Book 2 Chapter 11

II

  (Book 2 / Chapter 11) 

4:30 

 

LATE AFTERNOON HIGH DESERT SKY

          Well I'm now back, and with a lot of energy to finish these last two chapters of this second book.  As I went pee over there in the northeast corner of our fenced in two acres a flock of Birds flew bye and Cher was out in the back desert eating this big Lizard.  But now I'm back gain.        

       I see Libby over there walking slowly near the back fence of her Corral along Primavera Road, which someone in this big Truck just used to go bye.  The dust it raised is floating in the air.  I'd say it's about five thirty based on the angles of the shadows leaning away from me.           

       As I went pee I also smelled Bravo Company and their new babies out there in the desert, which made me feel good.  Boy!  I'm getting really good at hiding and then unpacking all of my materials.  I can do it fast because I've done it so many times over the last two days.                           

ROSEMARY  

  

           Ah!   I smell Rosemary, which I hope is You Blessed Mother; maybe sending me a signal to think of You.  If it is You, thank You for again helping me today; so I can finish these what have    turned out to be really long books.  I have a lot of energy left for these final two chapters.             

          I just noticed Blessed Virgin, I forgot to say a few things about You and Pope John Paul II in chapter ten.  There's a lot scribbling on my book two outline, so I kind of missed it but; will do it now instead of going back and inserting it in chapter ten.  Heathcliff crowed over there.             

        Boy!  I'm so glad I caught my mistake Blessed Mother, and kind of want to think maybe it was You who caused me to notice it just in the "Nick of Time" as they say.  Hey Blessed Virgin!  I think I can understand why Pope John Paul II thought so much of You.  Libby just whinnied.      

    

 MISS BABETTE / MR. DAVID

  

        Boy Blessed Mother!  Miss Babette is so lucky because she and her family have been to Portugal and visited "Fátima" a few times.  I've mentioned how Miss Babette and her husband    David are Christians.  Miss Babette has two pretty daughters according to what Dais heard.        

        Daisy says our boss thinks Miss Babette is also pretty, and because she's tall; so are her daughters too.  Miss Babette has also worked at their company since 1999 so, that means they've known each other for about fifteen years already.  Both were hired by that guy Steve Banks.        

          According to Daisy Miss Babette also has twin sons, and from what she told our boss both were really good Athletes at "Glendale College;" one later becoming a Navy "Seal."   Oh!  What a coincidence that, just as I mention twins; I smell the Twin Joshua trees.  Dawn's barking.                                              

U.S. NAVY "SEALS"                                      JACOB CÓRDOVA

           Mr. Dave said it's "really hard to get through" Navy Seal training, and "few make it;" so Miss Babette's son "has to be special" Daisy thinks.  "Not just anyone can do it" Mr. Steve said.  His Nephew Jacob was at the very top of his "Boot Camp," so got to carry their unit flag.             

        Before being "deployed" in the military Mr. Dave and our boss's dad went through Boot Camp training.  But, "as difficult as it was" they say; both know it was not nearly as hard as the Navy Seals program.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and going east.          

        I guess Mother Mary, back in 1917 You came down here to Portugal six times to talk with those three lucky Shephard kids.  You told them to "devote themselves to the holy trinity," and    "say a Rosary every day for peace."  World War I was still going on.  Heathcliff crowed.               

                  

      APPERANCE AT "FÁTIMA"                         LUCIA / FRANCISCO / JACINTA

       

       Boy Blessed Virgin!  Those three Shepherd kids were so lucky You told them those three "Secrets."  I like their "Colorized" picture.  Oh!  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds are flying bye,    which reminds me the real Frida Kahlo's dad taught her to paint black and white prints.              

        Daisy and Millie saw that tv show with Mr. Steve Blessed Mother, about what happened in 1917 when You showed those three kids a "Vision of Hell" and the "suffering of sinners."   Ugh!  I don't think I'd want to see that and Daisy says the same thing.  That was the first secret.             

       Miss Babette read, in Your second secret Blessed Virgin; You predicted if the world did not "Repent" there would be a second world war.   Wow!  You turned out to be so right about that!    I just glanced up to see some wispy white clouds stretching out slowly way up there in the sky.                

      PETROGRAD            "RUSSIAN REVOLUTION"           LENIN               

  

           Mother Mary!  Daisy heard Miss Babette say how she read, in another part of the second secret; You asked for the "Consecration" of Russia to You.  In 1917 that very bloody "Russian    Revolution" was going on.  My Dictionary says to consecrate is "To make sacred or holy."           

           Because that guy Vladimir Lenin and the other Russian Communists were Atheists I guess some think Blessed Mother You were telling people to believe in God.  In the third secret I guess  You talked about the possible death of a Pope and "religious figures."   Heathcliff crowed.            

         This Russian lady told Mr. Steve's father she thought what "really sparked" that Russian Revolution in 1917 was the Czar's Soldiers "firing on" starving women "protesting" the horrible war economy.  And it happened on February the 23rd, which is Mr. Steve's dad's birthday.                         

  POPE JOHN PAUL II (1920-2005)    

       (ROME / "VATICAN CITY" SQUARE / JUNE, 1985)                ("ST. PETER'S BASILICA / "VATICAN SQUARE")                                                                  

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                       

         

           Hey Blessed Virgin!  Miss Babette read Pope John Paul II, after surviving that attempt to kill him in 1981 on Your "Feast Day;" began to think he might just be that "Bishop in white"      You mentioned in the third secret.  Dais and I believe it.  And we think You protected him.            

           And Blessed Mother, the Pope thought if that third secret was true; maybe the part about "Russian Totalitarianism" being defeated could also be fulfilled too.  And, it did happen in 1991  when the Soviet Empire fell; so You were totally right!   A Train whistled out in the desert.            

          I wrote in chapter ten how our boss and his dad think the Pope and President Reagan are the two "most important" people who influenced the collapse of the Soviet Union.  They think,    based on history; it was a "miracle" there  was "so little violence" in 1991.  I smell Sage.                         

            ROSARY                    PRAYER BEADS                 "MISBAHA"  

                    

         Blessed Virgin!  If I ever do get so lucky as to have my own rosary beads like the ones our boss has I'll definitely say a lot of rosaries like You told those three Shepherd kids to do.  And, as You know of course; Dais would too.  Andy just smelled me sitting over here on the Patio.             

      One time Mr. Steve and his parents talked with Mr. Hussein at his Coffee Shop.  He said Muslims also use "prayer beads" too, called "Misbaha." Blessed Mother!  Miss Babette was told by an older lady how the name "Rosary" comes from the phrase a "Crown of Roses."                   

       Mr. Hussein read, Muslims have used "corded beads" for secular and religious purposes since the 9th century A.D.; when the idea probably came from India.  Using "corded beads" to    remember or document things has been used all over the world.  Mr. Steve has rosaries.                

   

"COFFEE & CREAM"

        Our boss told Mr. Hussein, who's originally from Egypt; he once bought and then resold some Muslim Misbaha prayers beads.  Mr. Hussein says in other parts of the Middle East they're referred to as "Tasbeeh."  Mr. Steve read Christian rosaries began in the 13th century A.D..         

           In these first two books I've mentioned how Mr. Hussein is a good "Portrait" Painter, one of the hardest things to do Mr. Steve and his mom think.  He did some very realistic paintings of that Basketball Player Kobe Bryant, and also the Singer Michael Jackson.  I smell Andy.              

          Hey Mr. Pope John Paul!  If you just happen to be up there mind-reading me I really want to thank you for helping end that "Cold War."  Now there's less chance of us dying down here on Earth by a giant nuclear war.  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral going west.            

            

                          "HADRIAN'S WALL"                HADRIAN (76-138 A.D.)            "PANTHEON" (ROME)                                                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA 

    

            Hey Mr. Pope!  Besides being Polish instead of Italian, you were also unique in how much you traveled compared to all the other Popes.  In that way you sort of remind me of that Roman  Emperor "Hadrian," who also traveled a lot too.  Hadrian was from Spain and not Italy.              

        Our boss told Miss Susan at work about seeing the "Pantheon" in Rome, and how it was built by Hadrian.  He also told her he'd like to see that wall in northern England constructed on Hadrian's orders.  Hadrian was one of the few Emperors who did not die violently I guess.           

       Hey Pope John!  If it turns out Dogs are allowed to go up there into Heaven, if we're good down here; then someday Daisy and I will be able to meet you.  Boy!  I can't wait for that.  Ah!    I just looked up in time to see Bravo Company and their new babies out there in the desert.         

    

COFFEE BEANS

           I just thought of that drink ""Coffee."  Yesterday I wrote about how, in the 9th century A.D. Goats in "Ethiopia" ate coffee beans; and when their owner saw how it made them act he    then ate some too.  The picture of coffee beans makes me think of how Daisy likes red.                   

           Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Hussein talk about those famous Goats.  Mr. Steve's father jokes those Goats "didn't realize what they started," 2014's "Coffee Industry" being one of the    "most lucrative" in the world.  A little Sparrow carrying a long twig went running bye.                 

            Ah!  Smelling Bravo Company and their new babies out in the desert is making me feel so happy to be here on you Elvira.  Hearing Heathcliff crow makes me all of a sudden remember      last Spring when Dais and I were back here sitting on you.  Thank you for being our friend.                          

JALÁL AL-DIN MUHAMMAD RUMI (1207-1273)

ARTWORK BY DE AGOSTINI

          Hey God!  I just thought of that guy Mr. Rumi, who lived in the 13th century, and was a Persian "Sufi" Islamic Poet.  This one Encyclopedia calls him a "mystic," and from what Daisy    heard; he told everyone to be "in communion" with You up there.  Two Crows are fighting.          

          If you might just happen to be up there mind-reading me right now Mr. Rumi, I want to tell you we totally agree with some of your ideas.  And I also want to mention how we think you    were so right in telling everyone to be grateful for each day.  I'm grateful for this project.              

         Mr. Ralph read by the 9th century A.D. drinking coffee had migrated up from Africa and into places like "Egypt, Syria and Iraq."  Daisy heard Mr. Hussein say, because of way too much violence; it was "banned" in that holy city of "Mecca."  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.          

           

                          JEAN- JACQUES ROUSSOU       FRANCOIS-MARIE AROUET ("VOLTAIRE")                                                          (1712-1778)                                                            (1694-1778)                                                            

     PAINTING BY MAURICE QUENTIN DE LA TOUR         PAINTING BY NICOLAS DE LARGILLIERE                

  

           Mr. Ralph read by the 18th century" in Europe, during that "Enlightenment" period when those two French guys Rousseau and Voltaire were writing; coffee drinking in "cafes" and  "salons" was "popular."  Boy!  I like wigs!  They just make you look more "High Class."             

            Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Hussein talk about how in Islam there are "Monks" too.  Yesterday I mentioned how sometimes Sufi Monks, before praying; ground up coffee beans and  then drank it.  Mr. Hussein thinks it was probably "bitter" and "not very pleasant" to taste.        

         Hey God!  As You know, Mr. Hussein joked those Sufi Monks might've drank coffee to make them "forget about their hunger" during one of those times when they weren't allowed to  eat.  Dais thinks coffee might make you pray better.  The afternoon desert is so beautiful.              

             

       "CONSTITUTIONAL" CONVENTION                    MR. RALPH / SON RORY                                           (PHILADELPHIA / SEPTEMBER, 1787)                                        (SAN FERNANDO MISSION)                                                     PAINTING BY HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY                                                                                    PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                              

      

         I mentioned yesterday in book one how, at the time of the "Revolutionary War;" a lot of  people like the "Founding Fathers" quit drinking the traditional English "Tea."  As one of those "Political Statements," they "substituted" coffee Mr. Ralph read.  I smell some Mesquite.             

         The Founding Fathers were influenced by some Enlightenment Writers like Rousseau and Voltaire.  Thomas Jefferson, instead of saying "life, liberty and the pursuit of property" as John  Locke did; said "Life, Liberty and the "pursuit of happiness."  Benjamin just flew bye.                

         As I said in book one, in 1787 after the "Constitutional Convention; a lady asked Benjamin Franklin "Well Doctor, What have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"  He then said to her, "A    republic, if you can keep it."  He meant that democracy is fragile and can someday be lost.                 

