patricia

How the fuck long do think it would be before your upper West side apartment building would be owned by a Chinaman, or a North Korean, or a Russian, or a Canuck, or a German, or a Frenchman (strike that...they are in capable of doing ANYTHING aggressive), or anybody else with any power? It's really too bad we waged war on Germany and Japan in 1941. They didn't really mean any harm. I'll tell you this...BUSH will be the President one year from today despite all the weeds & seedser liberals. Dean is sickening. He has defintely forgot about 911. DEEP But, the war against Germany started in 1939, not 1941 and Canada was there. The Americans didn't get involved in WW11, until the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour. They may have "saved France's ass in WW11", but the millions of people being slaughtered and terrorized by Hitler was of little importance, apparantly. The U.S. and every other country in the world refused to accept refugees from central Europe, notably the SS St Louis when Hitler was menacing Germany. Subsequently, those people went to the gas chambers.

I'll let the insult pass. But, read your history. Canada is not, and never has been "do nothing". Considering that, despite being bigger than the continental U.S., we have a population of about 30 million, about the same as two of your largest cities, we're very supportive when the need is actually justified. In fact, the Americans had the whole world's support, after Sept 11, including Canada, which sent troops to Afghanistan. Our guys are still there, getting killed by terrorists. Iraq was not an imminent threat. The world community was not convinced that it was. There may very well be 60 countries "supporting" the U.S.'s invasion of Iraq, but how many had, or have troops on the ground?? It's easy to say, "you go and Godspeed, we're with you", to remain at the spoils of war table, than it is to actually refuse to send troops on a mission which doesn't pass the smell test and didn't have international support, with actual troops and financing, not just encouragement. We, and every other country had the option of simply continuing our support of the big dog south of us, with troops and money. It took a certain amount of courage to say "no" to our neighbours to the south, when we were expected to fall in line. We were expected to send our enlisted men and women to be killed, as we did when we joined the attack on Afghanistan. Now that money is needed, the Bush administration has not refused to accept our 300 million dollars, for help in the reconstruction. We are paying a huge economic price for making that choice and there are those who feel that we should have paid for favourable status with the U.S. with our children's lives. Your President as much as said that. The blood of your young men and women are paying for the means to your progress, not to mention the many more lives sacrificed by innocent Iraqis. Well, if every American can continue to use up the fossel fuels, then I guess it will be worth it. What do I know??

My point, as you well know, was that the ONLY reason that the U.S. attacked Iraq was that that area of the world [including the surrounding areas] have OIL. I suspect that if Iraq had actually had WMD and were a formidable adversary, they wouldn't have been attacked. If you recall, when the U.S. attacked, the Iraqis knew it was coming, but retaliated with old Russian weapons and continue to launch "small" attacks, using guerilla tactics. Had they had the arsenal of WMD, still not found, if ever there was a time to use them in retaliation, that would have been the time. Doesn't that make you wonder?? Also, small attacks, by guerilla factions, can and probably will continue, indefinately. Occupation would only work if the people want the occupiers there. Even though the people are happy as clams at high tide that Saddam Hussein is gone, they want their country back. They want to run their own affairs and benefit from controlling their own resources, OIL. What are the chances of that happening? So, why not just short-sheet these people who are standing in the way of progress and flatten them all? If humanitarian concerns are not in the equation, why pretend they are?? Being the biggest, toughest, meanest dog in the world worked for years, during the Cold War. Russia didn't attack because they knew that if they did, the U.S. would have launched the WMD, permanently trained on their country. The Russians used the same rationale, with their WMD trained on the U.S. An uneasy peace resulted. The reason that the U.S.'s developing and stockpiling every known WMD in existance was tolerated by the American people was that they were represented as DETERRENTS. Despite the asperations of the administration now in place, most American citizens don't support the idea of bombing all countries who MAY someday be a threat, as a pre-emptive measure.

