Roll Out

7/8/07... a big day in aviation history is upon us. This PM at about 5:30 CDT (3:30 PDT) the revolutionary Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" (silly name) will roll out from the hanger at Boeing Field in Seattle. I'll post a picture later today. The 787 is the first all new airplane from Boeing since the successful 777 was introduced in 1995.

The 787 promises to revolutionize air travel by being more efficient, quiet and long ranged. The main model the 787-8 carries 250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 miles The bigger 787-9 transports up to 290 passengers on routes over 8,000 to 8,500 miles. The 787-3 is a high density, shorter range model for Japanese airlines

The 787 is a mid-size airplane with jumbo jet range and speed. Boeing promises that the 787 will provide airlines with unheard of fuel efficiency, using up to 20 % less fuel than a similar capacity plane currently on the market.

Boeing correctly assessed the market for this type of airplane. As of this post, Boeing has 47 customers ordering 677 airplanes. All before the first one sees the light of day; a tremendous achievement. While rival Airbus promoted its super-jumbo 380 with up to 500 seats, Boeing felt that airlines needed a "point to point" jet, more frequent service on long, thin routes. While the A380 will be a benefit for high density routes into airports with restricted slots, like London Heathrow, the 787 will be doing routes such as central Europe to China, Houston to Japan, Las Vegas to Paris, opening up new non-stop routes or replacing 1/2 full jumbos. Boeing did not neglect the interior either, adding larger windows, better cabin air management and superior space.

Today is just the roll out, the first public viewing for Line Number 1, all painted and pretty. She probably could not fly yet as all the systems are not in place. That comes later in August/early September. She is scheduled to be in service in 2008.

We have seen her with out her make-up as she was rolled out under cover of darkness to the paint shop and even then she was a looker. With all her make up, shiny and primped, she will be a delight to see!

Check out www.Boeing.com and you can watch the roll out on a live web cast.

UPDATE:

Isn't she a beauty!!? 787

Big Old Girl

Some sounds are unmistakable and unforgettable. Even though my hearing may be going as I age and tinnitus grabs hold of my left ear, the sound of a radial piston engine on an aircraft is easily detectable above the din of the city and my screaming ear. It is also a sound we sadly rarely hear anymore.

Busily loading my bounty in to the car after a trip to the local SunFresh (aka GayFresh) grocery store, I heard a soft rumble overhead. "Round Engine"! I shouted to my self, forgetting about the bags of foodstuffs and casting my eyes upward. There in the glare, not all that high over Westport was the unmistakable silhouette of a big war bird. Slowly churning northwest, the big blades of the propellers gripping the thick tropical air, was a vintage B-17 Flying Fortress. Most in the parking lot looked up and went on their way. I stood in awe. I love big round engined aircraft. Their pounding, fiery drone reminding me of hearing the DC3s, Martin 404s and occasional DC4s flying over head as an aircraft crazed kid.

Big old girl, shiny and restored. The grand lady is a four-engine heavybomber developed in the early years of WWII and built primarily by Boeing. At her proving trials, the soon to be B-17 outperformed other competitors and more than met the Air Corps' expectations. But Boeing lost the contract due to the unfortunate crash of the prototype. Luckily for Boeing and many future air crews, the US Army Air Corps (the US Air Force was not established yet) was so impressed with Boeing's design that they ordered some anyway. The B-17 Flying Fortress went on to enter full-scale production with 12,731 built.

The B-17 was the primary bomber aircraft of the European Theatre of WWII. She was mostly employed in the daylight precision bomb campaigns against German targets. The B-17 also participated, to a lesser extent, in the Pacific Theatre against the Japanese.

Right from the start the Flying Fortress was a formidable, high-flying, long-ranging bomber capable of unleashing great destruction yet able to defend itself. With the ability to return home despite extensive battle damage, its durability was legendary.

Our visitor, one of only 14 B-17s still flying in the US, has been restored and repainted to look like the the legendary 909, an aircraft that completed a record 140 combat missions during WWII never losing a crewman. The original, likely in bad shape, was scrapped in 1945.

Along with a B-24 that escaped my attention, the B-17 is on display this weekend at the KC Downtown Airport. I just may go and see them. Don't see one everyday you know.

They Start Young

It is truly the end of the age of innocence isn't it?

Florida police who chased a car for miles along a highway at speeds up to 100 mph figured the driver was drunk. Also not uncommon, the car crashed and flipped over. But this DUI case had a little twist, when they looked inside the flipped vehicle with guns drawn, they found an 11-year-old girl at the wheel.

The girl, who was slightly injured in the crash, is now charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident. Duck said she had sideswiped another vehicle in the roughly 8-mile chase. The kid told police she had been on her way to pick up her sister at a concert. A blood test at the hospital showed it was higher than .02, the legal limit for minors.

I just don't know what to say....

Surprised??

Surprised by Bushie’s pardon of his buddy Scooter Libby? I am not, it is just the latest example and likely the epitome of Republican arrogance. If this involved anyone else, Bush would pronounce the sentence as “just’. Where is Bush speaking out on the travesty of Genarlow Wilson, still stuck behind bars in Georgia?? Oh, he is a poor black kid, tough shit. They are so above the law and so damn arrogant that Bush and any of his right wing nuts could attack a day care center and they’d pat themselves on the back for fighting the “war on Turrer” and eliminating a possible “Turrerist” training camp. They could suspend freedoms and liberties of speech, privacy and assembly, cornerstones of our democracy, and FOX news would cheer them on. Insanity.

Bush and his minions (I’ll go as far to include his supporters too) are immoral whores who have sucked the life out of our country and made a mockery of our democracy and institutions. At this point, even a moderate Republican President would be an improvement. Notice how few Repubs are running on Bush’s legacy and record. Those with any hope abandon his record, scattering like roaches. None of them could do the damage that this monstrous regime has done to this country

Thankfully, this unelected gaggle of clowns is drowning in the bullshit they have perpetuated. But at what price and is it too late?? They have pissed on the Constitution, stacked the Supreme Court with cronies, ruined our reputation in the world community, invaded a sovereign country and made personal and political gains at the expense of human lives.

We are for the worse because of it. My “Bush-o-meter” says 564 days left in office. I shudder at the damage that is as yet undone.

Bubbles

Here's to Beverly Sills, Diva, arts administrator, talk show host, Opera Ambassador who became more popular with Mr. and Mrs. America than any opera singer since Caruso. Beverly died Monday after a short battle with cancer at 78.

Critics were more ambivalent. Some found her lacking in vocal ability and inconsistent in her performances. My musical mentor Herb was not fond of her and always referred to her as “Beverly Shrills”. But the public loved her, and her recordings, especially of Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena”, “Maria Stuarda” and “Roberto Devereaux” are classics. Indeed these three scores were virtually owned by Sills in her lifetime.

Known throughout her life as “Bubbles” and born Belle Silverman, Sills came from a totally different background than many singers of her generation. Schooled in the US, experienced in “popular” singing (her mother fancied her as the next Shirley Temple); she did bring a freshness and lightheartedness to her roles. Whether at La Scala or the Met, at Sara Caldwell’s innovative Boston Opera or even hosting Johnny Carson’s Show, “Bubbles” spread her love of her art.

Her rise to the top was not easy. She fought for every role, was constantly rejected by the Met (for some reason Met Director Rudolf Bing did not like her), performed in smaller venues and more experimental companies and really did not achieve major success until the late 60s. Unfortunately by the time she was in demand with the Met and La Scala, her voice was getting shrill and inconsistent. She retired at 51.

But only from the stage, she began a stellar career as arts administrator, New York City Opera, Lincoln Center and as a final triumph, The Metropolitan Opera. Opera would not be as popular as it is without the tireless work of Beverly Sills. Maybe the critics were right; her voice was not the best of the century. But more than a voice, she was opera for a generation of Americans.

The Hero of The Duke Lacrosse Scandal

If there is anyone in the Duke Lacrosse scandal that has maintained their integrity it is Mike Pressler, the Lacrosse team coach forced to resign in the wake of the initial scandal.

The now notorious case cost him more than anyone except the now discredited "persecutor" Mike Nifong. Pressler’s season was canceled; he lost one of the most prestigious jobs in the sport and endured stinging and unfounded criticism from fellow faculty members way before the case was revealed to be total lie. Duke officials told him his job was safe, only to cave in to the hysteria created by minority and women groups, and betray him.

Now, coaching at small Division II, Bryant University in Rhode Island, Pressler has written a book about his experiences. Good for him, he deserves to make some money on this. The lawyers did, and the kid’s parents will for sure.

What impressed me the most was a NPR interview I heard this weekend. Pressler refused to criticize Duke, almost apologizing for their actions. He is not launching a multi-million dollar lawsuit like the families likely will do. He maintains he is Duke’s # fan.

The athletic director at Bryant University had this to say about Pressler:

"He was very honest and forthcoming with us about the situation. To his credit, he was always a gentleman and said nothing but positive things about Duke University.”

Again note, this was before the news that the whole affair was a bunch of lies and manipulations by the now disbarred and dishonored Nifong.

The athletes and students at Bryant have a true hero and role model in their midst. In this world of revenge, lawsuits and passing the blame, Pressler admits where he was wrong (he did admit his students had some issues with drinking and behavior, but he did address the issues. These are adults for god sake, they have some responsibility on their own) and refused to blame everyone else for what happened. It happened, it is done, we’ll move on.

Mike Pressler: a true man, a true hero, a winner in the long run.

