Ramblin Round Managua

Fare Thee Well Managua Blog

2008-11-18T10:49:00.003-05:00

Well, first of all, I'm no longer in Managua....Second, although I do occasionally follow happenings there (especially now, with all the post-election violence and instability), I just don't have the time to maintain this blog.

As many of you well know, I'm up to my eyeballs learning Bulgarian. So, my hopes are, in the future, to start a similar site dedicated to Bulgaria, and our future plans in Sofia. So....it's been a fun ride, and I will leave all of this material up for posterity. Likewise, I will link up my new Bulgarian blog in the coming year (once I get my head wrapped around the past-perfect tense and the subjective voice of the Bulgarian langauge!)

Managua will always hold a dear place in my heart. It was the best of times, the worst of times, to paraphrase an English master.

Va pues!

A New Beginning in the US!

2008-11-05T10:34:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Barack Obama and the rest of our country. A change is gonna come! Now we can 'reel in the years' of Bush mismanagement and move forward!

Turtle Man

2008-06-27T00:42:00.001-04:00

Since I'm a stone's throw from Kentucky, I'll give you a little taste of the Bluegrass State's own Turtle Man...Enjoy!

My Zepeda OM Martin Copy from Nicaragua

2008-06-23T15:59:00.001-04:00

Last Post from Managua

2008-06-16T00:46:00.002-04:00

Well, I sit here enjoying a little champagne....err, well, Nica-champagne from Pricemart. It's the best I can do, and I guess that's the theme for anyone living in a place like Nicaragua. It's been good, it's been bad, it's been sobering. Ironically, I've spent as little time possible in that state of mind, but it's inevitable that you learn a lot from an experience, such as living here.

Sure, you'll run across people that tell you it's paradise in Nicaragua, but I think they're wrong, at least partly. Before you argue with me, consider....there are beautiful people, places, and things to do here. But, in the end, the heaviness of the poverty trumps everything. I'm confident Africa and other locales are much worse, but for me, right now, I've had enough for a little while. So....I leave tomorrow with a sobering experience...

I wonder what healthy perspective I will have 2 weeks from now, as I dine off of the fat of the land to the north??

Thoughts, comments?? I know that some of you that read this drivel have actually lived here as well. I'd love to hear your final thoughts as you left...and how your memory serves you after returning to a 'normal' Western world....

Mixed Emotions

2008-06-12T11:42:00.002-04:00

I'm not the only one......with mixed emotions (so goes the song)[Keith + Mick]

Yep, Managua is almost in the rearview mirror now. There are two prevailing groups of people that we encounter these days, the ones that we've shared our lives with the last two years, and the ones that we're about to reunite with.

As for the latter, this part is easy.... We'll soon be with friends and family, recounting our 2 years apart, catching up and retelling stories, showing our sons the things and people that they've been missing. Filling in the blanks on those that we hold dear....our American roots, the people, places, and things that make up who we are/were/and will be.

The leaving is the hardest part though. On one hand, I feel the excitement of the move, the cleansing of the soul, not to mention all the excess 'stuff' that we've eliminated from our lives. But, as the days wear on, we say goodbye to more and more people, to folks that we've shared our lives with, to those that have merely made it easier. Nicaragua can be a rough place. Aside from all the beaches, cocktail parties, and so forth, I'm leaving behind a country that is much worse off than it was when I arrived. This week, I'll say goodbye to our gardener. You can see the stress in Juan's eyes, as he contemplates his future without ready employment. In a country with over 40% unemployment and booming inflation, he's about to enter an insecure world, free of grass clippings and a steady salary. In truth, there are thousands of Juan's in this country, and after a while, you begin to deaden inside a little bit.

On a more personal note, last night we said goodbye to perhaps our closest friends here in Managua....a family with which we've shared the good times, along with the bad. It didn't hit me until last night as we were leaving....this is a tough life that we are leading, traipsing through the world, making friends, saying goodbye...a cruel cycle for the sentimental. So it goes.... I'm not good at saying 'goodbye', because there's a sense of finality that I believe only comes with death. For that reason, I refuse to succumb to the idea that I'll never see them again. Indeed, we've already began preliminary plans to reunite in either Bulgaria or the United Arab Emirates (their probable destination). Not burdened (too much) by our Spanish language deficiencies, we've spent many a hazy Sunday sitting on their porch, sharing our life experiences, while watching our children grow up, literally. I can remember our sons, as they first met, marveling at a grasshopper toy that they both coveted, and the subsequent 'meeting/evaluation of the parents' that followed. An essential guide to Managua social life for expat parents, socializing through our children necessitates finding adults that you enjoy being around. In some ways, I felt more akin to them than some of my own compatriots here. Today, they leave for their native Spain. They will be sorely missed.

So it goes....in a bit, I'm heading out to say farewells at Brodie's preschool, a despidida, as they say here. There will be cake, songs, a celebration, and other fanfare. But, at the end of the day, it will yet another 'goodbye'. Our son has finally begun to show signs that the move is affecting him as well. He hasn't been himself the last couple days, and we suspect that the heaviness of knowing that he won't see his friends is weighing him down. Sure, he'll enjoy the cake and festivities, but I know, deep down, his heart is heavy. For that, mine is too...

More Banjo Chris

2008-06-09T15:55:00.001-04:00

Yin and Yang of Managua Parties

2008-06-09T09:48:00.007-04:00

Tale of two parties....Saturday night's party was great. What a treat, spending the evening with some of my closest friends in Managua. Sunday afternoon was not so great, sitting around like a hungover lizard, listening to drivel from a bunch of Nica freeloaders. More about that later....

But first, let me say that Saturday night's party was a fitting end to my party circuit in this hazy Central American capital. In all, about 40-50 folks from the Embassy community showed up, including a couple friends from the Manzanita mafia (a Spanish-Nica couple that we've come to know through our son's preschool). Let's see, I drank keg beer, ate chocolate cake, did shots of tequila, even played wiffle ball with some Americans and a Swedish couple (ahem, I even hit one over the house, which, in my book, is a homerun!). I let my hair down, so to speak....which to my good fortune, is all possible when you live 3 houses away from the gala locale....by the way, kudos and special thanks to the hostess that made all this possible.

Perhaps as a sign of how good a time I was having, I have no idea when I got home. All I know, is that I drained every last second out of the fun. As they say in sports, 'I left it all on the field'....

On the other hand, yesterday's 'despidida' was a different story. As some of you may know, I take tennis lessons here in Manangua. My teacher, the patriarch of Managua's most renowned tennis family, had been inviting me for some time to partake in a weekend 'lechon', or a Nica pig roast. One of his cousins owns a restaurant just outside of town, and knowing that my time is short here, I finally relented. It's not that I didn't want to go, it just seems that there is always something else going on.

So, around 10am, I show up with my tennis prof, at which point I'm really hungover from the previous evening's festivities. So, what do you think I do.....ahem, have a beer! Good grief!! So it went.... I spent the next 3-4 hours shooting the breeze with Jorge and a menage of Nica troubadours, ranging from close cousins, to just plain thirsty acquaintances. Around 2 pm, I decided that I'd had enough. I don't know if it was one guy 'offering' one of his female teenage cousins to me that did it, or was it the proclamation that 'Americans are narrow-minded'. Maybe it was the banter about American politics, revealing an ignorance that borders on a time in America when folks sat around the general store and waxed poetic about things they had no knowledge about whatsoever. I mean, where do you begin? But after all, I'd been invited for this farewell as a send-off, and I'd 'done my time' out of respect.

But, I'm afraid the Sunday Nica brunch left a bitter taste in my mouth. You see, when it was time to go, we asked for the check, which amounted to my prof's cousin bringing me the bill of over $60 and everyone sitting there, staring at me. Unfortunately, I didn't have that kind of cash on me. In fact, I'm lucky I brought much at all. So, I paid what I had, leaving me penniless, fuming, and ..... I still had to give my tennis prof a ride back into town. Not only that, I was letting half the restaurant use my cell phone, as they were all either too thirsty or poor to have any minutes on their phones.

I don't mind paying my share. In fact, in my time in Nicaragua, I've grown accustomed to the idea that, I'm a rich American in their eyes and am made of money. I'm the freaking money tree, nothing more, nothing less. That's the sad reality that prevents most anyone from making any real, genuine friendships in this country. I should've known better. Not only did I spend my Sunday afternoon away from my family, I wasted money on a bunch of freeloading drunks under the guise of 'oh, we're going to miss you....you're different from all the other Americans' nonsense. I can speak the local dialect, carry on conversations for hours on end.....Heck, I can even take my shirt off and play with my bellybutton like some deadbeat Nica drifter. But, at the end of the day, I just another foreigner to leech off of. Sadly, I see this as a metaphor for the greater struggle that goes on in this country.

I feel for the good, honest, hard-working people of this country. The ones like our nanny, a person I have the utmost respect for. Unfortunately, they are almost invisible, amidst the vast majority of those that I have come into contact with in Managua. Every day, I encounter those that cannot see me as an individual, only as someone to dupe and take advantage of. I'd rather be just ripped off in Huembes, than to know someone for a year or so, thinking that perhaps you are more to them than a pathetic handout, only to be disappointed yet again. It's like after getting punched in the gut so many times, you stupidly put your guard down once more, only to be wailed on one last time. Adios Managua!

More Dylan Politics...

2008-06-07T20:58:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm off to yet another party....but, this one actually pertains to us directly, a despidida, or a farewell party for our family, as well as two others in the community. Lots of drink, cabayo bayo, music, and dancing. Should be a lot of fun! A 'blow out' of sorts....I should be plenty thirsty.

So...if you are thirsty, grab a cold one and read this latest story on Dylan and his seeming endorsement of Barack Obama. Enjoy!

News From Bulgaria

2008-06-06T10:30:00.001-04:00

Ahh, my future home.....it sounds interesting already

The Times They Are A-Changin'

2008-06-06T00:52:00.004-04:00

Bob Dylan endorses Barack Obama. Read it here.

Fascinating......Dylan painting masterpieces and endorsing the first black presidential candidate. A long ways from him singing 'When the Ship Comes In' in the early sixties, preceding Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I have a Dream' speech. Maybe Mr. Dylan will see that dream come true....

Young Hillary

2008-06-03T23:58:00.001-04:00

Monkey Wrenches.....Government Style!

2008-06-03T13:27:00.003-04:00

Looks like I'm going to have to part with some old friends here in Nicaragua. It seems our government has restrictions on shipping for our 'short-term' move to Arlington for language training. Everything under 37' long must be shipped to our 'onward' assignment in Bulgaria.

Hence, no crib, elliptical trainer, bowflex, kitchen table....and most importantly, a day of reckoning for Jamie's guitars...all 4 of 'em. Looks like I have to choose two to take with me. So....in the spirit of being a good father/husband, I have decided against asking my family to make room for 4 guitars in the trunk of the car this summer, in what will be an epic roadtrip around our great nation.

So...goodbye 12-string Takamine FP-400s.....adios antique 1925 Oscar Schmidt Carl Fischer all-Koa wood Hawaiian parlor guitar....hello eBay, hello cold cash and beer money for, what should be, an exciting summer to come. Who would've ever thought it would come to this! I'm keeping two Nicaraguan-made custom guitars, one I haven't even played yet. I guess if I don't get a fair price for the parlor guitar, I can ship it to some friends in Springfield, Virginia for safekeeping. (that's what I prefer really, the backup, failsafe Jamie gets to keep 3 guitar option...hehehe)

Ahh, the life of nomads!

Furniture Shopping

2008-05-29T23:59:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited to get to the States and do my furniture shopping. I was planning on going to Ikea until I saw this guy. Now, I may have to go to Alabama for the bedroom set.

Pay Attention!

2008-05-29T23:25:00.007-04:00

So, I'm chatting with my folks today... talking about the upcoming move, current happenings with the kids, etc.... I didn't even realize that Tropical Storm Alma was rearing its ugly head off the Nicaraguan coast. You know, when the rainy season starts here, you don't really notice when the streets begin flooding.

From the trash-clogged sewer drains, washed out roads, to the merely befuddled Nica pedestrians, you would've just thought it a normal day. In all, it just rained....and rained some more. Didn't stop me from going to Masaya and chatting up Sergio Zepeda, the famous Nicaraguan luthier that is responsible for my first, and only classical guitar.

