Trashball! A Subsidiary of Ex-Communicated Communications, Inc.

Bread Pudding!

2011-11-07T22:23:00.002-05:00

Click images to embiggen.

What I Wrote Trying to Convince a Friend That "The Wire" Is Worth Watching

2011-10-26T06:54:00.007-04:00

It was a few years after the original broadcast that I got around to watching The Wire. There was so much press about it that I thought IT MUST BE overhyped. Also, I neither had nor could afford HBO. So it was that one day -- endeavoring as ever to flush out the hours -- I stopped in the nearby vid store. I rented the 1st season's premiere episode.

.... [insert lengthy ellipsis]....

Suffice it to say that, for the next 2 weeks, I ended every day with -- at the very least, and often much more -- a liquid ounce of tears leaving salt-rimmed stains on my dull, predictable black t-shirts. Tears brought on by all possible angles: sadness angle, happiness angle; anticipation angle; sex angle. The it-chimes-it-rhymes-with-my-life angle. But always and forever (and I know this is corny, but it makes perfect sense in retrospect), from the joy at seeing an artistic vision fully and elegantly and -- mark it -- recognizably brought to fruition.

With each new season that I expensively rented and watched on DVD during those 2 weeks, I always figured (until around Day 3 or 4) that the next season would fail to grab me as the previous one had. After all, from S1 to S2 we make a hard turn from the Baltimore projects and the byzantine, high/low-stakes drug trade (almost entirely African-American) to the Baltimore docks, and the picayune labor/union concerns (to graft or not?) of a bunch of blue-collar ethnic Poles. How will this show keep my interest with these jarring non sequiturs? Well, it did -- and then some -- with Balzacian forays through the major estates with each succeeding season. Poverty and drugs here, labor and corruption there, education and inner-city yon, local, micro/macro politics at your feet, and then, final season, arguably the most famous estate, the cinched, bankrupted, and compromised press.

All of this is held together by a remarkably strong tissue of recklessly good writing, directing, acting, and cinemaphotography.

By itself, this is an enormous achievement but, as with so many things -- if not everything -- it's the details, the quotidian, the careful consideration of the workaday slovenliness of our collective struggle to wake up and hit the road, to push forward despite the acute banality and diminution we feel as surely as (and because) the sun rises. The fine-grain detail TW devotes to these commonplaces ranks it among the greatest artistic endeavors.

Have I mentioned the cast? To my middlingly saturated eye, the cast was a collection of nobodies. Dominic West? Larry Gilliard? Sonja Sohn? Isiah Whitlock, Jamie Hector, John Doman? Deirde Lovejoy, Chris Bauer, Idris Elba, and so forth. Who are these people? But, most affectingly, most permanently, Andre Royo, Michael K Williams and, Oroboros-style, Dominic West.

Apart from occasionally forcing me to pause, look blankly around the room and question my sexuality, not-so-subtly bewitched as I was by the exquisite turn of his mouth, Dominic West (in a performance that justly will be remembered and celebrated until the Mayans cause the world to end) embodied most everything that makes us US. Everything we hate about ourselves, everything we love about ourselves. There it was, writ in all available sizes, in all available styles. Melodrama rendered subtly, nuance put across with urgency, leaving you with moist eyes, breathing heavily into the napkin you'd been unwittingly twisting into knots since 50 minutes ago.

***

Everybody (most everybody) hated the final scene of the final episode of the final season of that other HBO teevee revelation, "The Sopranos," whether it was warranted or not. The terminal scene of The Wire, in my view, was emphatically right, even if, as some might claim, it employed filmic cliche. This is a case where the cliche has been more than earned; the omniscient camera, panning and swallowing and wallowing in four dimensions, the most crucial being time. A looking-back while looking forward, not trying too hard to be comprehensive -- but grabbing the right frames -- the final five minutes reassures and troubles, alludes to (and puts an awkward bow on) nearly forgotten storylines that leave you nodding like a chump as it sinks in.

The impossibly (but it isn't) deft combination of music, word and image, all these things that fleet-footedly pass over and through our feeble brains, these heavy neurons, gathered and bent over just before the finish line, inches from the tape, grasping, gasping for breath. Never enough, but we come close, don't we?

(for Ed Burns and David Simon and Robert Colesberry and Pelecanos, Price, Mills &c. Thanks indeed.)

Mystery Painting, or, Am I Crowd-Sourcing Yet?

2011-10-18T13:59:00.006-04:00

If anybody out there knows who might have made this painting, please let me know. Email me at rastinirv [at} gmail.com.

I "rescued" this from a Washington, DC-area thrift store last week. It's 40 inches square, appears to be acrylic paint, and is on canvas. It is signed "CAMPOS" in red in the lower-right corner. It depicts a chocolate-covered cherry (aka cherry cordial) sliced in half and rather luridly dripping. No other clues: no date, no title, no paperwork.

It's a very accomplished piece regardless of whether one finds it a compelling work of art. I'd love to know more about it!

Response to 1949 Yorkshire, England Postcard

2011-06-23T09:37:00.002-04:00

Original postcard entry here.

"Dear Christopher
Firstly, i would like to apologies for not getting back to you sooner on receiving the magical postcard you sent us.
We live at 30 V______ Road Huddersfield Yorkshire England.
When I first picked up your letter I was immediately intrigued, and this was before i opened it. I made myself a coffee and indulged myself with a cigarette to aid my contemplation of its contents. I knew of course that whoever had sent the letter did not know us by name, only that we where the current occupants to whom it had been addressed.
It is not uncommon to find 'current occupant' letters in our post box and they are normally disposed of without a further thought, but this one was different, not least so because it had clearly traveled a long distance. And yet even with the puzzlement of someone from the United States sending an unnamed letter i eventually prepared myself for the disappointment of discovering yet another flier intent on selling us something ( all be it with an admittedly ingenious method). My cynicism was happily blown out of the water when i discovered your wonderful gift and i cannot thank you enough for your thoughtful generosity, everyone we have shown it to since has been enthusiastically charmed .
Beyond this and probably the most incredible coincidence is that my youngest daughter is called Eden, the name of the sender of the postcard some 50 or so years ago from what i can make out, this all prompted a playful conversation that she might be some sort of time traveller.
Once again, thank you so much Christopher you have graced us with a sheer delight and we will treasure it and keep it safe in a frame.

