We are but a whisper in the cosmic wind and yet here resides everyone you ever knew. Every human who ever lived. Every story that was ever told
How is all of this possible?
How improbable it is that we can even form a question.
Almost
It’s almost worth the trip to Idaho.
Those folk out Idaho way have not yet crumbled under the weight of Californian exiles.
They’re Running In Monaco
[An update at 3 minutes in and on the first lap: Red flag wreck and cars have returned to the pits. At least 3 cars are out of the race while a small army of orange clad minions man the brooms to sweep the crash area.]
The Monaco Grand Prix is probably the greatest event in motorsports. ABC is streaming the pre-race hoopla that includes million dollar yachts backed into viewing position , stars of screen and stage looking for a mic, pro athletes with their trim blond and bosomed wives, and thousands of ladies in their summer finery. It’s a spectacular demonstration of wealth and privilege. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for wealth/privilege and hope both will visit me some day.
It’s a great course with spectacular views and challenging turns.
If the past provides any hint at what the future brings, there will be some broken hearts and destroyed machinery at the end of the day.
Streaming now on ABC
Tina T
She passed a year ago today. RIP young lady.
Wake Up Momma!
The Statesboro Blues courtesy the Allman Bro:
“Just remember baby, if you can’t make it your sister Lucile said she wants to go”.
Turn Your Lamp Down Low | A Passing
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band, has died at his home in Osprey, Florida. He was 80 years old.
Betts shared lead guitar duties with Duane Allman in the original Allman Brothers Band. Together they produced a distinctive sound and created a new genre — Southern rock. They were founded in 1969 and notably were one of the few biracial groups to roll out of the deep south.
Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident in 1971, and founding member Berry Oakley was killed in a motorcycle crash a year later.. Gregg Allman passed a few years back (2017).
80 years is a good run for a high flying musician. Perhaps in some afterlife he and the brothers two can get the band back together. RIP Dickey.
Almost 60
A little get your azz in gear music for a Monday morning.
According to drummer Ron Bushy, organist-vocalist Doug Ingle wrote this one evening while drinking an entire gallon of Red Mountain wine. When the inebriated Ingle then played the song for Bushy, who wrote down the lyrics for him, he was slurring his words so badly that what was supposed to be “in the Garden of Eden” was interpreted by Bushy as “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”.
Jeff Beck claims that when he saw Iron Butterfly perform at the Galaxy Club on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles in April 1967, half a year before the band recorded their first album, their entire second set consisted of a 35-minute-long version of “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”
My how the years have flown.
Finally
George enjoyed international fame for a long list of hit records and had more that 160 chart singles. He also enlisted and honorably served in the USMC.
He passed in 2013 after fighting an alcohol addiction that lasted almost his entire life. I hope you’ve found some peace brother and thank you for your service.
Who Could Hang a Name on You ?
It’s Tuesday. Ruby Tuesday!
Tuesday Afternoon
I’m just beginning to see. . .
Sometimes it Just Turns Out That Way
It’s Monday evening and sometimes, Monday can’t guarantee. .
A Mid-Week Fix
From November of 1970: Black Sabbath.
I had just turned 17 and was a senior in high school. 6 months later I was still 17, a PVT E-nothing in the Army and testing my 132 lbs of ‘twisted steel and sex appeal’ against a system designed to breakdown and then reconstruct folk exactly like me.
53 years is a long long time! Enjoy.
81 point 5 Percent of 1,000,000,000.00
Way to go America!
A Little Jewel near Branson
I did at one time live near ‘Branson West’ before it had that name. That area was not much more than an intersection between Kimberling City and Reed Springs. This little jewel is located on DD. DD was an oft need of repair slim asphalt path down to a number ‘resorts’ (when that term is used loosely) and cabins sprawled along Table Rock Lake.
This little jewel is available on about 100 acres. Thankfully it has enough room to accommodate a growing family.
Spectacular Gated Estate located on 104 Lakefront Acres with over 1,700 ft. of shoreline overlooking Table Rock Lake. The Main home features 14 bedrooms, 15 full bathrooms, 3 – 1/2 bathrooms, 4 men service bathrooms with multiple stalls and 4 women service bathrooms with multiple stalls & an 8-car garage. This breathtaking 33,048 sq ft Smart home was thoughtfully designed to suit any buyer. Quality and commercial-grade construction including steel framing, sprayed foam, 2 septics, HVAC – heating and cooling mini splits, and wiring for security/AV. Sophisticated and custom details throughout including wood beams, barrel ceilings, wood casement windows and doors, 8 vented gas fireplaces, copper guttering, and elevator shaft. 30,000-gallon owned propane tank. Multiple entertaining areas indoor and outdoor with resort-style beach entry infinity pool and expansive kids playground. Property includes 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom, 3 car garage guest annex, separate RV/Boat storage building with 3,600 sq ft living area and private 3-stall boat dock with solar power and swim platform.
Running short on cash? Throw a couple of bucks on one (or both) of these puppies on the way home this PM. More info on the ‘home’ here.