'Number 2'

Taking him up on an earlier offer, I commissioned him to make a replica of a Martin OM-45 guitar. (Here's an example) Let me just say, this was the guitar that Roy Rogers, Woody Guthrie, and seemingly every other songster of yesteryear made famous. You see, I have two great keepsakes from Nicaragua. Of course, there is Ewan!! Without question my favorite Nica of all!! Then, there is my classical guitar. So.....I'm going for 'number 3'..... perhaps 'number 2'.......BUT, never will it be 'number 1'!

'Number 1'

So it went today....I set out for the artisan town of Masaya, despite flooded streets, road disintegration, and a tropical storm slamming the Pacific coast....all for my Nica fake Martin guitar! We'll see how it turns out...the 'due date' is June 15th.

Winding Down in Managua Town

2008-05-28T00:01:00.006-04:00

Well....the end is drawing near. That is, my adventures in Nicaragua are coming to a close. In the coming days and weeks, I'll try to do a better job with the 'little blog that could'. Actually, I don't even know what this blog is about anymore. I started out with the idea of a kind of a voyeur-ish look at life for an expat in Managua. For better or worse, that never really happened.

At first, there were stories of iguana fishing on the roof with the gardener (read: hot dog chunks, 10 lb. test line....and lots of time on our hands), extravagant piñatas, and even a good ole beach retreat. Then, it morphed into a sort of movie and blues review site....rife with stories of old blind bluesmen and classic movies that I've never seen. Finally, it devolved into a lazy ritual of posting youtube videos that I found interesting, interspersed with some random commentary about the expat life and our lives in general (at this point, I think Mom is the only one paying attention...um, 'hi Mom!').

So, as we wind things down here. Or, shall I say, when we finally decide to take this horse out and shoot it, I'll do my best to put closure on Managua. Who knows, maybe I'll start up another blog when we begin our year of Bulgarian language training in the States. (don't you hate it when folks say, 'we're from "the States"'? It's so.....Gen X.

Thirsty?

2008-05-19T23:08:00.002-04:00

The Unhealthiest Drink in America
Baskin Robbin’s Large Heath Bar Shake (32 oz)
2,310 calories
266 g sugar
108 g fat (64 g saturated)

Let's look at America's Worst Drink in numbers:

73: The number of ingredients that go into this milkshake.
66: The number of teaspoons of sugar this drink contains.
11: The number of Heath Bars you would have to eat to equal the number of calories found in one Baskin Robbins Large Heath Bar Shake.
8-12: The average number of minutes it takes to consume this drink.
240: The number of minutes you’d need to spend on a treadmill burning it off, running at a moderate pace.

....thanks to Yahoo......

Well, I can't say that I'm ready for this part of my return visit to the good ole U.S. of A. I need to be careful, very careful.....

Thanks for the Memories....Let's Make More!

2008-05-14T23:36:00.002-04:00

Poor Andruw

2008-05-12T10:32:00.002-04:00

I guess L.A. isn't as laid-back as Andruw would like it to be.... Someone's got it in for him, they're planting stories in the press. Let's just say the honeymoon is over for Andruw.

Gone Fishin' in San Juan del Sur

2008-05-05T12:06:00.001-04:00

Had a great time with some friends from Atlanta. We caught 15 or so mahi-mahi. Unfortunately, we had to get back to the children and couldn't stay longer. It was nice to feel 'free' again, but even nicer to see the innocent faces of our beautiful children. In all, a very relaxing weekend getaway.....a subtle reminder that Nicaragua is like an onion....as you peel away the many layers, you find varying textures and surprises.

Belated Happy Birthday ..... to me.

2008-04-28T23:21:00.002-04:00

I'm not usually one to aggrandize my birthday, especially as the years start rolling by.....but, I just have to pass this on to you, even if it is a couple of days late!

Some of my dearest friends (who happen to be Argentine blues musicians) recorded a birthday song for me, and I'd like to share it with you here.

Meeting Rod Carew

2008-04-27T10:02:00.003-04:00

It's not often that you get to chat with a Hall of Famer. It's even more uncommon to do so at an ambassador's house in Nicaragua. A fitting 'birthday present', my encounter with 7-time batting champion Rod Carew was quite memorable.

A friend of mine made it happen...knowing what a baseball junkie I am, she made sure that I was able to meet with the 1977 MVP, as he was here in Nicaragua as a representative for MLB, conducting baseball clinics and whatnot in this already baseball-mad country.

As it turned out, I showed up at the ambassador's house and mingled with some co-workers, sipping on some rum, and before long, the baseball delegation began showing up. There were execs, a handful of Dominican scouts, and, of course, Rod Carew. Biding my time, I eventually got to chat with the famous Twin and Angel icon from the 70s. I think I may have freaked him out when I introduced him to a friend of mine as 'the only man other than Ty Cobb to win 3 consecutive batting crowns'. He responded with eyebrows raised, 'Some people know my career better than I do....'. So, at that point, I decided not to mention that I knew he had stolen home 17 times in his career, and that he and Willie Mays share the distinction of winning Rookie of the Year, the MVP, and a batting title.

What we did talk about was the state of baseball. You see, Carew is a purist. He explained how great the Canseco steroid thing would eventually be for the sport, ferreting out the cheaters and the one-dimensional ballplayers, hellbent on hitting 'jonrones'(home runs). I mentioned that my dad had always taught me to 'hit the ball where it was pitched', and he replied that was what he tried to teach young ballplayers. Notably, he mentioned a particular admiration for Japanese players, such as Ichiro, and he commented that pitchers, such as Nicaraguan-born Dennis Martinez, would do 'whatever it took' to get hitters out (read: cheat).

Interestingly, I found out that Carew was a former Marine, and he and Tug McGraw were very close to being sent to Vietnam. Seeing that everyone at the party was there to chitchat with Carew, I limited my time with him to a subtle 15 minutes or so, returning to the rum and coke circuit with some of my embassy friends. In all, it was a great night.....a perfect beginning for my birthday....

Midnight Hike of Momotombo Volcano

2008-04-21T09:01:00.020-04:00

Well, it's about the craziest thing I've done....at least in awhile. Last week, a buddy of mine invited me to hike the Momotombo volcano with him, starting around midnight, and finishing around sunrise, providing great photo opportunities and a unique experience here in Nicaragua, especially since our time here is dwindling.

So, naturally, I accepted.

Seeing that you need special permission from the government, and there are no formal trails at the top, we needed a guide. Indeed, my friend's (Ron) neighbor is a French 'volcanologist', arguably the most experienced volcano climber in all of the region. So, upon arriving at the Frenchman's house in Managua (might I add, this man has a striking resemblance to fallen Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceasescu )

Joining us was 'Ceausescu's' nica wife, 2 Nicaraguan adventurers, and us 'chele' Americans. After a spirited drive to the other side of Lake Managua, we arrived at the foot of the volcano around 11:30 pm.....and off we went!

Keep in mind, I had already given everyone in our group the 'once over', meaning I had deduced that I would be able to physically match any of them on this journey, including the wiley 'Ceausescu'. So, we began our midnight journey up a set of switchback-esque trails, through typical Nicaraguan shrubbery and underbrush, until we reached a point where the trees were sparse, and the soil resembled black, sandy, shale.....crushed volcanic rock. Now, I'm no geologist, but I can tell you that is quite challenging, walking up a big black shale hill, taking two steps foreward, one step back..... So it went for....well, the next 2-3 hours.

Around 2am though, we had to take a break. At this point, I kind of realized what I'd gotten myself into. My friend Ron and the Frenchman were leading me on one of the those crazy journeys that you read about in a magazine. The two Nicaraguan adventurers had fallen behind by this time, leaving us battling 40 mph winds in our faces. So, we decided to wait for the lagging Nicas, and sought out shelter under a pathetic shrub. It was decided by Ceausescu that we should 'wait out the wind', and continue in an hour. So there we rested, laying around like some iguanas on uncomfortable volcanic rock.....Oh, did I mention that I completely forgot to pack any warm clothes or sufficient food. (I had a Milky Way bar and bottle of water).

3am. We continue on with our journey. By this time, the true nature of the challenge revealed itself. Due in part to a full moon, I could see the face of the volcano in it's entirety, and doubts began to creep in as to whether I could complete this journey. What was supposed to culminate in a 5-5:30 destination at the top had now become an 'I don't know if we should attempt this because I've never seen the wind like this' from trusty 'Ceausescu'. Adding to the bluster was the fact that clouds had completely enveloped us, limiting visibility severely.

6am. We're definitely not going to summit this thing anytime soon. Not only were the 2 Nica stragglers impeding our efforts, the wind was unbearable, literally picking us up off the ground if you weren't careful. It was also at this point that 'Ceausescu' explained just how steep the summit was, necessitating a frantic 'crawl' to the top...Um, have I mentioned that I'm afraid of heights?!.....

Shine a light on me.....ahh, sun breaks, still no sleep, no food, but I can see all around me. This is a good thing....kind of. Did I tell you that I don't care for heights? So, between 5-7am, I was part of the 'A-team', essentially Ceausescu, his Nica wife, and Ron....who I might add, is the craziest, most ambitious hiker I've ever encountered. He simply chews up mountains and spits them out! So, we get to the point of no return, essentially the 'end game', as we're faced with the last 100 yds. or so to the summit. You know, the part with the 'frantic crawl' to the top. I had previously decided to go for it, overcoming my fears, until Ceausescu's wife opted out. This woman admitted to around 300 successful climbs of the summit, and I was guessing that her good judgment aided her in this number. If she wasn't going, nor was I. You see, the wind and clouds were simply too much....

So, around 7:30am, we made our way down the mountain, taking a brisk 1 hour walk/tumble down the shifting volcanic rock pebbles. It was like downhill skiing on glass shards, making wipeouts less desirable. In the end, I made it down about halfway, where I waited for crazy Ron....and lo and behold, you could see him literally skiing down the steepest face of the mountain, like a crazed downhill skier with no skis. He made it down the face in 10 minutes, whereas it took me a good hour of rock balancing.

By the time we rendezvoused, I had no food, water, or desire to be on the mountain. Furthermore, we had both told our wives that we'd 'be home for breakfast'. Ha! So, by 11am, we made it to the car, completely wiped out, tired, thirsty, and hungry. We hit the road, listened to some Led Zepplin III, and weaved through the normal menage of Nicaraguan Sunday drunks. Aided by Jimmy Page and Fanta soda, we cruised back to 'civilization'....that is, until Ron's Jeep broke down and I enlisted the help of a drunk Nica to fetch us beers while we waited for the tow truck....but friends......that's a different story!!

Bourgeois Town

2008-04-14T10:48:00.004-04:00

Well, I just got back from Washington D.C., the nation's capital.... Some of you already know the reason of my visit: to interview to become a Special Agent. Well, folks, it wasn't meant to be.... My background of brewmaster and east European studies didn't parlay well into a career of security and bringing down bad guys. I guess I could've got 'em drunk and bored them to death in the damp, basement room, with tales of Balkan despots....but I digress....

Actually, it was a great trip, a wonderful experience, if only to keep my interviewing skills from becoming too rusty in the hazy rain forests of Nicaragua. It's been awhile since I posted anything on this site, other than the occasional youtube clip and some videos of my offspring. So, here are some of my observations from my recent D.C. trip.

First of all, I must say that I had forgotten just how 'fast-paced' the U.S. is, especially on the East Coast. When I arrived, I was whisked around with great efficiency, from airport to subway station, to taxi stand, etc... One of the first things I did, post-interview, was to check out the Smithsonian. To me, this is a cleansing, reflective exercise. Our nation has a proud and illustrious history. This fact will not be lost upon you if you live in a place like Nicaragua. Don't get me wrong, Nicaragua has a colorful history....

Sadly, though, I found that the American History Museum was closed for renovations, so I quickly changed course, and went to the National Museum of Art. What a great idea! I've always been an avid fan of art. At one point, in my pubescent days, I fashioned myself to be somewhat of an artist. Although my output was modest, by absolutely all accounts, I enjoyed the genre. Naturally, my interest carried over into an appreciation of the artists themselves, their work, and how it fit into the chronology of the craft. So, I spent the better half of my 'free', non-interviewing morning, perusing the labyrinthian maze of our nation's art collection. In particular, I was drawn to the Spanish and Italian masters of the Dark Ages, the iconography of the earliest frescoes and religious themes, as well as the Impressionists of late 19th century fame. Seeing a Van Gogh up close, studying the brush strokes and really taking the time to interpret the paintings, I was really fortunate to be there on a lazy Thursday morning, sans the crowds and hubbub.