               "SARBUCKS" COFFEE HOUSES                MISS MARIA / MR. RICH / STEPHANIE                                                 

      

            Our boss one time told his Niece Stephanie, and Mr. Rich; Mr. Hussein was "hurt" when a "Starbucks" Coffee Shop started near Coffee & Cream.  That's one of those "Franchise" type  businesses I wrote about.  Cher jogged bye and her body language tells me that she's hungry.       

         Mr. Hussein has been in business since all the way back in 1994, impressive to Mr. Steve and his father.  "Many, if not most; business's don't last that long" they say.  I guess Starbucks is from "Seattle," Washington and serves many different kinds of coffee.  Libby neighed.                 

         Dais says you can tell Mr. Hussein is not lazy.  She heard our boss and his Niece Stephanie talk about how he works six days a week, from eight in the morning to ten at night.  Mr. Steve      says one reason he's a hard worker is because Egypt, where he's originally from; is very poor.                                                                               

"CUMULOUS" CLOUDS 

  

           Hey God!  Looking at some puffy afternoon clouds up in the sky makes me think of how all You Guys up there see things.  You know Daisy and I have at times wondered what looking at clouds from above would be like.   I smell the new baby Cholla cactus over there in the dirt.         

          Daisy heard our boss talking to Miss Susan at work about Starbucks coffee, even though neither one of them drink much coffee.  Mr. Julio does, and one reason might be because he has    to be at their office really early in the morning.  Mr. Steve usually starts working early too.         

          Miss Susan used the word "chain" in describing Starbucks.  She read Starbucks began in 1971, when she was in 12th Grade; and Mr. Steve was in 10th Grade at Sylmar High.  There are now Starbucks coffee shops in many countries all over the world from what Miss Susan said.                                     

           THE "ODYSSEY"           

PAINTING BY JOHN WILLIAM WATERHOUSE

b

           Wow!  A good painting shows those half Bird half girl "Sirens" from that story from the ancient Greek book "The Odyssey."  Daisy heard the Sirens have beautiful voices, but they use    them to "lure Sailors to their doom."   So the Sailors put wax in their ears to not hear them.         

           Our boss told Miss Susan he read Starbucks coffee shops logo has the image of a Siren, or maybe it might be one of those "Mermaids" he's heard.  His father jokes, "instead of luring men to their destruction, they lure people to buy coffee."  Hey!  He might be right about that!              

           The caption below the painting says it shows that guy "Odysseus" tied to the Ship's mast, so he can hear the Siren's without going crazy; or maybe crash his Ship on rocks Daisy thinks.   Our boss and his dad talked about how that lady Edith Hamilton wrote about the Sirens.                                     

            HERMAN MELVILLE (1819-1891)                     "MOBY DICK"                                 

     

           Dais says Miss Susan at work had to read Herman Melville's book "Moby Dick" in High School in West Los Angeles.  So she remembered that one of the characters in that book had the  name of "Starbuck."  A little Sparrow carrying a twig in its mouth just went running bye.            

          Someday I'll see that movie based on Herman Melville's book, which is partly about that Ship Captain named "Ahab;" who wants to get revenge on a giant white Whale who bit his left    leg off.  Ahab was a Jewish King described in the Old Testament from what Daisy's heard.           

         Mr. Steve and Miss Susan talked about how Herman Melville lived to be seventy two, in those days a very long time.   Boy!  I guess, during his lifetime he wasn't appreciated that much,  the "New York Times" even calling his book "Mobie Dick" in the obituary. I smell Juniper.                                  

                CAPTAIN "AHAB" HOLDING A "HARPOON"              

("MOBY DICK"  / 1951)

             Daisy says in the movie Moby Dick this guy from New England named "Ishmael" gets a job on Captain Ahab's "Whaling Ship."  But, once they leave port; everyone finds out they're      really on Captain Ahab's personal voyage of revenge on the white Whale.  Dawn's barking.          

          The metal "Harpoon" spears used to kill Whales in the mid-1800's had those "Barbed" tips I've written about Dais noticed.  So, once they were stabbed it was really hard for the Whale  to "Shake Off" or get the harpoon back out of its body.  Oh!  That must hurt so much I think.     

            Captain Ahab wants revenge so bad he he even offers a valuable coin as a reward for the first man to "spot" or see Moby Dick.  He even has his Blacksmith make a special metal head for his harpoon.  There are some thin skinny clouds up there in the sky over the eastern desert.              

CAPTAIN AHAB / CHIEF AID STARBUCK

    

       That guy Mr. Starbuck, one of those "Quaker" Christians; warns Captain Ahab about  being "blasphemous."  My Encyclopedia says Mr. Starbuck was a "thoughtful and and decent"  family man.  Daisy thinks I'd really love the different mid-1800's hats shown in that movie.          

          Dais says Mr. Starbuck tells Captain Ahab he's wrong in allowing emotion to control him.  To Mr. Starbuck Whale hunting is "strictly business" to be done in a "rational and logical" way.  A little grayish brown Sparrow carrying a twig in its beak ran bye out there in the dirt.                 

        To Mr. Starbuck, as Captain Ahab's Assistant; spending so much energy on one "dumb" Animal was ridiculous.  To risk the lives the Sailors for a selfish pursuit was wrong.  Hey God!  I  agree with Daisy in thinking You probably used that Whale Moby Dick to teach a lesson.              

  

QUEEQUEG / ISAHMAEL

            Dais says that guy Ishmael's friend is this "Polynesian" man named "Queequeg," who is really good at accurately throwing a harpoon.  Once Captain Ahab's Ship, the "Peequod;" is on  the way everyone finds out what their real mission is.  Andy's sniffing the air over there.               

         That guy Mr. Queequeg, who's one of those "Cannibals" who eat people; has tattoos all over his body from what Dais told me.  He even has some on his face, which Daisy thinks must    have hurt so much to get.  Mr. Steve's Nephew Rocky Jr. is a really good Tattoo Artist too.            

           Hey Lord!  I guess Mr. Ishmael, like Mr. Starbuck; is also a Quaker too so really believed in Your ideas.  Leaving New England the Peequod went around the bottom of Africa to get to the Pacific Ocean.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye and moving together toward the north.            

         

"GALÁPAGOS" ISLANDS 

          Dais says one time our boss and Mr. Dave talked about Mark Ritter, and how he was able to fulfill his wish of going to those "Galápagos" Islands before dying.  I guess Herman Melville,    who worked on a Whaling Ship in 1841; visited them.  And so had Charles Darwin earlier.           

        I think Daisy is probably so right.  Mr. Steve, who really doesn't like traveling any more; would not mind visiting the Galápagos Islands.  Then, he could see those giant land Turtles who    walk around; or the unique Iguana's who've adapted to getting their food from the Ocean.         

         A while back Daisy heard our boss talking to his sister Susan about why he does not like to travel anymore.  "At my age" he says, "I'd rather travel vicariously" through Huell Howser and Rick Steves.  He doesn't need, or want; that much "in person" human interaction anymore.                                         

"THE URANATIA BOOK"

  

          I just thought of how many think Charles Darwin's ideas disproved religion, which makes me look forward to maybe someday reading "The Urantia Book."  It tries to "unite" science and  religion.  Jimi Hendrix and the GRATEFUL DEAD'S Jerry Garcia both used to read it.       

        As I've said before, "Urantia's" logo has three circles, symbolizing, "infinity," "eternity" and then "universality."  The Author's deal with mankind's "origin," the "meaning of life;" and "place in the universe."  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; just went flying bye.               

      Captain Ahab is so serious Dais says, and besides his leg being made of Whale bone; what makes him look scary is a big scar on his face.  She thinks it's probably from when Moby Dick bit his leg off.  This Encyclopedia says he was on a "revengeful and obsessive maniacal quest."                               

AHAB SEEKS REVENGE                                       "SPERM" WHALE         

 

         Daisy says Miss Susan noticed, even though he's the leader, and doesn't have to actually go out and do the dangerous job of harpooning a Whale; when they found the white Whale Captain Ahab personally was in one of the small little Row Boats.  Dawn's barking.  I smell Blinky.           

     Captain Ahab was in the same Boat as Queequeg Daisy told me.  He wanted so bad to kill Moby Dick, and couldn't wait to throw his harpoon and stab that gigantic white Whale.  Ah!  I    just picked up Bravo Company's scent, which came in from the desert behind the Sheds.              

        Wow!  My Encyclopedia says some "Sperm" Whales can grow to be fifty feet long, and from what Daisy heard Moby Dick is even way bigger than that.   I wrote yesterday how, before there was such a thing as electricity; Sperm Whale liquid was used in "Oil" lamps.  I like Dawn.                                                           "RADAR"           

    

           Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Grant Sperm Whales are the "loudest" Animal in the world.  Because at times have to communicate with each other from a really long distance, they use that  "Echo Location" I've written about before.  Mr. Grant knows a lot about that "Sonar" too.         

        I guess Sperm Whales at times have to "Communicate" with each other from really long distances.  Mr. Steve has read, and also been told; if a Diver gets too close to a Sperm Whale they can get badly injured or even killed by its "Click" voice.  Frida and Diego are flying bye.              

          Like Bats and other things, Sperm Whales send out sounds which hits something and then bounces back information to them from that object.  I wrote earlier how "Radar" helped win the "Battle of Britain" in 1940 and 1941.  But they also had brave Pilots like Douglas Bader too.             

"L.I.D.A.R." CREATED IMAGE

(MAYAN CITY OF "TIKAL")

  

        Oh!  I just remembered I was supposed to talk about this totally amazing system called "L.I.D.A.R.," which Mr. Grant has read about.  My Encyclopedia says it stands either for "Light Detection And Ranging," or "Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging."  A Train whistled.              

         Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Grant discussing this tv show about L.I.D.A.R.  I guess Mr. Dave also saw that tv show and liked how, using L.I.D.A.R.; unknown ruins of the Mayan City of "Tikal" were "discovered."  They were hidden by that really thick forest in "Guatemala."           

           It says here L.I.D.A.R. is "measuring the time it takes for reflected laser light to return to   the receiver to "create an image."   Mr. Grant said Scientists can now either "scan" something,    or bounce the laser off of a "fixed" object to "build" the image.  Frida and Diego flew bye.                                     

L.I.D.A.R. IMAGE

IMAGE CREATED BY PHOENIX AERIAL

   

            I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve and father both enjoy studying maps and things like that.  Daisy's told me about the maps our boss has in the guest bedroom closet.  Someday I'll see  and smell that guest bedroom for myself, and all of the other rooms down the hallway too.            

       Mr. Steve thinks in the future people won't need to drive Cars anymore, because either a robot or computer will do it.  And "maybe do a better job" Mr. Steve's father jokes.  Daisy says    L.I.D.A.R. systems are part of getting to that point of "Self Driving" vehicles someday.                 

          Boy!  Even though I'm still afraid of riding in Cars, I sure hope automatic Cars don't come in too fast.  Mr. Grant says then a lot of Company Drivers will all lose their jobs, but the business owners probably won't care that much Dais thinks.  I smell that new baby Cholla cactus.                                                                                  MARS                          "FACE" ON MARS                 MARS "ROVER"                                                                       

        One time our boss and Mr. Dave talked about how Scientists are starting to get more and more  information about the Planet Mars.  I mentioned those vehicles driving around the surface gathering the "Data."  Mr. Dave is interested in that face on the Moon I wrote about before.        

         Mr. Dave said L.I.D.A.R. systems are being used on "Drone" type Helicopters flying above Mars.  I noticed Mr. Randy used the word "topographical" maps that morning when they were    loading up Rex to go to the dump.  Nikola Tesla worked on "Wireless" communications.               

         Daisy says Mr. Grant and our boss discussed how, the tv show said even before World War II Scientists were trying to "measure distance by light."  They did it by shooting a "Searchlight"  beam way up into the atmosphere I guess.   I smell Andy, who's over there looking around.                    

                                    "DRACULA"                                VLAD III (THE "IMPALER")                                                          (1931)                                                                         (c.1428-c.1476)                                       

                                                                                                                                            AMBRAS CASTLE PORTRAIT

         

           Oh!  I missed the subject of "Vampire" Bats when I wrote about Radar.  Someday I want to see that movie about "Dracula" who turns into a Bat and drinks people's blood.   I mentioned that guy Vlad III yesterday, and I'd love to have a hat like the one shown in the Encyclopedia.     

