The best band in 1973 might just have been the Stones, but in 1971 it was Judee Sill.

Pretty embarassing. I'd prefer it was someone no one had heard of.

As always in 1973 the camera work more than sucks, but try to spot Keith Richards actually playing beautiful lead guitar. It's a Bitch.



Oh, and Lessie, this song is for you. It's not a bitch but as crayon angels go, perhaps a bit out of tune. But not the song. One of my favorite songs ever. For good luck.


And for you too, Lessie, the Lamb ran away with the crown. Some of the only known live footage of my hero. All together now: "I laughed so hard I cried, and the lamb ran away with the crown.'

Make Your Own Play Dough For Holiday Fun!

Trying to think of ways to enjoy spending time with family this Thanksgiving? Why not give a game like Pictionary or charades a twist by sculpting with play-dough instead of merely drawing or pantomiming? You could just buy the commercial stuff, but really, homemade dough can be much better, not to mention cheaper. It's so economical you can afford to make really large batches which are a lot more fun .

It feels really great to play with when it is fresh and slightly warm still. I remember a time many years ago when we invited a couple over and played with my freshly made dough. They were, on the face of it, a surprising looking couple. He was really quite handsome and of moderate build; she was rather plain, and remarkably heavy. (Usually it seems like there is a rough parity of attractiveness in couples unless the man is old and rich.)

Anyway, as soon as her husband started handling the quadruple batch of fresh, warm dough, his chin dropped and he unselfconsciously marveled in a rapturously exultant tone, "Its so soft.......and there's so much of it!"

My husband and I distinctly remember avoiding making eye contact with one another because we knew that we would just crack up if we did. (But hey, isn't it fantastic that he really loved her just the way she was?)

Here's the recipe:

Materials

* 1 cup water
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup salt
* 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
* Food coloring (about a 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp depending on desired intensity)
* Saucepan
* 1 cup flour

Directions

1. Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring in a saucepan and heat until warm.
2. Remove from heat and add flour.
3. Stir, then knead until smooth.(Don't use a whisk except maybe at the very beginning of stirring.) The cream of tartar makes this dough last 6 months or longer, so resist the temptation to omit this ingredient if you don't have it on hand.( If it does not thicken promptly and form a ball, you may need to heat it a little more over low heat, stirring constantly.)
4. Store this dough in an airtight container or a Ziploc freezer bag.


Be very careful not too add to much oil, or the dough will be sticky! And remember, it makes a great Secret Santa surprise or stocking stuffer for almost all ages!

Nailed. And ready for Prime Time..

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My dear friend Troy made his prime time debut as the cute missionary on the couch. Watch, laugh, mock.

Your Money or Your Life------Robbery Notes

There are more where this came from.

They reminds me of a story from my sophomore year roommate. Her family owned a couple of McDonalds in tough neighborhoods of Detroit where the crime rate was pretty bad. One robber was not counting on the toughness of the staff who worked there. The robber waited in line, but when he was up to the counter, he pulled out a gun and demanded that the cashier give him all the money. Rather than cowering, the cashier leaned forward over the register, and said slowly,"I can't open the register unless I ring up an order!"

The robber was surprised by this deviation from his expected script, so he paused for several stunned moments. "....Uh.....uh.......OK, I'll have a cheeseburger!"

"Would you like something to go with that? Fries or a beverage?"

Another pause. "No"

"OK sir, that will be $1.35."

The man started to reach for his wallet before he caught himself, whereupon he waved his gun about menacingly, and demanded that she make with the cash.

I'd like to report that he was caught, but he got away, at least that time. I expect he was caught during a similar robbery later. These small time crooks always keep at it until they are caught....

A dog hero

Here's a story (and a video) of a homeless dog behaving completely altruistically. He (or she) dragged a dog that had been hit out of heavy traffic.



As mentioned earlier, dogs and humans have been companion species for about 135,000 year, it now appears. What benefits have accrued? Dogs can read human expressions. As proved by scientists. Humans can also read dog expressions. As proved by me.

Thanks to my daughter apricot blossom for showing me this video.

Puppy Love

Another story about dog fighting and animal cruelty has come to national attention. An owner was found to have about 80 dogs, mostly pit bulls, living in horrific conditions, hidden in the woods. He is thought to have been providing dogs for fights even if not directly involved in the organizing or attending the fights himself.