Well, gazing at masterpieces can make a man quite hungry, I looked for a bite to eat. But, seeing that it was such a beautiful day, I decided that I would take a nice little 45 minute run around the National Mall. Taking in the din of befuddled schoolchildren from Iowa, sunbathing interns, silver-haired politicos and the like, I ran around, taking it all in... I got to see, firsthand, a loud protest at the Capitol by organized dump truck drivers, honking and making a commotion, while driving around the for everyone to see. I went up and asked one of the drivers what they were protesting, to which he responded, 'high fuel prices man!'. Seems to be a theme these days....

At any rate, after my run, my next plan of action was to check out the Museum of the American Indian. Luckily, I resisted the urge to eat junk from an outside vendor, and decided instead to take my chances on museum fare. I was rewarded with some of the finest museum cuisine imaginable. The restaurant was divided into 5 regions, offering distinct choices that included buffalo chili, tamales, baked salmon, and seafood bisque. I ended up going with the baked salmon, with an asparagus salad, and turnip greens. This was simply the best meal that I'd had in the States in quite a long time. The museum itself was somewhat confusing, as the thematic approach only covered a limited amount of vast, Native American experiences. Overall, the mood is heavy, as the national guilt of Native American eradication is prominently portrayed. ...This fact actually makes me more proud of my country, as we have the confidence and intellectual honesty to explore this topic.

Finally, after a full day of American Indians and Art, I wandered over to the new baseball stadium over by the Navy yard, on the east side of the city. Wow! What a stadium! Now, if the Nationals can only match the impressiveness of the stadium... I showed up around 5pm, a little over 2 hours before the first pitch. For $5, I got a cheap bleacher seat, and moseyed down to try and catch a batting practice home run. Instead, I watched as some annoying 'ball hawk' was snagging everything coming our way. Otherwise, my experience was absolutely positive. The Marlins beat the Nats in a closely fought, late-inning back-and-forth affair. Afterwards, I quickly made it back to Arlington, via the ever-dependable Metro.

All in all, it was a memorable day....and a worthwhile trip to my homeland.

Brodie and Ewan

2008-04-13T11:13:00.004-04:00

Here's the latest of Brodie and his baseball travails....He really loves this sport. I think he got the 'baseball gene' from his Grandpops (something that his Poppy didn't seem to get!)

Brodie Baseball Part 2

Also, we shouldn't forget little Ewan!

Ewan Wants Milk

Baseball with Brodie

2008-03-28T19:59:00.001-04:00

Baseball with Brodie

Avalon Blues - 100th Post

2008-03-17T23:58:00.002-04:00

To commemorate my 100th post on my blog, here's a little Mississippi John Hurt....Avalon Blues.......Hope you like it.

Banjo Chris's 'Hunkie Tunkie Blues'

2008-03-14T19:28:00.001-05:00

Banjo Chris with another masterful effort. This guy is a true inspiration....and I love the Stella guitar!

Shine On....

2008-02-19T23:33:00.002-05:00

Things have been rough lately. I started a new job, had to fire our gardener...the point is....I've been busy. And, based on my last post, bad news abounds in my country. So....here's a nice little surprise. I never knew this guy even existed.

Ladies and Gentlemen.....Leon Redbone....

Another School Massacre

2008-02-15T12:40:00.003-05:00

Well, here we go again.....Another senseless school massacre in the United States. This time the assassin bought his gun, legally, a mere 2 weeks ago. It's like a kid in the candy shop....simple as that. When is enough going to be enough!?

Prepare for the cycle......First, we'll go through the grieving process, asking the 'hows' and 'whys'. Next, it will spin into 'the mind of a killer' and other sensationalist aspects that sell newspapers. (I see 60 minutes has already begun the story.) Afterwards, a brief political debate will ensue, as the lobbies on both sides scrum, with the gun lobby prevailing, reminding Americans that liberal communists want to take guns away, in order to impose an Orwellian, godless state. And, finally, it will return to business as usual in the U.S. of A......until the next massacre.

God Bless America!

Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.
Bob Dylan, 1962

Obama-mania!

2008-02-11T11:58:00.000-05:00

I really hope this guy is our next prez. What a breath of fresh air he will be!

Tribute to Maharishi

2008-02-08T10:11:00.000-05:00

Watch Your Um........In Managua!

2008-02-05T19:40:00.001-05:00

I normally don't condone toilet photos, but this is an exception.

Finished 'Linea del Fuego'

2008-02-04T21:09:00.000-05:00

Originally planned to be a 25k, it was shortened to 23k, due to lack of runners. Instead, most folks opted for the 15k walk. Undeterred, myself and a handful of Quebecois and Western Europeans braved the heat, steep inclines (and more numerous) sharp declines, curious looks from the Nicas, to complete the trek to Masaya Lake.

We started at El Crucero, and moseyed our way up and down the mountain ridge, taking in the sights, with views of Managua, Masaya, Masaya Volcano, and finally Masaya Lake....Indeed, all things Masaya! At any rate, I completed the 'race' in about 2 hours, 40 minutes......For not training at all, I'll take it!
Here are some photos of the excursion.....Oh yeah, there were many cold beers and much delicious food at the finish line....

Monday Morning Blues Is Back

2008-02-04T21:01:00.000-05:00

A little Son House and Blind Lemon Jefferson to get the blood flowing this week.....
First off, 'Preachin' Blues' by a very talented Son House 'disciple'......Enjoy!

And not to be outdone, Blind Lemon's classic 'Pneumonia Blues' by the 'Greek bluesman', George, who's an absolutely splendid understudy of the great Lemon....Note: George claims it is 'horrible', but he is just being overly self-critical. It's good, really good. Keep on posting videos!

'Line of Fire' 25k Run Tomorrow

2008-02-02T19:20:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm excited.....nervous, but excited. I've gone over the itinerary, studied the map....and now, I'm ready. Actually, I haven't been training as hard as my first half-marathon in Buenos Aires in 2005, but this one should turn out okay. To be sure, this 'race' is more of an informal get-together.

So, we'll see what happens. There should be plenty of coffee plantations, clouds, sun, and quizzical looks from the Nicaraguans. I may see some howler monkeys and, hopefully, the finish line.

...then, I can gorge myself with buffalo wings and pizza in time for the Super Bowl... Go Giants!

Power To The People....

2008-02-01T12:24:00.000-05:00

Argentina Blues

2008-01-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Wonderful Tampa Red song done by my good friends........a true Blues inspiration!

So, Let Me Get This Straight

2008-01-26T18:08:00.000-05:00

In the world of television, tt's okay to show homicide, autopsies, depict rape, abductions, and war, but it's not okay to show a passing glance of a nude woman's caboose?

Apparently, this is what ABC found out recently, as they were ordered to pay out the....... ahem, you know what. What priorities! I'm so glad the FCC is looking out for the well-being of our precious children!

Friday Morning Bob

2008-01-25T08:50:00.000-05:00

A superb cover of Dylan's tale of despair and death on the South Dakota plains.

Minesweeper Record...and here I thought my score of 246 was pretty good.

2008-01-23T14:25:00.000-05:00

...and here I thought my score of 246 was pretty good.

Opera Anyone?

2008-01-03T00:38:00.000-05:00

Not normally an opera fan, but this guy's the real deal....

Universal Health Care

2007-12-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

Why don't we have it?

Really?! Why is America the only nation in the Western world without universal health care for its citizens? Why is our infant mortality rate higher than that of Nicaragua? Why is our life expectancy lower than Cuba's?

These are just some of the points raised by Michael Moore in his recent film, Sicko, which examines the health care crisis in America. And when I say crisis, I cannot stress the word nearly enough.

1. I know, I know, you say universal health care is 'socialism'.... Perhaps....
But how about our police force, our firefighters, libraries, postal service?? I think most would agree that our firefighters' valiant efforts during 9/11 were not impeded by some 'socialistic plague' of indifference caused by a lack of capitalistic drive. The same can be said about this nation's police force. While less than perfect, our police force performs remarkably. Our nation's libraries operate as a not-for-profit service that all Americans are eligible to enjoy.

So, if we agree that free public safety and reading are 'understood rights' of Americans, why not healthcare?

2. It costs too much. We are already paying too much. As premiums rise, services have dwindled. People are now 'too young', 'too fat', 'too old', and 'not sick enough' to obtain treatment for conditions and maladies. Legal loopholes are sought, pre-existing conditions scrutinized by teams of medical experts, employed by the insurance companies, with the sole purpose of establishing denial quotas. Often times, these tactics are utilized in a war of attrition that paralyzes the insured, until it is 'too late', when early treatment could've prevented worsening outcomes.

How can countries like France, United Kingdom, and Canada all afford healthcare, and we cannot? Why can't we eliminate the overhead of insurance claims, designer drug 'marketing', billing departments, etc?

3. The ethical question. It's as simple as this. The American health care system is run for profit, not health. The systems in Western Europe and Canada are run for health, not profit. Our priorities are reversed. Thankfully, our police and firefighters don't operate under a 'for profit' basis.

Can you imagine a society in which you have a house fire, and instead of immediately calling '911' for the proper help, you first fret over whether your 'firefighter insurance' will cover the expenses of the trucks, hydrants, manpower, and resources used to combat the blaze. Then, in the end, you may be retroactively billed thousands of dollars because of a 'pre-existing condition' within the foundation of your house, determined by a team of 'building specialists', contracted by your 'friendly' insurance company. All the while, you have paid premiums in a timely manner for this 'safeguard' against catastrophe.

Somehow, our 'socialist' government has gotten it right with the police and firefighters.....now, it is time for Americans to enjoy government health care. The person that offers the best answer to this question will inevitably get my vote in 2008........even if that means Hillary.

As always, your comments are encouraged....
see Michael Moore's health care proposal here.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T09:42:00.000-05:00

Best Wishes and Happy Holidays to all.....from all of us in Managua!!

Feliz Navidad!

Ramblin Round Sofia??

2007-12-18T11:56:00.000-05:00

Well, in case you haven't heard, looks like my Blues show is heading to Sofia, Bulgaria. We'll be heading out of Managua next summer, back to D.C. for some Bulgarian lessons...and then, we'll be hitting the slopes of Mt. Vitosha.

Hope all is well with all 3 of my readers. Hahahaha

More to follow....maybe even a video with my new Nicaraguan classical guitar.

Fighting Darth Vader

2007-12-17T15:56:00.000-05:00

Brodie meets his match at Disney.....

Cleaning Up

2007-12-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

I've had time to get my cyberlife in order a bit. We got back from vacation last week and I'm in the process of cleaning up my blogs. Err....I mean my blog. You see, my other blog was sold off and has become a spam haven. So, don't say I didn't warn you.

As for me, I'm learning some Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan tunes on my new classical guitar, as well as some old Carter family standards. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Cheers to all....

Vacation Time.....I'm Coming To America

2007-11-19T11:33:00.000-05:00

I'll be in Indiana for the coming week, visiting family. Then, it's off to Disney for a week-long extravaganza with my family. Until then, keep on keeping on!!

Got Jerry?

2007-11-10T01:10:00.000-05:00

Nicaraguan Blues

2007-11-09T18:53:00.000-05:00

This is a friend of mine.....Well, not exactly....but this guy is obviously thirsty for some Flor de Caña

More Stefan Grossman....A True Inspiration!

2007-11-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

and one by Paul Geremia....

Who Says White Folks Don't Have The Blues?

2007-11-08T10:17:00.000-05:00

Broke Down Engine......2007 Style

2007-10-24T01:30:00.000-04:00

Another Banjo Chris classic....I wish I could play the ole 12 string like this guy!

Picking the Guitar

2007-10-24T00:20:00.000-04:00

Well, it's funny.....every once in awhile, I run into other musicians here in Managua. I guess I can call myself a 'musician'. I mean, I play guitar.
Guy that plays guitar= musician, right?!

At any rate, for those of you that know me, I haven't been at it very long, couple of years, maybe 3. So, when some guy comes along....you know, a semi-professional musician, and we get to talking....he finds out I 'play guitar'. Next thing you know, I'm going to jam with him....perhaps before he does a show in a little dive bar here.

I keep telling the guy, 'Hey! I don't play Country music, I play Country Blues music. That means no George Strait. I'm talking Mississippi John Hurt.....' Then he goes, 'What?! Who's he?!'.....and so it goes. I'm a burgeoning guitarist, playing a style no one has heard of....in a country with no music scene.

