Dennis Hopper RIP

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One of the truly iconic figures and faces from the 60s passed away today.

Rest in peace Dennis Hopper.


Please listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLXh4M8GDv0


The Ballad Of Easy Rider
(Roger McGuinn)

The river flows
It flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes
That's where I want to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
To some other town

All he wanted
Was to be free
And that's the way
It turned out to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
To some other town

Flow river flow
Past the shaded tree
Go river go
Go to the sea
Flow to the sea

The river flows
It flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes
That's where I want to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
To some other town




















"All he wanted
.Was to be free
.And that's the way
.It turned out to be
.Flow river flow
.Let your waters wash down
.Take me from this road
.To some other town"

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Penny

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This is Penny.

She is lovely.



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Happy 69th Birthday, Bob!

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. . .. . . . age 23, circa '64 . . . . . . . . . . . . .age 23, circa '77



Please listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XSvsFgvWr0


Jokerman
(B. Dylan)

Standing on the waters casting your bread
While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing
Distant ships sailing into the mist
You were born with a snake in both of your fists while a hurricane was blowing
Freedom just around the corner for you
But with the truth so far off, what good will it do?

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman

So swiftly the sun sets in the sky
You rise up and say goodbye to no one
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
Both of their futures, so full of dread, you don’t show one
Shedding off one more layer of skin
Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman

You’re a man of the mountains, you can walk on the clouds
Manipulator of crowds, you’re a dream twister
You’re going to Sodom and Gomorrah
But what do you care? Ain’t nobody there would want to marry your sister
Friend to the martyr, a friend to the woman of shame
You look into the fiery furnace, see the rich man without any name

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman

Well, the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy
The law of the jungle and the sea are your only teachers
In the smoke of the twilight on a milk-white steed
Michelangelo indeed could’ve carved out your features
Resting in the fields, far from the turbulent space
Half asleep near the stars with a small dog licking your face

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman

Well, the rifleman’s stalking the sick and the lame
Preacherman seeks the same, who’ll get there first is uncertain
Nightsticks and water cannons, tear gas, padlocks
Molotov cocktails and rocks behind every curtain
False-hearted judges dying in the webs that they spin
Only a matter of time ’til night comes steppin’ in

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman

It’s a shadowy world, skies are slippery grey
A woman just gave birth to a prince today and dressed him in scarlet
He’ll put the priest in his pocket, put the blade to the heat
Take the motherless children off the street
And place them at the feet of a harlot
Oh, Jokerman, you know what he wants
Oh, Jokerman, you don’t show any response

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman

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"The Leap Of Fate" (a photo montage)

. . . . . . . . ."The Leap Of Fate" (a photo montage)

PLEASE NOTE: Click on the photo for larger image size.

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My whole body is a-weepin' -uh . . . I mean - "a weapon"

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(Photo taken immediately after walking briskly (i.e. with vim and vinegar) for 2.55 miles. Please note sweat in my neck region - also at the top of the monstrous land mass known to cartographers as "Kevin's Forehead." Please *do not* note how my nose looks like a little penis complete with - thanks to the sides of my nostrils - sidecar-like tiny testicles)

I am very happy to report that I have another day under my belt in my recent quest to make what hangs *over* my belt, disappear.

That's right. I just completed my third consecutive day of brisk walking around the borders of the old folk's compound where I am currently being housed.

Here are the numbers:

DAY THREE:

Temperature: 84 degrees
Humidity: 51 per cent
# of laps: 3
Distance per lap: 0.85 miles

TOTAL DISTANCE WALKED: 2.55 miles


And speaking of scrotums (see note underneath photo above) . . . after two abysmal, and somewhat painful, failures with tighty-whiteys and boxer shorts, I am happy to report that today's undergarment of choice (boxer briefs) cut back considerably on the crotch chafing (photos available upon request).

Thanks for your support (uh, I mean *you guys* . . . not the boxer briefs).

A special "shout out" to that slim and trim lass, Miss Penny Lee, for highlighting just how freakin' out of shape I am, and then encouraging me to do something about it.


"I - am - a - *new* man! . . . HOT FREAKS!"
(R. Pollard)

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Now *this* is a cool photo . . .

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When heroes (past and sort of past) collide! Or in this case, I guess it would be "collude."

No. Wait. That may have "gambling" connotations. My bad, Pete.

But anyway . . .

