Book 1 Chapter 8 – Maggie Cordova

(Book 1 / Chapter 8)

COGNITO, ERGO; SUM / WHY ME?

1:30

"SAN GABRIEL" MOUNTAINS MAGGIE CÓRDOVA (BEHIND LIBBY"S CORRAL TO THE SOUTHEAST) "HOPEFUL" LOOK)

I went pee this time over there in the southeast corner of our fenced in two acres right near that clump of Joshua trees next to Libby's Corral. As I went to the bathroom I looked at the San Gabriel Mountains to the south. This first day of Spring has turned out to be great.

Blinky, Dawn and Rosie watched me from the other side of the fence and I'll bet they're all wondering why they've hardly seen me today. I can't wait to go and visit Daisy on my second big break after I finish this eighth chapter, or part two. I'd say it's about one thirty.

Hey God! Thank You for giving me Dais up there in the front yard to be my best friend. She told me about that movie where a boy's toys come alive when he's not around, one being a Cowboy; another a Spaceman. Heathcliff crowed and his voice makes me feel so good.

"TOY STORY" (1995) DAISY CÓRDOVA

Mr. Grant told my boss "Toy Story," made in 1995; was the first movie "entirely" made using "computer animated images." Daisy says Millie liked the song in it called "You've Got a Friend in Me." Boy! I can't wait to go visit with Daisy after I finish this eighth chapter.

Dais says, in that movie a T-Rex Dinosaur always worries his boy owner might someday get rid of him because he's not scary enough. Hey! That's sort of like me in wanting to be the smartest Dog in history so my boss won't ever replace me. I like our Truck Rex.

Randy Newman, the guy who wrote that song You've Got a Friend in Me, in 1983 did a song called "I Love L.A." The following year the Los Angeles "Lakers" Basketball team played it as a theme so my boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen heard it a lot. I can smell Andy.

RANDY NEWMAN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

Daisy says one time she and Millie heard Mr. Steve and his mom remembering when he played her that Randy Newman song about loving Los Angeles. She liked it a lot and so did his sister Celina who died. "No doubt" it is a really "catchy" song alright according to Daisy.

My boss and Miss Helen, at an event in the Forum's restaurant; shook hands with that guy Randy Newman one time. He really is from L.A. I guess, and was a friendly person who wrote an "Anthem" for the whole city. Two of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

Well, now I'll write about "Israel." In 1985 the St. Ferdinands Tour Group visited that mountain fortress "Masada" King Herod had built. Masada means "fortress" in Hebrew, and King Herod built his way up there on the mountain just in case he was ever attacked.

"MASADA" (ISRAEL)

Wow! Wait until Daisy sees this picture of Masada taken from an Airplane. Because she likes Underdog, she'd want to fly; but I get nervous looking at "Birdseye" photos like this one. I guess, back in 1985 that one Tour Guide named Haim called Masada "a natural stronghold."

The caption below the picture describes Masada as being a "remote and isolated rock cliff in the Judean Desert." King Herod had the fort built on Masada, and Caesarea and the first Jewish Temple in Jerusalem too. Boy! King Herod must've been really rich!

Hey Lord! About sixty years after You died, when the Emperor "Nero" was in power; the Jews in Israel revolted against the Romans. That General "Vespasian" was sent over there to "suppress and put down" the uprising it says here in this Encyclopedia. A Train whistled.

KING HEROD (c.74 B.C-4 A.D.)

PAINTING BY JAMES TISSOT

Hey Lord! As You know, over the next three days I'll learn a lot more about that guy "Herod the Great;" who tried to kill you as a baby. Supported by Rome, he was their "Puppet Ruler" during Your life. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying over Libby's Corral.

In College at C.S.U.N. my boss's mom studied this 19th century painting of King Herod by James Tissot. She admired the color, shadows and texture of cloth he put into showing King Herod's clothes. In looking at that painting in this Encyclopedia I do like his crown.

Daisy and Millie saw that one tv show about the "Jewish Revolt," which said the Roman troops destroyed the city of "Jerusalem." When Nero killed himself in Italy Vespasian then had to travel back over to Rome. A small brownish gray Lizard ran bye out there in the dirt.

MODEL OF 2ND JEWISH TEMPLE DRIVING OUT THE MONEYCHANGERS PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA PAINTING BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH

Hey Lord! Boy did You turn out to be right in correctly predicting the destruction of that 2nd Jewish Temple King Herod had built. That's the one where You got so angry at the "Money Changers," and knocked over the tables. You must've been so mad Daisy thinks.

Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with his mom about that other painting of You Lord. I see it here in this Encyclopedia and it shows You using a whip to hit and get mad at those Money Changers. All four of the Pigeons just now flew bye.

I guess, General Vespasian left his son "Titus" in charge in Israel, then went back to Italy. After Jerusalem fell some surviving "Zealot" Jews retreated up to Masada, which they thought was safe; but it turned out it wasn't. Vespasian and Titus's family was "Flavians."

VESPASIAN (9 -79 A.D.) FLAVIANS TITUS (39-81 A.D.)

My Encyclopedia says what the tv said too, how the year 69 A.D. is now called the "Year of Four Emperors; mainly because there was a lot of "political upheaval" back there in Italy. It was a year of "much bloodshed and turmoil." Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye.

After all of the events of 69 A.D., including Nero killing himself; Vespasian ended up the leader of the Roman Empire. But in Israel his son Titus, after taking Jerusalem; chased all the surviving Jews to Masada. He surrounded and "besieged" the mountain fortress.

Oh what the heck! Over the next three days I'll learn a lot about Jewish history and, even though I'm not scheduled to write about it right now, I can mention some things here too. I see Theodora the Thrasher Bird on top of her favorite Creosote bush near Jack the Shed.

THEODORA

Because of it's high position way up there on the mountain, Masada was not easy to take but; Titus wanted to "Send a Message" to everyone about Rome's power. Daisy told me the tv show said he used captured Jews as Slaves to build a giant dirt ramp. I like Theodora.

The Jews up there hiding inside Masada were cut off and isolated, prevented from getting any supplies and things like that. Little by little, the Slaves built a giant dirt ramp on the west side of the mountain. one area of the mountain was "erected." Andy's looking at me.

I guess, down on the desert floor below Masada the Romans put up a wall, so those inside the fortress up there would know there "was no escape." As it came closer and closer I'll bet the Jews inside of Masada got really scared. Theodora just flew out into the eastern desert.

TITUS FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS (37-100 A.D.)

I just looked up that Writer Josephus. He was Jewish and at first fought the Romans in the revolt but later became Vespasian's friend, was made a Roman "Citizen;" then wrote about the "Siege of Masada" that happened in 72 and 73 A.D. Some Jews think he's a "Traitor."

This Encyclopedia says Josephus' original Jewish name was "Yosef ben Matityahu." In 1985 that Guide Haim told the Tour Group King Herod picked such a "remote" location for his fortress "just in case" some of his Jewish subjects tried to kill him. A Crow just cawed.

Hey Lord! Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his father talk about the theory that Vespasian and his son Titus, after coming to power; used Josephus and other Writers to "embellish" Your life as the "Messiah" to help them more easily control the rebellious Jews. I smell Sage.

WALKING ON WATER

Hey Lord! As You of course already know, if I could use Mr. Peabody's "Way Back" time machine I would want to go back and see the time You walked on the water of the Sea of Galilee. I'd like to see You raise that guy Lazarus from the dead. And You know so would Daisy.

In the theory of the Flavians creating Christianity Lord, they thought Your "Pacifistic" teachings would make it easier to "politically" control the Jews. "Apocalyptic" Jews believed in a violent Messiah who would "throw off" the Romans. I'll write more about this.

Daisy says that Jewish lady from Israel has been up to the top of Masada. It says here, in 66 A.D. the Jewish revolt began against their "overlords;" and at first the Jews killed a lot of Romans but then "in retaliation" the Romans killed even more of them. I smell Juniper.

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PETER O'TOOLE (1932-2013)

("MASADA" / 1981)

My boss likes those Actor's Charlton Heston and Clint Eastwood. And he also likes movies like "Lawrence of Arabia" with that other guy Peter O'Toole in them. Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell his father Peter O'Toole was also born in 1932 just like he was too.

Daisy says, in a 1981 movie Peter O'Toole's played the part of a Roman General "Lucius Flavius Silva; who "crushed" the city of Jerusalem. He then attacked all those Jews who "took refuge" up there on top of Masada. Daisy says crushed means to kill a lot of people.

I guess, Titus gave that guy Lucius Flavius Silva the job of "mopping up" the revolution after Jerusalem was taken. But, that meant defeating about one thousand Jewish "holdouts" up on top of Masada. Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral going eastward.

"MODERN ISRAEL"

("MIDDLE EAST" NATIONS)

This map of Israel doesn't show Masada, but I know it's to the west of Jerusalem near the "Dead Sea." I mentioned it earlier when I wrote about the "Great Salt Lake" in Utah. Speedy Gonzalez the Ground Squirrel just ran bye, with Andy watching him curiously.

In 1985 Mr. Steve's father was amazed at what it must've taken to construct such a huge, giant dirt ramp at Masada. He and his mom Grandma Cordova, and everyone else in the Tour Group; were just as impressed by those Dead Sea salt pillars. Heathcliff crowed.

A painting in my Encyclopedia shows the "assault on Masada." The caption says one of those Roman "Siege Engines" with a "Battering Ram," has been rolled all the way up the dirt ramp; and is trying to knock the walls down. I wrote earlier about Roman "Catapults."

"FINAL ATTACK" OF MASADA (73 A.D.)

PAINTING BY REBECCA CRONE

Daisy says our boss used to have a miniature Roman Siege Engine, but it was destroyed like many of his other models; in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake. The Encyclopedia painting shows Romans "assaulting" Masada's fortress walls. Jews are trying to fight them off.

It took months for the Romans to build that giant ramp at Masada so the Jews inside the fort saw the "Jig was Up" as they say. But, instead of surrendering to the Romans; about nine hundred Jews decided to just commit suicide instead. Two Crows are fighting.

That guy Josephus said two surviving women told him what happened inside Masada. But in 1985 that Tour Guide named Haim told Mr. Steve's Tour Group that only about thirty bodies have ever been found up on the mountaintop. I can see Libby over there in her Corral.

BILL HANDEL AND FAMILY SAMANTHA / MISS PEGGY

I mentioned that Radio host Bill Handel, whose mother worked at Sylmar's "Olive View" Hospital in Sylmar. I guess his twin daughters, at age thirteen; had their "B' not Mitzvah" over in Israel at Masada. Mr. Steve thinks one of them sort of looks like his Niece Samantha.

This one Encyclopedia says, in "Hebrew;" B'not Mitzvah is the "plural" form of "Bat Mitzvah" which means "daughter of commandment." Dais heard, before Bat Mitzvah parents are responsible for a girl's conduct. After that she's responsible for her own behavior.

Sometimes, as he does yardwork; my boss listens to that guy Bill Handel. Daisy heard Bill Handel joke about how, because he was born in Brazil but then his parents came to the U.S.; he should be considered a "Latino Jew." Two of the Pigeons flew out into the back desert.

"ARCOF TITUS" JEWISH "DIASPORA'S"

(CITY OF ROME) (DURING THE "MIDDLE AGES")

What the heck! Even though on my book one outline this wasn't where Daisy and I had me writing so much about Jewish history, I just sort of feel like doing it now too. One of those "Diaspora's" happened after Masada fell. A map shows the later "Middle Ages" Diaspora's.

In 1985 my boss's St. Ferdinands Tour Group saw the "Arch of Titus" in the city of Rome. It shows Jewish Slaves taken to Italy carrying one of those "Menorah's." I guess, over the next two thousand years Jews were persecuted. A small Lizard ran bye out there in the dirt.

Hey Lord! Mr. Steve's father thinks Jews "can't win" because, not only were they blamed for killing You; many accused them of not "Culturally Assimilating" into the society's. So in bad times they were "easily identifiable scapegoats." A Train just whistled faintly.

CHAIM WEIZMANN (1874-1952) THEODOR HERZL (1860-1904)

Daisy was in the living room one time and, as Mr. Steve worked on something; they saw a good tv show about "Anti-Semitism." It talked about late 19th century "Zionism," and these two guys named Chaim Weitzman and Theodor Herzl. Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.

In my Encyclopedia I notice how, that man Chaim Weitzman spells his name with a "C;" while my boss's 1985 Israeli Tour Guide didn't. Chaim Weitzman and Theodor Herzl were two Jews who, in the 1890's, wanted to return to Israel. That's what Zionism is I guess.

The man on the tv show mentioned how, after Titus finally "suppressed" that big Jewish Revolt; many Jews "fled" Israel to places like Spain; while others were "taken into slavery" by the Romans. Jews were "dispersed" but some wanted to someday return. I smell Sage. MID-AFTERNOON SKY

I just glanced up from doing my work down here on the Patio and see a flock of Birds moving toward the north. That makes me feel good, and grateful to be alive with this project to work on. Heathcliff crowed, and his Hens clucking sounds really good to me right now.

My Encyclopedia says what the tv show Daisy saw said too, how because of persecution for so many years; many late 19th century Jews wanted to go back to their "homeland." Oh! "Zion" is Hebrew for the city of "Jerusalem." Thank You God for inventing Chickens.

The problem for 19th century Jews I guess was, in the land of Israel or "Levant;" there had been Arab people living there for hundreds of years. Over the next three days Dais has me scheduled to learn about those "Christian Crusades" of the Middle Ages. I smell Creosote. "HOLOCAUST"

On Saturday, in book three the day after tomorrow; I'll find out about the "Holocaust" when during World War II about six million Jews were killed on purpose by the Nazi Germans. It was the biggest "Genocide" in history. That means trying to "eradicate" a whole group.

I just thought of those bloody "Pogroms" that happened in the late 19th century, when that guy Czar Nicholas was in power in Russia. It wasn't just the Germans who didn't like and were mean to Jews. A Sparrow carrying a twig in its mouth ran bye out there in the dirt.

Mr. Steve's dad thinks, once the Second World War was over and everyone "knew" about the Holocaust; it was "likely easier" to convince the world to give Israel back to the Jews. But, there was the big problem of the Arab "Palestinians" already there. I can smell Juniper.

"SIX DAY" WAR (1966) "YOM KIPPUR" WAR (1973)

Israel became an actual "Country" in 1948, just three years after World War II ended. I've mentioned how, right away Jews who went there had to fight wars; as they were attacked by some of the Arab nations. That guy Chaim Weitzmann was Israel's first "President."

Since 1948 Israel has fought a few wars, like 1966's "Six Day War;" and "Yom Kippur War" of 1974. Mr. Steve was eleven in 1966, and in 1973 was in his first year at "Valley Junior College" in Van Nuys. 1974 was a year when there was a big "Gas Shortage" I guess.

All of a sudden I just thought of how, while in College at C.S.U.N; my boss did that one research project on the 14th century "Black Death" pandemic. Possibly half of Europe's people died in five years by "Bubonic Plague." Many innocent Jews were blamed and killed.

"FRANCO-PRUSSIAN" WAR (1871) ALFRED DREYFUSS (1859-1935)

PAINTING BY WILHELM CAMPHAUSEN

Oh well! I might as well go ahead and mention the late 19th century "Dreyfus Affair." It says here in the 1890's a French Officer Alfred Dreyfus was "wrongly convicted" of spying for the new German nation. Two Crows are fighting over something out there in the desert.

Ever since 1871 when Otto von Bismarck beat Napoleon III's France in that "Franco-Prussian War;" Germany ha been France's biggest enemy. The main reason Alfred Dreyfus was wrongly convicted was that he was Jewish I guess. Blackbeard and Anne just flew bye.

Daisy told me what it says here too, how that man Mr. Alfred was sent to a prison down in South America called "Devil's Island." It was a "terrible place" where "disease and death" a "constant occurrence." But, luckily; "new evidence" proved Mr. Alfred was innocent.

"JAWS" (1977)

(RICHARD DREYFUS FRONT RIGHT)

Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his father one time talk about the movie "Jaws," which I'll mainly write about tomorrow. Daisy says in it this giant White Shark kills people and one of the Actors is Richard Dreyfus, who my boss heard is Alfred Dreyfus's descendant. I smell Sage.

Mr. Steve met a lady who knew about that Zionist Theodor Herzl, an "Austrian" Writer or "Journalist." He died young age and over forty years later his body was taken to and buried in Israel. The antisemitic Dreyfus Affair made him think about move back to Israel.

Looking at the beautiful mid-afternoon desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack the Sheds is making me feel good. There's so much color out there and for some reason that makes me think about our purple wildflowers which will be coming out pretty soon. I smell Andy.

KING LOUIS IX (1214-1270)

I don't know why but I suddenly feel like mentioning King Louis IX of France, who Mr. Steve's father thinks he was a "good but imperfect" Ruler. This Encyclopedia says he was later made a Saint. The Israeli lady said he's associated with the color "violet" or dark blue.

That lady told my boss's dad how, "to her eyes" Louis IX's "court color looks more like purple" than blue. Hey Lord! I guess King Louis IX believed in You and the city of St. Louis in Missouri, which my boss visited; was named for him. The Singer PRINCE wears purple.

Agh! I'm not scheduled to write about purple now, but I feel like mentioning these trees Daisy told me about called "Jacaranda's." They were planted alongside Hagar and Hunnewell Streets in Sylmar where Mr. Steve's family lived. Once a year they grow purple flowers.

"JACARANDA" TREES MR. MIKE

I heard Mr. Mike say, as "pretty as they are in bloom;" many don't like Jacaranda trees because when the purple flowers fall off they become kind of "sticky." When they fell on Cars they were hard to clean off, and could "stain the paint." Andy's over there looking at me.

My boss told Mr. Mike to him seeing and smelling purple Jacaranda trees in Spring was "worth putting up with the bad things" about them. He just made sure to right away clean up the flowers when they fell off. But some neighbors didn't do that so hated those trees.

Daisy heard Mr. Steve's customer Mr. Bob in "Missouri," who went to "Antelope Valley" High School like Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart; says he "misses" seeing the Jacaranda trees. He's a Parts Manager at a "Ford" dealership. The city of St. Louis is in Missouri.

"JACARANDA" MR. STEVE'S MOM

I remember that morning when, as she stood with him as he watered the big Mulberry tree up there in the front yard; my boss's mom said she liked the color purple and "always did enjoy" when Jacaranda trees bloomed. Samson and Delilah flew bye. I can smell Andy.

Thinking about purple makes me wonder when I'll smell this year's other wild flowers that grow around here. This is only the first day of Spring, but already there new babies; like Bonnie and Clyde's chicks up near the Patio roof for example. Andy has a nice scent.

Lilac wildflowers are light purple or what I heard Miss Susan call "Lavender." Daisy says our boss sells some "Low Profile" or what they call "Unconstructed" girl's Baseball caps made of cotton and one of the colors is lavender. I can't wait to smell new Spring Lilacs.

HUELL HOWSER MILLIE CÓRDOVA

Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve and his mom talk on the phone about one of that guy Huell Howser's California travel segments on Jacaranda trees. He's originally from the State of "Tennessee" and had never seen them until he came to California. Heathcliff crowed.

I wonder when the first Spring rain will happen this year? After it rains you can really smell all of the different plants that live around here. I've mentioned how Daisy is going slowly blind but, her sense's of smell and hearing really do seem to be getting much better.

My boss's sister Susan, who now lives back east in the State of "Connecticut" with her sons Dalton and Austin; likes softer "Pastel" colors like lavender. She's used pastel colors in her interior decorating business. Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying bye.

PRINCE MR. MARK JIMI HENDRIX

Over the years, my boss and Mr. Mark in Hawaii have talked about the Bible concept of "Rhêma;" which I've mentioned a few times. Daisy heard Mr. Mark say he feels that happy and uplifting feeling in some of Prince and Jimi Hendrix's songs. I smell Andy over there.

Hey Lord! When they say Rhêma means "The Living Word" I think I totally agree with Mr. Steve and his parents. They think it's meaning can be expanded into the "sound of music" too. Mr. Mark read, like Prince and Jimi Hendrix; Rhêma is associated with purple.

Someday, when I overcome my fear of enclosed areas; I hope to hear that good song by JOURNEY "Don't Stop Believing." Daisy heard Miss Susan at work say it "elevates my day" and "takes me to another blissful place." Boy! That does sound pretty good alright.

AL CAPONE (1899-1947)

I'm writing more about the color purple than I'm supposed to be doing but, that's okay because I can also talk about it at other times too. Tomorrow I'll learn more about American "Organized Crime." This Italian guy named Al Capone wore purple suits sometimes.

Looking at the picture of Al Capone, whose nickname was "Scarface;" I do like his hat. The caption says in "roaring" 1920's "Chicago," during "Prohibition" when all alcohol was illegal; he made a lot of money selling it anyway. A Train whistled faintly to my left.

From what I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy that one time, "most gangsters didn't want to draw attention" to themselves; especially if they lead a gang. It's safer to stay "Low Key" as they say. A column of Ants is marching bye down there on the Patio floor near the dirt.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Over the next three days one thing I'll learn about is some of the "Cities" and "Towns" around the world. Chicago, which Mr. Steve's father has visited; is one of them. Those Grease Ants are marching steadily along down there on the other side of Miss Emily's coffee table.

Daisy told me she can tell Mr. Steve and his dad both think Chicago's history is "just as important" as New York City's or Los Angeles. In my books I'll be finding out a lot more about all three of them. Alpha Company of Quail is going bye out there in the back desert.

Before the economic recession we're in, I guess Mr. Steve had a customer in the town of "Cicero;" a "suburb" of Chicago and where Al Capone lived. They talked about him and this thing called the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre," which I'll find out about. I smell Sage.

MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO (106-43 B.C.)

Daisy saw a tv show about an ancient Roman Writer, Politician and Philosopher named "Cicero," who that city in Chicago is named after. My Encyclopedia says his real full name was Marcus Tullius Cicero, and he lived at the time of that guy Julius Caesar. Sage smells good.

I guess just like Julius Caesar, Cicero was killed; but some of his ideas "influenced" the "Renaissance" period in Europe a thousand years later. That guy Marc Antony had Cicero's "severed" hands and head hung in Rome for everyone to see. A Train whistled faintly.

Mr. Steve thinks it "kind of funny" how, what "ended up bringing Al Capone down" and sending him to prison wasn't his killing people; but the Federal Government catching him for "evading taxes." A Lizard ran bye out there in the dirt. Andy's over there sniffing the air.

"SAN FERNANDO" MISSION

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

A man my boss met said, some people in "Roaring" 1920's Chicago gave Al Capone the nickname "Peacock;" because of his colorful suits. Daisy told me Mr. Steve took a picture of a Peacock for the Art Exhibits he and his mom had back in the 1990's. Andy smells good.

Dais and I decided I'd mainly write about 20th century American Organized Crime in book two tomorrow. But, I'll also mention things as I go if I think of them. In all my three long books I'll learn a lot more about the "Mafia," so I'll be coming back to Al Capone later.

I will say now how Al Capone, back in the late 1920's; "Ordered" that "St. Valentine's Day Massacre." That's when his men, dressed up as Police Officers; used those "Thompson" machine guns to kill members of this "Rival" Chicago gang. A Crow cawed in the desert.

MISS KARIN MISS JULIANE / MR. DAVE

Mentioning Peacocks makes me thing about that girl "Karin" who works at the same company as Mr. Steve. He and she, along with Miss Babette and Miss Susan; all sell things to the Auto Dealerships. Mr. Dave sold things to Motorcycle Shops before this big recession.

Daisy heard Mr. Steve talk with Miss Karin one time. And, from what she heard; Miss Karin and her husband live in Sylmar on property which has Peacocks on it. When he was at Sylmar High Mr. Steve dated a German girl who's family lived on that property.

He's never heard Miss Karin sing but told Mr. Dave in New Mexico she "must be good" based on all the places she's performed at. Mr. Dave knows Miss Karin, Babette and Susan from when he was also a Salesperson for their company. Mr. Dave has lived in Sylmar.

"QUEEN I" QUEEN EARLY 1970'S

Daisy says a few years ago Mr. Steve met a guy who told him QUEEN'S song "Another One Bites the Dust" might be about Al Capone's St. Valentine's Day Massacre. As I've said before, my boss's favorite QUEEN album is their first one from 1973. Heathcliff crowed.

Someday, when I get over my fear of being trapped; I'll go into Mr. Steve's bedroom the way Dais does now. She told me QUEEN have a lot of good songs and our boss likes the guitar and other instruments on most of them. And the singing is also really good too I guess.

Hey Lord! As of course You already know, Daisy told me QUEEN have a song on their first album about You. Speedy the Squirrel just ran through the slightly wider right vertical slot on the side of the gate to run out into the back desert. I'm surprised he never hits his head.

