Burnin' and lootin'

The Dø

2012-01-27T01:57:00.000-08:00

Loved this show last night - The Dø!

Playing again at The Garage on 11 April, but I am not here.

Ciao, 2011!

2012-01-08T03:57:00.000-08:00

Slightly delayed, but here's the fifth annual year in pictures. Many thanks to Elizabeth for several of the photos this year.

Theo at Seatown, Dorset

A (L.A.) Christmas Story

When asked "What would Lady Gaga Where"... obviously, matzah bread.

The Real Royal Wedding of 2011 was in Vermont!

Little fish. big fish. Swimming in the water.

Aktaş Beach

"Simmering, brooding!" -- The Guardian

Maremma Harvest Festival - 2011.

Happy Natty at The Wolseley!

Untitled

We, Polly, do solemnly, and sincerely affirm that, on becoming British citizens, we will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

Mother-in-laws and martinis...these are a few of my favourite things.

Migrant labour saved the olive crop yet again.

Oh, the sweet couple. So petite bourgeoisie. (Photo by Beth!)

Hi Brooke, I am Nicolo.

The Eve of Christmas Eve on Escondido Beach.

My wife, mother-in-law and friends give extraordinary 40th birthday. (Photos by Beth!)

...t.A.T.u., B.H.O. and a Gaddafi impersonator came to my party to help break the piñata. (Photo by Beth)

I asked them to make the "you can have your ice cream without having to finish dinner"-face.

Bere and Nicolo share their personal and heart felt stories of teething with me.

Tea tastes better in Aral, Kyrgyzstan.

30 and still dirty. (Photo by Beth!)

Rocks stars in Joshua Tree.

Anyone seen James?

Vermonting in January...

I found nothing funny in Istanbul. Nothing at all.

Some of the brightest minds I know studied in a quaint village in England called Cambridge. So lovely!

And, the photo of the year for 2011...

Welcome to the community, dear Nicolo! (Photo by Beth!) While not aware at the time of costume selection (Gold shorts by American Apparel -- £24.99), I was clearly deeply moved by one scene in The Big Lebowski.

ASC's "These Go To 11: Songs Best Heard Extra-Loud"

2011-11-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

What a great idea for a radio show -- ASC did a show of 11 songs that deserve to be turned up extra loud.

I notice that there is no good dance songs, though one can open up whole new genres of songs to turn loud when you consider that Kelly Clarkson (also love this review!) counts with Led Zeppelin.

I recreated what I could and added my own to a Spotify playlist. Any other thoughts?

I think this would be the all time winner! I bet that surprised you.

Postcards From A (Mini) Re-Woo-nion, 2011

2011-10-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Samuel leads Byron, Brett and James in the semi-daily flag ceremony.

Pete and Regina up the Chesapeake without one of their paddles.

Ian and Penelope not-so-subtly cheating at foosball by holding their opponent's players while Mayme attacks.

Mayme provides non-verbal feedback when presented with the option to eat a well-seasoned Maryland crustacean.

Unlike the crab previously pictured, no fish were harmed for this photo.

Taraksh ponders just for a moment what it would have been like to live in 7H Hibben and decides it is better to go home.

Molly ignores the call for "Killoff Family Portrait" and jumps into Emily's spot.

Ah, that's more like it!

James gave me a piñata for my birthday and proceeded to show me how it worked.

Mayme shows everyone how to do it for real while Penelope, in flagrant disregard for the rules, gets too close. Ethan bites his nails in anticipation for what comes next.

Someone put ladies underwear in the piñata. Regina gloats while Jen asks herself why she was so slow to snatch them.

Anna and Todd thank Emily for the short presentation she gave on airborne particulate matter.

Jen and Paul enter corn coma, avoiding Emily's presentation.

Brett enjoys quiet breakfast while Amon sings the children to sleep.

At any one time, the most we could pull together for a "group" shot.

We missed all who couldn't join.

Spotify Comes to USA!

2011-07-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Spotify arrived in America! I might be able to move back now.

“We’ve made it easier to listen, and we’ve made it easier for people to share,” Mr. Ek said. “Hence, people tend to get more into the experience, and they tend to find new music and build larger collections that they want to take with them. And therefore, they also pay more for music.”

If Apple’s iTunes ushered in digital music’s first phase as a large-scale business, then Spotify and other services like it could be its future. Rather than selling individual tracks to be downloaded, subscription services sell monthly access to vast catalogs of music, with whatever songs a listener wants to hear streamed directly to his computer or mobile phone.

Very Proud Girls!

2011-07-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

Can Björk Make Me Get An iPad?

2011-07-02T01:08:00.000-07:00

...from their beginnings, the songs on “Biophilia” had a grand ambition: to unify music, nature (as described by science) and technology.

New Björk!!!

“Biophilia” is a possible paradigm for the 21st-century album, one that welcomes the interactivity of the Internet and harnesses the power and flexibility of devices that incorporate video, audio and user control far beyond the play button.

Just downloaded Crystalline.

How's this for a review?

We are finding it difficult to pinpoint the most mind-blowing part about her new single "Crystalline," and the upcoming new album Biophilia that it comes from. Is it that headspinning, left-field breakbeat ending that drops in unexpectedly? Is it the fact that Biophilia doubles as a "suite" of iPad apps featuring interactive features for each song? (Each song has a "game" that the iPad users can use to actually manipulate the song in progress). Is it the fact that there will be an accompanying traveling exhibition showcasing unique instruments? The correct answer to the question, it turns out, is "yes." Everything about Bjork's upcoming project presages the kind of great-leap-forward thinking that leaves everyone else in the dust; "Crystalline" is merely the first taste.

I Am My Hair

2011-07-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Going

Going

Gone

Babysitting Nicolò - Inception!

2011-06-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Grumpy boy who has been bad by not letting mummy sleep...

First, use pram to induce deep sleep!

Next, trivial games to make him think he's not dreaming (and that he's beating me a backgammon).

"Downwards is the only way forwards." Take him further into the next level of dream state with soporific version of "Everyday is Like Sunday".

"The seed that we planted in this man's mind may change everything."

"Dreams feel real while we're in them. It's only when we wake up that we realize something was actually strange."

