Rumbly!

I just plugged in to rehearse a little for the Orbit shows. I cranked up the fuzz and started playing the part to "Machines". After 3 seconds, 2 framed photos that were hanging on our wall fell to the floor.

HAhrhHR!!

another Orbit show...

Orbit will be playing part of the TT's Jeanne benefit series, Thursday December 27th. As of this writing, there are still some tix left for the official reunion shows at the Paradise on Saturday - Friday's sold out.

At TTs tonight (December 21st) - I'll be playing with Ad, Ned, and Caitlin as "Joe Jackson't" or "Pretty Women Out Walking With Gorillas". Come on down and hear me doing my best attempt at being Graham Maby. MABY I'll remember all my parts! HAHRHARHHARHRHHrhhhrhr!!!!

The Sweet Smell of Christmas

The Sweet Smell of Christmas, by Patricia Scarry, illustrated by J. P. Miller.

Dudes. This was my FAVORITE Christmas book as a little'un. It is a scratch and sniff story about a little bear and his mom and pop at Christmastime, and all the great Christmas-y smells they encounter. I LOVED this book so much, the scratch and sniff labels were pretty much scratched all the way off.

Last Christmas I couldn't believe my eyes when I found it in a bookshop - I was so excited! I had been looking for it but I couldn't remember the title. ANyway, there it was! I snagged a copy for my li'l brother, because he loved it as much as I did.

C6 is loving it too. I think I may need to buy another copy because the scents aren't all that strong even though we are scratching the HECK out of those little stickers.

C6 has inherited my love for the combination of chocolate and orange. First, we scratch and sniff the hot cocoa, then quickly scratch and sniff the christmas orange.

Then we eat some Pepperidge Farm Orange Milanos.

Awwww yeaaaahhhhhh.

PS: Santa, if you're reading, I've been Extremely Very Good this year and if it isn't too much trouble, could you please leave a Chocolate Orange in my stocking? Cheers!

Scurvyann luvs Stiff Little Fingers! (um...I mean, the band)

A few weeks back, I saw Stiff Little Fingers at the Paradise. (A shoutout to me ol' Frigate mateys who guestlisted me: THANKS Darr Of The East and Jolly Roger!) Before the show there was a little shindig with SLF next door at T's pub that Darr had put together. I would call it a meet-n-greet but I really really dislike that phrase, so I won't call it that. Nope. I won't.

Every time SLF comes to town, a bunch of folks from the statehouse brings'em around and shows them a good time, y'know, playing tourguide. Here's a little article about one of the last times they came around. My pal Darr was part of the contingent.

In the pic above, that's me with Jake Burns and Steve Grantley. Steve's the drummer these days, and he regaled us with an amusing story about auditioning for the Clash and completely stinkin' up the place. The guy was a laff riot!

Wotta show! I was having so much FUN! Which is exACTly what I like to have. The guitar line in "Roots, Radicals, Rockers & Reggae" is one of my all time faves and boy, was I hollerin' along.

A bit into the show, I decided to strike out on my own, away from my pack of revelers. I ventured across the club to get a better look at bass player Ali McMordie - he's the original bassist. The last few times I've seen SLF, Bruce Foxton was on duty. And you know how I feel about him! Anyhoo, along the way across, SOMEHOW I managed to be on the outskirts of a skirmish and I got knocked to the floor. To my credit, I did not drop or spill my beer! TALENT. Unfortunately, my arsebone hurt like The Dickens for a few days. By the by, Ali was spectacularRrrR! Well worth the price of a blacknblue'd keister...and much much more!

Over the past few months I've seen some of my most favoritestest bands - Dropkick Murphys, Bad Religion and SLF. Heaps of inspiration - a good boot in the butt...(or, as it were, a floor on the butt...)

Scurvyann, over-n-out!
xoxo

ps: my bumpus on the rumpus is all better now, in case you were worrying. You worry too much! Stop it!

psssss: bumpus on the rumpus made me think of "dumpus all encompass".

Orbit Reunion Shows at The Paradise, Boston

I'm gonna be rockin' a lot this month!

First: December 8th - Ad Frank & The Fast Easy Women! At Great Scott, Allston, MA. Apparently, it is a GLAMSTRAVAGANZA! Who knew? Also on the bill are Me & Joan Collins, Logan 5 & the Runners and more.

Then: December 21st - I'm in a mysterious yet-to-be-named, one-time-only cover band...we'll call us "Pretty Women Out Walking With Gorillas" for now! (hint, hint) A benefit show for Jeanne at TT the Bears, Cambridge, MA. Wonderful lineup tonight, take a look.

And Finally: December 28th and 29th - Orbit Reunion Shows! At The Paradise, Boston, MA. Also on the bill, The Sheila Divine who are also reuniting. Party like it's 1999!

Ummm...I'd better get to rehearsin' all this, yaTHINK?!

Charlie and Lola!

Hi all. I'm back! Between my phoneline having a "service blackout" or somesuch krayp and my powerbook being in the shop for weeks, I've been kinda OFF THE GRID.

But now here I am for a quick howdy and to tell you all that C6 and I are in LOVE with Charlie and Lola. It is a really cool British cartoon that is on the Disney channel. I looooove the way it looks. It is really photomontage-y and texture-y, scribbly, with lots of fabric patterns. I've seen little bits of it before in passing - it caught my eye. But we never really hunkered down with an episode until recently and we are both hooked.

Each episode begins with Charlie, a 7-year old boy, saying "I have this little sister Lola. She is small. .. and very funny." Lola is 4, and Charlie's right - she's very funny.

Just a quick look on Youtube - ah, here's an episode titled "There is Only One Sun and That is ME". Take a look - Part 1 and Part 2.

The titles of some of the episodes we've watched are hilarious – witness: "I'm Really Ever So Not Well", "I Do Not Ever, Never Want My Wobbly Tooth to Fall Out", "I Must Take Completely Everything", and ''I'm Far Too Extremely Busy". This is the way Lola speaks, and I'm totally charmed, akin to how I'm charmed by Eloise's pattern of speech.

I love that Lola has an imaginary friend named Soren Lorenson. I love the pissacool style of it all, the music, the clothes they wear, the conversations...well worth a viewing!

And. I think Charlie looks a bit like John Vanderslice, don't you?