QUEEN LIVE (1970'S) MR. DAVE

According to what Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Dave on the phone one time, he and Sandy saw QUEEN play twice in the mid-1970's. The first time it at the "Santa Monica Civic" Auditorium, and then a year or so later at the Forum. Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.

Mr. Steve and his mom are interested in the subject of family or group "Coats of Arms" or "Crests." A few years ago this lady told my boss QUEEN'S logo was designed by their Singer Freddie Mercury, who had gone to an "Arts School." Mr. Steve has drawn a few logos.

Dais says QUEEN'S Guitarist Brian May, with his father's help; built his red girl guitar he's nicknamed his "Old Lady." My boss told Mr. Rich, who plays guitar and is "good with his hands;" he should build an electric guitar too. Now the other two Pigeons just went bye.

BRIAN MAY MR. RICH

(AS TEENAGER WITH HIS "OLD LADY") (AS MEMBER OF DRAGPIPE)

Someday I'll be able to hear more music and watch more tv , and I definitely do want to hear some QUEEN and DRAGPIPE songs. My boss told Mr. Rich he should buy one of those "Kits" for building your own "Custom" electric guitar. Boy! It must be hard to do that.

Daisy thinks Brian May's father must've been a smart person in even thinking about the idea of helping his son build that guitar. My boss told Mr. Dave in New Mexico he would enjoy talking with Brian May, who he's heard knows a lot about "Astronomy." I smell Sage.

Mr. Steve was also once told Brian May, who's right-handed; doesn't use a plastic "Pick" to play his girl guitar. Instead, he uses a metal coin; which Dais says that kid Jason tried once when he and Mr. Steve played together. The shadows are starting to lean away from me.

RORY GALLAGHER

On Saturday in book three Daisy has me scheduled to write about good Guitarists Mr. Steve has seen play. In the mid-1970's he and Miss Sandy saw this Irish guitar player named Rory Gallagher, who used an old beat up "Fender Stratocaster." Heathcliff just crowed.

Mr. Phillip from Wales likes Rory Gallagher, who started his concert at the "Whisky A Go Go" playing a "Mandolin" on a song about going home to Ireland. He had one of those three piece bands my boss likes. Daisy told me she thinks I'd like how a mandolin sounds.

In the 1970's Mr. Dave read, Brian May used "Vox AC30" amplifiers; after seeing Rory Gallagher using them. Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy, with friends Chris, David and Dale; all saw that Rory Gallagher concert in Hollywood. Chris and Dave went to St. Ferdinands too.

(1973) MR. DALE (2014)

Mr. Steve had not spoken to Mr. Dale for many years, but they recently reminisced on the phone about being teenagers in the early 1970's at Sylmar High. Mr. Dale still plays guitar and one time in 1973 performed outdoors there. Samson and Delilah are flying toward the east.

I guess, Mr. Dale now lives way up there to the north; in a small town that's kind of near the Oregon State border. He's still a "friendly" person my boss says. Daisy heard Mr. Dale's town has four thousand people in it, or about three thousand less than Piñon Hills.

Early 1960's "Surf" Rock is a style of music both my boss and Mr. Dale like. Mr. Steve at times occasionally plays along to songs by the VENTURES, BEACH BOYS and Dick Dale too. I mentioned earlier how Miss Emily's family knew some of the guys in the VENTURES.

THE SHADOWS THE BEACH BOYS THE VENTURES

Because the only time I can now listen to music is when Mr. Steve plays his Boombox as he works out here, I've only heard those Surf Rock songs by the BEACH BOYS. Daisy is lucky as she's heard many Surf Rock songs. Mr. Phillip likes a British band the SHADOWS.

Daisy says the SHADOWS are like the VENTURES in doing "Instrumental" songs with no singing. They have a song about a Cowboy ghost who rides his Horse way up in the sky, and another one about an Apache Indian. A little Sparrow carrying a twig just ran bye.

Mr. Phillip said CREAM'S Eric Clapton, DEEP PURPLE'S Ritchie Blackmore and Tony Iommi of BLACK SABBATH were influenced by the SHADOWS glasses wearing Guitarist. So was PINK FLOYD'S guitarist. My boss likes the SHADOWS 1980's version of a Mozart song.

DICK DALE

(PHOTO TAKEN IN CALIFORNIA HIGH DESERT)

What the heck! Even though I'm not scheduled to write about Dick Dale until tomorrow, I feel like doing it now too. He was from L.A., and Mr. Steve thinks he influenced Guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young and that other guy Eddie Van Halen too. Andy's sniffing the air.

Daisy says that guy Dick Dale, like Jimi Hendrix and Tony Iommi; was left-handed. Mr. Dave was told, before he played Surf Music; Dick Dale wanted to be a Country Music Guitarist. My boss and Mr. Dave think he plays guitar in the "Percussive" way a Drummer would.

Mr. Steve saw this posed picture of Dick Dale standing in a rock formation that he says "sure looks like Mormon Rocks" near us. Sometimes when people visit us, like Mr. Mark before moving to Hawaii; he shows them Mormon Rocks which are pretty impressive. I smell Sage.

LINK WRAY THE KINKS

Mr. Steve told Mr. Rich he thinks what's called "Hard Rock" may've started back in the late 1950's when this guy named Link Wray, who was part "Shawnee" Indian; did a song called "Rumble." It was an early, "kind of primitive;" form of a "Power Chord" my boss thinks.

I just thought of that British one band the KINKS. Back in the early 1960's, influenced by Surf Music; they did Hard Rock songs "You Really Got Me" and "All of The Day and All of the Night." A flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral and moving to the northeast.

Dave Davies, The KINKS Guitarist; says he was influenced by Dick Dale's instrumental Surf songs "Misirlou" and "Nitro" my boss read. Mr. Doug, who still surfs; met another Surfer who saw Dick Dale play at the "Rendezvous Ballroom." Andy's looking in this direction.

MR. DOG / MISS SUSAN

I've mentioned before how my boss met Mr. Doug in the mid-1970's through Mark Ritter. At the time Mr. Steve and Mark Ritter worked at "Laser Images." Mr. Doug later married Miss Susan who, like Mark Ritter; died a few years ago. I'll write about them in my three books.

Daisy heard Mr. Doug say, unlike the BEACH BOYS except for Drummer Brian Wilson; Dick Dale "really did surf." Mr. Steve met Brian Wilson, who was born on December the 4th just like his Niece Steph; at the "San Fernando Drag Strip. Dawn's barking over there.

My boss told Mr. Doug he thinks "Heavy Metal" music might've began in the mid-1960's with BLUE CHEER'S song "Summertime Blues. BLUE CHEER was a three piece California what they call "Power Trio." Mr. Dave back there in New Mexico called that song "heavy."

BLUE CHEER STEPPENWOLF

Daisy says our boss likes another 1960's California band called STEPPENWOLF. They had two really good Hard Rock songs called "Magic Carpet Ride" and "Born To Be Wild." In Born To Be Wild they even say the words "Heavy Metal Thunder" from what Dais told me.

Mr. Steve did artwork for this one lady who, as teenager in the 1960's; went to Dick Dale concerts at this place called the "Rendezvous Ballroom." He said Dick Dale, unlike most of the BEACH BOYS; really was a Surfer. Speedy Gonzalez whizzed bye in front of the Sheds.

That guy told my boss Dick Dale, whose father was "Lebanese;" made a Hard Rock song out of a traditional "Arabic" melody in that song Misirlou. Dais says Mr. Steve really likes his version of that song the SHADOWS also did about a ghost riding a Horse up in the sky.

LEO FENDER (1909-1991) LES PAUL (1915-2009) / MARY FORD (1927-1977)

One time my boss and Mr. Rich talked about Dick Dale, like Jimi Hendrix later; playing those "Stratocaster" guitars, made in California by Leo Fender. At that time the other guy who made guitars was Les Paul from back east. Heathcliff crowed, which makes me feel good.

Many think Mr. Leo and Mr. Les hated each other as "Rivals" and "Competitors," but it wasn't true Daisy heard. Mr. Rich one time got to meet Les Paul and shook his hand, which he remembers in the way my boss can still feel the handshake of people. I smell Sage.

In my books Dais has me scheduled to learn about the history of musical instruments. In the 20th century there have been a few companies who have made them Dais told me, two being "Fender;" and "Gibson" who built those Les Paul type guitars. A Lizard just ran bye.

"FENDER" LINE OF ELECTRIC GUITARS

Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve and that kid Jason, who's learning to play the guitar; talk about other Fender brand electric guitars. Mr. Mark over in Hawaii has played the "Precision" bass; and Mr. Steve once bought and resold a "Telecaster." I smell Sage.

I guess, that guy Les Paul's wife Mary Ford was also a good Guitarist; and she sang his songs too. Leo Fender build "Custom" guitars, and "100 Watt" amplifiers; for Dick Dale in the early 1960's. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows are flying out into the desert.

Mr. Steve told Jason he's at times wondered how Dick Dale's song "Nitro" would sound if that band METALLICA did it. Early in their career they did "Cover" versions of songs, such as DIAMOND HEAD'S "Am I Evil" for example. I'll write about that song tomorrow.

JIMI HENDRIX (1942-1970)

PHOTO BY HENRY DILTZ

That guitar player Jimi Hendrix, who grew up in the State of "Washington;" played what Mr. Rich called a "Re-Strung" right-handed Fender Stratocaster upside down. Dick Dale used a right-handed Stratocaster with the strings just left upside down. I can smell some old Sage.

Mr. Doug was once told, Dick Dale's guitar not only had the strings upside down; but also those strings were thicker so he broke "Picks." Supposedly, that man Leo Fender thought it was kind of funny when he first saw Dick Dale playing his Stratocaster upside down.

Oh! I just noticed Pigpen the Gopher, whose eyesight is bad; sniffing the air from his hole just to the right of the big Mulberry tree. Mr. Cliff, who fought in the "Vietnam War;" jokingly called Snakes who chase Gophers and Squirrels down into their burrows "Tunnel Rats."

PIGPEN

Mr. Cliff, like my boss's father; was a combat veteran. I heard him tell Mr. Steve about those Vietnam War era Tunnel Rats, who chased North Vietnamese and Viet Cong people down into deep tunnels they lived in. Phew! Gophers sure do smell bad sometimes I've noticed.

Looking at Andy over there makes me think I could never be a Tunnel Rat who goes down a tunnel with people trying to ambush and kill me with "Booby Traps." And what if the tunnel caves in and you're trapped? Pigpen just now disappeared back down into his hole.

Boy! It would be so scary to live in a place like a burrow, where there's only one escape route in case something goes wrong. That's mainly why I'm still kind of afraid to go all the way down the hallway in our house. But I've decided I'm going to just do it the way Daisy says.

RAISING LAZERUS TOMB INTERIOR

PAINTING BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH PHOTO BY ABRAHAM

Hey Lord! In 1985 Mr. Steve was too afraid to go all the way down into Lazerus' Tomb, only able to go "so far" he says; before turning around and coming back outside. "In the back of my mind" he told Mr. Cliff, he "thought about earthquakes." A Train just whitled.

Lord! Mr. Ralph read the shortest Bible verse, in the "Book of John;" said "Jesus wept." Mr. Steve's dad thinks, once Jerusalem's Jewish Authorities found out about You raising Your friend Lazarus from the dead; they "wanted You dead." I smell Creosote flowers.

Mr. Steve's mom, who likes the Sun Flowers that guy Van Gogh painted; is a good Painter herself. Her big "Chapel Bells" painting above the couch in the living room is so good. And I like the painting she did of King Ferdinand III with my boss's face. The sky is beautiful.

"SUN" FLOWERS THE LIVING ROOM

PAINTINGS BY VINCENT VAN GOGH PAINTING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

If we go in the house on Saturday morning to watch cartoons I'll see my boss's mom's painting over the couch. My Encyclopedia calls Vincent van Gogh a "Post Impressionist" Artist, my English Dictionary saying "Post" means "after." Two of the Pigeons are now flying bye.

Boy God! It seems unfair van Gogh killed himself, never being recognized for his work. He was from the "Netherlands," but is famous for living in southern "Provence" France; where he committed suicide. Like my boss's Niece Samantha says, "It's not fair that life is not fair."

Daisy and Millie saw that good tv show about 19th century French "Impressionism." On it the man said, even though he was still young; van Gogh had really bad teeth. I've mentioned before how Daisy sometimes tells me to "chew lightly," to make my teeth last longer.

VINCENT VAN GOGH (1853-1890)

In the self-portrait of van Gogh I can see why my boss's mom thinks the wavy blue lines behind him "gives the impression of energy." I guess, he was only thirty seven years old when he shot himself. I can smell the Twin Joshua trees behind Manny, Moe and Jack the Sheds.

Boy! Royal blue is definitely my all time favorite color so far, even though there are a lot of other good colors too. Daisy heard Mr. Steve's mom one time talk about the "vivid" colors in many of van Gogh's paintings. The Joshua trees have such a pleasant scent to me.

Van Gogh killed himself using a "hand gun," while the Writer Ernest Hemingway and NIRVANA'S Curt Cobain used "shot guns" like the one my boss has in the house. He died poor in the same way those Musician's Vivaldi and Mozart did. Now his paintings are valuable.

CAROL KAYE

One time Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve's mom say it's "sad" van Gogh sold only one painting during his short life, and it was bought by his own brother. He told her about those 1960's "Session" Musicians like Carol Kaye. A little Lizard ran bye out there in the dirt.

I'm tempted to write about those "Studio" Musicians called the WRECKING CREW," who Carol Kaye was a member of. They played on famous songs "Anonymously," such as when Carol Kaye played bass on the BEACH BOYS album "Pet Sounds." I smell Sage.

Well, I'll just wait until book three on Saturday to write more on the subject of Session Musicians. Mr. Mark in Hawaii admires the FUNK BROTHERS who did all the music on the "Motown" songs. At least all of those Session Musicians made some money Daisy thinks.

BLACK SABBATH GEOFF NICHOLLS /TONY IOMMI

Over the next three days I'll learn about that British band BLACK SABBATH. Mr. Dave read about a Musician named Geoff Nicholls, who anonymously played keyboards on some of their songs. BLACK SABBATH are mainly a three piece Power Trio with a Singer.

Mr. Steve told that kid Jason, who's learning to play guitar; about Geoff Nicholls. I guess, not only did he play keyboards on albums, he did concerts hidden off stage where the audience couldn't even see him. Anyway, I'll come back to BLACK SABBATH in my books.

Fannie and Freddie are chasing another Crow and really yelling, so I'll bet it's a boy Crow trying to steal Fannie from Freddie. No way is he going to let that happen, and will be willing to lose an eye like Blackbeard probably did fighting for Anne Bonny. Heathcliff crowed.

GEORGIA O'KEEFE WITH HUSBAND

Dais and I were thinking of putting van Gogh in book two tomorrow, when I write about Painter's Mr. Steve's mom likes; such as van Gogh's friend Paul Gaugin. I just thought of that lady Georgia O'Keefe, whose paintings my boss's mom really likes. Libby just whinnied.

My boss and Mr. Mark talked about Georgia O'Keefe, who was from "Wisconsin" like Mr. Mark. But she's associated with New York City and New Mexico, where my boss still has relatives; and his friend Mr. Dave lives with his wife Miss Julianne. I like old Libby.

Miss Georgia and Mr. Steve's mom love New Mexico's "Sunlight." My boss's mom said Miss Georgia painted with "precision and energy," which Mr. Dave in Taos noticed too I guess. Van Gogh's painting in "Provence," in southern France; were influenced by the sunlight.

MR. STEVE"S MOTHER / MISS MARIA

I just thought of Miss Maria, who my boss says he now considers a part of their family. He says over the years she's been "of tremendous help" in not just keeping his parents house clean but; took care of Grandma Córdova. Grandma Córdova used to say "Such a Blessing."

Hey God! As You of course already know, Daisy heard Mr. Steve's mom say on the phone she "wants to believe" Miss Maria was sent to their family by You as a Guardian Angel. It's the same way You probably made my boss help Dais and I. We really needed help then.

Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve and his mom talk about Miss Maria changing Grandma Córdova's diaper every day until she finally died. My boss told his mom "thank God" she's able to do things like that because it would be "hard" for him to do it. Heathcliff just crowed.

FLOWERS S.F. MISSION FATHER SERRA STATUE

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA PAINTING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

In the early 1990's; Mr. Steve and his mom's art was "Exhibited" at the San Juan Capistrano and San Fernando Missions. The L. A. County "Natural History" Museum wanted to make their art a "Permanent" exhibit. They had been there for a year already.

Mr. Steve's mother got that College Degree from "Cal State Northridge" in Art History. Daisy heard her explain to Mr. Steve a "Technique" called "Chiaroscuro," which I guess that guy Leonardo da Vinci used a lot back in the 16th century. A Train whistled faintly.

This Encyclopedia says Chiaroscuro is Italian for, "the use of strong contrasts between light and dark." Mr. Steve thought of that idea when he printed black and white pictures in the different Dark Rooms he used to work in. A tan Lizard is sitting perfectly still over there.

IRVING STONE WITH WIFE

The day after tomorrow in book three Daisy has me scheduled to write about this Writer named Irving Stone. In the mid-1970's Mr. Steve and his friend Chris helped Irving Stone's wife clean out a warehouse in Van Nuys. Her husband wrote a book about van Gogh I guess.

Another book Irving Stone wrote was called "The Agony and the Ecstasy." It's about Leonardo da Vinci's 16th century "Rival" named "Michelangelo;" who created that big "Sistine Chapel" my boss saw in 1985. Mr. Steve's mom once read The Agony and the Ecstasy.

Over the next three days I'll learn about the competition between Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci who, during the Renaissance; didn't really like each. But Daisy says, both were total genius's who happened to live at the same exact time. That Lizard ran away.

LEONARDO DA VINCI / MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI

(1452-1519) (1475-1564)

ARTIST UNKNOWN PAINTING BY DANIELE DA VOLTERRA

Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his mom talk about how that guy Michelangelo didn't care about having few friends or if others liked him or not. I guess, he lived like a Monk; except he was dirty. He seldom changed clothes and didn't like food. Boy! That's hard to believe.

As I mentioned, for three months Dais helped me put together my three outlines. She also helped me make my list of birthdays and special dates in our boss's family. Oh! I can smell that one old Sage bush which is out there in the desert behind Moe the middle Shed.

Just like Adolph Hitler and Franklin Roosevelt, or Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the 1970's; Daisy thinks it was "destiny" that put Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci together. Both must've been "really smart" she's told me. I would have to agree with her on that.

LEONARDO DA VINCI

SELF-PORTRAIT

When he was eighteen Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Sandy's mother got him this Notebook with Leonardo da Vinci drawings in it, challenging him to copy them. He did and she joked he should become one of those "Forgers." Heathcliff crowed, which makes me feel good.

Daisy said Mr. Steve copied exactly a Horse and hand "Leonardo's" did. Oh! It says in my Encyclopedia Leonardo da Vinci was born in April like Mr. Steve's girlfriend Emily. April is also the month, on the 8th; when Mr. Steve's mom at age fourteen first met his dad.

My boss says he can copy almost anything if he "puts his mind to it." But he can't just draw things like Dragons right out of his mind so admires others who can. And doing portraits is even harder, especially a self-portrait like the famous one Leonardo da Vinci did of himself.

RITCHIE VALENS (1941-1959)

I just thought of that guy Ritchie Valens, the 1950's Singer from "Pacoima;" which is near Sylmar. Daisy and Millie saw a movie about him which showed how he and Buddy Holly died in that Plane crash. Mr. Steve's parents both really enjoyed watching that movie.

Dais told me in the movie Ritchie Valens' brother won this drawing contest, where you had to copy a Pirate in the back of a Comic Book. Dais heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Mike he also won art classes in the same contest shown in the movie. The mid-afternoon air is clear.

Someday maybe I'll see Ritchie Valens and his mom's graves, close to my boss's parents crypts at Mission Cemetery. Oh! My Encyclopedia says Ritchie Valen's birthday was May 13. My list of dates shows how Mr. Steve's Sister-In Law Yolanda was born on the 12th of May.

GEORGIA O'KEEFE (1887-1986) MR. STEVE'S MOM

PAINTING BY MICHAEL A. VACCARO PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

I just thought of how my boss's mom admires that lady Georgia O'Keefe's painting. A few years ago she and Mr. Steve's sister Susan visited a small Museum in New Mexico dedicated to her. All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and going toward the east.

Because of the sunlight coming from the west or behind me, and judging by how all the shadows look leaning away from me sitting over here on the Patio; I'd say it's almost two in the afternoon. There are two crisscrossed vapor trails way up there in the high blue sky.

Daisy told me that lady Miss Georgia created "Contradictory" images, such as a flower growing out of the empty eye socket of a Cow skull. She believed in the idea of life coming from death, or Nature's cycle of "Life, Death and Resurrection. Heathcliff crowed over there.

SAMANTHA / MISS PEGGY

PHOTO BYS STEVE CÓRDOVA

I guess that lady Georgia O'Keefe, just like my boss's Niece Samantha; was born on November the 15th. Mr. Mark, who worked with my boss at the Forum in the 1980's and whose family now lives in Hawaii; also has a birthday on that date. I smell Andy over there.

Even though I sort of feel like writing more about Miss Georgia now but I'll wait. Ah! I just glanced up and see Cher the Cat, with Andy watching her closely; jogging bye with a dead Mouse hanging out of her mouth. She now jumped up top of Moe the middle Shed.

Tomorrow in book two Daisy has me scheduled to learn a lot about World War II, and one thing I'll find out about is a German General named Erwin Rommel; who was also born on November the 15th like Miss Georgia, Samantha and Mr. Mark. Cher's looking at me.

ERWIN ROMMEL (1891-1944)

This Encyclopedia says, because of how good he did in North Africa in 1941; that guy Erwin Rommel became a high ranking Second World War "Field Marshal." With "grudging admiration," the British called him the "Desert Fox." He was "so smart" Daisy told me.

Dais says our boss's dad, and his friend Mr. Ivan; have studied the Second World War "Campaigns" of Erwin Rommel. They both think "Rommel" was as good a field commander as Robert E. Lee had been during the American Civil War a century before. I smell Sage.

My Encyclopedia calls Erwin Rommel "audacious." I've mentioned how the Germans used "Blitzkrieg" tactics to conquer most of Europe, "Rommel" and that one other guy Heinz Guderein who were so good at using Tanks in "Lightning War." Andy's sniffing the air.

PAUL GAUGUIN (1848-1903)

On Saturday I'll learn about Paul Gauguin, a Painter my boss's mom studied; and one of Vincent van Gogh's friends. I guess they were friends but argued a lot so one time van Gogh got upset and cut off part of his own ear. Paul Gauguin worked in "Polynesia" for a few years.

There's a picture in my Encyclopedia of Paul Gaugin and, Daisy's right; as he does look like a kind of mean person. Mr. Steve's mother has many books about "Art History," one about Van Gogh and Gauguin relationship. Andy's a good guard of he and Helen's burrow.

It says here Paul Gauguin was French but is famous for paintings he did in the "South Pacific," or places like "Tahiti." Dais says Mr. Steve's mom likes the way he used really bright colors. Boy! It's too bad that guy van Gogh killed himself and died without any money.

MR. PEABODY AND HIS BOYSHERMAN

I wonder if we'll go in the house on Saturday morning to watch cartoons cartoons like Mr. Peabody and Sherman? When I look down the hallway it's so mysterious but, someday I'll see up close the white and gold Sun/Moon plaque at the end of it. A Train just whistled.

This morning I mentioned how Mr. Peabody, just like Mr. Steve's Uncle Marty; went to College back there at "Harvard." I can't wait for the time when I can read and write as well as Mr. Peabody, so my boss and Dais will be proud of me. I'll prove females are smart.

Oh! Speedy Gonzalez the Squirrel, with Andy watching him; whizzed bye in front of the three Sheds and now only dust is floating in the air. Daisy and I really like watching those funny cartoons about the real Speedy Gonzalez the Mouse. Boy! I feel like running right now.

"MISSION BELLS" "INDIAN'S INTERPRETATION OF CRUCIFIXION"

(LIVING ROOM) (BED ROOM)

PAINTINGS BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

Mr. Steve's mom's almost ten foot tall "Chapel Bells" painting hangs above the couch in the living room. Daisy told me Mr. Steve has four of her paintings hanging on the walls of his bedroom; two being even bigger than the Chapel Bells. Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.

I've only heard about those paintings in my boss's bedroom and office. I'm so looking forward to seeing and smelling them someday. Hey Lord! As You know, I really want to see the one above my boss's bed about the Mission Indian's "Interpretation" of Your death.

On Saturday, if we do go in the living room to watch cartoons; I'll just postpone writing book three until Sunday or maybe even Monday. I sure don't want Mr. Steve to suspect what I'm trying to do back here on the Patio. I'll just "Play it by Ear" as that old saying goes.