Inspiring on So Many Levels!

2011-03-05T02:41:00.000-08:00

Phil Simms and Bruce Dickenson

2011-01-21T09:05:00.001-08:00

I would never really put analysis of the Super Bowl on my blog, but this is really deep. Who knew Phil Simms was also hip and down with cow bell? Collinsworth knew, he just didn't want to let on!

I Have To Fly This!

2011-01-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

Fly the friendly skies of Turkmenistan Airlines.

Google Translate tells me:

The state airline of Turkmenistan was established in 1991. It has several Boeing 737 and 757th In the spring of 2001 added a new B-757 and three short-range aircraft of type Boeing 717 fleet. The airport of Ashgabat is equipped with modern technology.

I better brush up on my German for those moments Google Translate can't help me and hope that I don't have to change my flight.

Even Zhezkazgan Air, which I had the extreme pleasure of flying a few months ago, has a website (and in three languages, none of which are German), schedule and VIP lounge. And as far as I know Zhezkazgan isn't a country.

And the biggest question is why would Germans be going to Turkmenistan? Gosh, I am full of questions.

Momma's Place

2011-01-14T08:02:00.001-08:00

Lady V's Theme Song for 2011! Perfect. Available on Róisín Murphy.

Some Things Never Change!

2011-01-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Circa 2010

Circa 2009

Circa 1980

Oh Wow. 2010.

2010-12-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

Just another year...

Taking "hunter and gatherer" to a different level.

Max learns the real meaning of the 4th of July - No taxation without representation and strawberry shortcake!

Rowan taught me how much fun one can actually have with a road grader.

Aunt Molly - 1.8 billion nanometers and counting.

Do you believe in genetics? I don't any longer.

Know your twin - David and...
a) Filippo
b) Giovanni

They're (olive migrant worker) models and they're looking good! Jumper (£69.99 agnès b.) and wellies (£43.00 Topshop).

Oh Canada/Tannenbaum!

2010 started magically...

...and ended so well. Look what Santa brought us...a Scotsman!

Nicolò will be proud of his mother and Aunt Daisy.

Il Hub Milano è aperto!

Knee pads. Tick.

Countryside!

In truth, the articles are really good.

Ausable Club Tennis Court Dress Code: "Tennis 'whites' and proper shoes are required at all times on all courts." We didn't get in, obviously.

They will never remember, we think.

James and Betty welcome Byron.

SPF 50 and then some.

Untitled.

The Hayride with Fra Fra! Oh wow!

Salif Keita @ the Barbican.

Rock couch construction crew.

Lack of Christian education leads Jewish woman to try and dye her egg the color of her bloody mary.

Not bad for a pumpkin carving his first Italian.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go. Pass the chicken jello, пожалуйста.

With the Webb family, life is certainly good.

What happens in Sandra's Shimmy Shack?

Aside from being good in photos, she's also become very good at blogging her own.

A walk down the astral plane.

Lars, welcome.

Untitled.

Some people are gay (and like to dress up as drag queens). Get over it.

Mayme has now taken over as being the best behaved Killeen I know. But I didn't get to meet Penelope yet.

And, the photo of the year for 2010...

Oh wow.

Yeah, Are Nigeria's Musicians Selling Out?

2010-12-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

Seun Kuti (hope he comes back to London soon!) is "disgusted" with musicians getting money from politicians.

I wonder home much Cocoa Tea took from Obama for this! ITT!

Treadmills R 4 Losers

2010-11-17T08:15:00.001-08:00

Just did my first and last 30 minutes on a treadmill. What a miserable way to exercise. It was a last resort when I tried running in Galati, Romania and realize every rusted fence is being guarded by a stray dog waiting to jump our and scare the crap out of you.

My hotel is really, really nice. There is even Romanian Mexican here. Vaya con dios!

Robyn Season

2010-07-10T03:21:00.001-07:00

A bit over-excited about Robyn. I think there might be some Swedish in me.

The new one is good and this oldie is even a bit better.

If you don't believe me, you can believe The New Yorker, and he's right about everything.

Her occasional lyrical references to empowerment and independence are probably exactly what feminism was supposed to look like by 2010: she takes her autonomy for granted, and her strength comes from being a consistent and calm oddball.

Mongolian's Go Veggie!

2010-07-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hey look at this! Vegetarians Rebel Against Mongolian Meat Culture.

I sure do miss the portions of meat and the amazing presentation I was treated to when I went. That was dinner for four! I am waiting for the veggie wave to catch on in Uzbekistan where I gave up after ordering "vegetable" soup that came with two large meatballs. It's all organic meat, I am sure.

Missed Glasto

2010-06-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Forced to watch clips of bands on the BBC.

Watch it while you can!

Terry Callier

2010-04-22T23:41:00.000-07:00

If there is stuff like this from 1964, what else have I missed in my musical pursuits along the way? The thought is intimidating.

Thanks to Al for sharing this a few weeks ago. Fantastic. But I have also fallen in obsession with the The New Folk Sound Of Terry Callier.

Wow, This Photographer Looks Great!

2010-01-30T02:24:00.001-08:00

Seeing the excellent work of Beth Crosland makes me want to get married all over again.

The "pleasure of your life"!?

2010-01-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

OK, I know I am excited, but...

Columbia Phonographs...they have an advert on the back of Count Basie, One O'Clock Jump

For the best reproduction of your records, play them on a COLUMBIA phonograph. COLUMBIA, THE GREATEST NAME IN SOUND, is the originator of the modern "lp" record and the "360" phonograph. Your dealer [uh, which dealer, do they mean?] can demonstrate a varied line of COLUMBIA phonographs, styled to enhance the decorative scheme of your home. See him [or her?] today for the pleasure of your life!

All caps are theirs...and it's very good.

Re-Connecting with Betty's Youth

2010-01-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

Al, aka my new hero, rescued my 2008 birthday present - a usb turntable purchased by my old lady (Thanks, honey...just what I wanted!). This much prized toy collected dust on our desk for 15 months since we couldn't make it work and finally got shoved over the closet when we moved in September. That is...until last night when Al resurrected the machine in about 7 minutes.