         Daisy one time heard our boss and Mr. Ralph talk about Vlad "the Impaler," the person Writer Bram Stoker based the character "Dracula" on in his book; which that 1931 movie was      based on.  Vlad III was from what is now the country of "Romania."  Andy's sniffing the air.     

        According to a tv show Daisy and Millie saw about Bats, and what it says here; there are three types of Vampire Bats who drink blood.  They're small, live down there in Mexico, Central and South America; and "rarely" bite people.  The late afternoon air is so clear right now.           

          

"IMPALED" VICTIMS 

          As I said in book one, the reason Vlad III got his nickname is because he impaled people.  He fought the same Turkish "Ottoman" Empire who conquered Constantinople in 1453.  It says here in this Encyclopedia how impaling is "using a sharp stake to kill by puncturing a body."      

         It says here Vlad the Impaler, who lived in the 15th century and was called "Vlad Tepes" and "Vlad Drâculue;" was known for his "cruelty and brutality."  "Dracul" means "Dragon" in Romanian, but a Romanian lady once told our boss it also means "Devil."  I smell Sage.                

         Daisy says the man on the tv show about Bats said those Vampire Bats don't really "suck" blood like in the movie.  They have "razor sharp fangs," used to "slice open" skin; and then lick the blood which comes out.   Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; just now flew bye.                                                                                                                            "VAMPIRE" BAT                                                                  

PHOTO BY UWE SCHMIDT

 

          Daisy says the tv show mentioned how Vampire Bats are unique in having evolved special shaped legs which then allow it to walk around.  They don't land on victims, which are at times    sleeping; because that would wake them up.  So they walk up without them knowing it.                 

       Mark Ritter thought Vampire Bats were examples of Charles Darwin's idea of "Natural Selection."  They've adapted, and survived; because their particular environment required them to adapt to the food sources in their area.  They're the only mammals who feed only on blood.      

         It says here how , Vampire Bats have "heat sensor" noses which can "sense blood close to the surface" of it's victim skin; usually things like Cows Daisy says.  Two types like Bird blood.    I guess, like Birds with food; Vampire Bats spit up blood for young, old or sick Bats to eat.                                                

SUN / CLOUDS   

               

         Hey God!  I don't know why but all of a sudden I remember that morning when Dais and I were back here on Elvira.   We both looked up from the Patio down here and felt You in the Sun  looking down on us between the clouds.   Right now there are only a few thin clouds up there.      

        Mr. Steve and Miss Susan talked about how Herman Melville's book Moby Dick is over five hundred pages long so, it's like my books.  Our boss told Miss Susan he once bought, and then      resold;  a replica harpoon like the real ones from the 19th century.  Heathcliff crowed.                   

      I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve has some spears and things like that in his office.  He also has a lot of books in there too Dais tells me so, someday I'll see and smell what it's like to be  in there with her.  Thank You God for making clouds for us to look at here in Piñon Hills.                                                                                        

WHALING SHIP "ESSEX" 

      PAINTING BY L.F. TANTILLO                 

        

         Our boss told Miss Susan he read Herman Melville, in writing his 1851 book about that white Whale; knew about this real life Whaling Ship rammed and sunk in the same way Moby    Dick did.  Oh!  I wonder if Moby Dick was one of those "Albino's?"   Daffy's quacking.                

           Daisy told me what it also says here in this one Encyclopedia, how in 1820 a Sperm Whale ran "headfirst" into the Whaling Ship "Essex."  It did it with such power the side of the wooden Ship had a hole in it, so of course water rushed in.  A Train whistled faintly over to my left.           

       Mr. Steve's father told Mr. Hussein over six hundred Starbucks coffee shops have closed "since 2009 when this economic recession began."   Our boss told Miss Susan he heard, before it was Starbucks, the coffee shops were called "Pequod" like Captain Ahab's Ship.  I smell Sage.                            

FLOCK OF BIRDS IN LATE AFTERNOON SKY    

        

          I just glanced up and see some Birds flying toward the north.  That reminds me of the hot day last Summer, when Daisy and I were back here sitting on Elvira; and we saw the same exact  thing.  Ah!  And now I also hear Heathcliff over there crowing as his Hens cackle happily.             

         My Encyclopedia says in 1820 when that Whale rammed and sank the Essex, before it went down; twenty men on three small Boats were able to survive.  One Boat got lost and was "never  heard from" again, only eight living to "tell the tale."  Heathcliff's voice is so strong.                     

       Daisy heard what it says here, how the Whale rammed the Essex twice; and the surviving  Sailors had to eat each other to survive.  They were probably like that "Donner Party." I'll bet.  I boy Sperm Whales sometimes ram their heads together while fighting over girl Whales?               

                    

                                                        FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE (1844-1900)                                                           

          Oh!  In my Encyclopedia there's a good quote by that guy Friedrich Nietzsche, in talking about Captain Ahab's "self destructive" and "fanatical" behavior.   He said, "When you look      long into the abyss, the abyss also looks back at you."  Boy!  An abyss must be really bad.             

        If he could borrow Mr. Peabody's "Way Back" time machine, Dais thinks our boss might want to go back and talk with Friedrich Nietzsche; and his dad would too.  I'd want to tell him I  do want to believe what he said, "That which does not destroy me only makes me stronger."         

     Daisy told me Queequed has a little wooden statue who he prays to for guidance.  All of a sudden he's convinced he's "doomed," so has the Carpenter make him a coffin.  When he lays in it to try it out a little black "Cabin Boy" sings an eerie song and plays tambourine Dais says.           

MOBY DICK'S "EVIL EYE"

ART BY WU TSANG          

      

          I guess that white Whale Moby Dick had giant scary mean-looking eyes from what Daisy says.  She told me how in the movie scenes where they show Moby Dick's eyes you can really tell how angry he was for Captain Ahab and his crew trying to kill him.  Dawn's now barking.           

        Miss Susan used the phrase "evil eye," so our boss told her about Ronnie James Dio, and how he "popularized" that "Malocchio" hand gesture associated with Heavy Metal.  That was    when he replaced Ozzy Osbourne as BLACK SABBATH'S Singer.  I smell little Blinky.                

      Dais says our boss told Miss Susan how Ronnie James Dio, as a little kid; saw his Italian Grandmother do the "Devil's Horn" malocchio hand gesture.  She'd do it to "ward off" someone looking at her in a mean way.   A flock of Birds high up there in the sky is flying to the east.                                                                                        RONNIE JAMES DIO (1942-2010)                              "MALOCCHIO"                                                        

             

          It was after "Dio" had been in RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH when Mr. Steve took pictures of him.  "Little did his Grandma know" Mr. Steve joked with Miss Susan, that "she'd    be a part of Heavy Metal music in influencing her Grandson."  Wow!  That's so true.                    

         From what it says here in this Encyclopedia, that malocchio hand signal has been a part of many cultures, and has had "many meanings."   Dais says back in Texas one of the Colleges use  it to represent "Longhorn" Cows.   Anyway, I'll learn more about the malocchio tomorrow.          

       Mr. Steve's dad said their family is lucky they've never had to take a "dangerous" job like hunting Whales in the 19th century.  With "one swipe" of a Whale's tail, you could be dead "in    an instant" or "blink of an eye."  "But, when you're poor and have a family you'll do it."             

   

                                                         MOBY DICK'S REVENGE                                                            

                                          ARTWORK BY STEVEN SUTTER                                                   

           

        Even though harpooned many times Dais says, Moby Dick was so strong the Row Boats were being easily dragged and towed all around.  One was even pulled under the water.  Whales  not only have powerful tails, their strong mouths have evolved to kill those Giant Squids.             

                   Daisy says those Whale Boats seemed so tiny compared to Moby Dick, who made Captain Ahab and Queequeg's Boat turn over; or "Capsize."  But Captain Ahab is so determined to kill  Moby Dick he swims over and climbs up on top of the giant white Whale.  I smell Sage.                 

       As he stabs and yells at Moby Dick some of the ropes connected on to all the harpoons get "entangled" around Captain Ahab I guess.  Dragged around tied to Moby Dick, Captain Ahab     keeps on "stabbing and cursing" in anger Dais told me.  A Crow cawed faintly to my left.                                              

AHAB'S END 

PHOTO BY ERICH LESSING

    

        Daisy says in that movie, for Captain Ahab; being tied to Moby Dick was both good and bad.  He didn't get washed off, so could keep on stabbing and stabbing Moby Dick's giant back.  But the bad part was when Moby Dick dove down under the water Captain Ahab drowned.         

          After he was dead but still tied to Moby Dick, Captain Ahab's limp right arm went up and down as if waving every time Moby Dick moved.  And that Daisy says, fulfilled this prophesy        Ishmael heard, "He will beckon."  It looked like he was calling you alright Dais thought.              

           Oh!  I just noticed there are Pigeons up on the Patio roof above me.  They must've come in from the west, the main reason I even knew they're here is I saw the shadows moving around out there in the dirt.   Cher used the right gate slot to go out into the desert behind the Sheds.                                                                       

  CAPTAIN HOOK                                           PETER PAN             

         

          Someday I'll see that cartoon movie about the Fairy "Peter Pan," who flies around.  Dais  heard the character of "Captain Hook" was "inspired" by Hermann Melville's Captain Ahab.    Dais thinks I'd like the hats and shoes everyone wears in that Peter Pan cartoon movie.                 

          This one Encyclopedia says Captain Ahab was "filled with a sense of remorseless rage and revenge" for Moby Dick but, it ended up killing him our boss thinks.  I guess Mr. Steve's parents also really like that 1950's movie about Moby Dick too.  The Pigeons are cooing up there.              

         According to Dais that guy Captain Hook has a metal hook instead of a left hand, because this Crocodile he's chasing bit it off; and then swallowed it.  So, instead of a white Whale; he's      after the that Crocodile.  Daisy thinks Captain Hook's red uniform is so "classy looking."                                                                                    ISHMAEL "RESCUED FROM THE GRAVE"                     

                                                          

            Daisy told me in Moby Dick Queequeg was sent a message by his little wooden idol.  He then knew he was going to die, had those "Premonitions" I've written about; so had his coffin      built for him.  Two Crows are really fighting over something out there in the back desert.              

             Hey God!  It's a good thing Queequeg had that one coffin built because, when Moby Dick sank the Pequod; the coffin floated to the surface where Ishmael climbed on top of it.   He would  be the only survivor because of that.  Ah!  The Pigeons are now flying into the back desert.           

         I guess God, Ishmael had faith, hope and love for You, and believed You set it up so his friend Queequeg's coffin saved him.  And maybe You did so he could then tell everyone not to be like Captain Ahab.  He should've just forgiven Moby Dick for biting off his leg Dais says.                                                                  

HAGAR WITH SON ISHMAEL IN EXILE

        

            Dais heard our boss talking about the Old Testament's "Book of Genesis" with his mom  one time.  I guess, in a story that guy Abraham's son was named "Ishmael;" just like the man in Moby Dick; and the name Ishmael means "God Will Hear."  Oh!  What a good name to have.     

          My Encyclopedia says the original Ishmael, and his mom "Hagar;" were "banished" or "exiled from Abraham's tent."  Oh!  So he now "symbolizes" being an orphan, or one of those      "outcasts" I wrote about.  He and the Ishmael in Moby Dick were "rescued miraculously."          

           I just thought about how important "Hagar Street" has been to Mr. Steve's family.  Dais heard him tell his Niece Samantha "every once in a while" he still has dreams about that cul de    sac down there in Sylmar.  Hearing Heathcliff and his Hens makes me feel good right now.           

        

 SAMMY HAGAR                                                       MONTROSE         

       

          I'm not scheduled to talk about that guy Sammy Hagar right now but, I kind of feel like mentioning him here too.  He was in the early 1970's Northern California band MONTROSE,    who our boss saw open up for GOLDEN EARING that time.  He was in VAN HALEN later.         

          Hearing a Train whistling, while smelling Joshua trees; reminds me of the morning last Summer.  That man from San Bernardino was at our house to buy some tools and things.  I can    see Libby walking around slowly at the back of her Corral, along Primavera Road.                        