GERONIMO (1829-1909)

Mr. Peabody and Sherman went back in time and met Geronimo, a "Medicine Man" for "Mescalero-Chiricahua Apaches;" who fought the U.S. in New Mexico. Benny Urquidez the Kickboxer's wife is related to Geronimo. There's a dirt road called Mescalero near us.

Another time, Mr. Peabody convinced Beethoven "not to give up" on being a Composer when he got discouraged; and take that job as a Cook. So, then he went back and wrote the 9th Symphony which has that one "Ode to Joy" part in it. Heathcliff crowed next door.

Well God, I can't believe I've gotten this far on my first book and I'm not even tired at all because I really like learning new things. Just over four and a half more chapters to go, and I intend to stay just as focused and on schedule. Two of the Pigeons flew past the Sheds.

LIBBY IN HER CORRAL MOLLY THE MULE / LIBBY BEHIND

Looking to my right I see Libby in her Corral nibbling on scraps of hay left over from this morning. Ah! A slight breeze just brought her distinctive scent floating into both of my two nostrils. For some reason I just now remembered Molly the Mule's totally unique scent.

The Sun is now all the way over on the west side of the house behind me, and lighting up those clumps of Joshua trees near Libby's Corral; and also above and behind Andy and Helen's burrow. Boy! I wish I could see, hear and smell good old Molly just one more time.

Andy's over there guarding the entrance to he and Helen's burrow. Helen's down below with their new Spring babies. Boy God ! So far this has definitely been one of the best days of my life, which really does make me want to thank all of You Guys up there in Heaven.

BOBCAT IN JOSHUA TREES

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

Looking at the Joshua trees near Libby's Corral makes me remember how exciting that afternoon was when the Bobcat fled up into that clump. It got so scared when Dawn surprised it, but then we had it trapped with nowhere to go. It was fun but I sort of felt sorry for it.

All us Dogs, including old Rosie; had a chance to show we were "On the Job" so to speak. Daisy heard Mr. Phillip from Wales call it "Earning our Keep." Mr. Steve lured us to the front yard with food, which let the Bobcat escape. That Bobcat had a really mean snarl.

Oh! Rudy the Roadrunner, below Theodora's Creosote bush; is standing next to Jack the big Shed holding a squirming Lizard in his mouth. Yup! He body slammed it on the ground and knocked it out to eat it. Boy! It must really hurt to be slammed on the ground like that.

ROADRUNNER WITH LIZARD

Seeing Rudy makes me remember Miss Susan telling my boss Roadrunners, like Quail and Thrasher Birds; don't have feathers on their legs. I guess, that's so their body can "release body heat" easier. Oh! Cher the Cat is right now slinking out into the eastern desert.

Miss Susan said on cold nights Roadrunners go into a "deep sleep" called "stupor," and I've noticed how in the mornings they turn their backs on the rising Sun in the east. Daisy says it's in order to absorb heat and get energy. Rudy body-slammed the Lizard again.

Hey God! As I've mentioned a few times, one of my goals in life is to overcome my fear of being trapped in enclosed areas. Daisy goes down the hallway all the time and thinks I'm so silly to be afraid of doing it a year after getting here. Rudy just swallowed that limp Lizard.

DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

(FRONT YARD / GRAVEL DRIVEWAY)

Daisy's probably right when she says I don't know what I'm missing in not going into our boss's bedroom and office. It's "ridiculous she says, as I could listen to way more music or watch way more tv. And, Mr. Steve shares his food with Dais; which is even better than our food.

Boy! Mr. Steve will be so surprised when he eventually reads my three books You Guys. I can't wait but, I still have so much work to do; because this is only the eighth of the thirty six total chapters that will be in these three very long books. Rudy just went jogging away.

As I've said before, many of Mr. Steve's mom's paintings and drawings in our house were a part of the Art Exhibits they had in the 1990's. Two Exhibits were at the Capistrano and San Fernando "Missions." Three Birds are flying bye right now and I think they're Wrens.

"SWALLOW"

I just thought of Birds called "Swallows" who go to Capistrano Mission each year. A photo in my Encyclopedia shows how they have an unusually shaped tail. One time Mr. Steve lent Miss Susan a book he and his parents, as Tour Guides; read about Capistrano Mission.

Daisy told me, before the recession Mr. Steve had a customer in "Ohio," the State where my favorite band DEVO is from. The Parts Manager, his wife and their kids were those "Bird Watchers." He asked my boss about Swallows because he knew about "Swift" Birds.

My boss's customer said Swifts "look like Swallows," and also catch Bugs "right out of the air" too; but they're "not related." In fact he told my boss, Swifts are "more closely" related to Hummingbirds. Both Swifts and Swallows have those "forked" tails that are "V-shaped."

"SWIFT"

Daisy told me the Parts Manager in Ohio said Swifts are "one of the fastest" flying Birds in the world. Wow! My Encyclopedia says they can stay flying up in the air without landing for ten months! They've "evolved" short, stubby legs because they don't need legs that much.

It says here in the Middle Ages Swifts were "depicted" as having no legs at all. A Chinese lady once told Mr. Steve how you can make "very good soup" out of the hardened "Saliva" that Swift's use to make their nests. Ugh! I don't know if saliva sounds so good to me.

All of a sudden I just thought of that Irish Writer Jonathon Swift, who wrote "Gulliver's Travels way back in the early 18th century. Mr. Steve's father thinks he "may've" been the most talented "Satirical" Writer ever. All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

JONATHAN SWIF T (1667-1745) TAYLOR SWIFT

PHOTO BY JOHN SHEARER

Daisy heard our boss and his sister Susan back there in Connecticut talk about a new girl Singer named Taylor Swift, who writes her own songs I guess. Mr. Steve has heard her talking on the tv and thinks she sounds like a nice "basically decent" person. Dawn's barking.

Looking up I see a few Birds zipping about over the eastern desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack. I hear Sparrows singing out there, which is now giving me that uplifting feeling of Rhêma I've mentioned a few times already today. Thank You God for that sensation.

Ah! The strong scents from out there in the back desert just came in. I smell the Twin Joshua trees mixed in with the scents of Juniper, Mesquite and Manzanita too. Oh! My right nostril has detected the slight whiff of Blinky, Dawn and Rosie coming in from next door.

("MESSERSCHMIDT") ME-262 PLASTIC MODEL

Thinking of Swallow Birds makes me remember how, back in World War II; that very first "Operational" Jet was nicknamed "Swallow" or "Schwalbe" in German. I mentioned how Daisy says Mr. Steve has a model of a "Me-262" in the kitchen. Daffy's quacking loud.

I guess, from what it says in this Encyclopedia; another nickname for the Me-262 was "Sturmvogel" or "Storm Bird." I can't wait, because my boss is interested in that subject; to learn more about the history of "Aviation over the next three days. I like Daffy.

On Saturday Dais and I decided I'd write about advanced German technology from the time of the Second World War. I guess the Germans were some of the first ones to think of making "Swept-Wing" Aircraft. That means wings bending backwards like Swifts' wings do.

"GULLIVER'S TRAVELS" MR. PHILLIP

Oh! Just when I'm writing about Swifts Max the Hummingbird zoomed bye. Someday I hope to read Gulliver's Travels the way my boss and his mom did back in College at C.S.U.N. Mr. Phillip from Wales has also read it and thinks that Jonathon Swift was "very clever."

Daisy says Hummingbirds can fly even when it's raining. One time she and that other Dog Millie saw Max and 99 perched on a branch when they shook off water just like we do when we get wet. Hummingbirds can even shake off water when they're flying she noticed.

My right nostril just picked up Libby's scent, which floated over from her Corral. The shadows tell me it's almost two in the afternoon. Dais says it being so unusually warm today is not like some of the other cold first days of Spring she's known around here in Piñon Hills.

HELICOPTER

Aha! I knew I was hearing one of those amazing Helicopters. That reminds me of the first time I heard that ominous sound, and thought it might be a monster coming; getting louder as it approached. At that time I was living homeless in the field my old owner dumped me into.

My boss told Mr. Mike about that British Writer Aldous Huxley who lived in Llano. At the end of his book "Brave New World" I guess he described a Helicopter's sound and wrote how "a humming sound had become a roar." Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye again.

The first attempt to "analyze" a Hummingbird's flight, during the 1930's; was done in Nazi Germany Daisy heard Mr. Phillip say. Then, they developed the first "hovering" Helicopters. In World War II the "Luftwaffe" Air Force worked on Planes that take off "vertically."

FOCKE-WULF "Fw-61" MR. IVAN

Even though Daisy and I decided I'd mainly write about advanced Nazi technology in book three on Saturday, I feel like writing a little bit about it now too. I guess Mr. Steve's friend Mark Ritter who died knew about that subject. And so does Mr. Ivan down in Sylmar.

My Encyclopedia says the first "operational" Helicopter was used in World War II by the Germans, to lift and carry heavy things like Artillery. That Helicopter was called "Fw-61," and it used "rotors" instead of wings to supply all of the "lift." Heathcliff just crowed.

The first "successful" what they call "rotocraft," or "gyroplane; was flown in Spain way back in 1923 Mr. Ivan read. It says here it was created by Juan de La Cierva. Those two Wright Brothers had flown their first Airplane here in America in 1903, so twenty years before.

HEINRICH FOCKE (1890-1979) WITH ADOLPH HITLER

A picture in my Encyclopedia shows a man named Heinrich Focke explaining to Hitler something about what they're watching. The caption says he "designed" Aircraft, his "partner" being Georg Wulf. I'll learn more about the "Focke-Wulf" Airplanes in my three books.

On Saturday I'll look up that Russian man Igor Sikorsky, who also designed Helicopters. I've mentioned a few times how my boss's friend Mark Ritter died, and his sister Gary gave him some of his books on "Geology," "Reptiles" and "Aviation." Heathcliff just crowed.

Mr. Steve has lent some of Mark Ritter's books to Mr. Ivan, like the one on Helicopters and Jets that take off "Vertically" for example. I guess that guy Igor Sikorsky's family moved to America in 1919, the year after World War I ended. Speedy Gonzalez went running bye.

"AERODYNAMIC" FORCES OF "FLIGHT" AUSTIN, SUSAN, DALTON

A good diagram shows how Planes and Helicopters use four "aerodynamic" forces to "overcome" the "pull of gravity" and fly. They are "Lift," "Thrust," "Drag" and Weight." I guess Mr. Steve's Nephew Dalton back there in Connecticut wants to become a Pilot.

One time my boss was told by this older man at Van Nuys Airport, when machines fly it's "sort of like four arms holding the weight of the Aircraft up in the air; each one pushing from a different direction." Dais heard how he then joked, "Lift is a gift, thrust is a must."

Taking in deep breaths of warm Spring air, and seeing the desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack; is making me feel happy. Hey God! Thank You so much for creating Birds because they make me feel alive just being around them. I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.

GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER (1839-1876)

(WITH WIFE "LIBBY" AND BROTHER "TOM")

Daisy says Mr. Steve, who's collects flags; and that Parts Manager in Ohio discussed his State's "Swallowtail" Flags. George Custer lived in Ohio as a kid, and his "7th Cavalry" also had Swallowtail flags. I guess my boss once bought, but then resold; a 7th Cavalry flag.

A picture of "Custer" shows him with his wife and brother "Tom." Mr. Steve thinks one reason George Custer is so famous is because his "pretty" and "intelligent" wife "Libby" went out and "promoted" him after he was killed in 1976. Oh! I can smell our Libby.

George Custer, his brother and 7th Cavalry were wiped out in 1876 by "Lakota" Sioux, "Arapahos" and "Cheyenne" Indians. Mr. Steve thinks Custer was "reckless." I hear Crows out there in the desert, either two boys fighting over a girl; or maybe some good food.

"CLIFF" SWALLOWS

PHOTO BY SCIENCE SOURCES

In my boss's book about the Capistrano Mission it also talks about Birds called "North American Cliff Swallows." The fly around in big "Flocks," live in large "Colonies;" and sit or "Perch's" in trees to "Preen" which means to clean Daisy told me. I can smell Juniper.

Swallows are "Songbirds," who warn each other about danger; or call one another when they find some food for the group to eat. And I guess Swallows mainly eat Bugs and things like that. Speedy Gonzalez, with Andy watching him; ran bye and left only dust behind.

My boss and his dad think many things in life are "Dual" in nature, so with good comes bad and with bad comes good. Birds in groups has benefits but, it's also easier to "Transmit" sickness, parasites and disease too. Oh! It's kind of like those "Yin/Yang" logos I'll bet.

"CLIFF SWALLOW" NESTS

I guess, Cliff Swallows are examples of Charles Darwin's "Natural Selection" idea; as they've "Adapted" to living near people. Instead of only making nests on cliffs, they do it under bridges too. Darwin thought "Evolution" was slow but Mr. Steve thinks it can be fast too.

Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell Miss Susan at work he was told Cliff Swallows make "group" nests out of "mud and saliva." A picture in this Encyclopedia shows how they have "entrance" holes. Well, back to writing about George Custer's 7th Cavalry and how they all died.

Mr. Ivan thinks Custer was "very lucky" in the Civil War but, ten years later in 1876; his "Luck "Ran Out" as they say. "Crazy Horse" and the Sioux Indians massacred he and his 7th Cavalry, partly due to his "over confidence" my boss thinks. Daffy's quacking next door.

CUSTER'S "LAST STAND"

(JUNE 25, 1876)

This Encyclopedia says, in 1876; Custer's brother Tom was also killed at the "Battle of the Little Big Horn," or "Greasy Grass" as the Sioux call. Wow! In the Civil War Tom Custer was awarded not one but two "Medals of Honor." That's a really hard thing to do I guess.

A good tv show on George Custer said, partly due to his wife's "advocacy" he became a "secular martyr;" having died during America's 100th "Anniversary." Daisy heard Mr. Dave say he thinks Custer "totally miscalculated" the situation. That got his men killed.

What a coincidence that, just as I'm about to write about a Horse named "Comanche" I smell Libby over there to my right. Comanche was this boy Horse who "Survived" that Battle of the Little Big Horn. Libby is walking slowly around over there in her Corral right now.

"COMANCHE" "CUSTER'S LAST STAND"

(BATTLE SURI VOR) ("LITTLE BIG HORN" / "GREASY GRASS")

PAINTING BY H CHARL MCBARRON JUNIOR

Almost the entire 7th Cavalry died in 1876, but one survivor was a boy Horse named "Comanche;" even though he had seven bullet wounds on him. Wow! In a battle from the year before he fought with an arrow sticking out of him! A little yellow Bulldog also survived.

Tomorrow I'll learn about this other brave girl Horse named "Reckless," who was in the Korean War. The Crows I heard a minute ago are still fighting out there in the desert, so it must be something good their competing for. Dawn and Blinky are barking over there.

Daisy says Mr. Steve told the Parts Manager in Ohio, other Horses survived the Battle of the Little Big Horn but; were taken by the Sioux as "Spoils" or "War Booty." I guess Comanche was just left out there to die but, was really strong so survived. It was a big surprise I guess.

MYLES KEOGH (1840-1876)

Comanche the boy Horse's owner in 1876 was Myles Keough, who's family died in that 1840's Irish "Potato Famine." I like the helmet he's wearing in the "Colorized" photo, which is like the one my boss Mr. Steve has in the living room I notice. A Lizard went running bye.

This is interesting. My Encyclopedia says Myles Keogh, before dying at Little Big Horn; fought for the Catholic Pope's Italian "Papal States" in 1860. But, I guess he decided to come to America; to fight the southern Confederate States instead. He was a "Mercenary."

Oh! It says here how Myles Keogh, like George Custer; fought in the big three day 1863 "Battle of Gettysburg" which I'll write about tomorrow in book two. As I've mentioned, in 1977 Mr. Steve and his brother Rock visited that town of "Gettysburg." Heathcliff just crowed.

J.E.B. STUART ROBERT E. LEE "STONEWALL" JACKSON

My Encyclopedia says, during the Civil War that guy Myles Keogh fought against three of the more famous Rebel leaders; J.E.B. Stuart, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and even Robert E. Lee too. That big Dragonfly just went zooming bye. I heard it coming from far away.

Hey Lord! Mr. Dave read in 1876, after that battle the Sioux "mutilated" the bodies; but not Myles Keough. He thinks, "maybe" it was because Myles Keough had a Christian medal on and the Sioux "respected Your powerful medicine." And he had "fought bravely" too.

Comanche the boy Horse was "nursed back to health," dying only in 1890. Like Reckless about a century later, he became a "Mascot." This Encyclopedia says Comanche and Reckless are two of only four Horses ever given "Military Funerals." I can smell Libby over there.

"DRUMMER" DAVE

Daisy told me Mr. Dave in New Mexico, according to his "Facebook" site; has played in few bands since moving from California out there to Taos. And, I guess one of them was called RECKLESS like the Korean War Horse. I smell Sage, which makes me feel so hopeful.

Ah! I just looked to my right and see Libby standing in her Corral looking right at me. She's probably wondering why I've been sitting here on the Patio for over eight hours. Boy! It's such a good thing you Elvira are going to comfortable to spend thirty six hours on.

Libby's unique scent floated in on a slight breeze coming over here from her direction. And for some reason that suddenly makes me remember how Molly the Mule smelled. I sure do miss her so much, and know for sure that both Daisy and Mr. Steve miss her a lot too.

"SMOKEY" THE BEAR

Writing about Comanche and Reckless the brave Horses makes me think about this other Mascot named "Smokey the Bear." He represents "Fire Prevention" and I overheard my boss tell Mr. Mike the original Smokey the Bear was from New Mexico. I smell Juniper.

Smokey the Bear got burned in a forest fire in 1950. Since 1942, the first year of World War II for the U.S.; a Bear had been the Federal government's Mascot in the program to avoid any forest fires. II. The mid-afternoon sunlight coming from behind me is so nice.

Mr. Ivan said that time how many white people had been "Isolationist" until late 1941, but after Japan's surprise attack on us in late 1941; "things changed quick." After that most people wanted to "get revenge" he told my boss. Alpha Company's scent just now floated in.

"PEARL HARBOR"

(DECEMBER 7, 1941 / HAWAII)

Mr. Ivan says, "after Pearl Harbor;" many white people were "angry." Many looked to find "someone to blame," which is why Dr.'s Oda and Sakaguchi's Japanese- American families had to go into those Internment Camps. All four of the Pigeons are flying toward the east.

In early 1942, after Pearl Harbor; the government "feared" forest fires. The public was scared too and then, on February 23rd; a Japanese Submarine surfaced off the California coast and fired its cannon. On that same day Mr. Steve's dad turned ten years old.

This Encyclopedia says the Japanese Submarine off shore "launched the rounds" toward "oil rigs in an oil field," hoping to "ignite a fire" in the "Los Padres" forest near "Goleta." I've mentioned before how in Spanish "padre" just means "father." A little Lizard ran bye.

"SMOKEY" THE BEAR

Oh! A picture shows the real Smokey Bear walking on an Airplane, and he's so cute! Mr. Ivan says in World War II wood was "as important as steel" so, after that Submarine attack the "C.F.F.P" was created. Daisy says Huell Howser did an episode on the attack.

The caption below the picture of little Smokey says how, from 1942 on; the "Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention" program used a Bear as a Mascot. Then, in 1950 the little Smokey was "badly burned" in a New Mexico forest fire. Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

I guess, after little Smokey's burns healed, he lived in "Washington D.C.;" and died in 1976 when Mr. Steve was twenty one. He was then buried in New Mexico. Daisy says "Black" Bears live in the San Gabriel mountains over there beyond Libby's Corral, to my right.

WORLD WAR II

(JAPANESE HOT AIR "BALLOON" BOMB / LATE 1944-EARLY1945)

In my three books I'm going to learn about "Balloons." It says in this Encyclopedia the first Balloon was flown in France in the late 18th century and toward end time of the Second World War Japan in "Desperation" had "weaponized" them. They were losing the war.

Mr. Steve's father told his best friend Mr. Ivan, and Mr. Hussein at his Coffee Shop in Sylmar; it was "amazing" as 1985 Los Angeles "Grand Jury Foreman" he got ride up in the "Goodyear Blimp." He said it was "like everything I've ever imagined about soaring."

Hey God! As You of course already know, my boss's father thought it was a gift of grace from You that gave him the experience of being in that Goodyear Blimp. He still thanks You for it. Boy! I it would too scary to float around in a Balloon, but Dais would probably do it.

"BALLOON" FESTIVAL

(ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO / OCTOBER)

PHOTO BY DAVE KOZIOL

I guess, since 1972 when my boss was in the 11th Grade at Sylmar High; there have been what have become "Annual" events in the city of "Albuquerque" back in New Mexico. My boss has never been to one but Mr. Dave has. I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.

One time my boss and his mom talked on the phone about flying up in a Balloon. Daisy says they "appreciate" why others would enjoy it, but they "wouldn't be comfortable." I see my valuable collection of things to chew on over there at the far end of the Patio, to my left.

Mr. Randy knows about "Sky Diving." You jump from a moving Airplane, then fall fast down to the ground; at just the right time opening the "Parachute" which catches the air to let you land softly on the ground. Ugh! I don't think I would ever want to do that either.

"PARATROOPS" (W.W. II) "HANG GLIDING" (SYLMAR)

During World War II; Nazi Germany used sky diving "Paratroops" as part of their new "Blitzkrieg" tactics used in conquering all those other European countries. I'll come back to the subjects of Balloons and Sky Diving in my books. Two orange boy Finches are fighting.

New Mexico is "associated" with "Ballooning," Sylmar for "Hang Gliding." It says here, during World War II the Japanese "floated" nine thousand "antipersonnel" and "incendiary" Balloons over to America. Antipersonnel means to "kill" people, incendiary to "burn."

A drawing shows how the Japanese filled the Balloon's basket with explosives. Then, from Japan; they sailed what this Encyclopedia calls the first "intercontinental" weapon over to the U.S.'s West Coast. A little Sparrow carrying a long twig ran bye out there in the dirt.

"ROUTES" OF JAPANESE "BALLOON" BOMBS

(USING "JET STREAM" AIR CURRENTS / LATE 1944-EARLY 1945)

A map shows how the Japanese used the "Jet Stream" way up in the sky to push Balloons over here, hoping to burn American forests. Mr. Steve's brother Rock's friend George in Texas, who's Japanese-American; told my boss "Fu-Go" means "Fire Balloon." I smell Sage.

Luckily, the Balloons "proved ineffective" so only about three hundred got through to kill six people, whose deaths were kept secret. My boss told Mr. Mark one Balloon got "off course" and landed down in Hawaii, others were blown back to Japan. Sage smells so good.

Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with his dad, who knows from his time in the Marines about Balloons being used to help predict weather. I guess, twice a day now in 2014; Balloons are released in America to float into the sky. Heathcliff just crowed.

U.S. "WEATHER" BALLOONS

Mr. Dave, before the economic recession; had this Motorcycle Shop customer who knew about what they call "Upper Air Observation." He said, every day Scientists release "gas-filled" Balloons up into the sky to "gather data; and help them predict weather. Dawn's barking.

I guess, connected onto those "Observation Balloons" are "Sensors" used to do things up there; but mainly collect information. When the Balloons rise to 100,000 feet, they "burst;" then a parachute opens to let the equipment fall softly to the ground. I smell Blinky.

Oh what the heck! Even though I'm not scheduled to write about the subject of "Fire" right now; I just kind of suddenly feel like learning and writing about it now too. I can tell Mr. Mike knows a lot about "Fire Fighting" just by some of the things he's told Mr. Steve.

CONSTANTINOPLE "GREEK FIRE"

("FLAME THROWER" / "BYZANTINE" ROMAN EMPIRE)

ARTWORK BY TV ARAJ

One time Daisy and Millie were in Mr. Steve's bedroom and saw this tv show about the history of "Incendiary" weapons. One weapon the man mentioned was a thing called "Greek Fire." Incendiary means "designed to start fires" according to my English Dictionary.

Dais says, in the 7th century A.D.; the "Byzantine Empire" used "flame throwing" guns to burn wooden enemy Ships. I wrote earlier about the 4th century, when that guy Constantine the Great made Christianity the "Eastern Roman Empire's" religion. I smell Sage.

I just thought of how, when the original "Western Roman Empire" in Italy fell in the 5th century A.D.; only the eastern section survived. And my Encyclopedia says Greek Fire was used to defend "Constantinople, " now the city of "Istanbul." Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

"ISTANBUL" ("HAGIA SOPHIA")

(FORMERLY "CONSTANTINOPLE")

That tv show said, the use of incendiary weapons didn't begin with the Byzantine's use of Greek Fire in naval engagements. And, at that exact same time in history; cultures like China were using "projected fire" to kill in war. Oh! The Pigeons are up there on the Patio roof.

From what Dais saw on that tv show, one time people put something on Pigs and then lit them on fire. The burning and screaming Pigs were stampeded into the enemy's lines, hoping to make those Soldiers lose courage and "Break Ranks" as they say. The Pigeons are cooing.