I only wish the penalties for this beastly activity were more severe. Although I am allergic to dogs and can't have one as a pet, I am a dog lover. The degree of emotional connection between humans and dogs, and their astonishing loyalty to their owners demand reciprocal loyalty and protection on our part. (The linked story is a real tear-jerker!)


Humans and dogs are known to have been living closely together for at least 15,000 years. New genetic studies suggest that humans started domesticating dogs more like 135,000 years ago. Some scientists believe that wolf social structure inspired humans to behave more cooperatively. (Chimpanzees, by comparison, are found to be relatively non-altruistic.) Another study reveals that dogs (wild ones) are even better at reading human gestures such as pointing than chimps are.

The picture I posted above I found at Izismile. To me it reveals this loving pet's ability to channel his master's innermost feelings.

Lobster for Dinner

For kerfuffler. And crustaceans everywhere.

Music for Hilary

This is all just imaginary fer reals, but music has gotten me through some very bad spots, so on the off chance that we share a modicum of shared taste here goes.... If our musical tasted don't intersect, I really don't care at all, this is just a silly attempt to, uh, acquaint you with one or two songs you may like. Feel free to discard the rest, or all, if you wish. My tastes are not easily discernible; and I assume others are similar. So, with that hedging preface without the benefit of a leafy background, here goes:

Brian Eno and Harold Budd:

Anne Briggs, the beginning of the English Folk movement, and the wildest of the wild chidren, but also one of the most lyric singers I have ever heard:


Anne Briggs former boyfriend, Bert Jansch. I heard him twice in 2007, just listen:


And now for something completely different! Tinarowen, a Malian group; Mali, like most African nations was cut out of Africa proper like a piece of pie by the clueless Europeans, paying no attention to the tradional tribal boundaries. Tinarowen are Tuaregs/nomads that live on the coast and have little in common with the inland people, but, boy can they play guitar.


That's enough for now. If you like anything, let me know.

Deer hunter, not just a band.

I heard rumors that certain neighborhoods infested with deer are having trouble talking people into allowing reasonable culling. It turns out, the muppets may be to blame.



And, as my attention has been momentarily caught by muppets, simply for sheer awesomness, I must include this clip--Johnny Cash (with a little help from Gonzo and assorted cows) singing "Ghostriders in the sky." I must say, I prefer Johnny Cash -Gonzo duets over the Johnny Cash - Bob Dylan ones.

25 favorite things from my one favorite Russian

1. I secretly believe that I am 23 years old
2. I learned to read music scores when I was 5. I learned to read books one year later.
3. My voice is very unpleasant. Thank you for putting up with it.
4. I love to take dance classes , even though I suck badly at dancing.
5.Coming out finally, I think it's time to let the world know. Straight, boring straight, nothing to be done..Gosh, so straight!
6. I dress in black. when you see me wearing something colorful, it means that I had to make an effort. Maybe I need therapy?
7. It's not that I never tried to talk to a shrink. My first attempt ended up with a job offer, the second person got so upset that almost had a heart attack and I had to comfort him.
8. I miss SLC more that I am willing to admit. I think Heaven must look like Red Door or at least the Starbucks on the 4th. Guess I miss my friends...
9.Which tells me that you can make friends at any age!
10. The thing I don't really believe in is a pure friendship between a straight man and a straight woman. But so what ? I still enjoy it every time!
11. I dream in broken English with an accent.
12. I watch TV with captions. Lame!
13. I don't find Jewish men attractive. How do you girls do it? : )
14. My least favorite food is ice cream. ewwww...
15. The only place where I can tolerate classical music ( that is not played by me) is symphony. I hate to drive and listen to the "easy classical" radio station. Another thing that I hate is "smooth jazz station" . The worst and cheesiest pop music ever!
16. My musical vices are ( brace yourself, Genie): Jobim, Cake ( sheep so go to heaven! ) and 60th rock and jazz. My favorite jazz standards is "Round Midnight" and "Night and Day" ( weird, right? ) and my favorite jazz musician is Coltrane. And no, I don't like Bill Evans. I know I should...
17. I want to make a movie for as long as I remember myself. Maybe I will?
18. Speaking of movies - I seriously cannot understand action movies, just cannot tell what is going on! But they out me to sleep right away! I can tolerate a chick flick though - but only if I have moral support from my daughter.
19. I am what you would call a "cheap date" : )
20. My favorite season is Fall ( doesn't apply to Vivaldi) . Fall in MA is magnificent. Come visit me?
21. I have been asked how I identify myself so many times. Jewish I guess - otherwise, why would I find Chagall so disturbing?
22. I always miss "home" but I don't know what and where it is. That's OK...
23. Things I like to buy but never really use are nail polishes ( I have an impressive collection! ) and rings. As for the rest of the material objects- I like to buy them too!
24. Genie, I don't want to mention these devices - they are out of control, and I am mad at them! : )
25. Just so you guys know - Russian version of "25 random things" is "100 random things" . I tried to write it last year, and couldn't get past # 34.