Out comes the first installment of my Mom, Betty's, vinyl collection! She had it throughout my childhood, but it was virtually never was played!!! A mystery and a crime, for sure, but one that now leaves me with the hobby to flip through Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Belafonte - "Jump in the Line - OK...I believe you!" and discover Julie London...your number please....

Wow. Track 1 - Makin' Whoopee. I don't know about you, but they don't make 'em like that anymore.

There are dozens more to explore...you will know where to find me...

Thanks, Betty. I miss you.

My 2009, in brief...

2010-01-17T02:37:00.000-08:00

Yet another year in pictures.

Nancy Kerrigan's got nothing on Suerie and Molly - New Year's Day 2009!

McKenna, Aidan and Taryn love their Aunt Molly (and chocolate)...unsure of the order.

Sissinghurst circa September 2009.

Francesca!!!

Fame Monster - I met her!

Ride Natty Ride

Barbie in Deal.

Meeting Zev via Skype

What caused the banking crisis?

Untitled.

Hello Kitty.

Artist of 2009.

44 is so hot right now.

Lunch with Maximilian.

Concerned about global warming, I confirmed the wind chill factor on the Arctic Circle is still cold.

A public display of affection (sometimes abbreviated PDA) is the physical demonstration of affection for another person while in the view of others and is particularly offensive when it is my wife with William Wallace in front elderly couples enjoying a Sunday ferry ride.

It certainly glows...

You are a Canadian spy working for the Allies. Code-name Moose.

Untitled.

Hippies!

Eat Pray Love

Blame it on the Boogie.

Hanukkah cookies!?

River Street adventures await.

Untitled.

Swoon, I'll catch you.

What a way to end the year!

And the photo of 2009...

Wilhelm V., Duke of Bavaria (1579 – 1597), had a thirsty and demanding royal household, which was dissatisfied with the beer brewed in München. As a result, beer had to be imported to München from the city of Einbeck in Lower Saxony. Wilhelm ordered his royal court to come up with a way to reconcile cost and pleasure. On September 27, 1589, the chamberlains and council members, C. Strabl, A. Amasmeyr, S. Prew and G. Griesmair, approached him with an idea: why not build their own brewery?

Lowbrow Posting

2009-12-23T12:29:00.001-08:00

Let's talk about the Decline of Civilization, who is responsible for this post...

Bonnie Tyler.

Total Eclipse of the Heart.

And this, which was created by Beavis and Butthead or similar art critics. What is with the shirtless football players and who edited that?

Artist of 2009?

2009-12-20T06:33:00.001-08:00

Number 1 Bus

Back to Blogging in 2010

2009-12-19T05:23:00.001-08:00

Blogging is a challenge, but determined to get back into it in 2010.

What's been great since my last post five years ago...

This, which my wife saw. Holy shit. Love that he commemorates the 41 shots on such an occasion. Plus, this is even better. Obama may not have earned it, but he's got potential and loved his this speech. Worth watching many times.

And this, which I highly recommend. No shows yet for 2010, but watch this space.

And a lot of this, even if I am embarrassed to admit that.

Mostly just this and this, however. Both have enhanced my life greatly.

Dying to see this in 2010.

Новый Уренгой (a.k.a. Novii Urengoi)

2009-10-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

A lovely little nook in the Arctic... bless Russian internal flights, especially from 2 a.m. to 7 in the morning.

(Euro) Vacation Love

2009-08-22T01:40:00.001-07:00

Eat, Love, Pray

Etruscan Invaders

Uxuriousness..that's my favorite kind of love. Excessive love of one's wife and handsome soldiers.

I am speechless.

Miss Bavaria 2009!

Kershaw is Back!

2009-07-23T00:16:00.000-07:00

The best reason for going out and buying Songlines this month is the live Ali Farka Toure track on the enclosed CD that was recorded in Andy Kershaw's flat in 1987 when Toure made his first trip to the UK.

Kershaw doesn't seem to be back on BBC yet, but seems to be much better off now. He chooses the playlist on the Songlines CD this month (also an unreleased Tinariwen track!) and I hope he will be back on the air soon.

I Told You All! No Mud!!!

2009-07-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

Holy Bloc Party!

Did I mention is was d-r-y! I have been spoiled and may need to quit glasto while I am ahead considering all the mud slop I have dragged my behind through.

God bless Hober and the fact that The Boss was less important to everyone than Franz Ferdinand, who got my "holy shit, I didn't expect them to be that good" award.

This is the old lady sporting her hot pants near the rubbish bin and loos, which I think is a really nice art shot. I mean, I don't mean to say she looks trashy. Quite the opposite. Get it? This picture really is for Noam and Shelagh, who realized that these were THE hot pants for the Mrs.

Emily, this was the Joby-cam!

This is me, dancing during Lily Allen...or someone that sounded like Lily Allen. At least I know I saw Lily Allen, but it was from a far way away. She was good. Fuck You was very entertaining.

Rolling Stones next year?! That would be cruel to me.

Now we have to focus on moving and other essential elements of life. No more screwing around. Glasto is over, but there are more photos HERE at El blog de arena!

My Wellies Seem Heavy to Carry!!!

2009-06-23T00:16:00.001-07:00

Nothing like a bit of LIGHT rain!

2009-06-21T23:22:00.001-07:00

The forecast might not actually adhere to the 10-day predictions. Imagine that. Bridgewater again...

...but perhaps the BBC knows better and this is actually closer than Bridgewater.

Leave the Wellies at Home?

2009-06-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

10 day forecase for Bridgewater, UK, closest city to Glastonbury...

Art’s Own Kind

2009-06-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Very excited to see this exhibit tomorrow, Art's Own Kind - Afrobeat and the Art of Lemi Ghariokwu, which is on at Rich Mix in London for the next month.

There's even a blog to teach me something before I go...

Why One Endures the (threat of) Mud at Glasto?

2009-05-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

It is very simple.

In about a month on a stunningly sunny day, mark my bloody words, I will park my butt in a field in front of a massive Pyramid...this Pyramid in fact, but with fewer farm animals, less snow and only sun.

There I will watch one of my favorite Touareg rock bands.

