Weirdness: May 2009

nice video for the Jefferson Airplane performing We Can Be Together

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWhWMYqDNtk&feature=related

Part of my DNA. One of the greatest songs from the late 60's.

The Beatles perform Two Of Us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1Y3PlmwnRM&feature=PlayList&p=956A7D7D10D88854&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=45

Probably my favorite Beatles song, (and that's saying a lot). "You and I have memories, longer than the road that stretches out ahead" is, I feel, one one of the most simple yet profound statements about a long-term relationship that's ever been sung. You acquire a comfort zone with someone, and that can be important, (it is to me).

The Cowsills perform Hair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAk8z2PLOmc

Ah, AM radio memories of May of '69...

fanvid of Gimme Gimme Good Lovin' by Crazy Elephant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7RioCEytwc&feature=related

Stupid, but fun.

The Moody Blues perform The Story In Your Eyes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skCj7HzbH8A

A pretty intersting song. It was the summer of '71 and the 12 year recession was just beginning. the optimism (and hubris) of the 60's was breaking on the rocks. There were clouds and doubts gathering, and the Moodys expressed it.

Tru Fax & The Insaniacs perform Pictures Of You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmSuJ0elEwU

DC's music scene has always been stunted and hidden, but it's there. And in the late 70's, it was magical. We had Razz, the Slickee Boys, the Urban Verbs, and a dozen other talented contenders. The Verbs and Tru Fax were my faves. My only regret is that the latter never made it onto CD. They deserve better. Those guys were great.

The Proclaimers video for 500 Miles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM0sTNtWDiI

Neat anthemic rock form the 80's.

Marshall Crenshaw performs Mary Anne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k-mZLh0hvM

One of the best artists of the past 25 years. Power Pop God.

Coronet Blue intro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvof8Hvm3B0

The American version of The Prisoner. Too cool to survive, and with a neat soundtrack by Johnny Rivers, (thus reinforcing the Patrick McGoohan/Secret Agent connection).

Jimi performs Wild Thing at Monterey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnio0nW-Bs8&feature=related

So cool...

Ronnie Spector performs Walking In The Rain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxDrsACIryk

One of the great songs sung by one of the great singers. Ronnie....

The Doors perform The WASP & Love Me Two Times

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svxXt2ibrbs

Another nice Spring evening here at the Manor. Long shadows reminding me of past Summers. It was around this time in '71 that the Doors' LA Woman was released. The WASP was one of my favorite tunes on that album. I'm convinced that it's a rather poetic description of DC and Morrison's life here.

RIP John Brown, Jr.

http://indiancountrynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6571&Itemid=57

Happy Anniversary to "A Big Hand For The Little Lady"!

Premiered on this date in 1966. One of my faves. The only film that I'm aware of that portrays True Gamesmen in an accurate manner. Now shut up - let's play cards...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060165/

The music of Karl Straub & The Graverobbers Online!!!

http://karlstraubmusic.blogspot.com/2009/05/song-title-list.html

Karl's an old friend and one of the best songwriters going. His former band, the Graverobbers were a local legend, and performed some of the best concerts I've ever seen, (you've not lived until you're seen the Velvet Underground's "Heroin" performed on accordion...). This site presents some of Karl's best, including personal faves "Cadillacs On My Eyes" and "Drinking From A Swimming Pool". Very cool. Essential.

Happy Birthday Mel Blanc!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Blanc
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000305/

http://www.toonopedia.com/blanc.htm

Perhaps the most famous voice in the history of the world.

Retro-tech

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2009/04/cutting-edge-of-retro-tech.html

Cool....

Anthony Bourdain visits Alexandria!

http://www.travelchannel.com/Video_&_Photos/Video_Detail?lineupId=17744921001&titleId=5629317001

Too bad it didn't air. Eamonn's is first rate, quite excellent, but WAYYYY too small. Fifteen people would fill it up, (and that takes place about 2 minutes after it opens). And there's nowhere nearby (like a park) to sit and enjoy this great food.