Mr. Dave read about how, in history; burning things are attached to arrowheads to shoot at something they want to catch on fire. The original Italian Romans used "Catapults" to throw burning boulders. Daisy says Mr. Steve has a miniature "Trebuchet" Catapult in his office.

PROMETHEUS EDITH HAMILTON (1867-1963)

I just looked up the ancient Greek God named "Prometheus." Actually, he was one of those "Titans;" who I guess are bigger in size than the "Deity's" who came later. The Pigeons are walking around up on the Patio roof, and I see their moving shadows cast on the dirt.

Daisy heard that one lady Edith Hamilton wrote Prometheus is often "linked" with the Goddess Athena. He "defied" the highest God Zeus, stealing fire and coming down to give it to people. Hey! That's kind of like how Nikola Tesla wanted to give free electricity away.

Oh wow! When Zeus found out what happened he punished Prometheus by tying him to this big rock so an Eagle could eat his liver. Ugh! That must hurt! And then, Zeus made it so Prometheus's liver kept growing back every day; so the Eagle could eat it all over again.

SWITZERLAND YUGOSLAVIA

"UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS"

Wow! Pictures in this Encyclopedia show some realistic looking "U.F.O's," or "Flying Saucers." Daisy saw a tv show that said many years ago "Aliens" from outer space came down here to Earth and influenced human history. Pigeon voices are always so calming to me.

Mr. Dave back in New Mexico one time told my boss about how some Native people have stories about "Star Beings." That tv show said some think it was Aliens who taught the humans about things like fire. Some even think Prometheus was really an Alien Dais told me.

Hey God! Mr. Steve doesn't believe in things like flying saucers and thinks You probably just gave some early humans the intelligence to figure things out through "trial and error." The Pigeons are flying away. The shadows are slowly beginning to lean further away from me.

UFO IRON MAIDEN

My boss and also Mr. Phillip from Wales, like that 1970's British band UFO; who have that song about a Doctor. I've never heard it but Daisy has and thinks it's "catchy." Mr. Dave told Mr. Steve IRON MAIDEN play that UFO song right before their own concerts begin.

I guess, Mr. Steve used to play along to "Doctor, Doctor." Mr. Dave likes all of the drum "Fill's" connecting the different sections, and how UFO's Drummer uses the big "Ride" cymbal on certain parts of the song. Someday I do really want to see my boss play the drums.

Daisy heard one of Mr. Steve's Parts Manager customers, who likes Heavy Metal music; say his favorite UFO song is "Rock Bottom." That's another song my boss has tried to play over the years. A long line of Ants is marching bye down there near Miss Emily's coffee table.

"GREAT WHITE" SHARK

Thinking of how Zeus let that Eagle eat Prometheus' liver for eternity, for some reason is making me think how Mr. Steve's private Hell would be if he were attacked and then eaten by a Shark for eternity. Tomorrow is when I'll mainly learn about things that live in water.

Hey God! Are You "Zeus" too? As You know of course, I've wondered at times if You're also Islam's "Allah," the Viking's "Odin" or the ancient Roman's "Jupiter." Mr. Hussein down there in Sylmar has also thought about that exact same subject too. I smell Mesquite.

Mr. Steve, and his father too Daisy says; think You God gave people the ability to reason and use science to figure out things about the physical world You created fourteen billion years ago. Dawn, Blinky and Rosie's scents just floated in from next door. A Lizard ran bye.

MARY SHELLEY (1797-1851) FRANKENSTEIN

PORTRAIT BY RICHARD ROTHWELL

Mentioning the Titan Prometheus makes me remember how that one English girl Mary Shelley's 1818 book "Frankenstein's" sub-title" is "The Modern Prometheus." In my books, my boss being interested in it; I'll learn about the subject of "Horror." Mesquite smells good.

The character "Dr. Frankenstein" in Mary Shelley's "Gothic" novel represents a "Lone Genius" trying to "improve" mankind Mr. Ralph thinks. The story is partly about "unforeseen consequences." Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying to the northeast.

"Fire" seems like an example of "Duality." So "Harnessing" it gives people more power to "Control their Destiny," like in cooking, keeping warm or working with metals. But, fire also has the potential to destroy almost anything if it gets "Out of Control." Libby whinnied.

ELIZABEETH I (0000-0000) SPANISH "ARMADA" (1588)

Oh wow! In 1588 Spain's Navy attacked Queen Elizabeth's England, but Ships were "set on fire" and "floated" into the invading Spanish Fleet. Many Spanish Ships "ignited." Boy! I think someone should start a business selling those things Queen Elizabeth wore on her neck.

Those burning British Ships ended up catching many of the Spanish Ships on fire and it was a total disaster. Wind being their only power in the late 16th century, all of the "surviving" Spanish vessels could not just sail back down south and go home to Spain. I smell Sage.

Before motors Ships had to either have men "Row" or use "Wind" in their sails to move forward. And back in 1588, after the Spanish "Armada" was defeated; the "Prevailing" winds were only blowing toward the north. Now some Crows are squawking and fighting.

SPANISH ARMADA DISASTER

Wow! A map shows how, after their "catastrophic" naval battle; the surviving Spanish Ships had to try to make it back home to Spain by sailing all the way around the top of Scotland and Ireland. Many Ships were "wrecked" and Sailors "lost." It was a "nightmare."

As I wrote earlier this morning, Mr. Steve and his father have both noticed how good things almost always end up being used for bad purposes too. Tomorrow I'm scheduled to write about the subject of "Nuclear" energy. Heathcliff the Rooster just crowed over there.

In today's modern society fire is used for many useful purposes. But in war it's been almost perfected so you can more efficiently kill a lot more people from a longer range. At least that's what my boss has noticed. They drop some huge bombs now meant to make fire.

2014 NISSAN "ARMADA"

When we were putting together my three outlines Daisy told me about this guy who one time came over to our house to do some work. She and Millie noticed he was driving a Car called an "Armada." Blackbeard and Anne Bonney are flying toward the northeast.

This Encyclopedia says an Armada is a "full-sized Sports Utility Vehicle," or just "S.U.V. for short. Dais says one of Mr. Steve's "Nissan" customer's said Armada's are "assembled," or put together in the State of "Mississippi." Nissan is one of those Japanese companies.

I guess that Parts Manager told my boss how, over in the "Middle East;" Armada's are made so the driver is on the left as you face it. I just glanced up in time to see Speedy Gonzalez zip out into the back field. He ran through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.

"STAFFA ISLAND FINGAL'S" CAVE

("HEBRIDES" ISLAND CHAIN)

PHOTO BY IRENE MURRY PHOTO BY MALCOLM MURRY

Way up there at the very top of northeast Scotland, where the Armada had to pass in 1588 trying to get back to Spain; makes me think of "Staffa" Island." I'm scheduled to learn about it tomorrow but just feel like doing it now instead. Mr. Phillip knows about it.

Staffa Island has a big cave on it, called "Fingal's Cave;" and Mark Ritter who died read a few things about the unique "vertical basalt columns" inside. Each column has six sides and some are over two hundred feet high. I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there.

My Encyclopedia says the tall columns inside Fingal's Cave were "formed" about fifty million years ago by the "cooling" of lava from a volcano. Wow! Me being only about two years old makes me think about how long fifty million years is. Heathcliff just crowed.

QUEEN VICTORIA JULES VERNE PINK FLOYD

(1819-1901) (1828-1905) (1970'S)

Daisy told me this tv show about the "Hebrides Island Chain," which Staffa is one of; said Queen Victoria visited Fingal's Cave. She wanted to hear the unique sound echoing waves inside. Queen Victoria was born on my boss's parents wedding anniversary I notice.

It says here that English Science Fiction Writer Jules Verne also went to Fingal's Cave, and some think it's "harmonious and hypnotic acoustics" influenced "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Wow! That cave is called a "Cathedral of the Sea." I smell Mesquite.

The man on the tv show mentioned how that British band PINK FLOYD "referred" to Fingal's Cave in one of their songs. Over the next three days I'll find out more about Queen Victoria, Jules Verne and PINK FLOYD too. A small flock of Birds is flying eastward.

"GIANT'S CAUSEWAY

(NORTHERN IRELAND / "CAUSEWAY" COAST)

PHOTO BY JENNIFER KILGORE

Wow! A picture shows "Giant's Causeway," another "basalt rock formation" created during the same "Paleocene" period as Fingal's Cave to the north. The caption says there are forty thousand "interlocking hexagonal" columns there. "Hex" means "Six" in Greek.

Daisy says Mr. Philip told our boss about a legend where a Scottish giant challenged an Irish giant to fight. The Irish giant accepted, building that causeway to get up to Staffa Island. A small Garter Snake is using the left vertical gate slot to go out into the back desert.

I guess, when the Irish giant got there the Scottish giant's wife tricked him into thinking her husband was way bigger than he had thought. So he retreated back to Ireland, tearing up the causeway; what's left being those unusually shaped rocks. Causeway means bridge.

"OKINAWA" (1945)

Ugh! A picture from World War II shows three American Marines in 1945, on the island of "Okinawa;" killing Japanese Soldiers by burning them up. The caption says they're using a "Flamethrower." Aha! I knew I heard Max the Hummingbird coming and there he is.

In the photo, in the lower right; I notice the body of a burned Japanese Soldier. In the Korean War Mr. Steve's father had flamethrowers used against him. Boy! How in the world could anyone have even figured out how to invent such a thing as a Flamethrower?

One time I heard my boss and Mike talking about bombs created to burn things. At the end of World War II in 1945, before the U.S. dropped those Atomic bombs on "Hiroshima" and "Nagasaki;" we "Fire Bombed" Japanese cities like "Tokyo." Thousands of people died.

"MAGNIFYING" MIRRORS ARCHIMEDES' WEAPONS BOAT LIFT

On the tv show Daisy saw about using fire in war, they talked about that guy Archimedes and weapons he's said to have invented. One was using mirrors to "focus" the Sun's rays onto a wooden Ship and burn it. My right nostril just picked up Dawn, Blinky and Rosie's scents.

Archimedes, who I mentioned in the last chapter and will learn even more about over the next three days; also supposedly used a "Claw" device to hook onto an invading Ship. Then you can lift it up and tip it over. A drawing in this Encyclopedia shows how it was used.

Dais told me the tv show talked about how, in the early 16th century; Leonardo da Vinci designed weapons like a "Tank" or a "Helicopter." Mr. Steve copied a few of them in drawings. I just noticed Libby over there in her Corral walking around slowly near the north fence.

LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452-1519) NIKOLA TESLA (1856-1943)

When Daisy and I were putting together my three outlines we decided I'd mainly learn about that guy Nikola Tesla tomorrow in book two. But writing about fire makes me remember how he had the idea of using a powerful "Particle Beam" to destroy things. Dawn's barking.

The U.S. "considered" dropping Bats with "incendiary devices" strapped onto them against Japan in World War II. It was hoped those released Bats would fly down and roost in the wooden and paper Japanese houses. The device would "activate" and burn them.

On Saturday in book three I'm scheduled to write about advanced Nazi technology from the Second World War. One idea they "considered" was a mirror orbiting the Earth, to be used the way Archimedes did. Sunlight would then be "focused" onto something to destroy it.

HERMAN OBERTH (1894-1989) SATELLITE MIRROR WEAPON

This morning I talked about "Operation Paper Clip," and one of the Nazi Scientists brought here after World War II was Herman Oberth, the "Father of Rocketry." He thought it possible to put an "orbiting satellite mirror" in space. It could then burn anything on Earth.

My Encyclopedia says Herman Oberth "taught" Wernher von Braun about Rockets. It was then Wernher von Braun's Second World War experience that got the U.S. to the Moon in 1969. Samson and Delilah the Ravens are flying bye way up there in the high blue sky.

Daisy thinks it's "a good thing" the American government brought all those German Nazi Scientists to America in the late 1940's. They helped us win the "Cold War" against the Soviet Union. Not only that; the husband of the lady who built our house was a Nazi too.

CALIFORNIA "WILD FIRE"

I've mentioned a few times how we're in a drought here in California. I've never seen one of those "Wild Fires" Daisy told me about and I sure hope I never do. According to Mr. Mike's mom there have been some big fires up here where we live in the High Desert.

Mr. Steve and his family all survived the 1971 "Sylmar" earthquake, even though their house didn't. Sylmar, or the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley; has also had some big fires too. One was in 2008, a few months after the family's trip to Washington D.C.

Well, back to 1942. Unfortunately for all the Japanese-Americans here in California, especially after that Submarine shot those twenty rounds of artillery at the oil field on central California coast; the white people were mad. A Raven croaked faintly out in the desert.

"I-17" (TYPE-B-1) FEBRUARY 23, 1942

Oh! It says here it was on February 23 of 1942 when that Japanese Submarine shot at the oil field. I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's father was born on February the 23rd, and his mom's birthday was on the 24th. As she was known for saying, "Such a Blessing."

Goleta is near the city of "Santa Barbara," where my boss's family vacationed, and his sister Susan went to College. In 1978 my boss saw that GRATEFUL DEAD concert up there on the "U.C.S.B." campus. The four Pigeons are all flying right over Libby's Corral.

As Mr. Steve filled up the water basin below the big Mulberry tree one time, he and Mr. Cliff talked about "Subs;" what Mr. Cliff called Submarines I notice. He said the "I-17" World War II Japanese Submarines could carry one Airplane. Dawn's barking over there.

COMMANDER WM. OUTERBRIDGE (1906-1983) "FIRST SHOTS" (USS WARD)

("PEARL HARBOR" / DECEMBER 7, 1941 / 6:37 A.M.)

PAINTING BY TOM FREEMAN

Daisy has me scheduled to learn about the history of "Submersible" Ships. A few years ago Mr. Steve's parents, and his Niece Samantha; visited Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. They were told the actual "first shots fired" on December the 7th were by an American "Destroyer."

Early on the morning of December the 7th the "USS Ward," an hour before the main Japanese attack on that Naval Fleet in "Pearl Harbor; was guarding the harbor's entrance. The "Commander" was William Outerbridge. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.

My Encyclopedia says Commander Outerbridge spotted what turned out to be a small "Midget" Japanese Submarine trying to sneak into the harbor. He ordered a Gunner to sink it, which I guess he did. So, "Hostilities" really began right then; not a few hours later.

FANNIE AND FREDDY

I just noticed Fannie and Freddie over there sitting on a branch of the Mulberry tree. It's so amazing how Crows and Ravens can just soar so fast sometimes on an air current, not even having to move their wings at all. Oh! Fannie and Freddie are flying into the field.

That Japanese surprise attack on America in 1941, which got us into World War II; was "generally" a success. Admiral Yamamoto's plan worked and, in the weeks right afterward; Submarines sank or damaged eight American "Merchant Ships" in the Pacific Ocean.

Looking at Manny, Moe and Jack the Sheds right now is makings me remember that morning last Summer when Mr. Steve's parents and Mr. Ivan were visiting. As he watered the Mulberry trees Mr. Ivan told my boss about Commander Outerbridge. I smell Juniper.

U.S. GUN CREW WORLD WAR II "KAMIKAZE" ATTACK ("BOFOR" / 40-MM.) (1945)

Mr. Ivan think it's interesting how "to the day" three years later on December 7th of 1944, the USS Ward which fired the first U.S. shots of World War II; was hit by Japanese suicide "Kamikaze" Pilots. Miss Sandy's father was a "Gunner" in that war. He went deaf.

By 1944 Commander Outerbridge led the "USS O'Brien;" which he used to "scuttle" or sink his too badly damaged former Destroyer the USS Ward. After the war he commanded a warship called the "USS Los Angeles" I guess. Andy's sniffing the air over there.

Daisy says Mr. Ivan told Mr. Steve, when that Submarine shot at California in 1942; it was the first time a "foreign" country attacked U.S. territory since the "War of 1812." That was when the British burned the city of "Washington D.C." Andy's looking at me right now.

ANDREW JACKSON (1767-1845)

Tomorrow Daisy has me scheduled to learn about the War of 1812, and Andrew Jackson winning the "Battle of New Orleans." Andrew Jackson is on the front of the twenty dollar bill, which makes a lot of American Indians mad I guess. Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

I'm tempted to look up Andrew Jackson but, I'd better wait and do it according to my outlines. In 2008, when Mr. Steve's family visited "Washington D.C.;" he took a book about the city with him. It had a chapter about the "White House" being burned up in 1812.

Anyway, I'll be coming back to Andrew Jackson over the next three days because my boss thinks he's kind of important to 19th century history. Like almost all white people during his time, he thought black people and Indians were inferior. But he was "brave" Dais thinks.

"BATTLE OF LOS ANGELES"

(FEBRUARY 24-25, 1942)

Daisy thinks another way you can tell many people in California were really nervous after Pearl Harbor is what happened in February of 1942. Some people in Los Angeles thought Japanese Airplanes were attacking. A Sparrow just zoomed out into the back desert.

Mr. Ivan talked with my boss about how on February 24, 1942 1500 artillery shells were fired up into the L.A. sky. It turned out to be a "false alarm." I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's Grandma Córdova's birthday was February the 24th, his dad born on the 23rd.

I guess five people died in what's called the "Battle of Los Angeles," three killed in a Car crash; two through heart attacks. Daisy and I wonder if that "Artillery Barrage" might've been shooting at one of those U.F.O.'s she's told me about? Andy's over there sniffing the air.

"ZOOT SUIT" RIOTS (1943)

Even though I'm not really scheduled to write about the 1943 "Zoot Suit" riots now, I kind of feel like mentioning them now too. As I just mentioned, in the period right after Pearl Harbor; there was a lot of fear and hate. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye.

This Encyclopedia says in 1943 American "Servicemen" stationed in downtown L.A. "roamed the streets beating up minorities." They mainly beat up Mexican-Americans I guess. Wow! I just glanced up from down here on the Patio to see the beautiful high sky.

Mr. Steve thinks violence and hate "instinctively endemic;" which means "Something prevalent or common." He says many people want to think of "us and them." Many sports fans "seem to hate" their favorite team's "Rivals" even "more than they love their team."

HEINRICH HIMMLER HOMER LEA BENITO MUSSOLINI / ADOLPH HITLER (WITH ADLPH HITLER) (0000-0000) (WITH ADOLPH HITLER)

That little hunchback Homer Lea, who studied history; said warfare is "more common" in history than peace. Hey Lord! Even though You said love people, hate has been "Exploited" by leaders such as 20th century "Fascists since "Time Immemorial." I smell Juniper.

Daisy says Mr. Steve thinks revenge is a way leaders "take advantage" of the "Zeitgeist" of an era. That guy Hitler used hatred, and the "appeal of violence;" to get Germans to do what he wanted. Violence had been a big part of Germanic culture for many centuries.

I hear Crows fighting out there in the eastern desert behind the Sheds. One must have found something really good to eat, like maybe a dead Rabbit or something. Oh! Now there's a number of Crows squawking and yelling wildly at each other in competing for the food.

THE BEACH BOYS 1960'S THE BEATLES

I've mentioned how the German word "Zeitgeist" means the "Spirit of the Times, often applying to "Popular Culture;" but at other times it's the "Politics." The BEACH BOYS and BEATLES now symbolize the zeitgeist of the 1960's. Mr. Steve has drawn their logos.

Daisy says Mr. Ralph thinks the BEACH BOYS now "represent" early 1960's Southern California "Youth Culture" of Hot Rod Cars and Surfing. The BEATLES symbolize mid-1960's "Hippie" and "Psychedelia" experimentation. Those Crows have stopped fighting.

My boss believes the BEATLES "sensed the feelings" of many young people in the mid-1960's, as did that guy Bob Dylan; who wrote songs about how the U.S. was changing too. I'll learn more about the 1960's in my three long books. I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.

BEACH BOYS

Because I'm still afraid to go all the way down the hallway in the house I haven't heard as much music as Daisy, and just know that one BEACH BOYS song called "Sloop John B." I like it for the flute. Mr. Steve's mom once bought vertical striped "Surfer" shirts for her kids.

One time when Dais and Millie were in our boss's bedroom, they heard him tell that kid Jason as teenager he heard Sloop John B when "away from home;" which made him feel "very homesick." Dawn and Blinky are barking right now. I also smell Rosie next to them.

Daisy thinks one reason why the BEACH BOYS are such good "Harmony" Singers is because they're three brothers and a cousin. They're like the three brothers in the BEE GEES, who the blankets Mr. Chris got me are named after. I'll learn about "A Capella" singing.

MISS SANDY

Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his brother Rock in Texas talk about songs he "associates" with his first girlfriend Miss Sandy. The BEACH BOYS have a good song about a girl named "Rhonda," also the name of Sandy's best friend at Sylmar High. Heathcliff crowed.

Mr. Steve and Sandy used to do things with Rhonda and her boyfriend "Ronnie." He died a few years ago, and so did his wife "Celeste;" both being "basically decent" people with "good hearts" my boss remembers. He told his mom he "still thinks about them."

Sister Rita Joseph and the other Nuns who taught by boss at St. Ferdinand's are all dead but, as I've said before; in a "Philosophical" way still live in his mind. Sister Rita Joseph knew about the "Study of Thought" Dais heard. I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.

FRIEDRICH HEGEL (1770-1831)

PAINTING BY JACOB SCHLESINGER Because my boss and his father have studied "Philosophy," in my books I'll learn about that subject too. And one late 18th century German Philosopher I'll find more about is that guy named Friedrich Hegel, who Sister Rita Joseph read. Two Pigeons flew in from the desert.

My Encyclopedia says "Hegel's" ideas influenced later German thinkers such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Nietzsche. It says here his brother died fighting against Napoléon's France in one of the wars. The Pigeons landed on the Patio roof, above me down here on Elvira.

I mentioned earlier how that German phrase "Weltanschauung," which was "coined" in the mid-19th century I guess; means "World View." Mr. Steve once met this smart lady from "Stuttgart," where "Hegel" was from. Boy! I'm sure glad I have all of these Dictionaries.

SIGMUND FREUD (1856-1939) / CARL JUNG (1875-1961)

I just looked up these two "Psychiatrists" named Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, who I guess were friends; but later became "competitors." "Freud" was a German Jew, while "Jung" grew up in that country called "Switzerland." Boy! I love the sound of Pigeons cooing.

This Encyclopedia says Freud, twenty years older; considered Carl Jung to be his "heir apparent" or "successor." The caption below a picture of them uses the word "disciple," and "for a time" Sigmund Freud thought he was "Moses;" Jung "Joshua." I smell Sage.

Carl Jung said he "doubted everything," like another 18th century German Philosopher Immanuel Kant; who I'll learn about too. Jung's idea of society's "collective unconscious" in a way sounds like "Zeitgeist" or "Weltanschauung." Thank you God for making Pigeons. HEGEL'S "DIALECTIC" METHOD

It says here one thing that guy Friedrich Hegel is known for is his "Dialectic" method. The "Hegelian Dialectic" is defined as an "interpretive formula" in which the "contradiction" between a proposition or "thesis," and its "antithesis" is "resolved." Dawn's barking.

Boy! Philosophy is kind of hard to understand sometimes. It says here the contradiction between the thesis and antithesis is "resolved at a higher level of truth." And that "combining of opposites" or "resolution," is then called the "synthesis" which becomes a new thesis.

Hegel said, things in life being "dual in nature" as my boss thinks too; you cannot have a thesis without an antithesis. So good comes with bad, bad comes with good; and you "can't have one without the potential for the other." The Pigeons are now flying out into the desert.

IMMANUEL KANT (1724-1804) KARL MARX (1818-1883)

It says here Hegel, like Carl Jung later; was influenced by his "contemporary" Kant. In the mid-19th century; that guy Karl Marx used his Dialectic in his ideas about Socialism versus Capitalism. Kant, Hegel and Marx were German but different in personalities I guess.

Some people like Karl Marx use the Hegelian Dialectic in trying to predict the future, in his case writing about "Materialism," or "Socialism" and "Communism." Thesis and antithesis blending together, or "synthesizing;" which becomes the new thesis. I smell Creosote.

Marx predicted someday there might be a "bloody revolution" where the "exploited" working class, his "Proletariat;" would overthrow the "Bourgeoisie" higher classes. The poor were often "Worked to Death" in the 19th century Daisy heard. Andy's sniffing the air.

SUPER BOWL ( 2008)

(NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS. NEW YORK GIANTS)

PHOTO BY DAVID TYREE

I just thought of how my boss thinks many things in life are "two-sided," and like in Hegel's Dialectic; are "Proportionate." So the bigger the good, the equal "Potential" for bad; and vice versa too. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny the Crows are flying bye way up there.

The 2008 New England "Patriots" Football team went into the "Super Bowl" with an 18-0 record, but lost so; the entire season was considered a big failure. It wasn't. Mr. Steve's Nephew's Dalton and Austin in Connecticut are "Fans" of the New England Patriots,

One time Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve talking to a "Jeep" customer about a Car called the "Patriot." The Parts Manager said they first came out in 2006 and are made in the State of "Illinois." I can smell Andy over there guarding the entrance to their burrow.