Saturday NO Pancake Musings

No pancakes today, I was bad last night with Steve M and Steve C and ate a big fat hamburger at Sharps. French fries too, and chips and spinach dip. So this AM was fake eggs and some fruit. But I am in a museful mood anyway:

1) Damn I am sick of rain..rain and then more rain. Did I say rain? It started on Wednesday, keeping a lot of the boys away from our happy hour at Bistro 303. Then Thursday it continued all day and night. Nothing stormy, just constant. Then Friday was much of the same. And now this AM. Puggles is threatening to move the Palace to the desert so she can go out and not have the hot boiling acid (she does not like rain) falling from the sky touch her Royal Fur. Supposed to rain all day today as well. So much for a fun weekend. I was not going to have one anyway.

2) Was disturbed this morning at about 4AM by a gunshot. Welcome to Midtown. Did I bother to investigate. No, I was happy I was not in front of a window.

3) What I am listening to: Tveitt Prillar and Sun God Symphony Geirr Tveitt was a Norwegian composer, of the 20th century Romantic school. His works are tuneful and often based on Norwegian folk tunes and legends. Fun stuff, not revolutionary but tuneful, approachable and fun.

4) What I just bought: Stravinsky Works What a bargain. 22 discs for $37. about $1.68 a disc. This is all the Stravinsky conducted and supervised Columbia recordings. I have some of them but just gems like "The Rake's Progress", some of the smaller works and "Oedipus Rex" alone would cost $37 at full price. Unfortunately, it seems to be an import and thus will take 4-6 weeks to get here. Things may be quite different by then.

Ya never know.

5) Our church holds out hope for our new pastor who starts tomorrow. The last one was a nice lady, meant well but was a lousy preacher and leader. Our services were a mess, attendance dwindled. I even left one Sunday before it was over as a fellow was droning on and on and on and on. It was meaningless. Much like her sermons as well, and the new Baptist-tinged service, with all the praise singing and crap.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

There Is Hope Yet

This NY Times article provides a glimmer of hope for the future. Instead of welfare for the rich, unelected emperors, right wing theocracy and nose thumbing foreign policy, we may have more reasonable governments in the future.

By a 52 to 36 majority, young Americans (under 30) say that Democrats, rather than Republicans, come closer to sharing their moral values, while 58 percent said they had a favorable view of the Democratic Party, and 38 percent said they had a favorable view of Republicans. I can attest that both of my under 30 kids are pretty liberal Democrats. Thankfully.

The pendulum of political orientation swings periodically and basically the conservatives have held sway since the late 70's. I remember some of the early politically active students in my class began to turn Republican. It was scary, since what I saw was that they partied, used drugs, screwed anything that walked, yet were "conservative". It was Republican hypocrisy in its infancy. Pursuit of the job and the dollar and the big time began to consume a generation. The "Me First" world was born.

The rest of the world has progressed socially and economically and especially educationally and the US has fallen behind. Fast. But the damage has been done, they feel that they will be worse off than their parents. Probably true as the parents have largely destroyed the world. The house of cards built on cheap credit and high powered jobs is collapsing.

But hope springs eternal, maybe this generation will be more reasonable... and liberal. It seems more than hope, it may just be reality.

NYT Young Americans Leaning Left

A Revolutionary Passes

No not Castro, or Daniel Ortega, not that kind of revolutionary.. Liz Claiborne has passed at age 78 it was announced today. She was 78.

She founded her namesake company in 1976 along with her husband and another partner. Their goal was to create fashions aimed at the growing number of women entering the work force. Women with disposable income, but needing stylish, yet practical clothes. The fashions were bought in department stores and shops, not exclusive boutiques. The clothes became an instant hit, revolutionized how women's clothes were sold and marketed and made Liz rich. In 1985, Liz Claiborne became the first company founded by a woman to be listed in the Fortune 500.
Liz Claiborne retired from the day-to-day operations in 1989. Yet her company had $5billion in sales last year.

Even Miss Puggles has a Liz Claiborne collar. Suitable for Queens.

This Just In

Two News worthy items to share:

FIRST 787 Complete shot... Elvis has left the building.

Real Men Love Pugs is now available from www.Lulu.com This delightful photo book, by the wonderful Rona von Stein, features the guys from PugVillage and their pugs. Yes, HM and I are included!

Get your copy today. HM Commands you!

My Neighbor , Tammy Faye??

I heard a rumor from someone a while back, not sure from who now; Tammy Faye Messner (aka Tammy Faye Bakker, yes that Tammy Faye) was moving to the KC area. Specifically, the rumor was that her husband, a builder, had bought a lot in the exclusive gated community of Loch Lloyd, a few miles south of the city. Loch Lloyd is a bucolic area, huge lots on rolling hills with a lake surrounding a golf club. I have never been there, but told it is quite nice. Nothing much more was said. I wondered why she'd come here. I thought she was a true southern fried girl. And does KC have enough make-up outlets?

It seems to be true, as she revealed this week that they are indeed moving to the KC area, but did not specify a location. The reason given is to be closer to her husband's family in Wichita. Now we have both of them here, as I believe Jim Bakker is living in Branson, along with all the other dead and washed up entertainers.

Tammy Faye is quite ill it seems, last I heard she was wracked with cancer and was down to less than 75lbs and dropping. The Doctors had stopped treatment, there was nothing more for them to do.

Of course, she and Jim were the center of the PTL scandal, one of the biggest news events of the 1980s and the biggest religious scandal since the Reformation. Jim and Tammy's televangelist empire came crashing down through greed, fraud and illicit affairs. I will never forget Tammy on TV as she was reacting to the guilty verdict singing...

"On Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand"

...mascara running, squeeky voice breaking. I can never hear that hymn without thinking of that moment, and shuddering.

As Tammy Faye separated from Bakker, she began to change a bit. Just a bit. She never lost her naive outlook on life. Everything was God's will to her, everything was God's gift. If she air-conditioned a dog house or bought a Rolls, it was God's gift for her faith and work. She honestly believed that. Even now, as she is sick and frail, she clings to that faith.

Oddly, she has a new audience and a new set of supporters. Her unlikely rise to gay icon arose from a popular documentary The Eyes of Tammy Faye, a biographical chronicle of her life. Narrated by RuPaul, it focused on her campy appeal and that sweet, almost childlike naivety. While still well, Tammy Faye appeared at several gay pride events with a message of forgiveness. More cynically, some have said she was exploiting the community, becoming another tragic diva to garner sympathy and adoration from gay men. A nouveau Judy Garland.

Seems we might be neighbors... well not really, Loch Lloyd is pretty far south of me. I doubt we will meet at the grocery store let alone at Missie B's. To me the verdict on her is still out. But at least we can watch it close up.

What Goes Around...

One is taught never to burn your bridges, but this one deserved to be burned. I used to work for these scum. Lured there by my former boss at Beverly who had also left that sinking ship and had landed in St Louis with this company. It looked good; an opportunity to turn around some disgusting nursing homes, get the cow out of the ditch so to speak. Free rein.

Was not to be, these criminal clowns had not a clue. Wrapped up in their own self aggrandizing and importance, they ignored the homes, the staff and any who had ideas to help. They took and took and took, never paid their bills. People would not work with me as I was told the bills had not been paid. But they went on with their Texas ways... their fucked up values. Does it surprise you that they are Republicans?

I stayed on as long as I could as I needed the job. It got worse as they struggled to keep their head above water yet maintain their charade. If anything good were to happen, it was their leadership and values that made it happen BULL FUCKING SHIT!

I got kicked out by the mentally ill witch they hired as a VP of HR out of Texas. Certifiably loony in my opinion, she did nothing but send email...in 6 weeks I got over 400. She got canned too I heard.

I called them the CATS, Crazy Ass Texans, it was a term that fit them well. They had a report for the big boss that was called the MEO Report (Maximum Expected Occupancy) or as he called it the "Meow Report"> I almost spit my coffee across the table when I heard that. I think after a while they knew I called them that, I didn't care.

Well I heard they are being sued and charged with negligence in their operations. Essentially stealing from the Government Medicaid and Medicare programs and not providing care.

You can read it here and judge for yourself. They better not ask me.

US Atty Sues Operator Of Nursing Homes

Sister Act

Ok, "Citizen Cane" maybe the best American movie; at least it always seems to win whenever the topic is voted upon, but in my humble opinion the best movie in ages is..."Sister Act".

Yes, that "Sister Act" the 1992 comedy movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Mary Wickes, and Harvey Keitel. I and Maggie the cat am I sitting for, watched it for the umpteenth time last night (not sure if Maggie had seen it before, but she seemed to enjoy it as long as her ear was being scratched.)

The comedic plot tells of a showgirl Deloris Van Cartier (Goldberg) who has go into police witness protection since her mob boss boyfriend (Keitel) decided to rub her out after she witnesses a murder he committed. To protect her, the police disguise her and put her in a convent, thus they dub her "Sister Mary Clarence".

She obviously does not fit in with the quiet, austere lifestyle of the convent and soon has the Mother Superior (Maggie Smith)at her wits end. Trying to keep her out of trouble, Mother Superior puts her in the convent's rather off-key and pathetic choir. Soon, Sister Mary Clarence has the choir swinging and singing like angels bringing large crowds to the rundown church. Despite the protests of the Mother Superior, she invigorates the convent, drags them out of their sheltered lives and into the rough but needy neighborhood. Her efforts draw a lot of attention, from TV crews and even from the Pope himself.