This is really just an intro to the Eagles of Death Metal (who I actually didn't know), but it would really fuck with your brain to go from Tinariwen to Spinal Tap!!!

I am not making this up (see here)...and Spinal Tap can only be followed by something like Dizzee?!?!!

Now, just when you think it is over, the organizers go all "Woodstock" on us and resurrect Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Just when I am too overwhelmed, imagining my mother-in-law seeing CSN at Woodstock 1969, I have to duck out of Kasabian to make it to see the finale from Senegal...

Then realizing that was just the pre-finale and running at a full sprint, I dash back over to the Pyramid thingy to catch the last songs of Franz Ferdinand!

And that is just my schedule on the second day...

Honey, Our First Dance!

2009-04-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

This news just in...well, another breaking story from Bob Boilen, anyway.

The Flaming Lips' song "Do You Realize??" is about to become Oklahoma's official rock song. Gov. Brad Henry signs that executive order April 28.

Musically Inclined

2009-04-23T14:11:00.001-07:00

These days, I have excuses for not blogging. Between eMusic, spotify and my quickly growing iTunes, what is a boy to do? Even before this little New Yorker observation, it seemed the writing was on the wall. Music is changing!

Spotify seems too good to be true and I fully trust someone is trying to kill it. This, combined with the relatively cheap downloads on eMusic, makes me a distracted boy. What shall happen when our phones stream? I think iTunes might be dead soon. You heard it from me.

As for the New Yorker's idea that live shows will start being more expensive, allowing one to get new stuff with a concert ticket, this makes sense to me. I would pay a lot to see Nuru Kane again after last Saturday's show at Passing Clouds. Best £6 I have spent in ages and made me very happy.

Tomorrow is Oumou Sangare! Happy, happy spring.

Bill, I will fight you!

2009-04-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

Middleton Square Squatters

2009-03-19T12:10:00.001-07:00

Kids today.

On an Island with Baaba Maal

2009-03-15T05:15:00.001-07:00

Via my favorite producer, who I can't really link to since he's not blogging, on myspace, facebook or other (reputable) social networking site, I heard Desert Island Disc's guest this week, Baaba Maal.

Photographed by Jonas Karlsson at the Soumbedioune Beach Fish Market, in Dakar, Senegal, on January 20, 2004.

With the exception of Noir c'est noir, I could listen to this play list for a few decades. And I hadn't heard Kaouding Cissoko, which now will greatly enhance my kora collection.

Bamako...and Samuel Bosso

2009-03-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

Strolling through the streets of Barcelona, and what do I see? A photo exhibit of African artists entitled Bamako. (There seems to be a common theme here...) Of all the amazing images, I was most surprised by the story and work of Samuel Bosso, who has lived and worked in Bangui, Central African Republic since leaving Nigeria at the age of 10 as a result of the Biafran War. He opened his own photo shop at 13 and would send his maternal grandmother photos to let her know he was OK.

"He used scraps of film to photograph himself posing disguised and playing different roles. He sent the pictures to his family in Nigeria. For thirty years, he has been making self-portraits, which express a reflection about identify, otherness, unspeakableness, and correctness."

Little did I know he was the iconic image on the 2005 Africa Remix CD, which I own. (I need to pay better attention!)

With this photo, I wanted to say to westerners, 'Look, we had our own democracy before you came, we had our own rulers, our own presidents, but it was our ruler that you came and got rid of, and in his place, you set up your hierarchies, your systems.' It's about the things they did in the past, and the things that they continue to do. On the surface they cover it up, but beneath the surface it's the same as ever.

Great 2002 article in the Guardian.

Sorry I missed the full story when he was here...and when I was in Bangui. But never to late to learn more. This book has these images and many of the other amazing work from the show in it.

Maybe I should move to Berlin!

2009-02-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

Oh my god. Yes, I am too old, but whoever said you don't discover new music after 30 was just plain...dumb and under 30.

Holy...shit.

Maybe I should move to Berlin!

Modeselektor, both remixes for boys and girls on myspace. Or, for more fun...don't press here!

Musical meandering...thanks to NPR and Prince

2009-02-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

"Hearting" NPR like always, I wanted to sing thanks and praises for Bob Boilen, who I tried to befriend on Facebook, but he hasn't accepted me yet. At least I am on the NPR Community! No friends yet, however. I am a late bloomer, as most people know.

I love so many things, like the story If Abraham Lincoln Had An iPod, which makes me want to go and create Dostoyevsky's and Mandela's and Mao's iPod! I could waste a lot of time, but it would be fun!

I also love the last edition of All Songs Considered, especially the new Morrissey, Lily Allen and K'naan track. And who know Jason Schwartzman was a musician, until Bob Boilen's last show?

Finally, keeping it real, my old lady and I watched Purple Rain last night. She was a Purple Rain virgin, if you can believe that. It stirred up many memories!

First, André Cymone, "Survin in the 80s", which was certainly better than the cleverly named next album, "AC". I believe I have discovered my new look.

Then, a surprise to realize Jesse Johnson is still alive and on myspace???

Vanity was not. Nor did her acting inspire me to do anything more than download Nasty Girl, which is entirely legal since I own it, I think.

The main surprise was that Wendy and Lisa, the obvious heart and soul behind Purple Rain (according to the film) are still making music! They are also on myspace.

Such things I did not know.

An Ode to Wodka!

2009-02-15T13:16:00.000-08:00

Lovely little piece in the paper the other day: Country, Vodka and Sour Cream. Includes some impressions of Brighton Beach as well as a general tutorial excerpt from A History of Vodka by William Pokhlebkin, which I need to get...clearly.

There are no bars for us to visit in Brighton because they are anathema to the Russian manner of drinking. Pokhlebkin, perhaps the most passionate and erudite defender of vodka consumption in recorded history, notes that "the correct role of vodka at a table drink is to accompany and to highlight exclusively Russian national dishes. Above all, vodka is the appropriate drink with meat and meat-cereal dishes, with salty and sharp-tasting dishes, and with fish." No less than the Italians or French, Russians treat drinking as part of a complete gastronomic experience, and divorcing the two would be unthinkable for anyone with a modicum of taste. But perhaps because our foods are less sensuous or readily appealing than Mediterranean cuisine ― sour cream is not so sexy, it turns out ― only the bottle lingers in the imagination.