2014 JEEP "PATRIOT"

Daisy heard the Jeep Parts Manager tell Mr. Steve the Patriot is a "compact crossover" Sports Utility Vehicle. He said there are three "models" and can come with either two or four "wheel drive." Andy sniffed the air and I can tell he smelled me over here sitting on Elvira.

I guess, since 2009 there's a version of the Patriot Car powered only by electricity. Mr. Steve "Faxed" black and white line drawings for the Parts Manager's kids to color. Like Mr. Rich who grew up in "New Jersey;" their favorite Baseball team is the New York "Mets."

Over the next three days I'll write about the 1977 trip my boss and his brother Rock took, where they visited their Uncle Marty's family in New Jersey. One time, as they were driving a rental Car around New York City; a good song came on the radio. I smell Mesquite.

HEART

In August of 1977, when my boss and his brother Rock were in "Manhattan;" the song they heard was by a band from the State of "Washington" called HEART. It was about a Fish called a "Barracuda" I guess. I've never even heard it but Daisy has and really likes it.

When Mr. Steve heard HEART'S song Barracuda he thought of this girl in a philosophy class at C.S.U.N. In 1976 she jokingly predicted, using Hegel's Dialectic; in 1977 there might just be a Hard Rock band with a strong female Singer. And that's what Barracuda is.

Dais told me HEART has two pretty sisters in it, one the lead Singer; the other a rhythm Guitarist. One time my boss and Mr. Dave talked about playing drums along to Barracuda. I can see my collection of things to chew on over there to my left at the far end of the Patio.

FOGHAT B.T.O. BAD COMPANY

Using Hegel's Dialectic in 1976, the girl in that philosophy class predicted HEART'S song Barracuda; as Hard Rock bands FOGHAT, BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE and BAD COMPANY had "Hit" songs. Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy saw B.T.O. play in a concert.

I guess, in the mid-1970's; there were also hit songs by girl Singers like Olivia Newton John and Linda Ronstadt. The CARPENTERS, who I wrote about earlier; also had popular songs then too. Someday, I really want to hear Karen Carpenter sing; and play drums.

One morning, as Mr. Steve watered the Mulberry tree up there in the front yard; he and Mr. Randy talked about the "Barracuda" Fish that HEART'S song may be about. I guess, a few years ago; Mr. Randy's friend caught a Barracuda in Florida. I smell some Mesquite.

"BARRACUDA" MR. RANDY

I'm scheduled to learn about things that live in water tomorrow but mentioning that song by HEART makes me want to write about Barracuda's now. I heard Mr. Randy describe them as "snake-like." Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying to the east.

Mr. Randy said some Barracuda's can grow to be "six feet long," as tall as he and Mr. Steve are tall. Boy! A picture in my Encyclopedia shows how they have sharp teeth sticking out of their mouth. It would probably really hurt to be bitten by a Barracuda I'll bet.

The caption below the photo says Barracuda's are "ray-finned predator" Fish living in "Tropical" or "Subtropical" Oceans. Mr. Steve's brother Rock, who likes to Fish; was told they at times swim "near the surface" or "in Coral Reefs or Sea Grass. I smell a Joshua tree.

1970 PLYMOUTH "BARRACUDA"

When he was young, my boss had a friend who's dad bought him a a 1970 "Plymouth" Car; called a "Barracuda." Mr. Randy called them "muscles cars," and mentioned they had a "426 Hemi" motor; which produced 425 "Horse Power." Two Crows are fighting.

Mr. Randy thinks the Barracuda Car was "unlucky" to have "come out" in 1964 when that guy Lee Iaccoca's Ford "Mustang" was "Introduced" as they say. And then, in 1967; it's brand new "Body Design" was what they call "Eclipsed" by Chevrolet's first "Camaro."

According to what Mr. Randy remembered, the 1970 version of the Barracuda had kind of a "similar" body design to the 1969 "Dodge Challenger." Mr. Steve agreed with him on that, and both were right because; that's what it says in this Encyclopedia too. I smell Sage.

WALTER P. CHRYSLER (1875-1940) "CHRYSLER" BUILDING (N.Y.C.) PHOTO BY GILBERT SMITH

In 1977 my boss and his brother drove past the "Chrysler Building," named after a man named Walter P. Chrysler. Since the 1920's his company has been building Cars, and Mr. Randy said his vehicles were the first to have "hydraulic brakes on four wheels." I smell Mesquite.

This one Encyclopedia says in 1928, a year before that "Stock Market Crash" started the 1930's "Great Depression;" Walter P. Chrysler created this "new line" called "Plymouth." Daisy says over the years Mr. Steve and his father have known guys named "Walter."

During the good economy of the "Roaring 1920's that man Mr. Walter, who it says here worked for "Buick" before Chrysler; was a hard worker who "made his company a success." At least that's what Mr. Steve's father said one time. Two of the Pigeons are now winging bye.

LANDING "PLYMOUTH" COLONY ROUTE

(1620)

I just thought of how Plymouth Cars are named after the first English Colony in "New England;" or the third in "America." A painting shows "Christian Pilgrims coming ashore" in what is now the State of "Massachusetts." Their Ship the "Mayflower" is behind them.

Over the next three days I'll learn about the first European colonies in the "New World" Christopher Columbus found in 1492. At first it was Spanish and Portuguese people who came over here, but then the English, French and Dutch sent some too. Heathcliff crowed.

The caption below the painting of the "Plymouth Landing" says those men, women and children were in a "radical puritan faction" of that Protestant "Church of England." They had "broken away" and were called "Separatists." I'll come back to them in my three books.

FLOCK OF BIRD MARCHING SOLDIERS

(MOVING TO THE NORTH / MID-AFTERNOON) (HITLER REVIEWING)

Right now glancing up I see a group of Birds moving together like one unit. I heard Mr. Mike one time say a flock of Birds can be as "impressive" to him as an army of World War II Nazi Soldiers doing that "Goose Step" type of marching. Libby whinnied over there.

I can tell Mr. Randy knows about Cars, Trucks and things like that. And, because they're both about the same age; he likes some of the same music as my boss. I remember how one time Daisy told me they both like songs by a 1970's Hard Rock band called FOREIGNER.

Mr. Steve told Mr. Randy how, in Mid-August of 1977; he and his brother Rock heard a FOREIGNER song called "Cold as Ice. They were driving around New York City on a really hot and humid day with a "Garbage Strike" going on. Cold as Ice is about that bad smell.

FOREIGNER MR. DAVE

Mr. Dave remembered how, that band FOREIGNER got their name from the fact that a few of the members were American; while others grew up in England. One guy was in that band SPOOKY TOOTH who I mentioned this morning. Dawn and Blinky are both barking.

I guess some of the members of FOREIGNER came from that other English band KING CRIMSON. That kid Jason liked KING CRIMSON'S song "20th Century Schizoid Man" when, really loud; Mr. Steve played an old vinyl record for him. I want to hear that song.

Daisy told me some FOREIGNER songs are those slow "Ballads," others Hard Rock. She one time heard Mr. Steve and Mr. Dave talking about playing FOREIGNER'S Hard Rock songs "Double Vision" and "Dirty White Boy." I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.

"TRIGGER"

(ROY ROGERS / DALE EVANS)

Mr. Dave was told, before being called FOREIGNER; they used the name TRIGGER just like Roy Roger's smart Horse. I've mentioned how Trigger's owners, Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans; lived here in San Bernardino County with all their kids. Dawn's barking.

I mentioned before how that Singer Willie Nelson named his old acoustic guitar Trigger too. As they talked about that 1977 New York City Garbage Strike, Mr. Randy helped my boss load our Truck Rex with things to be taken to the Dump. Now Blinky's barking.

According to Mr. Steve, it smelled really bad in some areas of New York City in August of 1977. As he and his brother walked from their rented Car to Yankee Stadium to see a game, big piles of trash were on the sides of many roads. Samson and Delilah are now flying bye.

NEW YORK CITY

I'm tempted to write more about New York City right now but, I'd better just wait and do it according to the outlines Dais and I prepared. I know on Saturday in my third book I'll do a lot more on New York City. The scent of Libby the Horse just floated in from my right.

As they loaded Rex the Truck I heard Mr. Randy say how one of his favorite girl Singers is Linda Ronstadt. I'm also scheduled to write more about her in my three books. I can now see good old Libby over there walking around really slowly near the fence of her Corral.

Daisy heard Linda Ronstadt is from the State of "Arizona," and Mr. Steve and also Mark Ritter who died thought she was pretty. Someday I want to hear her song "Blue Bayou" which my boss's sister Celina liked a lot. Rudy jogged bye but senses I won't chase him today.

LINDA RONSTADT

Even though I'll mainly write about Linda Ronstadt tomorrow in book two, I can also mention her now. According to what Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Steve tell his sister Susan one time, she grew up on a "Ranch" near the city of "Tucson." Dawn's barking to my right.

I mentioned earlier today how, when Linda Ronstadt first came out here to California; her Drummer and Guitarist were the guys who later started that band the EAGLES. I guess, for a few years; Mark Ritter lived near Tucson. I think little Blinky has such a nice scent.

Speedy Gonzalez just zipped through the wider right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go into the eastern desert. The dust he raised is floating up in the air but he's now what they call "Long Gone." From what Dais thinks, some of the best music was made in the 1970's.

CAPTAIN AND TENILLE SEALS AND CROFTS BAY CITY ROLLERS

PHOTO BY MICHAEL OCHS

In the mid-1970's three popular bands were the CAPTAIN AND TENILLE, SEALS AND CROFTS and the BAY CITY ROLLERS. Mr. Steve has a Sailor's hat like the one the Pianist in the CAPTAIN AND TENILE'S wears. The Captain and Tenille were married Dais heard.

Mr. Steve and his brother Sam one time talked about the BAY CITY ROLLERS, who are from the country of "Scotland;" and for a while lived in the "San Fernando Valley." Mr. Steve's brother Sam cleans pools for a living and cleaned their swimming pool. I smell Sage.

SEALS AND CROFTS were from "Texas," where Mr. Steve's brother Rock lives with his son's Rocky Jr. and Jacob. In the 1970's their wives and kids lived with them in that city of "San Fernando." I heard my boss tell Mr. Randy "he's not sure" if they still live there or not.

MAX THE HUMMINGBIRD

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LEVINE

Oh! What a coincidence. Just as I'm about to write about how Mr. Steve's customer over in Texas told him SEALS AND CROFTS' daughters have a band called HUMMINGBIRDS who do I see? It's Max and I heard him coming from near Libby's Corral over there to my right.

My boss told Mr. Randy the Parts Manager in Texas said SEALS AND CROFTS also had a song about Hummingbirds too. Mr. Steve knew because he has this 1972 SEALS AND CROFTS vinyl record with that song on it. I guess my boss was only seventeen back in 1972.

Daisy says that SEALS AND CROFTS album also has a song about Summer breezes. She thinks Hummingbirds must be symbolically important to this one religion called "Bahá'i," which SEALS AND CROFTS are members of. Heathcliff is crowing over there to my right.

"BAHÁ' I" TEMPLE

("HAIFA," ISRAEL)

I've mentioned a few times already how, back in 1985; my boss's parents organized a trip over there to Italy and then Israel. One place the Tour Group's bus drove bye in Israel was this Harbor town called "Haifa." From above up on the road they saw a Bahá'i Temple there.

That Tour Guide named Haim knew about the history of the Bahá'i "Faith," saying it was founded by a man from "Persia" in 1863. Some really big American Civil War battles, like the one at "Gettysburg;" were fought in that same year. Oh! I smell Spring Mesquite.

Mr. Steve says SEALS AND CROFTS used to get Chinese food from this restaurant in San Fernando. He and his girlfriends Sandy, Emily and Harriet also got "Take Out" food there. Mr. Steve read that Dath Seals was born on October the 17th like his brother Rock in Texas.

BAHÁ U' LLÁH (1817-1892) BAHA U LLAH'S "LIFE JOURNEY"

I just looked up Bahá u' lláh, who founded the Bahá'i religion; and my Encyclopedia says he and his followers were "persecuted" by the "Ottoman" Turkish Empire. This one map shows how he was "imprisoned" four times. Two of the Pigeons just landed on the Patio roof.

Back in 1985 that Tour Guide Haim told Mr. Steve's group how Bahá u' lláh spent the last twenty years of his life in a prison at the ancient city of "Acre," which Alexander the Great once conquered. Acre is pretty near Haifa I guess. Oh! The Pigeons are cooing up there.

My boss told Mr. Randy how, in 1971 he thinks; he could've seen a SEALS AND CROFTS and CARPENTERS concert at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. But he went on a date with this girl named "Annie" instead. They had "a good time" so he doesn't really regret it.

"SPIRITUAL" BELIEF SYSTEMS

This is interesting. According to what it says here in this Encyclopedia, people who follow the teachings of that guy Bahá u' lláh believe in the "worth" of all religions; and also the "unity" of all peoples. I see the moving Pigeons shadows out there on the dirt in front of the Patio.

I guess, in the Bahá i religion the worshipers "focus" on the unity of three things; "God," "Religion" and "Mankind." And, it says here they also believe in three "divisions" of "reality;" "God," "Creation by God of the physical world" and God's Will." Sage smells good.

People like SEALS AND CROFTS, who are in the Bahá' i religion; think religion should be; "orderly, unified and progressive." The symbol of Bahá' i is a "nine-sided star." Benjamin the black Cow Bird just used the right vertical gate slot to run out into the eastern desert.

"CRUCIFIXION"

Hey Lord! It's interesting how in this Encyclopedia it says one belief of Bahá' i is, an "all-knowing" God sometimes sends guys like You, the Buddha and Prophet Muhammad to "reveal" His will by founding some new religions. Two of the Pigeons are flying toward the east.

I just thought of those 1943 World War II Los Angeles "Zoot Suit" riots. Even though they're not on my outline here, it's like Rick Steve's said on his travel tv show about writing his "Script;" it's often a "Work in Progress." Dais told me how nothing is "Set in Stone."

1943, the year those Servicemen beat up minorities; was the second year of World War II. for the U.S. Mr. Ivan said white "civilians" also hated the "Zoot" suits worn by young men, so "gladly joined in." During "rationing," they thought it was "unpatriotic" to wear them.

MOVIE "MALCOLM X"

ARTWORK BY RUTH E. CARTER

Mr. Ralph saw a 1992 movie about Malcolm X, who I'll learn about over the next three days. On Saturday in book three I'm scheduled to also find out about Martin Luther King and O.J. Simpson too. In that movie the Actors wore really colorful Zoot suits Daisy heard.

I guess Mr. Ralph read about what my Encyclopedia calls 1943's "series" of "racially-related" riots. Soldiers and civilians "rampaged," stripping off "flamboyant" Zoot suits; then beat up those in them. Zoot suits were first worn by 1930's black Jazz Musicians.

Daisy heard Mr. Ralph say "Zoot" was a slang word used by 1920's Jazz Musicians, who also "coined" the term "Gig" which meant a "temporary" job. Mr. Steve jokes today, in a time of recession; that's just another way of saying a "poor-paying" job. Heathcliff crowed

MR. RALPH / SON RORY

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

Daisy told me you can really tell Mr. Steve and his father admire Mr. Ralph's knowledge of subjects like Mexican history or Boxing. Mr. Steve took pictures of him, and his son "Rory;" over at the San Fernando Mission. Rory seems like "an intelligent person" too he says.

From what Dais says, Mr. Ralph was born in "Mexico City;" but grew up here in Los Angeles. I've mentioned before how he went to "San Fernando High" and, like my boss; was a friend of Bobby Chacon the Boxer from Pacoima. I smell the new baby Cholla cactus.

Mr. Ralph, just like Mr. Gary the "Barber" in San Fernando; is kind of like a "Historian of Boxing" Mr. Steve's dad thinks. Over the next three days I'll write about both of them. For his barber shop, Mr. Gary bought Boxing pictures Mr. Steve took back in the late 1980's.

"PACHUCOS" MR. GARY

PHOTO BY HENRY ROMERO PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

Mr. Gary knows about the "Pachuco" movement. It was also this "style of dress, during that 1930's "Great Depression;" when Southern California Mexicans "defied" white culture. I guess, from what Daisy says; the "colorful" clothes, hats and shoes were "really fancy."

I remember that morning when Mr. Ivan said in early 1942 many white people "wanted to kill" Japanese-Americans like Dr.'s Oda and Sakaguchi's families. In 1942 the Washington D.C. Japanese "Embassy" was attacked by angry mobs. Speedy Gonzalez ran bye.

The "need for an enemy" seems to be part of "human nature" for some people in every culture Mr. Steve thinks. In 1942 he thinks many if not most white people, disliked "People of Color;" some "predisposed" toward violence. Hey Lord! I love God and people too.

"REMOVAL" OF JAPANESE-AMERICANS

(CALIFORNIA / FEBRUARY, 1942)

Some think Japanese-Americans, like Mr. Steve's family Doctors from San Fernando; were put in prison camps "for their own protection." My Encyclopedia says "Nisei" is the word for "Second Generation" people of Japanese "descent." I can smell Andy over there.

President Roosevelt signed the "Executive Order" creating the Internment Camps on the 19th of February. A few days later that Submarine shot at California and the false alarm in Los Angeles happened. February 19 is also Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Harriet's birthday.

Mr. Steve read President Roosevelt, like most Americans back in 1942; didn't like what he called "Orientals." Daisy told me how many Chinese, Japanese and Koreans would rather be referred to as "Asian." I can hear a Motorcycle going bye out there in the eastern desert.

"442ND INFANTRY REGIMENT" ROCK / MR. GEORGE

On Saturday I'll learn about the "442nd Infantry Regiment," Nisei Japanese American Soldiers who fought for the U.S. in World War II against the Germans. Many had relatives in Internment Camps. Mr. Steve's brother Rock's friend George is related to one of them.

Mr. George and my boss once talked about how, "for its size;" the "442nd" is the most "decorated" unit in U.S. military history. In 1943 they fought in Italy like Audie Murphy, the following year were in the bloodiest battles in France; where many died. I smell Sage.

I'm tempted to write about that Photographer Ansel Adams right now but I'll just wait. He took pictures at that Japanese-American Internment Camp "Manzanar" I mentioned in the last chapter. Daisy says Ansel Adams took good pictures of California and New Mexico.

"DODGER" STADIUM

(DOWNTOWN L.A. IN BACKGROUND)

From 1977 through 1989 Mr. Steve's father bought Dodger's Baseball "Season Seats." I guess, "Dodger Stadium" was built in "Chavez Ravine;" where many Mexican-Americans were "displaced." Back in 1943 there was a "Naval Reserve Armory" located in Chavez Ravine.

In 1943 those Soldiers who hunted Zoot suit wearers were stationed at that Armory. Mr. Ralph and my boss discussed how, in 1943; blacks, Mexicans and other racial minorities were also beaten up in Chicago, Detroit and New York City too. A Train whistled faintly.

Anyway, As I've said a few times already; I'll write a lot about World War II in books two and three. But I'm sure today in these last five chapters there will be things I'll mention about it too. Speedy Gonzalez ran bye and now the only thing left is the dust rising in the air.

BLINKY TWIN JOSHUA TREES FANNIE AND FREDDIE

Oh! Fannie and Freddie are flying bye just as I hear little Blinky barking over there next door. And the scent of the Twin Joshua trees just floated into both of my nostrils from out in the eastern desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack. Boy! I'm beginning to like Blinky's voice.

Hearing Blinky's voice is giving me one of those Déjà Vu feelings, as another time I smelled the Twins as Blinky barked and Fannie and Freddie flew bye too. Boy! Blinky is so brave and, even though he's small in size; I'll bet he'd be a really good father. I smell him now.

Sitting back here on you Elvira, below the wooden Patio roof; makes me realize just how amazing a "House" is. Mr. Steve read people's first "Shelter" was Caves, the first "Dwellings" might've been made of "Mammoth" bones and hides. A Mammoth is an extinct Elephant.

""PRE-HISTORIC" MAMMOTH BONE / HIDE HOUSE

Daisy says Mammoths were bigger and hairier than Elephants, who now live only in Africa and India. Mammoth's had thick fur like herself. She one time heard Mr. Steve talk with his brother Rock about going to Zoo's, like in L.A. and San Diego; to take some pictures.

Boy! I wonder what an Elephant would smell like? Daisy and Millie saw this tv show that showed two huge boy Elephants using their giant teeth, trying to stab each other; so they could then have the right to be with the girl Elephants. I guess the long teeth are "Tusks."

That tv show said "Wooly" Mammoths "resembled" the "Mastodons." Daisy says they're extinct too, and were smaller than Mammoths. Mastodons ate wood, while the Mammoths ate grass. Mastodon tusks are shorter and straighter than the "curved" tusks of a Mammoth.

MASTODON WOOLY MAMMOTH ELEPHANT

ART BY BARRY ROAL CARLSEN ART BY DORLING KINDERSLEY

My Encyclopedia says Mammoths and Mastodons lived from about the "Late Miocene" era through the "Pleistocene" period which ended about 8,000 B.C. A customer in the State of Georgia one time told Mr. Steve of a Heavy Metal band called MASTODON. I smell Sage.

The tv show said Mastodon "Molar" teeth chewed wood, while Mammoth teeth "evolved and adapted" for eating grass. Hey! That's like how, through "Natural Selection;" the beaks of the "Galapagos" Finches Charles Darwin studied were all so different. Sage smells good.

One time as they loaded Rex the Truck my boss and Mr. Mike talked about a place to the east of Piñon Hills called "Mammoth" mountain. Both have visited the town of "Mammoth Lakes," which Mr. Mike said is "hidden in the lower slopes." Daffy and Daisy are quacking.

"MAMMOTH" MOUNTAIN

PHOTO BY NOLAN NITSCHKE

My Encyclopedia says Mammoth mountain is a "lava dome," left behind when a volcano "erupted" about "fifty seven thousand" years ago. It last blew up "seven hundred" years ago. Mr. Mike was told that some people died from breathing gas there just a few years ago.

It says here Mammoth mountain is part of that "Sierra Nevada" chain, and just like the town of Wrightwood near us, people go there to "Ski." Daisy heard Mr. Steve's Nephew Sammy Jr. "Snowboards," his sister Susan and her sons enjoy snow skiing. I smell Sage.

Dais says Mr. Steve and his mom like images of "Nature," but are more impressed by some Painters ability to capture the "Likeness" of a person in a "Portrait." That's why they admire Mr. Hussein who has that Coffee Shop down in Sylmar. Boy! The air is so clear right now.

"BLUE BOY" "PINKIE"

PAINTING BY THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH PAINTING BY THOMAS LAWRENCE

Two of Mr. Steve's mom's favorite paintings are called "Blue Boy" and "Pinkie." They were painted by men from England and are "On Display" at the "Huntington" Library in L.A. We have a boy Bluebird who lives around here my boss named after that Blue Boy painting.

Back in the 1980's my boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen; worked at the Forum with a girl named "Pinky." She was also a Sales Person, and her husband was then the bass player for a band called LONE JUSTICE. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying toward the east.

One time I heard Mr. Steve tell Mr. Randy about LONE JUSTICE, who a girl described to him as being "Roots Rock" or "Cowpunk." My boss and Mr. Mark have talked about that girl Miss Pinky, who sometimes wore "unusual clothes styles." A Train whistled faintly.

LONE JUSTICE MR. MARK

Daisy overheard Mr. Mark remember how that girl Miss Pinky's husband was named "Greg" and, besides being in LONE JUSTICE; he later also played in one of Bob Dylan's bands too. Mr. Steve thinks LONE JUSTICE'S girl Singer is "talented." I can smell a Joshua tree.

I guess Miss Pinky's husband Greg wrote songs for Joe Cocker, Edgar Winter and Eric Burdon; the ANIMALS' lead Singer. He played bass in the ROLLING STONES' Mick Taylor's band, and worked with Dave Alvin. Andy's sniffing the air right now, keeping alert.

Back in the 1980's my boss took pictures of Dave Alvin who, with his brother; had been in a Rockabilly band called the BLASTERS. Miss Pinky's husband Mr. Greg is friends with Carlos Santana and the guys in Tom Petty's band the HEARTBREAKERS. Libby just neighed.

TOMMY TUTONE MR. DOUG

That guy Mr. Greg was in a San Francisco band called TOMMY TUTONE. Mr. Doug saw them play once, and liked their "clever and catchy" song about a girl named Jenny's phone number. Daisy thinks I would really like that "melodic" song and would want to dance.

I just thought about that girl Drag Racer Shirley Muldowney, who's associated with the color pink. I've mentioned how, in 2014; pink "Symbolizes" the fight against "Breast Cancer." Daisy heard pink is the female color, while my favorite color of royal blue is for males.