           That man said he was originally from "Fontana," also where Sammy Hagar grew up too I guess.  Before he was in MONTROSE, that man's sisters saw bands Sammy Hagar was in play in "Riverside;" and later down in "San Bernardino."  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.                  

       

QUEEN   

        

         For some reason I just thought of that one song called "Another One Bites the Dust" by QUEEN.  Daisy heard the title is based on an Old Testament saying.  Mr. Mark and our boss one time talked about how that song was written by QUEEN'S Bassist named John Deacon.                

        Dais told me Another One Bites the Dust is kind of like a "Dance" or "Disco" song with, really good bass of coarse.  It is a really "catchy" song alright she thinks.  All four of the Pigeons are right now flying together over Libby's Corral and moving toward the northeast.                      

          Mr. Mark called the guitar on Another One Bites the Dust as being "funky."  He read John Deacon also played it on the "recorded" version, Brian May doing it "live."  Mr. Mark used the  phrase "dance groove," and word "syncopated;" to describe that song's "lead" bass beat.            

                  

   CHIC                                                                  MR. MARK

        

           Mr. Mark says it's "obvious" QUEEN'S Bassist John Deacon likes "Funk" music.  He read John Deacon was friends with Bernard Edwards, the Bassist for a 1970's New York City      band called CHIC.  Mr. Mark mentioned the CHIC song "Good Times" Daisy told me.                 

           When still living down in Sylmar Mr. Steve met this guy from Philadelphia, who knew Bernard Edwards before he was in CHIC; when he was one of those "Session" Musicians.  The    word "chic" Daisy thinks, means "high class."  I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there.             

          John Deacon wrote a song about his wife called "You're My Best Friend" Daisy says.  As in Another One Bites the Dust, he did a "distinctive bassline" on QUEEN'S song with David Bowie  called "Under Pressure."   Heathcliff just crowed and it sounds like his Hens are so happy.                   

"SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY MASSACRE"

(CHICAGO / FEBRUARY 14, 1929)

  

          According to what Mr. Mark told our boss, QUEEN'S song Another One Bites the Dust is partially about that "St. Valentine's Day Massacre I wrote about earlier today.  The only one to    survive was that one Dog "High Ball," who witnessed it.  Boy!  It's too bad he couldn't talk.         

         Oh!  This Encyclopedia says the original quote from the "King James" Bible, "Psalm 72 / Chapter 9" is; "They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him and his enemies shall lick the dust."  Then, over four centuries; it evolved into "another one bites the dust" I guess.             

        Hey God!  Is it You who they're talking about in the King James Bible?  I'll bet it was You alright.  Dais heard Mr. Mark say by the 19th century, out in the "Old West;" the original Bible  phrase was "another one bites the dust" to describe someone being shot.  Daffy's quacking.          

                                                                 KARL MARX (1818-1883)                                      EMMA GOLDMAN (1869-1940)          

PHOTO BY JOHN MAYALL                                                                                                                                                                                               

            

         Mr. Steve's dad once talked with Mr. Hussein about Karl Marx's idea for Workers to "Collectivize."  They should "band together" against the Owners to get "higher pay" and better  "working conditions."  The owners of the Starbucks Coffee Shops are totally against that.            

          Earlier today I wrote about that girl Emma Goldman, the Russian Ashkenazi Jew who came into the U.S. in the late 19th century.  She also spoke and wrote about all of the negative      things Capitalism creates.  She and her boyfriend, "Anarchists;" believed in using violence.         

          Karl Marx, seeing the rich "Bourgeoisie" class "exploiting" the  "Proletariat" working class; predicted a "bloody uprising" by all those Workers.  But, he thought it would happen in    "Industrial" countries, not "Agrarian" cultures like Russia and China.  Libby whinnied.                                         

"CROWN FLASH"      

                  

         Seeing some clouds over the eastern horizon makes me think about what Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Grant talking about one time.  They saw a tv show on the Science Channel about    "Crown Flashes."  I just now picked up the scent of Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.              

        My Encyclopedia calls Crown Flashes "visual phenomenon." or an "optical effect."  Daisy says they're weird and on the tv show you could see sunlight moving around like a searchlight at night, except it's total daylight.  Mr. Dave's customer in Florida witnessed a Crown Flash.            

        Dais heard our boss and his Niece Stephanie talk about "Seattle," where in the 1990's all of those Grunge bands like NIRVANA came from.  It's rainy and cold in the Pacific Northwest so    maybe they drink more coffee there Dais thinks.  And why Starbucks headquarters is there.         

               

"COFFEE & CREAM"

     

        Daisy heard our boss and his father talked with Mr. Hussein about how the ownership of Starbucks coffee shops up there in the State of Washington don't want their Workers to form      any of those "Unions."   Ah!  The late afternoon air is so clear.   I can smell some Juniper.             

         In being against Workers Unions I guess the owners of Starbucks are sort of like that guy Henry Ford who  built Cars, except now they can't use violence against them the way he did.  I    wonder if it would be a good idea to form a Union of Dogs?  A Train whistled faintly.                     

          Maybe, if we "Organized" a group who represented all of us Pets, Cats like Cher included; we could have more bargaining power?  But, like Dais told me that time; we really aren't being    treated badly like Workers often are now in 2014.  A grayish  Lizard went sprinting bye.                                                                                    1971 G.M.C. "SPRINT"             

         

          Seeing the Lizard makes me feel like running but, I'd better not because now there's only about an hour and a half of sunlight left.  I do like to sprint which, from what Mr. Cliff said that  time; used to be the name of a Car.  Boy! I really like the smell of new Spring Creosote.                 

        As Mr. Steve watered the Mulberry tree over there, Mr. Cliff told him he liked the "body style" of those 1971 "G.M.C." Cars called "Sprint."  My Encyclopedia describes them as being a "light duty utility pickup."   Theodora just jumped up into her favorite Creosote bush.                 

         That morning Mr. Cliff said in 1971 Sprints were "the G.M.C. version" of Chevrolet's"El Camino."  I guess Sprints were made from 1971 through 1977, when they were renamed as the "Caballero;" or "Cowboy" in Spanish.  Theodora noticed me sitting over here on Elvira.                 

         1968                       "EL CAMINO"                    1971             

PHOTO BY DAVE KOONTZ                                                                                                                                                                     

   

          Our boss has told Mr. Cliff about his two 1968 "Chevelle's," and how the "body style" on the 1968 El Camino's were similar to the Chevelle's.  Mr. Cliff nodded his head when Mr. Steve    told him about his royal blue "S.S." Chevelle with the black vinyl roof.  I smell Theodora.            

        Mr. Cliff knows about what they call "Sprint Car Racing," which I notice he described as being "open-wheeled."  He said the Cars are "designed for short oval or circular tracks," either     on pavement or dirt."  Boy! You can kind of tell Theodora is happy it's springtime now.             

      Dais and I both noticed Mr. Cliff was interested when Mr. Steve told him about a guy who rented storage space in Sylmar from them a few years ago.  He raced "Midget" sized Race Cars  on dirt tracks, and kept one in back of Mr. Steve's father's property.  Heathcliff just crowed.                                      

"SPRINT CAR" RACING      

        

      I remember Mr. Cliff explaining to our boss how those Midget Cars are just "smaller versions" of the "bigger Sprint Cars."  He said those larger Cars have a "high power to weight  ratio," 900 horse power carrying only 1400 pounds."   I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.            

           Mr. Cliff mentioned how the bigger Sprint Cars have those "V8" motors that I've written about before.  When he told Mr. Steve big Sprint Cars can go "160 miles per hour" our boss said the fastest he's ever gone is about 120 m.p.h. in his second Chevelle.    Daffy's quacking.                

       Ah!  I just glanced up in time to see Cher going bye carrying a dead mouse in her mouth.  She ducked under Moe where she can eat it without someone trying to steal it from her.   Andy's over there standing totally still, watching Cher.  Theodora just flew off into the desert.                                              

SPRINT CAR RACERS   

    

         As our boss watered the Mulberry tree up there in the front yard Mr. Cliff told him how some Sprint Cars have "Wings" on top of them.  That gives them "more downforce stability"      when going "around corners or sprinting at full speed" he said.  Frida and Diego flew bye.           

         Oh!  A Car or Truck just went bye out there on Primavera Road.  I heard it coming from my left as it went bye moving to the south, and the dust it raised is now floating up slowly.  With it being afternoon and school being out, kids on their Motocross Motorcycles going bye.                

       Mr. Cliff told our boss, Sprint Cars "operate" using "Methanol" fuel, and they have "no transmissions" or "electric starters."  When he said you have to push Sprint Cars to start them, Mr. Steve said he's "push started" Cars with manual transmissions.  Heathcliff crowed.                                                                                  PRESIDENT               JOHN F. KENNEDY                W.W. II                  

(1917-1963)          

                                 

          According to my outline I now have to learn more about 1963, when President Kennedy was killed; a "World Changing" event.  I wrote about it yesterday.  Mr. Steve's father thinks it's "entirely possible" the Vietnam War "may not have happened" if he not been assassinated.         

           I just thought of how President Kennedy fought the Japanese in World War II, out there in the Pacific Ocean.  His small "PT" Boat was run over and cut in half by a big enemy warship, so he swam ashore; pulling this injured man with him.  Samson and Delilah flew bye.                    

           Oh!  Yesterday I was supposed to say a "Sun Tzu" quote Daisy heard on a tv show, which I guess Mr. Steve's father liked.  So I'll put it in here.  He said, "Only one thoroughly acquainted  with the evils of war can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it out."                  

    

           SUN TZU (c. 5TH CENTURY B.C.)                   VÕ NGUYÊN GIÁP (1911-2013)                               

      

          Someday I'll read that man Sun Tzu's book "The Art of War," which General Giáp read; using its ideas to lead the Communist "Viêt Minh" in defeating Japan in the Second World War.  His "Strategy," then beat the French and United States too.  I really like Sun Tzu's hat.                

    Mr. Steve's father called General Giap a "military genius."  Oh!  My Encyclopedia has another good quote by him, "To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the      opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself."  Heathcliff crowed.           

         I remember that morning when, as they loaded Rex for the dump; Mr. Randy said he was "almost" in the Vietnam War.  He's a year older than Mr. Steve but got a "Medical Deferments" from the military.   A flock of Birds is going bye up there in the late afternoon sky.                                                         

FLOCK OF BIRDS                                           MR. RANDY           

           

           I remember how Mr. Randy chuckled when our boss went in the house and got his "Draft Card" from 1973, and then showed it to him.  It's disintegrating and is barely even readable now Daisy and I noticed.  He keeps in one of those ingenious plastic baggies someone invented.            

         One time, on a warm Saturday morning as Dais and I watched cartoons; our boss and Mr. Randy looked at those knives near the fireplace in the living room.  Mr. Randy knew about the    "Bowie" knives.  He's also read a lot about 1963's "J.F.K," assassination too I guess.                    

         Dais says one time she and Millie were in the living room and watched a tv show about the Kennedy family.  It said, just a few months before he died; President Kennedy made his famous  speech in front of the "Berlin Wall."  But that big wall didn't fall for another thirty years.               

J.F.K. VISITS "DALLAS," TEXAS

(NOVEMBER 22, 1963)

    

      Daisy says the tv show on the Kennedy family of coarse talked about when President Kennedy was killed in "Dallas." That's near where out boss's brother Rock lives with Rocky Jr.  and Jacob.  I've mentioned how, in November of 1963 "J.F.K." and his  wife visited Texas.           

         Our boss told Mr. Grant one time how, back in 1963 it turned out to be a "bad idea" for  President Kennedy and his wife to ride around in a "Convertible" Car.  The "Secret Service,"    who protect the Presidents; would not allow that today I guess.  Blinky has a good smell.              

       When J.F.K. was shot; some thought it might've been Cubans from the failed Bay of Pigs invasion who did it.  Mr. Steve thinks they had a "motive," but probably not the "means;" or      "opportunity."  In 1963 a few people believed it was Fidel Castro from Cuba who did it.                           

