hope I am a fun Dad at times, LORD knows I can be mean. I am trying, and I know I can’t do it alone, and yet I also have found that part of the work of being a person, is willingness to learn from others, and yet also to struggle to learn with oneself, it is a struggle. And if your real, at times Not going along with how some wish. And that is Holy, as is collaborating. Thanks.

* I’d like to explore this idea further. Being a Freelance Archivists, I find it fairly common to find erroneous information in Concert schedules and Public Events. It is not very hard to find contradictory information. And as much as I have tried to untangle History, I have tangled somethings up too. I have worked Sound in where sometimes other people are credited, sometimes not even there. It is easy to get overlooked. Yet I bring this up as How True is information, this is an old question, and yet the Digital Age is adding complexities. The concept of Super Truth is seductive. Yet as I have teased Journalists about the Objective Objective, IT can be somewhat elusive, sometimes perhaps, even evasive! All the Best to you all!