My last jaunt to Brighton Beach had more sharp-tasting dishes than I could name!

Another Chocolate President...in Azerbaijan?

2009-02-05T04:47:00.000-08:00

Continuing the first chocolate president thread...

...catch this story about Azerbaijan!

In the capital city of Azerbaijan, a new chocolate cake called Obama has appeared for sale, writes Day.Az.

For 15 manats (more than 600 rubles or $18.59) everyday Azerbaijanis can now purchase "Obama" and cut him into pieces to be eaten while drinking tea.

It had been previously reported that the name of the US president has become a popular brand. In honor of Obama, streets, barber shops, schools and even a grade of heroin have been renamed.

Hello iMac

2009-02-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

And on the 9th day of January, P&M produced and iMac.

We haven't been the same since. M keeps watching Gitmo re-runs on the Daily Show and I can't even get her to leave the house, let alone allow me a few minutes to watch the new t.a.t.u video on youtube. If anyone finds us, you will know the cause of our demise.

Yes... The First Chocolate President!

2009-02-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

I am sure these are made on a sustainable farm in Africa! I am buying loads just 'cause I like chocolate!

Support Max in the best business idea since... well, frankly, this is the best business idea ever!

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou Dahomey - Gbeti Madjro

2009-02-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

Best thing I heard all weekend, via my new friend on myspace, Analog Africa, who I found via Benn loxo du taccu. I like that music is endless.

Barack Backs Steelers for Super Bowl Win

2009-01-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

I knew there was a reason I voted for this guy.

I have to say, you know, I wish the Cardinals the best. Kurt Warner is a great story and he's closer to my age than anybody else on the field, but I am a long-time Steelers fan. Mr. Rooney, the owner, was just an extraordinary supporter during the course of the campaign. Franco Harris was campaigning for me in Pittsburgh. So, I wish the best to the Cardinals. They've been long-suffering; it's a great Cinderella story. But other than the Bears, the Steelers are probably the team that's closest to my heart.

My 2008 in Pictures!

2008-12-31T09:38:00.001-08:00

Continuing the annual review of where I have been and providing some indication of who I was there with... I have done my best to avoid the wedding pics. Lord knows we are all a bit tired of those!

Heidi's birthday, cry if you want to.

Me, z Old Lady (in Sorels)...

...and our high priest.

The Bachelor(ette) on her final night out...

...the Bachelor on his final night out...

...but both nights are on film.

Lazy Pittbull, William Wallace and yet another vote for Obama!

Ist, dass Nico?

Untitled

Diga Queso!

Ever growing family.

No turkey was spared.

Mmmmm, apple factory brandy.

Happiest Birthday ever!

Loveboxing

Go Navy!

Tweezing or waxing can also be impractical since chest hair grows quickly and shaving will lead to quickly appearing stubble.

Look, Emily, I don't know how they do things down in Juarez, but here in Burlington we have a little something called pride. Understand? Smashing in the face of a pinata that resembles Molly is a disgrace to you, me, and the entire Green Mountain State.

Untitled

My lips are indeed chapped.

The woman cries before the wedding and the man after. A Polish Proverb

Sie sprechen Deutsch, Natile?

Untitled

Antonio, Stenna and Francesca!

The search for Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

And now a word from our marriage counselors...

He who desires, but acts not, breeds pestilence. (out Feb. 9!)

Best Man and Maid with Some Honor

Seun Kuti - Shuffering and Shmiling

Ramón y Tatiana!

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

Prisoner of Salina...just one of honeymoon bliss.

'airdo from the apple factory!

And the photo of 2008...

Introducing Maximilian (obviously and Obama supporter already)!

'Tis the (busy) season...

2008-11-30T03:35:00.001-08:00

Kyrgyzstan trip 1 of 2 for the end of the year, with a irritating layover in Tashkent just to really throw my jet-lagged brain off course. ...a short seminar on stakeholder engagement with a new friend in a cold place.

Turkey always tastes best at 61 Exmouth Market.

And a screaming Lykke Li.

One more trip to practice my Kyrgyz and a report or two before a much-anticipated New Year holiday to the US of A.

Oh, what a night! - November 4, 2008

2008-11-12T12:33:00.001-08:00

Miriam Makeba

2008-11-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Singing her heart out to the end. Miriam Makeba 1932 - 2008. A farewell tour that lasted three years!

I love this album.

All in one night?!?!

2008-11-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

Independent review and one from the Guardian. Previous night sounded better, but I ain't complainin'!

Way too short of a performance by Amadou & Mariam!

Bassekou Kouyate and Toumani Diabate were extraordinary.

Finally, I got to see Oumou Sangare. Dying to see her again.

Wow.

Then Baaba Maal with Oumou.

And even more griots!

With a bit of Rachid Taha rockin' the casbah to end.

5 More Friends uncensored

2008-10-31T12:19:00.001-07:00

Africa Now!

2008-10-22T13:05:00.001-07:00

This could be the most exciting line up I have ever seen in my life! I will see this tomorrow!

Wow!

2008-09-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Long time, no blog...

The old lady and I were sittin' at home watching the old youtube the other night. We got all nostalgic watching this. We thought we would write to albeo to remind him what he missed, but then realized he had seen this on the third night of a dry Glastonbury. Sigh... Pondering the whole matter, we were comforted that we had both seen this while knee deep in mud. Good memories, but things got slightly odd at that point and we let our minds wander. We realized that the old lady's mother!!! had been at this and it was strangely similar to what we saw...38 years later.

This and That

2008-08-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

This and that will tell you what I have been doing ever so productively. We were very happy to meet Santogold with Shelagh last night.

Little Bit

2008-08-15T20:49:00.001-07:00

Hard to stop listening to this.

Why can't I think of these things?!?!

2008-08-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Genius!

Lovebox was happy, happy, happy!

2008-07-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

London Under Attack?

