Still alive

For those of you out there that follow this blog (I suspect that number is pretty close to, possibly even below, zero) I'm still around. With colder weather and some rain, I haven't been taking lunchtime walks, and since that's been the bulk of my posts, I haven't had much to say.

Not that there hasn't been much to write about in general. I've have a fairly busy and eventful month, going back to Thanksgiving weekend. At Thanksgiving we had my parents over for dinner, and had a great spread. We went to a tree-lighting in Placerville. Over that weekend I put up Christmas lights outside, and we started inside decorating. We went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Arco, and they were great.

By the following weekend, we had our tree up, but took time out on December 1 to sail on San Francisco Bay and then attend a Christmas party with Cece's co-workers. I portrayed Toto in a Wizard of Oz-inspired skit for work at the Crest Theatre and stole the show. My own work Christmas party was on 12/6 and that evening we went back to Arco for Mannheim Steamroller.

We went to the annual Lane Family Cookie Exchange and nursing graduation (Pinning) ceremony for my daughter-in-law's sister-in-law. By the time the week before Christmas arrived, the external activities had slowed down which gave me a chance to start Christamas shopping. As usual, Cece did most of the other shopping, sometimes with me in tow, but I had to do shopping for her on my own. A marathon three-hour session had me visiting 4 Targets, 2 Longs, a K-Mart and a Kaybee in search of the Holiday Barbie. No luck. I was successful for other stuff for her, though. Then, when I discovered that Wal*Mart had the Holiday Barbie I rushed right over and picked on up. Back again a week later to pick up the Birthstone Barbie on behalf of Brad. Finally, my shopping was over.

The annual trek to Dovewood Court and Christ the King's Nativity play rounded out the weekend before Christmas weekend.

A blowout on Christmas Eve morning on the way to work made us have to get a new tire at Les Schwab's. Christmas Eve was at Mom and Dad's, then back home with Matt and Katherine, Cece and Brad. Christmas Day was lazy, never even leaving the house. A nice dinner for the three of us, though. Later in the week, we went to Marilyn's on K to see Adrian Bourgeois and chatted with Larry Tagg.

On top of all that, visiting a different Lutheran Church each Sunday as we are continuing our quest for a new church home.

So it's been busy and that's just a bit of what we did during December.

Sun is out

The rain stopped and it was sunny at lunch, so I took a walk. Total distance 1.92425 mi

This was a fairly standard walk, I should probably call it the "River Loop." I walk it when I want to check the river level after storms like the last day or so. The level was 5 ft at the Tower bridge, so not much of a raise just yet.

The walkway under the bridge has been removed, so they must be expecting a rise soon.

The playlist:

Jotto EP
11:58 AM New York Times Crossword Blues
12:00 PM On The Road
Matthew Sweet Living Things
12:05 PM Tomorrow
Peter Kater Elements Series: Air
12:26 PM Wings Of Sound
12:42 PM Flying Dream

The Capitol Loop

2.26002 mi

Playlist

Calcutta - Unplugged
11/27/07 12:09 Backwards
11/27/07 12:13 Crimson Sky
11/27/07 12:17 Cliffs
11/27/07 12:21 Oxygen
Random iPod picks
11/27/07 12:28 Find a Friend Tom Wehrle When You Can't Wait for Tomorrow
11/27/07 12:32 Hard Times Watermelon Slim & The Workers Independent Music Awards Winners 2007
11/27/07 12:36 Holiday Happy Elf Twelve churches
11/27/07 12:39 Twelve churches Happy Elf Twelve churches
11/27/07 12:42 Capitol Hill The Chavos The Billsburg Sessions
11/27/07 12:47 Thinkin' about you Sultans Power strikes back
11/27/07 12:51 Dumb It Down The New Duncan Imperials Sticky
11/27/07 12:53 What U Want (Single Version) Teenage Frames Original/artifacts
11/27/07 12:58 3 Years On Bryan Dunn Static & Scripture
11/27/07 13:02 Candy Girl Mick Martin & The Blues Rockers 7th Annual Blues For The Cure 2006 Volume 5

Walk @ Lunch

The destination today was the new walk along the Tower Bridge. A crossover to the West Sac Side, and then back again, though Old Sac along the docks, through the Amtrak station and a crisscross path back to the office. Somewhere around 2.5 miles.

