Something About Another Blog

I read the Princess Sparklepony blog on a daily basis. I like knowing what Peter, whom I've known since the early '80s, is up to, what he's thinking about. He's got a unique viewpoint and I see the world differently and more clearly for what I get from him.

So, a few days ago, he posted something about health care and it's gotten a lot of comments, largely long posts about people's experiences with the health care system. His own post was pretty much a health care experience he's been having, so it's fair game, but it just points out to me how exhausted the whole issue is making me at this point, but also how much this issue hits home for people.

I have been much more involved in the health care system over the last couple of years. I am going through a life change and part of how I'm changing includes wanting to take better care of myself, so I understand the hoops that this bureaucratic and messed up system puts people through. I personally support a nationalized health care system, and I'd be happy with either the German / Canadian model or the British model, as long as people can get the health care they need. It's a right to life issue.

I've gotten off track a bit, here, but I suppose my point is just that I am surprised, even still, at the depth of feeling around this issue. And also just to shout out to Peter for his lovely art & politics blog.

My Feelings of Withdrawal

I still have Princess Sparklepony on my bookmark bar on my browser. The post at the top of the blog and the next couple explain why Peter doesn't do it anymore, and I understand those reasons perfectly well, but at the same time, it was so much fun to read and so mind expanding to hear his views on the world. Smart, funny, sensitive, honest at a level I could only hope to emulate (and never succeed at), Peter has always been an inspiration to me, and his blog was fuel for my mind and spirit. I look forward to what he does next.

To get a good idea what the blog was like in its heyday, go into the archives to the end of 2007 or into 2008.

I Keep Waiting

My friend Peter has a bunch of whacky noise music he recorded over a mess o' years, mostly in the '80s and into the '90s. Really unique stuff. It should be here, but as you can see on the flip, he's got everything pulled down to "remix".

I should maybe take a little blame for that. I convinced him that garageband is easy to use, so I think he's really going back and remixing everything in GB. I hope it comes back someday. I miss "Lenny, Lenny", and Sludge Mountain, and bunches of other stuff he's done.

Truly, Pete is one of my favorite people, much less one of my favorite musicians.

Peteykins re: Nino's Steak House

"The coldest drinking fountain in the world
"Makes your lips freeze together.
"Sure it hurts when you pull them apart --
"But oh, it's nice in hot weather!"

Singer/percussionist Pete who used to be in a band variously called Jon Rosen's Army, The Skin Consultants From LA, (others I hope he will be so kind as to remind me of) and P. S. Bingo, on the place that was the only bar in town a weirdo band like us could even hope to gig. It was indeed as described. The b*stards didn't give a damn for any of the various bands I was in that played there, and we loved them just as much.

Frankly, I've played worse gigs than those, but there's something special about your first business relationship with coke-snortin' hoodlums that leaves an indelible imprint.

Last time I was in Tucson, I think that building was a feed store, which struck me as fitting.

Jessica Rylan

Is a noise musician based in the Boston area. She builds her own synthesizers and has a band called Can't which she is the lone member of. I believe she is currently touring out west, but tonight is her last show, in LA.



Her music is full of white and pink noise, arranged in contrasts and textures. Sometimes she has lyrics, but more often, I think, she does soundscapes. I remember seeing this video on local television, once upon a time, but I didn't know the artist's name at that point, and so never followed up on it. I saw the article on her in the current Signal to Noise, and was pleased to recognize her. She has several mp3s streamable and downloadable at this page, and if you have an ear for outsider electronica, you'll find her stuff unique and exciting.

This is especially recommended to fans of the great Vann Steppladder...

(more on Vann at some near future point...)