It’s Wednesday
A (Welcomed) Small Fortune
These are getting to be some pretty hefty numbers and I expect that more and more who seldom play will be throwing a couple of bucks at the game on their way home from work this evening and next. I wish them luck.
A winner may choose to slip away to this little place on the Oregon coast . The write-up is appealing, but I have my doubts about the intelligence of the real estate agent when they claim the sun rises over the ocean on the Oregon coast. Nice acreage though.
OREGON COAST OCEANFRONT ESTATE! Imagine waking up to the harmonious sound of the waves crashing against the shore. That dream could become your everyday reality at this exquisite log home estate along the stunning Oregon Coast!
Proudly situated on over 28 tranquil oceanfront acres, this grand property offers unparalleled beauty and privacy. Step inside and be greeted by a grandeur rarely seen. The breathtaking river rock fireplace, reaching up to a soaring 35-foot ceiling, competes for attention with a dramatic wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, both serving as the heart of the home. Just imagine the sight of the sunrise over the ocean, from the comfort of your living room. Your private theater room awaits for those cozy evenings, while the gourmet kitchen, adorned with a rich combination of Quartzite and hand-scraped Acacia wood floors, invites you to create culinary masterpieces.
The Secret Service
NOT HAPPY
NOT HAPPY
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY
Tuesday’s Gone
Just a few days shy of 48 years ago: 17,530 days ago. Seventeen thousand, five hundred and 30 days. Man, time has sure flown by. And now, Tuesday’s gone as well.
Talent
Jimi in 1967: It’s Kinda Like Art, and Sex, and Music, and Gymnastics, and Pyromania and Destruction
He burnt his candle from both ends. Have a great Wednesday!
A Transgender Reptilian Demon Witch
Must She do Everything?
A Bargain at Twice the Price
For those fortunate enough to live in states that have no qualms about taking your coin the numbers are indeed getting large.
And if the state that so eagerly takes those coins is growing just a little crowded, here is an out of the way spot that might give you the space you need to breathe. Sure, it’s a nightmare paying property taxes, but what the hell: Gavin needs a new pair of shoes and you can’t take it with you.
Highlights are: Dating back further than the scenic, winding path of Highway One, this six-parcel, 350-acre coastal ranch presents a colorful past and an even brighter future. Six unique homes, a magnificent redwood grove, and a private beach inhabit this serene stretch of land nestled between the canyon and cliffs.
A private access road connects all of these homesites, where expansive decks overlook the diverse terrain and secluded paths allow for a lifestyle centered on the outdoors. With its use of rustic stone and wood, the original homestead proudly exhibits its rich history, while the more modern buildings gracefully complement it.
Together, the property offers 12 bedrooms, 10.5 bathrooms, 2 pools (indoor and outdoor), and innumerable viewing points. Cherish the calming effect of year-round streams, hikes up the canyon, and quick access to fine dining – Post Ranch Inn and Nepenthe. The potential for a private helipad will further prestige, and the undeveloped beach parcel presents endless value.
When (not if) I win, I’m going to buy two.
Monday Monday: Sometimes It Turns Out That Way
All the news you wish you hadn’t seen/heard/read.
I’m beginning to understand why its so damn hard to close out the tunnels in Gaza. The red arrow in the photo below shows a breach entry Israel made into one of the lairs.
It’s a good thing Kennedy advertised, I’d forgotten that he existed. I don’t know who he went to for campaign advice, but the ad is (in my mind) extremely effective in pointing out the age weakness’ of both Trump and Biden. It reminds folks of Kennedy’s heritage and paints him as being cut from a completely different cloth than that of the establishment candidates. He’s toast, but he’s not bland.
I’ve spent considerable time this morning trying to figure out which of the two tight ends pictured the article below was talking about.
If you’re in Paris and everyone around you makes you think you’re in the Bangladeshi ghetto on the east side of Johannesburg SA , you may want to rethink your life choices.
In closing, Old Joe decided the best way to show you that he’s really as sharp as he’s always been was to tweet a picture proving that the lights are still on. I can’t think of a single person who thought that they’d gone out, but the question of whether anyone is still at home remains.
Anything for Shits and Giggles
I can understand a couple of airheads making the mistake of thinking hot peppers are just hot (vice deadly), but to then post it online is telling.
The term ‘bimbo’ has sort of fallen from favor as of late so I applaud these fine young ladies for doing their part to resurrect it.
OMG It’s Early | Subtle Morning Wake Up Call
A Little Rhythm to Help Get Your Ass out of Bed
A little less than 55 years ago. My God how the time has flown!
One Day a New Day Must Begin | Thank you Anna Mae
Thank God
Books to Your Chickens
Teeing Up the Weekend
Enjoy.
Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring
Gamboa Sunset | A Few Will Know
Refuge | A Calm in Virginia
Here, take this gift,
I was reserving it for some hero, speaker, or general,
One who should serve the good old cause, the great idea, the progress and freedom of the race,
Some brave confronter of despots, some daring rebel;
But I see that what I was reserving belongs to you just as much as to any.