With very best wishes
Stephen, Lisa, Taome and Eden H______. x
ps am I right in assuming that you are an artist (deduced from your e mail address), only that would be another great coincidence as i am an artist also."

Trashball 042311: Moth, Rah!

2011-04-23T18:08:00.002-04:00

Look at this beautiful moth I found under the hood of my car today while I was checking my air filter.

Postcard Diaspora: Roanoke, Virginia 1974

2011-04-19T22:41:00.002-04:00

Postcard mailed to Roanoke from Coos Bay, OR on 7/2/1974, depicts the Holiday Motel in Coos Bay. Message: Fishing & lagging comprise the economy. Scenery is beautiful -- roads are awful. Hundreds of miles up & down Bent Mountain - cattle crossings & all - rock slides. Will get fat as a bear - fried clams (fresh) fresh salmon, shrimp in butter. Need you with me. Love, The Baby. I'll mail this to Roanoke address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Frankfort, Indiana 1963

2011-04-18T21:32:00.003-04:00

Postcard mailed to Frankfort, IN from Colter Bay, WY on 7/29/1963, depicts the Challenger Inn. Message: Hi -- We just left Sun Valley after two marvelous days. We ice skated this morning and ate lunch yesterday and today at The Ram. The music camp is in full swing here. We saw the Sun Valley Ice Carnival last nite. Love from the Campers. I'll mail this to Frankfort address tomorrow.

Trashball 04152011: Out Loud

2011-04-15T19:47:00.002-04:00

You know, it is different when you say it out loud. Source: my ancient crate of Trashball material.

Response to St Albans, England postcard

2011-04-15T19:12:00.003-04:00

Here's the original postcard. The sender also kindly enclosed a modern postcard of the Roman Theatre in Verulamium in St. Albans. Click on the image to embiggen.

Postcard Diaspora: Hobart, Indiana 1964

2011-04-10T15:39:00.002-04:00

Hobart, IN postcard mailed 6/17/1964 from Washington, DC. Message: Hi Mrs. P.C.!!! As you can see by the postmark, I've decided to show the legislators how to get on the ball personally. Denny Smith. I'll mail this to Hobart address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Edgewood, Rhode Island 1949

2011-04-10T14:44:00.002-04:00

Edgewood (now Cranston), RI postcard mailed 12/30/1949 from Boston, depicts the Boston Custom House. Message: Dear Mom:- This morning we slept until 10:00 then we took the elevated railway into Boston. It was lots of fun. Tomorrow we are to "do the town." It is a very nice place tell you all about it later. Love, Jill I'll send this to RI address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Hartford, Connecticut 1923

2011-04-10T13:36:00.002-04:00

Hartford postcard mailed 8/10/1923 from Providence, RI, depicts the Normal School and State Capitol. Message: Hello Anna:- How do you like scene in Prov. Ask Rob to show you the Postcard I sent him. Going out riding now. Alice. I'll mail this to Hartford address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Naperville, Illinois ca 1970s

2011-04-10T13:13:00.002-04:00

Naperville, IL postcard maled from Peru sometime in the 1970s (probably), depicts the Window of the Snakes in Machupicchu. Message: Meine Lieben Alle: I just returned from Machupicchu It was probably the highlight of the whole trip. Except for the short stay in Lima, we really spent most of our time in the wilderness that's why you received so little mail. [Illegible] is 3.326 m above sea, a fascinating town. This morning we have a tour of the town. The Incas were great architects. I am longing for Davey. How is he? Food is excellent everywhere, much better than in Mexico. If only I could speak Spanish. Love, [signature]. I'll mail this to Naperville address tomorrow.

"Response" to 1957 Ravenna, Ohio Postcard

2011-04-07T20:09:00.003-04:00

Haha, not much of a response, and they sent the postcard back to me.

Postcard Diaspora: New Haven, Connecticut 1906

2011-04-07T19:42:00.005-04:00

Postcard mailed to New Haven 8/2/1906 from Norfolk, VA, depicts the Hampton Institute in Hampton, VA on an advertising postcard for the Old Dominion Line. Message: Suppose you are thinking of me and wonder if I am sick. As I write you can feel the boat rock. Hope for a moon-light night. Yours, Ed. [P.S.] Could not take any picture as it was too cloudy. [On board O.D.S.S. Co.'s S.S.] Hamilton Wed. Aug. 1st 1906 I'll mail this to New Haven address tomorrow.

By the way, looks like the steamship Hamilton got into some trouble back in October 1900.

Postcard Diaspora: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1966

2011-04-06T21:47:00.002-04:00

Pittsburgh postcard mailed 8/11/1966 from Wildwood, NJ, depicts a sailboat at sunset. Message: I feel silly writing this when I know I'll be home a wk. before you get it. We plan to go surf riding (on horses) a then surf riding (California style) yet this wk. I'll tell you ALL about it! Love, Judi. I'll mail this to Pittsburgh address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Horseheads, New York 1966

2011-04-06T21:42:00.003-04:00

Horseheads, NY postcard mailed 4/11/1966 from Falls Church, VA depicts Jefferson Memorial during Cherry Blossom time. Message: Hi! Here we are. back as far as Washington. Came in especially to see the cherry blossoms. Quite cool. We miss that Florida sunshine Hope all well there. Be home in a few days. H&H. I'll mail this to Horseheads address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Washington, DC 1952