Being seen on TV and with the aid of a mole in the police department, Deloris' disguise is revealed and she is kidnapped along with a novice nun. The novice, Sister Mary Robert, escapes and informs the other nuns of what has happened. Never hack off a nun; they persuade the Mother Superior to rescue Deloris who has been taken back to Reno. Of course the nuns and the police save the day and thus, now back as Deloris Van Cartier, she leads the choir in a command performance for the Pope.

High drama, murder, music, nuns...what more could a film want? Great acting. You have Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith (Now Dame Maggie Smith) multiple Oscar and Emmy Winner, Oscar nominee Keitel as a goon (imagine that), the hilarious Kathy Najimy and the legendary Mary Wickes, veteran of Orson Welles Mercury Theatre and many classic films (Now Voyager, The Man Who Came to Dinner, White Christmas, Postcards From the Edge) and TV roles in the Lucy Show and the Love Boat.

I enjoy the movie every time I see it, know the plot and scenes by heart but it remains fresh and entertaining. Isn't that the sign of a great film?

Flip Flop

OK, the Republican Spin Doctors (read FOX News) portrayed John Kerry as a "flip-flopper". Remember? Yeah, who doesn't?

But do they kick the ass of Mitt Romney and his back and forth on gay marriage? Is he a liberal Republican or one of the far right ideologues??

Then along comes Michael Bloomberg who for the 2nd time is changing his party affiliation for political expediency. He was a Democrat for ages, changed to a Republican to avoid a nasty primary and thus have an easier time winning the mayoral race in New York City, and now is "unaffiliated" to mount what some say is a 3rd party race for President.

Come on man, if you can't stand for something then get out of politics. Both Bloomberg and Romney remind me of an old joke of a man and wife watching the election returns:

"Who is winning, George?"
"Our side Martha".
"which side is that?"
"The winning one, Martha".

I am sticking with a Democrat. Which one?? Hillary, of course...no Obama....

If they can do it...so can I.

Headgear

I have quite a collection of ball caps I noted this morning as I contemplated them hanging behind the door. 2 red ones, 1 from Alaska, 1 "Jazoo 2006", 2 University of Illinois caps, 1 leather one, 1 "Pelican Eyes" from Nicaragua, and 1 "Heartland Men's Chorus" cap. A couple of years ago I had none. Only the advent of my hair loss have I covered my head with a cap. It is a part of my uniform now, I go nowhere with out one, except when wearing dress clothes and at church. I feel odd then, as if I have my pants unzipped or my shirt wrong side out and everyone notices but me. Hair loss is one of the hazards of being male, creating jealousy towards those whose genes allow them to keep it.

In my younger, more vulnerable days (thanks for that wonderful phrase F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The Great Gatsby") I used to say I'd shoot myself if I lost my hair. This was said when I had a tangled mess of darker, thicker hair. So instead of shooting myself, I collect ball caps. A lot less messy. It does create a moments hesitation in the morning as I have to coordinate another color, which one to choose? Which fits my mood? Which one do I not care if it gets a bit dirty? Sigh.....more decisions to make.

For the record, the Alaska one is the choice today, co-ordinates with my shorts.

Wondermark

My faithful reader and long time friend Zaine turned me on to this comic strip. Wondermark combines amusing current social commentary and old English settings, right out of Dickens.

Wondermark

Suddenly It's Rust

The 1957 Plymouth time capsule did not go well.... The capsule was not sealed sufficiently to keep water out and thus the 1957 Plymouth is a piece of rust. It would have been better to keep it outside for 50 years. Oh well... apparently someone else buried a 1997 Plymouth Prowler to be unearthed in 2047. See if that fares better.

Suddenly it is 2007

To celebrate Oklahoma's 50 years of statehood in 1957, the city of Tulsa buried a brand new 1957 Plymouth Belvedere 2 door hardtop, the epitome of then current auto style, in a sealed time capsule. Today, after 50 years under the sidewalk in front of the Court House and in celebration of 100 years of statehood, the car will see the light of day again.

But workers found the car sitting in water,looking much like chocolate milk, filling the concrete vault that was billed strong enough to withstand a nuclear attack. The car was wrapped in bags and rust protectors but as I write it was not clear in what shape the car is in. Buried with the car was 10 gallons of gas and some oil, in case there was none left in 2007. Also symbolizing 1957: a case of beer, and the contents of a woman's handbag: 14 bobby pins, a bottle of tranquilizers, a lipstick, a pack of gum, tissues, a pack of cigarettes, matches and $2.43.

People back then could enter the contest to guess the actual population of Tulsa in 2007, the winner gets the car...if they want it.

The 1957 Plymouth was a styling sensation, the sleek lines, the slim top, the soaring fins were not seen before on a "low priced three" car. The ads read "Suddenly it is 1960" that was how long the Ford and GM would have to take to catch up. Plymouth was the talk of Detroit, an inspiration to stylists for years. Who would have thought that in 50 years, Plymouth would be gone from the ranks of automakers?

But suddenly it is 2007... want to guess if it is a rusted hulk or in decent shape??? Stay tuned.

Various and Sundry

A now disappeared friend Jim always bristled at the term various and sundry, as it was redundant. I used it frequently to annoy him. So for Jim (where are you??) here are some various and sundry:

1) I am a hero to some of the local homeless. I save my plastic grocery bags and send them along with Mrs F who works for a local agency. Her clients use them to carry their possessions as they bounce from place to place. As I was walking HM in Mill Creek Park a few days ago, I spied a man who appeared to be a street person, carrying various and sundry items (could not resist)in a Westlake's Hardware bag. I am sure it was mine.

The clients sent, through Mrs F., a sweet thank you note to me for the bags. Amazing that a simple act can have such results.

2) I am babysitting a pussy, even sleeping with her. (!) No not that kind, the last one of the human variety still causes me grief. While Gerry is out of the country, I am watching Maggie, short for Magnificat, his 14 year old spoiled kitty. She was found abandoned on a cathedral door step in San Fransisco, thus the name. She took the name to heart and generally feels she is magnificent. She is. Don't tell HM I am sleeping around with a pussy, she'll disown me.

3) Daniel's band Witch's Hat can now be found on iTunes. You can search for it under the name of the bad or the album title "Mastery of the Steel".

4) My friend Bruce in Chicago was bitching about Windows Vista on his new computer. Does anyone like it???

5) Bravo to the Massachusetts legislature for turning back a bill to force a vote on gay marriage. When will the right wing hate mongers realize that the people have spoken already??

Riding the Rails

I had to go to Jefferson City, my old place of residence, for some unpleasant and totally ludicrous family business. As gas prices are sky high and the Queen Mary is not reliable, I decided to take advantage of some wonderful fares ($40 round trip) on our rail system Amtrak. I had not taken the rails for a while and the prospect of a pleasant Sunday PM trek along the river in the train seemed a great idea. I could do my crap in JC and have plenty of time to be at the station and back here in KC around 10:30PM.

The whole sorry state of affairs with the US passenger rail system made this more of a nightmare than a pleasant journey.

You see a different world by rail, you see the back side and the back lots of the city... trash piles, broken machines, junk cars, abandoned and tattooed with graffiti. The seldom seen underbelly of the city is in full view as we glide below the well lit and clean streets and highways. You also see the full vista of the countryside, the fields, rivers and trees at eye level.

We were a varied lot on Amtrak 314 the "Ann Rutledge" (Ann Rutledge was Abraham Lincoln's true love...or so it is said), white, black, rich, poor, young, old. A couple and their young son were on his first train ride in from suburban Lee's Summit. Some were going home, some on business, some pleasure. Ann was a comfortable train, the seats wide, the leg room generous. Not being full, one could spread out, unlike the flying tubes in the air.

We left right on time from the huge stone edifice that is KC Union Station. Once seeing many trains a day, only two or three come by now. Our progress was measured in fits and starts due to the wretched policy of the US rail system. Amtrak is a bastard, no one wants him, but they can't get rid of him. So he is tolerated, but certainly not given a prominent place at the table. So the big boys, the freight, get the right of way and the priority. Passengers wait. And wait. To bad as the comfortable, friendly and definitely less stressful train is a good way to travel.

Recent rain made the fields and forests green and lush. The rivers and streams running full. The corn will definitely be knee high by the 4th of July, my Grandma's cue that the growing season was progressing well.

Around Tipton MO, we ran into our biggest road block. 3 trains west bound and us east bound trying to use a single track. We pulled off and let them by. We sat and sat and sat. One of the westbound trains pulled along side, and I got to examine Union Pacific Locomotive # 7002 close up for a long time, especially the MU jumper panel whatever that is. Finally moving, the setting sun cast a red/gold glow on the new California, MO high school building, familiar from all my trips up and down Highway 50. Getting closer, we were about 20 miles away..but creeping along at maybe 25-30 MPH. The 7:33PM arrival time was now 9PM. We arrived and I walked the couple blocks to the hotel. Damn. There is nothing deader than downtown Jefferson City on a Sunday.

The trip back was much the same. A similar delay. The 10:30PM arrival slipped to past midnight. On Sun, the buses stop at midnight so I had to take a cab home.

Will I ride the rails again soon> Not if I can help it. Despite the roomy seats, pleasant staff, clean trains, and the ability to see at eye level, the delays are pandemic. If it is not reliable, it is not worth it. The trip would have taken me 5 hours total round trip at most by car. I could have left at 10AM Monday did my hour of business at 1;30 and been back home by supper.

Sad.