Redneck Bank

http://redneckbank.com/

Ummm, okay.........

The DIY electric chair

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1189543/Russian-power-station-worker-Dmitry-K-murdered-people-home-electric-chair.html

the helping hand

http://news.stv.tv/oddly-enough/99254-man-pushes-wouldbe-china-suicide-off-bridgemedia/

The Renaissance of Radio

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/29/AR2009052900753.html?referrer=emailarticle

This is what I've been waiting for.

Happy Birthday Melissa Etheridge!

http://www.melissaetheridge.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCIWDu6LIyk

Awesome talent.

Happy Birthday Patrick Henry!

http://americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/HENRY.HTM

Obama hates Roman Catholic Priestesses!

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Reporter-Dragged-Kicking-and-Screaming-From-Near-Air-Force-One-.html

Actually, so do I. Clearly a nutcase. The idea that Georgia has a newspaper is clearly deranged...

Mission Missed Martians?

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227094.500-mars-robots-may-have-destroyed-evidence-of-life.html

at last, I can convert my record collection...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090525105418.htm

Actually, this sounds quite revolutionary for computer storage, if true....

near article on rooks' mental abilities

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8059688.stm

the cutting edge of justifiable homicide

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=104&sid=1684360

(Thanks for the link, Linda!)

a documentary about Count Gore DeVol!!!

http://everyotherdayishalloween.wordpress.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbkErFJ4v2M

Happy Birthday Dr. Guillotin!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph-Ignace_Guillotin

Happy Birthday John Fogerty!

http://www.johnfogerty.com/home.html

http://www.myspace.com/johnfogerty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCQ6XmsJ8tE

One of the greats.

Happy Birthday Gladys Knight!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladys_Knight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pHhItkhc7o

The Slugs Return From Capistrano!

http://www.wellcat.com/may/slugs_return_from_capistrano_day.htm

Happy National Hamburger Day!

http://www.fiveguys.com/home.aspx

The Elgins perform Heaven Must Have Sent You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8iiH-0ptHY

Classic....

Lou Reed performs Walk On The Wild Side

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TceFKz2DZ9M

Another tune from '73. Amazing that this got AM airplay.

fanvid for the Isley Brothers' Who's That Lady

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1DDgNCLD84

Great song. Hard to believe it was 36 years ago that it was released....

THE absolute cutting edge of banking.....

http://www.reincarnationbank.com/index.html

I'm sure P.T. Barnum would approve....

Happy Birthday Ramsey Lewis!

http://www.ramseylewis.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsey_Lewis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwhXslVZOVo

Happy Birthday Vincent Price!

Another essential person to pop culture; and one of my faves.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001637/

http://www.vincentprice.org/

Happy Birthday Christopher Lee!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000489/
http://www.christopherleeweb.com/

So cool, so essential.

Happy Birthday Dashiell Hammett!

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/hammett_d.html
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/dhammett.htm

One of my fave writers. Genius. Essential.

new USB flash drive

http://www.walyou.com/blog/2009/05/19/ravage-transformer-usb-flash-drive/

nice article about the many beers that are available

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2009/05/cheers-to-beers.html

Atoms for Whiskey!

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1190546.html

You'd need to irradiate rye to make it drinkable....

The Pizza Threat To DC

http://whyihatedc.blogspot.com/2009/05/graham-declares-war-on-pizza-vomit.html

Perhaps if DC arrested criminals, rather than electing them, or making them government employees, cops and firemen, crime might decrease.

iPhone Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFG7-Q0WI7Q

Going Bridal

http://www.goingbridal.com/

Happy Birthday Stevie Nicks!

http://www.nicksfix.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhNrrrCCTdA

always liked Stevie...