Mr. Steve, besides giving money to individuals like Mr. Mark and his little Yorky Dog Karma who are homeless over in Phelan; also gives money to charities. One is to find a cure for Breast Cancer because his Sister-In-Law Yolanda beat that Cancer. Heathcliff crowed.

LADY CÓRDOVA / MR. STEVE

PHOTO BY ARMANDO AGUIRRE

Boy! I really want to "Measure Up" to Mr. Steve's other Dog "Lady," who lived to be nineteen years old; and with Daisy is my role model. According to what Dais told me, Mr. Steve still has Lady's old pink collar hanging in the kitchen near his key rack. I smell Creosote.

Someday it would be so great to, like my boss and his mom have done; visit a Museum or place like that where you learn many new things. Whenever Mr. Steve or his mother hear about some Library "Book Sales" they try to go to them. Samson and Delilah just flew bye.

I wonder if I could learn to paint? I'll bet my boss's mom would even lend me the paint brushes and things like that. Then, maybe later if I got good enough; we could start the first Art School in history for us Dogs. Oh! And we could also teach Cats like Cher to paint too.

L.A.C.M.A. MR. STEVE'S MOM

Daisy told me how there are two of those "Museums" on this big road called "Wilshire" Boulevard in Los Angeles. A Boulevard is a main road with a lot of Cars she says. Mr. Steve told his mom living in a small town makes him "appreciate" more not having a lot of "Traffic."

One Museum on "Wilshire" is "L.A.C.M.A.," or "Los Angeles County Museum of Art." When working for the sports teams back in the 1980's my boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen spent a lot of time in that area. Ah! Little Blinky's barking over there next door to my right.

Mr. Steve has visited L.A.C.M.A. with his mom and girlfriends Sandy and Harriet, and as a kid his classes at times took Field Trips there. Boy! It would be so great to be part of a group of Dogs who went on Field Trips. You know, I'm beginning to really like Blinky's voice.

"LA BREA TAR PITS"

Near L.A.C.M.A. is the "La Brea Tar Pits" Museum where fifty thousand year old bones from "Mammoths" and "Saber Toothed Lions" are at. And they have skeletons from these big things called "Sloths" Daisy told me that time. I wonder what a Sloth would smell like?

Even though I'm not scheduled to write about her until books two and three, I think I'll mention this Nun named "Sister" Wendy now too. Like Mr. Steve's mom, she knows a lot about "Art History. My boss and his dad also admire her knowledge of "Military History."

I guess Sister Wendy's "British," and had a tv show about Art History Mr. Phillip saw in Wales. In 1999 Mr. Steve drove his mom to L.A.C.M.A where they met and shook hands with Sister Wendy. He didn't tell his mom he had lost almost all of his money a month earlier.

"SISTER" WENDY BECKETT MR. PHILLIP

PHOTO BY "REX"

Mr. Phillip and my boss's mom think Sister Wendy's smart, and is good at "condensing" information in a way the average person can understand. That guy Rick Steves, on his European travel show is also good at that too Dais told me. I smell the new little baby Cholla cactus.

"Witty and unpretentious" is how Mr. Phillip described Sister Wendy. Like his Grandma Trujillo, she loved doing these things called "Crossword Puzzles." Daisy heard Mr. Steve's mom is good at, and enjoys; putting together or "Assembling" large "cardboard" puzzles.

Also like Sister Wendy, Mr. Steve's mom really likes the paintings of Diego Velázquez and Edouard Manet. "Velazquez," lived way back in 17th century Spain; while "Manet" was a 19th century Frenchman. All four of the Pigeons just flew together out into the back desert.

DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ (1599-1660) EDOUARD MANET (1832-1883)

SELF-PORTRAIT SELF- PORTRAIT

Because my boss's mother knows about Art History Daisy has me scheduled to also learn about that subject in my books. Looking at what are called "Self-Portraits" of Velázquez and Manet I can see why Sister Wendy and Mr. Steve's mom like their work. I smell Sage.

One time, as they were sawing up some dead Joshua trees; I heard my boss tell Mr. Mike about how hard it is to do self-portraits. Doing "Portraits" of other people is "hard enough" he said, but portraying yourself; "must be even more difficult." Smelling Sage is so great!

I just thought of how Mr. Steve's parents often eat at Mr. Hussein's "Coffee & Cream" in Sylmar. I've mentioned how Mr. Hussein is from the country of Egypt. He did really accurate portraits of Michael Jackson the Singer, and that Basketball player Kobe Bryant too.

(EXTERIOR) MR. HUSSEIN (INTERIOR / KOBE BRYANT PORTRAIT)

"COFFEE AND CREAM"

I guess Mr. Doug still goes to Coffee & Cream, even though his wife Susan died. My boss told him his mom thinks Mr. Hussein is a "talented" Portrait Painter, and she doesn't even know what Michael Jackson or Kobe Bryant look like. Andy's over there sniffing the air

Because of the bad economy and Mr. Hussein is not lazy, he works fourteen hours a day; six days a week Daisy heard. Mr. Steve's mom told him Sister Wendy might like the way he uses "light and dark" in his paintings. Oh! I wonder if maybe I could learn to paint?

Sister Wendy had "Epilepsy" Mr. Steve read. In 9th Grade at "Alemany" High School he and his brother Rock knew this kid named "Martin," who was also "Epileptic." One time he had a "Seizure" playing Basketball and, to this day; I guess my boss still thinks aboutf it.

SAINT VITUS ( 290-303 A.D.)

Hey Lord! I just looked up "St. Vitus," an ancient Roman thirteen year old boy who was "put to death" for converting to Christianity. Some think Julius Caesar was epileptic and, Mr. Mark read PRINCE has epilepsy. Epileptic "Seizures" are called "St. Vitus Dance."

It says here Lord, St. Vitus is one of those "Martyrs;" who was "tortured and killed" by the Emperor Diocletian for wanting to believe in You. Oh! He's now the "Patron Saint" for the Protestant "Methodists," like that man Huell Howser for example. I can smell Sage.

Aha! No wonder an epileptic seizure is called St. Vitus Dance. It says here St. Vitus is "venerated" by us Christians as the "Patron Saint of Dancing" so, maybe I should also pray to him; seeing as how I love to dance so much. A Sparrow carrying a twig just ran bye.

RICK STEVES

I just thought of that guy Rick Steves who, like Huell Howser here in California; has a tv show about traveling. He goes to different European countries, and one time visited a big huge Cathedral dedicated to St. Vitus in the "Czech Republic" Daisy says. Dawn's barking.

A customer told Miss Susan at work, who enjoys watching his travel show; Rick Steves was born up there in that town of "Barstow." But now, he and his wife and kids live in up there in the State of "Washington." I smell the Arborvitae bushes near the Patio's edge.

Oh! I wonder if Lizards can have epilepsy? I remember that one time when Dais and I, on the north side of the house; watched that one big Lizard "Spasming" and shaking around before it finally died. Samson and Delilah found the body and shared a good meal on that day.

BLACK SABBATH MR. DAVE

I'm still thinking about how people like Sister Wendy, Julius Caesar and PRINCE; were born with epilepsy. Daisy says our boss tries to play drums along to a good BLACK SABBATH song called "St. Vitus Dance." Mr. Dave also likes that song too and has played it before.

Dais and Millie both liked the BLACK SABBATH song St. Vitus Dance. But I guess they liked even better another song on that BLACK SABBATH album called "Under The Sun." Two of the Pigeons just flew bye right, and are now winging together toward the northeast.

One time Daisy heard Mr. Steve talking on the phone with Mr. Ralph about Sister Wendy. Mr. Ralph read she was a "Cloistered" Nun, which Dais thinks might mean she lived in one of those "Convents," totally "cut off" from the outside world. I can smell Alpha Company.

THOMAS MERTON (1915-1968)

Talking about Sister Wendy makes me think about this Writer named Thomas Merton, who Mr. Steve and his dad have read. He was a Catholic "Monk" who, like Sister Wendy; lived in a cloistered Monastery. As a "Hermit," he was often not even allowed to talk I guess.

Mr. Ralph read for many years Sister Wendy lived in a trailer without heat. The money she made from tv and books was all given away. Hey Lord! Sister Wendy and Thomas Merton spent a lot of time praying in "Solitude," while "Renouncing" the "Worldly Pleasures."

Daisy says our boss sometimes reads while sitting in the bathtub. And, because he heard Thomas Merton was electrocuted to death when this lamp fell into his bathtub; he only reads on really sunny days. As I mentioned this morning, someday I want to see our bathrooms.

DALAI LAMA

My Encyclopedia says Thomas Merton had friends from other religions, like the "Dalai Lama who's Buddhist for example. Even though he was Catholic just like us, Thomas Merton wrote about that Buddhist concept of "Zen." Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.

Daisy told me how Mr. Steve once met this nice older Chinese lady at C.S.U.N.'s "Oviat" Library. I guess, she explained to Mr. Steve how Zen is one Buddhist idea that "originated" in China; then spread to other areas like Japan. Alpha Company is behind the Sheds.

The Chinese lady said Zen is actually a Japanese "mispronunciation" of the Chinese word "Chán." She told my boss for Zen Buddhists three things are important; "self-control, "insight into the nature of things" and "meditation." Mr. Steve says he "thinks" in the bathtub.

REINHOLD NIEBUHR (1892-1971)

Hey God! As You know, that Chinese lady said Zen Buddhists believe in "accepting the things they can't control" like that guy Reinhold Niebuhr said to do in his "Serenity" prayer, which I used to start this first book. "Pastor" Niebuhr was from the city of "Detroit."

I feel like saying that Serenity prayer right now as a matter of fact. "God grant me the serenity to accept all the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." Mr. Steve's mom really does believe in that idea.

My Encyclopedia says Pastor Niebuhr's parents came to America from Germany in the late 19th century, where their son became a Christian "Theologian." Mr. Steve's mom has a copy of his Serenity prayer stuck on the front of her kitchen refrigerator. Heathcliff crowed.

CALIFORNIA "HIGH" DESERT

Hey God! Looking at the eastern desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack the Sheds makes me feel so good right now. It says here Pastor Niebuhr's ideas are called "Christian Realism." I smell some of the Joshua trees, behind and above Andy over there guarding the burrow.

I guess Lord, from what it says here; Christian Realism is "built" mainly on three what are called "biblical presumptions." The first is people are "inherently sinful," and any idea of "human perfectibility" is an "illusion." My boss and his dad also believe that too.

Christian Realists believe in the "freedom of humanity" so, I guess that probably means they believe in "Free Will" the way Mr. Steve does. Max the Hummingbird just whizzed bye in front of the Sheds, moving from my right to my left. I knew I had heard him coming.

"CREATION"

Well Lord, I guess Reinhold Niebuhr really believed in the "Great Commandment" You
said to do, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul; and with all thy mind." Boy! I think I want to believe in that idea. And so does Daisy I know.

From what Dais says, Mr. Steve and his father have read other things Reinhold Niebuhr wrote about besides religion. Reinhold Niebuhr knew about politics and what my Encyclopedia calls "public policy." The clouds up in the high mid-afternoon sky are so pretty.

I guess, some of Mr. Reinhold's ideas still influence people even today in 2014; such as that ex-President Jimmy Carter and the current President Barack Obama. My boss's dad said that "Civil Rights" leader Martin Luther King Jr. admired the Serenity prayer. I smell Sage.

DIETRICH BONHOEFFER (1906-1945)

Just like that Writer George Orwell was a Student of Aldous Huxley, this other German man named Dietrich Bonhoeffer took classes from Reinhold Niebuhr. Daisy says Mr. Steve and his dad read a book about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus.

Oh! I notice in my Encyclopedia that Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged by the Nazi's on April the 9th. And, in looking at my list of important dates; I see that's Miss Emily's birthday. Over the next three days I'll learn more about Mr. Reinhold and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Daisy heard Mr. Steve and a customer in the State of "Montana" talk about a Basketball player named Phil Jackson, who later became a Coach. Someone gave him the nickname "Zen Master" I guess. Two of the Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral over there to my right.

COACH PHIL JACKSON

The Parts Manager in Montana and Mr. Steve talked about how Phil Jackson is now the "Lakers" current "Head Coach." But, before that; he had led the Chicago "Bulls" with that guy Michael Jordan to six championships. My boss did a line drawing of the Bulls logo.

As I've said, Mr. Steve hasn't followed "Popular Culture" entertainment for a while. So, since Phil Jackson has been the Lakers Coach, he's only seen one game in person at the "Staples Center, which replaced the Forum as their home court. A small Lizard just ran bye.

I guess the only game my boss saw was in 2004, when he and some kids sat "way up high" in what he jokingly calls the "nose bleed" section at Staples Center. That game was a "Playoff" game against a team called the Detroit "Pistons," but the Lakers lost. I smell Juniper.

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

During the mid-1980's when my boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen sold things for all of the sports teams who played at the Forum in Inglewood; Mr. Steve also took pictures of the events there too. Dawn's barking. I can smell little Blinky and Rosie standing right next to her.

Mr. Steve's customer said Phil Jackson was raised as a "strict" Protestant "Pentecostal" Christian, who aren't even allowed to dance. Boy God! That would be so hard for me not to do. He burned Sage in the "Locker Rooms" of teams he coached the Parts Manager said.

In my books I'll learn about these guys named Michel de Nostredame and Edgar Cayce. And, I'll also look up this place in ancient Greece called "Delphi;" where girls called "Oracles" predicted the future. I'm tempted to write about "Nostradamus" now but I'd better wait.

PHIL JACKSON (NEW YORK "KNICKERBOCKERS" / 1974)

PHOTO BY DICK RAPHAEL

My boss told Mr. Mark Phil Jackson "seems intelligent." As a player, knowing he wasn't as good on "Offence" as others; he "adapted" to become good at "Defense." Daisy heard Phil Jackson, just like Grandma Trujillo and Sister Wendy; did those "Crossword" puzzles.

In ancient Greece at Delphi, before you went in to see the Oracle so she could predict your future; you first had to read up on the wall two things "To think About." One was, "Nothing in Excess;" the other "Know Thyself." Mr. Steve thinks Phil Jackson likely follows those.

Dais heard Mr. Steve tell his Niece Samantha on the phone how "Knicks" is just short for "Knickerbockers." That's what all the "descendants" of "New York City's" original "Dutch" colonists of were called in this book by Washington Irving. A Train whistled to my left.

TOM BRADY (NEW ENGLAND "PATRIOTS")

PHOTO BY MATT SLOCUM

Mr. Steve hasn't followed sports for a while but told his brother Sam how Phil Jackson is "likely" the best "Professional" Basketball Coach ever. Winning eleven championships is "not easy to do." His teams use a "Triangle" Offence which "Creates Space" Daisy heard.

I just thought of that Football "Quarterback" named Tom Brady. He's from Northern California but played for the New England "Patriots. Mr. Steve has only seen him play on the game "Highlights" but, like Phil Jackson; thinks he "must be" the "best of all time."

Dais heard Mr. Steve and Miss Babette talk about how Tom Brady is a Catholic like us. I guess he's won a lot of those "Super Bowls." One of Mr. Steve's customers up there in Northern California told him that Tom Brady's older sister was also a "pretty good" Athlete too.

TOM BRADY FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA STATUE

(MICHIGAN STATE "WOLVERINES") (SAN FERNANDO MISSION PARK)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

Tom Brady's Catholic High School is named for that guy Father Serra. He then went to College in the State of "Michigan," but was a "Low Draft Pick" of the New England "Patriots." He was not what's called "Highly-Rated" and didn't do well in the "Tests" to be a "Pro."

Back in Connecticut the Patriots are Mr. Steve's Nephew's Dalton and Austin's favorite team. Mr. Steve was told Tom Brady, not as talented as others; is good at "Doing more with Less." His mom, with food; is good at doing more with less too "when necessary."

My boss told Mr. Rick, even though he hasn't watched them that closely; he "senses envy towards Phil Jackson and Tom Brady." His father said one time, "Anyone so successful" will "generate jealousy." A Train just whistled faintly way out there in the northern desert.

"ROMAN" CATHOLIC NUNS

I just thought about how Sister Rita Joseph said "Subjective" is when "each person" is "entitled to an opinion." But, an "Objective" truth is "defined;" so there is "no room" for ones "biases" or "prejudices." 3 + 3 = 6, so "no one can have any other opinion than that fact"

Hey Lord! As You know already of course, my boss Mr. Steve was told Tom Brady's dad really believes in You; like Daisy and I do too. We all want to think You were special and told us a way to at least try to live a better life. I hope to meet all You Guys up there someday.

My boss thinks, though being considered "The Best" at something is subjective; Tom Brady "must" be the best, or at least one of the best Quarterback in history. No Quarterback has ever in history won so many Super Bowls. Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral.

"JUNIPERO SERRA" HIGH SCHOOL FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA STATUE (SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA) (SAN FERNANDO MISSION PARK)

PAINTING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

"Objectively" my boss says, Tom Brady has led his team to more Super Bowl wins than any Quarterback in history. His Catholic High School is in the city of "San Mateo," near that San Francisco Bay area. I see my collection of things to chew on over there to my left.

My Spanish Dictionary says San Mateo means "Saint Mathew." I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's brother Sam, who lives in "Littlerock" with his wife Yolanda; has a son named Mathew. Their other kids, younger than "Matt;" are Sammy Jr. and Raqquel.

Tom Brady is not a fast runner, doesn't have the strongest arm; but is smart. Mr. Steve was told what makes him good is how, each season; he "adapts to the type of offensive players the Patriots have in that particular year." I can't wait to chew on that green rubber ball.

CLAIRE ROTHMAN

Writing about the Laker's Phil Jackson makes me think of that lady Claire Rothman, who was the Forum's Manager in the 1980's; when my boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen worked there. Dawn and Blinky are barking at something. I wonder if Blinky likes how I smell?

This morning I wrote how my boss admired Claire Rothman because, in some ways; she reminded him of his Grandma Córdova. I guess, both were "Firm but Fair" in how they dealt with things. Mr. Steve called her "Miss Rothman" according to what Daisy heard.

Dais says over the years, especially as a kid growing up down there on Hagar Street in Sylmar; Mr. Steve was at times "Teased" for being what they call a "Momma's Boy." One time he even got in a fistfight over it. But, the reason he got mad was; it's true Dais thinks.

MR. STEVE'S MOM

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

Mr. Steve's mom, in doing things like leading a Girl Scout Troop; was influenced by her own mom and Mother-in Law. "Without saying a word" he says, when they looked at you in a "certain way;" they said you were doing something wrong. Someday I want to be a mom!

I wonder if there's such a thing as a "Momma's Girl?" One time Daisy heard Mr. Ralph use the term "Daddy's Girl," which is kind of how my boss thinks of his sister Susan; and also his Niece Cristina in relation to Mr. Rich. Raqquel is his brother Sam's Daddy's Girl.

Oh! Both nostrils just picked up the scent of that Rosemary plant out there behind the Sheds. Hey Blessed Mother! Since I don't remember my real mom, in a way I kind of think of You as my mom and wouldn't be embarrassed to be called names. In fact, I'd like it!

DALAI LAMA / POPE JOHN PAUL II (1984)

I just thought of that guy the Dalai Lama. A picture shows him with Pope John Paul II, which I notice was taken in 1984; the year before Mr. Steve took pictures of the Pope in Rome. Libby's walking around slowly over there and, so far this year; there are no Flies yet.

Hey Lord! As You know, my boss and his dad think the Dalai Lama seems like a decent person. But You and his good idea that "everyone get along" seems "unrealistic" because many people will always "like to hate" and use violence. Daisy and I both hate all Flies.

The Dalai Lama, in some of the things he says; sounds like You Lord. I wrote how Sister Rita Joseph explained the difference between "Sympathy" and "Empathy." Mr. Steve thinks many people are often neither one. I guess Aldous Huxley believed violence was "Innate."

PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF

Two of the Pigeons landed up on the Patio roof above me. I think it's Fred and Ethel but, it could be Lucy and Ricky as it's hard to tell them apart; especially from a distance. To my left I can hear the faint whistle of that Freight Train going bye out there in the northeast desert.

Over the next three days I'll learn about "Railroad Trains," which are so amazing to me. The ones up here in the High Desert go bye close to that California Aqueduct about two miles to our north. The Pigeons are cooing up on the Patio roof, which makes me feel good.

Boy! I just thought of how, for almost five decades; Mr. Steve's Grandpa Trujillo never missed a day working for the "Santa Fe" Railroad company loading and unloading freight. My English Dictionary says how freight means, "Transported goods." I love Pigeon voices!

"PASSENGER" TRAIN (1950'S) "FREIGHT" TRAIN

For years, because of Grandpa Trujillo's job at the Santa Fe Railroad; Mr. Steve's family took Train trips to Belen where many of their relatives still live. I guess, nowadays because of "Passenger Planes; way fewer people even use Trains to travel. Andy's sniffing the air.

One time my boss and his brother Sam talked about how Trains go past Piñon Hills and then Littlerock right near Mr. Steve's brother Sam's house. For some reason seeing the Pigeons shadows moving out there in the dirt makes me feel kind of good. I really like Andy.

What the heck! Even though it's on my book three outline, thinking of the Dalai Lama makes me want to write about the highest railway in the world. It's in "Tibet" where the Dalai Lama is from. Daisy and Millie saw a good tv show about the "Qinghai-Tibet" railroad.

"QINGHAI-TIBET" RAILROAD

I've mentioned how, since 1949 when that guy Mao Zedong came to power after World War II; China has been "Communist." The tv show Daisy saw said in 2006 the current Chinese government finished the "Qinghai to Tibet" railway line. I do love Pigeon's soft voices.

Dais told me that railroad was built on the "Tibetan Plateau," at 16,000 feet "above sea level." Piñon Hills is 4,100 feet above sea level, Wrightwood about 6,000. According to what the tv show said, that Tibetan rail line was built on what's called the "Roof of the World."

To build that rail line so high up in the air; the Chinese had to "overcome" some really huge "engineering obstacles." One was how to keep the "unstable permafrost ground" all the tracks were attached to in a "solid state." The Pigeons are flying out into the back field.

DIVER SWIMMING TO THE SURFACE

I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives in Connecticut with her sons Dalton and Austin. She used to "Dive" in deep water, so knows all about this really bad thing called; "The Bends." That's what happens if the Diver goes up to the surface of the water too fast.

Daisy told me, on that tv show about the rail line in Tibet; it said there is less "Oxygen" at "High Altitude." So, it's way harder to breathe; and you could even die from trying to work so high up there in the air for too long. I can smell Alpha Company behind the Sheds.

Special "Decompression" rooms are for your body to "adjust" after going way up in the air or deep down in water. If you don't stay in that room long enough, you might die Daisy told me. I guess Elvira, you could kind of say that you're my decompression area to feel better. RADIOHEAD MR. PHILLIP

PHOTO BY PAT POPE

Daisy told me Mr. Phillip likes a 1990's English band called RADIOHEAD, who have an album called "The Bends." They did a song called "Creep," which has unusual sounding guitar in it. The were influenced by TALKING HEADS, and themselves influenced COLDPLAY.

On Saturday I'll write about the "27 Club," or Musicians like Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix who died at age twenty seven from drugs and things like that. Mr. Phillip says RADIOHEAD'S Singer "could have" ended up in that club but "survived." I smell Sage.

I guess the "Bends," or "Decompression Sickness;" happens when "Nitrogen" gas in the body dissolves because of the pressure from being up high or down deep in water. So, you have to get the gas bubbles out of the body before going back to sea level. Sage smells so good.

"TRANS ALASKA" PIPELINE

PHOTO BY DANIEL ACKER

I mentioned earlier how, back in the mid-1990's; Mr. Steve worked for his friend Rick's "Mechanical Contracting" company. So they did some jobs where they worked on big pipes. I just looked up what's called the "Trans-Alaska" pipeline, which was built in the 1970's.

According to what the tv show said, when the Chinese built that rail line in Tibet they had studied the building of the Trans-Alaska pipeline. They needed to know how to keep the ground frozen and stay hard. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying toward the north.

My boss graduated from Sylmar High in 1973, and right after that guys he knew went up to Alaska to work on that pipeline. That was after this "Oil Shortage," where people sat in long lines just to get gas. Mr. Steve and his brother Rock even slept in their Cars I guess.

"POTALA" PALACE

("LHASA," TIBET)

PHOTO BY RON GATEPAIN

The Chinese said they built that rail line to, "boost Tibet's economy" and to "raise the Tibetans standard of living." But the Tibetans thought the real reason was to "control the area" and "erode their cultural identity." In 2014 the Dalai Lama is living in what's called "Exile."

Hey God! Thank You so much for the Sun's warmth it's making me feel so good. Now, knowing from personal knowledge what Winter is and how cold it can get; I've got to get up the courage to stay in the house by next Winter. Rudy's walking bye with Andy watching.