Let’s Get This Week Rollin’
A Slow Certainty
I know that I’m going to win the lottery. I’ve always known. What bothers me most is the waiting as I was fairly certain that I would have been packing by now.
A little cabin on the coast:
More info on my future home here
A Whole Lot of Heavy
Sunday morning introspect.
It’s not Johnny Cash but rather someone who was touched enough by his lyrics and voice to honor his name with a somber voice of his own.
Owning your Heritage | You Go Girl!
I’d seen various versions of the Haka performed by soldiers and warriors from New Zealand previously. Wild stuff. The clip below is the first I’ve seen it done by a single individual and the first time I’ve seen it done by a woman.
So what does it signify? Well, it comes from a Maori legend of the sun god and one of his wives who embodied the essence of summer. They had a son and the Maori said that the quivering appearance of the air on hot summer days is a sign of the son dancing for his mother. Their dance is, supposedly, a mime of his dance.
Before going all judgemental on the religious beliefs of the Maori, consider the very poignant observation of that great American philosopher Bill Burr:
American Sky
This is a good rendition of the tune, but what is most enjoyable about the video are the western scenes that have been put together. The clouds are magnificent.
Where the River Meets the Sea
30 Years of Hard Time
‘Cause it’s good to see from others eyes (every now and again)
Hull 1
El Leon is the first of two currently built Mangusta GranSport 54’s. The third is under construction in Italy and should be completed later this year or early next. Stock price is 34 or 35 million Euro.
It’s a sweet ride if you can get into one.
I’m thinking it would take around $50 million to acquire, staff, and moor/dock this puppy for 10 years or so, It’s on my hit list when I win the Power Ball.
Of course a 54 meter boat is not the first major thing I’d spring for, the top of my list (once I cash in and make distributions) is a little spot on the Tennessee River. This is what works for me:
It’s almost 18,000 sf and weighs in at $9 million. The good new is that the curtains stay (as does everything else). Great photo’s here.
There is a hell of a back story associated with the house. It seems that the guy that built/owns it was a plumber or pipe fitter out of Muscle Shoals who ‘done good’. Flush with cash he begins building this thing on 27 acres. He likes fast cars and HD’s and so builds a huge garage/shop a little ways off from the house and throws up a couple of those fake old school pumps in front of his garage.
Well one of the neighbors, a male Karen, came snooping around and began investigating the pumps peeking into the building. Big mistake for three reasons: 1st, they are inop. 2nd, you really shouldn’t be wandering on a country boys property. And 3rd, you never want to fuck with someone that can afford to hire a good lawyer.
So now the place is up for sale because, I’m guessing here, The owner (David Duplissey) freaked out at a race track that he owned and beat the shit out of an employee that tried to boss David around. He lost the track and the house is now up for sale.
That’s the way we do it in the south boys and girls. It’s just like living in a trailer; easy come and easy go (in stormy weather).
My best guess at the cost to acquire, staff, and maintain the property for 15 years: Just short of $18 million.
A drop in the bucket.
A Little ‘Feel Good’ On Saturday Morning
It Took Me Back To Something That I Lost Somewhere Somehow Along the Way
City of New Orleans (Saturday Morning Interlude)
Saturday Morning Feel-Good Song: Highwayman (American Outlaw)
Easing Back In
I have taken a good long while away from the keyboard. Think that I’ll ease back into the fray.
Fierce Quads
There was a time many years back, in the mid-70’s, when, as a soldier, I was stationed in Seoul Korea. I was young, bold, and (until I began studying Kung Fu) thought I was pretty hot stuff.
Three nights each week I’d wander off the base an climb the rickety step to where this old Chinese Kung Fu Master had set up shop. I kept up the courses for a couple of months. It took that long for me to figure out that there was no way that I was ever going to understand what the old man was trying to say (he spoke no English) and there was no way I was ever going to get my ass low enough to the ground to effectively perform the moves the art/exercise required.
I can still feel the pain in my quads from having the old man manipulate me into a stance and have me hold it for what seemed like an eternity. My but never got closer to the ground than 2 feet, while the other students (12-15 year old boys) were scraping their balls across floor while doing sweeps and moving from stance to stance.
All of this was brought to mind not because I was reliving my glory (or in this instance not so glory) days but because I stumbled across this video and noted how effortlessly the lady appears to posture and hold a stance. While she must have quads of steel, that position she takes at the 3:28 mark is not of this earth.
One Way Out (50 Years Ago)
This jam recorded at the Fillmore East in June of 1971. In June of 71 I was undergoing a torturous Basic Training regime at Ft. Campbell KY. I was 17 at the time, weighed 130 lbs, and was feeling my Wheaties. A couple of Drill Sergeants knocked the wise ass out of me so well that I’ve not seen that attitude since.
The draft was still on in 71 and the Drills were accustomed to dealing with folk that were looking for a way out of that the man made hell. There was but one way out and that involved Class A’s and a parade field.