You know, some might say the climate is just right for the Blues......Where's my guitar?

YouTube Favorites on Guitar

2007-10-10T23:12:00.000-04:00

Another Brick in the Wall by Naudo. This guy makes me want to go out and trade in all my guitars for that classical guitar he has....In fact, I have to go practice right this very minute.

Cincinnati Flow Rag #2 by Gustavo. Plays Fingerpicking Blues all the way from Spain, with a sweet sounding Martin and Blueridge....among countless others in his collection. Gustavo's keeping the tradition alive...and he's a fellow Piedmont Blues enthusiast!

Baby It Must Be Love by Guitar Dan. You know, this guy has the balls to sing Blind Willie McTell, while playing very good facsimiles....Very nice. I love his tuned down Stella 12-string.

Beans by BanjoChris. You should see him play the banjo! Chris's vocal delivery is au-thentic. He is juke-joint worthy, a serious student of the Blues. I wish he'd post more often.

I implore you to check out these guys' playing the guitar. You'll be glad you did.

No Time Left For Me...

2007-10-03T14:44:00.001-04:00

This is crazy....I've had zero time lately for this blog. For the 1 or 2 people that check in on it, my apologies.....

I have a stack of Netflix movies waiting to be watched, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Some Like It Hot. With any luck, I'll get around to posting a review, as well as a long overdue Monday Morning Blues entry.

Take care everyone....

Bet On Stewball?

2007-09-20T01:01:00.001-04:00

Well, this isn't a review for The Lives of Others....That is still in the works. This, however, is fascinating and demands immediate attention....I'm glad to see Anglo-American folk music is alive and well, even in the strangest of places. Enjoy!

Germany Under Fire, Pt. 1

2007-09-17T01:04:00.000-04:00

It's no mistake that I recommend the majority of the movies that I review here. I actively seek out classics, and I wasn't disappointed with the double billing that I took in recently over a bucket of buttery popcorn and a couple rum and cokes. Schindler's List and The Lives of Others.

I'll start with the former, the well-told, yet always disturbing tale of German persecution of European Jewry....the Holocaust, and one man's efforts to save Jews in a forced labor camp deep within Nazi-controlled Poland and Czechoslovakia. I'll spare the details, but suffice it to say, Spielberg's use of black and white cinematography was fitting, as this is a grim story of survival, and far too often, hopeless despair and death. Within this human quagmire, Oskar Schindler, played by Liam Neeson, transforms from a war material entrepreneur hellbent on exploiting a labor force with no future, to a compassionate traitor, with enough money to buy freedom.

A true story, Schindler's List is easily the tour de force of 'Holocaust movies'. Three central characters emerge from the movie. Itzhak Stern, played masterfully by Ben Kingsley, acts as Schindler's confidant and accountant, bridging the gap between German conscience and the the Jewish reality of the war. On the other hand, Amon Leopold Göth is the sadistic, yet internally weak SS prison camp commander, played by Ralph Fiennes. This epic loosely follows the transformation of Schindler, dealing with these two men, and the dependency that they show.

It's a moving film, and I highly recommend to anyone attempting to try to understand such a terrible chapter in modern history. I think it put my wife in labor, to be honest....

Worth the Hype? Absolutely. This is one of those instant classics. It is even better today, than when I initially saw it in 1994. A moving film. Tomorrow, I'll follow up with a take on 'The Lives of Others', a look at the oppressive East German Stasi during the 1980s.

Here He Is!

2007-09-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

Ewan William was born yesterday, weighing in at 9 lbs. 3 oz. Everything went as well as could be expected, and we're all enjoying time together as a family....albeit an extended one. Hope all is well with everyone. I'll try to post more soon......as you can imagine, I haven't had the Blues recently....but I'll try....

Do You Have Anorexic?

2007-09-11T20:21:00.000-04:00

Title says it all....

Chipper Needs To Shut Up and Play Ball!

2007-09-06T14:41:00.000-04:00

Well, there you have it.....the best take on the Braves that I've heard in awhile. Go Braves!....and long live the Kige!

Lindsay Lohan....Rough Justice

2007-09-06T13:52:00.000-04:00

Well....that about sums it up....Lohan's lawyers should take notice, as the Kige has spoken.

No Baby Yet....

2007-09-06T10:24:00.000-04:00

For those of you that don't check my other blog

He hasn't come yet.....we're in a holding pattern, and it looks like he'll be here soon.....details to follow. Perhaps then, I'll be making those 3 a.m. blues reviews between dirty diapers.

Take care...

High Noon

2007-08-28T00:58:00.000-04:00

Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Tex Ritter songs....need I say more? The classic arch-type Western. Or is it? Honorable lawman versus the yellow-bellied outlaws....a mismatch, showdown in the streets......yet justice prevails.

Despite technical difficulties (thanks Netflix) and a tick infestation of epic proportions (thanks Stella and Managua), we were quite distracted trying to watch this great, albeit short, Western classic.

Thanks to a glitchy DVD and a dog littered with ticks, I had a hard time taking in the subtleties of this flick. Yet, it is interesting to note, in 1952, as the Cold War escalated, how Gary Cooper personified the increasingly lonely global struggle against the evil Communist menace. Or, was it a statement against the stifling blacklist that had begun in Hollywood? Instead, perhaps it was just a simple Western tale of Good vs. Evil?

At any rate, Gary Cooper bounces around town, looking for a posse, for a fight that can't be won, a fight for honor, for justice sake.....and there aren't any takers. Instead, through the 'real time' of this short film, an hour and a half slice of time from the 19th century Wild West, we learn a lot about human motivation, vice, and virtue (or lack thereof) that pervade society today, as seen in pretty much any struggle you care to examine.

Much to my surprise, High Noon is not some cliche B-Western that happened to have a marquee name in Gary Cooper. Instead, it is a thought-provoking film that ages like fine wine. Easily one of the best 5 Westerns I have seen.

Worth the Hype or Not Worth the Hype? Worth the Hype Definitely. I had my reservations, even about 25-30 minutes into the film. But, the suspense, and the intelligent social commentary, make this a must-see for those interested in the Western genre, as well as overall American cinema. High Noon belongs on the short list of the best Westerns ever made.

Saudi Larry

2007-08-19T23:34:00.000-04:00

Oh Lawrence, if you could see the mess we're in now! How ironic, the American Taliban had nothing on this guy. He really seemed to care about his Arab brothers, as they fought to escape Turkish tyranny and unite feuding tribal leaders on the oil-rich peninsula.

Alas, a movie about Saudis without oil....how refreshing! Of course, Lawrence of Arabia is a classic, and most everyone knows a little about the story. Lawrence, the romanticist, well-read and idealistic, chooses the 'other path', advocating indigenous territorial claims in an era of epic European land grabs and imperialism. A man without borders, Lawrence uses cunning and daring to stymie and harangue Turkish installations along the Arabian peninsula. Increasingly, he becomes more ruthless, gaining undying loyalty from the various Arab tribesmen, along the way.

A conflicted British officer with an affinity for Arab culture, played brilliantly by Peter O'Toole, Lawrence and Sherif Ali, local chieftainplayed even more convincingly by Omar Sharif, represent the clash of civilizations that still dogs us today in the 21st Century. Admittedly, I have limited understanding of the region, as a whole, and watched with great interest, this classic film about a region so troubling to us as Americans today. While Anglo Lawrence and his band of camel-riding marauders were fighting an established Turkish foe during World War I, we today, look to the now-established Saudis to fight another brand of stealth marauders that plagues the globe. Sadly, I'm convinced nothing has changed, as both tales are wraught with self-preservation, deceit, and unabated greed.

But back to the main story.....some interesting tidbits about the film....This isn't the flick you want to see with a feminist, as there are absolutely no female speaking parts....a cinematic record. That said, the cinematography is absolutely stunning, the soundtrack is classic.....there is even a musical interlude that allows one to freshen one's beverage. In all, an interesting film that has aged well in the 40 or so years since its theatrical release. It's worth the price of admission just to see Omar Sharif ride his camel up from the distant horizon, just to shoot a guy sipping water from his well.

Worth The Hype or Not Worth The Hype: Worth The Hype.....Great acting, cinematography, musical score. A bit long, which is tempered by the intermission. When's the last time they made a movie with one of those!? If you are interested in historical dramas, this one's for you (I am), but beware, it has some dry, British-type moments, which aren't for everyone....especially those of us Yanks that like our stories with happy endings. Overall, I'd say it deserves to be in the Top 100 of all-time.

Stagger Lee.....He Was a Bad Man!

2007-08-17T14:09:00.000-04:00

Monday Morning Blues on a Wednesday

2007-08-15T16:02:00.000-04:00

Two more weeks before our newest addition to the family...Prospective parenthood, work, and other obligations have limited my blogness.

Folks, I can't get enough Blues. This week, after a long hiatus, I want to introduce you to a lesser known legend of yesteryear, Cryin' Sam Collins. Collins, one of the first recorded slide players, hailed from Louisiana in 1887, performing mostly right across the border in McComb, Mississippi in the early 1920s, recording some sides for Gennett Records later on.

A lesser known 'Delta' player, Crying Sam is similar in voice to Tommy Johnson, yet he doesn't have the same haunting quality, or feel, in the vocal delivery. Indeed, he is a cross between Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson....Delta-Lite, if you will. His most famous side was perhaps, Jailhouse Blues, a well-sung, well-played classic blues. However, this early Delta bluesman actually recorded Midnight Special Blues before Leadbelly. Although I prefer Mr. Ledbetter's, it's interesting to hear an early variation of the song. Not unlike Leadbelly, Collins dabbles in different sub-styles within the blues, playing a variation of the oft-recorded Shake That Thing, here it's Do That Thing, a dance piece that makes you smell the pine wood and corn liquor on a Saturday night.

In all, I'd recommend Collins for a change of pace from the usual suspects....the oft-mentioned greats, such as Robert Johnson, Leadbelly, Skip James, Furry Lewis, and company. Check out Jailhouse Blues on the Yazoo Record reissue for a great collection of his material

Well....I finally saw The Godfather!

2007-08-07T23:46:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...where have I been all these years? This entry will probably be a waste of time for most of you. You don't need someone to tell you how great this movie is. Just in case, some 35 or so years later, I'm here to tell you that it is one of the top 5 movies of all-time.

The acting, the cinematography, the directing, everything..... I know Brando's performance as Don Vito Corleone is now cliche, but it is superb nonetheless. The movie starts with a bang with the whole 'I'll show you!' scene with the pompous movie director that doesn't want to play nice with mobsters.....The look on his face when he discovers that he's cuddling with the severed head of his half-million dollar thoroughbred.....Classic.

Or Pacino, as a baby-faced up and coming mobster, slowly transforming from an idealistic war hero, to a calculating cold-blooded killer, as he becomes 'The Godfather'. Caan's supporting role as the hot-headed older brother is solid, although his exchanges with Talia Shire, the battered sister, are the weakest moments of the film. Indeed, Shire can bring down practically any movie (see Rocky I-XVIII) I particularly like the use of Italian throughout the film, as it lends an authenticity that cannot be overlooked. Most directors aren't that brave anymore, fearing they will lose the mainstream.

I can't imagine how breathtaking this film was when it was originally released.

At any rate, since I've hatched out of my cocoon, vowing to my wife to watch 'all the classics' that I never got around to seeing, I'll be reviewing Lawrence of Arabia next.

Worth The Hype or Not Worth The Hype: Definitely Worth The Hype.....This movie ages like fine chianti. If you haven't seen it, don't be an idiot like me and wait decades.....Go see it immediately!

To Go Electric Or Not Go Electric?

2007-07-31T10:38:00.000-04:00

That is the question. I've been eyeing some electric guitars lately, namely Fender Nashville Telecasters. I can't decide if I should go down this road or not.....

Part of me sees it as an unethical step away from the blues....from the true spirit of the music I'm trying to improve upon. Amplification and wah-wahs are anathema to what I'm trying to accomplish as a burgeoning country blues guitarist. What would Leadbelly and John Hurt think? How about Woody, not to mention Pete Seeger, given his less than savory reaction to Dylan's infamous Newport performance.

Well, let's just step back a minute here, and allow me preface this personal 'crossroads', if you will.... I have no clue how to play an electric guitar. Granted, the chords and the frets are the same, even easier on the fingers, than a standard acoustic model. The thing is, the concept is different. Being a southpaw, I've always had a difficult time using a plectrum. Held in my right hand, they always seem awkward, and I've never been adept at strumming per se. Moreover, I have no clue about scales, soloing, etc.....