(John Vanderslice photo by by Autumn de Wilde.)

Yo Ho Ho!

Shiver me timbers!

MESSY DAY(S)...the Airplane

For a while now C6 has been wicked into "awts an cwafts". One day, over a month ago, I took out a big cardboard box and we decided it was an AIRPLANE. Since then, almost every day we draw on it with crayons, paint on it, put stickers on, glue pompoms on, glue beads on, glue cotton balls on, then paint OVER the stuff we glued on...add more layers of stickers...glue on toilet paper rolls...paint them...etc. We cut out pictures of food from magazines for the "airplane food"...drew dials, on off buttons...etc...there's an ignition switch where he can put a key in. There's also a place for him to plug in his headphones.

He loOooOooves hangin' out in his airplane.

It is awesome.

Ivy - Edge of the Ocean

A couple of years ago the song "Edge of the Ocean" by Ivy was on constant play in my head. I'd almost forgotten about it! Oh no!!! But it popped back into my head today and I'd like to share it with yez. Isn't it beautiful? I hadn't seen the video before today but it is quite fitting I think. Love it all.

Freezepop: Less Talk, More Rokk

Love! Them!




Freezepop.com

Salteens, Mark Mothersbaugh and a theremin on Yo Gabba Gabba

C6 has TOTALLY warmed up to Yo Gabba Gabba. (His very first time acknowledging it in a positive way mentioned here.) Well, we can't get past one particular episode that we DVRd (because he wants to watch it over and over...his modus operandi). In it, the Salteens perform an extraordinary song that WILL make you happy. It'll chase the grumpies away! I can pretty much guarantee it.


Hey! Did you know that Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer do some of the animations on Yo Gabba Gabba? Pissa!

We both really enjoy watching the Draw-with-Mark-Mothersbaugh part of the show. Of course you remember Mark from Devo! ("Real Devo" as C6 calls them, vs. "Kid Devo", which is Devo 2.0) Mark is so much fun - C6 loves his glasses!

In the Salteens episode, a guy named SoCo (on the rocks?) demonstrates a theremin. C6 LOVES this part, too. I love theremins! Some of you that were at my birthday party at the Kirkland many, many moons ago (the one where I smashed a pinata with my bass!) may remember that I guest-played the theremin with friends Curious Ritual. I hardly even used my hands!!!! HAhrhHArh!!! (use your imagination.)

When I played in Orbit, guitarist Fred played a theremin on the song "I Wanna Make You" It was always a real crowd pleaser! Here's the video for "I wanna Make You" (the video is pre-Fred and Linda.)

Scurvyann, over-n-out!

PS: Girls's Gone Child has a nice little somethin' bout Yo Gabba Gabba tunes right here.

Scarce

I can't believe I missed their reunion show Saturday night. Crap.
I love them. Don't you?



There's a nice bit of stuff on Scarce here at Speed Of Dark.

...and here's an article on Scarce from The Boston Phoenix.

...and a great review of the show here at Pocket Full of Chump Change.

Another delightful chicken dish

I was looking for a recipe for something delicious, interesting, and healthy that the three of us would all enjoy. I found this Chicken and Basil Stir Fry recipe and it fit the bill.

I made a couple of changes to the recipe. I didn't use Thai basil, regular ol' basil worked just FINE. And I didn't use as much garlic as the recipe called for - I only used 2 cloves. I used red, yellow, and green bell peppers to make it all purty-like. I served this over brown rice (or "tan rice" as C6 called it)...and THEY ATE IT! MmMmMmmMmm - it was gooooOOooOOood. Next time I will double the amount of liquids to make more sauce - cuz it'd be nice to have more flavor on the rice, knowwhatimean?

Delightful, I say!

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

It has been awhile. But I think it is peanut butter jelly time RIGHT NOW, don't you?



Now sing with me:
peanutbutterjelly!
peanutbutterjelly!
peanutbutterjellywithabaseballbat!!!

If you aren't familiar with this particular piece of art, you can read up on its history here.

My other favorite silly old web thingies are Badgers! and, of course, The Hampster Dance.

Love,
Scurvyann

PS: Yikes!!!! I almost forgot Spiderman Has Made You Gay!!!

Pick it up!

C6 FINALLY allowed himself to watch a little bit of Yo Gabba Gabba last week at Grandma & Grandpa's. (He hadn't been into it at all.) I was psyched, because *I* finally got to see it, too! On the episode we watched, Tony Hawk skateboarded! And we watched this WICKED cool animation for a really fun song called "Pick it Up!" - performed by GOGO13. We both LOVED it.

Pickituppickituppickitup!

It has a real 2-Tone -ska style feel to it - both sonically and visually. The footprints/dance diagram, the mod bullseye, checkerboard patterns...how the dad's shoes are like the 2-tone logo guy...I have a dress very similar to the little girl's and I feel like breakin' it out an' SKANKIN' right NOW!*

Pickituppickituppickitup!


*while pickin' up the house...

What's Your Themesong?

Sweetney posed the question "what is your themesong?"
Since high school, mine has been the song "Green Onions" performed by Booker T & the MGs. Well alrigheeeeeet! So do you have a themesong?

Goodbye, Freeman Frank.

My friend Freeman Frank (Ad's dad) passed away early Wednesday morning. He was a real gem - something special. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Goodbye, Freeman Frank. We miss you.

(Photo is from early 90's - Miles Dethmuffen.
That's me holding a really cool photo of Freeman.)

Ad Frank and the Fast Easy Women

Last Thursday was the much-anticipated Ad Frank/Freezepop rawkinroll show at the Middle East. I love rockin' the downstairs stage at the Middle East, I do. I am going to toot my own horn here: I did pretty well for someone who still limps and kinda hurts and doesn't really have her balance back yet. (The bum leg situation explained somewhere in this post if you need catchin' up.) I almost fell over a couple times but nothing too extreme. I managed to stomp on my instrument cable and disconnect it from my tuner. But that's not cuz of anything medical...I just get a little stompy sometimes. Can't hep m'sef!

Did you miss the show? Pity. It was amazing. And we looked fabulous. Witness:


All of these rather splendid photographs were taken by Rick Webb. Take a looky at his stuff - he took tons of great shots of Freezepop too. Now I wanna get me a fancyass camera!!! (I'm savin' my pennies...)