2011-04-06T20:39:00.003-04:00

Washington, DC postcard mailed 6/11/1952 from Webster, NY depicts lilacs in Rochester, NY's Highland Park. Message: Hello girls, sure thought you be in PA. to see me before I left for this wilderness. Doing all right, feeling fine, always cool air blowing in from the lake. Love to you both Emil. I'll mail this to DC address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Oberlin, Ohio 1967

2011-04-06T20:29:00.004-04:00

Oberlin, OH postcard mailed 5/10/1967 from Edinburgh, Scotland, depicts The Hydro, Bowness-On-Windermere in the English Lakes District. Message: Since we started our 6 day tour the weather is fine. First minute I have had to write. You can have Nassau!! 22 of us on this bus. Love, Francis. I'll mail this to Oberlin address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Washington, DC 1956

2011-04-05T22:15:00.002-04:00

Washington, DC, postcard mailed 8/12/1956 (I think) from Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, depicts the famous Green Gables house. Message: "Greetings from Prince Edward Island. We have had a very enjoyable trip so far Weather generally good - cool & mostly fair Bunny" I'll mail this to DC address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Bellmore, New York 1963

2011-04-05T22:08:00.002-04:00

Bellmore, NY postcard mailed 8/13/1963 from Peterborough, NH, depicts colonial interior at the NH Historical Society in Concord. Message: "Dear Frieda, I am having a wonderful time. I am staying in a hotel. I like it. Love Margarita [in another hand] All the best from N. Hampshire [signature]" I'll mail this to Bellmore address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Beverly, Massachusetts 1968

2011-04-05T21:25:00.005-04:00

Beverly, MA postcard mailed 7/5/1968 from Vista, CA, depicts a scenic view of lupine and poppies. Message: "Dear May & All. the sliver [silver?] Club. Thanks for the nice card's. Hope to see you soon Marion Nelson" I'll mail this to Beverly address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Altoona, Pennsylvania 1965

2011-04-05T21:16:00.003-04:00

Altoona, PA postcard mailed 12/2/1965 from Phoenix, AZ, depicts a scenic scene of Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus. Message: "Hi. Here all safe and sound. Not too tired Had a nice trip and a nice Thanksgiving. Had some rain and I got a cold. Beautifu today and cold left when sun shine came. Phoenix a nice city, but too big for me. I will write a letter soon. Trying to send a card to folks. Love, [signature]" I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Response to Winchester, Virginia 1972 Postcard

2011-04-05T20:22:00.002-04:00

Got a reply today from the current resident of the house I mailed the 1972 Winchester postcard to: "Dear Mr. Goodwin, Thank you for the wonderful postcard sent to the ______'s when they owned our home. They operated _______'s studio for many years, somewhat famous for taking school pictures of students in the area. Best wishes, [signature]"

Postcard Diaspora: Naugatuck, Connecticut 1944

2011-04-04T23:13:00.002-04:00

Naugatuck, Connecticut postcard mailed 7/6/1944 from Wilkes-Barre, PA depicts the Meyers High School. Message: "Hi Hank; Should see the big building they have here And the coal mines I have something for you. Hope you like it. Sophie" I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Roxbury, Massachusetts 1906

2011-04-02T21:34:00.005-04:00

Roxbury, MA postcard mailed 8/13/1906 from Boston, MA, depicts the Temple of Mirth, Paragon Park in Nantasket Beach, MA. Message: "Wilbur is all right it was just from the heat. Kiss Gladys for her auntie. Your loving sister Edna." I'll mail this to Roxbury address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Keene, New Hampshire 1908

2011-04-02T21:21:00.002-04:00

I can't actually mail this to the original address because, like so many early postcards, it was only mailed to a name and a town, with no street address. Nevertheless, it has an interesting message: "Wed. eve. We start at seven in the morning for New York. Had a fine time. 'Teddy' received us in the East room of the White House this afternoon. Gena E. Stone"

I walked past the increasingly barricaded White House this very day. There were loads of tourists and two demonstrations, Vietnamese folks from all over the USA calling for a democratic uprising in Vietnam and a group of Syrians calling for the same in their country. But it occurs to me that Theodore Roosevelt's administration was probably the last one that had open houses, where regular folk could just go in and meet their president.

Postcard Diaspora: Pitman, New Jersey 1954

2011-04-01T23:11:00.002-04:00

Postcard mailed to Pitman, New Jersey 7/29/1954 from Florence, Italy, depicts Il Duomo, or the Cathedral, in a colored B&W real-photo postcard. Message: "Most perfect dome in world" I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Ravenna, Ohio 1957

2011-03-31T23:22:00.004-04:00

Ravenna, Ohio postcard mailed 2/20/1957 from St. Petersburg, FL, depicts the Cuban Apartment Motel. Message: "2/20- 8:15 A - Cloudy. Hi -- Arrive back from fishing trip a bought 530 P. We had rain about 1/2 hour after in dock. Cought three tuna not tuna but all the same famley. Will leave for home as soon as weather clears. Maybe tomarrow. Have a good time at Bill's party. Tim" I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Response to 1944 South Berwick, Maine Postcard

2011-03-30T23:34:00.002-04:00

Heard back from the present recipient of the 1944 postcard sent to South Berwick, ME.

Dear Chris, My name is __________ and I live at ______ Street, South Berwick, Maine. I received the post card you sent to my address dated 1944. What a gas. I loved getting it. Thank you so much.

I bought this house eight years ago and just finished renovating it last year. It is a lovely 150 year old historic home in a little village ten miles from the sea in Maine.

I am very attached to the house and it's history.

I think what you are doing with the post cards is so neat. I collected old post cards twenty years ago and enjoyed imagining the people who wrote them and received them. But to send them to the present owner is really great. Thank you for taking the time to pass it on to me.

This reminds me of the time when I was living on this little island, Block Island,RI, and found a message in a bottle.