Yet, not unlike Dylan circa 1965, I'm drawn to the instrument like a bug to a light. Listening to 'Eat A Peach' will do that to a guy. Neil Young has a similar effect. So, should I just suck it up and go for it, or should I just stick with the roots music, as I realize that the acoustic sound will always be my primary passion.

Or, should I buy a banjo?

My New Blog

2007-07-30T09:56:00.000-04:00

American In A Strange Town

A collection of stories, perspective pieces dealing with life as an expat....for the time being, an expat in Managua, Nicaragua.

I'll be dedicating this space to blues reviews, performances, and movie reviews. Let me know if there is something you'd like to see covered. Cheers!

Monday Morning Blues On Tuesday

2007-07-24T10:31:00.000-04:00

Well, as you may have gathered, I've been a bit busy lately. I haven't posted a Monday Morning Blues review in quite awhile, dedicating much of my time to my other blog.

Anyway, I offer you a more modern blues album/artist this week, Little Walter.

Best known as Muddy Waters' harmonica player, Marion Walter Jacobs was a blues innovator of the later generations of early bluesmen that made the Chicago sound famous. Although I'm not a huge fan of this sub-genre, I have to give credit where credit is due. Little Walter can flat out play the harmonica. Just have a little listen to arguably his most famous tune, Juke.

Well, if jukin' and jivin' with the mouth harp is your thing, check out Little Walter. You can almost smell the musky air and the see the neon of Chi-town's blues joints. Me.....well, I'll be down the road a piece on ole Highway 61.

2007-07-18T09:29:00.000-04:00

Nothing like an animated movie about rats in France, dubbed in Spanish, to make this American happy!

Seriously, what a great movie! Ratatouille warmed my heart. Yesterday, Brodie and I spent the better half of the afternoon perusing the mall, avoiding the house, and preparing for a day at the movies.

After arriving a little over 30 minutes early, we hunkered down with nachos, popcorn, cokes, candy, and hot dogs....you know, all of the prerequisites for a healthy, balanced meal. Originally, we wanted to see Shrek 3, but it wasn't playing anymore. So, we were 'stuck' with this Pixar effort, which I knew little about....other than it was about rats in France....What a premise!

As far as I could tell (since it was in Spanish, and I'm not exactly Roger Ebert in my second language), this was a highly original movie, a sweet story of a peon cook that befriends a rat that happens to be a culinary prodigy. Together, they win the hearts, and, ahem, stomachs, of all of Paris. Actually, it was better for me watch it in Spanish, as it was a closer facsimile to the French subplots.....phonetically speaking, the Spanish renditions of Frenchmen was fascinating. Apparently, we're not the only ones to parody the classic French archtype. Well, enough about that! If you have kids, do them a favor, and take them to see Ratatouille.

It may even change your opinion about the jolly French....or make you have a hankering for frog legs. Au revoir!

Friday Blues

2007-07-13T16:44:00.000-04:00

Here are two songs from two of my favorite artists.

Make Me A Pallet on Your Floor by Mississippi John Hurt

Broke Down Engine by Blind Willie McTell

My New Old Guitar....

2007-07-11T11:40:00.000-04:00

Well, I traded in the 1940 Hensel Artist for a ladder-braced 1925 Carl Fischer 'Kilauea' Hawaiian guitar. This guitar was made by the Oscar Schmidt company and is practically the same as an old Stella, like the ones used by the bluesmen of yesteryear.

So...here's a quick take on Crow Jane....a tune made popular by Skip James and Brownie McGhee, among others.

A Change Is Gonna Come

2007-07-08T16:29:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the absence folks. Looks like there's going to be some changes made around here. A little housecleaning, if you will.....One thing is for certain. The future of Ramblin Round Managua is going to center around two things: Music and Movies.

For all other activities, keep your ears on, as details will be coming forth soon. I hope to write more prolifically than ever before...whether that's a good thing or not, well, you be the judge.

Until then, keep on keepin' on....

Who Killed The Electric Car?

2007-06-26T09:27:00.000-04:00

It's a shame. It really is. My worst fears were confirmed last night. The U.S. car industry and oil companies don't want to offer alternatives to gasoline driven automobiles. The evidence is there for everyone to see. If you don't believe me, watch Who Killed the Electric Car? and see for yourself.

This brilliant documentary frames the issue from the perspective of progressive California lawmakers enacting 'zero emission' legislation in the mid-1990s, at which time, Saturn and other automakers began unveiling electric cars; sleek, fast, and efficient, touted by Hollywood, engineers, and greens, as the answer to oil dependency. So, 10 years later, there are no electric cars on the road. What happened?

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, I saw enough evidence to suggest that the fix was on. Keep in mind, I loathe Michael Moore and all that he represents. I think he's a fat hack, and serves little purpose other than an object of parody (although, in fairness, I haven't seen Sicko yet). So, I go into these 'conspiracy' documentaries with a healthy bit of skepticism. I understand the limitations, the ease of manipulation through this medium, etc... That said, the evidence is overwhelming. A couple of highlights.

-Big knock against electric car is that it only gets 80 miles per charge, more or less. So, a GM scientist comes up with a battery that can go 300 miles per charge. The result......the auto industry asks him not to do major magazine stories about it, effectively censuring him, and then promptly sells the patent to Chevron. I wonder what they've done to advance this technology lately?

-After the leases ran out(there was no option to buy), the companies colluded together, collecting all of the vehicles, without giving 'customers' the option to re-up the lease or buy the cars outright. In fact, GM, among others, promptly destroyed perfectly functional 'green' vehicles for no known reason. After promising that the parts would be recycled on other gasoline-driven vehicles, there is evidence that all of the cars were taken to a desert proving ground in Mesa, Arizona to be demolished. Why?

-Instead of further committing to technology that actually works, albeit with a some kinks (like any other new technology....we didn't quit cell phone advancement because the first 'flip phones' battery life was low), the auto industry cited 'lack of interest' and is now pursuing (with the help of your federally funded tax dollars) hydrogen fuel-cell technology that is only about 20-30 years away. Moreover, a prototype auto currently costs over $1 million to produce and an infrastructure of hydrogen 'filling stations' will be needed before the first cars can ever be sold. Lord knows how much those will end up costing Americans. Talk about a red herring!!! How many years' profit will Chevron and company be able to eek out before Uncle Sam puts on his proper green attire? I'm guessing quite awhile. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the hydrogen cars actually emit more greenhouse gases than current automobiles.

Indeed, electric cars have been around a long time, even outnumbering gas driven cars 100 years ago. So, why not return to this technology to wean the United States off of foreign oil that is costing us so dearly in nearly every strata of society? In case you have forgotten, the United States is responsible for 46% of global oil consumption annually.....Just a thought....

Don't Bring Me Down

2007-06-20T09:51:00.000-04:00

Most of you reading this will try to understand what I'm saying. It'll be tough though, as living in Nicaragua poses a set of challenges rarely encountered by those of us fortunate enough to live in U.S. or Europe.

Now, with that caveat, let me say that I live the 'enchanted life'. Drinking smoothies in the morning by the pool, going to the gym, tennis lessons, practicing my guitar, I have the schedule/life of a teenager. I come and go as I please. In essence, I'm a 'kept man', enjoying the talents and good fortune of my wife's position in society. I work when I want, my schedule is flexible enough to allow me to literally watch my son grow up before my eyes.

So, what seems to be the problem?

Well, folks......living in Nicaragua can be heavy. Like any other foreigner, we employ a staff (in our case 2) of employees to help around the house. Whether needed or not, it almost seems like the right thing to do, as unemployment is rampant in Managua, and one is constantly reminded of the poverty and despair in what is the 2nd poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. As such, I constantly feel like a walking ATM machine, a microcosm of the relationship between Nicaragua and the outside world in general. As I weave in and out of traffic in my little privileged neighborhood of expats and wealthy Nicas, driving Mercedes SUVs and other fortresses on wheels, I am reminded just how profoundly different my life is from the majority of the world.

I was reminded of this fact again on Saturday, when Brodie's nanny was mugged by 4 young men, unemployed and thirsty for rum, as she left the stratosphere of our safe little haven and upscale neighborhood, to the streets of Managua. As is common here in Las Colinas, every Saturday, domestic employees embark on their long journeys back to the countryside, where they often have small children, families that they have left behind for the good part of 6 days a week. Our situation is no different, as Josefa shows up at work on Monday morning at 8am, staying with us until Saturday morning, before returning to her two young daughters, aged 9 and 14. At the middle and end of each month, the customary 'pay day', it is not uncommon for young men to lie in wait, at bus stops, and outside the entrance of neighborhoods such as ours, like sharks waiting for the sea lions to inevitably enter the water, knowing that the domestic employees, mostly women, are carrying two weeks worth of salary, at the very least.

Well, it happened to Josefa on Saturday morning, as she lost 2 weeks' pay, health insurance money, and clothes and food we had given her. Most of all, she was traumatized by the prospect of unfettered violence that awaits her every time she leaves our neighborhood. You see, the police will do nothing. They are merely here to collect bribes, as they are more or less a tax collecting device of the state. Anyhow, Josefa and her ilk make up a demographic of the country, well over 90% that simply doesn't matter in the eyes of the police. And, it's getting worse. Since the Sandanistan takeover of power in November, foreign investment has waned, businesses are beginning to fold, and the overall state of affairs is disintegrating. I sense that the scene that unfolded on Saturday morning will only serve as a precursor, symbolic of more heartache and sorrow for Nicaraguans in the coming year.

The United States, and the 'developed' world in general, has a legacy of providing financial aid to Nicaragua for a long time. Indeed, the relationship between the two has been acrimonious and unhealthy for decades. Unfortunately, most of the goodwill and aid that is sent here has ended up lining the pockets of the 0ligarchal government and its cronies, rarely making it to its intended use. Worse still, the Ortega regime has reversed course on improving transparency of government, tightening his grip on power, and overall, making it less hospitable to donate in the country. Its truly frustrating, as Ortega and his 'Bolivarista' counterparts in Venezuela and Bolivia bemoan the disparity of riches in the Americas, while any attempt to help is met with disdain and suspicion. The rest of the world simply wants accountability for the money it donates. While it is difficult to sit and watch people suffer, it is unacceptable to continue to give aide to a corrupt government that has a long history of graft and large scale theft.

So, I've come to the conclusion (my personal belief only) that Nicaragua needs tough love. So what if Ortega makes a lovely world tour of Algeria, Iran, Cuba, and Syria, decrying the American Imperialism and whatnot. So what if left-leaning organizations tout an idea that the United States is cruel and lacks compassion. Who cares if America loses yet another public relations battle in the world. It's simply the right thing to do. To Ortega and his cronies, Josefa and the rest of Nicaraguans exist only as a concept of working class proletariat. Who's going to help Josefa get home safely without being mugged? Who's going to provide the jobs needed to keep unemployed bands of young men off the streets and out of trouble? Expats are some of the best employers in Managua, that's a fact. Who's going to fill the void when they all leave, frustrated with the hostile stance of a government living in the past?

This place really brings me down.....The irony is, I often write here about the bluesmen of the American South, the hard times of my countrymen throughout American history. But, in the end, I have no concept of the blues, other than a cosmetic shell of geographic and cultural empathy. I don't know what its like to lose 100 dollars and wonder if I must put my children out on the street for lack of food. I cannot imagine this reality. But, in a way, it's heavy for me, knowing such a world exists, reminded of it everyday. The frustrating thing is, the more I try to help, the more I perpetuate the idea of entitlement from everyday Nicas. There is an attitude of "Ah, you are a Chele (European or American), so you are Daddy Warbucks.....give me a dollar". So, any act of charity only exacerbates the problem. If I give away a pair of shoes today, that person will dog me for a new pair tomorrow.

There is a traffic light that I must traverse on my way to the local supermarket to buy the things only a foreigner or wealthy Nica can afford. You know, meat, granola bars, yogurt, etc...As you may imagine, this is prime real estate for the desperate poor, and otherwise, to besiege motorists for handouts and charity. Well, generations of Nicas have laid claim to this intersection, and the seed of cultural charity has already been sown. For the children that stand here, in lieu of school, this is their education. The idea is perpetuated that foreigners are rich, Nicaraguans are poor, therefore, the foreigners should give money, no questions asked. So it goes with the Ortega goverment. At some point, we have to stop giving away shoes and force the government to make its own.