Kansas City Symphony: Brahms and Bartok

"Can they bring a dog in here? What if she starts to howl??" The lady asked to whomever was listening as she noted a patron with his guide dog. I didn't respond directly, but whispered to my friend that the dog would likely be more quiet than many of the human patrons. Indeed, the only "howls" I heard were the bravos and cheers accorded to the performance of the Kansas City Symphony last evening.

This was a concert where everything "clicked". Great orchestral playing, sterling leadership, outstanding solo performance and wonderful repertoire. Opening was Brahms' autumnal Piano Concerto # 2 with Marc-Andre Hamelin. The concert concluded with the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra.

The Late Kurt Vonnegut quipped that a friend complained that a long, slow moving novel "felt like it was written by someone named Philboyd Studge." Too many performances of Brahms' compositions elicit that response for me. There was certainly no evidence of Philboyd in this performance. Hamelin and Stern brought the music to life in a refreshing, frequently muscular but always lyrical and satisfying performance.

Plenty of detail and amazing but never self serving technique from Hamelin illuminated but never thwarted the force-of-nature-like forward movement of the long first movement. The opening horn solo was spot on, well intoned and utterly beautiful, showcasing how Stern's orchestra building program is progressing. A few seasons ago, that solo would likely have caused the dog to howl, or get up and leave.

The demanding scherzo was always energetic, never frenzied yet passionate. Here Hamelin's incredible technique served the music well as his tone and power were well balanced with the orchestral forces. The slow movement was nothing but transcendent, a prayerful offering, well paced and never dragging. The opening cello melody was appropriately reflective and singing. Superb.

I have always felt the last movement was somewhat of a let-down. Strangely out of place and just not satisfying as a finale to this mammoth work. Again a more muscular and powerful reading with the piano part more staccato than I am used to; but it worked. Instead of another scherzo movement, we got an impeccably controlled, satisfying conclusion.

Stern's attention to detail and orchestral color and the Symphony's complete engagement in the score and response to his demands combined for a most satisfying performance of Bartok's masterpiece. A beautifully turned reading of the first movement, with the brass well balanced and polished in their fugue (remember when I always cringed when I mentioned the KCS Brass)and a powerful coda, revealed that we were in for a special performance that could hold its own to any.

In the second movement, all of the various duos came off splendidly; a true "Game of Pairs". The dark Elegy reminded us that this work was written in a time of great despair for both the world and for Bartok personally. One felt the loneliness of exile and the anguish of a world in flames, while the music never bogged down in the process. The interruption of the Intermezzo was appropriately raucous with a sneering clarinet and highlighted by some wonderfully juicy trombone glissandos. The transition back to the soft, paprika tinged, main theme was well handled and natural.

Stern took the finale at a brisk tempo, yet the attention to detail never let the many fugal entries or contrapuntal lines be swallowed by the tempo. This performance offered masterful musicianship and that seldom seen spark of passion from players who know they are participating in something special.

To watch the orchestra reach new heights, to not fear the repertoire but rejoice in it has brought new acclaim and fortune to the orchestra. We here are reveling in it.

See you next season.

Saturday Pancake Musings

Yes, the pancakes are back... only 2 and smaller (still made with Aunt Jemima Complete, the best I have found) and with sugar free syrup. But with a small dab of real butter (local made organic) dammit!

1) Is it not amazing... the most trivial person in the world, Paris Hilton (when I used to get Spam email offering the Paris Hilton sex tape, I thought it was an orgy at a hotel in France....maybe it was)in a most trivial legal case could start a legal battle with national implications, setting out the bounds of the authority of the judge and the corrections/jail system.

She even usurped the news that homophobe Peter Pace, who has overseen the disaster in Iraq was replaced. Live coverage of the Second Coming would be interrupted to cover Paris' first breakfast in jail.

2) Speaking of Iraq, I saw an article that argued that Bush's legacy may be better than we think, as he will be remembered for tackling terrorism.

That is if he wins. And the battle is going badly. I think few civilized people would not agree that terrorism is a major menace in the world today. My main argument with Bushie is that he is going about it the wrong way. You can't fight this menace like you fought Hitler. This is centuries of animosity, this is a mega clash of culture and belief systems. Worse, the problem is more like a Jerry Springer Show battle between a huge dysfunctional, fractured family of Jews, Christians and Moslems, all believing their way is right. We need Dr Phil more than we need more bombs and soldiers.

3) The Kansas City Star's persnickety music critic liked the performance last night. I am going tonight, look for my review likely tomorrow. KCS Bartok and Brahms

Pancakes were YUMMY!

Check Your Brains at the Door

Read this and see why our government has doomed us.

Bill Mc Clellan 6/8/07

Do you fucking check your brains when you work for the Government?? Well, I used to and I didn't and failed miserably. So did my friend Jerry, who left the Feds after deciding that it was a waste of time. I remember him calling me once in summer and saying he had not yet accomplished a thing for the whole year. "Everything is on my boss' desk for approval and he has not done so yet. I, by law, can not go forward with out his approval.. so here I sit", he lamented.

Someone, PLEASE have the guts to say "this girl is a female and make the goddamn change NOW!"

I'll do it if you'd hire me.

Language Barrier

Here at lovely Faulty Towers, we have several contractors to supply services such as lawn and garden, painting, and of course the contractors for the new unit. As is expected in this day and age, many of them are Mexican. Therein lies a problem. We have a language barrier.

Interesting thing though... I speak and understand Spanish pretty well after 7 years of visiting and working in Nicaragua. So...why a language barrier? Simple I am a prick. I refuse to speak Spanish to them.

I spend a lot of time in Central America, I have also been to several other countries in Europe and Asia. I always tried to learn a bit of the native tongue, even if I was there for a day or two. When I go to Nicaragua, I do not expect the natives to learn English for me or to have everything translated for me.

They do here.

I harbor some desire to live in Nicaragua, whether that will ever come to pass is debatable. But if I do, I will certainly learn and use Spanish as my main tongue so I can conduct my commerce and know what is going on around me. I DO NOT expect the Nicaraguans to provide me everything I need in English. Never would. If one knows English and wants to speak to me in my native tongue, so be it. If not, then I am the loser.

For some reason, many from Mexico and Central America vilify the USA, but risk dying to get here. And then expect me to adapt to their ways. I am certainly not a right wing extremist on this issue, but I do feel the ancient advice of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" is solid policy yet today. But with the guilt many US citizens have over something and the threat of lawsuits, we make sure someone from any country never has to learn English.

They miss out on a lot. As I do in Nicaragua when my mediocre Spanish fails me.

So when the workers are here and need direction, I speak English to them, point a lot and demonstrate a lot. Maybe they will pick up some words, like I have when I am in Nicaragua. I don't think this is racist or anything like that, just common sense. And a sincere attempt to break the language barrier.

Missouri Going Backwards. Surprised??

Note while many places in the US progress towards a normal and healthy respect for sex education, Missouri and Boy Gov Blunt (who must still think his kid Branch {stupid name}came from some cabbage patch) go in the opposite direction.

This article in the Detroit Free Press says it all:

Sex Ed Landscape Changing

Let's hope Mattie is out of office before he discovers what his dick is for.

FIRE!

Not here, but in the home of my dear friend (friend is an inadequate word) Greg's villa in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua. My friends Dan and Cesar were living in part of the house long term. Thankfully no one, not even Dan and Cesar's cat, was seriously injured.

Dan and Cesar have some incredible pictures here on their site www.Dancesar.com

Greg is taking it quite calmly, and I just found out about it this evening while reading some Nicaragua blogs and forums. I called him before I knew it was his house. "What's this about a fire at Pelican Eyes??" I asked... "Oh shit..." as it hit me as I read the web forum that it was at his house.

Fully insured and I hope that it will be all done by the time I go there this Thanksgiving.

Kansas City Symphony: Emmanuel Pahud Flute

"Wow"! Said the ticket taker(is there a more technical term for that job??) at the Lyric Theatre last night, "Director Circle row A seats 9 and 10, best ones in the house! Enjoy!!"

Thanks to the generous donor of the tickets, I did certainly enjoy the Kansas City Symphony's penultimate concert of the season, featuring Emmanuel Pahud on flute.

Opening was Prokofiev's familiar and popular Symphony # 1 "Classical". Written in 1917 but formally more like 1817, this bubbly, tune filled standard can sound perfunctory, like a parody of 2nd class Haydn, if the director is not careful. Certainly not the case last night, as this was far from a routine performance. This was brilliant playing; the clear, bright texture and balance bringing out the Russian humor and color along with Haydn's formal clarity. I heard details that I had never heard before, most notably a wonderful antiphonal passage between the first violins and violas in the Larghetto. The wonderful clarity brought out some of the more acerbic harmonies as well, giving the piece a deliciously spicy flavor. The winds and strings were beyond reproach, the prominent bassoon parts admirably executed by Ann Bilderback, were a highlight. Revelatory would be my final assessment.

Emmanuel Pahud has been anointed successor to Jean-Pierre Rampal and James Galway (in fact as was Galway, he served as principal flute of the Berlin Philharmonic)as the reigning flute virtuoso. Pahud's tone is huge and strong, able to project above just about anything the orchestra throws at him. Last night's performance of Ibert's witty, jazzy Flute Concerto was stunning, virtuosic yet lyrical. The outer movements bubble along with jazzy nervous energy (think Roussel or Ravel's G minor Piano Concerto) contrasted with a Gallicly dry central Andante. The agile, though not large, orchestra kept busy, serving more as a protagonist than accompanist to the almost continuous flute solo.