Postcard Diaspora: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England 1974

2011-03-30T22:30:00.001-04:00

St. Albans, Hertsfordshire, England UK postcard mailed 8/10/1974 from Bar Harbor, ME, depicts, aerially, the Lake View Motel in Bootbay Harbor. Message: "Dear Mother, Catherine & I have been snoozing peacefully in the above for a week. Nothing can be more charming than swimming & sunbathing during the day & eating lobster at night. Maine is v. much like England and a very peaceful change after Buffalo. Weather is [illegible] etc. I don't think that I have ever [illegible] quite as splendidly as I am now. Love to all, Michael. Will be back in Buffalo c. Aug. 18th." I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Winchester, Virginia 1972

2011-03-30T20:37:00.001-04:00

Winchester, Virginia postcard mailed 8/28/1972 from Provincetown, MA, depicts the Harbor View Motel and Cottages in Cape Cod, MA. Message: "Dear Everybody: We arrived here about 2:00 P.M. Monday. Really windy. We're having a nice trip. Love, Bill & Lucille." I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Washington, DC 1947

2011-03-29T22:33:00.003-04:00

Washington, DC postcard mailed 4/29/1947 from DC, a real-photo postcard depicting the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Message: "My appreciative thanks for your good wishes. A most tenacious & deep seated case of bronchial asthma may keep me here another week. Thanks again. T.M.S." I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Kings Park, New York 1952

2011-03-29T22:32:00.003-04:00

Kings Park, New York postcard mailed 10/6/1952 from Daytona Beach, Fl, depicts the Atlantic Seaside Court in Daytona Bch. Message: "Sunday eve. We arrived here at 5 pm. a swell place right on ocean write later Tired and hot. Bill and Cris. [Marginalia] How's the Dodgers?" I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Covington, Virginia 1929

2011-03-28T20:58:00.004-04:00

Covington, Kentucky postcard mailed 10/29/1929 from Elkins, WV, depicts a view of Pennsylvania Ave in DC. Message: "Dear Friend Wade, We had a lovely trip home. We shall long remember your kind hospitality to us. I hope you wil come to Elkins next fall and we can return the complement. Wish the very best things for your W.F.M.S.* and the missionary cause in general. Sincerely, Cunningham" I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.
*a quick google of WFMS suggests she was embarking on a mission run by the Woman's Foreign Missionary Service run by the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Postcard Diaspora: Brooklyn, New York 1961

2011-03-28T20:57:00.003-04:00

Brooklyn, New York postcard mailed 3/18/1961 from St. Petersburg, FL, depicts the Ben Bow Apartment Motel. Message: "Regards from the travelers. This is where we are staying right on the beach. Saw May & Adolph & they are fine. Expect to leave for home next Wednesday, reluctantly! Love, [signature]" I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: New Bedford, Massachusetts 1957

2011-03-28T20:55:00.002-04:00

New Bedford, Massachusetts postcard mailed 7/20/1957 from Indian Rocks Beach, FL, depicts the Twin Arch Apartments. Postage used: .02. Message: "Hi Bena & Paul, Lovely over here, my girl friend and her husband are wonderful to Patsy and I. We are going to Miami next week, wish I could live here all the time, beautiful. Mary & Patsy" I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: San Mateo, California

2011-03-28T20:53:00.002-04:00

San Mateo, California postcard mailed sometime in the 1950s/1960s from Sarasota, FL, depicts Sarasota's Azure Tides Hotel Court at Lido Beach. Postage used: .04. Message: "We're having a wonderful rest & change down here -- It's just about the best [illegible] found in Fla. Had a note from Kit telling me of your latest 'sojourn.' Shall write when we return in April. Love - [illegible] & C." I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Covington, Kentucky 1909

2011-03-28T20:51:00.002-04:00

Covington, Kentucky postcard mailed 10/8/1909 from Portland, IN, it's a real-photo exaggeration card depicting a giant rabbit and hunter. Postage used: .01. Message: "Recd box allright. Will write when I get time. [signature]" I'll mail this to original address tomorrow.

Postcard Diaspora: Greenwood, Massachusetts 1954

2011-03-27T15:44:00.004-04:00

Greenwood, Massachusetts postcard mailed 8/16/1954 from Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick, Canada, depicts the Brunswick Hotel in Moncton, NB. Postage used: .04 Canadian. Message: "Saw [illegible] and Blanchard the other day. Stayed in economy about three hours. The roads are very good. Be home soon. Marian." I'll mail this to original address on 3/28/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Roslindale, Massachusetts 1934

2011-03-27T15:42:00.002-04:00

Roslindale, Massachusetts postcard mailed 6/28/1934 from Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, depicts the Admiral Beatty Hotel. Postage used: .02 Canadian. Message: "June 28-- Arrived yesterday at 10:30 am had a beautiful trip. Sorry I did not see you at the boat. Will likely motor most of way home as my sister has a car. Wil try to see your cousin if I do not leave for P.E.I. tomorrow. I hope you are all well Give my love to Miss Annie. Kindest regards to all. With love, E. Stewart" I'll mail this to original address on 3/28/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Portland, Maine

2011-03-27T14:03:00.002-04:00

Portland, Maine postcard mailed (most likely) from Independence, MO, depicts the Holiday Inn of Independence. Postage used: .03. Message: "Hi we arrived safely and are having a lovely time arrived at 5:00 A.M. We are tired, Teddy." I will send this to the original address on 3/28/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: South Berwick, Maine 1944

2011-03-26T17:12:00.002-04:00

South Berwick, Maine postcard mailed 5/4/1944 from Quebec City, Quebec, depicts the Chateau Frontenac Hotel. Postage used: .03 Canadian. Message: "5/3/44. Dear Roger: We arrived here safely about 9:45 p.m. after a pleasant day's trip; very hot on train; it is beautiful here at this hotel and they gave us a fine reception, entertainment and refreshments, so it is now nearly one and we are ready for bed. Very sleepy. Do wish you were here. Love, Beulah [?]. [Marginalia] (164 in party.) (I have a lovely room with a wonderful view.)" I will send this to the original address on 3/28/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Verdun, Quebec 1937