2008-06-14T07:53:00.001-07:00

I thought, catching this 16-plane formation of Tornado GR4 aircraft flying over me while sunning myself on a calm London morning. Terrorists? Euro 2008 hooligans? No, it was the Queen's Birthday. How silly of me not to know that!

On any given Sunday (in shoreditch)

2008-06-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, salted beef and beigels the way the Brits spell it...

Pretty much everything for a fiver!

Hey, Japanese purses, just like in Japan.

Brick Lane's finest

P: I loved when she said, "Today I am standing with Senator Obama to say 'Yes we can'!"
P's new friend: That was a good part, but not as good as when she said: "The way to continue our fight now, to accomplish the goals for which we stand, is to take our energy, our passion, our strength and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama the next president of the United States."

Previously undiscovered Spitalfields City Farm!

And with our luck, not only a sunny Sunday, but a FREE sheep sheering event!

And just when we thought our morning couldn't get any better...

Chiaki, we hope you visit again soon!

Holy Seun Kuti!!!

2008-05-30T12:04:00.001-07:00

I have been officially introduced to Seun Kuti.

His rendition of Shuffering and Smiling is as close as I will get to his father. It was...very, very good!

Please come back to London!

Can you print "vulva" in Azerbaijan?

2008-04-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Apparently, you can.

Don't let the hullabaloo related to the word "bitter" make you think there is not other news in the world...

For example, the British nation is insulting Azerbaijan again. I am not sure if you know but...

A pub named Camel's toe which initially seems to mean what it means -"A toe of a camel" functions in the very center of Baku, several meters away from the passage, at 22. Mamedaliyev street.

But, in fact the name has a double meaning. The Camel's Toe has a meaning "the clear visible presence of a woman's vulva as a consequence of wearing overly right pants (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camel_toe).

While some of my seedier friends had alerted me to this insult, that isn't all! Brave journalists entered the establishment despite rumors of prostitutes.

It should be noted that we did not notice any prostitute in the pub. Yet there were several curious moments. The walls of the pub were decorated with different flags including the flags of Scotland, England, Great Britain and Russia. All, except Azerbaijan. The said fact proves the direct violation of the law "On rules of use of flags of other countries and international organization in the territory of Azerbaijan". Perhaps, the pubs owners have no idea of the law. But the fact that the pub does not bear the flag of the country, it functions in, says that the bar owners do not respect the attributes of Azerbaijan.

No idea of the law indeed! Those Brits are elitist and out of touch!

Recovering from Dengue Fever

2008-04-03T15:57:00.001-07:00

It is rare that I like a band because of its name, but sometimes it happens and sometimes I like the music too! Dengue Fever is an enjoyable cross between Grace Jones, Cake, The Cowboy Junkies all playing in a dive Phnom Penh bar (or Addis Ababa on a few tracks).

Who to vote for?!?

2008-04-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hillary in your dreams!

2008-03-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't yet resorted to dreaming about Obama, but was entertained by the New Yorker comment on a website called The Metaphysical Poll (formerly I Dream of Hillary ... I Dream of Barack until McCain supporters complained that it was bias). Obama is winning in the subconscious as well. I like the idea that McCain and Billy Idol are the same person.

It is run by a Canadian!

Not a meat eater

2008-03-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

February was an experiment in eating lamb, chicken and even pigs and cows. The hypothesis was that I might feel differently with a bit of flesh now and again. The conclusion was that it didn't feel any different. So, while my vegetarianism has never been too extreme, my flirtation with embracing omnivorism is over. Come out and play, my bovine friend. I won't eat you (very often)!

What can I experiment with in March?

Losing a Friend

2008-02-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

When I first heard Andy Palacio last year, I instantly double underlined the track on my Songlines sample CD and went right out and bought it. I had the great fortune to see him play a fantastic set at Cargo last June and am deeply saddened by the news that he has died at 47.

He reminded me of what's important and I feel like I have lost a friend.

My Endorsement for In Bruges in 2008!

2008-02-09T02:09:00.001-08:00

If you need convincing, listen to NPR. Ralph Fiennes is an excellent bad guy!

The Blur of Morrissey

2008-02-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

Slightly older than the last time I saw him, but aren't we all getting better with age?

January 22, 2008 - Roundhouse in London

My Famous Friend, Jimmy!

2008-01-15T10:51:00.000-08:00

I feel proud to have placed Jimmy Libresco as one of my photos of 2007 (see Jimmy and Daddy below). Clearly the Washington Post reads my blog. But my picture is far better then the Post's.)

2007 - My Year in Photos

2008-01-13T05:51:00.000-08:00

Much has happened in 2007. Rather than tell you about it, and in continuing the tradition started in 2006, here you have it! It certainly wasn't always pretty, but pretty is over rated in my book.

If nothing else, at least Americans give good turkey!

Look who's having a baby!

And on the 8th Day, God created The Who?

Homophobia 3

Hi, Nursultan!

Cossack Dreaming

Never forget to celebrate important birthdays!

God, save the Queen (Elizabeth)!

Father of the Bride.

"Beat me!"

Untitled

Zo!

The Killoffs and Mayme

Da, darling, definitely DA!

Hearts, stars and horseshoes! Clovers and blue moons! Pots of gold and rainbows! And me red balloons!

I love New York!

They joy of being Aunt Catherine.

May we all enjoy our 70s like Paul Nabor.

Paris shopping with my mother-in-law.

???

Like son, like father.

Womad '07, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Mud.

How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless. Paul Bowles

Alien and Predator vs. The Real Predator.

I left my heart in Montenegro.

...and my top photo of 2007!

Tell me of your homeworld, Usul.

Help US, Russkiis!

2007-12-14T10:06:00.001-08:00

Very amusing post by the Carpetblogger on Russian NGOs saving the US of A. God speed them in their difficult work.

I appreciate her suggestions for meaningful support from Russia to the US. To her fine list, I would also welcome Russia's advice on how to turn teen faux lesbians into internationally acclaimed mega pop stars adored by all (or me, at least). The US needs more of that, I think. Hey, while there at it, I hope they send some help to the UK as well!