Up on Mars

A couple of years ago, I was in a delightful band called Well, and we did a combination rock & 'lectronic kind of music. It was really fun!

Part of our act was a videoshow projected behind us, which was synced up to beats and keyboard tracks. All that stuff was masterminded by Jeff Robbins, (with whom I played in Orbit, as well.) He sang and played guitar as well as creating all the backing tracks and most of the other videos. We did have a REAL drummer (Hahha - I almost called him a "brick and mortar" drummer!) named Robert Brazier. He's a gadabout!

Though we had lots of stuff going on with the tracks and the visuals, we were pretty much a kickass rock trio. (As evidenced on one of our first shows when there were technical difficulties with the backing tracks and we had to go without! Rocked.)

I made an animation for our song Up On Mars, one of our mellower tunes. Originally created to be projected behind us for the show, there are a few sections that seem a little slow watching it here without the band playing in front of it! Enjoy my awesome handiwork! HAHrhAHRHA!!!

Love,
Scurvyann

ps: do you recognize that astronaut chick in the video? HINT: It's me!

Time to make a plan which...involves a SANDWICH!

C6 is into eating sandwiches these days. (You may remember that he did not like them...even though he really did.) Then he decided that he DID like sandwiches and we got into making them together. We remembered the episode of the Upside Down Show where Shane and David learned how to make sandwiches by watching a kid demonstrate the process. They gave their play-by-play description. "... and for the crowning glory ... a piece of green, green lettuce, ... the ubiquitous pat-down ... and we have total sandwich." C6 remembered, and we always do the ubiquitous pat-down.

So anyhoo, I got an email from a musician named Ira Marlowe who does kids music. He's got a CD out called The Teasing Bird. What does this have to do with Sandwiches? Plenty! One of the songs on the CD is called SANDWICH and it is funny and cute and will stick in your head. In a good way. Here's the quirky little video for it. C6 can't get enough of it - it is his favorite video now. We watch it a LOT. And I mean...a LOT.

Watch for appearances by Paul McCartney, Ace Frehley, Pete Townshend, in bread form, and Elton John as Cheese!



I like the little conversations between the rasta bread dudes and the "May-o!" part...

Visit Ira's site Brainy Tunes for more info, games (there's a SANDWICH game!), songs, and videos.

Scurvyann luvs Ayun Halliday!

Have you read anything by the hilarious Ayun Halliday ? If you read BUST magazine, you've encountered her Mother Superior column.

She's living in New York, raising 2 cute kiddos (Inky and Milo) with her husband (Greg). She writes about mom things ... the kiddos ... life ... and traveling all over the place...Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia...with the kids!

(Psssst! Ayun Halliday is my hero!)

Ayun publishes her 'zine The East Village Inky quarterly, and I recently became a subscriber - I implore you to follow my lead here. * Not only is this little maggy JAM PACKED with adorable little cartoon illustrations and hand-letttered stories, but it is made in a really handy size - perfect to slip in your bag for emergency fun reading material. Doesn't take up much room, but will keep you entertained for a long time - it is really dense! (I mean...lotsa stuff in there!) If your vision ain't what it used to be, you may need to utilize a magnifying glass. Cuz...you won't want to miss a thing. My first issue (#35) was about the Balkan-y trip. I especially liked Ayun's description of the kitchens in some of the apartments in which they stayed. It's just a fun read, babes.

What can I tellya? I'm a gush-er.

One of Ayun's Mother Superior columns in particular struck a chord with me. It was about how she's not so great at securing a babysitter. I totally, totally relate to that! Other than begging family members and trying not to wear out the one sitter that I can get to come, I'm not so successful.

I popped onto Ayun's message board and left a little luv, and she wrote me a sweet email. (She called me a "Daymaker"! I loved that. Daymaker! Who knew?) Anyhoo, I told her how much I liked the babysitting article but couldn't find it online - and she graciously agreed to send it along. I know there are plenty of others out there who would luv to read and/or re-read this piece...and so, with permission from Ayun herself, here it is. Enjoy!

MOTHER SUPERIOR
November 2006
“Babysitter”
By Ayun Halliday ©2006.
Originally published in BUST magazine. Used with permission of the author.

It seems that engaging babysitters is just one of those activities that I’m insufficiently adult to handle in any responsible way. Like cleaning the bathroom or paying bills, the prospect of conjuring someone to keep the children alive and occupied while Greg and I spend close to a hundred bucks on burritos and a movie fills me with boredom, resentment and dread. Other mothers hit the phones, checking references and setting up face-to-face interviews with candidates who pass muster. I take a far less organized approach, sheepishly attempting to poach last-minute coverage from the fresh-faced counterpersons manning whatever café I happen to find myself in the day before an event I’ve known about for weeks. I figure they’re already working for peanuts, perhaps they’d like to earn some more before their own fabulous, childless evening out.

Clearly, I’m clinging to memories of how things were done in the Old World. On those rare occasions when my grandmother was unavailable for duty, Mom would pay an eighth-grade girl 50cents an hour to keep watch over her precious only child. I used to love fooling with their hair while they confided their crushes and boyfriend troubles. Then, after I proved my maturity by ditching one of them with neither house keys nor emergency phone numbers and successfully hitching a ride to the vet’s with the young man whose automobile had delivered a glancing blow to the family dog, I entered the teen babysitting racket myself. In several years of active duty, I’ll bet I amassed close to three hundred dollars, as well as a near-theological reverence for certain passages in The Joy of Sex, a surprisingly common household item that most couples seemed to store in a concealed location in the master bedroom. I also ate an entire package of edible chocolate liqueur cups found in the recesses of a dining room cabinet.

In light of my early work experience, it hardly seems equitable that I could take a less-than-charitable view of a young lady who somehow managed to switch our computer’s outgoing email identity from our names to hers. I had to call her up and ask her if she knew anything about computers because there’d be hell to pay if I didn’t figure out how to restore it to its original configuration before Daddy, I mean Greg, found out. It wasn’t transgression enough to discontinue our professional relationship – beggars can’t be choosers – but the next time I found myself in the position to require her services, Inky balked, complaining, “She never plays with us! All she does is sit in front of the computer!”