               LEE HARVEY OSWALD (1939-1963)               WINDOW VIEW  (6TH FLOOR)                                

        I spent a lot of time yesterday in book one learning about when President Kennedy was probably shot by that guy Lee Harvey Oswald way back in 1963.  But, our boss says; maybe Lee  Harvey Oswald took the first two shots but not the third "Kill" shot?  Daffy's quacking.               

          Daisy says Lee Harvey Oswald called himself a "Patsy."  Some think the Mafia "Set him Up."  Then, they just had Jack Ruby kill him before he could "Talk."  Our boss told Mr. Ralph he stood in the 6th floor window and thinks a third shot from Oswald "was not impossible."        

       That one guy from Chicago Sam Giancana, who Mr. Steve's father thinks might've had Marilyn Monroe killed; felt betrayed after helping Kennedy get elected President in 1960.  So he definitely had a motive for revenge in November of 1963.  Now other Ducks are quacking.                                           ,        

               SAM GIANCANA                  CARLOS MARCELLO              SANTO TRAFFICANTE                                            

                As I've said before, when John Kennedy became President he "Appointed" his younger brother Robert as "Attorney General;" who "Went After" Sam Giancana, Carlos Marcello and    that one other guy Santo Trafficante over in Florida.  They got mad.  Heathcliff crowed.             

          When Fidel Castro came to power in 1959 Santo Trafficante helped the American C.I.A. try to kill him.  Jack Ruby, who killed Lee Harvey Oswald; ran a "Mob" Nightclub.  Oswald's    Uncle worked for Carlos Marcello but, some think the C.I.A. killed President Kennedy.                

           Mr. Steve thinks the Mafia had the "motive, means and opportunity" to kill the President; and benefitted the most from his death.  He stood in the window where Lee Harvey Oswald was  positioned so thinks it "plausible" he "could've made that head shot."  I like Heathcliff.                

                                                                  "PT-109"  TORPEDO BOAT               (1943)          LIEUTENANT JOHN F. KENNEDY                 

  

          Oh!  My Encyclopedia says after his PT Boat was sunk, not only did J.F.K. swim ashore pulling a wounded Soldier; he did it by holding a "life jacket strap" in his "clenched" teeth.        Wow!  "PT" stands for "Patrol, Torpedo" it says here.  Andy's sniffing the air over there.             

          My Encyclopedia says here what the tv show said, how "Lieutenant" Kennedy's Boat was "cut in half;" when a Japanese Destroyer ran over it.  Boy!  When he "towed" that "burned"  "  Sailor to the shore it was three miles away so, he must be strong.  I have strong teeth.                     

         No wonder John F. Kennedy got medals, including one of those "Purple Hearts."  Dais says he and the survivors were rescued because of a message he wrote on a coconut.  Someday I really want to hear that good song by the POLICE about sending out a message in a bottle.                                   "BATTLE OF KURSK"     

(JULY 5-AUGUST 23, 1943)    

         

       I just noticed how John F. Kennedy's PT-Boat was sunk on August the 1st of 1943, and I know that huge "Battle of Kursk" was going on in Russia then.  As I've said a few times before,    that was the biggest land battle in history.   All four Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.                   

         Some say "Kursk" was the "Turning Point" of Word War II, others think it was earlier at the "Battle of Stalingrad." It says here General Zhukov had "good British intelligence" before    Kursk.  From then on Soviet armies pushed the Germans slowly back towards Germany.             

    This Encyclopedia says the Germans lost about 300,000 men at Kursk but, as usual; the Soviets lost even more.  They could "afford to sustain" over "half a million" casualties.   Ah!        Blackbeard and Anne are chasing and yelling at another what is probably a boy Crow.                                                                                       INVASION OF "SICILY"                              OPERATION "MINCEMEAT"                                                   (JULY, 1943)                                                                                    (APRIL, 1943)                                                     

               

          I just thought of that "Operation Mincemeat," before the invasion of "Sicily" in July of 1943.  The Allies fooled the Germans by "planting false information" in a briefcase attached to    that floating corpse.  A Lizard just ran bye on the other side of Miss Emily's coffee table.              

        Boy!  It's so amazing how the Allies dumped that dead body with the information in his briefcase off the coast of Spain, which tricked the Germans into thinking an invasion was going    to take place in Greece; instead of Sicily.  Dawn's barking.  I smell Blinky next to her.                    

           Oh!  I just noticed on my book two outline that I forgot to write one more thing about the J.F.K. assassination.  Daisy and Millie saw a really interesting tv show about this one girl named Dorothy Kilgallen.   She was one of the most "influential" Writers in the U.S. in the 1950's.         

                                         

MARILYN MONROE (1926-1962)/  DOROTHY KILGALLEN (1913-1965)

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID SUTTON

    

          The tv show said Dorothy Kilgallen died three years after Marilyn Monroe, also from an "Overdose" of the same "Barbiturate" she died from; "under suspicious circumstances" too.  I  guess that guy Ernest Hemingway really liked Miss Dorothy's writing.  I smell Mesquite.              

     Dorothy Kilgallen was one of the first people to have a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame."  She knew President Kennedy, and took one of her sons to meet him at the White House from what the tv show talked about.  Samson and Delilah flew bye going toward the north.           

          Dais says some think, like Marilyn Monroe; Miss Dorothy was "Silenced" before she could "Talk."  It's rumored she found out it was Carlos Marcello who had J.F.K. killed.  At the time of her "untimely" death; Mr. Steve heard a lot of people "respected anything she had to say."          

           

  "WIZARD OF OZ" (1939)   

    

         I just thought of that other girl named "Dorothy," from the movie the "Wizard of Oz." Dorothy Kilgallen, whose death was also labeled "Suicide;" overdosed on "Barbiturate" drugs    similar to Marilyn Monroe.  I guess over the years our boss has known girls named Dorothy.       

          If that girl Miss Dorothy had "revealed" what she found it would've made that "Warren Commission," and the F.B.I. Director J. Edgar Hoover too; look bad.  They "concluded" it was    "only" Lee Harvey Oswald alone who killed the President.  Frida and Diego are flying bye.          

        The tv show said Miss Dorothy, who Dais heard Frank Sinatra really hated; did the only "Interview" of Jack Ruby who had killed Lee Harvey Oswald.  Mr. Steve's father read all of her Newspaper Columns about the "Fishy" things in Marilyn Monroe's death.  I smell Creosote.             

VITTORIA COLONNA (1492-1547)

PAINTING BY SEBASTIANO DEL PIOMBO

  

        Oh!  Writing about Dorothy Kilgallen makes me remember how I forgot to write about another smart lady named Vittoria Colonna.  She lived in the 16th century and Mr. Steve's mom  studied her portrait painting back in College at C.S.U.N.  Heathcliff crowed over there.                 

          Dais says Mr. Steve and his mom have Stalked about Vittoria Colonna, who it says here in this one Encyclopedia was from that then "City-State" of "Naples.  Wow!  She was a "friend and spiritual mentor" to that guy Michelangelo.  I smell the new baby Cholla cactus.                            

        No wonder Mr. Steve thinks that lady Miss Vittoria must've been smart.  It says here she was the "first woman" to have poems "published in Italy," even though it wasn't called "Italy"    until the late 19th century.  Judging by how the desert looks I'd say it's after five o clock.                                                               LATE AFTERNOON HIGH DESERT                              MISS HELENA                                    PHOTO BY TONE HELENA TORGERSEN                                                                                                                                                                                   

            

         Looking at the desert behind Manny, Moe and Jack makes me feel good.  Daisy told me that girl Miss Helena, even though she's from "Norway;" obviously also likes living in the High    Desert.  I've mentioned that Mr. Steve really likes seeing the pictures she takes of our area.           

         It says here how that lady Miss Vittoria was Western Europe's very "first female career artist."  She was "immersed in the new religious currents of reformation" coming from men like Marin Luther and John Calvin, so wasn't Roman Catholic like us.  A Train whistled.                     

        This Encyclopedia says the 1500's Renaissance was a time of "seismic shifts" in Culture, Art, Science, Religion, Politics and Philosophy.  Mr. Steve's mom studied some of the "wild and    complex" paintings of another lady named Lavinia Fontana.   She had eleven children.                                                                                      LORENZO "THE MAGNIFICENT"                       LUCREZIA TORNAGUONI               

                       (1449-1492)                                                           (1427-1482)                               

                                          WOOD CARVING BY VERROCCHIO                                       PAINTING BY DOMENICO GHIRLANDAIO                                                                                                                                                                                       

         I just looked up a late 15th century man called Lorenzo "The Magnificent."  He was the "most powerful patron of the arts" in Italy, but I guess his mom Lucrezia Tornabuoni was also    "very influential" during their time.  Speedy Gonzalez ran bye out there in the dirt.                      

         Wow!  I notice how that lady Miss Lucrezia died at age forty three, her son at forty five; so even for rich people back then "Life Expectancy" was short.   It says here Mr. Lorenzo and          his mom were from that City-State of "Florence."  A line of Ants is marching bye.                          

         Oh!  Mr. Lorenzo and his mom were from that "Medici" family I've mentioned before,  So his real full name was "Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici."  It says here he was a "statesman," and a    "banker;" the "de facto ruler" of Florence.  I smell the Joshua trees near Libby's Corral.             

        

MR. PEABODY / BOY SHERMAN

           

             I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how, if he could borrow Mr. Peabody and Sherman's "Way Back" time machine; Mr. Steve would want to see what it was like in early 16th century Italy.  I'd want to go with him and I know so would Daisy.  Heathcliff crowed.          

         Wow!  This Encyclopedia says that lady Miss Lucrezia was a poet and "political force," who sponsored Artist like Michelangelo; and that other guy Botticelli.  Her son was the "patron" of Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and also Michelangelo.   There are thin clouds up in the sky.         

            One time our boss and his dad talked about how the Renaissance period changed the way  people "think of the world."  But, in some ways more importantly; it made so many Europeans    think more about "their place in the physical world."  Ah!  I love how clouds make me feel.          

              

MACHIAVELLI (1469-1527)

PAINTING BY SANTI DI' TITO

   

        Over the last two days I've mentioned that guy "Machiavelli," who wrote his famous "Handbook for Power."  Dais saw a tv show that said he was a "Diplomat" during a time when    the Medici family was "out of power" in Florence.  A Train whistled faintly to my left.                   

          Boy!  It's too bad Machiavelli's short little book "The Prince" wasn't "published" until five years after he died; so he never knew what a huge impact it's had on the world.  Someday I    want to read that book.  It was written when Italy was still many independent City-States.            

            Mr. Steve and his father read The Prince.  They think it's obvious Machiavelli was kind of like that little hunchback Homer Lea, who also thought war just a "natural and normal part of    human nature;" so "would never be eliminated" from life here.  The Train whistled again.                                       

       NAPOLÉON III / OTTO VON BISMARCK            

PAINTING BY WILHELM CAMPHAUSEN              

                      

        One time our boss and Mr. Ralph talked about The Prince.  Mr. Ralph also read it, and heard that German man Otto von Bismarck who conquered France in the 19th century; was        "very familiar" with it's ideas too.  All four of the Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral.               

           In the living is a replica helmet like the one Mr. Bismarck is wearing in this picture of him with Napoléon III after beating France in 1871.  Napoléon III is wearing one of "Kepi" style hats I notice.  Daisy says in his office Mr. Steve has a "Confederate" Civil War kepi hat.                        

        Mr. Steve's father joked, in 1871 that guy Bismarck had "one of the best years any leader ever had."   Not only did he "Unify" Germany into a country; he also beat Denmark, Austria      and then France in three really "quick" wars too.  Wow!  That is a good record alright.                                       FRANCIS I                             HENRY VIII                             CHARLES V     

                                  (1494-1547)                                              (1491-1547)                                                  (1500-1558)                                                         PAINT BY JOOS VAN CLEVE                                 PAINTING BY HANS HOBEIN THE YOUNGER                                     PAINTING BY TITIAN                                                                             

         Daisy heard, in his own time after he was dead; Machiavelli's book was read by the three most powerful European rulers.  In England Henry VIII and that guy Thomas Cromwell read it, and the French King Francis I did too.  The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V read it.                    