Today's listening were several podcast episodes






11/26/07 11:55 The Song Of The Day Dot Com Beatnik Turtle's Song of the Day
11/26/07 11:59 Welcome To The Worldwide Virtual Stage Beatnik Turtle's Song of the Day
11/26/07 12:01 I Didn't Know She Was Into That Beatnik Turtle's Song of the Day
11/26/07 12:01 Monday November 26, 2007 : All You Need Are Hands Rocketboom (QuickTime)
11/26/07 12:11 SDRNews SDR2007-11-25 Slashdot Review - SDR News
11/26/07 12:12 26-Nov-07 The Old Farmer's Almanac Radio Report
11/26/07 12:14 60-Second Science: November 26, 2007 60-Second Science
11/26/07 12:17 vicious - podictionary 650 podictionary - a word, dictionary etymology & story daily
11/26/07 12:18 Neurotic Asshole Finds Success In New York City The Onion Radio News
11/26/07 12:23 Today In Music History: November 26, 2007 Today in Music History
11/26/07 12:35 Peer Pressure Hosting? - Episode 132 The Web Hosting Show
11/26/07 12:44 Mac OS Ken: 11.26.2007 Mac OS Ken
11/26/07 12:51 The NFL Network spat, Don Rickles TV Barn

To The Rescue

My Walk @ Lunch was short, just 1.73139 mi according to Google Maps. I only had a short time to be out, as I had a 1 PM meeting.

Along the route, on W St., I had the opportunity to help a woman trying to load a used recliner into her SUV. It fit, and I was on my way.

Today's playlist

Suzanne Ciani - The Velocity Of Love

1. 11/18/07 12:28 PM Lay Down Beside Me
2. 11/20/07 12:32 PM The Velocity Of Love
3. 11/20/07 12:41 PM Malibuzios
4. 11/20/07 12:51 PM History Of My Heart

Train Of Thought - Half Empty Independence (Sampler)

1. 11/20/07 12:55 PM Tuesday
2. 11/20/07 1:00 PM Crowbar

Only Golden Fingers

Here's the latest on Only Golden Finger Could Play So Heavy. On November 12, 2007, Act 3 was read by the Thistle Dew Workshop. From the original work, I move a couple of scenes from Act 2 into Act 3 to lengthen it, and restored the previously cut Todd Rundgren scene, at least for the reading. I read the part of "I" and Cece even read a small part as Rocky's Mother.

A fairly extensive critique session followed, with a lot of good comments. As I've always known, Act 3 is the weakest, and it was pointed out that there really isn't any drama within the Act. Some also pointed out that the character "I" was not despicable enough in Act 2, and perhaps that aspect should be strengthened. I got some very positive comments about the music as well. I turned over a copy of the play to Tom at the playhouse for their library.

As for the music, I may be working with my long-time friend Jeff to do a more professionally produced job on the music. Time will tell on that, but it was his suggestion to get together.

Walk @ Lunch

Another short one today, just over 2 miles.

On the iPod

• Dragon Page Cover to Cover #286A podcast
• 7th Son Book Three - Chapters 32&33

Birthday Girl

Today is Cece's 51st birthday, so I went after lunch (lunch was my Toastmasters meeting) to pick up a couple of gift cards at Macy's and Bath and Body Works, plus a little something at Hallmark. Normally, I don't walk @ lunch on Thursday because of my noontime meeting, but today had to be an exception. Basically, down to the mall and back, so it was only a little over a mile.

Tonight, we're going to Jalisco's in Roseville for dinner, then on to Thunder Valley for a bit of gaming, and we will be hitting the Starbucks there as well. It wouldn't be Thursday, if we didn't hit Starbucks.
The short playlist:

Raphael Music To Disappear In II

1. 11/8/07 1:12 PM Tantra
2. 11/8/07 1:22 PM Heaven

Kitaro Sacred Journey Of Ku-Kai - Volume 2

1. 11/8/07 1:30 PM Shining Spirit of Water
2. 11/8/07 1:35 PM As The Wind Blows
3. 11/8/07 1:40 PM Koki

Walk @ Lunch

2.77758 miles.