Shoot, that’s what I do, and ain’t nobody paying me $11 an hour for the privilege! I was hardly the world’s best babysitter, but even I knew to save that sort of extracurricular shit until after the children were safely stowed away for the night, particularly if they were old enough to squeal. I put a great deal of stock in Li’l Snitchy’s reports. Given my policy of suspending house rules regarding television, bedtime and dessert on babysitting nights, it’s usually a rave review, but individuals with a zest for arts & crafts and/or a willingness to receive makeovers receive an approval rating bordering on the pathological, even those who only worked for us once before moving out of state. Seems like the good ones are always getting away, lost to graduate school, real jobs, or babies of their own. This wouldn’t be such a problem if I kicked it old skool with an eighth grader, but the few whom I know are booked to the tits with internships and volunteer work, anything to get a leg up on getting into the college of their choice some time in the distant future.

There’s no shortage of career nannies in this neighborhood, but frankly, I shrivel like a spider on a hot skillet at the thought of any church-going, Caribbean woman who’s old enough to be my mother getting a peek at the state of my kitchen, let alone the contents of my nightstand.

Given the infrequency of the assignment, all I really need is someone who can keep a cool head in an emergency whilst refraining from the sort of extreme antics one wouldn’t want captured by the miniature camera implanted in a teddy bear’s head. Ideally, I’m not married to this person, though more often than not, I am, as is Greg. Separate dates! They’re the poor man’s separate vacations, and perhaps that’s not a bad thing in a household where the sitter is permitted to entertain callers of the opposite sex after the children have been put to bed for the night.

***

In addition to all the above mentioned swellness, Ayun's written a few books (on travel, motherhood, food, and her experiences in crappy jobs) - all of which are available here.

...and don't forget to check out Ayun's food blog Dirty Sugar Cookies!

(Psssst...did I mention that Ayun Halliday is my hero?)

***

Speakin' of New York-ish things, C6 is really into "New York City" lately - he is obsessed with the idea of riding on the New York Subway. Saturday evening we were at a get-together with some friends we hadn't seen in years. They're New Yorkers, and C6 made fast friends with 9-year old Amelia. She was such a good sport - she played "New York Subway" with him all evening, sitting down on the couch and waiting ... then getting up on the "train", zooming into another room...waiting for the doors to open ... sliding a subway pass (he was carrying his real MBTA subway pass with him of course) ... and finding the elevator. Seems to me it is time to plan a REAL trip to NYC with C6 in the not-too-distant future. Naturally, he'll expect the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to hang out with us ... If Ayun can tote 2 kids and a husband roun' the Balkan regions, mebbe I can tote 1 shortie and a husband to the Big City!

***

*While you are in a subscribing mood, why not pop over to BUST magazine and pick up a subscription there, too. 'Nnkay?

A quick one...

Me: (driving past the back of my old elementary school, on a detour) Whoah! That's the back of my old elementary school! When I was a little girl, I played kickball RIGHT! THERE! MASSIVE FLASHBACK!

C6: Mummio! Whatsa massive flapjack?

Me: Massive flapjack - whoah! HAHRHH!!! That is awesome! Well - I said "Massive Flashback" because I was remembering being in the playground playing kickball. That's a flashback. And massive means biiiiiiiiig. But I like what you said - "Massive Flapjack"!!! Like a BIG PANCAKE!

C6: Mummio! I wanna make you some REALLY REALLY BIG PANCAKES!!! Massive FLAPJACKS!

Me: Well all riiiiigheeeeeeet!!! MASSIVE FLAPJACKS!

C6: MASSIVE FLAPJACKS!!!

etc...

Blue Man Preschool!!!

<--- Photo by Ken Howard © BMP

Here's a quick link from Daddytypes -
did you know that the founders of Blue Man Group recently opened a preschool? Read on!

Hmmm. Interessssting!


A few years ago, my pal Robin and I attended a Blue Man show. Robin was plucked from the Blue Man Group audience to be the lovely lady who feasted on Twinkies with the Blue Men. I found the scene on YouTube, (but that's not Robin). It was really hilarious - the audience LOVED Robin and the Blue Men were pretty sweet on her too! Who wouldn't be?

link to The Blue School website
link to The Blue Man Group website

How did I miss it?

How did I miss Talk Like A Pirate Day?

ARRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrRRRRgh.

We're going to celebrate today. Here's a link to Zooglobble's Pirate Day entry - let's celebrate a belated Pirate Day and watch Captain Bogg and Salty's Pieces of 8ight!

...cuz we love the Cap'n...and Salty too!

An easy chicken recipe we love

Here is a chicken dish that sees a lot of table time here at our house. C5 and C6 LOVE'em! I call'em "herby chicken parm tenders", but the official recipe is called "Parmigiano and Herb Chicken Breast Tenders" - from the Food Network show 30 Minute Meals. I don't always use all the fresh herbs but I always make sure to include fresh rosemary - I think the rosemary makes this dish. I've made the sauce to accompany the chicken too, and though it is quite nice, often, we opt for a nice jar of Prego. (Don't mock me.) Add some pasta and salad...and don't forget the GARLIC BREAD...and a nice glass of Valpolicella for mummio and daddio...and Mmmmm, mmmmm. Mangia mangia!

They're good cold, too. I packed some up (without the sauce) for our last long car trip. We dipped'em in applesauce! It was "road food" and C6 was a real road warrior! This past roadtrip, we even managed to eat carrots and some yogurt too - a real success in the healthy eatin' on the road department - not always the case!

(Aside: "Prego" was one of my terms for pregnant back in the old days - "BC6" - Before C6.)

Rockness For YOU

Hey there! Come to my show. It'll be great! Really! REALLY great! Ad Frank and The Fast Easy Women, Thursday September 27 at the Middle East (Downstairs), Cambridge, MA. Don't forget. In fact, buy your tickets now, as the show's a gonna sell out!

The art from this flier is from an old advertisement for Orange Crush - I thought it was suitable even before I realized that the kids pictured matched up quite nicely with each band member. We look just like'em! (click on the pic for larger image.) And this is exactly what our rehearsals look like. Orange Crush, bowl o'snax, banjos, LPs on the hifi! Yowza yowza yowza!

C6, Rocknroll kid.

Good Mornin!

Guess what?

C6 went to his first BAND REHEARSAL last night!