Pahud and the orchestra also turned in a beautiful and charming performance of Mozart's sweet Flute Concerto in G K313. Elegant and well paced, perfectly showcasing Pahud's lyrical abilities and warmth. The enthusiastic audience demanded an encore from Pahud, a sensuous, languorous Syrinx by Debussy.

One thing, the program notes' "For The Record" recommended recordings column states that Pahud had not recorded the Ibert Concerto. Actually he has, in 2003 with Zinman on EMI coupled with Rampal's flute transcription of Khachaturian's Violin Concerto.

I adore Debussy's La Mer. Introduced to it as a teen, I was immediately drawn in to Debussy's nautical soundscape. Unfortunately, land locked Midwest born and bred, I had only a lake or two to satisfy my love of the water. La Mer transported me to the wild and vast ocean, giving me a taste of a sailing life. I vividly remember my first sailing adventure in the Pacific in 2000. I hummed the main theme of the "Dialogue du vent et de la mer" while basking in the glory of the deep blue water and the vast white sails.

That aside, the performance last night was simply superb. Noted especially was the colorful and solid contributions of the brass. Long the weakest link in the symphony, the brass were in control, never overwhelming and tonally spot-on. I asked Maestro Stern one morning as I met him in the hall of our building if he was going to use the cornets in "La Mer". "Of course!" he replied, I later apologized for asking such a stupid question. The subtle use of the cornet was pointed out to me by the person who introduced me to La Mer years ago. "A performance without them is simply just not the same, avoid them", Herb admonished. Their bright, brassy sound, as used in some of the climaxes, indeed provides a satisfying coarsening of the texture that adds to the drama. The strings and winds provided a misty, fluid feeling,contributing to the overall success of the performance.

Colorful, moving, detailed with out being fussy, this performance rivaled any that a major orchestra could do. The KCS simply reaches new heights with every performance.

Next week's season finale: Bartok Concerto for Orchestra and Brahms celebrated Piano Concerto # 2 with Marc-Andre Hamelin.

Sugar Shack: A Diabetic's Rant on Grocery Shopping

As I round the corner on six months being diabetic, I have had to make some profound changes in my eating habits. It has mostly been for the good; I have lost a few pounds and my blood glucose levels are better, often within normal range. I have continued to exercise, and between meal snacks are fewer now. Breakfast is a new concept for me, and I am tolerating eating eggs (well, egg beaters actually) as long as they are disguised with lots of hot sauce, onions and green peppers and such. Even turkey bacon is tolerable.

It is shopping that is the main pain. Grocery shopping, once fun and exciting, is now reduced to totally skipping the bakery section (carbohydrates=evil) and reading labels.

It takes forever, since most processed food is off limits. Sugar and carbs are everywhere. We are definitely a society hooked on sugar. When a simple bottle of sauce says it has 15 g of sugar you have to remember that is for like 1-2 tablespoons of sauce. Most of us rarely use just 1-2 tablespoons of anything.

I had no food in the house last night, and was tired of eating out (another bother that I just won't touch in this rant)so I went shopping. The shoppers at Sun Fresh know to stay away from me, as I will meander slowly down each isle blocking the paths. I am reading each label, looking carefully at the carbs and sugars and the serving sizes. Are there sugar free or fat free alternatives smaller sizes, low sodium versions?? Usually there are, but taste-free is a better description.

I could not decide what I wanted. (A note here, I am a "European style" shopper, I make multiple trips to the market buying enough for 1-2 meals at a time. Whenever I load up, I soon realize I didn't want the stuff in the first place or it is frozen and thus a hassle to make, so I go out.) Pork chops looked good, but plain? Nah! Sweet and Sour pork chops. Bottled sweet and sour sauce?? Hyperglycemia here I come! Might as well eat a bag of C&H. OH look! Sugar free pudding snacks. $1 for a 3 pack. Snack time taken care of! Low carbs and not a lot of fat either.

Good. Up and down the isles, looking... reading... 1 hour later, still no dinner. I was ready to chuck the cart and head to Taco Bell. Ok you can do this. Pork chops, look good, on sale, you have a Jenn-Air grill stove so you can grill them, less fat that way, boneless, no waste. You have some fresh squash from the farmer's market (I adore yellow squash) that can be grilled too, no fat there. Salad is good, the nutritionist said more vegetables than protein or starch, so there is lots of vegetables, the fat free ranch dressing is tolerable, with lots of pepper. Dessert can be one of the pudding cups, GET AWAY from the rice... (Rice-aholic here)not today, you had a bit of rice for lunch, so none tonight (glad I am not Chinese). Finally I headed home. I hated what I had bought. Buyer's remorse.

It wasn't bad. The pork chop and squash was great, the salad with the tasteless dressing was 1/2 eaten (longing for blu cheese) the pudding cup surprising. It filled the need.

It is so much easier, especially for a single person, to go eat out (no dishes to do) or carry out. But that is what got me into this mess, along with genetics, so I have to curtail my desires. I guess I have to live longer so people have me to punch around.

Being unhealthy is so much easier. No wonder we all are.

Bistro 303

A minister told a story that I actually remember. Illustrating what I do not recall, but I do remember the story. He came across the papers and records of a deceased relative that he did not know all that well. Finding the man's checkbook register, he discovered all kinds of things about him; what he liked, events in his life, kids in school, new car, birthdays etc. He learned more about that man looking at that one document than he did anything else he found.

If you looked at my checkbook, you would not see much, I write few checks. But look at my bank statements and my Visa Check Card and all that and you would wonder what Bistro 303 is all about. I have lots of "checks" to them.

Bistro 303 is the closest thing to a neighborhood bar and restaurant that I have ever known. Friendly staff, good food, good drinks; a place where everyone does know your name. Some of the patrons can be a bit surly, some of the more pretentious A-gay folks like to call it home as well. But I do not let them bother me, we just talk about them as they talk about us.

Owners Gene and Jeffrey greet their patrons, join them in a conversation or a drink yet keep the service going. Whether Sunday brunch, weekday dinner, evening happy hour (look for me there every Wednesday 5:15-7 or thereabouts)Bistro 303 always has an interesting crowd. Late night, it is packed and noisy as any bar, before 9PM, the dinner crowd is more genteel.

Sunday brunch is always excellent, the menu changes occasionally. I especially enjoy the wonderful andouille sausage as a side and the always tasty quiche. I, and other patrons, find the biscuits and gravy bland. A few mimosas, the sausage and quiche and I am happy.

Dinner and small plates change more frequently. Enjoy the unusual asparagus flan while you can. More of a souffle than a flan, it is quite tasty and topped with wild mushrooms, most unique. Their fish and chips small plate appetizer is also delightful, never greasy and a crisp, light batter. Outside of the bland gravy described above, I have never had a bad meal at 303.

The bar is well stocked, and even keeps a supply of my favorite Finlandia Mango vodka for me. The drinks are always well made and good sized, reasonable priced for a high end gay bar.

And there lies the question. Is 303 a gay bar, a gay restaurant, a neighborhood bistro, an upscale adventurous restaurant? Frankly, it is all of the above.

Bistro 303
303 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 753-2303

Pato Update

Pato is preparing a major policy rant, I have not had one for a long time. This one is taking shape slowly, but will be up soon. Stay tuned.

I have been busy and the Towers nuts as usual. Complicating matters is that I am constantly tired, must be the medications or something. Not sure what that is all about. I thought you were supposed to get tired when, as a diabetic, you got hypoglycemic or low blood glucose. I get tired when I am normal. Who knows.

Anyway, some shameless self advertising here are some links to some Ebay items I am selling for a friend in Texas. He does nice leather work but has no internet access. So I am willing to help.

LEATHER KEY CHAINS

LEATHER WALLET

HAPPY LOOKING!

Dad and Pug

I am too lazy to blog something serious, profound or even readable today so here is a pic of your's truly and Her Majesty on Memorial Day:




A rare view of me without my trusty ball cap as well.

May 25, 1977

It is a phenomenon of the human mind that we remember incredible details surrounding important or tragic events.

I was in Mrs. Cadle's first grade class when a strange bell rang.. "Class", she said, "this is a signal for an emergency or special announcement" as she quickly left us to destroy the classroom. She returned shortly, tears in her eyes to announce that someone had killed President Kennedy. November 22, 1963.

As a 12 year old, I came down the short set of stairs leading from my bedroom, late in the evening to stand next to the couch with my parents watching Neil Armstrong set foot on the Moon. July 20, 1969.

I was at my desk at the Missouri Department of Mental Health Personnel Office (as we called it then) when Dr Ed Bode announced that the Space Shuttle Challenger had exploded. January 28, 1986.

May 25, 1977, 30 years ago, I remember another more pleasant event. Steve and Val his girlfriend, John and Sara and Lori Anne and I stood in a huge line for 3 hours at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, IL to get tickets to see the movie that was hyped to the gills, Star Wars.

Damn what a show. The huge audience gasped at the sight of the text crawl at the beginning, forever etching the words "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" into our lexicon, floating almost 3-D across the screen. Ooohs and ahhs from the mostly college kid crowd greeted the huge life like and almost life size space ships. From those of us who were reared on the obviously wobbly model of the Starship Enterprise, it looked real. The life like, believable aliens, the stirring music, the incredible, deafening Dolby sound, the action, the lovable droids.. we were in a fabulous new world.

It was billed as the first of set of films and true to his word, George Lucas finished 6 Star Wars features, the last in 2005. The first 3, actually the last 3 of the sextet, were finished in quick order "A New Hope" 1977, "The Empire Strikes Back" 1980 and "Return of the Jedi" 1983. It took 16 years for the first of the pre-quel episodes "The Phantom Menace" 1999 to appear. The last, "Revenge of the Stith" actually # 3, premiered just two years ago.