Dayton's very own Robert Pollard will be scoring the music for the upcoming Pete Rose documentary "4192: The Crowning Of The Hit King."

I'm typically not much of a movie-goer, but for this one you'll find me in the front row . . . on opening day!

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"Series Of Dreams"

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Series Of Dreams
(B. Dylan)

I was thinking of a series of dreams
Where nothing comes up to the top.
Everything stays down where it's wounded
And comes to a permanent stop.

Wasn't thinking of anything specific,
Like in a dream, when someone wakes up and screams.
Nothing truly very scientific,
Just thinking of a series of dreams.

Thinking of a series of dreams,
Where the time and tempo fly
And there's no exit in any direction,
'cept the one you can't see with your eyes

Wasn't making any great connection
Wasn't fallin' for no intricate scheme
Nothing that would pass inspection
Just thinking of a series of dreams

Dreams where the umbrella is folded,
And into the path you are hurled,
And the cards are no good that you're holding
Unless they're from another world.

In one, the surface was frozen.
In another, I witnessed a crime.
In one, I was running, and in another
All I seemed to be doing was climb

Wasn't looking for any special assistance,
Not going to any great extremes.
I'd already gone the distance,
Just thinking of a series of dreams.

Dreams where the umbrella is folded,
And into the path you are hurled,
And the cards are no good that you're holding
Unless they're from another world.

I'd already gone the distance,
Just thinking of a series of dreams.
Just thinking of a series of dreams.
Just thinking of a series of dreams.
























Please listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgqGUBP3Cx0

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"The 26 Chicks Of Highland County" [UPDATE]

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .the view from Penny's front porch

I had the pleasure of visiting Penny's house in Highland county today. In addition to meeting two of Penny's grandsons, and visiting the site where Penny bagged the 20 pound, 4 ounce turkey (see May 4 entry), I was also able to share some quality time with "the kids" . . . "the 26 chicks of Highland County." As I have mentioned in other blog entries, I gave Penny 26 chicks for her birthday.

I hadn't seen the little peeps for a couple weeks and was amazed at their size. They are at least twice as big as when I last saw them. It's pretty remarkable how quickly they have grown.

To accommodate this growth, Penny, her son Heath, and his girlfriend Kamy, built a wonderful chicken coop (see below). It attaches to a shed, with a doorway cut out for the chicks. Food and warmth are inside the shed, and then it's out the door and down the ramp for fun and games in "the yard" (not to mention some pretty serious (and literal) "pecking order" activity).

Needless to say, the chicks are great fun to watch. And as if that weren't enough, everybody is going to be up to their eyeballs in scrambled eggs (and various other egg-related foodstuffs) in the not too distant future. Thankfully the chicks have grown large enough to have survived the much-feared "Chicken McNugget" stage of their development.

It's still too early to tell how many roosters are in the group, but a few of the chicks are noticeably larger and more aggressive. Some are also starting to sport male facial features. As stated in an earlier entry, once the roosters can be identified, the studliest member of that group will be proudly christened "Smitty."

Thanks again to Penny, Heath, and Kamy for the great job on the chicks new "digs." It has been affectionately named "Coop's Coop" in honor of - you guessed it - Penny "Coop" Cooper, the chicks loving and devoted Mama.

And speaking of "twice the size" (my size this time) . . . the day ended with Penny sending me home with about 2 to 3 pounds of pot roast and vegetables.

Good lord that woman can cook.

You might want to keep that in mind, my 26 little chick-a-dees.


. . . . "Coop's Coop" . . . home to "the 26 chicks of Highland county"

. .the "ramp to freedom" 2 traffic lanes and 2 white "pull over" areas

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . feeding time!


. . .the big brown chick in the bottom right corner *may* be "Smitty"

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Secret Heart

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I love this song.

I always have and I always will.

It's a beautiful video as well.

Please listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4X_l8PIobc


Secret Heart
(Ron Sexsmith)

Secret heart
What are you made of
What are you so afraid of
Could it be
Three simple words
Or the fear of being overheard
What's wrong
Let her in on your secret heart

Secret heart
Why so mysterious
Why so sacred
Why so serious
Maybe you're
Just acting tough
Maybe you're just not man enough
What's wrong
Let her in on your secret heart

This very secret
That you're trying to conceal
Is the very same one
That you're dying to reveal
Go tell her how you feel


Secret heart come out and share it
This loneliness, few can bear it
Could it have something to do with
Admitting that you just can't go through it alone?
Let her in on your secret heart

This very secret
That you're trying to conceal
Is the very same one
That you're dying to reveal
Go tell her how you feel
This very secret heart

Go out and share it
This very secret heart









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Hey Kids! What's That On Ol' Kev's Schnozz?!