More on that in a bit - first, I must tell you that we (Ad Frank and The Fast Easy Women) have a show coming up THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th AT THE MIDDLE EAST, CAMBRIDGE, MA! Did I mention the show is THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th AT THE MIDDLE EAST, CAMBRIDGE, MA??? Did I? And it is with Freezepop, whom I adore. (Get your tix early - it'll sell out for sure.)

ANNNNyway, with my recent medical issues and other band members busy schedules, we hadn't had too much in the way of full band rehearsals over the summertime. So the few rehearsals we do have scheduled are really important.

Late in the afternoon yesterday, C5's project at work went into overdrive and he had to work late. On rehearsal nights, I need to leave the house a little before 7:oo. He wouldn't be home by then and didn't know how late he would be. The rehearsal had to be 7:30 to 8:30 as other band members had commitments right after rehearsal, so delaying our start time wasn't an option. And C5 didn't know exactly how late he would be. Ugh! I scrambled to see about getting someone to sit with C6 but was AMAZINGLY UNSUCCESSFUL. I thought that I would have to bail on going to rehearsal. Then I thought- heyyyyy, why not try to bring C6 along? He likes the rock. He likes the roll. Maybe it'll work.

...and maybe monkeys'll fly outta my butt!

All the livelong day C6 had disagreed with EVERYTHING. EVerything! Every. Thing. Screamingly so. He even objected, tearfully, to my choice of shirt. ("NOOOO! NOT THE RED SHIRT!!!!!!") Now, I know I'm no fashionplate, but gimme a break, kid! He was in rare form, and so was I. By the afternoon, I was looking forward to the end-of-the-day C6 handoff to C5. I was looking forward to my big night out - rehearsal! (...and maybe even an ice-cold beer!) By the afternoon, I was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. I was sore. I was sweaty and gross. C6 was a screaming tornado of rage. I was a puddle of goo in an (apparently ugly) red shirt. How did I expect to have any kind of productive rehearsal???

We picked up my band mate Sarah, who lives nearby, and headed into Cambridge to the rehearsal space. C6 was excited to be out in the evening! And he was a little taken with Sarah and sang her a few songs, including "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Poo".

C6 really enjoyed the rehearsal space - especially the smelly hallway with all the doors! When we got into our rehearsal room, he met all my bandmates and shook hands, just the way his Dad taught him ("look'em right in the eye!") I set him up next to me on the floor with his Sesame Street Water Wow book, a drink and a snack. We put in some earplugs but they didn't stay in very long. I brought some big headphones, which he liked trying on at home, but those didn't stay on either. (I thought they'd muffle some of the volume.)

We started to play and C6 immediately grabbed the guitar pick from my fingers. I gave him a few to play with but he always wanted the one I was USING so I had to go without for most of the rehearsal. Oh, the sacrifices we Moms must make!

He was happy while we played, dancing a little bit, rockin' out, putting the earplugs in a line (making the MBTA Orange Line and Purple Line on the floor), sticking all the guitar picks in the little hollow area of the monitor, playing his egg shaker.

I was pretty much on autopilot, playing with one ear on the music and the other on C6, the majority of my attention on the boy. I kept thinking that C6 would "go off", or unplug something, crunch his snack into the very nice carpet...but he didn't do any of those things. He was excellent! I was very happy about that. My playing wasn't great, but it wasn't atrocious either. Under the circumstances, we both did great. Whew!

...he wants to go again next week and play the gween dwumset. I gave the Classic Mom Answer, "We'll See."

-Scurvyann. Rocknroll Mum, Over-n-out. xoxo

ps: BLAST FROM THE PAST! The photo is C6, age 2 months, sporting his "rock me" onesie, a gift from my pal Limey G.

David Collins of The Upside Down Show!

Shane Dundas, Li'l Shane, Puppet, Li'l David, David Collins.
(The above photo brazenly swiped from the Umbilical Brothers web site.)

Early this year I wrote a little comment on the Umbilical Brothers messageboard. The Umbilical Brothers are David Collins and Shane Dundas, who are also the talented duo on The Upside Down Show:

Comment: LOVE LOVE LOVE the upside down show! GREAT work. Where can I buy T shirts for my 2 yr old and myself?

How shocked was I to receive an email from an actual Umbilical Brother? (at least I think so...)
Answer: wicked shocked!

On May 13, 2007, at 3:38 AM, David Collins wrote:

you sent this message to our guest book many many moons ago and i am only now getting to it. please excuse my late response.

t-shirts... hmm. to my knowledge there is no merchandise available for the upside down show. not sure why. and i can't tell you when or if any is going to ever be on sale. unfortunately it's not up to us.

i'll let you know the next time we are performing live near you. and if any small garments are made.

until then, be well.

david (the curly headed one)

So of course I had to write back. And of course it took me forever because that's just how it goes:

On 26/08/2007, at 6:24 AM, Linda Pardee wrote:

Dear David,

Thanks so much for writing back to me - that is very kind. And *I* apologize for *my* late response as well!

I am hoping to catch your act if you ever get to the Boston area - I have caught snippets of your live act on Youtube - you guys are just fascinating!

I hope that things are going well for you and Shane. I want you to know that my son and I adore "The Upside Down Show" and I am sorry to learn that there will be no more episodes.

Your show is very important. It is fun for everyone, and I know that isn't easy to pull off. But you did it. I'm very sad that Noggin didn't get it.

I must say...I got a big chuckle out of the episode where a bucket is handed over instead of a bicycle helmet....
"bucket".....
"what diiid you saaay???"
HAHRHARHAH!!!

...and similarly I recall a gag in the icecream episode...shmuzzies ...with the word "truck"...
"what did you call me?????"

Now...I might just have a vivid imagination....or not...but you guys were riffin' on the "F" word, weren't you? C'mon - TELL!!!

Best of luck in all your future work. I know we'll be seeing lots more great stuff from the 2 of you.

Sincerely,
Linda (Scurvyann)

I didn't really expect an answer but lo and behold...the answer to my Very Pressing Question!

Date: September 9, 2007 10:03:31 PM EDT


you know too much linda.

we got into trouble for the 'bucket' line, but eventually convinced them to leave it in. kids are going to have no idea and adults will get a kick out of it.

and had to fight for the 'truck' one as well. i'd forgotten about that one.

you are who we were making the show for it would seem.

david

HAHRrrrHHAHrhhaHR!!! That email made my day.