Happy Birthday John Wayne!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000078/

http://www.jwayne.com/

Yes, he could be an arrogant and hypocritical jerk, but Wayne definitely touched something in this country. Like a Norman Rockwell illustration, "Duke" might not have been representative of America, but he a lot of people felt he was. (And when given a chance to really act, he could do so - he's marvelous in The Searchers).

Frank Zappa on Dance Fever....

http://classicshowbiz.blogspot.com/2009/05/dance-fever-with-celebrity-judge-frank.html

This is your mind on drugs...

a nice article on the Kryptos code - a little piece of local lore

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/17-05/ff_kryptos

And for those interested:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/kryptos/

Next time I rob a bank - THIS will be my mask of choice!

http://grimreviews.blogspot.com/2009/05/cthulhu-ski-mask.html

The Cthulhu Chess Set

http://grimreviews.blogspot.com/2009/05/cthulhu-chess-set.html

If there were Justice in the Universe (instead of it being an uncaring chaotic nightmare of Yog Sothoth), I would own this set....

Summer's tunes

The Urban Dictionary

http://www.urbandictionary.com/

Do not pass Vulcan, Do not collect $200

http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=USMN066201

The Potomac Celtic Festival next month

http://www.potomaccelticfest.org/

don't forget the Virginia Renfest

http://www.varf.org/

Tee hee!

http://www.eatliver.com/i.php?n=4341

Star Wars: 1983 VS 2005

http://www.eatliver.com/i.php?n=4355

no honking

http://www.eatliver.com/i.php?n=4366

Conan audiobooks

http://www.tantor.com/BookDetail.asp?Product=1223_ComingConan

a new collection of Conan stories

http://www.prionbooks.co.uk/display.asp?K=9781853756993&st1=robert+e+howard&sf1=contributor&sf2=title_index&sf3=identifier&sf4=keyword&sort=sort_date%2Fd&x=51&y=20&m=1&dc=1

Happy Birthday Paul Weller!

http://www.paulweller.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Weller_(singer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whSYTSXm8wo

So cool.....

Happy Birthday Hal David!

http://www.haldavid.com/

Memorial Day

http://www1.va.gov/opa/feature/celebrate/docs/memday.pdf

I pondered how to title this post. Wishing someone a "Happy" Memorial Day seems to verge on the obscene. I wish you peace, and a calm day.

Happy Birthday Richard O'Brien!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0639782/

http://www.myspace.com/richardo_brien

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lywvXZSCFI

a new (to me) goldmine of a site for fans of the Monkees

http://www.monkees.net/singal.htm

The Worst Drivers

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/993/where-the-worst-drivers-live/;_ylc=X3oDMTE5ZmdmcGVkBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRvZGF5BHNsawN3b3JzdC1kcml2ZXJz

(Thanks for the link, Ed!)

The end of Moore's law?

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/22/counting-down-to-the-end-of-moores-law/

(thanks for the link, Mathew!)

I Am At One With The Universe

Just got back for a nice weekend in C'ville and fulfilled the hope of a lifetime* - I finally got to visit the legendary and ultra-mystical site - Foamhenge! So many times in the past I've been thwarted by bad weather or poor scheduling. But at long last, Linda and I were able to walk reverentially beneath it's majestic columns.

Our good friend Carol was very instrumental in helping us locate this sacred site. At first, I was afraid we would have to go the route of hiring native bearers and guides. That area of RoVa is a particularly primitive and savage land. We had already laid in stocks of steel fish hooks and hatchets to trade, (although most of the natives prefer to be paid in Confederate money).

The journey from Charlottesville took about 90 minutes. Linda drove, as I was too nervous from spiritual anticipation and enthusiasm. every mile travelled seemed to increase my sense of wonder and awe. Despite the perfect weather, I was sweating profusely, my mouth was dry, and my hands constantly shook, (we'd run out of Chardonnay about 10 hours earlier).

And finally, we arrived! At the top of a large hill overlooking the highway stood the very center of our Universe. We scurried up the incline and I basked in a sense of timeless wisdom and ancient knowledge. Styrofoam does that to me.