     Oh!  My Encyclopedia says that lady Catherine de' Medici, the daughter of Lorenzo the Magnificent; read The Prince.  Ah!  I just thought of how Johann Gutenberg's "Printing Press"  had only existed since the mid-15th century.  A little Sparrow ran bye holding a long twig.            

         I guess Mr. Ralph used the words "unscrupulous" and "cold blooded" to describe some of Machiavelli's ideas.  As he and Mr. Steve's father "interpret" parts of The Prince, Machiavelli      thought in "Politics" the "Ends justify the Means."  And that means even violence too.                                           

      MR. RALPH / SON RORY            

     

        Our boss told Mr. Ralph, years ago at the Sylmar Library he met a smart man from Lebanon; who had read The Prince.  That man said, "A Lion or a Fox," and "A Velvet Glove or an Iron Fist" in quoting Machiavelli.  Max just zipped bye and I heard him coming.                     

          As I've said, Machiavelli thought an "Effective" leader must know when to "Caress or Annihilate;" that "Fear" usually gets better results than "Love."  I can't wait to see that movie    "The Godfather" where they talk about that exact same idea.  I wonder where 99's been?             

        I guess, some call Machiavelli's work a "Handbook for Tyrants," others say it's simply "Political Realism" discussed using "Empirical" science.  Machiavelli said "deception, treachery and duplicity" was often necessary.  "Empirical" means "observable" or "measurable."                                                                       TITUS LIVIUS                      AUGUSTUS                    CLAUDIUS                 

                  (59 B.C.-17 A.D.)                 (63 B.C.-14 A.D.)             (10 B.C.-54 A.D.)                               

           

        I just thought of that "Julio-Claudian" family which ruled ancient Rome after Julius Caesar was killed.  Mr. Steve says Mr. Machiavelli wrote another "not so famous" book about      that Roman Historian called "Discourses on Livy."  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.          

       Wow!  The word "monumental" is used to describe Livy's "History of Rome" in this  Encyclopedia.  His actual name was "Titus Livius," but everyone just called him Livy for short I guess.  It says here he wrote about those two original brothers "Romulus" and "Remus."             

           Mr. Livy wrote about Rome's "founding" in 753 B.C., was Emperor Augustus's friend; ing "on good terms" with members of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty  He "encouraged" that  other guy Claudius to try to be a Historian too.  Dais thinks Mary Beard talked about Mr. Livy.                                                      "CONSTITUTIONAL" CONVENTION                      BENJAMIN FRANKLIN                            (MAY 14-SEPTEMBER 17 / 1787)                                                               (1706-1790)                                   

                      PAINTING BY HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY                                                                                   PAINTING BY DAVID MARTIN                                                          

                   

          Mr. Steve's father thinks it's "ironic" Machiavelli is now only known for The Prince, and it's "undemocratic" and "authoritarian" ideas.  Some think things he wrote in his other book      Discourses on Livy "paved the way for modern Republicanism."   I smell some Creosote.             

         The American Founding Fathers were influenced by 18th century "Enlightenment" ideas from people like Jean-Jacques Rousseau; who was influenced by Discourses on Livy.  I guess,      some think Rousseau might've thought of The Prince as "Satire."   Heathcliff crowed.                  

     I just thought of what that guy Benjamin Franklin said when, after the "Constitutional Convention was over; that one lady asked him "Well Doctor, what have we got, a Republic or a    Monarchy?"  He said, "A Republic, if you can keep it."  Democracy is fragile Dais heard.                                                                                      

      MUHAMMAD ALI            

                                

         Oh what the heck!  Even though I'm not scheduled to write about the Boxer Muhammad Ali right now, I can just do it now anyway.  He's from "Louisville," Kentucky where, before this  economic recession; my boss had a customer who was a Boxing fan.  A Lizard ran bye.                  

         Yesterday in book one I mentioned Muhammad Ali's 1974 fight in "Zaire," Africa against George Foreman, who was a powerful puncher like Rocky Marciano.  So Muhammad Ali, who'd lost speed; did that "Rope-a-Dope" tactic to beat him.  It surprised even his "Trainers."               

          Muhammad Ali knew it was suicidal to fight George Foreman "Toe to Toe," so leaned back on the ring ropes letting his opponent throw punches; hoping to tire him out in the hot weather.  But he had to avoid or block heavy punches, so it was a risky thing to do.  Libby whinnied.                                                         

   GEORGE FOREMAN     

      

             The caption underneath a picture says George Foreman is "standing over" a "knocked out" opponent.  I wrote how his 1974 African fight against Muhammad Ali was called "Rumble in the Jungle," and was held in an outdoor Soccer Stadium.  George Foreman is from Texas.  

             Daisy told me the tv "Commentator" said Muhammad Ali's "overall strategy" was to "empty George Foreman's gas tank."  But, for eight rounds Muhammad Ali had to "absorb" a lot of punishment because George Foreman hit so hard!  A Lizard is standing on the wall.

            I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Gary the Barber in San Fernando, and Mr. Ralph; know a lot about the sport of Boxing.  Mr. Ralph, when young; was even one of those "Sparring Partners" I've written about before.  The little gray Lizard is now doing some pushups.  

        

  MR. RALPH / SON RORY                               MR. GARY                    

            

                 Daisy says she can tell Mr. Ralph is intelligent, as is his son Rory too.  Mr. Gary studied the film of that "Rumble in the Jungle" Muhammad Ali-George Foreman fight in Africa.  The Lizard ran down the wall and went behind our water bucket near the sliding glass door.

            Mr. Ralph knows, usually a Boxer does not want to ever be what's called "Caught on the Ropes;" because that means the opponent has you trapped with an easier target. Mr. Gary was surprised in 1974 when Muhammad Ali "allowed himself to be cornered."  I smell Sage.

           In Zaire Muhammad Ali's Trainer Angelo Dundee did not like Rope-a-Dope at all, being very upset when he realized what was happening.  I guess Mr. Steve met, and shook hands with; both Muhammad Ali and later Angelo Dundee.  Mr. Mark met Muhammad Ali too.   

                                                                                                               ANGELO DUNDEE (1921-2012)

   PHOTO BY NEIL LEIFER                  

                      

            Like Mr. Rick, that man Angelo Dundee was an Italian-American from Pennsylvania; but ran a Gym down in Florida.  Miss Babette at work had a customer near the city of "Miami" where that Gym is located.  The late afternoon air is again so clear and fresh today.

           Mr. Gary said, in the 1960's; Muhammad Ali's "great lateral movement" made him a "difficult to hit;" but by 1974 when he fought George Foreman he had lost much of that speed.  I'm really good at dodging things too, or "Ducking and Weaving."  Heathcliff crowed.

           I guess from what Daisy and Millie saw on a tv show, in 1964 the BEATLES met "Cassius Clay;"  Muhammad Ali's original "Birth" name before he changed it.  In 1964, when my boss was nine years old; the BEATLES were by then very famous.  I smell some Creosote.

              

                           CASSIUS CLAY                THE BEATLES            ED SULLIVAN SHOW

                          PHOTO BY HARRY BENSON                             

             

                I guess, not only was 1964 the year Cassius Clay became World Champion; it was also the year the BEATLES made their famous appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show" too.  That was when many kids were "inspired to become Musicians" Mr. Steve thinks.  Dawn's barking.

             As I've said before,  the German word "Zeitgeist" translates as meaning "Spirit of the Times."  That's what the BEATLES and Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali came to symbolize about the 1960's my boss thinks.  There are more Birds now flying around out there in the desert.

            Daisy says one time our boss and his father talked about the BEATLES, and how they've almost become "synonymous" with the eventful 1960's.  Mr. Steve's parents actually like some of the BEATLES songs Mr. Steve has played them over the years.  I smell Andy over there.

         

THE WHO                                                               THE BEATLES      

               

                Oh!  Mentioning the BEATLES reminds me how, when I wrote about "Heavy Metal" music's history I was supposed to talk about the WHO and the BEATLES.  Mr. Dave saw this tv show which mentioned the BEATLES song "Helter Skelter."  Heathcliff crowed over there.

            The man on the tv show said Paul McCartney read Pete Townsend said his song " I Can See For Miles" was the "loudest, rawest and dirtiest" song.  So, Paul McCartney then wanted to write an even louder and dirtier song; which was Helter Skelter I guess.  I like Heathcliff.

           Our boss and Mr. Dave talked about the BEATLES 1968 "White" album; which Helter Skelter is on.  I want to hear that song, which Mr. Dave thinks is "early" Heavy Metal; the bass and guitars "gritty" and "distorted-sounding" he says.  Mr. Steve has the White album.       

                                                                                                 "HELTER SKELTER" SLIDE                            THE BEATLES                                                      

      

                 Our boss told Mr. Dave how Mr. Phillip from Wales said, over there in England a "Helter Skelter  is a "Fairground ride."  It's a "circular slide" where you climb to the top of a building, then slide all the way down to the bottom Dais heard.  Wow!  That sounds kind of fun to do. 

            I guess Mr. Phillip said "helter skelter" can also mean "disorder" or "chaos."  That guy Charles Manson thought the BEATLES song was a secret signal for the start of a "Race War" he had been predicting to his followers.   Well, back to writing about that guy Muhammad Ali. 

           Muhammad Ali is known as a Boxer, and for being "stripped" of his Title in 1967.  It says here he "refused" to be "inducted" into the army to fight in the Vietnam War.  I've said before how, Mr. Steve wouldn't have refused to go into the military; and still has his "Draft Card."  

          

"PRESS CONFERENCE" (JUNE 4, 1967)   

                    

               A picture shows Muhammad Ali at a "Press Conference" where he said he wouldn't go into the military.  All around him are other famous black athletes who supported him in what he was doing.  I just noticed a long line of small Grease Ants going bye on the Patio floor. 

            Mr. Gary the Barber, and Mr. Ralph; think Muhammad Ali lost the most "productive" four years of his career but; he had "Conscience." It made an impression on Mr. Steve's father when Muhammad Ali said, "No Vietnamese ever called me a nigger."  Dawn's barking.

            It says here Muhammad Ali's "birth" name was Cassius Marcellus Clay.  Both he and his father were named after a 19th century Politician from "Kentucky." But, he converted to Islam and then became "Muhammad Ali;" which Mr. Hussein says means the "Beloved of God."

         

    CASSIUS MARCELLUS CLAY (1810-1903)     

            

          Even though his family owned Slaves, I guess the original Cassius Clay was one of those "Abolitionists;" which made him "unpopular" in a "Slave" State.  Oh!  He fought in the 1840's Mexican War.  During the later American Civil War Kentucky stayed "In the Union."                   

         Marcellus is a name from ancient times because, in the early 1800's; Roman culture was  influencing American society a lot.  Daisy saw a tv show about all the buildings influenced by      Roman architecture.  Some Slaves were even given Roman names in the 19th century.                   

            Oh!  Cassius Clay, because of "attempts on his life;" carried one of those Bowie Knives like the one Jim Bowie invented.  I've mentioned before how David Bowie the Singer changed his name from "Jones" to "Bowie" because of Jim Bowie.  Our boss has a few Bowie knives.

             

 SPIDER'S FROM MARS                                         MICK RONSON           

                                                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

          

               I just thought of David Bowie's 1970's British "Glam" band called the SPIDER'S FROM MARS.  In 1991 Mr. Steve and Harriet saw the SPIDER'S Guitarist Mick Ronson, with MOTT THE HOOPLE'S Ian Hunter; play at the "Palace" in Hollywood.  Heathcliff crowed.  

           Some 19th century Abolitionists, like that guy John Brown for instance; thought the only way to get rid of Slavery was violence.  I guess, Cassius Clay was a "Republican;" like Abraham Lincoln.  I've mentioned before how Republicans had been called "Whigs" up until 1854.

          Oh!  This is kind of interesting.  Abraham Lincoln almost picked Cassius Clay as his Vice Presidential "Running Mate" when he ran for the Presidency in 1860.  But, I guess he did end up "appointing" him as the "Ambassador" to Czarist Russia during the American Civil War.  

               

                                                    PRESIDENT LINCOLN (1809-1865)

 PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER

                       

            It says here President Lincoln told Cassius Clay his main job was to convince the Czar not to officially "recognize" an "independent" Southern Confederacy.  He was able to get Russia to "threaten" war with England and France if they recognized the Rebels.  Dawn's barking.