Oh Upside Down Show...how we will miss you. Please turn your attention to the Umbilical Brothers other offerings. Here is a little UmbiBros sumpthin-sumpthin - you can see the makings/inklings/sparks of the Upside Down Show in their act (...but it is kinda rated PG!)

ENJOY!

Dropkick Murphys Redux And How I Spent My Summer Vacation

There's a wonderful article in this week's Boston Phoenix on The Dropkick Murphys. (Go ahead and read it...I'll wait!)

It reminded me that I forgot to mention my fantastic experience at their show last month! True to his word, Mr. Ken Casey, Dropkicks bassist extraordinaire, took care of me and C5. As promised - a comfy chair for my poor lame bones. And my Royal Arse was seated onstage. How's THAT for service?

Dropkicks shows are always amazing, but even moreso up close. Those guys are just so passionate about what they do - you can see it from the back row of the biggest venue, but to be right UP THERE is quite a special treat. It was an awesome show, in all respects. Extra credit goes to guitarist Marc Orell for not holding back for even one second - and because we were basically on top of him during the show. From the magnificence of the songs to the sheer strength of the performance to the crowd to everyone being so dannnng NICE to us...it was, as They say, all good.

Hey looky up there - there's a picture of me and Ken and my CRUTCHES!

Which reminds me...I never really explained the crutches, did I? Originally thought to be a sprain, my mysterious painfully swollen ankle and knee (after a bazillion trips to a bajillion doctors and a few pretty scary moments...Lyme Disease? Lupus? Gout? "Gout. Gout. Let it all out. These are the things I can do without...") was diagnosed as "reactive arthritis". (I know - I never heard of it either.) It is an inflammation of the joints causes by a bacteria, in my case, food poisoning! KICKASS!!!

I spent a month on crutches, with a whole week entirely off my feet. I'm still recovering - I have a really um...sultry?...swagger. That is a lie. I have a goofy limp. But who cares. At least I can carry a cup of coffee across the room ALL BY MYSELF!!!

Anyhoo - I do NOT recommend spending a summer like this. Thank God I have a great family who rallied 'round and helped take care of me, and helped look after C6 during the daytime while C5 was at work. Thanks, Fam!

Which reminds me...Dropkicks are all about Family. I love that. At their Boston shows you can see their families on the stage - from little kids to old timers. The whole clan. Love! That!

Which reminds me...C6 is reeeeeally into the "Dwopkick Mowphys" (his pronunciation) - he is NUTS about their song "Shipping Up To Boston" - he totally rocks it. (I haven't shown him the video - a little much for a young'n.) The lyrics are about a sailor who lost his leg and is shipping up to Boston to find his wooden leg.

Which reminds me...as befitting as it might have been for Scurvyann, I'm glad I didn't have to get a wooden leg!

HEY-oh! (see what I did there?)

Scurvyann, over-n-out!
xoxoxo

PS: The new Dropkicks' album, The Meanest of Times is out next week - be sure to get it!

PSS (...or is it PPS?): a couple of pix from the show...

Retro Bathing Suit BONANZA

I wrote about my favorite bathing suit back in June. Now, I love my bathing suit. HOWEVER! Girl's Gone Child found the perfect retro suit for me! It is close to the same cut as my suit but woooooo! POLKA DOTS!!! Look here at Retrodress - the Esther Williams Collection!!! Here's my suit. I'm'a gonna git me some POLKA DOTS!

My Mum had an awesome navy blue with white polka dot suit back in the day. I always wanted one like it. Although Retrodress doesn't offer that exact combo, I could TOTALLY live with black suit-with-white-polka-dots!

And Fashiony-Fashiony Rebecca (Girl's Gone Child) is a polka-dotter too! HURRAH! Maybe we can start a CLUB!

I love polka dots I do.

The Magic Garden

Well hello there! Here is – surprise! – another blast from the past. I'm sure y'all remember The Magic Garden. Anyone?

I tuned in to this show a lot - it was colorful and fun. The two stars of the show, Carole and Paula, would sing songs, tell stories (from the Story Box), tell jokes (in the Chuckle Patch), and hang out. And swing on swings! SWINGS!



But what I remember and love most about the show was the closing theme song - it sure is catchy. Seeya, SEEYA!



Their Hello Song was also catchy & cute.

According to their web site, it looks like Carole and Paula still perform now and them. I think that is GREAT!

Seeya, SEEYA!

Scurvyann, over-n-out!
xo

PS: At a party a while ago, the subject of conversation turned to kids shows from our youth. This one was a BIG hit with the lesbian contingent!

A You're Adorable

Last Summer my Mother-in-Law (Mimi) sang a sweet song to C6 called "A You're Adorable" and I instantly loved it. C6 did too! It goes through the alphabet in a fun way. It's an older song, released in 1949. I asked my parents if they knew the song and sure enough they did - and we all had a singalong at the picnic table. It is the cutest song! Adorable, if you will.

Here's a little sample of Perry Como's version of "A You're Adorable".

Shortly after this, I found a book with the lyrics in it and we enjoyed that too.

Imagine how psyched we were to find a vintage Sesame Street clip with the song in it! And Cookie Monster too!!! We can't get enough of this one - it's a keeper. We really really love this song. Thanks Mimi!

The Electric Company and The Family Guy

Another compare and contrast with The Family Guy - this time with The Electric Company! (Compare and contrast with The Family Guy and Sesame Street right here.)

Calgon, Take Me Away!

As I've mentioned, I am totally addicted to Lush's Bath Bombs. But they ain't cheap! I needed to find a less-expensive substitute between Superbaths. So, when C5 and C6 were headed to CVS last week, I asked if they could pick me up some "Cheap bubble bath, bath salts...anything. Your choice - just not expensive." They returned with a box of Calgon "English Garden" Bubble Bath. It was $2.99. Perfect!

The box had a really strong floral scent and I wondered if it would be overpowering in the tub. I had to test it out! Honestly? I wasn't expecting much. Surprisingly, the bubble bath turns the water a soothing blue color. And it is pretty smelly but I got used to it. Funny, I don't recall this "bubble bath" actually making bubbles! The BEST part (besides the price) is that it makes your skin sooooo soft! And it stayed nice and soft, too. I was surprised about that. Bonus: the tub doesn't get too messy, which is nice.