Basically Episodes I, II, and III chronicle the downfall of the Old Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire. It is also the story of Anakin Skywalker, rising as a gifted young Jedi and eventually transforming into Darth Vader via the Dark Side of the Force.

Episodes IV, V and VI chronicle the Galactic Civil War, a lengthy conflict in which the Galactic Empire falls to the Rebel Alliance. These films follow the story of Luke Skywalker, the son of Anakin Skywalker (now Darth Vader), and his rise in the rebellion against the Empire.

No doubt the movie changed the world of entertainment for two generations. I took my kids to see the original when it was re-released to the big screen a few years ago. Still exciting and fresh, but years of technology advances had taken the edge off the complex special effects. For my kids, it was nothing new, so last year. I am not sure if they captured the same feeling I did almost 20 years before, but to me everyone who love the stories and cinematography must see them on the big silver screen.

Maybe a grade suffered, a class or two skipped (it was a Wednesday), money lost from not working, or I missed out on finding a million dollars under some tree, but I am glad I spent 3 hours waiting in line that May afternoon. It was worth the memory.

Kansas City Symphony: Thursday Bon Bons

The Kansas City Symphony rewarded their volunteers, donors and contributors with an invitation only Contributors' Concert last night at the Lyric Theatre. From the crowded lobby and lines for food and drink at the reception, everyone in Kansas City has had something to do with the Symphony this year.

The concert itself was a light affair but 100% enjoyable. An appropriate curtain raiser was a rousing and sparkling "Forza del Destino" overture by Verdi. The brass have certainly come a long way as their dramatic clarion calls were solid and forceful, as the force of destiny should be.

Associate Conductor Damon Gupton led a fine performance of Beethoven's "Creatures of Prometheus" overture. Ending his first season as Associate, Maestro Damon showed the large audience that he is a fine conductor with a commanding presence.

Next was Christina Yuen, winner of the KC Young Artists Competition playing the first movement of the Saint-Saens Piano # 2 again with Gupton conducting. I had heard her perform the same piece at an earlier concert and this one was about the same. Fabulous technique for 14 years old, maturity will bring more nuance and ability to communicate. She certainly has the potential.

For me the highlight was the wonderfully turned, dramatic, fun and exciting Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story". Bernstein's finest music bar none (it is said that he spent the rest of his composing career trying to match it), the Symphonic Dances was pulled together from the dance scenes of the play by Bernstein in 1961. Many of the great tunes are featured (Maria, Somewhere, Jet Song, Rumble) in brilliant full orchestration, complete with finger snapping and shouts of "Rumble"!

The orchestra dug into this music; despite its "popular beginnings" it is not especially easy. The percussion was pointed and driving, the brass swung and the winds were sweetly in tune and beautifully hushed in the quiet, devastating finale. Some of the best ensemble playing I have heard from the symphony.

The final piece was Brahms Academic Festival Overture, which one patron found funny as hell. I guess she recognized the tunes. I rarely find Brahms funny, even when he is being "festive". I put aside my reservations about the piece and Brahms in general, and note a fine, well balanced and spirited performance.

We were treated to dessert: The Farandole from L'Arlesienne by Bizet.

Light fare, bon bons, whatever, it showed again that the Symphony is a force to be reckoned with and a major contributor to the life of the city.

BRAVO!

News From The Towers

The Towers has been buzzing!

1) The dungeon, the unfinished apt in the basement, is being redone. It is taking forever to get redone, but it is actually happening. A small unit, it is almost totally underground except for the north side which opens to a sunken courtyard. 1/2 of the courtyard is in dispute between the owners, so it will remain an unfinished, unsightly testimonial to utter stupidity and maliciousness. I hope it is done soon, it is making me weary.

2) We are getting a new hall AC unit installed. The old one, 26 yrs of service, finally bit the dust. The Powers of the Towers almost opted for repairing it, but smarter minds prevailed and a new one arrived this AM.

3)We had to have an old plumbing pipe replaced that was leaking and causing all sorts of havoc. The Plumbers thought it would be a day long project, but like everything here, it became complex and costly. $3,000 and 2 weeks later, it is done. Again, like the AC, it involved some of the original equipment, this time dating back to the building's construction in 1915. The pipe, encased in thick, hard English concrete and brick, was reluctant to come out, even in in it's rusty state. Jackhammers were called in to free it from the wall. Dust was everywhere, noise was deafening. But now the water flows unimpeded to all. We are happy.

4) Our hibiscus looks great!

Jerry Falwell Reaches Heaven

Who's Afraid of Big Bad GW?

Why is everyone so damn afraid of criticizing GW Bush? He is, in my opinion, a war criminal and a hypocritical, alcoholic idiot who has singlehandedly maimed the reputation of the US forever. He has led the country into an un-winnable war, lied about it, alienated everyone, worked tirelessly against the poor and gays and lesbians, reversed civil rights, stole two elections, made a sham of the Justice Department and allows his friends in big oil and industry to run rampant. He is a disaster, one of the worst, if not the worst Presidents ever.

Jimmy Carter, Nobel Prize winner, said so. In an interview in Arkansas he stated: "I think as far as the adverse impact on the nation around the world, this administration has been the worst in history." I would agree, so would many others.

But now it seems that Carter is backtracking, saying he was misunderstood. From what I saw, he was really quite clear. What happened, was he threatened by the Bushies? Did he want to be cordial and diplomatic to a fellow President? Bush wasn't. His minions dismissed Carter after the remarks as "increasingly irrelevant."

In response, Carter, the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner, said: "Well, I don't claim to have any relevancy. I have a completely unofficial capacity. The only thing I lead is the Carter Center."

What is relevant is that Bush has wounded and weakened America. And the opposition is too damn timid to care.

We'll be paying for this mess a loooooooong time.

Kansas City Symphony, Saint-Saens, Harbison and Prokofiev

I had to admit I had not heard of Larry Rachleff, who was featured as guest conductor of this weekend’s Kansas City Symphony. The program looked interesting with Harbison’s “Remembering Gatsby”, the Violin Concerto # 3 by Saint-Saens and selections from Prokofiev’s ballet “Romeo and Juliet” as fare.

Larry Rachleff, come to find out, is an active conductor and teacher. He is in his eleventh season as Music Director of the Rhode Island Symphony, he is Professor of Conducting and Music Director of Rice University’s Shepherd School Orchestras in Houston and also conducts the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, and is Music Director of the San Antonio Symphony. Not a particularly flashy conductor he certainly brought an element of superbly controlled energy to the orchestra’s sound. Again, the symphony was sounding better than ever.

The opening “Remembering Gatsby: Foxtrot for Orchestra” was well played and attractive. The work is derived from an opera based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece “The Great Gatsby”. The opera had a long gestation period and this piece actually predates the completed opera by about 15 years. The muted brass, jazzy winds and percussion evoke a1920's night club. Much like the hideous 1974 film of the Great Gatsby, all the pain and grit and biting satire inherent in this story have been glossed over. Not being real familiar with the piece, I can not compare it to other performances; however it was well played and enthusiastically received.

What is there not to like about Saint-Saens? Some may be inclined to dismiss the composer’s works; the music is hardly ever emotionally draining or deeply moving and rarely does it stretch the demands of the performers in a new way. Indeed discussion rages yet today on the merit of the man and his music. Yet it is always engaging, tuneful, charming, often exciting and in the concerti always technically demanding.

The 3rd Violin Concerto is the most often played of the 3 Saint-Saens wrote. Not particularly demanding, it is, however, full of melodic invention and expression. Jennifer Frautschi ably brought out this flow of melody; her violin singing above and weaving in and out of the orchestral texture. The orchestra was a thrilling accompanist, especially in the last movement with its gypsy tones and grand chorale. Frautschi is a wonderful and also quite adventurous violinist. Her album “Solovision” is a fascinating and varied program of solo violin works by Ysaye, Harbison, Bartok and Davidovsky. Worth looking for on the Artek label.

I have never really been attracted neither to Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” ballet nor to the music of the composer in general. This music, coming from one of his more successful scores, is always a crowd pleaser and familiar to many and thus a satisfying conclusion to the evening. Rachleff led an exciting performance with the Death of Tybalt being one of the more successful and engaging performances of the piece I have heard.

I do hope we get to hear more of this exciting and accomplished conductor.

Irish Joke

Pato is worn out, too much stress too much work, too much too much...so instead of an insightful piece about an obscure composer or a rant about the world, here is an Irish joke:

John O'Reilly hoisted his beer and said, "Here's to spending the rest of me life!, between the legs of me wife!"

That won him the top prize at the pub for the best toast of the night!

He went home and told his wife, Mary, "I won the prize for the Best toast of the night"

She said, "Aye, did ye now. And what was your toast?"

John said, "Here's to spending the rest of me life, sitting in church beside me wife."

"Oh, that is very nice indeed, John!" Mary said.

The next day, Mary ran into one of John's drinking buddies on the street corner. The man chuckled leeringly and said, "John won the prize the other night at the pub with a toast about you, Mary."

She said, "Aye, he told me, and I was a bit surprised myself. You know, he's only been there twice in the last four years. Once he fell asleep, and the other time I had to pull him by the ears to make him come."

The State of the Orchestra

How does one tell a symphony orchestra has made significant progress and improvements?

The world of the orchestra in the US is tenuous and mixed at best. Some orchestras are soaring with new music directors and appreciative audiences. Some, including some big names, languish and are stagnant. Others have failed.