The post made me wonder what ever happened to Angela Davis. Now I know and also know that a new degree in the History of Consciousness is in store for me. I did hear Davis speak in Eugene, OR in 1994. I remember it was MLK day and there were no tickets so I made a sign - "I need one ticket" - and waited until some communist sympathizer felt pity for me. It didn't take long. We loved 1994.

Holy Covers!

2007-11-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

I have been a bit taken by this recently. I have been scrolling through my itunes looking for them. So far I have about 30 and I am looking for more.

My favorites thus far are Björk and PJ Harvey covering Satisfaction and Johnny Cash's cover of Hurt and Personal Jesus, which really made the originals far better in my book. I would love to meet the person who listened to this and dreamed up this. Has Morrissey ever commented on that?

Anyone got a favorite? Please share.

G-l-o-r-i-a

2007-11-14T14:56:00.001-08:00

Um, here is another version. I like this one too.

I'm the crawling king snake

2007-11-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

Booze and music - is should be a regular Wednesday evening.

Tonight, I have renewed my love of Benn loxo du taccu, which shows me I have only scratched the surface of African music. Tonight's find was Ignace De Souza, a great west african early afrobeater.

I learned the history of Sterns Music in London, a force in bringing African music to London since 1983.

Now I have moved on to all the tracks I didn't have from The Doors from their box set. God, I had missed a lot.

The song G-l-o-r-i-a makes me feel better, always. That's a Van Morrison cover?!? I had never heard The Doors version until tonight!

Plans for June 19-23?

2007-11-10T03:16:00.000-08:00

The Gnawas have both a therapeutic and a propitiatory function. They are often summoned in cases of mental disturbance, even when the patient is being treated at a psychiatric clinic; they are also called in to treat scorpion stings.

Paul Bowles

Cheatin' Steelers

2007-11-06T22:45:00.001-08:00

My girlfriend of over three years has patiently tolerated one of my less-than-useful habits - "watching" Pittsburgh Steeler scores on the Internet every Sunday in the fall. Pathetic, I know, but I do it. We even celebrated together at 3:00 a.m. here in London two years ago when they won the Super Bowl for the first time since 1980. As a nine-year-old who liked football cards, I was taken with Jack Lambert and the working-class dream team of the 1970s. Those were the days! (But Roethlisberger 5 TDs last night were pretty darn cool...)

Imagine my surprise as she was remembering her childhood "first songs" on Sunday and googled a previously unknown band to me - The Kendalls, a father and daughter country duo who sang a song called the "Pittsburgh Steelers" about cheating between shifts. To those who know her, you might like the image of the cheating father-daughter duo and the lyrics...

I found myself in Pittsburgh, working in a steel mill
And I was a southern girl whose husband didn't see
Well, he pulled the night shift
And I worked the day shift
And it came too easy for us to play the game

They could call us the Pittsburgh Steelers
Stealing happiness and cheating anytime we can
We both know the score but we run back for more
And tonight the Pittsburgh Steelers play again

Morning will ever find us with a night of love behind us
On a back street in Pittsburgh time after time
Just touch and go lovers running a pattern
And every time we meet we leave it all wrong tonight

They could call us the Pittsburgh Steelers
Stealing happiness and cheating anytime we can
We both know the score but we run back for more
And tonight the Pittsburgh Steelers play again

Not exactly a team fight song, but it does show creativity, I guess.

Battle for My Toybox

2007-10-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

I am confused.

These Samson and Goliath spirt warriors look a lot like dolls from 300, yet they are created by a Christian toy maker who clearly didn't realize that it's been done before by a gentleman named Normal Bob. Bob, however, seems to have been crucified for his actions, while the Samson's creator was picked up by Walmart and Target. Is this fair?

Longing for Russia(n Parts of Brooklyn)!

2007-09-14T01:28:00.000-07:00

I couldn't have said it (or shown it) better than badger and weasal, the newest bloggers on the block.

BoNO Must Die

2007-08-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

I have never enjoyed a band for its name...until now!

Our youthful daze...

2007-07-16T14:36:00.001-07:00

We certainly were not that good, but did manage to win two games back in 1989. I was handsome, if I do say so myself.

Goat for four...

2007-07-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

...to share.
Mongolia is not a vegetarian's dream, to put it mildly. This was dinner, served with four knives. No salad. Nothing green, in fact.

Eggs again!

My Glasto Highlights!

2007-06-29T03:14:00.000-07:00

1) My god, The Who was amazing!!! I know all the talk on Radio 1 is about cool hip bands like Arcade Fire and CSS, who were amazing, but watching The Who in the pissing rain with a mind-blowing video of the young rockers had to be my top moment! Call me old fashioned...

2) The surprise and totally unexpected visit of Amadou and Mariam, who woke me up from a late afternoon nap in my tent on The Park stage, which was followed by the surprise and totally unexpected visit of Baaba Maal, who did a great performance with Toumani Diabate! West Africans are takin' over!

3) Sing, yes, but I had no idea she could dance! I am dying to see her in a venue without being trapped between the masses and having my feet stuck in the mud.

4) Silent disco? Sounds odd and it is odd. But it was fun. I took the best videos of the crowds screaming to Nirvana. Lady V with back up here...

Singing along to world music

2007-06-04T00:06:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time when I was a teacher in Russia, I had a spry young student, Anton, come to me with the aim of finally gaining insight into some of his favorite "world music". In this case, it was that pillar of world music innovation, Ace of Base. Simple enough, but as I got into it, I worried that when I translated the words, he might lose his enthusiasm for world music. He might realize that the lyrics were not as hip as he once imagined.

I never thought of it much at the time, but while scrolling down my iTunes today, I realized I can't really sing a long too much of my music. Isn't part of the joy knowing the words and the poetry?

Would I still love Ali Farka Toure, Gigi and that gnawa legend, Mahmoud Guinia, if I could hear their lyrics? Were I to visit Mali, Ethiopia or Morocco and have the words translated, would the lyrics still be as hip as I imagined?

I got a new life
You would hardly recognize me
I'm so glad
How can a person like me care for you
Why do I bother
When you're not the one for me
Is enough enough
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes
I saw the sign
Life is demanding without understanding
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes
I saw the sign
No ones gonna drag you up
To get into the light where you belong

Some of you may disagree with me, but have to say that I think, yes, I would. First of all, while I agree that singing along is fun, my iTunes has some incredible music even if there are no lyrics at all. Plus, I tested all my music today and I have good taste, really. Granted, not all the Rokia Traore songs are easy to distinguish from one another, but they are still great.