Burr! It was really cold on some of those Winter nights when I slept out here buried into your cushions Elvira. And, also thank you too Barry, Robin and Maurice; for being such good and loyal blankets. Boy! I'm so glad my boss bought you guys for me from Mr. Chris.

"TUNDRA"

("DISKO" FJORD / GREENLAND)

PHOTO BY DENNIS MINTY

Even though I'm not scheduled to write about this type of land called "Tundra" now, in mentioning a cold area like Tibet I'm suddenly thinking of it. Ah! Out of the corner of my eye I just noticed a Lizard on the Patio floor near Miss Emily's coffee table. It's not moving.

This Encyclopedia says the name Tundra comes from a Russian word meaning "upland treeless mountain." It's an "elevated region" of "low temperatures" and very "short growing seasons." That little Lizard went running underneath the coffee table right now.

I guess there are three "areas" with Tundra's. The northern "Arctic" is at the top of the Earth, the southern "Antarctic" at the very bottom; and "high mountains" in the middle. The "Andes," "Pyranees," "Alps" and "Himalaya's" are all what's called "Alpine Tundra."

2014 TOYOTA "TUNDRA"

Daisy says one time this man driving a "Toyota Tundra" came over to our house. She thinks I would've really liked his big Truck because it was royal blue and shiny too. Mr. Steve, Miss Babette, Susan and Karin sell things to Toyota dealerships all over the United States.

Judging by how much the shadows are now leaning away from me over here, I'd say it's almost two thirty. After this chapter, the end of Part Two; I'll go visit with Dais up there in the front yard. Boy! I'm getting pretty good at reading, writing and looking things up.

On a warm day like today Daisy's Arthritis isn't as bad. When it's cold her hips and feet really hurt, so Mr. Steve takes her into the house at night but; I'm still too afraid to go down the hallway. Thank You so much God for supplying me with Elvira back here on the Patio.

"BEAVERTAIL" CACTUS "MAKING THE ROUNDS"

Oh! I smell "Beavertail" cactus out there in the back desert. Our neighbors also planted Beavertail cactus along the northern fence dividing their two acres from our property over here. Daisy really loves when Beavertails "Fuscia-Colored" flowers all come out, or "Bloom."

Because she's losing her eyesight, Dais relies more on other senses I notice. Because it's so warm on this very first day of Spring, she's already looking forward to smelling the wildflowers. That's what she said on my first big break, which makes me happy when she's happy.

I notice how Miss Susan, who ran the "News Plus" Newspaper before Mr. Don; called Beavertails "Prickly Pear" cactus. That's because of those red things that look like fruit which grow out on them. Because of my short hair I always try to avoid any type of cactus's.

"NORTH AMERICAN BEAVER"

ARTWORK BY KARL-HEINZ FROMMOLT PHOTO BY ERIC DANIELS

Daisy told me all about "Beavers," which makes us both want to smell one. She thinks they would have a unique scent, because they spend most of their time in water; even building their houses partly under water. I've noticed how Miss Susan called their flat tails "Pads."

Through Charles Darwin's idea of "Natural Selection," Beavers have "adapted" to their environment by "evolving" flat tails for swimming, sharp teeth for cutting wood and an ability to hold their breath. Boy! Sometimes I wonder if I could hold my breath under water?

Mr. Dave said you can eat Beaver, but after killing it for your food you should "pray in thanks" to the Universe; and "venerate" the Beaver's spirit for allowing you to survive through the loss of its life. Beavers have orange teeth that look like Gopher teeth Dais told me.

JEDEDIAH SMITH (1799-1831)

I just thought of Jedediah Smith, who my Encyclopedia says "explored the west" about twenty years after Lewis and Clark's 1803 expedition. He was also a "Fur Trapper" for Beaver, because in the early 19th century hats were made of Beaver fur. A little Lizard zipped bye.

Hey Lord! Mr. Steve read that Jedediah Smith, unlike most of the other Fur Trappers; was "Literate" and didn't smoke, drink or use bad words. During his explorations he carried a "Bible" and a copy of "Lewis and Clark's Journals." Boy! I want to be literate too.

My boss and his parents as Mission Tour Guides read, during the 1820's Jedediah Smith was the first American to come out to California. He crossed the "Rocky" and "Sierra Nevada" mountains and saw what are now the States of Utah and Nevada. Libby just whinnied.

NORTH AMERICAN "GRIZZLY" BEAR MISS JULIANNE / MR. DAVE

Oh wow! My Encyclopedia says Jedediah Smith, who was six feet tall like Mr. Steve; got "mauled" by a Grizzly Bear. Mr. Dave read how his ear was clawed all the way over to the other side of his head so another Fur Trapper pulled it back and sewed it on. I'm afraid of Bears.

I guess "from then on" Jedediah Smith, who also had ribs broken by the Bear; wore long hair to "disguise massive injuries." People said that ear was "too high on his head," and it was backward too. Boy! I wonder if Jedediah Smith could even hear anything with that ear?

Mr. Steve was told that, in 1827; the original route Jedediah Smith and his men used to come into California is now what would be the #15 Highway. It's about fifteen miles to the east of where we live over here in Piñon Hills. Two of the Pigeons just flew into the desert.

"SAN GABRIEL" ALTA CALAIFORNIA MISSION

In 1827 after entering, California Jedediah Smith and his men went down to "Mission San Gabriel;" which Father Serra established. I've written about how, in the 18th century; he set up the first nine Missions up here in "Alta" California. I still smell Beavertail cactus.

The maps and "Journals" Jedediah Smith made in the 1840's influenced that other guy John Charles Frémont. It says here what Mr. Dave also read too, how in 1831 Jedediah Smith was killed by "Comanche" Indians on his way to New Mexico. Dawn's barking.

My Encyclopedia says another early 19th century Explorer of the "American West" was Hugh Glass, from the State of "Pennsylvania." Oh! Like Jedediah Smith, he was also mauled by a Grizzly Bear too. I smell Blinky and Rosie standing next to Dawn near the fence.

HUGH GLASS (1783-1833)

It says here the Grizzly Bear injured Hugh Glass so badly two other Fur Trappers took all his things and "left him for dead." But he wasn't dead and, when he woke up alone; was very angry at them. Not only did his body have huge "gashes," his leg was also broken too.

Wow! Hugh Glass, over a six week period; had to crawl over two hundred miles back to an American Fort. He survived by knowing which "roots" and "berries" were safe to eat. Ugh! I guess Hugh Glass "allowed maggots" to eat out all of the "infection" from his cuts.

Mr. Steve thinks revenge is a "powerful motivator," and Hugh Glass wanted to kill those guys who left him but I guess; "In the End" decided to forgive them. In 1833, two years after Jedediah Smith died; Hugh Glass was killed by "Arikara" Indians. I smell some Juniper.

CHARLES LUMMIS (1859-1928)

AUTRY MUSEUM OF THE WEST

I just thought of this man named Charles Lummis. My boss and his mom one time went to see the house he lived in, which has now been made into a good Museum. According to this Encyclopedia, he was a "journalist" who wrote for the "Los Angeles Times" Newspaper.

At a time when most white people thought Native-American Indians "inferior," that guy Charles Lummis didn't. Daisy told me, Mr. Steve reads the L.A. Times; and has known people who have worked there. Mr. Dave has also visited that Charles Lummis Museum.

Wow! In 1884 Charles Lummis walked all the way "across" the United States, over three thousand miles; so he could come out here to get that job as a Writer. I guess, Los Angeles had only about twelve thousand people living here then. I smell Cher the Cat around here.

(1909) "LLANO DEL RIO" (RUINS)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

I guess, the "Lummis House" Museum's walls are boulders; just like the buildings of that early 20th century "Socialist" community "Llano del Rio." Now only those ruins on the side of the 138 Highway are all that's left. The Monarch Butterfly is fluttering bye right now.

Daisy says Mr. Steve's Grandma Trujillo died at that "Retirement Center" near the top of Maclay Street in Sylmar. But before that, for about a year; she lived in an "Assisted Living" facility in the city of San Fernando. It's walls were also built using big boulders too.

One time my boss told Mr. Mike people called the "San Fernando Retirement Center" the "Rock House." But because that's what they call places where some illegal drugs are sold; the Catholic Nuns who ran it stopped calling it that name. Mr. Mike thought that was funny.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1858-1919) AND FAMILY

As Tour Guides Mr. Steve and his parents read about Charles Lummis' "Landmarks Club." "Teddy" Roosevelt, U.S. President at the time of Llano del Rio; was Charles Lummis' "Harvard" classmate. My boss' Uncle Marty, and Mr. Peabody; both went to Harvard.

Oh! I wonder if my boss knows this? My Encyclopedia says in 1888 Charles Lummis lived with "Pueblo" Indians in "Isleta," New Mexico; which I know is near Belén where both of Mr. Steve's parents grew up; and their relatives still live. Two of the Pigeon's flew bye.

In my three books I'm going to write a lot about the different American Presidents like Teddy Roosevelt, and New Mexico too. During the "Spanish-American" War in 1898 many of Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Rider" Soldiers came from New Mexico. Heathcliff crowed.

HEATHCLIFF II WITH HENS

Heathcliff crowed, and I hear his Hens cackling. Daisy's also noticed how he seems to be a lot happier today, probably because this is the first day of Spring; our New Years Day. His father Heathcliff I at times crowed in the middle of the day more than usual too she says.

Maybe Dais is right, and Heathcliff is happy in announcing the birth of some new baby Chickens; so just wants to tell everyone. Mr. Steve's father and brothers say you definitely do "feel like cheering" when a baby is born. Andy's unique scent just floated in to me.

Aha! I knew I was being "observed," and see a small Lizard standing down there on the Patio floor near Miss Emily's old coffee table. I really like, mainly because he pets us more; when my boss sits on the edge of that coffee table while enjoying sunrises. Heathcliff crowed.

DAISY CÓRDOVA

Hey God! Thank You for having Daisy be my best friend and advisor, as she has a lot of experience that I benefit from. As You know, Dais had babies and if You give me babies I'll take good care of them. I smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie all standing near the northern fence.

I can't wait to take my last big break after this chapter or end of part two. Daisy was so impressed at how I used these Dictionaries she found in the garage. On my first big break at the end of chapter four, or part one; I told her how I've been really using them for spelling.

To my left, on the other side of Mr. Steve's Encyclopedias and legal research books; is a dome-shaped Dog House called an "Igloo." Dais told me it's in the shape of snow or ice "brick" Houses Indians make up in the State of "Alaska." Boy! Little Blinky has a strong scent.

"IGLOO" ICE BRICK HOUSE "INUIT" ESKIMO FAMILY

ARTWORK BY ESKIMOWIKI CLIPART

One time on a Saturday morning Daisy and I saw a cartoon about the "Eskimo's" up in the "Arctic," and it showed a real igloo. Mr. Steve met an Eskimo who said his dad taught him to build a "temporary" igloo in "just a few hours." Eskimo's prefer to be called "Inuit's."

The Igloo over there is for me but on those cold nights when Mr. Steve tried to put me in it I panicked and even scratched his arm trying to escape. Someday I might be comfortable in it but I kind of doubt it. Two more Igloos up there in the front yard near the driveway.

As they say, the "Truth be Told;" Dais doesn't really feel comfortable inside of an Igloo either; and on warm nights prefers sleeping with me on Elvira. On cold nights Mr. Steve takes her in the house. Boy! Eskimos must be smart to have figured out how to make Igloos.

"HOLY SPIRIT"

Oh! A slight breeze just now came in from the eastern desert, and is making the chimes ring up there above me down here. I hope that's You Holy Spirit because right now I'm having one of those happy and uplifting feelings of Rhêma in hearing the sounds. I can smell Sage.

Rudy ran bye. On my big break after part one Daisy told me he jumped up on the bird bath to drink water this morning. He's smart to have figured out how, when empty; its hard cement surface is perfect for body-slamming Lizards. I wonder if Rudy's a girl or boy?

By this time in the mid-afternoon, the Bird seed Mr. Steve spreads on the ground below his office window is mostly gone; but Quail still scratch and dig in the dirt for buried seeds. Oh! Just when I mention Quail's I smell Alpha Company. They're out in the eastern desert.

RUDY THE ROADRUNNER

Roadrunners seems to read the Lizard's minds. Like a good World War II Fighter Pilot shooting at another Plane, it at times looks like magic how he runs to where the Lizard will be and "Intercepts" it. Fighting Crows also try to anticipate where each other are going.

I remember that one morning when Mr. Steve's dad said there are times in life when you, "Win by Losing" or "Lose by Winning;" and Daisy agrees with him. When you lose by winning it's a "Pyrrhic" victory, and is named after an ancient Greek King. Dawn's barking.

Rudy ran bye but knows today I won't chase him. Dais jokes, in the "unlikely event" I ever caught Rudy; it would be dumb to kill him because then I'd lose all of the enjoyment I get in chasing him. Oh no! I would never ever eat Rudy! No way! Ugh Ugh! Nope! Forget it!

KING PYRRHUS (c. 319-272 B.C.)

PAINTING BY DOMINIC DAMIANI

I looked up "pyrrhic" and it means, "too costly a victory." In 280 B.C.; that Greek King Pyrrhus' small army defeated a bigger Roman army, killing thousands of Roman Soldiers while not losing nearly as many men from his own army. Some Ravens are squawking faintly.

The Romans, in 280 B.C." had an "unlimited supply" of men; the Greeks didn't. So, even though King Pyrrhus lost way fewer men in winning that big battle; he lost in some ways. He said "If we are victorious in one more battle against the Romans, we shell be utterly ruined."

King Pyrrhus could win "Tactical" battles but, in "In the Long Run" as they say, he would "Strategically" lose the war. Mr. Steve and his dad think they've both had times when they lost in winning or won by losing. I smell that new baby Cholla cactus over there in the dirt.

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (1861-1865)

I'll mainly write about the American Civil War tomorrow, but will mention a few things about it today too. I'll kind of do what's called an "Overview" so, when I write about particular battles in my other books; it will hopefully be easier to understand. Dawn's barking.

The American Civil War was fought in two "Theaters." The more well known Theater was back east, while the "Western Theater" was fought in areas near the "Mississippi" River. And in both of the two Theaters there were some really huge bloody battles I guess.

For about three years In the Civil War's "Eastern Theater" Robert E. Lee's "Army of Northern Virginia" beat four Union Generals. But, on his "second invasion" of the North, in 1863; he lost the "Battle of Gettysburg." Then for two years he was "On the Defensive."

GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE (1807-1870)

I like when someone paints a black and white photo like the one in this Encyclopedia showing Robert E. Lee on his boy Horse "Traveller." Libby's over there walking around really gingerly near the back of her Corral along Primavera Road. Andy's scent floated in.

Robert E. Lee invaded the North twice during the Civil War, knowing all those "Rebel" States couldn't win one of those long "Wars of Attrition." He beat a series of "Union" armies but, the South eventually lost the war. The North had more "men and material."

Aha! Alpha Company of Quail, with Angeline and her babies; are filing in from the back desert through the two vertical slots. "Scout" Quails" have already signaled that the "Coast is Clear." Now they'll all go underneath Moe the middle Shed and wait for a little while.

CIVIL WAR "UNION" SOLDIERS

Mr. Steve says in the American Civil War the "Union" North had "Canon Fodder" in the poor Irish and German "Immigrants" coming into America. Mr. Cliff joked Canon Fodder is a "nicer" way of saying "expendable lives." And he also joked about "Collateral Damage."

I guess, when Abraham Lincoln was elected American President in 1860, some "Slave" States "Seceded" or; "left the Union." Later, other States like Robert E. Lee's "Virginia" broke away too. There ended up being eleven Southern "Confederate" States. Dawn's barking.

Robert E. Lee knew the rebellious States had a big "Disadvantage in not having nearly as many "Able-Bodied" men able to "Bear Arms." But in 1861, both sides were "Overconfident" about it being a short war. I like smelling the new baby Cholla cactus over there in the dirt.

QUAIL COVEYS

PHOTO BY DAVID MACKAY

I remember that one afternoon last Summer when Mr. Steve was watering the Mulberry trees and told Mr. Randy Quail groups move like "armies in the field," before there was "Radio Communication." Dawn's now barking. I can smell her, little Blinky and Rosie too.

During the Civil War the "Scouts" moving ahead of an army were called "Pickets," or "Skirmishers." The Quail scouts ahead of Alpha Company's "Main Body" went around the northeast corner of the house to my left. They'll signal when it's okay to proceed.

Alpha Company will go up front, to see if there's any Bird Seed and Chicken Scratch left below my boss' office window; which there probably isn't this late in the day. But they'll teach the chicks how to scratch in the dirt to dig up buried seeds. Oh! Now Blinky's barking.

105 MM "HOWITZER" "KOREAN" WAR MR. STEVE'S FATHER ON LEFT

I just thought of how, during that "Korean War;" Mr. Steve's father was an "Artillery Spotter" who "directed fire" for the cannons. Seeing Libby over there makes me think of that girl Horse named "Reckless;" who was in the Korean War. I can smell Alpha Company.

Oh what the heck! I'm scheduled to write about Reckless the Horse tomorrow, but can mention her now too. If I could use Mr. Peabody's Time Machine I'd go back to smell Reckless and "Comanche" who survived the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Dawn's barking.

Mr. Steve met a man who, like his dad; fought in the Korean War as a member of the "1st Marine Division." He said Reckless the Horse was "brave and smart," in "carrying" things on battle fields. As I said earlier in this chapter, she and Comanche became "Mascots."

RECKLESS (1948-1968)

The ex-Marine told Mr. Steve Reckless was bought for only two hundred and fifty dollars. She was three years old, a "Mare" like Libby over there; and was used as a "Pack Horse." She was small in size, "thirteen hands" tall; but "big in spirit" the man said. I can smell Sage.

Wow! This Encyclopedia says, in the big 1953 "Battle of Outpost Vegas;" Reckless made fifty one trips up and down a mountain delivering artillery shells as "vicious fighting raged" all around her. A small gray Sparrow holding a long twig ran bye out there in the dirt.

I guess, a "Shell" is like a giant bullet cannons shoot, and during the Korean War some weighed from twenty to twenty three pounds each. Oh! Reckless was smart alright. It says here how, back then in 1953 she did her really dangerous deliveries "solo;" or "on her own."

KOREAN WAR (U.S. MARINES)

That ex-Marine said Reckless was "awarded" two "Purple Heart" medals for "catching" two "rounds" of "shrapnel" in the 1953 battle. That means she was wounded twice. According to this one English Dictionary shrapnel is defined as being, "fragments of often hot metal."

During that 1953 battle Reckless, all by herself; "delivered" nine thousand "pounds" of shells. On her way back she "evacuated" or "saved" wounded Soldiers, "carrying" them thirty miles to safety. A Lizard is standing out there in the dirt near the baby Cholla cactus.

Mr. Steve's father "Saw Combat" in the Korean War, one time being with units who were "Ambushed" by Chinese and North Korean forces. A three-sided "Coordinated" attack turned into a vicious "Firefight" where many Marines were killed. Libby whinnied over there.

KOREAN WAR

("RADIO OPERATION" UNIT)

In 1952, when Mr. Steve's dad's unit came under a "Heavy Volume of Fire;" then "All Hell Broke Loose" he says. The Marines, in danger of being "overrun;" fought back against a "relentless barrage." My boss's father used those big "Browning Automatic Rifles."

Daisy heard, when they say "Black on Amo" in a war; that means you're getting low on ammunition. Luckily for Mr. Steve's dad they were able "to hold off," or "keep at bay;" those enemy Soldiers until "reinforced" and the "heat taken off." It was a "Close Call."

Mr. Steve's father knows what blood smells like, there being times during the war when he was around other Soldiers bleeding what they call "Profusely." One time he joked with Mr. Ivan about how he "knows what fear smells like" too. All four of the Pigeons are flying bye.

NIGHTMARE

ARTWORK BY HSIN HO

Mr. Steve's dad occasionally has bad dreams about the Korean War. He remembers blood gushing or pumping from open wounds, and will never forget the "stench" of rotting bodies; or how it smells when intestines are exposed to air in an "abdominal" wound. I smell Sage.

Hey God! I haven't had any bad dreams lately about being abandoned by my first owner and living homeless in that field. I've decided to do what Daisy said a man on tv said, "It's better to forgive and forget than forget to forgive." Boy! I really like that one old saying.

I guess, my boss still at times has nightmares about breaking his bones or having big cuts. But in those dreams there's no one around to help him get to Dr. Sakaguchi's office. Oh! Alpha Company is going up front by going around the northeast corner of the house to my left.

CLYDE BARROW (1909-1934)

During the Korean War Mr. Steve's father usually carried an "M1 Carbine" rifle. But in that firefight, when another guy was killed; he picked up and used his "Browning" Automatic Rifle. In the 1930's that guy Clyde Barrow, from Bonnie and Clyde; used a "B.A.R."

Mr. Steve read that General Patton really liked the "M1." As I've said, tomorrow in book two I'll write a lot about World War II and the American Civil War, and on Saturday I'll find out about the First World War. General Patton was involved in both of the world wars.

I remember the morning when my boss and Mr. Ivan talked about a guy from the State of "North Carolina" named David Marshall Williams, who "Designed" the M1 rifle. Fannie and Freddie are flying bye and, as they often do; are talking to each other. I smell Mesquite.

DAVID MARSHALL WILLIAMS (1900-1975)

What the heck! Even though I'm not scheduled to write about David Marshall Williams until tomorrow, I just feel like mentioning him now too. This Encyclopedia says that, during the 1920's; he made "Moonshine" during "Prohibition" when alcohol was totally "illegal."

Miss Susan says there were "Moonshiners" here in Piñon Hills during the 1920's. It says here David Marshall Williams went to prison for killing a Police Officer but, in prison became a "Gunsmith" so; was "released" to design guns. They made this movie about him.

There are actually two M1 types I guess, both "Semi-Automatic." The "Garand" version is big and heavy, the "Carbine's" smaller and lighter; with less of a "kick." It says here it was David Marshall Williams who invented a "short-stroke piston" with "floating chamber."

"M1" SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLES

This one Encyclopedia has a picture of the two types of M1's, which the caption says have "internal magazines." The Carbine version uses what's called an "external interchangeable box magazine," which my boss called a "Clip" for bullets. Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

My Dictionary says a Carbine is a "short-barreled rifle," but both of the M1's fire .30-caliber bullets. Semi-Automatic means, as fast as you can pull the trigger each time; a shot is fired. In "Fully-Automatic," you pull the trigger once; and the gun keeps on firing.

In my three long books I'll learn about what they call "Machine Guns." Daisy one time heard Mr. Cliff say how, at the end of World War II; this fully-automatic "M2" came out or was "Issued" to the Soldiers. Mr. Cliff used some of them during the Vietnam War I guess.

"VIETNAM" WAR

Mr. Cliff said the M1 Carbine had "disadvantages." The Garand was more "reliable," and had more "Stopping Power" over 150 yards; which Daisy jokes is just another way of saying "Killing" power. It sounds like there are two Crows fighting out there in the desert.

I just thought of how my boss's Uncle Marty, his dad's youngest brother; was a "Medic" in the Vietnam War during the mid-1960's. They also have two other brothers named "Gil" and "Casey, an their sister's name is "Lydia." Boy! Those Crows are really yelling now.

Grandpa Trujillo worked for the "Santa Fe" Railroad for forty seven years, and never missed a day; even when he was sick or injured. I want to be "Reliable" because I know my boss values "Dependability." He's also had jobs where he never missed a single day too.

EDWARD R. MURROW (1908-1965)

Tomorrow in book two I'll learn about 1940 and the World War II "Battle of Britain." A "Radio Broadcaster," Edward R. Murrow; became famous then. In 1951, during the "Korean" War; Mr. Steve's dad got to know his Nephew named "Jimmy;" but had to see him die.

Mr. Steve and his dad went to the city of "Montrose," where in 1955 his dad met Edward R. Murrow. At times, he thinks about that guy Jimmy Murrow; and has had dreams about him. Sammy Hagar was in that band MONTROSE, who my boss saw play in the 1970's.

Wow! I'd sure like to be described as a "brave and steadfast warhorse," the way Reckless the Horse is called in my Encyclopedia. Boy! It would be great to be "Decorated." My boss one time called Daisy his "old war horse," which I noticed his dad understood and nodded.

LIBBY MOLLY (LIBBY BEHIND)

I just noticed Libby over there looking in this direction. That makes remember Molly the Mule who died, and think about Reckless that girl Horse. After the Korean War Reckless was brought back to America, made a "Sergeant;" then became a Marine Corps "Mascot."

Daisy heard, during the Korean War; when Reckless was "Off Duty;" she walked around the Marine Camp and was even allowed to go inside the tents. Reckless was smart, if the North Koreans and Chines bombed them she went into the "Bunker." Heathcliff crowed.