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Guess what I am balancing on my nose?

Here's a hint: you are *not* balancing it on yours.

That's right!

It's the *final mix* of the new Andrew And The Pretty Punchers album titled "No Longer A Lover!"

It still has to go to Chicago or somewhere to be "mastered" or something. I don't know what the hell they're talking about. I guess that once the CD is mastered it will then sound great on even the cheapest CD player. I suggested that it might be less expensive if we all just chipped in and bought everybody better CD players. I didn't get any response, but I got a feeling that maybe the band is gonna think about it.

It doesn't really matter to me.

I'm only in on this whole thing because the drummer is hot and the singer keeps calling me to go to lunch.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . (pictured left to right: camper, a happy)

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Penny and "Tom"

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I am very proud to report that Miss Penny bagged a 20 pound, 4 ounce turkey today in the wooded area behind her home.

Tomorrow she's gonna smoke that sumbitch for her family. I have no idea what that means, but I am still proud as punch.

I was going to say "proud as a peacock" but I noticed that Penny still has a rifle by her side.

So . . . what did your gal do today?

[cricket . . . cricket . . . cricket]

That's what I figured.



"my gal's a good shot
.your gal ain't doodley-squat"
.(billy "the kid" emerson/kevin "the joseph" smith)

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Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle, or . . . "80" Callihan And The 26 Chicks Of Highland County

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(my good pal, aiden "80" callihan)


. . . . . . . . . . .(three of the "26 chicks of highland county")


This jaunty little number goes out to my good buddy Aiden "80" Callihan, and also to the 26 chicks of Highland County (aka "The Kids").

You know the drill, guys: When in doubt . . . wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.

Why?

Because Bob says so, that's why.


Please listen (and wiggle):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3DFifmeXv8


Wiggle Wiggle
(B. Dylan)

Wiggle wiggle wiggle like a gypsy queen,
Wiggle wiggle wiggle all dressed in green,
Wiggle wiggle wiggle 'til the moon is blue,
Wiggle 'til the moon sees you.

Wiggle wiggle wiggle in your boots and shoes,
Wiggle wiggle wiggle you got nothing to lose,
Wiggle wiggle wiggle like a swarm of bees,
Wiggle on your hands and knees.

Wiggle to the front, wiggle to the rear,
Wiggle 'til you wiggle right out of here,
Wiggle 'til it opens, wiggle 'til it shuts,
Wiggle 'til it bites, wiggle 'til it cuts.

Wiggle wiggle wiggle like a bowl of soup,
Wiggle wiggle wiggle like a rolling hoop,
Wiggle wiggle wiggle like a ton of lead,
Wiggle - you can raise the dead.

Wiggle 'til you're high, wiggle 'til you're higher,
Wiggle 'til you vomit fire,
Wiggle 'til it whispers, wiggle 'til it hums,
Wiggle 'til it answers, wiggle 'til it comes.

Wiggle wiggle wiggle like satin and silk,
Wiggle wiggle wiggle like a pail of milk,
Wiggle wiggle wiggle, rattle and shake,
Wiggle like a big fat snake.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(three chicks, wigglin')


.(the giggle - a common precursor to the commencement of a wiggle)


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"GOOD NEWS"

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It is with considerable pride and excitement that I share with all of you a song that will be appearing on the new album "No Longer A Lover" by ANDREW AND THE PRETTY PUNCHERS.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Am I the only one peeing their pants with excitement right now?!]

Let's give a great big Dayton welcome to the world premiere of the song "Good News"

http://www.reverbnation.com/andysmith


BUT WAIT! . . . THERE'S MORE!


The 2nd song selection at the above link is a demo version of the lovely new song "The Lamps And Their Light."

This is the song that was dedicated to me for my birthday at Saturday's solo performance at South Park Tavern (see the story in the April 25th blog entry).

The lyrics to "The Lamps And Their Light" are available at the April 27th blog entry directly below.




. . . . . . . . . . . . . (click on the photo to make the scary men, scarier)

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