2011-03-26T15:27:00.003-04:00

Verdun, Quebec postcard mailed 9/2/1937 from New York City, depicts aerial view of the Medical Center, although sender penciled in above the image "Hotel 'Rio' at 159th St. Broadway--N.Y." Postage used: .02. Message: "Hya Bill: Well here we are at last, NEW YORK, arrived last night 10:30, got accomodated at a swell hotel, changed, 'went out', got to bed 2 AM. No shopping as yet. (HOW's THE PAV. GOIN) Jack" I will send this to the original address on 3/28/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Philadelphia, PA 1925

2011-03-26T14:53:00.002-04:00

Philadelphia, PA postcard mailed 8/17/1925 from Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, depicts Evangeline Beach, Grand Pré, NS. Postage used: .02 Canadian. Message: "Thanks awfully for taking care of me. Hope you were able to get the 10 [illegible]. Coming home about the 28th. [Signature]" I will send this to the original address on 3/28/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Chicago, Illinois 1957

2011-03-25T23:25:00.004-04:00

Chicago, Illinois postcard mailed 8/25/1957 from Washington, DC, depicts Allison's Little Tea House in Arlington, VA. Postage used: .02. Message: "Howdy! We have just had a wonderful dinner & wish you were here with us-- Love, Marie and Nan" Note: I will send this postcard to original address on 3/26/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Tulsa, Oklahoma 1953

2011-03-25T23:23:00.004-04:00

Tulsa, Oklahoma postcard mailed 8/4/1953 from Sunland, CA, depicts Buffum's Department Store in Orange County. Postage used: .02. Message: "Dear Evelyn. - Rec'd card from Chicago so glad you went, we are always glad to get home & appreciate it more. Hope to see you the middle of Sept. Miss my Tulsa friends. Love Pearl" Note: I will send this postcard to original address on 3/26/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Hagerstown, Maryland 1946

2011-03-25T23:21:00.003-04:00

Hagerstown, Maryland postcard mailed 8/12/1946 from Atlantic City, NJ, depicts AC's Lower Chelsea Beach and hotels. Postage used: .01. Message: "[Salutation obscured] We arrived here Sunday morning about 5 oclock. Weather so far has been fine. 'Jim' and I are going in the ocean this [af]ternoon. See you later. 'Lib'" Note: I will send this postcard to original address on 3/26/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Washington, DC 1954

2011-03-25T23:19:00.004-04:00

Washington, DC postcard mailed 3/23/1954 from San Francisco, CA, depicts the famous Cliff House and Seal Rocks in SF. Postage used: .02. Message: "Dear Mother and Daddy, [obscured] in San Francisco nearing end of tour. We had lunch at the Cliff House yesterday & saw numerous seals out on the rocks. We will be here a couple of days. Love to all, Marietta" Note: I will send this postcard to original address on 3/26/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: South Portland, Maine 1965

2011-03-25T20:47:00.004-04:00

South Portland, Maine postcard sent 4/19/1965 from New York City, depicts Central Park. Postage used: .04. Message: "Joel, You'd love all the 'bleached blondes' here. This place is wonderful. Our hotel is in the middle of everything. They were skating in Rockefeller Center (ice). We are going to Radio City in about 1/2 hour. Well got to run. Love ya, Cath [P.S.] Be Good" This postcard will be mailed to original address on March 26, 2010.

Postcard Diaspora: Laurinburg, North Carolina 1945

2011-03-24T22:57:00.006-04:00

Laurinburg, NC postcard sent 8/20/1945 from Brevard, NC, depicts the Rock-brook Camp for Girls in Brevard. Postage used: .01. Message: "Dear Mather [that's whatit looks like], I am coming home with Mather Hannah. Am not sure when she is leaving but guess it is Thursday. She is taking Jane B. with her. Love, Jane. [PS] Thisis a picture of the lodge and lake and vesper rock." Note: I sent this postcard to original address on 3/25/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Hatfield, Pennsylvania 1974

2011-03-24T21:34:00.006-04:00

Hatfield, PA postcard sent 6/3/1974 from Jackson, WY, depicts the Teton Range. Postage used: .08. Message: "Hi Paul, It is really neat here -- the mountains are so beautiful. Wish I could stay. It's really hard to find someone to climb with, mostly hiking. See you soon, Diane" Note: I sent this postcard to original address on 3/25/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Loma Linda, California 1970

2011-03-24T21:32:00.004-04:00

Loma Linda, CA postcard sent 3/28/1970 from Santa Barbara, depicts view of Santa Barbara city, harbor and Channel Islands. Postage used .05. Message: "Hi! Sorry we couldn't call, but enjoyed talking with Kathy We are enjoying SB & have really fallen in love with it. Love, George & Shirlee" Note: I sent this postcard to original address on 3/25/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Belleville, New Jersey 1925

2011-03-24T21:28:00.005-04:00

Belleville, NJ postcard sent (apparently) 8/26/25 from somewhere in Maine, depicts Mt Chocorua and Chocorua Lake in NH's White Mountains. Postage used: .02. Message: "Dear Bill: Does this look familiar to you? This is where I was yesterday. Left 7 A.M. for an all day trip to the White Mts. Weather has been wonderful. Swimming is great here. Am writing this on my lap. Sincerely, Emily" Note: I sent this postcard to original address on 3/25/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Yorkshire, England 1949

2011-03-24T21:24:00.004-04:00

Yorkshire, England postcard sent (apparently) 1/12/49 from Boston, depicts Boston's Public Gardens. Postage used: .05. Message: "Had a lovely crossing only two rough days. Landed with glorious sunshine--hope it continues. Start work tomorrow (Monday)!! Hope you have fully recovered. Love to both, Eden" Note: I sent this postcard to original address on 3/25/2011.