Hey God! This Encyclopedia says after that Horse Reckless was brought back to the U.S. from Korea she had four babies. Did You cause that to happen as a reward for being so brave and courageous? I guess "Filly" means girl Horse. A little Lizard just now ran away.

STEVE CARLTON (PHILADELPHIA "PHILLIES")

PHOTO BY TONY TOMSIC

On Saturday I'll write about this guy Steve Carlton. He was a good Baseball "Pitcher" for the Philadelphia "Phillies." His girl Cousin "Bonnie" had a "Tack Shop" in San Fernando even though both were originally from Florida. Smelling Libby makes me feel good right now.

Daisy heard our boss tell his brother Sam, in 1972; Steve Carlton won 27 games for a "Last Place" Phillies team whose "awful" record was 59-97. That means, one Pitcher had 46% of their wins! Mr. Steve was seventeen back in 1972, in 11th Grade at "Sylmar" High School.

My Encyclopedia says the Phillies Franchise is; "the oldest, continuous, one-name, one city franchise in American professional sports history." Mr. Steve says, like the Chicago Cubs who I wrote about earlier; they've had "a lot of bad teams." I smell the baby Cholla cactus.

JAMES H. CARLETON (1814-1873)

I'll mainly learn about the American Civil War tomorrow, but I just thought of a Union Officer named James H. Carleton. My Encyclopedia says in 1862, the second year of the war; he was sent to New Mexico. He spells his last name differently than Steve Carlton I notice.

James Carleton's job in 1862 was to "subdue" the "Navajo" and "Mescalero Apache's," and I guess to told Kit Carson to go kill all the Indian men; then put the women and children in one of those "Indian Reservations." Two Crows are fighting out in the back desert.

Oh! In 1863-1864, James Carleton "unleashed" what's called "Scorched Earth" on the Navajo and Mescalero's. He burned their crops so they starved and gave up. I'll write about the different "Trail's of Tears" tomorrow when I find out about that guy Andrew Jackson.

WITH PARENTS "CODE TALKERS" "HONOREES"

(DECEMBER 7, 2001)

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

I'll learn about "Navajo" and "Apache" Indians s in my books. On December 7, 2001 Mr. Steve's dad helped "Organize" an event in the Valley which "Honored" some of the World War II Navajo "Code Talkers." December the 7th is the day the U.S. was attacked by Japan.

According to what it says in this Encyclopedia, those Navajo Code Talkers were used as "Radio Operators" against the Japanese in the Pacific Theater of the Second World War. I just noticed a small Garter Snake crawling out into the back desert. Andy's watching it.

Daisy thinks it was "so smart" in World War II to have those Code Talkers speak Navajo on the Radio, which the Japanese wouldn't understand. Mr. Steve's father was what they call the "Master of Ceremonies" at that one event back then in 2001. I smell some old Sage.

WORLD WAR I

("CHOCTAW" INDIAN "CODE TALKERS")

Mr. Steve's dad read the idea of using code talking Native-Americans actually originated in the First World War. My Encyclopedia says, in 1918; the American's used some "Choctaw" and "Cherokee" men as Code Talkers against the Germans. Dawn's barking to my right.

Oh! During World War II, first in North Africa and then Europe; "Lakota," "Meskwaki" and "Comanche" Indians did the same thing as all those Navajos out in the Pacific Theater. Mr. Steve's father thinks "Cryptography" or code breaking "won the war." I smell Blinky.

That Writer Edgar Allen Poe was interested in Cryptography. Anyway, I'll come back to this subject tomorrow in book two; when I learn about World War II. In my left nostril I picked up the scent of Theodora's favorite Creosote bush just to the left of Jack the big Shed.

GROVER CLEVELAND ALEXANDER (1887-1950)

PAINTING BY ARTHUR K.

I smell Libby, which makes me think again about the Philadelphia "Phillies" Baseball team. From what it says in this Encyclopedia, the Phillies "franchise" started in 1883 so that's over one hundred years old! Daisy told me Mr. Steve still has customers in Pennsylvania.

Besides Steve Carlton, the Phillies had an early 20th century Pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander; who's in the "Hall of Fame." I guess he was named after that one late 19th century American President who I'll write about. I like the color "burgundy" or "maroon."

The Phillies began as the "Quakers" or "Philadelphian," before changing to their current name. It says here the franchise has had "long periods of struggle," going seven decades before finally going to the World Series. I'll learn more about the religious Quakers in my books.

"SERGEANT" RECKLESS (U.S.M.C.)

Wow! A picture in this Encyclopedia shows that Horse Reckless's special sweater, with her name on it; and her rank of "Sergeant." Boy! It would be so great to have my name written on a suit the way DEVO does. Samson and Delilah are now flying over Libby's Corral.

Ah! It says here a young female Horse is called a "Filly," so that's where that Baseball team got its name. Oh! There's a statue of Reckless in "Virginia." The Marines put a "plaque" for her at "Camp Pendleton;" where Mr. Steve's dad did "Basic Training Boot Camp."

Boy! It would be such an honor to have a statue of yourself put up. But, a plaque would be pretty good too. Mr. Steve's parents have a plaque with their names on it down there at the "Capistrano Mission," where Mr. Steve and his mom had that Art Exhibit back in 1993.

CIVIL WAR UNITED STATES (1861)

I'm looking at a map that shows the "Free" and "Slave" States in 1861, or year the Civil War broke out. I notice how four Slave States colored gray, Missouri, Kentucky, Delaware and Maryland; did not leave the "Union" but stayed loyal. Eleven Slave States "Seceded."

According to the map, when the Civil War "erupted," California was a Free State. New Mexico, which at that time included what would later be the State of "Arizona;" was what they call a "Territory." A small gray Sparrow carrying a long twig went running bye.

Miss Susan at work once had a customer who told about Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware not leaving the U.S. during the Civil War. So, in late 1862 when President Lincoln issued his "Emancipation Proclamation;" those Slave were not freed. I smell Juniper.

"QUARTZ HILL" HIGH SCHOOL

(SCHOOL MASCOT "REBELS" / 1970'S)

Mr. Steve once did art for a guy from "Antelope Valley," where Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart and his customer Bob in Missouri grew up. He graduated from "Quartz Hill" High School, near Littlerock where Mr. Steve's brother Sam's family lives. A Duck is quacking.

I guess, the man told Mr. Steve for years Quartz Hill Students were called the "Rebels," based on a Civil War Soldier. Their "Mascot," named "Johnny Reb;" carried this "Stars and Bars" Confederate battle flag with the "Saint Andrews Cross" on it. I smell Juniper.

Daisy heard that guy from Quartz Hill say, after many "legal battles" the High School was established in 1964. It was decided the name "Rebels" was "fitting and appropriate." But then, in 1995; the Johnny Reb mascot was replaced by a Revolutionary War "Patriot."

THEODORA

Oh! I just noticed Theodora the Thrasher Bird sitting in that Creosote bush she likes so much; the one just to the left of Jack the big Shed. I've mentioned before how, in my books I'll learn about that "Byzantine" Emperor Justinian; and his wife Theodora. Dawn's barking.

Daisy says the man who went to Quartz Hill High said for years the school had a special event called "Slave Days," where some Students would "auction off" other Students; in order to raise money for the different "Student Clubs." Theodora is looking over here at me.

According to what the guy from Antelope Valley said, I guess Quartz Hill High is "almost all white." Antelope Valley High, where Frank Zappa went to; now has a lot of black Students so people jokingly say how "A.V." stands for "African Village." Theodora is flying away.

"CONFEDERATE" GRAVESTONE

("HOLLYWOOD FOREVER" CEMETERY)

PHOTO BY KEVIN WAITE

Mr. Steve and that guy from Antelope Valley discussed how, as I mentioned earlier; in 1861 when the Civil War broke out many "Southern Californians" wanted the rebellious States to win. Some even fought for the South and are buried in Los Angeles. Libby whinnied.

I guess, the man told my boss about this big "Grave Stone" at the "Hollywood Forever" Cemetery, where forty California Rebel Soldiers are buried. Mr. Dave has seen that gravestone. Jack the Jackrabbit whizzed bye, now only the dust he raised is left floating in the air.

California became a "State" in 1851. Then, in the 1850's or years just before the Civil War; some people here asked the Federal Government to let Southern California become a Slave State. The Governor and many of the local Mexican "Californios" even wanted that too.

JOHNNY RAMONE (1948-2004)

PHOTO KE CLICK MEDIA

Daisy heard the RAMONES Guitarist Johnny Ramone was from New York City, but is buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I guess, the RAMONES have a "fast-paced" song called "Blitzkrieg Bop." Tomorrow I'll learn about World War II's Blitzkrieg warfare.

Mr. Steve says that, since America's beginning in the late 18th century; Slavery was "an issue." By then most of the northern States had "Abolished" being able to own people. Two of the Pigeons, moving toward the east; are now flying over Libby's Corral to my right.

By the time of the American Civil War in 1861 my boss thinks, the northern States "didn't really need" Slaves anymore because they were "Industrial" and used machines. But the States in the south were "Agricultural" so still needed "Manual Labor." Heathcliff crowed.

AMERICAN SOUTHERN PLANTATION

PAINTING BY G.B. MCINTOSH

I guess in 1861 when the Civil War broke out, the agricultural south grew things like cotton and tobacco on "Plantations;" which Daisy says are "giant" farms. Mr. Steve sells cotton Baseball hats, but most "Caps" he sells are made out of "Acrylic." I like Heathcliff.

Thomas Jefferson, in 1776 wrote in the "Declaration of Independence how; "All men are created equal." But he and Founding Fathers like George Washington owned Slaves. Mr. Steve thinks he might've meant only "white Protestant land-owning men" were all equal.

Mr. Steve says, in "all areas" of the world since pre-historic times; Slavery has "always been normal." Many Native-American Indian tribes in North and South America had Slaves, and so did a lot of African groups too. Alpha Company's scent just came floating in.

KARL MARX (1818-1883) WITH WIFE

Mr. Steve's father, who had that Stockbroker's school in the late 1960's and early 1970's; thinks there are still Slaves even today. They're "just not called" Slaves now but, if you "don't control your own destiny; in a sense you're like a Slave." Some Sparrows are chirping.

That German Jewish guy Karl Marx, back in his 19th century books about "Capitalism versus Socialism;" described what are called "Wage Slaves." Over the next three days I'm going to be finding out more about his ideas. Daisy thinks he must've been "really smart."

Hey Lord! My boss thinks Your ideas of "Peace, Love and Understanding" are "not as "common" in history as "War, Hate and Intolerance." In history the strong "will almost always take advantage" of the weak he told his mom that one time. The air is so clear right now.

FAITH / HOPE / LOVE

Daisy's right Lord! She thinks if everyone lived their lives the way You said to do wars and fighting would be way less common down here on Earth. That lady Sister Rita Joseph, my boss's 6th Grade Teacher; believed that too and so does Mr. Steve's mom. I smell Sage.

Mr. Cliff thinks many people still "like," or "need;" to "hate an enemy." In today's times they just "require a good enough excuse like revenge" to do it. Mr. Cliff mentioned "D.N.A.," and thinks that the "enjoyment of violence" is "wired" or "built into" many males.

I guess, Mr. Steve and his father think one reason why Adolph Hitler could go from a bum living in Vienna to almost conquering the world is because; he "instinctively" knew the appeal of violence. His "Storm Troopers" were "Thugs" who "liked to fight." A Crow cawed.

(1920'S) NAZI "BROWN SHIRTS" (1930'S)

This Encyclopedia shows Nazi "Brown Shirts" marching before World War II, and back in those days German Political Party's had armies like Hitler's "street fighting" "S.A." They had "bloody brawls" with Communists. S.A. means "Sturmagteilung" or "Storm Troops."

Hey Lord! As You know, Mr. Steve read, when the Vikings started to believe in You; one of the biggest "obstacles" was convincing them that violence was bad. They thought, why would a God be physically weak? "Bashing Skulls" was just a "normal" part of real life.

Many like to "feel superior" my boss thinks. In the 19th century most white people up in the north "didn't want" Slavery but, "that doesn't mean they weren't "Prejudiced" against the blacks. They wanted the "Colored" or "Negro" people to stay down there in the south.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN WITH FAMILY

President Lincoln, from "Illinois;" is now known for "Freeing the Slaves" in 1862 with his "Emancipation Proclamation." But Mr. Steve thinks, by "today's standards" he would be considered a Racist." His wife Mary's family in "Kentucky" even owned some Slaves.

From what my boss told Mr. Randy, for most of his life Abraham Lincoln believed there was no way "Inferior" free blacks could live among "Superior" whites without violence. For most of his life he wanted to ship the black people back to Africa. I smell a Lizard.

Mr. Steve has this book of Abraham Lincoln's "Letters," and in one he describes whites having babies with blacks as "disgusting." He used the word "amalgamation" which, according to my Dictionary means; "To unite, mix or combine." Aha! The Lizard is over there.

ANCIENT "ATHENS" IN GREECE

PAINTING BY PHILIPP FOLTZ

I once heard Mr. Steve and Miss Susan talk about how the United States is what's called a "Representative Democratic Republic." My Dictionary says "Democracy" is, "Government by the people, either directly or through representatives." And it's under a "Rule of Law."

Oh! I guess "demos" means "the people" in Greek, and the word "Republic" comes from Latin. It means, "A government headed by a President, in which power is exercised by officials elected by voters." The Lizard ran under one of the boulders around the Mulberry tree.

Mr. Steve says one of the "original" democracies was in that ancient Greek city "Athens." But, the "equal rights" were only for males; and Slaves were a big part of that society too. Ah! I just now picked up the scent of the baby Spring Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.

"CHECKS AND BALENCES" "CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION ( PHILADELPHIA / 1787)

PAINTING BY HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY

According to what it says in this Encyclopedia, at that 1787 "Constitutional Convention" in Philadelphia; the Founding Fathers "established" that "three-part system" of "Checks and Balances." They intended that no "Branch" couldn't become too powerful. I smell Sage.

The "Legislative" branch makes the laws, the "Executive" sees that those laws are carried out; and the "Judicial" interprets the laws. The Founding Fathers didn't want only one person, or an "Oligarchy" of just a few people; to have all the power. A Train just whistled.

Daisy saw this tv show which said "there's never been a true democracy," where everyone had equal rights. Until the U.S. most governments were "Authoritarian," or "Totalitarian;" so most people had no power. None! Zero! America is an "Experiment" in democracy.

VOLTAIRE (1694-1778) MONTESQUIEU (1689-1755)

PAINTING BY JACQUES AUGUSTIN CATHERINE PAJOU PAINTING BY CARLO FAUCCI

In my books I'll learn about French 18th century "Enlightenment" Writers "Voltaire" and "Montesquieu." Mr. Steve's dad has Baron de Montesquieu's book the "Spirit of Laws," or "De l' Espirit des Lois" in French. Another French Writer was Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

This one Encyclopedia calls Montesquieu's book a "treatise" on "political philosophy," written over twenty years; and published "anonymously." The Founding Fathers believed in its idea of a "Separation of Powers" in government. I love the wigs people wore then.

Daisy heard Mr. Steve's dad say on the phone one time he thinks, except for maybe that 16th century Italian guy "Machiavelli;" no one has had "more influence" on political philosophy than Montesquieu. Libby's walking around slowly in her Corral, as Sparrows fly bye CATHERINE II / "THE GREAT" (1729-1796)

PAINTING BY FYODOR ROKOTOV

I guess, Mr. Steve's father thinks it's "funny" how Montesquieu's ideas "influenced" that Russian Empress "Catherine The Great." She was "in some ways" the "Despot" he described by what his book says to avoid. This one Encyclopedia calls her an "enlightened despot."

Later, in the 19th century; Montesquieu's book was read by Alexis de Tocqueville. He was also from France, and traveled around a young America; then wrote a "Sociological" book about it. I'll find out more about Catherine the Great and "de Tocqueville" in my books.

Daisy heard Mr. Steve's dad say how Montesquieu "compared and contrasted" what he thought were the three "primary forms of government." Oh! It says here de Tocqueville was like him in being one of those anti Slavery "Abolitionists." Andy's now looking at me.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

My Encyclopedia says, every time the U.S. "expanded" westward in the first half of the 1800's or 19th century; the decision had to be made on whether the new area would be "Free" or "Slave." Most Northerners didn't care either way but Southerners did Daisy heard.

In 1861, when the American Civil War started; there were only "Contiguous" States but now there's "Alaska" and "Hawaii" too. Those two States aren't connected onto what they call "Continental" America. Mr. Mark's family live out on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Because of "Representation" or political power in the Federal "Congress" in Washington D.C., it was important how many new States were Free or Slave. The "Legislative" Branch, or "House of Representatives" and "Senate;" make the laws. Dawn's barking to my right.

AFRICAN LION FAMILY "PRIDE"

The tv show on democracy talked about how, in history; the "transfer of power" is often bloody. Daisy heard the first thing a male Lion does when taking over a new family; or "Pride;" is kill the baby Lions that aren't his. That guy King Herod, and other Kings; killed family.

Mr. Steve's father thinks, for the U.S.'s "experiment in democracy" to work it's necessary to have the "process" of transferring political power be peaceful. He also thinks it's "a miracle" the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 "had so little bloodshed." Heathcliff just crowed.

So far, there's always been peaceful transfers of power when one U.S. President replaces another through a "Citizens" vote. But, my boss and his dad think someday that may not be the case; and there will be bloodshed. Left and Right really, really hate each other in 2014.

SENATOR CHARLES SUMNER BEATEN (1856)

ARTWORK BY HARPER'S WEEKLY

Oh wow! An 1856 drawing shows "pro-slavery" South Carolina Senator Preston Brooks trying to kill "anti-slavery" Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner on the Senate floor. Boy! No wonder a war broke out four years later. Both sides must've really hated each other.

Mr. Steve thinks there could someday be another civil war in the U.S. but this time it will be between "Liberals" and "Conservatives." Both sides hate each other just as much as in 1861 when the first civil war started. Two Crows are fighting out in the desert right now.

In 2014 there are over three hundred and twenty million Americans, and about the same number of "Legal" guns out there; most owned by Conservatives. And, what's called the "Black Market" for the illegal firearms is also huge. Many are now "Armed and Dangerous."

"STURMGEWEHR" MIKHAIL KALASHNIKOV (1919-2013)

I heard Mr. Randy say, from 1994 through 2004; there was a "Ban" on "Assault" rifles in the U.S. But, even during that period "a lot of people who got them anyway." Daisy says for a while Mr. Steve Nephew Jacob had an "Ak-47." All four of the Pigeons are flying bye.

My Encyclopedia says the "Ak" was invented in 1947 by a Russian man named Mikhail Kalashnikov. He "reverse engineered" the first "Sturmgewehr" Assault rifle created in World War II by the Germans. I guess in Russian Ak is short for "Avnomat Kalashnikova."

There "may be another one hundred million" illegal guns in the U.S. Mr. Randy heard, most owned by Conservatives so; if a war breaks out they'll have an advantage. My boss's father thinks, if we ever go into an economic depression; war could break out. Libby whinnied.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

In 2014 the U.S. has the first "Black" President, Barack Obama; and Mr. Steve says he can tell many "aren't happy about it." Some don't like his middle name "Hussein." Many white people see him representing them being a "Minority," which they'll "fight to prevent."

President Obama grew up in Hawaii where Mr. Mark now lives with his family. Since 2008 when he was elected my boss has noticed a few times how "many people" are buying more guns and ammunition. Daisy told me how we have a few guns in our house too.

Mr. Steve thinks today, like the 1850's years just before the American Civil War; there's "Polarization" where both sides think the other as "evil." On that "Internet," everyone can live in an "Echo Chamber;" or "Alternate Reality." You only hear things on your side.

HIGH SKY

Mr. Cliff thinks, if a civil war breaks out in the U.S.; the only chance the Liberals have is if the armed forces and Police are on their side. If not, then an even bigger slaughter may happen. Many people now listen only to things that "Reinforce" what they already want to believe.

I mentioned earlier how Mr. Steve's family often eat at "Coffee and Cream" down there in Sylmar. Mr. Hussein who runs it thinks, and so do my boss and Mr. Steve's father too; having a black President may eventually lead to a "Backlash" by white people. Dawn's barking.

Egypt, where Mr. Hussein is from; had a civil war where the military "Took Over." Usually in history Mr. Steve thinks, "whichever side the armed forces support wins." Hey God! In the 1700's that guy "Voltaire" joked about You being on the side with "Bigger Battalions."

THREE MAJOR "NEWS" NETWORKS

Mr. Steve told his mom he gets "frustrated" when people "already have their mind made up" on everything. He tells "Liberals" they should watch the "Fox" Network, and he thinks it's "important" for "Conservatives" should watch "MSNBC" and "CNN." Dawn's barking.

Now with that "Internet" my boss told Mr. Grant, a person "can spend all of their time" watching only what will "reconfirm" what they "already want to believe anyway." He cannot understand why you would not want to know what "the enemy" thinks. I like Dawn.

Daisy once heard Mr. Steve's father joke "There are two sides to every story," but then he said "and then there's the truth." Before the American Civil War those "Abolitionists" didn't want Slavery to exist anywhere. But others wanted it to be allowed anywhere in the U.S.

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809-1865)

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER

Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about Abraham Lincoln. His election as President in 1860 "triggered the Civil War but he said, "under the Constitution;" he did not have the power to free any Slaves in States where the "institution" already existed. Andy's sniffing the air.

I guess, just like many white mid-19th century Americans; Abraham Lincoln believed most blacks "innately inferior." Before the Civil War, he didn't want to end Slavery; but only prevent it's expansion into any new areas coming into the U.S. A Train whistled faintly.

That tv show said how Abraham Lincoln "didn't think it possible" for free blacks to live alongside poor whites without violence. Like Thomas Jefferson, he thought all blacks should be sent back to Africa. He changed his mind when he saw them fight with courage in the war.

JOHN BROWN (0000-0000) BEING LED TO EXECUTION (1859) PAINTING BY THOMAS HOVENDEN

Hey Lord! I just now thought of that "Abolitionist" John Brown, who I'll learn about in my books. I guess in Your name, first in 1855 "Bleeding Kansas" and then in Virginia in 1859; he killed people trying to get rid of Slavery. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny are flying bye.

Daisy says John Brown killed people with a sword like the one Mr. Steve has in his office. But, a good painting shows him being led to his hanging after being caught trying to "ignite" a Slave Rebellion. I notice how he's kissing a little black baby being held by its mom.

Over the next three days I'll learn about "Kansas." In 1854 those who wanted it to be a Slave State fought guys like John Brown who didn't, and some say that's actually when the Civil War really broke out. I smell the clump of Joshua trees above and behind Andy over there.

"WIZARD OF OZ" (1939)

What the heck! Even though I'll mainly write about the 1939 movie "Wizard of Oz" tomorrow, I can mention it now too. Daisy told me it's about this nice girl from Kansas named "Dorothy," and her little Yorkie Dog "Toto." And it's about a Wizard in a city called "Oz."

Dorothy's Dog Toto looks like Mr. Mark the homeless man in Phelan's friend "Karma." Toto is brave protecting Dorothy Dais says. The man who wrote the late 19th century book the Wizard of Oz movie is based on was named L. Frank Baum. He was from Kansas.

My Encyclopedia says L. Frank Baum and his wife had four sons. Mr. Steve thinks, "had his wife not been the type of strong person she was" her husband "may not" have accomplished what he did; as she was with him when they were poor. Heathcliff crowed over there.

WIFE / SONS L. FRANK BAUM (1856-1919) WITH WIFE

Mr. Steve was told L. Frank Baum is buried at "Forest Lawn" cemetery in Glendale, where he and Mr. Mark's friend Miss Helen is at. Oh! I guess, his last words to his wife were; "Now we can cross the shifting sands." I guess, that was the name of one of his books.

Wow! I like this other L. Frank Baum quote, "No thief, however skilled, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire." Anyway, I'll come back to L. Frank Baum and the Wizard of Oz tomorrow. I smell Creosote.

This is supposed to be the end of chapter eight but I feel like mentioning one more thing about the State of Kansas. Miss Susan at work's customer told her about a Football player from there named John Riggins, a "Hall of Fame" Running Back. Benjamin just ran bye.

JOHN RIGGINS (NEW YORK "JETS")

Miss Susan's customer told her John Riggins and his brother's father told them, "If it's fourth and one you can come to me;" which Daisy says means to count on him in difficult times. Mr. Steve says his dad is that way too and their family is grateful for that "gift of grace."

"Each in a different way," my boss says he and his brothers have "absorbed and learned" things from their father the way John Riggins and his brothers did. Dais says there's a dirt road here in the High Desert named "Riggins." Andy's over there sniffing the air right now.

Well, this is the end of chapter eight so now I'll use all Elvira's cushions, and my blankets Barry, Robin and Maurice; to hide my materials and run up front to visit with Daisy. Four more chapters to go with four hours of sunlight left. I also need to go to the bathroom too.