Interesting Discoveries:
Peets Coffee going in at 20th and J, along with some other businesses

Today's set list

Absent Sound - Music to Live and Die to (AmieStreet)

1. 11/6/07 12:00 I Left, but the Birds Stayed Singing
2. 11/6/07 12:06 Belly Dances
3. 11/6/07 12:19 De/Recomposition

Zenitabove - Only for The Open Minded (AmieStreet)

1. 11/6/07 12:24 Don't Touch

Federico Aubele - Panamericana (Starbucks/iTunes)

1. 11/6/07 12:28 Maria Jose

The Hungry Hungry Hypocrites - Rock, Roll, Fire, and Magic (AmieStreet)

1. 11/6/07 12:32 Come On
2. 11/6/07 12:36 My Hamster Had Rigor Mortis
3. 11/6/07 12:40 Friend
4. 11/6/07 12:42 At the Top of My Lungs
5. 11/6/07 12:46 Undertow
6. 11/6/07 12:48 Entre Dientes

Golden Fingers Update

Tonight, the Thistle Dew players will read Act 2 of my play. As I've been thinking about it this past week, I've come to the conclusion that Act 2 is too long, so I shifted some of the end of Act 2 into Act 3, which was way too short. Act 2 focuses on the Rise and Fall of I and then went into the rise again. By deferring the second coming of I into Act 3, I think it makes it a bit better. I also canned the Todd Rundgren scene, which is so out of context with everything else.

The dialog is still pretty stupid in places, but I'm not yet ready to make those changes.

Walk @ Lunch

Today's route took me to Old Sac and back via the Waterfront. But not before a stop at Macy's to see the infamous iPod vending machine that my brother-in-law told me about yesterday. There it is, accessories and iPods, altogether and controlled by a touch screen purchasing agent. I didn't buy or try, but it's pretty cool.

Only saw a few turtles by the river. I think I counted 5 in a couple of locations.

Total Distance: 2.05 Miles

Today's set list:

Michael McDaniel Roper Xarklaton

1. 11/2/07 11:46 Quatorze Majecticum PLENUM
2. 11/2/07 11:50 Peace Thud
3. 11/2/07 11:59 Sly One
4. 11/2/07 12:09 Unduvulox

Jonathan Coulton Thing a Week Two

1. 11/2/07 12:12 Flickr
2. 11/2/07 12:14 Resolutions
3. 11/2/07 12:18 You Could Be Her
4. 11/2/07 12:21 I Will
5. 11/2/07 12:24 Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance
6. 11/2/07 12:28 So Far So Good
7. 11/2/07 12:31 Curl
8. 11/2/07 12:34 Chiron Beta Prime
9. 11/2/07 12:37 Take Care Of Me
10. 11/2/07 12:40 A Talk With George
11. 11/2/07 12:43 Don't Talk To Strangers
12. 11/2/07 12:46 Stroller Town

Coverville Todd Rundgren Cover Story

Brian Ibbott at Coverville took my suggestion and created a TR Cover Story episode for his November 1st show. I provided a few suggestions and he mentioned me a couple of times during the show. If you're not listening to Coverville, you're really missing a treat.

Hallowe'en

A fairly successful Hallowe'en this year, even if things were a bit different.

• Trick or Treaters were much later because DST is still in effect. The first came shortly before 7 PM, and the last just before 9 PM
• I carved the pumpkin about 4:45. Brad carved his earlier in the morning before he went to work
• Brad wanted some Hallowe'en music to play at his work party, so I had to run down to the restaurant to get it to him, so I missed the first few Trick or Treaters
• Cece handled most of the candy, but didn't get 100% accurate count. Even so, we figure we had over 100, up from previous years
• The house had lights up and the two pumpkins were lit. I had my traditional music playing from the iPod into the boom box and out the window. Didn't put up much else in the way of decorations outside.
  

OGF

Cece and I attended the workshop at the Thistle Dew Dessert Theater last night, and Act One of my play was read to the group. I also played one selection ("Presidential Proclamation") from my iPod. The group seemed to enjoy it, and we enjoyed the friendly atmosphere. Next week, I'll be presenting Act Two, and some of the accompanying music. I may even be persuaded to sing some of the selections. We shall see.

Only Golden Fingers Could Play So Heavy

Back in 1974 I wrote a rock opera called "Only Golden Fingers Could Play So Heavy" and followed on with a play incorporating the songs. On my walk@lunch last week, I discovered the Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre and upon subsequent investigation, discovered they produce original works. I'm taking my play to their workshop tonight.

I know that it needs a lot of work, and I hope they can help me and encourage me. Who knows? This thing could actually see the light of day someday.