Postcard Diaspora: Bethel, Ohio

2011-03-24T20:47:00.005-04:00

Bethel, Ohio postcard sent 4/19/68 from Denver, shows Denver skyline at night. Postage used: .10 airmail. Message: "Dear Mother, Arrived on schedule. It was cold about 30 last night & they had snow the day before yesterday. It is [illegible] warmer to-day. Will be home to night & will see you Sunday A.M. Love, David" Note: I sent this postcard to original address on 3/25/2011.

So I'm starting a project to return old postcards that I've purchased in bulk over the years to the address they were originally sent to. The project is tentatively entitled "Postcard Diaspora", but that's just because I like the word "diaspora" and really given the fact that I intend to return the postcards to their "homes" maybe it's really the opposite of what this idea should be called.

Anyhow, the ephemeral nature of postcards has always appealed to me. Postcards aren't quite letters--more like texts, in modern parlance--and usually got thrown away or sold off in estate sales, etc. So, regardless of how banal the messages may be (and really, they never are, because every postcard is a snapshot of a time, place and person), I find them to be portals into a moment with little to no context, around which, with imagination, one can wrap one's own ideas and create flights of fancy.

Another great appeal to me is imagining what it must be like to be on the receiving end of one of the re-sent postcards. Maybe it's a connection to the house's past, to long-dead previous owners. Maybe it's a postcard your mother or father or grandmother or grandfather or even great-grandmother or great-grandfather sent. Maybe it'll make you sad, or nostalgic, or happy, or indifferent if you receive one of these old cards. Who knows?

So the first postcard I'm sending out is to an address in Bethel, Ohio. I will include with each post the front and back of the postcard, as well as the message, date sent from/to, postage used.

I've encouraged recipients to send me any comments, so I'll share them if/when I get them. So follow this blog to see new Postcard Diaspora posts.

Zippy for Japan

2011-03-24T20:43:00.002-04:00

Came across this 2003 Zippy strip today among my things, and by things, I mean stuff, by which I mean things. Anybody out there who can translate it?

Trashball 110309: The Case of the Marked Notes

2009-11-03T20:50:00.006-05:00

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

2009-11-03T20:29:00.004-05:00

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 "Catalpa"

2009-05-04T14:18:00.001-04:00

14x11" acrylic on canvas

New Painting "Ferndale"

2009-05-02T14:43:00.001-04:00

14x11" acrylic on canvas

New Painting "Harrison Township"

2009-04-04T20:46:00.003-04:00

16x20" Acrylic on canvas

New Painting: "Visit to the Mall"

2009-03-31T16:23:00.005-04:00

6x10", acrylic on paper

1973 Schaefer Beer Ad with Moog

2009-03-27T20:57:00.000-04:00

Trashball 012909: Straight to Slump

2009-01-29T16:01:00.002-05:00

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

2008-08-06T15:20:00.001-04:00

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

2008-08-06T14:58:00.002-04:00

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

Trashball 072608: Best of Class

2008-07-26T13:10:00.000-04:00

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.

Overdue Press Roundup

2008-07-25T01:13:00.004-04:00

More for my benefit than anyone else's, here's the notable press Trashball has received (most last year).
The Washington Post
The New York Times
CNBC
Waste Age
NPR
Boing Boing
BBC
Voice of America
WNIC Detroit
Membrana (Russia)

Still in Alaska

2008-07-17T22:10:00.004-04:00

I'm in Alaska still, longer than I planned on being here, but enjoying it, especially now that my brother, Mom and I have finished building Mom's rental property, which she calls Mountain Greenery Chalet and is a hell of a deal considering that tiny motel rooms in Haines cost at least $100.00.

For my few stalwart readers, please forgive my infrequent postings lately. Internet is spotty at best.

Trashball 062608: Outsourcing Has Gone Too Far

2008-06-26T20:17:00.001-04:00

Cardboard box found in Haines, Alaska.

Trashball 061208: Kings Highway

2008-06-12T17:58:00.002-04:00

I dunno, but when all other options are depleted, it might just be time to fork over the clams for a brand-new 1977 Kings Highway Motor Home and hit the ol' road. That's my view.

Trashball 061208: Your Future Wife: A "Gertie Gimmie" or a "Merry Widow"?

2008-06-12T17:31:00.004-04:00

Pick a circa 1935 card, any circa 1935 card...

Trashball 060908: Howard Johnson's Brunswick

2008-06-09T15:36:00.003-04:00

While I always appreciate an effort at artistry, this 1960-something ad for a Howard Johnson's in Brunswick really does disappoint, even if they are located on Pleasant Street. A bit. The font, of course, is just as it should be. But does the drawing really make one want to delight in the amenities? By which I mean to say, I could probably do no better, although I do enjoy painting motels.

Trashball 060908: The Rambler American Lure

2008-06-09T15:23:00.003-04:00

Sometimes, I must confess, I really miss my 1968 Rambler American, even with its leaky windshield and underpowered straight-6 engine.
For truly, it was a classic motorcar that not only propelled me down the crumbling road infrastructure, but also drove me—I must say—into the heart of at least one very pretty lady. Okay, just one pretty lady, probably.
Still, though my current car (a '99 Mercury Cougar) has its charms, nothing comes across like the Rambler did, especially when the steering and brakes would go out and I careened across boulevards and ditches and medians and newspaper boxes and shrubs and retirement communities and unfortunate squirrels and UPS guys laboring with their dollies and smitten lovers and frustrated artists (although I think I did the latter a favor, despite all the litigation).

Trashball 060908: Salt Tang

2008-06-09T15:17:00.003-04:00

Why, may I ask, are these seemingly delicious snack sticks no longer on the market? Glaedelig Jul! That sounds yummy. Damn you, Nabisco (National Biscuit Company), damn you!
From a 1960 ad.