I suppose that's one way to prevail. However, the U.S. DOES have WMD and I suspect that the reason they didn't follow Harry Truman's lead and not just drop two atom bombs on them, but obliterate Iraq and turn it into a parking lot, is that they have OIL. If they just had camels, sand and PEOPLE, Iraq would be a parking lot right now. It also occurs to me that if the neutron bomb [the one which kills all living things, but doesn't destroy the terrain, or the OIL] would have been the perfect solution, if humanitarianism is of no concern. While I certainly don't disagree that Saddam Hussein was a boil on the buttocks of the world, he isn't the only despot on whose watch murders and atrocities occurred. In the last decade, almost ten million Africans have been slaughtered by an ongoing, brutal civil war. If the U.S. were only concerned with humanitarianism, what prevented them from stopping that atrocity?? I HAVE NOT forgotten September 11, 2001, but revenge for that obscenity cannot go on until eternity. Also, revenge for that attack should have been directed, not at Iraq, but at Saudi Arabia, where ALL the terrorists, including Osama bin Laden originated. bin Laden is still at large and the Saudi Arabians are in no danger of being attacked. What the hell. Why not bomb the entire Middle East into a parking lot? That would certainly speed up the development of alternate energy sources. What else does that area of the world have that we want?? Also, India and Pakistan are a bit of a problem, so, as long as the military might of the U.S. are in the neighbourhood....................

Well, Jeffrey, I would snap up the Rushing and the Jonah Jones discs, as well as the Dixieland in Chicago. At $7.00 per disc, it's a good deal, I think. Chicago Dixieland, during that period is really amazing. You're in Teagarden, Pee Wee Russell, Miff Mole and all those greats' period. Hell, I'd buy all of them, except for the Lucinda Williams and the McShann. But, of course, I love old vinyl.

I don't think there is much sand in Afghanistan. I think it's pretty mountainous. Much as I think Newt Gingrich is a total twit, I would be interested in what freedom has accomplished, so far, for the Afghan people. I understand that there is a resurgence of the Taliban, women have reclaimed their head-to-toe robes and that the Canadian soldiers who are keeping the peace are finding that there is not that much peace to keep. As for how many miles of road have been built, that's a metaphor for post-war help. As long as there are still criminals and disgruntled warlords running around, it's unlikely much construction will take place. Does anyone know what conditions in Afghanistan are now?? I understand that a record crop of poppies [their most profitable cash crop] was harvested this spring. The results of that, the processed commercial product have been shipped out, to us, as evidenced by the huge cargo apprehended by the coast guard a couple of weeks ago. Who knows how many other shipments got through. Perhaps Gingrich was making reference to some of those news items. I have never felt that I had to apologize for wanting a relatively peaceful world, in which countries can trade with each other and accomplish progressive inventions and innovations, without greed and a relentless lust for power compelling leaders to send their young men and women off to fight their wars. I have never felt that not wanting to kill or to be killed for someone else's gain was the wrong way to think about life. I know I'm an idealist, but I don't know what else to be. Someone said, years ago, "What if they gave a war and nobody came?" I've often asked myself that question...

DAMN!!! Again, I say, really?? I had that record [the Monty Python one] for years and it always ran the same way. Was I missing half the yuks?? Is it possible that I always set the needle the same way, every time I listened to the record? Now I feel that I cheated myself. Holy Man!