We wandered around the site for a half hour or so, although it seemed much longer. I reverently caressed the rough pillowy texture, delighting in the squeaking noise it made. It's almost as if they talk to you! Rumor has it that if you put your ear up against one of the columns you can hear the waves of the chemical vat from whence it came. Truly, a Holy place!

But, as I alternately swooned in rapture and meditated profoundly at the scene, I was also filled with questions. How did this magnificent structure come to be? Who built it? The natives of the area are incapable of such construction, having not evolved beyond the simple engineering of mobile homes and corrugated sheds. Some of the structures at Foamhenge weighed tens of pounds - from whence came the knowledge to lift such behemoths? I do not know the answer to this question, but suspect our ancient astronaut space brothers of having at least helped in the erection of this structure. As I gazed upward, I noticed that the "stones" corresponded to the contrails left by planes flying into and out of the Roanoke airport. Clearly, the structure had been built by beings possessing the ability of flight delays and lost luggage. They were centuries ahead of us, and it is only now that we're catching up.

But I suppose all good things must come to an end. I was very reluctant to leave. Everything here seemed so pure and good. The light just a little brighter, sounds just a little clearer, etc. But Linda and Carol were able to persuade me (finally!) by offering yet one more sakti-like journey. I am, of course, speaking of lunch at Crozet Pizza (the best pizza in the state). I went, but am a changed man. There'll always be a little styrofoam in my spirit...

And I want to add, that this is not the end. No, it is but a beginning in my long journey towards wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual perfection. I am already planning out next trip....

*Or at least the hope of the last week or two.

the cutting edge of educational mentoring

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30884920/

(Thanks for the story, Pete!

Happy National Escargot Day!

One of my fave foods. Back in my salad days, one would go to Maison de Crepes on a Sunday morning after spending all of Saturday night crawling around Gtown. An escargot crepes with ice tea and a old fashioned glass of triple sec would perk me right up.
Linda makes the best escargot....

Happy Birthday Patti LaBelle!

http://www.pattisbutterflies.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efu9f_tOr7A

Wonderful singer.

Happy Birthday Tommy Chong!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAw-3ERSIIY

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Chong

http://www.cheechandchongtour.com/

Happy Birthday Mr. Zimmerman!

http://www.bobdylan.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dylan

http://punkhart.com/dylan/index.php http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-xIulyVsG8

What can I say that hasn't been said a million times before?

Happy Anniversary to The Thin Man!

Premiered on this date in '34. Starring the great William Powell & Myrna Loy. The ideal married couple. This, (and the other five Thin Man movies) are essential. The book is first rate too...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025878/

Happy Birthday Douglas Fairbanks Sr.!

THE original swashbuckler! Absolutely essential!

http://www.douglasfairbanks.org/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001196/

http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/wargames/154/

Happy Birthday Bernie Taupin!

http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608000136/Bernie-Taupin.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLMotU8Tu9E

Great lyricist.

Happy Birthday Arthur Conan Doyle!

http://www.sherlockholmesonline.org/
http://www.sherlockian.net/acd/

Genius. Essential.

Happy Birthday Ron Isley!

http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_home.php?artist_id=598

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Isley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9xOLpwI0I

One of the greats.

Two great Anniversaries today...

Bogey & Bacall; and me and Linda....

Cool! The Walking Gel.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16910-chemical-caterpillar-points-to-electronicsfree-robots.html

I guarantee you that there's a horror movie in all of this.

Creating a brand new Universe!

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/sciencetech/physicists-create-universes-smaller-than-a-marble/1148

Hopefully this one won't have Britney Spears...

the phone call to Goebbels

http://www.russiatoday.com/Top_News/2009-05-15/Can_I_speak_to_Doctor_Goebbels_please.html?fullstory
A strange little footnote to the War.

nice article about "The Hum"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8056284.stm

There are some Fortean aspects to this phenomena.