           Little did that first Cassius Clay know, a century after he lived; a black kid with his name would become a "three time" Heavyweight champion.  This Encyclopedia says Muhammad Ali was "controversial" and "polarizing."  Mr. Steve says some people wanted to kill him.  

          Tomorrow in my third book Dais has me scheduled to learn about the "Nation of Islam," and that guy Malcolm X.  Before he was Malcolm X his name was Malcolm Little.  Muhammad Ali, and Malcolm X too; both joined the "Black Muslims" back in the early 1960's I guess. 

                               

    MALCOLM X (1925-1965)       

             PHOTO BY ROBERT HIGGINS           

                               

            Tomorrow I'll learn more about the American "Civil Rights" movement, and write about that guy O.J. Simpson; who our boss thinks killed two people.  I've mentioned how "O.J." and    Mr. Steve share July 9th as a birthday.  I just noticed Cher over there asleep on top of Moe.          

           According to what Dais saw on a tv show, Muhammad Ali was friends with Malcolm X.  I guess, both became converts to Islam and thought their original names were forced on them by    the dominant white culture; so picked their own new names.  Cher has such a unique scent.          

        Oh!  I really like the Malcolm X quote in this one Encyclopedia, "There is nothing better than adversity.  Every defeat, heartbreak or loss contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to    improve."  Wow!  That's sort of like Friedrich Nietzsche's quote.  A Train whistled faintly.            

                 

FRIEDRICH NITTZSCHE (1844-1900)

        

           I just now thought of how that guy Nietzsche said, "That which does not destroy me only makes me stronger."  Hey God!  I really want to believe in that idea, and You know how Daisy      kind of does too.  There are now some long clouds spreading slowly across the afternoon sky.        

          Dais heard our boss and his father talking about Friedrich Nietzsche and how he had bad health for most of his life.  I guess, before he was a Philosopher; he studied ancient Greece and      Rome like that lady Edith Hamilton did.  I notice in his picture he has a bushy mustache.            

          Muhammad Ali, in that 1974 fight against George Foreman; had to "Adapt" to getting old and not having the fast foot speed he was known for when young.  In the hot and humid weather of Africa he needed to "Conserve Energy" as they say.  Samson and Delilah flew bye.                    

                                   

                    CASSIUS CLAY JR.                       

         (AT AGE TWELVE)              

                        

             A picture in my Encyclopedia shows the then named Cassius Clay Jr. when he was only twelve years old.  Daisy saw that tv show about Muhammad Ali which said when he was twelve someone stole his bike, so he was mad and wanted to beat that person up.  I smell Sage.

            Daisy says a twelve year old Cassius Clay met this Policeman who trained kids to Box in a Gym.  The man told him if he intended to beat up whoever stole his bike, he'd better learn how to fight; which he then did I guess.  Cher woke up and jumped down from up on Moe. 

            Oh what the heck!  I feel like writing more about Boxing, and especially Muhammad Ali; even though Dais had me scheduled to do it tomorrow in book three.  I can write about him then too.  The scent Cher left behind just now came floating over here to me sitting on Elvira.   

                       

                  DREW "BUNDINI" BROWN (1928-1987)             

                                                             PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                           

                

          In 1985 at the Forum, Mr. Steve met Muhammad Ali's "Corner Man;" named Drew Bundini Brown.  He "motivated" Muhammad Ali and made up some poems that Muhammad      Ali recited before his famous fights.  "Bundini" was tall and smiled a lot our boss says.                  

             One of Bundini's poems was, "Float like a Butterfly.  Sting like a Bee.  Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see."  Oh wow!  This Encyclopedia says Bundini Brown worked with "Sugar" Ray Robinson.  Dais says our boss shook hands with both of them in the 1980's.

            Because Nat Fleischer, the "Editor" of "Ring" magazine or "Bible of Boxing;" said Sugar Ray Robinson was the best "Pound for Pound" Boxer in history everyone believes hm.  Daisy told me Mr. Steve's dad, who Boxed in the Marines; agrees with him.  I smell Mesquite.  

        

        NAT FLEISCHER (1887-1972)           "SUGAR" RAY ROBINSON (1921-1989)    

                                        

          This Encyclopedia shows Nat Fleischer in his office outside Madison Square Garden in New York City.  And, two photos show Sugar Ray Robinson fighting Carmen Basilio; who Mr.      Steve's dad thinks was one of the "toughest" Fighters he ever saw fight.  Dawn's barking.             

         Carmen Basilio, like Mr. Rick is "Italian-American;" and the caption under the photos say he was one of the few who beat Sugar Ray Robinson.  Wow!  In this one photo he's landing a hard left hook right on Sugar Ray Robinson's face.  Ouch!  That would probably hurt.                 

          The pictures of Carmen Basilio and Sugar Ray Robinson are from a fight that took place in 1957, the year Mr. Steve's brother Rock was born.  Oh!  It was at old Yankee Stadium, where  he and Mr. Steve saw that Yankee's-White Sox game in 1977.  I smell Theodora's Creosote bush.              

     MUHAMMAD ALI /  BUNDINI BROWN                                MR. GARY  

                  

              Our boss told Mr. Gary that guy Bundini Brown laughed a lot and was friendly.  Dais says, during Muhammad Ali's fights; you hear his loud voice yelling out encouragement.  I knew I heard Max the Hummingbird coming and he just zoomed bye really fast right now.

             I guess, a few years ago Mr. Steve met a lady from Florida who knew Bundini Brown's family.  She said he was in a "bad car accident," later dying in a fall.  Just like that other Boxer Art Aragon from Belén, he converted to Judaism after marrying a Jewish girl.

           Mr. Steve says Bundini Brown joked, when Muhammad Ali was younger he was so fast he could; "Turn off the light switch and be under the covers before the lights went off."  Boy!  That is fast alright!  Oh!  I just glanced up and noticed Theodora up on her Creosote bush.

                      

   THEODORA       

                                      

           According to my Encyclopedia, as Cassius Clay; Muhammad Ali won a "Gold" Medal in the 1960 "Rome Olympics."  He was a "Light Heavyweight" then.  I've written about how, in      1985 when Mr. Steve's Tour Group went to Italy; they got to see a lot of the city of Rome.              

          I just glanced to my right and can see Libby standing over there, and her tail isn't chasing away Flies; so that's a good sign.  I smell the clump of Joshua trees near her Corral.  As I've said before a few times before in these first two long books, Daisy and I really hate all Flies.                 

           Coming back to America Cassius Clay "turned pro," and about four years later he had done so good he got a chance to fight for the "World Heavyweight Championship.  Theodora jumped down from her Creosote bush, and ran into the back field; with Andy watching. 

         

                              1960 (ROME)              MUHAMMAD ALI                1996 (ATLANTA)   

                

       A picture shows "Cassius Clay" after he won his gold medal in Rome and I notice how "Amateur" Boxers wear those sleeveless shirts.  Daisy heard they're called "Tank Tops."  Oh!      Maybe we should start a good business making shirts in that style for us Cats and Dogs?                

                Our boss, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen met Muhammad Ali in 1989 at the Forum, by then he had "Parkinson's" disease.  At the start of the 1996 "Atlanta" Olympics, hands shaking; he "carried the torch."  Mr. Steve's customer gave him a seat cushion souvenir from 1996.   

            In 1964 Cassius Clay fought for the championship against Sonny Liston, who Mr. Gary joked "was such a hard puncher his jab could knock you out."  As I've mentioned, a jab is not intended to be powerful; being more of "Range Finder" for hard punches.  I smell Andy.

                                    

                                                                   CHARLES "SONNY" LISTON (1932-1970)

                      

          Mr. Ralph called Sonny Liston "intimidating, a picture showing him landing a hard left jab on that guy Chuck Wepner's bloody face.  He slaughtered Floyd Patterson twice; each time    knocking him out in just one round.  Mr. Steve got to shake Floyd Patterson's hand.                       

             Sonny Liston fought right-handed, Mr. Steve's father describing his left jab as being like a  "Jackhammer."  Muhammad Ali, also right-handed; had more of what's called a "Razor-like" jab which "stung" and often cut up an opponent's face.  I smell Andy over there.

            I guess Muhammad Ali "flicked" out his left jab and this one Encyclopedia says a Writer named Roger Kahn compared it to a "lizard's tongue" or "rapier" sword.  Dais says a rapier has a long skinny blade, meant more for stabbing rather than cutting.  Heathcliff crowed.  

          

                   THREE MUSKATEERS                                   LOUIS XIV (1638-1715)

                                                                                                                                    PAINTING BY HYACINTHE RIGAUD

                 

           Daisy told me our boss has a long, skinny Rapier sword kind of like the ones used by the Three Muskateers back in the 18th century.  That was when that guy Louis XIV, who was called the "Sun King;" ruled France.  Speedy Gonzalez, with Andy watching him; zoomed bye.

           I wonder if our boss knows King Louis XIV never said, "I am the State" like people say he did.  Oh!  Mr. Steve will be interested to know his last words before dying were, "I am leaving but the state will always remain."  I guess the "French Revolution" proved him wrong.  

     For some reason I just thought of how Mr. Steve's father, as a "Fire Director" during the Korean War, helped the artillery "Zero In" on the enemy.  As a "Spotter" he was like a Trainer    telling the Boxer where to hit an opponent.  I can now smell Speedy's scent left behind.             

                               

                   (105-MM "HOWITZER")          KOREAN WAR        MR. STEVE'S DAD ON LEFT                                                                                                                                                                 

        At times an artillery round will land in front or behind the target, and at other times to either side.  So, an "Adjustment" or "Readjustment" is made; in order to "Pound" and "Rain    Down" destruction.  That just means you can then kill way more of the enemy Soldiers.                

       Daisy says sometimes in war a first wave of Bomber Planes will drop their bombs which make smoke or start fires.  This is intended to show the later Bombers where to drop all of their  way more powerful bombs.  I can hear two Crows fighting out there in the eastern desert.             

        Well, back to Boxing.  In 1964, as a big "Underdog;" Cassius Clay Jr. surprised everyone and beat Sonny Liston to become Heavyweight Champion.  Before the fight, almost all of the so    called experts said Sonny Liston was too strong; and might even permanently hurt him.                

            

                                               CASSIUS CLAY JR. / SONNY LISTON I    

                                                   (MIAMI BEACH / FEBRUARY 25, 1964)

                      

            A picture from the "first" Clay / Liston fight shows Cassius Clay avoiding Liston's jab, while others are of him landing punches.  Oh!  It says here how Sonny Liston was born in 1932 just like Mr. Steve's father.  But, unfortunately for him, he died young; back in 1970. 

            Athletes like Boxers have to be in good shape.  In August of 1970, in 9th Grade when they were at "Alemany" High School; Mr. Steve and his friend Paul went out for Football.  The first two "Hell Weeks" are for "Conditioning."  So all they did was exercise in the heat. 

            During those two Hell Weeks our boss Mr. Paul helped each other.  Mr. Steve's father, as he did in Marine "Boot Camp; told them to just go "one day at a time" and "don't be last."  I just looked up and see what I thought was a Sparrow but is actually a Mockingbird.    

MOCKINGBIRD     

         

            During Hell Weeks Coaches, like Marine "Drill Instructors;" yell and make "Examples" of people.  They make everyone do extra exercises and blame it on those who finish last running, saying things like, "Thank Mr. Córdova gentlemen."  The Mockingbird just flew away. 

            In those two weeks of "Two a Day" practices, Mr. Steve and Paul did "Circuits," having to run from one spot to another doing exercises.  When the whistle blows you then sprint over to another area and do some different exercises.  Our boss and Mr. Paul were never last.

            Back in 1970 Daisy heard, Coaches thought it bad to drink too much water because you got "Cramps" in your sides.  Now everyone knows better, that "Hydration" is important.  Paul's dad brought them "Gatorade" to drink, which at that time was something new I guess.

            

    JACK THE JACKRABBIT         

          

           Jack is running bye out in the desert behind the Sheds.  That reminds me about how, Mr. Steve plays "Catch" with people; it gives Dais and myself an excuse to run around too.  Jack's unique scent just floated into my two nostrils on a slight breeze coming from the east.