Walk @ Lunch

Today's route: 9th/Broadway/6th/O approx 2 miles

It's State Buildings, residential and light industrial. Some interesting things going on along the R St. corridor. SoCap Lofts is being constructed. Very modern looking.

Here's today's music for the walk

Michael Giacchino Medal Of Honor Soundtrack
downloaded from AmieStreet, of course.

It's the soundtrack music to the video game. Classical instruments, and actually nice to walk to.

• 10/26/07 12:10 Taking Out The Railgun
• 10/26/07 12:20 Attack On Fort Schmerzen
• 10/26/07 12:24 The Radar Train
• 10/26/07 12:28 Rescuing The G3 Officer
• 10/26/07 12:32 Panzer Attack
• 10/26/07 12:36 Rjuken Sabotage
• 10/26/07 12:41 The U-Boat
• 10/26/07 12:45 Merker's Salt Mine
• 10/26/07 12:49 Approaching Colditz Castle
• 10/26/07 12:52 Securing The Codebook
• 10/26/07 12:55 Nordhausen
• 10/26/07 13:00 Stopping the V2 Launch

One Down

The first casualty of the 2007-2008 TV season for my personal viewing season is in... Bionic Woman. Nothing particularly wrong with the show per se, but I found that I just wasn't getting into it. Several times I would even fall asleep while watching it. So, it's off the schedule and frees up my 9 PM Wednesday slot.

Walk @ Lunch

About a year ago, I established the habit of taking an extended walk at lunchtime during the work week. The key impetus was receiving an iPod as an anniversary gift from my wife, while the secondary, and probably should be foremost, reason was to try to become a bit fitter (I'd really like to lose about 30 lbs.)

Today's trek was short, only couple of miles, from 9th and O to P to 21st, to O and back. On the way, I stopped at the Starbucks at 16th and P and ordered a Grande Green Tea Frappucino Blended Creme. I picked up today's iTunes card Bitter:Sweet/Heaven and my receipt was targeted for a customer survey. I don't normally, but maybe I will complete it this time. My drink wasn't blended all that well; there were still a number of large chunks of ice in it.

While on my walks I often come across some interesting building or business. Today it was the Thistle dew dessert theatre. Although my wife doesn't eat dessert, we may want to check it out sometime.

Also, the aforementioned iPod was cranking out the tunes. Today's playlist:

Synthturion - Effected Artiphax

• 10/24/07 12:01 PM Manifestation_08

Jimmy Valentine - The Gate at San Juan (didn't particularly care for this one)

• 10/24/07 12:05 PM ChRoNdO MajicK VoOdOo GuiTaR sPeLL
  
• 10/24/07 12:08 PM COLD HEART MOTOR
• 10/24/07 12:17 PM Tomorrow may be too Late...
• 10/24/07 12:20 PM Another Broken Love

By The Fireside - The Great Hartford Fire

• 10/24/07 12:25 PM Her Spirit Knows
• 10/24/07 12:28 PM Moon Lake

Hollywood Lovescene - Hollywood Lovescene

• 10/24/07 12:32 PM No Ordinary Girl
• 10/24/07 12:35 PM Overrated Fantasy
• 10/24/07 12:39 PM Taught Her To Cry
• 10/24/07 12:42 PM Wont You Smile
• 10/24/07 12:46 PM Days Gone By
• 10/24/07 12:50 PM Forever and a Day
• 10/24/07 12:54 PM Are You With Me

Bombay Bicycle Club - How We Are

• 10/24/07 12:58 PM How Are You
• 10/24/07 1:02 PM Ghost

All tracks were obtained from AmieStreet

On the train

Actually, i'm testing remote blogging from the light rail train. It's a bit cumbersome to work on such a small and limited keyboard. I am impressed with its predictive dictionary, even if it thinks i'm clogging.

--
Roger D. Linder, The TR-i Fan Formerly known as RDL22
Antelope, CA
http://RoCeMaBra.com/roger
The RoCeMaBra Podcast Group http://Podcasts.RoCeMaBra.com/

Todd Rundgren Cover Story

I've been communicating with Brian Ibbott, host of the Coverville podcast, about the possibility of doing a TR Cover Story. He's agreed to do one for the 11/1/2007 show, just in advance of the special 40 Year Tribute ad that will appear in Rolling Stone's 11/15 issue (on sale 11/2). Very cool!