Some measure success in ticket sales, financial health and endowments. Some look at ability to perform engaging programs. Maybe a new music director and musicians breathe life in the organization. Some point to the sound of the orchestra.

Kansas City is one that is making progress. There are lots of signs:

1) Last I heard ticket sales are up, season ticket holders are plentiful, and concerts are sold out or at least very full. I was out of town this weekend, but according to the review in the Star, approx 1,400 were in the audience for the Tchaikovsky 6th and Bernstein Chichester Psalms on Saturday. Not bad for a 1,500 seat theatre. It seems the orchestra is in good financial health as well. We do not seem to be in danger of falling off the edge this week...next week in this business is always a world away.

2) Kansas City Symphony programming has been excellent. Although some sneer and snipe at the "scratchy modern crap", it is true as the radio program says "all music was once new". We have heard everything from early Mozart, Rameau, Haydn and Handel up to Chen Yi and Ellen Taafe Zwillich. The level of soloists attracted has been impressive: Leon Fleisher, Yfrim Bronfman, Roberto Diaz, Michelle De Young, Yo Yo Ma, Joseph Kalichstein, Emmanuel Pahud and soon Joshua Bell and Marc-Andre Hamelin. It used to be Symphonies like KC relied on engaging the winner of the Miss Jones' School of Violin recital champion as soloist. Kansas City can attract the caliber of soloists as the big boys do.

3) Leadership is essential. It appears to me that Michael Stern has lit a fire under the orchestra. The enthusiasm is palpable, the playing improved. Stern has attracted new players, adding to an already strong team. The winds and strings are excellent and the somewhat untamed brass is on the mend. Stern is also visible and personable; a natural in front of an audience. He is also well known nationally and internationally, adding to the orchestra’s respect and position.

4) The Symphony made a new commercial recording, the first in a long time. Available world wide on the Naxos label, the Gordon Chin “Double Concerto” and “Formosa Seasons” was well received. Hopefully more are on the horizon.

But above all, our musical letter carrier Paul was most enthusiastic about the state of our Orchestra. “Somebody is doing something right”, he mused, “I can actually hear the violas now”.

That is quite an achievement!

So Long Jerry Falwell

Televangelist, Moral Majority founder, Republican power broker and hater of anyone Gay, Jerry Falwell died this AM shortly after being found unconscious in his office at Liberty University. He was 73.

Ron Godwin, Executive VP of the University said Falwell was found unresponsive around 10:45 a.m. and taken to Lynchburg General Hospital. According to Godwin, "CPR efforts were unsuccessful". Godwin said he was not sure what caused the collapse, but he said Falwell "has a history of heart challenges". Probably because he was grossly obese... or didn't have a heart.

I, imagine that, do not deeply mourn his death. For someone who caused so much grief, hatred, death and destruction in the name of being "holy" or "moral", tears are hard to find here. I do feel for his family, I am sure he was loved.

So no candles, no prayers, no flowers from He would not have expected that from me.

Taxi!!!

I have been a passenger in a taxicab more this past weekend than I have in the past 7 years. The Queen Mary is fragile right now, her universal joints about to break. Thus I am loathe to take her too far, not wanting to risk her dropping her guts in the middle of I-35, leading to complications I do not want to face. Thus for my trip to St Louis and a previous night on the town, I hailed a cab.

I wish they were not so freaking expensive, I spent enough to buy a cab or two, as I really enjoy being chauffeured around. And you meet some interesting people.

My cabbie on Fri eve was a pleasant fellow from Haiti, who admitted he had 7 kids here and a stray son in Paris, France. He was chatty, talking about the weather, traffic and his life. When I mentioned I spoke French, off he went. My somewhat rusty, now Spanish tinged, French came back and we had a pleasant conversation. I gave him the wrong address but he quickly found the place I was looking for; we were on the wrong side of the street.

Saturday, as luck would have it, I got another French speaking cabbie, this time from Senegal. Impressed that I spoke French, knew where Senegal was and that the capital was Dakar, he went on asking me where I had been, how I came to live in such a fancy building, how long I had been in Kansas City and how the hell I knew anything about Senegal. I was a bit annoyed that he took the long way around downtown, thus adding a dollar or two the already ridiculous fare, so he did not get a real good tip. He also had no change. Nice fellow though.

I could not convince my son Daniel to drive 20 miles round trip to take me the 5 miles from my hotel to the airport in St Louis, thus another taxi ride. Number 3 was 100% USA and used to live in Kansas City. Regaling me with a story about him insulting an woman of a known Mafioso while selling some cleaning agent door to door, the trip was all too short, but still expensive. Upon reading an article on how Mafia types revered their mothers and women yet killed without mercy, I wondered about his sanity.

The ride back from KCI to the Towers was not as exciting. The cabbie was nice, definitely not native to the USA but not real talkative. I pegged him as being from Nigeria perhaps; he had an Islamic name, but did not look Arab. He was concerned about running out of gas so we made a side trip to a most interesting gas station. You could not pull through to the pump; you had to back in or out. I do not think I had ever seen a station like that in all my travels. Thoughtfully, he turned off the meter while the old Crown Vic, badly in need of an alignment, new tires or both, gobbled fuel. He also went the shortest way to my place and even adjusted the fare as he went through downtown, not realizing a road that had been closed was now reopened after construction. He got a nice tip.

I am home now, and no more cab rides, I am broke!

Benjamin Britten "War Requiem"

"I am not concerned with Poetry. My subject is War, and the pity of War. The Poetry is in the pity. Yet these elegies are to this generation in no sense conciliatory. They may be to the next. All a poet can do today is warn. That is why the true Poets must be truthful." -Wilfred Owen 1893-1918

Thus is the quote from Wilfred Owen that prefaces the score of Benjamin Britten's monumental War Requiem, quite frankly one of the most powerful choral works of our time, or any time for that matter.

This massive work, scored for three soloists, a chamber orchestra, a full choir and main orchestra, and a boys’ choir and organ, was admirably performed this weekend by the St Louis Symphony, David Robertson conducting. Soloists were Christine Brewer, tenor Paul Groves and baritone Dwayne Croft.

The dramatic nature of the War Requiem always begs comparisons to that other Requiem Mass by an opera composer, Verdi's Requiem. More drama than straight liturgy, the War Requiem juxtaposes the Mass texts with the poetry of Wilfred Owen, written in the battlefields of World War I. Owen was killed in battle, just one week before the Armistice in 1918. Owen's chilling poetry offers an earthbound, cold and stark commentary on the sacred texts. Written for the dedication of the new Coventry Cathedral, built in the shadow of the destroyed original, the massive work is as timely today as it was at its 1962 premiere.

The huge forces (200 on stage, the boys’ chorus and organ off stage as directed) were always under superb control by Maestro Robertson. Not a particularly fast performance, it nonetheless moved powerfully forward, each section building on the tension of the former.

The soloists were excellent. Brewer floated powerfully but always gracefully over the chorus, seated as she was in their midst. She was clarion clear and bell like in the ringing "Sanctus" and sweetly sad in the tender "Lacrimosa". She clearly loves this work and her devotion to it shows.

Tenor Paul Groves possesses a very clean, powerful and masculine tenor voice that was used to great dramatic effect. My quibble may be with baritone Dwayne Croft. His voice is dark and wide and thus did not always blend with Groves. This was especially disappointing as it muddied the pivotal line "and slew his son, and half the seed of Europe, one by one", lessening the devastating impact of the gruesome retelling of Abraham and Isaac. However, Croft more than redeemed himself in the long soliloquy "'None', said the other," save the undone years" in the "Libera Me"; perfectly dramatic, communicative and poignant.

The chorus was suitably powerful when needed, such as the ecstatic, spine-tingling hosannas of the "Sanctus" and in the dramatic "Dies Irae". I was reminded of a "Dies Irae" which I performed with the Dallas Turtle Creek Chorale. The director reminded us that this was the "day of wrath" and that if we should make the audience "pee in their pants with fear", he would consider the performance successful. This was one of those performances. The chorus could also whisper the opening "Requiem Aeternam" and negotiate the angelic chordal progression of the final "amen" with equal beauty of tone and color. The off stage Boys’ Chorus and organ was appropriately serene and other worldly.

Christine Brewer has recorded the War Requiem in the LPO Live series with Kurt Masur and the London Philharmonic. This was an all around better performance, more emotional and communicative. Robertson simply let the powerful work speak for itself.

With round trip airfare from Kansas City to St Louis, several taxi rides, premium price tickets (wonderful seats and acoustics in Powell Hall) plus the obligatory pre-concert dinner and hotel, this was not a cheap concert. But just about the best one I ever experienced.

It is All Down Hill From Here, Little Boy

As I was coming back to the Towers from running errands both various and sundry, I saw a toddler boy in his front yard. Running and playing, enjoying the sun and whatever fantastic thing he spied. Enjoying being a boy.

Enjoy it while you can my friend. You'll soon enter the world of "male privilege"

Male-only military conscription, he has a much higher chance of being cannon fodder than his sister.

Significantly higher for chance of suicide.

The disparity in the healthcare system. Here in the US, women live longer than men usually by about six to seven years; however, there are many more health programs catering to women's special health needs than for men's special health needs. When is the last time you saw a men's health center?? Funding for prostate cancer research is significantly lower than for breast cancer, which is less frequent.

He stands a higher chance of dying in a work related accident or at least being in a hazardous job.

Much more likely to be killed in accidents and car crashes.

High rates of untreated, undiagnosed or mis-diagnosed depression.