Silly Facebook Memes Can Be Fun!

Twenty Five Random things about myself.

1. I am constantly amazed at how amusing my wonderful daughters are.

2. I have always been dizzy, metaphorically. That I have been actually dizzy for the last three years makes my irony meter hurt.

2a. I might no longer be actually dizzy after March. What shall I use for an excuse?

e. I am on disability, but too sick to enjoy it.

3. My boyfriend, George is totally hott, especially when playing the sparkly cherry red fender electric guitar (that I talked him into) with the $60.00 Marshall amp he bought, broken, down the street and then fixed himself.

3.14. There's nothing hotter than a man doing housework, imho; well, there is that guitar.

4. I love living in an actual neighborhood with a few shops a couple of streets over, a place to get amazing tacos, a chocolate/salt/flower/wine shop, and the best wine bar in the world.

5. I miss Utah. I miss my law school friends (you know who you are.) I miss the mountains. I especially miss Allie. I also miss Tracey, Jenn (and Rod), Bernadette, Melanie, Daisy, Jackie, Rory, Claire, Leah, Todd, Ryan (So hott in the suit), Tim (haven't forgotten you), David Jones, Joanna (how else would I be able to mention Schiele in conversation, not that it ever comes up), John and Allyson, Megan, Lark, Susan, Cass, Colby, Amy, Travis, Troy, David the K.... Plus my pretend but no less sincere internet friends Melanie, Sara and Chandelle. Not to mention those not in Utah (heavens!) Sandy and Anna, Erin in far far away lands having adventures which I don't totally hate her for, etc. Let's blame the inner ear concussion,so useful. Also everyone I forgot, but miss deeply--I get to blame the VERTIGO!!!!! Plus those wide, wide streets.

6. I would write patents as a hobby. I need a different hobby, suggestions requested.

7. My daughters: Lis, Katie, and Allie, are the greatest. This should be number one. Oh, they are. Plus my sibs Jon, Jeff, James, Mike, Rick, Lisa, and assorted, but not less important neices and nephews. And spouses. Shout out to Cameron, and Joanna. Thanks for wearing the accessories in my time of need.

8. I got to see our ancestor Lucy, the Australopithecene Afarensis from the Ethiopian rift valley recentlyin Seattle. I found that she was there on the day before we left. I cried. It was a spiritual experience.

8. Cont. We went in spite of my vertigo, and I'm afraid Genie, wobbly, in downtown Seattle stressed George out way more than he deserved. In retrospect (my memory is slowly returning) I remember his complexion as a slightly disturbing shade of gray after I collapsed outside the museum.

9. My totally awesome dad lost my totally awesome mom 5ish years ago; we're all still recovering. My dad is recovering very well--he's got a hot girlfriend 17 years younger than himself. Go dad! You're such a kind, sweet, gentleman. You deserve someone who appreciates you for the amazing man that you are. Plus, I so don't want you to be lonesome.

10. 25 is a big number. How random am I?

11. Uhhhhh... I think everyone should read more P.G. Wodehouse. Sample quote (Sorry, Jackie, I do adore you) (Stephen Fry speaking of Wodehouse) I flip open a book of stories and happen on Bertie and Jeeves discussing a young man called Cyril Bassington-Bassington.

"I've never heard of him. Have you ever heard of him, Jeeves?"

"I am familiar with the name Bassington-Bassington, sir. There are three branches of the Bassington-Bassington family – the Shropshire Bassington-Bassingtons, the Hampshire Bassington-Bassingtons, and the Kent Bassington-Bassingtons."