Handyman Soup

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/5340571/Worker-cooked-to-death-at-German-soup-factory.html

Optical SETI

http://grenzwissenschaft-aktuell.blogspot.com/2009/05/australian-seti-astronomers-detect.html

Is that a banana in your pocket or are you trying to rob me?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8054448.stm

computer/telepathy for the military?

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/05/pentagon-preps-soldier-telepathy-push/

a modern resurrectionist

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30757528/

It's nice to see old crafts being revived and preserved.

Can Spock Save Vulcan?

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2009/05/15/save-the-vulcan-the-search-for-spock-91466-23629146/

the baby monitor threat to Wi-Fi

http://www.programmica.info/2009/05/baby-monitors.html

the cutting edge of babysitting

http://www.cafeterra.info/2009/05/reassured-python.html

my path is clear...

Since I've never done it before, I am going to write authoritative books on skydiving, Thai boxing, and learning to speak Urdu. My competence to do so will be based on my couseling people who do know how to do these things, and from running a web site, (for almost a year!), where I offer my advice on these topics.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8049853.stm

penguin weirdness

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8033000/8033782.stm

the cutting edge of office refrigerators

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30720344/

a serious burrito lover

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090513/LOCAL07/305139998/1002/LOCAL

the willpower nodule

http://www.livescience.com/health/090506-willpower-brain.html

I continue to believe in the cartoon explanation - with a little angel sitting on your right shoulder telling you the right thing to do, and a little devil on your left shoulder telling you the rotten thing to do. (The hearing in my left ear is much better than in my right...)

zombie fire ants!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20090512/sc_mcclatchy/3231765

OUCH!

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/odd/5560170/toilet-snake-attack-urban-legend-comes-true/

the cutting edge of landlord/tenant relations

http://www.sundaymercury.net/news/midlands-news/2009/05/10/loughborough-council-tenants-told-to-give-one-month-s-notice-of-when-they-will-die-66331-23585226/

the mind-controlled home of the future?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511091733.htm

neat article on ants

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/19/AR2009051903262.html

this film sounds kinda cool

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/cannes/article6327709.ece

the cutting edge of denture financing

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Man-Demands-Dentures-During-Alleged-Stick-Up.html

promo film for Jackie DeShannon singing L.A.

http://bedazzled.blogs.com/bedazzled/2009/05/la-jackie-deshannon-promo-film.html

The Family Cthulhu Circus

http://parodyfiles.com/?p=579

I know there's a pun in this story somewhere, but I'll be damned if I can think of it

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9593138/Woman-loses-tooth,-gets-stuck-in-Mets-toilet

(Thanks for the link, Ed!)

the cutting edge of jump rope

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jD4-wPKfHbblbhKRNcJAXYDB2xXgD98A5FDG1

(Thanks for the link, Pete!)

Orpheus performs Can't Find The Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT-iQ_yLEX4

The Animals perform We Gotta Get Out Of This Place

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpNWSW49IBM&feature=related

My second fave Animals tune, (It's My Life is sacred). What a great band.

The Castaways perform Liar Liar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SsFK3JJ_-E

Great song. Sort of a combo frat rock/garage band sound. And Go-Go Girls! Any video with Go-Go Girls is worth an extra two points to me. But I have to deduct one point because everyone knows that the proper locale for them is in a cage. Tradition must be maintained!

The Bonzos perform Death Cab For Cutie (from magical Mystery Tour)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9y4vLrHsm4

Wonderful fun! The Bonzos Rule!

Danny & The Juniors perform Rock'N'Roll Is Here To Stay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DTZnMjiJe8&feature=related

Great band and song.

Renee - Found!

http://recycledsip.blogspot.com/2007/01/portrait-of-muse-as-young-woman.html

Three of the greatest pop songs to unrequited love were inspired by this young lady. A minor legend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ds2O0Td6IY

Happy Birthday Joey!

http://www.joeyramone.com/
http://www.cbgb.com/joeyramone.htm

http://www.officialramones.com/

Essential. Genius.