That prospect truly brings me down.

Masacre de las Moscas (Massacre of the Flys)

2007-06-11T16:38:00.001-04:00

'Among the attributes of God, although they are all equal, mercy shines with even more brilliancy than justice'
- Miguel de Cervantes

Another day in the life.....Nicaragua style. In our ongoing efforts to pursue the high life, while representing the US of A, Kim, Brodie, and I invited some friends over for a little American style BBQ. Well, considering the fact that we're in Nicaragua, without a proper outdoor grill, nor any of the 'authentic fixins' for a legitimate barbecue, we made out ok.

First of all, it must be said that preparing for a meal here in Managua is far different from driving up the street to Kroger and perusing the vast, air-conditioned aisles, combing over brand after brand of various patés, Doritos, and Alaskan King Crab. In Managua, you take what you can get. In this case, we were looking for a decent pork roast. Luckily, there is a Bavarian deli right up the street from our house. I'm convinced there is a German deli and British pub in every city on earth! Anyway, so, we're lucky enough to be close to 'Managua's German deli'. I took a guess that posta de cerdo is the closest thing to a pork roast, as my vocabulary isn't exactly spot-on perfect with the various cuts of meat. It simply looked like a pork roast (it was).

By this time, you may be asking yourself, how are you planning to have a barbecue without a grill?! Well, that's simple.....The night before, you make sure there is plenty of Toña (beer) and Flor de Caña (rum), ice cold of course. Afterwards, you ask your pregnant wife to boil eggs, peel potatoes, cook bacon, prepare potato salad, and baked beans, while you do some intricate planning for the following day (plug in the crock pot). Next, you lightly sprinkle cayenne and black pepper on the aforementioned unidentified hunk of pork. After this, you will have much thirst, which is an opportune time to do a quality check on the Toña. Finally, you can put the 'roast' into the crock pot on low, to cook overnight. With any luck, the following morning you will have pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, and a baked bean casserole......3 American classics! like the Constitution, Statue of Liberty, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

So it went.....the preparation of the barbecue. The day of the barbecue went well for the most part. There was much reverie and good times to reflect upon. We invited a family from Spain, and another from Japan.....logical don't you think? Here we are, an American family hosting a southern barbecue with an unnamed pork cut from a German delicatessen in Nicaragua, for a Spanish and Japanese family. At any rate, everything was going great. the kids were playing futbol/soccer (not sure what to call it anymore) and a 3/4 yr. old watered down version of baseball, while the parents drank the aforementioned Toñas.....a peaceful Sunday afternoon (despite the presence of our 'energetic' Labrador Retriever, Stella). Then, shortly before the feast of pulled pork sandwiches, it happened.......invasion of the flies...

Now, folks. I've seen some flies in my day. I once worked at a Winn-Dixie as a young lad, and I had to clean out fruit crates from an non air-conditioned warehouse. I've been around my share of filth in my life (figuratively speaking as well .....hahahaha). Anyway, I rarely have seen anything like yesterday. Hyperbole aside, the flies really began to wreak havoc on our afternoon. It must've been excruciatingly difficult for our Spanish friends, as they had to endure 'interesting' Japanese and American renditions of their language, all the while with armies of insects buzzing in their faces. This probably isn't what they had in mind.

Perhaps in response, but to my amazement nonetheless, I discovered a Spanish talent that I knew not existed. The country that brought us the toreador, Velasquez, and the siesta, also brought us the fly assassin. With much skill and dexterity, I witnessed an insect slaughter of biblical proportions. Luis, armed only with old country swagger, Marlboros, and plastic swatter, swept through a legion of buzzing flies, leaving carcasses in his wake. The killing fields grew, through the haze of Toñas and Managua humidity. Before long, he confidently passed off the baton to his offspring, Mateo and Carlota, who quickly made work of a few, until it was Uncle Sam's turn to mete out justice. I'm ashamed to admit that the americanos didn't fare so well.

In all, a pleasant way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon......sans the flies.

Monday Morning Blues # 9

2007-06-04T01:08:00.000-04:00

(playing a little blues between cooking up some pulled pork sandwiches)

Hungry? Good, because I'm offering you some Barbecue........Barbecue Bob, that is. Robert Hicks, aka Barbecue Bob, was born in Walton County (Walnut Grove), Georgia in 1902. Famous for entertaining guests at Tidwell's Restaurant in the 1920s, Bob earned a great nickname, as well as a reputation for playing some of the finest blues in the Atlanta area. Bob's brother, 'Laughing' Charley Lincoln recorded some records as well, but never achieved the amount of notoriety, in life nor death. Both men probably learned their craft from the mother of Curly Weaver (Savannah 'Dip' Weaver) in Newton county in the late teens and early 20s, before heading to Atlanta.

Although I'm partial to McTell (see Monday Morning Blues #3 here) when it comes to the Atlanta sound, there is really no one that sounds like BBQ Bob. Like fellow Georgian McTell, Bob brandished a Stella 12-string, yet while McTell, and others (notably Leadbelly) utilized heavier strings, tuned down from concert pitch, Mr. Hicks went lighter. His tuning/guitar setup is truly mysterious, as some think he removed the 2 bass strings on the 5th and 6th course, to get the violent bass strum that harkens to the Delta sound, yet is altogether different.

10 or 12 strings, it's not really important. What is important is the unique rhythm and sound that Bob gets out of his Stella. Listen to 'She Shook Her Gin', basically his take on 'Shake That Thing', complete with his trademark guitar thump turnaround. My personal favorite though, has to be the self effacing ode, 'Barbecue Blues', a story of unrequited love from a man that 'ain't good looking, teeth don't shine like pearls' to his 'brown' that done him wrong. His vocal delivery is particularly interesting and captivates the listener. A prime example of this is his clever use of metaphor in the 'Black Skunk Blues'. Listen as he explains the dangers of interracial, or 'mixed' dating in 1920s Atlanta.

Alas, fame was short-lived for the culinary bluesman from Newton county, as he contracted pneumonia brought on by influenza, dying shortly thereafter in 1931 before his 30th birthday. Fortunately for his music, it lives on today in his well-preserved sides, 65 of 68 have been preserved and can be heard for the most part on 'Chocolate to the Bone' and 'The Essential Barbecue Bob'. I gravitate back to his music for many reasons, but above all, for his expressive voice and unique 12 string setup/playing. It doesn't hurt that he's a fellow Georgian.....I guess I'm just sittin' here in Managua this morning with 'Georgia on my mind'

Lolita, The Movie

2007-06-01T01:20:00.000-04:00

Lolita.....the name itself implies many things. Most of all, it harkens the image of a teenage femme fatale that destroys decent men in her wake. Ahh, yes, the Nabakov novel was made into a quite remarkable, albeit controversial film in the early 1960s, by up and coming director Stanley Kubrick.

Well, I'm ashamed to admit it took me the better part of 30 years to see this cinematic masterpiece, a film so edgy and transcendent, that it could hardly be better made today. At any rate, the protagonist Humbert Humbert, a visiting literature professor from France, happens upon an unassuming small Ohio town, only to be completely destroyed by a teenage vixen. Lolita, living with her tragic widow mother Charlotte Haze, competes for affection from the Frenchman. The Aprodite complex, as Kim aptly reminded me, kicks in, and the 'innocent' Lolita spins a web before long, entangling the unsuspecting Humbert Humbert, played adequately by James Mason. So enamored with Lolita, Humbert Humbert actually marries her obnoxious, boring mother, in an astounding attempt to remain closeby. The story picks up when Charlotte discovers his secret yearnings (in the form of his diary) for her daughter, and she promptly 'plays' in the rural Ohio traffic. Following her bizarre death, Humbert Humbert 'constructs' an odd arrangement with the 'innocent' Lolita, which quickly descends into romantic relations between stepfather and daughter.

Interwoven in this storyline, insert Clare Quality, brilliantly portrayed by Peter Sellers. I had no idea what an incredible actor Sellers was, as I really only thought of him in terms of the Pink Panther films. At any rate, Sellers' character, the antagonist, catches on to the dysfunctional relations between Lolita and and the French literature professor, dogging the pair, masterfully assuming disguises throughout the film, and, in the end, revealing secrets of his own. You should really see this film, if only to discover what a talented actor Sellers really was. They don't make them like that anymore. It's true. I won't spoil the ending....Perhaps you've read the book.....but, the film really is worth checking out. The best I've seen in awhile......

Word to the wise...watch out for Lolitas!

Nobody's Dirty Business

2007-05-24T21:17:00.000-04:00

Here's a fingerpicking blues by Mississippi John Hurt....Nobody's Dirty Business (played on my new 1940 Hensel Artist Grand Concert guitar). Hope you like it....

Nicaraguan Soccer

2007-05-22T23:59:00.000-04:00

Here's a little footage of Brodie and Mateo demonstrating the finer points of the grand ole game of futbol. I especially like the calisthenics.....

Monday Morning Blues #8

2007-05-21T09:42:00.000-04:00

Well...the rain fell down here in Managua. The rainy season has officially begun. What better 'rainy day' music to listen to than the blues. Luckily for me, I have a few selections to choose from. Since the downpours are often violent, and flooding occurs, there is no other choice but to listen to the great Delta bluesman, Charley Patton, singing about the 'high water', the Mississippi flood of 1927, and hard living (plenty of that here in Nicaragua!).

Patton was one of the blues pioneers, a man that, along with Blind Lemon Jefferson and Leadbelly, became an inspiration to generations of bluesmen, and subsequent musicians in general. His hard-hitting style of slide guitar reverberates today as loudly as it did 80 years ago. Simply put, he was one of the first legends of the blues, a Delta 'star', if you will.

Born in Hinds county, Mississippi in 1891, Patton and his family soon moved to the famous Dockery Plantation, where Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, and Robert Johnson later followed in his footsteps. He, along with Son House, Tommy Johnson, and others, more or less created the Delta blues buzz of the early 20th century. Playing behind his head, between his knees, with a loud, gravelly voice, Patton blazed a distinct trail for future bluesmen. Although small in stature, Patton is a giant in the genre.

I could elaborate further, but I feel that famed cartoonist R.Crumb sums it up best, describing Patton's eclectic life in a comic book style motif seen here. Patton lived the typical 'bluesman' life, drinking heavily, chasing women, entertaining crowds on Saturday night, and eeking by the rest of the week. Hard times, hard livin'...

For the best of the hard driving Delta blues, and insight into the Delta region in the early 20th century, check out the extensive box set, Screamin' & Hollerin' the Blues. (available for a limited time here) Patton truly was the 'Father of the Delta Blues'. After listening, you may find yourself thirsty for some of that good ole bootleg whiskey....then, you'll hear the crickets chirping, hoot owl singing, and the jubilation and misery of the Delta from a faraway time.

Sunday Morning Bob

2007-05-20T02:18:00.000-04:00

Well....I want to share some profound video of folkie Bob taken from the Steve Allen show in February 1964, a truly inspiring icon of 20th (21st as well) century America. The first clip is an interview by the legendary Steve Allen, while the second is the classic story of class and racial struggle in contemporary (at the time)America, The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll, gleaned from newspaper accounts by the prolific songwriter. Incidentally, the antagonist of the song, William Zantzinger, currently lives in Maryland, after serving several prison sentences.....Enjoy!!

The interview

The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

This song, with its unique phrasing and topical content, along with his other 'finger-pointin' songs', helped revolutionize the way modern American music was made.

Celebrate the Masters....

2007-05-18T12:26:00.001-04:00

I think the videos speak for themselves....

Furry Lewis and Bukka White at a party in Memphis in the late 1960s

Monday Morning Blues.....It's Morning Somewhere

2007-05-14T20:51:00.000-04:00

Well, this is a little late for Monday Morning Blues, but late is better than never....This week, I'm exploring the sound that came out of 'my neck of the woods', ......East Coast Blues 1927-1933. East Coast Blues, or the Piedmont Blues, was just as important as its more famous musical cousin, the Delta Blues, but remains on the periphery of mainstream acceptance as a shaping force of the American musical lexicon. In contrast to the hard-hitting monotonic tales of woe and misery on the Mississippi Delta, the Piedmont sound, at least musically speaking, tells a much happier tale. This is piano music.....'Raggin' the Blues'. One of the most prolific, if not most talented, bluesmen (Blind Gary Davis) of the early 20th century once mused that he'd play piano, but he couldn't carry one on his back....