Well, now back to musicians with nicknames. My next one is "Baby" [Warren] Dodds, the younger brother of clarinettist Johnny Dodds. Baby Dodds, played drums in Willie Hightower's band at sixteen, for ice creams. His style was very showy, using every one of his drums. He was soon playing all over New Orleans and moved to Fate Marable's Streckfus orchestra. By 1922 he had secured a place in King Oliver's great Creole Jazz Band and one has only to listen to Oliver's records to hear Dodds' groundbreaking talent. Baby Dodds was apparently the bad young brother and after the financial problems that broke up Oliver's band left Dodds with no regular job, his older brother kept an eye on him, to Baby's chagrin. For the next twenty years Baby Dodds was around Chicago, playing occasionally and even driving a taxi to support himself. Baby Dodds' career took off again in 1945 in New York. He joined Bunk Johnson's band, but his style was considered controversial. According to George Wettling, "the way he played drums behind the band was a solo in itself." This approach was disturbing to Johnson, as well as other musicians, including Lester Young, who preferred a discreet "tick", but it had a liberating effect in the modern and avant-garde jazz styles. In 1947, on a Rudi Blesh show, Dodds became facinated by Max Roach's work and decided that he would work out a drum symphony for five or six drummers. This was an echo of Roach's own M'Boom percussion ensemble. Baby Dodds had started drinking seriously as a sixteen-year-old, while playing for ice cream in New Orleans. His hard living escalated over the years and Jo Jones said of Dodds, "Physically, he's about 95. He did more living than three men." Sadly, after a series of strokes, Baby Dodds died, at fifty-nine years old, in February of 1959. Next............

Well, Clint, it's easy to talk of being CONQUERERS but, after hundreds and hundreds of wars, over hundreds and hundreds of years, war has not brought peace. On the contrary. War sets nations, and the people of those nations against each other, for no other reason than a handful's lust for power and their greed for more and more. Those who stand to gain, at least in these modern times, don't give their lives. They make speeches, beautifully set up, choreographed and photographed. Those who declare that war will be waged, do not risk having to be replaced in their family circle with a precisely folded flag and a medal. The logic of killing thousands of human beings, whether they are young men and women who volunteered to be soldiers for a cause even they didn't understand, or civilians, who just wanted to live their lives and raise their families, escapes me. Just how does bombing and killing and gaining more political power in the world, at such a high price in human suffering and death, bring peace?? History has taught us little, unless you count the invention of more sophistocated and terrible ways to kill and destroy. Progress?? Yeah, right. I find it interesting that the same people who claim to revere life, in fact call themselves "Pro Life" will, without a second thought, launch a war which they know will take the lives of thousands of innocent people and leave many more maimed and homeless. Now, I'll step down from my soapbox........ Next............

Absolutely. This was Polanski's first feature film and is excellent. It has tension, a good story and the soundtrack is perfectly realized. As David says, don't hesitate.

REALLY??? I had that record and I didn't know that. I just played it and it was a straight record. It was a long time ago and I don't have it anymore. "The Cheese Shop" sketch was one of the tracks. The cover was a suited torso, with a really ugly matching [i believe yellow polka-dotted] tie and pocket handkerchief. Again. REALLY???

Well, duh; obviously you build more shelves! Easy for you to say. Just because my father was a cabinet-maker doesn't mean I know how to build shelves. So DUH right back at ya. But, you're right. The stacks of books everywhere, and under everywhere should go on shelves. I kept taking them off, and replacing them with my vinyl, as my collection grew. I had every intention of getting more shelves, but haven't yet. So, my apartment is like those ones in fancy decorating magazines, that have books in stacks, for show, that nobody reads. Problem is that I do read them and they don't look the way the ones in the decorating magazines do. So. SHELVES. Check.

Being too trusting is something that I have a little experience with. I know this isn't about over-grading, or mail fraud, but I once shared my apartment with a woman I didn't know was a hooker. [OK, OK. Laugh it up.] She moved out, while I was at work, taking everything of value that I owned. I called my brother and when he looked around my apartment he said "What have you learned from this?" Sometimes we learn the hard way, but with E-Bay, you do have a few avenues of recourse. Just giving an unflattering "feedback" could be enough.

NO KIDDING. And, it hardly hurt at all!!! Reminds me of conversations after I've had a couple of glasses of wine. You're all in my living room and that's what happens when friends are just sittin' around, talking. Can't help smiling...........