Happy Birthday Pete Townshend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0XknwXqLDo

http://www.thewho.com/

http://www.eelpie.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Townshend

Essential. Genius.

Happy Birthday Dusty Hill!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dusty_Hill
http://www.zztop.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BYny9l20wc

An American Original.

Happy Visit Your Relatives Day!

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/May/visitrelativesday.htm

Happy Birthday Mark Mothersbaugh!

http://www.markmothersbaugh.com/
http://www.mutato.com/

Born To Love That Boy performed by For Real from the film , Grace of My Heart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQwkcoiNY3U&feature=related

One of my fave films, based (loosely) on the life of Carole King. This is a spot-on perfect rendition of a Brill Building girl group sound, circa 1963-64.

Steely Dan performs Reelin' In The Years

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4ItqbXe5JE

Yes. It was a hit around this time in '73. Much trepidation. Stress. We were graduating, wondering what the future would bring to a group who had little faith in anything more than an hour ahead of time. And now we're reelin' in those years....

Loudon Wainwright performs Dead Skunk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doqTSev-_lQ

I know Loudon hates this song, but I've always thought it was cute.

The Beatles perform If I Fell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeuSdfFeEyc

Ah, youthful innocence...

What We Did On Our Summer, (er, Spring) Vacation

Overall, it was a very nice trip, full of “firsts”, including the first time either Linda or I had ever visited Washington or Oregon. Many thanks to all of you who offered suggestions, and a special thanks to our friends Erik and Elina for all the ideas, including the insistence that we dine at the Herb Garden Restaurant, (more on that later). The flight out went as well as could be expected. I continue to believe that the airlines have based their business model on the film The Incredible Shrinking Man. It is all I can do to contort my body to sit for 5+ hours in the thimble of a seat that is now provided. Now, I cannot afford the outrageous prices charged for first class, but I don’t understand why there isn’t some sort of $200 – 300 option for a realistic seating arrangement. Rowers on medieval slave galleons had better accommodations.
One little oddity also occurred just previous to the flight – Dulles was deserted. Now, it was an early morning flight, but so are most of the ones we go on. We’ve never seen the place so empty of people. We were immediately whisked by unoccupied employees to the United Airlines check-in counter – no line at all. There were only a few folks ahead of us at the security checkpoint, etc. It wasn’t until about 8:00AM that things seemed to pick up. Usually by 6:00AM we’re in the midst of a mob. Don’t know if this is the result of a poor economy, or just some fluke, but it was kind of strange.
At any rate, Seattle was our first destination. As soon as we got our rent-a-car, it was off to the legendary Archie McPhee's! It was a real treat to finally see the place, after having dealt with these fine purveyors of kitsch for the past 20 years, or so. They’re in the process of moving to a new location, so I think stocks looked a little thin, but it was still a pleasure. I picked up a tin of Last Supper after-dinner mints as a souvenir. My spirituality remains a Rock.
We stayed at the Westin Hotel, and had a great view of the city, looking right across at the famous Space Needle. The next day was one of several highlights – we spend it down at the wharf area, and the famous Pike’s Place Market. In a word – fantastic. We spent all day down there, and it was worth it, exploring the maze-like blocks of eateries and shops, (unfortunately, the famous fish tossing was not to be seen that day, at least when we were around). My one disappointment was that there was no geoduck to be found! We must have checked at a score of restaurants, all without success. We were told that this local favorite had been virtually priced out of the market by sales to East Asia, where it’s placed on a long list of those foods for “male enhancement” and virility. ((There are what, about 2 billion East Asians – why do they need MORE virility? These guys need to take an ego check and a cold shower…)) I really wanted to try this food. Regardless, I can’t recommend the Market too highly, it’s essential.