So, you may have heard of some of the more famous bluesmen of this geographical and musical arena....in addition to Blind Gary Davis, there was Blind Willie McTell, Blind Blake, and Blind Boy Fuller (alas...they weren't all blind I promise!). All four had extensive catalogs, were well chronicled, and much revered, on a layer of notoriety just a tad beneath the more famous Delta musicians, such as Son House and Robert Johnson. All one needs to do is listen to Davis or McTell a couple of times, before you start wondering what else there is out there that might be lurking underneath the surface. 'East Coast Blues 1927-1933' explores some of the less obscure artists that 'rag the blues' with their Stella guitars, zoot suits, and bootleg whiskey.

Getting back to Blind Gary Davis, a man that experienced the 1920s Race Record boom, the subsequent Great Depression, and the Blues Revival of the 1960s, becoming a bridge, of sorts, to burgeoning musicians....an inspiration and musical guide. He was once asked who he thought was the best bluesman he knew of, to which he replied without hesitation.....Willie Walker. Walker, blind at birth, died at only 37 years of age in 1933, was only rediscovered in the 1970s, yet still remains obscure to the modern listener. Here, we're treated to 2 of the 4 sides the Greenville, South Carolina native recorded for Columbia Records in 1930, 'South Carolina Rag' and 'Dupree Blues'. Davis knew what he was talking about. As I listen to the former, I openly wonder how many unknown legends there are/were.......Life's a mystery I say....

Additionally, there is Bo Weavil Jackson's 'Pistol Blues', a musical hybrid of the more popular 'Crow Jane', and Chicken Wilson & Skeeter Hinton playing a rollicking 'Myrtle Avenue Stomp', complete with washboard, spoons, and a rapid delivery guitar style that makes you want to do a jig right in front of your computer. William Moore shows up on several tracks, none better than the fitting 'Raggin' The Blues', where he captures the essence of a bygone era of bathtub gin and the cultural transformation of urban America.

If you think the Blues is only about the sound of Robert Johnson, Son House, and the Delta.....or it is best found in the Blues bars of Chicago and the feathered cap of Stevie Ray Vaughan, please do yourself a favor and pick up some Piedmont Blues. Alas, in Martin Scorcese's much heralded Blues documentary, he lists a map showing 'significant' blues regions and makes no mention of the Piedmont region!!!!! Personally, I think there's more soul and expression in the 'D.C. Rag' kazoo solo by Chicken Wilson & Skeeter Hinton than on all of the electric blues found today. Don't take it from me though, go out and listen to some Blind Willie McTell and Gary Davis, and you too, will soon be clamoring to find out about these more obscure masters on collections such as this one.

My New Blues Machine....

2007-05-10T09:43:00.000-04:00

1940 Hensel Artist Grand Concert Guitar

Monday Morning Blues Returns

2007-05-07T12:01:00.000-04:00

Well....this was a rough weekend...I've had a fever, I ache all over, and have a piercing headache. What better circumstances to write about some blues! First off, I'd like to refer you to a nice website that I found, a vast reservoir of Blues, Ragtime, Country, Carribean, and Western Swing music of yesteryear.....Impressive!

I digress....Today, I'd like to discuss the great Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Leadbelly. Some of you already know about Leadbelly, and others still, know how much I admire the man and his music. At any rate, I'm going to discuss him in a little more detail today, offering some listening suggestions and observations.

Huddie Ledbetter was born in the backwater border area between Louisiana and Texas and emerged to become one of the true icons of American music, penning classics such as Goodnight Irene, Midnight Special, and many others. His songs were a reflection of America. He sang topical songs, about Boll Weevils, the Titanic, racism in Washington D.C., Hitler. He sang children's songs, work songs, union songs. You name it, Leadbelly had a song for it.

He was equally known for his booming voice and distinct 12-string guitar, which he named 'Stella' (named after the guitar manufacturer of parlor guitars, made famous by many bluesmen of the early 20th century). Tuned down to a much lower pitch, 'Stella' rung out and, coupled with his loud tenor voice, he produced a sound that pre-dated microphones. Whether it was at a 'sukey jumps', children's show, union rally, or in the fields, Leadbelly had a repertoire for all.

Using a plastic thumbpick and metal fingerpick, he played tunes for Alan Lomax's recording device (essentially the first portable recording device) and traveled the country as sort of a sideshow from a bygone era of minstrels and slave ships. Popular artists, such as Kurt Cobain and Bob Dylan, have been inspired greatly by Leadbelly. It was said that the former cited his 'Last Sessions' as his biggest musical inspiration. (Cobain had great taste by the way!)

A twice convicted murderer, Leadbelly famously sang his way out of prison, after recording a song for Louisiana Governor Pat Neff. Living under aliases and always seemingly in trouble with the law, Leadbelly amazingly escaped the incarceration and Jim Crow, to perform into his twilight years, linking himself with the left-wing establishment, along with Woody Guthrie, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Cisco Houston, and others. In a twist of fate, Leadbelly never lived to see his star shine on a wide-scale level, as his signature hit, Goodnight Irene, reached the top of the American charts, performed by Pete Seeger and the Weavers, mere months after he succumbed to Lou Gehrig's disease in 1949.

Every American song you hear on the radio has a little bit of Leadbelly in it. I suggest you check out Where Did You Sleep Last Night? as an introductory course into the man's music. Afterwards, you will be mystified and fascinated enough to delve into the rest. I guarantee....

Buckets of Rain

2007-05-04T12:56:00.000-04:00

Here's one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs, played in open E.

Buckets of rain
Buckets of tears
Got all them buckets comin' out of my ears.
Buckets of moonbeams in my hand,
I got all the love, honey baby,
You can stand.

I been meek
And hard like an oak
I seen pretty people disappear like smoke.
Friends will arrive, friends will disappear,
If you want me, honey baby,
I'll be here.

Like your smile
And your fingertips
Like the way that you move your lips.
I like the cool way you look at me,
Everything about you is bringing me
Misery.

Little red wagon
Little red bike
I ain't no monkey but I know what I like.
I like the way you love me strong and slow,
I'm takin' you with me, honey baby,
When I go.

Life is sad
Life is a bust
All ya can do is do what you must.
You do what you must do and ya do it well,
I'll do it for you, honey baby,
Can't you tell?

Copyright © 1974 Ram's Horn Music

Playa Coco

2007-05-02T10:45:00.000-04:00

Well.....we just returned from Playa Coco (see photos on the right). What a spectacular place to visit. In contrast to the choked traffic and din of Managua, Playa Coco offers peace, solitude, and extremely big waves. If you come to Nicaragua, find a way to get a 4x4 vehicle, and explore some of the most pristine beach areas that you could hope for.

About 3 hours by car, this little slice of paradise transformed my idea of Nicaragua. As there are approximately a dozen or so residences available for rent on a daily basis, selection is a bit limited. That said, we didn't go there to sit in a house. The main attraction is an unspoiled beach, 10 foot waves, cool, clear water, and absolute peace and solitude. It is just like the Corona commercials.

Okay, enough already with the sales pitch......Of significance, we took Stella for her first big excursion with the family. All said, she did great. She played with Chocolate, a little poodle owned by our Spanish friends...and even found two other yellow labs to bother. Anyways, what a way for us to celebrate the May Day holiday in Nicaragua......American and Spanish Imperialists, relaxing like true bourgeoisie, while Daniel Ortega rallies his Bolivian, Venezuelan, Haitian, and Cuban 'brothers' to unite on this important occasion. Thanks Daniel......your beaches afforded us the opportunity to recharge our batteries, as hegemony takes time and energy.... Refreshed and energized, we can now return to the task at hand.

Enjoy the photos.

I'll Be Back Soon Folks...

2007-04-24T23:22:00.000-04:00

Just a brief hiatus, celebrating the passage of time in a timeless place....Nicaragua. I'll be back soon, with a vengence... like MacArthur with fresh stories of 4-year old Nica parties, blind bluesmen, and maybe even a movie review or two.

Until then, I'll be basking in the sun on the shores of Coco Beach for the long weekend with some friends.

Why, oh why, oh why?!

2007-04-17T11:04:00.000-04:00

Well, here we go again....Another Columbine. Another school massacre to remind all of us that we have a gun problem in America. I know, I know, people kill people, not guns.....I know the argument. If you keep law-abiding citizens from owning guns, we're all defenseless victims to the real criminals that obtain them illegally anyway. Alas, the Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms......Essentially, that is the argument for the pro-firearms folks....Well, you gotta start somewhere.

How come Great Britain, with 53 million inhabitants, registered only 46 gun-related homicides last year, while New York City, with 8 million, accounted for 579? Folks, something is amiss. So, what do we do? I think a good place to start would be to simply follow the model of a country that has low violence rates due to firearms...simple as that. Perhaps our cultural brothers across the pond have it right? Who knows? It's worth a shot (pardon the pun). Let's limit firearms to recreational use, distributed by clubs and hunting associations. Over time, perhaps we can begin reigning in the guns that are already out there. I know this is 'pie in the sky', but we have to do something. This is crazy!

As for the right to 'bear arms'. Any politician that uses this Constitutional 'crutch', should note that it was written in the context of citizens' leverage against the tyranny of government. In 2007, we have much more important issues to focus on then whether Washington is going to get medieval on its' inhabitants. Besides, it isn't 1789. Aside from a few deluded militiamen in Montana, an armed insurrection is highly unlikely anytime soon. Who wants a modern-day Shays' Rebellion? This 'right' was guaranteed in a time in history when oppressive monarchies and fledgling democracies were taking root in the Western world. In this context, the balance of power and insurance against abuse of power was procured through the ominous threat of armed insurrection. Like I said folks, the 18th century is history.

So, where do we go from here? I'd like to hear what you have to say......

Monday Morning Blues # 5

2007-04-16T10:28:00.000-04:00

Well, I really didn't have time to do a blues review this morning, so I'm going to offer some more of my own music I suppose. Tomorrow or Wednesday....whichever comes first, there will be a blues review. But, for now, here are three works-in-progress for me. Freight Train, Hard Times In New York Town, and Cocaine Blues.......

More John Hurt....

2007-04-10T16:01:00.000-04:00

I was inspired by John Hurt this morning, so I decided to offer my own rendition of one of his classics.....'Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor'. Hope you enjoy....

Monday Morning Blues # 4

2007-04-09T09:17:00.000-04:00

Well, another stormy Monday.....not quite. It hasn't rained in Managua in all of 2007. Can you imagine?! I thought this place would be overrun with flora and fauna. Instead, half of the year resembles the dust bowl of the Oklahoma plains. At any rate, it's time for another installment of Monday blues...and boy, do I have 'em.

It's a little lonely around here, as we've enjoyed some great company over the last month. So, a little blues is fitting for this quiet Monday morning. What better place to look than Mississippi John Hurt. I have quite a few of his recordings, all of them great. From his original 1928 Okeh recordings, to his warm 1964 Oberlin College performance, you really can't go wrong. So, it's probably fitting that you first check out Complete Studio Recordings (3 cds), a collection from the 1960s folk and blues revival, which saw the 're-discovery' of John Hurt's music.

John Hurt's story is compelling. Born in Teoc, Mississippi in 1893, he learned the guitar at the age of 9, with his mother eventually buying him a guitar for $1.50. He claimed that the sound of his very own guitar was the 'sweetest in the world'. His style is distinct.....a sweet, mellow voice, parroting the man himself, coupled with a relaxed, yet complex syncopated guitar style, contrasting the hard-edged 'delta' sound of fellow Mississippi contemporaries. Hurt sings blues, but he is a hybrid, not unlike Leadbelly, able to weave in and out of the American songbook with ease. At any rate, throughout his early life, he partnered with local musicians, playing dances, parties and so forth, toggling between the rough, hard-edged life of a sharecropper and that of local entertainer. By word of mouth, representatives of the short-lived Okeh label, invited him to record two sessions, one in Memphis and the other in New York City. However, both were considered failures, and the label, as well as Hurt's music, faded into obscurity in the subsequent years of the Great Depression.

That all changed though. In 1963, upon studying the lyrics of 'Avalon', an ode to Hurt's hometown, musicologist and blues enthusiast, Tom Haskins sent a telegram to John. Incredibly, Hurt soon traveled to New York and Washington, playing for responsive crowds. His performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963 spawned his rise in popularity and the subsequent release of three albums. From 1963, until his death in 1966, Hurt experienced an amazing transformation from obscure sharecropper to international celebrity, even performing on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. One of the more accessible bluesmen of the era, Hurt displayed a grace and good nature that oozes through the music. When I listen to his music, I imagine sitting in a rocking chair with him on a back porch, listening to crickets and sipping sweet tea.

