Trashball 110309: The Case of the Marked Notes

Because I fear that creditors will somehow infiltrate my bank account, I lean heavily toward a cash world, in my pocket. So I notice stuff. Like all the marks on money.

Given to rumination about objects, I cannot hold a coin, Federal Reserve Note, or vibrator without wondering where it's been.

In my paranoid check-cashing, though, I've noticed an interesting phenomenon on high-value notes. Given that most of our paper currency bears traces of cocaine (esp. here in DC), we shouldn't be surprised that much of our folding money, particularly of high denomination, has gone through the hands of pushers.

And I believe it's druggy folks that use these wonderful little rubber stamps on money. I recently came across a well stamped $100 bill, illustrated here. Who are these people? Is it ego that makes them tattoo our money? Okay, that's a stupid question.

Anyhow, viva "Jhon"!

Trashball 110309: A Snuggie Christmas

Today I found upon the linoleum floor of my local Safeway a list. I assume it's a Christmas list and, while I hate to be a spoiler, I doubt that listed recipients read this desolate "web log".

Anyhow, some people are gonna get a lot of Snuggie shit, boy howdy! Also long johns, socks, 'n' sweaters! A few black sheep are slated to get other products, among them San francisco '49ers gear and boots. "Bre" gets a coat. Cindy gets something called a "brown northface" in addition to perfume, which, though worn, is the only thing on this list that I can confidently say has no true insulating use.

"Nehru" gets a hat, in addition to socks.

Only "Gene" get a full "sweatsuit". "Charminika", you're getting boots only. I hope they're thigh high and I hope you're really hot.

The overridingly positive thing about this list is that it discloses a large family and friends. Whoever made the list still has a "Grandma" to think about (I haven't had a grandparent in decades), in addition to the odd "Antwyone" and "Tilwanda."

Hope Linda gets her sweater.

New Painting "Old Mesilla"

Acrylic on canvas 20x16"

New Painting "Catalpa"

14x11" acrylic on canvas

New Painting "Ferndale"

14x11" acrylic on canvas

New Painting "Harrison Township"

16x20" Acrylic on canvas

New Painting: "Visit to the Mall"

6x10", acrylic on paper

1973 Schaefer Beer Ad with Moog

Trashball 012909: Straight to Slump

This old Navy uniform requisition form reads fairly well as a linear biography of my posture and physique. Interestingly, it was partially filled out for CDR R. L. Straight.

Song of the Day: The State I Am in, by Belle and Sebastian

I was surprised, I was happy for a day in 1975
I was puzzled by a dream, stayed with me all day in 1995
My brother had confessed that he was gay
It took the heat off me for a while
He stood up with a sailor friend
Made it known upon my sisters wedding day

I got married in a rush to save a kid from being deported
Now shes in love
I was so touched, I was moved to kick the crutches
From my crippled friend
She was not impressed that I cured her on the sabbath
So I went to confess
When she saw the funny side, we introduced my child bride
To whisky and gin

The priest in the booth had a photographic memory
For all he had heard
He took all of my sins and he wrote a pocket novel called
The state I am in

So I gave myself to god
There was a pregnant pause before he said ok
Now I spend my day turning tables round in marks & spencers
They dont seem to mind

I gave myself to sin
I gave myself to providence
And Ive been there and back again
The state that I am in

Oh love of mine, would you condescend to help me
Cause Im stupid and blind
Desperation is the devils work, it is the folly of a boys empty mind
Now Im feeling dangerous, riding on city buses for a hobby is sad
Lead me to a living end
I promised that Id entertain my crippled friend
My crippled friend

CD of the Day: Grandaddy, The Sophtware Slump

A delight, with strangely wonderful lyrics. Buy it here.

Trashball 072608: Best of Class

I think the young man who created this did an outstanding job of telling an important story. I forgot to check which particular class he won for, but I suspect it was for Graphic Novels. In any case, it was my favorite thing at the Southeast Alaska State Fair.