"England seems pretty well stocked up with Bassington-Bassingtons."

"Tolerably so, sir."

"No chance of a sudden shortage, I mean, what?"

12. I have a deep and lasting obsession with china cups and plates, esp. from Goodwill. And they break! So you can get new ones. If you visit, I will contemplate the appropriate plate and cup for you before serving you dinner, or whatever meal/snack is appropriate. My personal favorite right now are some Wedgewood porcelain with Peter Rabbit scenes that I got at a place called "Rerun."

13. I tend to be a mild, kind, refined sort of individual until matters of musical taste come up. (OK, stop laughing, all those in the front row. I really mean it, man) However, in spite of my deepest desires, my hair turns into snakes and I turn people into stone who play the wrong sort of music; but then I feel badish.

14. I have a secret thing for Pete Doherty, formerly of the Libertines, currently of Babyshambles. How can't you not love someone who missed his wedding with Kate Moss because he was picked up on drug posession charges (Genie learns a new word -- Ketamine) on his way to the airport to fly to Java for the wedding.

14 sub 1. I love all Riot Grrls, and think pre-Kurt Cobain Courtney Love is some of the greatest music of the twentieth century. Drown Soda, anyone? OK, One must also mention Sex Pistols, Billy Childish, the Reverend Gary Davis, god George is hot, oops; the Reverend Louis Overstreet, the Wolf, Lightnin' Hopkins, the Flaming Lips, the Mountain Goats, Jolie Holland, Deerhunter.... , my fave Mountain goats song: the best ever death metal band out of denton
were a couple of guys, who'd been friends since grade school.
one was named cyrus, and the other was jeff.
and they practiced twice a week in jeff's bedroom.

the best ever death metal band out of denton
never settled on a name.
but the top three contenders, after weeks of debate,
were satan's fingers, and the killers, and the hospital bombers.

jeff and cyrus believed in their hearts they were headed
for stage lights and lear jets, and fortune and fame.
so in script that made prominent use of a pentagram,
they stenciled their drumheads and guitars with their names.

this was how cyrus got sent to the school
where they told him he'd never be famous.
and this was why jeff,
in the letters he'd write to his friend,
helped develop a plan to get even.
when you punish a person for dreaming his dream,
don't expect him to thank or forgive you.
the best ever death metal band out of denton
will in time both outpace and outlive you.
hail satan!
hail satan tonight!
hail satan!
hail hail!
(this is Genie, when singing along you have to make the horn thing with your 2nd and 4th finger when singing the final verse; very satisfying. Hail Satan, y'all.)

Fifteen. I have quite a bit of vinyl made my men named "blind" someone or other. I also have other punk/blues treasures on vinyl which would not be a problem, but I suffer from fear of the record player. Anyone know the cool latin name for that condition? There must be one.

16. What the Fuck happened to Rod Stewart? He went from the best to the worst singer in Rock and Roll between the time I couldn't see him and I could. Fuck. Plus Ron Wood. Awesome in the Faces. Neutered in the Rolling Stones. A sad, sad fate for a water gypsy.

17. I am deeply disappointed (to the point of despair and tears) in the Obama administration for appointing Larry (I hate all Regulations such, esp. those that make me personally less wealthy) Summers, and Tim Geitner (same) to positions of actual power.

18. If anyone hasn't noticed, we no longer have a fourth amendment. If you're searched for an invalid purpose, the police get to use the evidence. No more fruit of the poisoned tree. Thanks Bush and Co. Yeah. Who needs a constitution anyway? Oh, yeah, that would be me.

19. More outrage? Bush should be in chains at the Hague.

19 1/2. Cheney -- waterboarding! You know, it's not torture. He said so.

20. How come my 20 dollar radio is so much easier to use (and keep in tune) that my two hundred dollar one? What's the point of all those beatiful speakers if they only mostly pick up static?

21. I love roses, and, last year, planted a number of 19th century varieties that bloom only once a season. To be beautiful, if only for a brief period, deserves our respect, and small plot of land. They don't seem to be doing so well this winter, cross your thorns.