Indeed.. Maybe refer your friend, Marc, to the Misc. Non-political thread, right here on Organissimo. No two-week miracle diets, or magic. Just boring changes in eating habits and lifestyle. Too late for Ray, but Marc can still turn it around and gain a few more healthy, productive years.

Well, I've been about the same weight all my adult life [about 110 at 5'4"], except for when I was pregnant. Then I gained about 20 pounds, losing that and a little more after the birth. So, you would think I wouldn't know anything about weight problems, but my daughter has become quite heavy in the last couple of years. She admits that it was due to stress and her frequent uprootings and movings, leaving her friendless. She, sensibly, did not look for a quick fix, but, being young it's easier for her to lose pounds which were put on in only a couple of years. For the most part, she ate healthily up until then and was average weight. She has been making a concerted effort for the last few months, just by following Canada's Food Rules and it's working for her. I know, that sounds boring and I guess just eating sensibly is. She has started running with me [about two miles] in the mornings and is almost at her goal weight and feels much better as a side benefit. Exercise can be as simple as regularly walking where you usually drive, if it's less than a couple of miles and taking up some kind of activity, like dancing or tennis, or something low-impact. My doctor says that jogging or running is not good for anyone who is more than a few pounds overweight, because it's hard on the ankles and knees. Best to leave that for after you attain your goal. The exercise part, I think, is to keep as physically active as you can, especially after you lose the weight, or you'll be doing it all over again.

Thank you, Harold. I'm almost embarrassed that I knew almost nothing about DeSio, but he sounds like a great guy. I always appreciate a man with a sense of humour and joy in life. A shame that he's gone. One by one...... DAMN! ......................................... But, speaking of trombonists, I thought I would mention Melba Liston, who would have been seventy-eight years old, tomorrow. Unfortunately, Vermont, April/99. In any case, having studied trombone in highschool, she first played in a theatre pit band, led by Bardu Ali, a former frontman for Chick Webb. While working there, she wrote her first arrangements for that band. This was in the early forties. She went on to be a member of Gerald Wilson's big band in the mid-forties and later worked alongside Wilson in the Count Basie band. I first became aware of Liston, because of my interest in the Gillespie bands, two of which Melba Liston was a member, one in 1950 and the other, from 1956-1957. Then came a period in which she worked with her own all-women quintet in 1958, which played in New York, as well as in Bermuda. During those years, she began free-lance arranging. In 1959-1961 she was one of two women members of Quincy Jones' touring band. The other "chickie" was Patti Bown, on piano. After those experiences, Liston concentrated more on her writing and did wonderful work for Randy Weston, Johnny Griffin and Milt Jackson. She also did arrangements for singers, such as Tony Bennett and Diana Ross, as well as a lot of work for TV commercials. Where she found the time, I don't know, but she also taught in Harlem and in Brooklyn in the late '60's as well as Watts in the early '70's and Jamaica in the late '70's. Her teaching stopped when she moved back to New York in the early '80's and resumed full-time playing, following the second annual Kansas City Women's jazz festival in 1979. She followed that by leading a seven-piece group, Melba Liston and Company. Then, in 1985, Melba suffered a serious stroke and her activities were severely restricted, but luckily she was able to continue arranging, via computer software and resumed her writing relationship with Randy Weston. Melba Liston was unusual in the forties, as a female trombonist, but her potential was undeniable. Though she was rarely featured, except on ballads, nobody questioned her talent as a musician. I love the story about her first rehersal with the Gillespie band in 1950. Apparently, she was asked to bring an arrangement and did. As Liston recalled, "Of course, they got about two measures and fell out, and got all confused and stuff. And Dizzy said, 'NOW who's the bitch???' " Next.......

Harold, I'm not familiar at all with Ray DeSio, beyond that he was well-known around New York and played trombone with Louis Armstrong's All Stars as well as being a vocalist. Although I was able to discover that his career spanned over thirty years, not much else was available. He was also on the cover of Peggy Lee's "Basin Street East" album. Could you tell us more about DeSio??