I got 4 nice baths out of this box for less than the price of one Lush bathbomb!

Score!

The World of Commander McBragg

Yes, yes. Still feelin' kinda nostalgic. I'm remembering more old cartoons I enjoyed as a youngster. Oh how I loved The World of Commander McBragg! Quite.

Wow! - Lookit all them guns!!! It sure was a different time, wunnit?

Paula Kelley is Swoonworthy!

Here is a supercool video by a musicbuddy of mine. Her name is Paula Kelley and you love her. She's been over on the left coast for a couple years now doing all kinds of wonderful music-y things.

I so adore this song called "You Gonna Make It?" Though the song and video came out a couple of years ago, they have PK's signature retrocool flair. The girl - she's got style to match her multi-talents. Watch this video and swoon with me now, won't you?



Pissakeen!

Tuffy Tooth

Feelin' nostalgic again. Hey, anyone remember Tuffy Tooth? He was an advertising character for Colgate Toothpaste back in the '70's. I remember getting the Tuffy Tooth Dental Kit as a kid and I lovvvvved it. Our Mum sent away for the kits for us kids and they came in the MAIL - so superexciting to get MAIL!!!

The kit contained toothpaste, a toothbrush, one of those little dental mirrors, a little Tuffy Tooth comic book, a Tuffy Tooth plastic bag puppet. And (according to the ad below...I don't really remember this part) a little Tuffy Tooth pin. AND - I especially adored those red dye tablets you chew to see where you missed brushing. Gross! FanTAStic!

Anyhoo...lookyhere, I found a little Tuffy Tooth memorabilia at Flickr. NOW do you remember him? And do you remember MFP?? What the heck was MFP anyway? Whatever happened to MFP??? WTF???


Roadside Pictures, who posted this Tuffy Tooth advertisement at Flickr, has the most amazing collection of vintage ads! Take a look-see - and you will view such gems as the 60's era Risqué Hostess Snow-Balls ad! Woooo wooooooo!!!!

-Scurvyann, over-n-out

The Hipwaders!

Last week I got an email out of the blue from Tito of The Hipwaders, a California-based rock trio that writes and performs kiddo-friendly music. He had found me through The Lovely Mrs. Davis' site and thought that C6 and I might enjoy the music of his band. He based this guess on the music of C6's summertime playlist. Tito offered to send me his CDs and within a few emails and a few days here were the CDs! Now that's service.

By golly he was right! I sure do like what The Hipwaders are doing. Upon first listening I was really reminded of The Undertones. Tito's voice sounds remarkably like the Undertones' Feargal Sharkey!!! And that is a good thing. Besides the Undertones, I detect traces of The Reducers, The Buzzcocks, and The Beatles, among others.

The lyrics are at times wonderfully goofy but in no way dumb. There is lots of really clever wordplay and smartysmart lyrics in there - you will learn a thing or two listening to a Hipwaders song. (I did!) There are songs about different types of dinosaurs, earthquakes, insects, geometry...even the Dewey Decimal System, fercryinoutloud!

And I must say - the musicianship in this band is outstanding - totally solid. On top of that, lots of really authentic-sounding sci-fi blips and beeps and other kinds of sound effects pop up here and there. From track to track there is something for everyone - lots of fun little audio surprises on top of a rock-solid base. (And a rock-solid BASS too!) It is TOtally infectious.

I've got 2 CDs here : The Hipwaders which I think came out in 2005 and Educated Kid, out this year.

On The Hipwaders my favorite track at the moment is called "Silly Robot Dance", a herky jerky new-wavish number that reminds me a little of Human Sexual Response and/or Gang of Four. C6 and I are all about doing the robot dance in general, and now we have a special themesong. Pissa!

"Insect Safari" is another favorite - a jouncy rompy tune. All the bug voices and comments at the end are hilarious!!! "Those aren't stink bugs are they? THEY ARE STINK BUGS!!!"

On Educated Kid, I am particularly fond of "Geometry" - these songs will stay with the kids til they're in junior high Geometry class and trying to remember what an isosceles triangle is. Do I detect a theremin in the mix? Awesome. Also on this CD I am enjoying "Aiden's Train", a gentle-sounding, sweet little tale about a train that I know a Certain Shorty will love - listen for the train sound at the end!

These CDs both have scads of great tunes - I know that our favorites will shift about as we listen more.

You can buy Hipwaders CD via the links on their website. I recommend that you go ahead and do just that!

It makes me happy to hear another band that is making such fine music for kids and their parents. Hurrah! I see big things for The Hipwaders, a la Dan Zanes or Ralph's World. Bigger! C'mon, c'mon, c'mon!!!

Here is a video of The Hipwaders in action. I always liked this song - "The Work Song" from Cinderella.




PS: Tito and I emailed back and forth a few times about our mutual admiration of The Jam. (Well maybe "admiration" isn't a strong enough word!) We had similar cases of affliction with The Jam when we were each starting out playing music. I confessed that I was obsessed with Bruce Foxton (bass player of The Jam) - I had a Rickenbacker bass...and I even had a Foxton mullet-ish hairdo and 2-tone loafers.

Oh come on. You had a mullet too.

Years later, I "stalked" Bruce Foxton when he was playing with Stiff Little Fingers at Mama Kin (R.I.P.) in Boston and he autographed my bass. He is one of my all time favorite bass players...but that's another discussion for another day!

Matt and Kim

A while ago, my friend Jen told me about this cute & fun rockmusic duo called Matt and Kim. I can't recall exactly (because I have a mind like a sieve), but she may have interviewed them for her webshow Cooking With Rockstars. In any case, I totally forgot about them til just now when I stumbled across their most excellent video on Youtube. Aren't they the funnest? C6 likes this song and video a LOT. I think kiddos would really dig this video...but it might give them a few IDEAS...



...C6 and I especially like the foodfight part, where they actually fight with food. HARHAHRH!

Bad Religion's coming to town!

Hooray! I've been waiting for Bad Religion to swing by the area on a non-Warped Tour show. I have nothing against the Warped Tour, mind you. C5 and I went once a few years back and it was pretty dang spectacular. Right now, I just wanna see mah boys. I'm always so very inspired when I see BR live - and I sure could use a little inspiration! Jay Bentley is one of my favorite bass players - but that's a discussion for a different day.