Even in death, Hurt's music lives on. His hometown has dedicated Blues and Gospel Festival in his honor, every July3-4, and guitarists continue to draw inspiration from his alternating bass fingerpicking. For a good introduction to his style of playing, check out Stefan Grossman's Guitar Workshop. Originally, I was going to write a review of one of his albums, but I just couldn't do it. So, this is my introduction to Hurt's music. Perhaps, at a later date, I will concentrate more on the nuance between the actual recordings.

Until then, I leave you with some footage of Hurt playing on Pete Seeger's 'Rainbow Quest' program. Enjoy.......

Titletown

2007-04-03T11:40:00.000-04:00

Gators 84, Buckeyes 75

Well....looks like I need to buy a National Champs t- shirt with a little velcro patch, so I can attach a little football and basketball, depending on the time of year.

Seriously, what a year for the Gators!

Admittedly, I'm not much of a basketball fan, but it is amazing what this team accomplished. In this day and age, it is rare for a team that accomplished so much, so early, to come back and go for it again......especially in basketball! They are a team, in a time in which the sport is defined by individuals. Kudos to Noah and company!

Can't wait for Tebow to come out firing in the fall to defend the 'other' championship....

Monday Morning Blues #3

2007-04-02T01:24:00.000-04:00

This week, I'd like to share my thoughts about perhaps the best Blues album in my whole collection.....Atlanta Twelve String by Blind Willie McTell. Not only are these 1948 recordings absolute masterpieces, they were issued on a short-lived Atlantic Records venture, assuring impeccable recording quality.

Thanks to Bob Dylan's 1980s ode, I discovered McTell's music a decade or so ago. Born in Thomson, Georgia at the turn of the century, Willie bounced around Georgia, busking and recording under various aliases for over 30 years, leaving several quality recordings in his wake for posterity. Amongst them, Atlanta Twelve String stands out as the definitive session.

Tuned ultra-low, at times, his E goes all the way down to Ab, McTell pairs his distinct voice with an expertly played Stella 12-string. McTell, blind early in childhood, was known to travel New York City alone, guided by an incredible memory. This capacity serves him well in his music, as he effortlessly weaves in and out of the American songbag....boogie woogie, gospel, blues, folk...it's all here.

Of special note, Dying Crapshooter Blues stands out, with its healthy dose of gallows humor and card-playing metaphors of death. Personally, I enjoy the breadth of themes, bouncing from somber Son House-esque songs of the 'the cooling board' to the playful 'Kill It Kid'. McTell's range of storytelling is quite impressive, encompassing mortality, poverty, urban prosperity, and religion....all equally believable. Of all of his recordings, this one finds him in prime form. In prior recordings for John and Alan Lomax, in the 1920s-30s, he covers a wider range of music, yet this one captures the essence of Georgia blues.

Like Tommy Johnson before, McTell died in the 1950s, not living to see the great revival of their music a short time later in the 1960s. Interestingly, McTell recorded a Last Session in 1956, shortly before his death, which was said to have been recorded by an astute owner of a liquor store that he frequented in the Atlanta area. In subsequent years, the White Stripes, Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, among others, have covered his music. For example, if you listen to Dylan's World Gone Wrong, McTell's influence oozes out. At any rate, check out McTell's music when you can. You will thank me.

Apocalypto!

2007-03-29T01:32:00.000-04:00

Wow....what a movie! I think I can safely say that I'll never see another movie like that again! Filmed entirely in Mayan, the viewer relies soley on subtitles to understand the dialogue, yet words alone cannot describe what transpired for the last 2+ hours. I had few preconceptions about this flick, other than some peripheral 'warnings' from some in academic circles about how accurate the depiction of Mayan civilization really was, and by those who thought the violence was a bit much.

Let me start out and say that the latter statement is essentially true. This is one violent movie.....one of the most graphic, gory displays you could hope (or hope not) to see. For me, this wasn't a big deal....you make a movie about an ancient civilization, you should expect to see things that make you cringe. I wasn't disappointed, although it didn't exactly make me jubilant to see beating hearts ripped from chests, severed heads, innocent women and children maimed, etc....

So....what was the point? What was that crazy, thirsty, controversial aussie, Mel Gibson up to when he made this movie. Not unlike Kevin Costner's Dances With Wolves and Clint Eastwood's latest effort regarding Iwo Jima, it seems that Gibson wanted to tell a non-'Eurocentric' story. This one happens to focus on the Mayan civilization immediately prior to European discovery. To this end, he succeeded. Not unlike his Passion of the Christ, he pushes the envelope, makes people angry, but most importantly, he makes us think.... For me, this effort exceeds his portrayal of the Crucifixion.

Less constrained by the dynamics of Biblical interpretation, he is given freer rein to explore a story of a modest band of hunter-gatherers living on the fringe of a great Mayan city-state. Forgive me if I glaze over this a bit, as I'm not entirely sure what structural form this entailed, but suffice it to say, our protagonists did not consider themselves to be akin to their 'urban' conquerors. Apparently, they spoke the same language, wore few clothes, had more tatoos than Ozzy Osbourne, and had a propensity for violence...after that, all similarities cease. So, at any rate, the story begins with a group of local men from the village/settlement, that happen upon another 'tribe', apparently harangued and disheveled from some unknown force of change.

We find out the next day what that force is to be, as a group of marauders from the Mayan city-state sack the village, raping, plundering, murdering, essentially causing more mayhem in 15 minutes than in most decent war movies. The whole scene made me question the barbarity of mankind (if I am to take Gibson at his word about this film). Many 'war movies' try to capture this without being cliché, but few succeed, where this one does. So, all of the surviving villagers are rounded up to be brought back to the temple. Before succumbing to the invaders, our protagonist successfully hides his pregnant wife and small child in a well. This sets up the rest of the movie, as he tries to escape and reunite with his family.

So...after escaping the Mayan sacrificial alter (due to a solar eclipse of all things!), a cadre of Mayan warriors, and other maladies, our protagonist finally makes it back to 'his forest'. He takes two arrows to the chest, avoids drowning in quicksand, gets a lucky break with poisonous snakes, frogs, a panther, a giant waterfall, the ominous arrival of Spanish conquistadors, and much more. All of this transpires in two days! This series of events make up the bulk of the story.

Incredibly, this all seems to work in the storytelling. Gibson has recreated 'another world', one that I need to think about more closely when I engage in conversations about 'ancient history'. I once had a professor tell me that a contemporary American is more culturally akin to contemporary Africans/Asians, etc... than to our own 'founding fathers'. Yet, we identify ourselves more closely with our historic breathren. I question this...Is it a good idea to apply moral reletavism to history? I think not....and Gibson's films remind us of this fact. He also stresses that Mesoamerica was not some harmonious, idyllic counterpoint to the disease, debauchery, and brutality of Europe in the Middle Ages.

For me, this film follows an important cinematic progression, regarding the issue of indigenous peoples in the Western hemisphere. Natives are not merely portrayed as inferior savages, in need of European 'salvation', nor are they seen as overly sympathetic, as portrayed in Costner's film 17 years ago. Instead, this is a human story. I commend Gibson for making this movie. Seen through the lens of one man, and his family, trying to survive the game of life, it is easy to see 'predators' at every turn. Some things never change in human civilization....

Monday Morning Blues #2

2007-03-26T00:07:00.000-04:00

Tommy Johnson, Document Records, Orginial Recordings 1928-1929

Well, as promised, I have dedicated this time and space for a little discourse about the Blues. What better way to approach this segment than a little album review. From the vast archives of Casa Atkinson, I gave a listen to a classic recording from Tommy Johnson last night. It never fails to get my blood flowing.

Tommy Johnson, born in 1896, hailed from Terry, Mississippi, about 30 miles south of Jackson. It was Tommy, not Robert Johnson (no relation) that 'sold his soul to the Devil at the Crossroads'. With a haunting falsetto voice and an adequate supply of ad hoc shoe polish liquor (canned heat), Johnson was an influential practitioner of 'race records' of the 1920s. His 'Big Road Blues' was a massive hit, spawning many imitators, yet none matching his eerie voice heard on his old 78s. A tragic figure, Johnson battled alcoholism his whole life. Well....let's talk about the album a bit, since I've given you a little background.

Several songs really stick out on this one. If you were going to try and capture the misery of prohibition for all the thirsty folks, you needn't look any further than 'Canned Heat Blues' and 'Alcohol and Jake Blues'. Almost identical musically, both tell the story of how how alcohol is 'killin' me'. It brings to mind the Michael Keaton movie from the 1980s, Clean and Sober. They didn't need to make that movie. All they had to do was play 'Canned Heat Blues', and that would've sufficed. A notorious alcoholic and womanizer, Johnson sang candidly about drinking sterno to satisfy his cravings.

Perhaps the best song on the album, and one of the absolute classics of all of country blues has to be 'Big Road Blues'. Practically everyone that held a guitar in the Mississippi Delta during the Depression took a stab at this song. I implore you to seek this song out immediately. Stop what you are doing, and download it here.

Others that stick out are: 'Cool Drink of Water Blues', 'Bye Bye Blues', 'Maggie Campbell Blues' (about his first of many wives), and 'I Wonder to Myself'. The latter, an instrumental with accompanying kazoo, was my first tune that I learned to fingerpick (thanks to good friend and inspiration, blues guitarist Marcelo Ponce of Buenos Aires.

Ok, so some more interesting tidbits about Johnson. Like the famous St. Louis bluesman Peetie Wheatstraw, Johnson transformed himself into another persona.....the 'Devil's son-in-law', performing for crowds with flair and a flamboyant style. According to his brother LeDell, he mimicked the showboat style of Charley Patton, 'playing the guitar between his legs like he was riding a mule, playing it behind his head, tossing the guitar up in the air, and other acrobatic antics.' In addition to making a pact with 'Ol' Scratch' at the crossroads, Johnson had an aura of mysticism, carrying talismans and other behavior befitting a carnival performer.

Popular, even in death, Johnson's 'Canned Heat Blues' inspired a group of white kids from California to form a band by the same name. Canned Heat went on to re-record much of Johnson's music. Of note, lead guitarist Alan 'Blind Owl' Wilson actually re-taught Son House, one of Johnson's contemporaries, during the subsequent 'Blues Revival' of the 1960s. Such aficionados keep the music of such greats alive, well into the 21st century. If you want to learn more, check out Weenie Campbell Blues or Stefan Grossmans Guitar 'Woodshed'. There, you'll find everything you want to know about this important style of music. Or, stop back by next Monday for more....

Firefox and Other Ramblings...

2007-03-21T14:29:00.000-04:00

'A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.'

-Bob Dylan

Well, based on Bob Dylan's criteria, I'm the Donald Trump of leisure. I'm a lucky man, living an enchanted life. Yesterday, I attended yet another Nica 4-year old birthday party. It was a bit of a letdown, as there was only Johnnie Walker 'Red'.....no 'Blue Label' this go-round. Oh well, sometimes, I feel like we're the only 'middle-class' folks in this whole country. We either hobnob with the crooks, or we get with 'The People' (proletariat, for all you Marxists out there....)

So anyway, not much to report today....except for a little computer information/commentary. Sometimes, it is necessary to experience some degree of misfortune in order to find something truly positive in life. For example, I would've never found my lovely wife, had I not been used like toilet paper by my jezebel ex-girlfriend. Sure, at the time, I was heartbroken. I thought I had found the girl that would make my life complete, only to realize that things weren't what they seemed. In the longue durée, this experience opened the door for the discovery of true love, a good woman......and the opportunity to report from the outskirts of the globe....

Computers aren't much different than women. They're complicated, defy logic, supposedly make life simpler, and last, but not least, are a royal pain in the arse! Until yesterday, I had been using Internet Explorer, like 99.9% of the population, when i discovered a plague of sorts had infested my computer. Due to the nature of my work, I deal with a lot of unsavory sites, so this wasn't surprising. So, upon de-bugging and rooting out all the evil things done to my CPU, I read where Internet Explorer is particularly susceptible to this sort of thing.

So, I made the switch....Unlike New Coke in 1985, this radical shift has proved to be a complete success....so far. I now am the proud user of Mozilla Firefox

Folks, you should give it a whirl. If you don't like it, you can easily switch back to Internet Explorer. (And no, I'm not getting compensated by Mozilla. )