Beer, Baseball, and....Trees?

Inspired by my Poe-Tree post, the literary icon, Phil Rupp, provided this version honoring the opening of baseball season:

I think that I shall never hear

 

A poem lovely as a beer.

 

The brew the Camelot served on tap

 

With golden base and snowy cap.

 

The stuff I'd drink throughout the day

 

Until my memory went away.

 

Poems are made by fools, I fear

 

But more than Coors now grew good beer.

And thanks to Phil for the Camelot reference...  ah, the memories...

Poe-Tree

BY JOYCE KILMER

I think that I shall never see 

A poem lovely as a tree. 

(from a walk in Irvine)

Surf/Instro in Salt Lake

Over the weekend I was invited to a house party which featured a couple sets by Los Rifamos, a rare instro group in this city.  The band has actually been around a few years, with only occasional appearances (and my lack of awareness...  gotta get out more).  I discovered the group from their application to the Utah Arts Festival, a pleasant surprise after listening to about 8 million mediocre rock bands.

Los Rifamos play an instro style more laid back than the current near-punk intensity of today's surf music.  Well, with a lead guitarist using a Burns guitar, one can expect a sound closer to the Shadows and the Atlantics than Slacktone or the Surf Coasters.  (The group did do an opening set of garage band vocals of the louder, faster variety).  Here's to Hank Marvin!

Most tunes were originals, had a great deal of melodic content, and were quite enjoyable.  My only complaint might be the need to mix in a few more uptempo tunes in a live environment for today's instant gratification generation.

Here is a link to an iPhone movie I did of one song from their performance.

I enjoyed talking to the band members, sharing knowledge of musicans, music, and gear we had in common.  And the homebrew English ale was excellent!  Thanks to Grant and his friends for the great party.

A Political Post

Local reaction to the US coup...

And this says it all (thanks Larry and Prudence)...

Inversion Beauty

It's midwinter here, and high pressure is holding all the gunk in our valley.  A generally depressing time of year, and a health hazard as well.  But once in awhile, with the right light, the pollution can actually produce a bit of beauty, lethal that it may be.

Only a Hobo, But One More Is Gone...

Steve Jones wasn't a hobo, but his emaciated and grizzled appearance would lead one to assume he was.  Steve and I started the Cosmic Aeroplane back in 1967.  After a few years, I would move on to other things, but Steve kept the shop open and was certainly the soul of the Cosmic.  Eventually new partners and investments would make the shop successful, at least until it's ultimate downfall.

I sort of lost track of Steve's activities after the Cosmic.  In the last year, however, I was able to help him with transportation from a local hospital.  He was facing some serious medical issues which added to his gaunt appearance.  In December, these issues finally defeated him.

Anyway, another friend now gone.  Not many of the old crew left.  Long Live the Cosmic!

All I Want For Christmas is Baseball

A little late adding this for the holidays, but...

Basketball bores me.  Hockey is fun only if Doc Emerick is calling the game.  Football has "gone soft" according to The Donald.  Can't wait for Spring Training...  Some hope, isn't there a World Baseball Championship this year?  Starting in Feb or March?