And to be quite honest, while the lyrics of Ace of Base are crap, I still actually enjoyed some it is just 'cause it was familiar and catchy. I have seen the sign and in opened up my eyes, I saw the sign. No one's gonna drag you up.

Exactly.

I "heart" Glasto (and BBC and Myspace)

2007-06-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

I hear by declare this day, 1 June, 2007, the Official BBC and Myspace Appreciation Day. The BBC announced the Glastonbury lineup which includes links to all the main acts' myspace profiles, CD reviews and other juicy bits. This is glorious information.

I am giddy with excitement.

Second-Hand Lives

2007-05-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

After years of putting it off, I just read this and I don't really care to read her any more. I must be a altruistic second-hander. Shame on me.

I didn't ever get over that the "love story" was initiated by rape and found the hero to be a robot ideology posing in human form. He intrigued me at first and by the end, his long monologues just left me bored. I learned in this book that I attach value to characters being fallible and I prefer my political ideology in the non-ficition section of the book store. As with her non-fiction, which I dabbled in 10 years ago, I get the sense that Ayn Rand thinks everyone gets an equal shot in this meritocratic world. That seems pretty historically illiterate.

Thanks, Nuru!

2007-05-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of last night's show was when he reminded us that his grandfather fought in the second world war and even though no Englishman or Frenchman said thank you, he wanted to say "thank you" to his grandfather since winning the war allowed us all to gather in a democracy for last night's show.

Photo Credit: Me

Andy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective

2007-05-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have been grooving to Andy Palacio & the Garifuna Collective all afternoon. (Thanks, Songlines #43!) They are touring all over this summer so no excuses to miss. Very cool video here with some background to the CD and garifuna music. I never would have guessed Belize.

If you watch the video, you will see Paul Nabor. A very enjoyable tribute to his dying sister can be found on the link above. I hope someone sings like that when I die.

Brother, I am ill
Dear Brother, I am ill
I have tossed and turned in my bed
With this ailment in the presence of my family
I have spoken with my children
Dear Brother, when I pass away
They must have a band at my funeral
It is my little ones I'm worried about
It is my children I'm worried about.

Andy Garifuna is playing at Cargo June 19.

Complete New Yorker on Morocco

2007-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

I don't really see this a plug for The Complete New Yorker as much as a note of praise for what I consider to be a fantastic idea - having all the New Yorkers ever printed! My Dad gave me the Complete New Yorker a few years ago and I haven't really used it since I read too much on my computer as it is. But when I was preparing my trip to Morocco, I got the grand idea to search for all things Morocco-related since the publication started in 1925. I printed out articles that looked interesting and didn't think much of it. The articles were the best travel guide I could have had with stories from war correspondents traveling in Fez, Casablanca and Tangier in the 1940's to an excellent three-part story about a child bride by Jane Kramer in 1970. That was made even more rich by a follow on "personal history" she wrote in 1996 on feminism and how her time in the poor sections of Meknes affected her as a feminist thinker. There was a 1984 interview with King Hassan II and the last story I printed was on Paul Bowles and the 50-year anniversary of The Sheltering Sky. Love this quote:

Many people fling the book aside half read, and no wonder. Submitting to "The Sheltering Sky" is like having a heart transplant without anesthesia: you have to be willing to contemplate, for a moment, how it feels to have no heart at all.

Travel guides are great for finding hotels, but there was something rare about the simple explanations about "exotic" Morocco written to New Yorker readers over half a century ago.

From Our Far-Flung Correspondents: The Hot Wind From the Desert, and article from March 15, 1952 on the play between Communism, the Istiqal (Independence) Party and other French and American interests shaping the future of Morocco:

As is the fashion nowadays, everybody is talking, sketchily but noisily, of democracy--probably in this instance hoping to get American support.

Some things seem to remain the same!

Björk Live from Last Night!

2007-05-06T03:56:00.000-07:00

A very special gift from NPR - Björk live in NYC last night. Already online and the trombones are really nice in this set. Make sure you get to Hyperballad at the end of the set. Well, well worth it and give yourself time to enjoy the encore. Wow!

How many days till our date in Glasto?

Konono No. 1 is great too! You can hear their opening act on at the same link above.

Photo credit: Inez and Vinoodh Matin

Merci, Salif Keita!

2007-05-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Another mind-blowing experience with the The Mansa of Mali last Thursday...

I think Albeo liked the show.

It is cruel that he only played for 90 minutes!

Just found that his myspace profile has lyrics to some of his songs!

Nuru Kane

2007-04-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how much I dig Nuru Kane. I just found an amazing postcast with Nuru describing everything from his religious inspirations to great in-studio recordings of songs on his first CD.

I actually hope I have a business trip to Russia canceled so I can see him at Cargo in London on May 23.

Hmmm, argon oil!

2007-04-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

What they fail to mention about Argon oil is that the seeds/stones are collected from goat shit. And they really do climb trees!

Le Moroc and new love!

2007-04-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Back from almost two weeks in Morocco and had an inkling that the music would be good...little did I know I would have a new love!

Nuru Kane (playing in London on May 23!) had introduced me to Gnawa, but know I know where it came from, Le Moroc! And one source was a man from Essaouira named Mahmoud Guinia. Can't find any of his stuff online, but is a serious coincidence that it seems Guinia is in the picture I posted a few weeks ago! Which means I must go to the Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde as this seems to be the place to hear it!

Our new friend, Nabil, gave us some instruction on the finer art of the guembri and I am quickly becoming an expert in the krakebs. M loved it. I almost bought a guembri, but thought I might want to learn just a wee bit of guitar before such an investment. But I was that moved and clearly with good reason...if wikipedia is to be believed, Jimi Hendrix himself stayed on with Guinia to play and learn from him.

Best website of 2006!

2007-04-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

My new favorite website...please, tell me how I make myself like this.

You were in Prague and you didn't visit London. Mercy.