The next day was another highlight, we had dinner at the world famous Herb Farm Restaurant, while staying next door at their sister establishment, Willow’s Lodge. The Lodge is excellent, one of the most comfortable places we’ve ever stayed. As for the meal at the Herb Farm – it was a one of a kind experience, some of the best and fanciest food we’ve ever eaten, and the best and most attentive service and surroundings. Every few weeks, the restaurant and chef base their dinner on a different theme, (there is no menu to choose from). When we went, the theme was “Spring Forager” and ONLY featured local and regional food, much of it from their own farm or contracted locals. Portions are small – because it’s NINE courses! Ingredients included fiddlehead fern, wagyu (Kobe) beef, chevre, Dungeness crab, rabbit, morels, squab, and sturgeon caviar. Each course came with its own specially matched wine. We were in heaven. The chef and/or another member of the staff stopped by each table to explain each course and answer any questions. The whole thing took about 4 ½ hours. Another essential. I’d go back to Washington just for this.
Seattle is a town I’d definitely return to and would love to explore further. I only had one difficulty, and this may say more about me than the town. The driving is soooo slow there! Every single block has a traffic light, and none of them are synchronized. It is virtually impossible to get up a head of steam around there! Some of you are probably thinking that this situation is set up to slow down fast drivers – but the good citizen here DON’T drive fast. They can get downright pokey. I’m used to DC driving, and there everything is so genteel. Oh once in a great while someone on the Interstate might cut me off or roar up onto my bumper. It was then I’d realize I was dealing with another East Coast visitor to the city, and cheerily salute them with my middle finger and the traditional greeting of “Get out of my way and learn how to drive, you worthless fucktard!” It’s the little things that remind one of Home…
The following day we travelled down the coast, visiting the World Kite Museum and the Cranberry Museum (!). We stopped for the night in the Oregon town of Astoria, along the entrance to the Columbia River. We stayed at a newly renovated hotel called the Cannery Pier. What a wonderful deal! As the name suggests, it’s a converted cannery, located about a hundred yards out on an old pier over the river. The main channel lies just a few hundred feet from you, and you can sit at your room’s window or on the deck and watch the freighter and other shipping roll by. Really pretty - another essential. The town is nice too, we didn’t have as much time to explore it as we’d of liked.
Then it was on to Portland. We finally got to meet and have dinner with my ol’ pen pal, Infidel753; and had a wonderful evening discussing life, the universe, and everything. We visited the famous and wonderful Powell’s Books, twice; as well as the Portland Japanese Garden (really beautiful), the International Rose Test Garden (too early to catch it in full bloom), Chinatown, and the Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame – which was pretty neat. It’s not large, but is well worth visiting for even the casual fan. It included a full-sized replica of Robby the Robot as well as the original robot from Lost In Space and a replica of the female demon-bot from Metropolis, (all three are faves of mine). There are all sorts of props from Star Trek and other sci-fi films and series, loads of photos, fanzines, books, posters, and bric-a-brac. Pretty fun stuff!
I really liked Portland, and it was another instance where we felt we needed to return and spend more time exploring all that it had to offer. My one caveat here is that it’s a good-sized metropolitan area – about half the size of DC; and yet I believe the downtown only contains about seven parking spots. Definitely a place for walking and/or public transport.
After two nights in Portland, we went down to Albany to visit my cousin Marcie, (whom I’d not seen in about 15 years). We had a fun time catching up, and she took us to the Evergreen Aviation Museum, where we saw the (in)famous Spruce Goose and a wonderful variety of both combat and civilian aircraft. I honestly think this place is comparable in many ways to NASM. I felt one was allowed better and more access to many of the planes than we get from the Smithsonian. Another essential. We also visited one of the local parks – beautiful scenery – picture perfect. And then it was time to go home. The flight back was again cramped, but at least it was without delay or incident.
I'd conclude by saying we're really happy we went and would enjoy returning. I'd also note that virtually everyone we met was really nice - even airport security! None of the usual casual rudeness I'm used to at home.