TV Time

Here's what I'm watching this season. Nielson, take note.

Sunday

• Fox Animated comedies (Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy and American Dad) via VCR
• Desperate Housewives

Monday

• Chuck
• Heroes
• Journeyman
• Samantha Who? (via VCR)
  

Tuesday

• Cavemen
• Carpoolers
• Reaper

Wednesday

• Pushing Daisies
• Bionic Woman

Thursday

• My Name is Earl
• 30 Rock
• The Office
• Scrubs (finally back)
• Smallville (via VCR)

Friday

• Flash Gordon
• Stargate Atlantis
• (I'd be watching Odyssey 5 if I hadn't just seen the whole DVD series)

Saturday

• Torchwood

Looking forward to the return of Lost and Battlestar Galactica. When new Dr. Who is available, I'll watch that too.

Vinyl - Day 2

For me, listening to my old record collection is both rewarding and frustrating. Some time ago, I disconnected and stored the turntable, mostly due to the fact that my stereo does not have a pre-amp. Instead, I'm forced to listen through the computer, with the turntable connected to a Griffin iMic and either using Final Vinyl or Amadeus software to listen. The speaker setup is not all that great, so I'm having to use the portable computer speakers. Not a lot of Hi-Fi going on there. But, at least, it's allowing me to catch up on some older stuff that I haven't heard in years.

Today's list

• 12 in a Roe - Tommy Roe
• Robbie Robertson - Robbie Robertson

I've got too much to do to sit around at the desk all day, I'd much rather have my music portable, so in a little bit I'm going to put on the iPod and check out today's podcasts as well as some freshly downloaded music from AmieStreet.

Birds With Broken Wings: TR-i (The Rundgren-index)

Birds With Broken Wings: TR-i (The Rundgren-index)

Nice treatment of a series of Nazz cuts, interspersed with TR commentary from the Todd Rundgren Radio Show

ISSA At The Palms

ISSA, The artist formerly known as Jane Siberry, is coming to the Palms in Winters on November 28. Last time through, I couldn't convince my wife to go, since she's unfamiliar with her music. Even though it's not her cup of tea, this time we are going to go.

Last month we had to blow off our TMBG tickets due to her brother's death and visiting family. I had to satisfy myself with a live show download purchased from their site from Minneapolis.

Sleeve Notes

These old vinyl records have an interesting story to tell. The Guess Who's "Wheatfield Soul" was released in 1969 on LP as RCA LSP-4141. I remember listening to it with some friends a couple of years later and was especially drawn to the track "Friends of Mine" a 10 minute exploration very reminiscent of some of Jim Morrison's spoken word works with the Doors. I'm listening to it as I write this.

But that's not the inspiration behind this post. It's the album inner sleeve. Where you might expect information about the band, or perhaps lyrics, or even a nice picture, you get none of the above. What it is is an ad for a number of other RCA records. So if you're a fan of The Guess Who, you most likely will also enjoy:

• The Sons of the Pioneers
• Floyd Cramer
• Glenn Miller
• George Beverly Shea
• Mario Lanza
• Chet Atkins
• Hank Snow
• Van Cliburn
• Perry Como
• Al Hirt
• Jim Reeves
• Glenn Yarbrough

Or these soundtracks

• Oliver
• Pink Panther
• Cattle Call
• South Pacific

or perhaps you'll enjoy these artists on the new 8-track format

• Hello Dolly
• Belafonte
• Al Hirt
• Eddy Arnold
• Perry Como
• Glenn Miller
• Van Cliburn
• Beethoven
• Music from Million Dollar Movies

As a Guess Who fan, I need to update my collection!

Deaths

The past month has been a bit hard on me. Five people I know have died since September 21, including my wife's brother, two co-workers, a former employer and a family friend. Each day I wonder what news that day's obituaries will bring.

http://del.icio.us/rdlinder/obit

It's Vinyl!

A recent remodel required me to give up my bricks and planks record shelf which I've had for over 30 years. We replaced it with a much nicer one from IKEA. So in celebration, I'm revisiting some old vinyl.

• Mom's Apple Pie
• Mom's Apple Pie #2
• Akimbo Alogo - Kim Mitchell
• Boys and Girls - Bryan Ferry
  
• Wheatfield Soul - The Guess Who
• TRB TWO - Tom Robinson Band