Barack Obama 2008

2008-06-03T22:49:00.002-04:00

I just watched an amazing, history-making speech from Sen. Obama. I am SO proud of my country, and especially my fellow Democrats. Viva Obama!

Trashball 053108: I Have to Go Buy Some Socks

2008-05-31T23:35:00.002-04:00

Fun graphic from the bottom of a 1940s G. R. Kinney Co. receipt.

Trashball 053108: Beeratorium

2008-05-31T23:30:00.003-04:00

Front and back of oldie biz card for the ingeniously named "Grable's Hotsie Totsie Beeratorium." I wanna go there! Let go of my finger!

New Painting: "Quiet Party"

2008-05-26T15:05:00.003-04:00

New painting called "Quiet Party". Mixed media on canvas, 12" x 18". $256.00. To purchase, contact me at chris[at]goodwinart.com.

New Painting: "A Disservice, PG"

2008-05-11T11:12:00.002-04:00

"A Disservice, PG", 20x16", mixed media, $372. To purchase, email me at chris[at]goodwinart.com.

Video of the Day: Stereolab: Cybele's Reverie

2008-05-02T22:32:00.002-04:00

Well, I tried and I failed to find a video for Stereolab's song "Mass Riff". But in my search I came across this very Bunuelian video for Cybele's Reverie.

Trashball 042908: Postcard: Ausable River: The Pinking Shears

2008-04-29T19:00:00.003-04:00

Click on images to read.

Official Correspondence of the President of the Republic of Estonia (a Reply to an Octogenarian American)

2008-04-20T19:55:00.003-04:00

Irv Rastin
4884 M---------- Blvd., NW, Apt ---
Washington, DC 20007

President His Excellency Lennart Meri
Republic of Estonia
Weizenbergi 39, EE-0100
Tallinn, ESTONIA

24 November 1997

Dear Mr. President, Sir:

I recently spent two weeks fly-fishing in the Gulf of Finland (all I caught was a bad cold) and realized upon my return to these United States that I was missing my lucky bottle cap. Has it turned up?
It could’ve been lost at sea, but I suspect it may have fallen out of my pocket while I was visiting Tallinn. I vaguely remember hearing a metallic plink when I pulled some money out of my pocket to pay for some laxatives at the airport (I don’t know what it is, but I always, without fail, get plugged up when I travel). Perhaps what I heard was the sound of my lucky bottlecap falling to the floor, but I didn’t bother to check because all I could think about was moving my bowels, if you’ll forgive me.
Allow me to describe the bottle cap for you, should you have one in some sort of Estonian Lost and Found box. It has a golden hue and has “Blatz” printed on it in black ink, although the “atz” portion is mostly worn off since I rub it when I’m nervous or plugged up.

Why, you may ask, is this bottle cap considered lucky? Well, I’ll tell you why:
It was September of 1944. My country was at war (I couldn’t go because, sadly, I was born without a lap). I was an otherwise strapping young man who spent considerable time whiling away the hours at Mickey’s Bar in Dayton, Ohio. One night, there was a heavy-set lady sitting at the end of the bar, nursing a beer. She and I had been exchanging glances across the crowded room for several hours and, finally, I had the nerve to approach her.
I sidled up to her and ordered two Boilermakers. I winked at her and took the liberty of pinching her ample thigh, which I thought would be fine with her since, as far as I knew, we had made a “love connection.” She promptly gave me a sharp slap on my cheek. (I later realized that what I took to be her glancing over at me was merely her lazy eye. She came to forgive this misapprehension.) She stood up and wheeled round, heading for the door. A glint of light caught my eye. A bottle cap— the bottle cap— was impressed upon her rear end. She had sat upon it for so long that it had become stuck to her. It fell off her fanny just as she exited the bar. I stooped to pick it up as I pursued her into the parking lot.
The heavy-set woman, of course, is now my wife. Poppy and I have been married for 53 years, and I always treasured that bottle cap as a souvenir of our first, auspicious meeting.
As you can imagine, I’m keen to have it back. I’m enclosing US$2.00 for your assistance in tracking it down.

Drink and be Meri,
[signature]
IRV RASTIN

[***OFFICIAL REPLY***]

VABARIIGI PRESIDENDI KANTSELEI
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

Mr. Irv Rastin
4884 M------------ blvd
NW #---
WASHINGTON DC 20007
U.S.A.

30 April 1998, No. 4-5.4/K-4100

Dear Mr. Rastin.

Thank you for your letter dated 24 November 1997.

We are very sorry that you have lost your lucky cork, but as you noted yourself, it is not clear where it could have happened. Unfortunately, the Office of the President of Estonia has no good news for you either, as it is impossible to find such an object after such a long time.

Hereby I return to you the 2 US dollars enclosed with your letter. I believe that your wedded happiness does not reside in this cork but rather in you and your wife Poppy.

We wish you long years with days filled with success, happiness and love.

Yours sincerely,
[signature]
Andres Johannson
Deputy Director

Trashball 041808: Earth to Bob Dole Campaign (Irv Rastin Again for a Day)

2008-04-19T11:12:00.002-04:00

In case anybody from the 1996 Dole for President campaign is reading this, for 12 hardscrabble years now I've been trying, without success, to correct the problem with the credit card you sent me. NO ONE ACCEPTS IT! (So far.)
I slide it through the thingamajig at the millet-supply store, hand it to the surly clerk at the local wig shoppe, and try to buy tickets for Pan Am airlines, all to no avail and—as usual—wind up having to pay with pennies from the big jar I wheel around with me along with my oxygen tank.
And while I hate to prattle on about it, I have politely asked many times that you issue a new card with the correct spelling of my name; it should read IRV RASTIN, not IN RASTIN. Holy mother church.
Thanks &c.,
Your Humble Sv't,
IRV Rastin
P.S.--Do them Viagra pills still pitch tents for you after all these years? My long-suffering wife, Poppy, won't let me near them.

