Republicans Jumping Bush's NCLB Ship

The Washington Post reports on growing opposition among former White House aides to the current reauthorization of No Child Left Behind Act. And these are guys who once staunchly fought it. "Wild Gene" Hickok, one of the original architects of the act and political strongarm used to beat people up for talking bad about NCLB. Now he's leading a charge against far-reaching federal intrusion into state and local affairs.

Head Banger Snakes

Head banging is no longer just an addictive disorder inflicting heavy metal fans. It's now also a sensitive method to detect earthquakes.

Veggie Friendly

Started hooking up the makings of a green garden on the front porch. With a little luck and tending we won't kill it.



Melissa spotted the pineapple plant which we'd been on the look out for since we passed on one at the rozzie sqaure florist.

Gnarls Theremin

Last summer's jam to this summer's ethereal jam buster. The Ether and AEther Experiment cover Gnarls Barkley with the Theremin that I first learned about listening to Portishead (see Mysterons). It's the only musical instrument you don't touch and can make some serious sounds.

Brookline, Spain

Dined out last night with Jen and Jamal at Taberna de Haro on Beacon St. to celebrate Melissa's birthday, who turned 27 for the 5th time. Garlic gambas, calamares, bravas, asparagus wrapped in salmon over blue cheese, braised rabbit. The wine list is like an encyclopedia with vivid descriptions, aromas of peat and springtime rain... its color is black as night...blackberries and raspberries compliment the distinctly earthy tone. We have found a new favorite tapas joint, somewhere to bring our Madrilenos friends when they visit later this summer.
BTW, be careful not to stare directly at the pastey white man on the left. You risk eye damage.

Salamander Jerky

I repotted our weeping fig tree yesterday. In dire need, the tree really had been weepy, droopy, sagging... a sad sight. I lifted the base of the pot to find a dried out salamader carcass on the floor. Cute little guy. Not much meat to him but he was quite tastey too. Aint wildlife grand.

Light My Fire

We sat out on the front porch tonight and watched the lightning storm crash down on Boston. Not as impressive as this storm in 1967, but a great way to end the day.

Electric relaxation

Job Hazards

This fire figher battled a raging fire at a pot dealer's house.
Now you tell me, does his smoke inhalation look accidental?

Erin Go Blog

Back to the blog again (sort of) after some time away. Across the Atlantic, through rolling green hills, mezmorizing landscapes, unimaginably creamy pints of Guinness, leprechauns causing trouble... travel as usual in Ireland. The trip was to celebrate Melissa and Stephanie's newfound Irish nationality, to visit their grandmother's birthplace, and explore a country with a great deal of personal meaning but no prior contact. At times I felt like we were in the Lord of the Rings, at times in rural Vermont. We toasted pints to everyone (trust me). Hope to have one with folks back home, in of many homes, soon. A few photos are posted below. More, though not all, are available here.

Will Rap For Food

My man Magmuzzle, aka Magnus, aka Magnamuzzleface, aka Muzzlebone Madison, aka Troy Madison, has recently re-released all the tracks he's recorded since '98 on Soundclick for $7.99. Troy is a starving artist. I say this in all seriousness. He needs your help to put some lettuce on his table. He's also terribly creative and stranger than a mad cow. Check out his music and buy his compilation CD. You will not be unsatisfied--and if you are, you must be a white rapper hater.

Buffalo Takes Manhattan

Check this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PUSH Fundariser June 9 in Manhattan