In maybe as much as 30% of domestic violence the victim is male. The real number is likely to be higher, since male victims may be less likely to report abuse.

Stereotypes in advertising, the dumb dad or boyfriend, the silly boy rescued by the smarter girl, etc. he'll soon learn he is an object of ridicule for just being who he is. And if he is a strong, self=dependent man, he'll less likely seek help when the world crushes him.

He is likely to be labeled a rapist. Radical feminists claim that rape is simply an extreme expression of normal male sexuality, and that all men are potential rapists capable of sexual violence.

He is more likely to be in prison.

As a teen, he risks dying at twice the rate of girls.

He is more likely to drown.

He is more likely to be colorblind and have hearing loss

He can not criticize or discriminate against women but they can certainly criticize and discriminate against him. He is a minority in most settings, but told he is not.

He will be soon forced to curtail his natural emotions, he can not cry or fail, he soon will find his rigid role in society, and shoot himself when he fails to live up to it.

Enjoy it now, son. It is all downhill from here.

An Opinion Rendered, by HM Puggles QOP, SRA, ETC

Someone asked Her Majesty, Puggles Duchess Windsor, Queen of Pugs, Supreme Ruler of Alaska, Princess Royal of Baltimore Place, Grand Duchess of Missouri, Grand Duchess of Kansas City and St Louis, Duchess of Illinois, Duchess of Clinton, Baroness Pugtona, Royal Order of the Greenie and Treat, Grand Order of the Scrunchie, Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kibble, Patroness of the Royal Pugharmonic Orchestra, to give her opinion on Cats:

Spring Rains

It has been raining... and raining...and raining...and raining. 9 inches so far through this AM May 8th. The rivers are out of their banks, corners are flooded, low lying areas fill with water and debris. Brush Creek through the Plaza roars like a river. Basements are flooded, sump pump sales are brisk.

The spring has been a nasty one here. Too warm of weather in Feb and March got the trees to bloom, only to be socked with lows in the teens. Some trees are still bare, the big magnolia in the back has just a few green leaves and many wilted, soggy brown ones, hanging limp and dead. Her magnificent blooms will have to wait till next year.

Tornadoes have been frequent, a big one obliterated Greensburg, KS. Nothing much is left of the place. We have been lucky here, but the storms in the last few days have been fierce.

More rain is to come, more flooding, more soggy ground. What is growing is lush and green. But soon, Mother Nature will be back, the clouds will part way... the brown dry August will come again. And we will wish for the rain; we never being satisfied.

The Saga of the De Havilland Comet

News agencies reported thousands of people gathered at London Airport (now better known as Heathrow) on May 2^nd 1952 to witness the first jet operated commercial flight.

At 3:12PM, the BOAC Comet registered G-ALYP took off for its first commercial flight. Carrying 36 passengers, its destination was Johannesburg with scheduled stops at Rome, Beirut, Khartoum, Entebbe and Livingstone. The total journey of nearly 7000 miles (11260 km) was scheduled to take 23h 40 minutes. Prop driven planes took twice that long.

BOAC was the first airline to operate jet equipment. The revolutionary Comet would forever change the way we travel. At first, BOAC was the only airline to operate the Comet. Air France, UAT, Canadian Pacific, British Commonwealth Pacific were next in line to operate the revolutionary machine. Pan Am and others were soon to join in as no other aircraft like the Comet was available; the Boeing 707 was still on the drawing boards.

Unfortunately, the future of the Comet was not bright. Its manufacturer and designer, de Havilland Aircraft, would pay the price for being first. They had pushed the envelope of aircraft design and performance, unfortunately the envelope pushed back. No one had ever built and flown a pressurized aircraft as large and with the capability to fly as high and fast as the Comet. She was literally flying in unchartered territory.

A series of accidents doomed the new plane. The first two crashes were blamed on pilot error, specifically not being aware of some characteristics of jet take off, and in the second accident in Karachi, Pakistan, perhaps the first noted case of jet lag. On the first anniversary of the first flight, BOAC Comet G-ALYV crashed in Calcutta. At first it was assumed to be due to flying through a strong storm, later events would show a more serious cause.

Comets were grounded as G-ALYP itself would be the 4th Comet to crash on January 10th 1954 after taking off from Rome-Ciampino airport. It suffered a mid-air explosion and plunged into the Mediterranean Sea near Elba. After a lengthy investigation of the recovered aircraft, Comets were allowed to return to the air with changes designed to hopefully correct the problems found.

On April 12^th, 1954, just 16 days after being allowed in the air, BOAC Comet G-ALYY crashed in the bay of Naples, after its take off from Rome this time headed south to Cairo. Comet 1s were permanently grounded.

Testing would show that the last two accidents and likely the one in Calcutta were caused by metal fatigue. The science of metallurgy was very new. De Havilland had tested the frame thoroughly they thought. They tested a test frame to pressures twice their normal levels with no problem. That should have been sufficient. But metal had not coughed up one of its secrets, pressure that high actually helps bond and parts and changes the structure of the metal. No one knew that at the time. An official inquiry placed no blame. The Comet experience had taught aircraft manufacturers a lot, but at a high price.

We have the Comet to thank for the mighty and safe machines that take us around the world in modest comfort (unless you pay out the nose and go first class and then go in style) shrinking our globe and uniting the world.

Beautiful machine too.

The Injustice Files: Police State

The US Police State continues. Be afraid, people, soon we will all be criminals, except for the rich few:

A California man who prosecutors said got a little too friendly with his girlfriend during a flight was convicted Thursday of interfering with flight attendants and crew members.

The man will probably serve jail time for the federal felony conviction. His defense said he will appeal. Charges against his girlfriend were dropped, likely because the poor girl was abused or somehow mistreated.

Be scared people, be scared!

The Incredible Sound World of György Ligeti's Music for Piano

Lyrical, playful, intense, dramatic, out-of-control, fun, a revelation. All words I used to describe some of the most incredible music to which I have ever been exposed, the piano music of Romanian/Hungarian composer György Ligeti.

Many of you have heard Ligeti's music but likely did not know it. He was a particular favorite of Stanley Kubrick who used Ligeti's atmospheric and strange music for his films "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Eyes Wide Shut". His most famous work, Atmosphères (1961) for orchestra concentrates and explores pure sound. For example, the opening 5 octave chord consists of all notes in the chromatic scale, using fifty-six string players, each one playing a different note. No wonder Kubrick used this "otherworldly" music in 2001 (and without Ligeti's permission.)

But it is the wonderful piano music that has set my musical world on its ear, so to speak.

Fredrik Ullén's traversal of all of Ligeti's Piano music is available on BIS records. Paul, our musical mailman, introduced me to this magical music and this incredible recording recently and it has rarely left my player.

Most interesting and most important in the canon of Ligeti's work are the Etudes For Piano written in 3 books from 1985 to 2001. These marvelous and yes, even entertaining works, explore diverse sound worlds such as Indonesian gamelan, Debussy (Book 1 “Arc-en-ciel” for example), Steve Reich, Bartók, even modern jazz. The opening work of Book 1 of the Etudes “Desordre, Molto Vivace, vigoroso, molto ritmico,” to me evokes the insane player piano pieces of Conlon Nancarrow. Book 3’s “White on White” is a breathtaking portrait of simple lyrical beauty, even in the wild, ecstatic cadenza. Chopinesque? Maybe so, though I tend to hear more Bachian symmetry and linear development in the late 3^rd Book.

If “Atmosphères” was pure sound, dispensing with rhythm and melody, Ligeti’s Piano works are a celebration of rhythm and melody and of the power of the piano to communicate. It takes a pianist with an ear for nuance to capture the many polyrhythms and cross rhythms plus a formidable technique to make sense of the storm of notes and phrases in some of the faster works. A sensibility for melody and long lines is needed for the more subtle works such as the aforementioned "White on White" Etude or the "Rubato: Lamentoso" of the "Musica Ricercata" of the 1950's.

Formidable, challenging, engaging… the Ligeti piano music admirably demonstrates that elements of avant-garde technique, minimalism, world music, jazz and beautiful lyricism not only can work together, but actually make incredible and listenable music.

Here Comes "da Funk"

Kansas City has a new Mayor, Mark Funkhouser. In his inauguration yesterday, he pledged to make some changes in the way the city functions. No nonsense, no hype, just action, more hands on, more oversight. He even said he plans on not being "beloved", some hard decisions must be made.

Kansas City is going in the right direction. After years of neglect and all talk and no action, the previous Mayor Kay Barnes got some long delayed projects off and running. Downtown is alive with activity, construction, cranes, repaved streets, old crumbling buildings revived and thriving, the long delayed Power and Light District is actually being built, a shiny new arena is nearing completion. North of 20th Street, everything is hot!

But Funkhouser realized that a lot of that was accomplished by tax deferments that have reduced services in the rest of the city. Lousy streets, ineffective and arrogant police, poor sewers, trash, non existent snow removal was the norm below 20th. In his inaugural speech, he pledged to extend the downtown renewal to the rest of the city.

So far I believe him. I think the city did the right thing in electing him. He will not be the popular, glad hander that Kay Barnes was. She was a visionary and motivator, Funkhouser is hands on. His opponent in the election was a great person as well, but we did not need a talker, we need a doer and that we got.

And he pledged to get rid of the incredibly stupid metal plates that the street department have inexplicably used to cover holes. I have never seen them anywhere else in the country. Many a tire has been ruined by those blasted things.

Go for it Funk. We are behind you. We, especially us here in the middle, want to see some results.