Trashball 041608: Early Drag?

2008-04-16T10:02:00.002-04:00

This old cabinet photo has been among my motley possessions for a while now, and I've always thought there was something fake-looking about that moustache and something soft about the subject's features.

Trashball 040808: U293

2008-04-09T11:55:00.002-04:00

122 years ago, Ulysses S Grant (or his portrait) suffered the indignity of having his face smashed with a tiny, inky football. "U293" is the Scott stamp catalog number for this specimen.

Trashball 040108: Three Mysterious Boulders Float off Chile's Coast

2008-04-01T22:54:00.003-04:00

(SANTIAGO, Apr. 1, 2008) The above photo was recently taken by a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) droning off the coast of Chile, purportedly doing "oceanographic" research for the government of Peru. It is widely believed, however, that Peru was conducting surveillance of the Chilean naval force when it came across this most extraordinary grouping of floating boulders. While Chile and Peru engage in a diplomatic row over the UAV—during already tense international times on the South American continent—scientists the world over are at a loss to explain the passing strange phenomenon of the floating boulders which, despite their almost fluorescent coloration, are estimated to comprise the area of Piqua, Ohio. "I just don't get it," said Sanji Mehta, a geological administrative assistant somewhat near Le Sorbonne in Paris. Equally flummoxed was Stan Greenly, an evolutionary janitor several miles from Harvard. "I always thought rocks and stuff sank."

The rocks, of course, came from a construction site on Davis Avenue in Las Cruces, New Mexico (a.ka., "The Land of Go Fuck Yourself"), and were photographed on the back of my woefully underused passport.

The New Studio

2008-03-29T15:25:00.002-04:00

Quite a departure from the sere and dowdy digs I had in New Mexico. If I can't get some work done here then I should really just hang it up.

Large Hard-On Collider

2008-03-29T14:06:00.002-04:00

There's an alarming article in today's New York Times about the possibility that the Large Hadron Collider, a massive physics experiment being constructed in Switzerland, could very well create mini black holes that would swallow the Earth. Still, there was a bit of levity in the article—at least for my inner 12-year old—when, in the print version (it's been corrected online), they misspelled "Hadron", giving us the "Large Hardon Collider". This should make for a nice "Corrections" entry in the paper.
Illustration from http://www.gridpp.ac.uk/cubes/

Zippy the Pinhead Gets the Local-News-Team Treatment

2008-03-28T18:47:00.002-04:00

The news-team banter is fairly cringe-inducing, but Bill Griffith acquits himself well in the interview. Get the daily Zippy strip here.

Trashball 032308: Mid-Century Modern

2008-03-23T13:45:00.002-04:00

I prised this off of a discarded air-conditioning unit dumped in an arroyo somewhere near Tucumcari, NM.

New Painting: "Curazepam"

2008-03-22T11:41:00.003-04:00

"Curazepam". 24x18 inches, mixed media on canvas. $470. Click on price to purchase.

Trashball Tee: The Futility of Effort

2008-03-20T00:13:00.002-04:00

Now here's a shirt I designed I always thought would sell better. And it's only $14.00.

Trashball 031908: Pay for It, and It's Free!

2008-03-19T17:41:00.002-04:00

"Free Pre-Paid Cremation!" Gosh, that sounds terrific! This landed in the mailbox of an over-60 individual very dear to me. Is this the kind of junk mail I can expect in 22 years?

I Was Client Number 10

2008-03-10T18:11:00.002-04:00

It's all a really terribly sordid business, this whole deal with New York's Eliot Spitzer and the prostitutes. It grieves me to tell you I was Client Number 10, right behind Governor Spitzer (at Number 9, he was). No case of sloppy seconds, though, I assure you; I can't recall the name of the escort he was involved with (and whom he often described to me in beatific terms), but I'm certain it was not my dear old Jolene (which was her handle; I do not know her real name, but I understand she once modeled for Teen Vogue).

Anywho, what was initially distressing but ultimately edifying about my "session" with Jolene was her insistence that, rather than have sex, we discuss the merits of her favorite novel. While I'm usually first in line to talk literature, particularly of the 19th-century kind, I was troubled to think that I might be paying $2,200 for an hour-long lecture on a seminal Decadent novel.

Still, when all was said and done, I was glad for the experience. At least Jolene revealed a breast to me, even if it was just to illustrate a point she was making about Theophile Gautier's Mademoiselle de Maupin, which, by the way, is a really good book.

New Painting: "Tarry (nr. Ft. Davis, Texas)"

2008-03-07T10:32:00.002-05:00

New painting, acrylic on formica table extender, 11.75 inches by 35.75 inches. $490 (click on price to purchase).

Sorry for the lousy photograph of the painting; I'll try to get a better one up there.

Arrived

2008-02-24T14:55:00.002-05:00

Made it to Florida on Friday last, although it rained so hard and relentlessly from Houston to Pensacola it was like driving through 525-mile-long carwash at 65 mph. Now all I have to do is find a job, find an apartment, pay off my multitudinous creditors, and forestall car reposession. Then I can really throw myself back into the blog.

On the Road (or Side Thereof)

2008-02-18T21:03:00.004-05:00

Tuesday morning I head back east in my mechanically imperfect car, pulling a heavy trailer. Destination: Florida. (As my first wife was fond of saying, "All trash eventually blows south to Florida.") Anyhow, I have no laptop, so expect no posts for a few days.

Help Barack Obama and Yours Truly at the Same Time

2008-02-11T13:34:00.000-05:00

Particularly useful for those who have already donated the legal maximum to Obama's campaign, I'm pledging to donate half of the final sale price (up to the allowable maximum) of this painting (click to go to eBay auction) I'm auctioning on eBay. And I'm throwing in free shipping!
An erstwhile John Edwards supporter, I'm now fully backing Sen. Obama.