22. A poem by my favorite poet, Jacqueline Osherow

The way I see it, every season comes through
With a blessing--winter: dazzle; summer: evening;
Autumn: cold; and this particular spring
It's got to be you, monotonous cuckoo
Or whatever you are, blasting that major third
Like a downbeat for the music of the spheres.
And who's to say it isn't, that the stars
And planets aren't guided by a bird?
Your voice certainly seems to carry far
Enough, its two persistent notes so pure
They must keep the air's orchestra in tune.
Who cares if they're the same again and again?
I'll stop waiting for that new, exquisite song.
I've got two notes; even I will sing.

23. I love the pretend glorious western picture of Bierstadt, one of which I saw recently in the Seattle Museum. I also love the pretend glorious pics of Chagall, and his glass windows in the Chicago Art Institute. Should I tell a joke now, to lighten the mood? Two artists walked into a bar. I forgot the punchline, though I'm sure Whiskey was involved. George suggests the punchline "One was framed."

24. I love LOLcats, and not only because their spelling,such as my own, is somewhat shaky.

25. Shoutout to Tamar and Iva, my peeps! And Betsey! For totally understanding how wonderful my little brother is, to the extent of marrying him. Wow.

25.125 I would be lying, at least by omission,if I didn't mention my deep deep sincere and honest love of personal adornment devices. Scarves, rings, hats, hand-knit sweaters with actual lynx collar (don't tell) chartreuse died camisoles, more camisoles with more lynx, an awesome necklace watch with laboradite and an intricate watch (which i can't quite get to work, but time is for cell phones), and that's just what I can remember. Good thing I've been sick for like forever, and too sick to get out of the house, or I could probably barely get into the house. Oh, and that leopard-skin pillbox hat. Ahhh, happiness. Plus, it turns out that I'm deeply superstitious; but all superstitions related to said adornment devices, and music.

This Lion Has Two Daddies

Christian, the Lion, lived a well adjusted heterosexual life after being raised by two daddies in a loving household.

Perhaps we should reserve our disapproval for households that expose children and animals to excessive anger, cruelty, violence and hatred. They pose the real threat to marriage and society.

Halloween Sculptures

On Halloween, don't forget the possibilities other foods present.

One of my favorite creations years ago was a small acorn squash jackolantern; it's pointy chin and dark corrugated face were really impish. Time to go to the store and get some fun materials.

My most astonishing nieces

They dressed themselves. I'm so proud (sob!) I so love clothing myself (shallowness rocks!). You both look gorgeous, with the sort of style that those "blessed" with fortunes pay mid- to large amounts of same to approximate, and yet, never quite pull off. Much love, Aunt Genie

Must cut post short...off to purchase items they may deign to wear.

Stars at sunrise

The window in the staircase in my house. My friend Amy made the stars; (see, over there? You could click....) I like them. Sweet GeeBee took the pic, it goes without saying. He made dinner tonight, too! Is there anything hotter than a man saying, and I quote, "Sweetie, what would you like me to make you for dinner?"

Refrigerators!

I think refrigerators are just peachy! So many fun images, so little trouble displaying them. Two favorites: the orange drawing in the upper left clipped out of the New Yorker with a caption reading: "The noted air guitarist William Ocean," and the pic of me, mom, and dad in the lower center-left; oh, and, of course, Johnny Rotten, uh, forgive me, John Lyndon, also upper left.

Pic by my dearest GeeBee.

PS. Extra points if you can guess my favorite color.

Music Suggestions Wanted

I may (emphasis on may) be doing the music for an installation this year at Burning man. More details here: http://www.illusion.eyetrap.com/

I'm thinking more organic music that has an electronica-trance feel, such as Neu and Can, the German Art-rockers, the trance-gospel guitar player Reverend Louis Overstreet, Nico, maybe early flaming lips "Jesus shooting heroin" So---perhaps something that someone other than me has heard of?

Illusion is a light sculpture on a canvas of 64 large weather balloons. The light array creates a feeling of immense undiscovered space as viewers walk and meditate throughout an area the size of two football fields. Light effects are programmed to evoke a range of moods with soft, fading luminescence interspersed by glimmering, dancing lights. At timed intervals, lighting control stations become active and participants are given opportunity to control the light array. The relationship between light and darkness is a common Western metaphor of good and evil, knowledge and ignorance. The sculpture alludes to the illusion offered by this metaphor.

Dear reader(s), musical suggestions would be appreciated.

Chillin'

At home with friends.