I'm really looking forward to seeing BR with Brooks Wackerman on drums. I saw him drumming for Tenacious D. last autumn and I was smitten. "Who is that drumming back there, dressed as Colonel Sanders?" It was Brooks. Brooks Wackerman. Whacker-Man! What a fine name for a drummer!!! Here's a video of The Colonel in action. (Heads up: Jack Black says a bad word in the intro. Jack Black? Swearing? Really? Oh my!!! HAhrHAhrhAR!!!)

Don't get me wrong - I was also a big fan of previous drummer Bobby Schayer. I will always treasure my Bobby Schayer autographed drumsticks!

The new Bad Religion album New Maps of Hell came out last month and it is chock full of your classic-sounding Bad Religiony fare. My favorite track is called "Honest Goodbye". C6 grooves to this one too, but he shares his favorite with C5 - that would be "Dearly Beloved", a more driving piece.

I can't wait to see them!!!

October 16th at the Roxy in Boston, with The Briggs opening - looking forward to hearing them too!

Go Red Sox!

Ah, Fenway Park. I like to get out to Fenway once a year to enjoy our Red Sox and the fabulous atmosphere of the ballpark. When you luck out and get a wonderful ballpark companion, great weather, and a good parking space, ain't nuthin' like it!

My best friend Robin and I were lucky enough to hit Fenway last month on such a fine evening. It was one of those magical nights - everything went well! From me driving in and finding a good parking spot to meeting up right on time at Cornwalls, to getting a seat at the bar at Cornwall's, which wasn't jam-packed, to having great weather...all was jussssst right. And we both so needed that!

Cornwall's was a great meeting up place, suggested by C5.
It is not right in the thick of things (or the "Belly of the Beast" as I like to say). But not too far a walk, either. Robin and I enjoyed a couple of delicious wheat beers - a perfect summertime bevvy. I think it is best served with a hunk of lemon or orange. Mmm! Our bartender knew how to properly pour Robin's Hacker-Pschorr to get all the yeasty yum out of the bottom of the bottle. Look at how happy we are!!!

A short walk and we were at Fenway and the fun continued!

THINGS THAT I ABSOLUTELY MUST DO EACH TIME I VISIT FENWAY PARK:

• Eat a hot dog. Robin suggested we get foot longs! And we did!!! Smart move.
  
• Drink beer. I know ballpark beer is expensive and not so great but it always tastes good with a hotdog at the park!
  
• Marvel at the old-school scoreboard I like to watch as the guy changes the numbers on the scoreboard by hand. Someday I would like to visit the little room behind the scoreboard!
  
• Do the wave. The wave came around the park about 7 times before petering out.
  
• Enjoy the music. I'm talkin 'bout the organ music (LOVE IT!!!) ...but sometimes the other music is okay. Except "Sweet Caroline" - Robin was beside herself with RAGE when that came on and everyone was singing the "so good" part. I did not enjoy that either. But I made sure to groove around in my seat during the fine organy tunes.
  
• Eat peanuts. My husband, he sure loves them peanuts...and I caught his addiction. You get'em from the vendor outside the park. Salted please!
  
• Wear peanuts on ears as earrings. A few years ago, I saw the peanut vendor doing this - he was an older gent and I just thought it was festive-n-fun. WARNING: it hurts a little bit! Here is a pic of me with my nut ears...
  

PS: They beat the Devil Rays that night!

Steampunk!

Today's Boston Globe has an article on Steampunk! Steampunk? Here's a little exerpt of the article:

Steampunk has its roots in science fiction literature, where it describes a corner of the genre obsessed with Victoriana and the idea that the computer age evolved alongside the industrial. Steampunk stories, which started appearing with regularity in the 1980s, eschew clean and orderly visions of the future in favor of gas-lighted streets, steam engines belching toxic smoke, and dastardly villains inventing strange technologies.

Think of the movie "Brazil". Remember the old-fashioned, typewritery-computers? That is Steampunk.

I've been looking at lots of Steampunk stuff online of late. I first stumbled across A Steampunk Guitar on Boingboing.net. Most of what I've seen is just so beautiful. How I'd love to have a Steampunk keyboard!

There is a wonderful blog called Brass Goggles that has many examples of Steampunk items. Go see!

Okaybyenow!

A great little Italian Restaurant

A while back (geez, I think it was in the springtime, yikers!) I got together with two dear hilarious friends. In my former lifetime, I worked with these two dear hilarious girlies at a small design company. Good times, good times.

Well! Ever so often one of us will send out the call to get together to catch up and have lots of delicious food and drink. We even came up with a silly little name for our trio but as it is slightly risqué I think I will withhold that info and keep yez guessing. (You'll probably imagine something way more bold or disgusting that what we came up with. But that is entirely up to you.)

For one such outing, Melinda suggested that we dine at a place called Vinny's At Night, an Italian restaurant in Somerville, MA. She told us that the restaurant was in the back of a little convenience store/deli and opened for dinner at night. They had delicious food and it was kind of a cool place. Sounded good to me! She told us that there is ANOTHER restaurant in Somerville called "Li'l Vinny's" but that was NOT the one. This was "Vinny's" on Broadway. Luckily, I managed to navigate myself to the right Vinny's. Awesome.

It was such a cool little place! I would love to go back. The atmosphere was kind of kooky - I really loved it!!!! There we were, seated at a table in the back of a store. There was a little bit of a separation between the dining area and the deli/store, but you still could see the shelves and counters and such in the front.

It is pretty small, but we got there at a good time and got a table right away. (If I remember correctly, Carolyn got there first and snagged our table. She's a real pro!) The music perfectly added to the atmosphere...I recall "Mambo Italiano"! Hey Mambo!!!

Melinda suggested we share some antipasti - you go up to the antipasto bar and pick out what you like - a great variety of authentic foods. Some kind of rice balls...Marinated veggies...all sorts of goodies...I ate some of everything and there was nothing I didn't enjoy. The food was delicious. I had shrimp scampi. (Scampi. Scampi! SCAMPI!!! - I always liked that word.) And of course some red vino - did we get Chianti? Details are foggy...maybe a tad too much vino???

It was something different...very delicious...very fun. If you live around here, why not grab a few friends you haven't seen in awhile and head on out to Vinny's and enjoy?! (But not Li'l Vinny's...although that's probably a decent place too.)