Ah, let the cat have fun.

Thanks Mule. I'll look for the book. Scorcese also seemed to see the same quality that I did, when he used Leonardo di Caprio, opposite de Niro in "This Boy's Life". That seemed risky at the time, since di Caprio was the main character and had to play alongside de Niro and hold his own. I guess di Caprio passed the test, since Scorsese used him again, in "Gangs of New York", opposite Daniel Day Lewis. I do think though, in this case, that Day Lewis' character, "Bill the Butcher" was so flamboyant that the more subtle role which was assigned to di Caprio was over-shadowed. The story was the di Caprio character's biography, but the Butcher role turned out to be the most memorable. Unfortunate, because I believe that Scorsese was right in seeing the talent in di Caprio. I think that de Niro is a little more generous in sharing the light with his fellow actors, including di Caprio, who was a young teenager when they played opposite each other. de Niro also had a small role in "Basketball Diaries", again, opposite di Caprio, who in this instance was brilliant, IMO, this time directed by Scott Calvert.

Do you mean that you set the needle at what would be the end of the side and it would play backwards?? How??

Thank you, Quincy. It makes sense that an instructional record would benefit from a longer playing time. Puzzling though, why the producers of those discs wouldn't have just used the 33 1/3 format. Loved the comment about making the Chipmunks sound like Tennessee Ernie Ford. My older brother used to play my father's Ella LP's on 78RPM and risk execution. Ella sounded like one of the Chipmonks. Dad was convinced that not treating a record properly was akin to blasphemy. My brother had found the key to Dad's record cabinet [always kept locked, against possible invasion by my three brothers and me] and it was very daring of my brother to even touch the forbidden albums, much less play them at the wrong speed. Kids these days don't have the option of amusing themselves with such simple tom-foolery.

I think that the ending was deliberately ambiguous, much as life is. Scorsese left the aftermath to our imaginations. I must say that the malevelant eyes in the review mirror gave me the idea that Bickle's obsession with Betsy was taking on new life. I remember thinking that she was in some potential danger, although the movie was made before all the well-publicized stalkings filled the papers almost daily. The ending was interesting to me, in much the same way that the ending of "The Pledge" was. Both left loose ends, which made the rest of the plot one in which we all can identify. Life isn't neatly wrapped up, which which is why it continues to facinate. I think that "Taxi Driver" and "This Boy's Life" are two of de Niro's finest films, although he has done a lot of amazing characterizations. Taking over the Mitchum role in "Cape Fear", I think, was a risky move, but one that paid off. His Max Cady was astounding and didn't, in any way, try to imitate the earlier portrayal by the very scary Robert Mitchum, who had a cameo in the re-make.

Picky, picky, Clint. But, you're right. They were a great band and not given as much credit as they deserve, in my opinion. I'm almost sorry that I am re-visiting the world of vinyl. The journey, and it's endless, is keeping me poor. The covers are seductive and the sound is different than it is on CD. Maybe it's the little hisses and occasional clicks. The only drawback is that I had become spoiled by the hour or more of music on CD's, compared to the fifteen minutes or so, per side on an LP.

I thought I'd start a thread to help us with all those weird little things that we wondered about, but didn't know how or where to find the answer. There must be other odd things that have puzzled other people, that could be cleared up, so......... I'll start: I didn't know where to ask, so I hope that somebody will answer a question which has plagued me for years. Record-players evolved over the years, from the crank '78RPM, to later ones which had '78RPM, '45RPM, 33 1/3RPM and..........16RPM. Now, of course I'm familiar with the first three, but, has anyone ever seen a record which played at 16RPM?? Were they common?? Are there any out there?? I have no idea what they looked like. Oddly, the 16RPM setting was only available for a short time, but there must have been records, formatted to that speed. Help me out here.