          In Football Mr. Steve enjoys having kids run "Routes," so he can then throw "Pass's" to them.  They have to catch the ball at a certain spot, with Mr. Steve throwing the ball even before they get there.  In a game it would be just as the Receiver "Shakes Off" the defender.  

         As the kid is doing his pass routes I run along with him or her.  Daisy just likes to watch on what they call the "Sidelines."  If the kid drops the ball I run in fast to grab it, then run away with it in my mouth; as everyone pretends to be mad at me even though they really aren't.

                            

        THEN            FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT           NOW                           

            

              I guess after Hell Weeks players got "fitted" for equipment, Mr. Steve as a Receiver; but it quickly was obvious he's too small to play "Tackle" Football.  I guess the equipment is better now, early Football players not even having face masks.  Andy's looking at me over here. 

             Right away Dais says, Mr. Steve was getting what they call "Bone Bruises" and cuts all over his body.  Even though he was five feet eleven inches tall he was just too skinny.  He told his dad he "chuckles" in "unrealistically" thinking he could ever play tackle Football. 

            Mr. Steve realized in 1970 that, "more often than not;" in order to play Football it's way better to be "Big-Boned" like his friend Paul.  So, he quit before he got hurt; which his mom was happy about.  His dad was also happy too because he knew our boss would get injured.   

                 

                                  JOHN HANNAH (NEW ENGLAND "PATRIOTS")

         

              In 1970, Mr. Steve's friend Paul did "make" Alemany's "Junior Varsity" team; as an "Offensive Lineman."   His job was to "Block" and give the other players time to do what they do.  Later Paul admired the New England "Patriots" Offensive Lineman John Hannah.     

            When Mr. Steve told his father he quit his dad said, "Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor;" in his "Heart of Hearts" knowing it was a correct decision.  Mr. Steve is good at throwing and catching a Football I've noticed.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

            I've written about the first "Super Bowl" played in 1967 at the L.A. Coliseum between the N.F.L.'s Green Bay "Packers" and A.F.L.'s Kansas City "Chiefs."  That Italian-American guy Vince  Lombardi was the Packer's Coach back then.  Heathcliff crowed over there.

         

                                                                WILLIE DAVIS

                                                               ("SUPER BOWL I" / 1967)

              

               In 1984 Mr. Steve's dad got that License to sell "Olympic" things so Mr. Steve often went down to the Westwood Olympic Headquarters near U.C.L.A.  There he once shook hands with a guy named Willie Davis, who was on the Packers in the first Super Bowl.  I smell Sage.

             Willie Davis was one of the black athletes who supported Muhammad Ali at that Press Conference in 1967 when he refused to be drafted into the military and fight in the Vietnam War. Willie Davis was a big "Defensive Lineman."  I can smell a Manzanita plant right now.          

             Daisy says Vince Lombardi's teams didn't "Pass" that much, and preferred to "Run the Ball."  Their big Offensive Linemen blocked for Runners doing what's called a "Power Sweep," where the Runner goes to the outside instead of "Up the Middle."  Daffy's now quacking. 

                

                  VINCE LOMBARDI (1913-1970)                                "POWER SWEEP"

                 

               A picture shows that guy Coach Lombardi standing on the sidelines with his Players.  It's so amazing how, even in 1967; many Football players had only one or two bars protecting their faces.  Daisy says our boss as a kid had a plastic blue and white Rams helmet with two bars. 

            One time our boss and his brother Sam talked about how dangerous it is to be a Football Player.  At least now the equipment is way better Mr. Sam said.  What his son Mathew wore as a High School Football at "Paraclete" High School is better than what the pros had in 1967. 

           I'm looking forward to someday watching sports on tv, as now the only Football I've ever seen was on that biography of Doug Flutie we saw that Saturday morning.  Ah!  The scent of Bravo Company and their new babies just came in from the desert.  I also smell Libby.     

                 

AS A TEENAGER               SISTER SUSAN         WITH HER HORSE   

             

            I just thought of Mr. Steve's sister Susan who lives back there in Connecticut with her sons Dalton and Austin.  I've mentioned how she's ridden Horses since being a teenager in Sylmar.  Libby's walking around slowly over there in her Corral and I don't see any pesky Flies. 

        Dalton and Austin's favorite "Pro" Football team are those New England "Patriots," who have Tom Brady as their Quarterback.  Up in Northern California he went to that one Catholic High Scholl named after Father Serra.  Smelling Libby is now making me feel good.  

        Mr. Steve told his Nephew Dalton about the Patriots originally being in the "A.F.L.," and also how good John Hannah was.  I guess, as good as John Hannah was at blocking on a "pass"  play; he was even better at "pulling" and "clearing the way" for Runners.  I smell Sage.  

      

JOHN HANNAH    

     

             Mr. Steve thinks it would be "really scary" to see John Hannah coming at you if you were trying to tackle the Running Back.  As big as he was, he was not only strong but also a good runner too.  Our boss faxed copies of the two Patriots logos for a customers sons to color.

            Like yesterday at this time, the Sun behind me to the west seems to be moving faster than this morning.  So, I can't waste any time; and work fast using my time "well" as Daisy says.  I'll bet she's right now laying under the window of our boss's office, waiting for dinner.  

             Oh!  This is a good time to write about a guy named Willie Thrower, who was the first black Quarterback in professional Football.  I totally missed him on yesterday's outline.  Back in 1953, or two years before our boss was born; he played in one game for the Chicago "Bears."

               

                   WILLIE THROWER (1953)                              MARLIN BRISCOE (1968)  

 

                 One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking with his brother Sam over there in Littlerock about how for many years black men were not thought smart enough to lead a team as Quarterback.  But, now in 2014; some the best ones are black I guess.  Heathcliff crowed.

            During World War II most white people didn't think blacks could be Pilots but those guys in the "Tuskegee Airmen" proved them wrong.  After Willie Thrower played in that single game there were no black Quarterbacks all the way until Marlin Briscoe in 1968.  I smell Sage. 

           Mr. Dave's customer said Willie Thrower's name was "funny," considering the fact that in 1953 there wasn't nearly as much "Passing" in Football.  Today in 2014 Daisy says there's a lot more throwing in the football games.   Boy!  I can't wait to someday watch a Football game.                             

                       JAMES HARRIS (1973)                                   DOUG WILLIAMS (1988)                                                                                                           

              Daisy says our boss and his brother Sam talked about James Harris who, in the 1970's; was the "Rams" Quarterback for a little while.  In 1988, at Miss Emily's house in West L.A.; Mr. Steve saw Doug Williams lead the "Redskins" to a "Super Bowl" win.  Heathcliff crowed.

            Back In 1988 the Washington D.C. Redskins beat those Denver "Broncos" in the Super Bowl.  The Bronco's Quarterback then was that guy John Elway who, for "Granada Hills" High School; played Baseball against Mr. Steve's brother Sam.  Andy's sniffing the air.

           I wrote earlier about that playoff Baseball game our boss's brother Sam's "Sylmar High"  team played in.  John Elway and Granada Hills won by a single run, so got to go play down there at "Dodger Stadium" for the "City Championship."  It was "Close but no Cigar" so to speak.

                 

                                            MISS EMILY                        U.C.L.A                          CAMPUS

     

       Mr. Steve told his mom he has "fond memories" of doing things with Miss Emily; a few having to do with U.C.L.A where she still works.  A while back he had a dream with Miss Emily, Miss Helen and that man Mr. Modugno in it.  They were at the Rose Bowl and hugged.                 

         Well, back to writing about Boxing.  Hey God!  I really like learning new things so thank You for that.  Daisy says our boss told Mr. Randy, in 1964; there were those who thought Sonny Liston might even kill Cassius Clay because of how he had "destroyed" other fighters.                  

             In 1964 Sonny Liston got even more angry when his opponent talked a lot to "Promote" the fight, many thinking he was "Cocky."  That means arrogant and conceited Dais says, and going into that first Sonny Liston fight he yelled, "I am the greatest!"  Libby whinnied.

       

CHUCK WEPNER / SONNY LISTON

("JERSEY CITY," N.J. / JUNE 20, 1970)  

                        

             Oh my God!  A picture shows a Sonny Liston fight against that guy Chuck Wepner.  The caption says Chuck Wepner's face is "cut to ribbons," and I can see how there's even blood on the Referees shirt!  Boy!  No wonder Sylvester Stallone based his Rocky story on him 

                  Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Rich Chuck Wepner's also from the State of "New Jersey."  I wrote earlier how Chuck Wepner's nickname was the "Bayonne Bleeder," needing one hundred and twenty stitches to fix his face after that Sonny Liston.  I can smell Heathcliff.

            Before the economic recession Mr. Steve had a Honda customer in "Bayonne," the town Chuck Wepner is from.  They discussed that 1976 movie "Rocky I," and how it was "inspired" by Chuck Wepner.  Seeing the shadows leaning away from me reminds me of yesterday.    

                                                        "ROCKY I" (1976)                 

               

                 Our boss told Mr. Gary he shook hands with that Actor Sylvester Stallone, who played "Rocky Balboa" in the move.  I wrote earlier how he saw Chuck Wepner fight Muhammad Ali, which gave him the ideas to write Rocky I.   Rocky Balboa's girlfriend is named "Adrian."

           Dais told me how in the movie that girl Adrian was really nice, and was sort of like Mr. Bobby's wife Valerie.  Both wanted their men to quit Boxing after seeing them what Mr. Ralph called  "battered and bruised."  A Sparrow carrying a long twig went running bye. 

          Boy! Daisy saw Rocky I which, as I said earlier; is about Heavyweight Boxers like Chuck Wepner, Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali.  The Champion "Apollo" has a "Big Fight" but, "At the last Minute;" his opponent got injured.  That's why he gave Rocky Balboa a chance.

           

   "PHILADELPHIA," PENNSYLVANIA          

PHOTO BY ELEVATED ANGLES                  

                  

                This Honda Parts Manager in New Jersey said his family have been to "Philadelphia," where the movie Rocky I takes place.  Dais says, in the movie they can't cancel the fight; but all l of the possible "ranked" opponents are "unavailable."  Cleo and Leo are flying bye.

             As I mentioned earlier, fighting Mr. Rocky was one of those "Stunts" or "Gimmicks."  They announced they'd give a "local" Philadelphia Boxer the "opportunity" to fight for the  Heavyweight Championship,  that guy being Rocky Balboa.   I smell Arborvitae.   

            Daisy says of course almost no one thought Rocky Balboa, who's left-handed; can beat the World Champion.  Everyone thinks it will be a slaughter, Mr. Gary calling it "an easy payday for a workout."  Mr. Steve and that girl at C.S.U.N. Miss Susan saw Rocky I back in 1977.    

             

                                   DICK BUTKUS                                    ROCKY BALBOA / DOG "BUTKUS"

       

            Yesterday I wrote about how in the movie Rocky I, and in real life I guess; Rocky Balboa and Sylvester Stallone owned boy Dogs named "Butkus." They were named after that Football player Dick Butkus, who Mr. Steve took a picture of; and shook hands with.  I smell Sage.

           Mr. Ralph was told, in the early 1970's; Sylvester Stallone was so poor he had to sell his Dog Butkus for only forty dollars.  But luckily, he sold the "Screenplay" for Rocky I, and right away went to buy Butkus back; which he did.  I hear Heathcliff's Hen's cackling happily.       

          One time our boss told his father how Butkus the Dog's new owner was "greedy," so when Sylvester Stallone wanted to buy Butkus back he "demanded" fifteen thousand dollars.  I guess Sylvester Stallone paid it happily.  Mr. Steve's father said, "fortunately he could afford it."

                                                        

    DROWNING POOL                                          DICK BUTKUS        

  

       Our boss and Mr. Rich talked about this Texas Heavy Metal band called DROWNING POOL.  I mentioned yesterday how Dick Butkus is now famous for being one of the "Hardest      Hitting" tacklers in Football history.  He was so mean but nice when Mr. Steve met him.               

         Daisy says DROWNING POOL have a really good song called "When the Bodies Hit the Floor," which was used as a "Highlight" film for Dick Butkus's "Biggest Hits."  Mr. Randy one  time said "It's a miracle he never killed someone."  A flock of Birds is flying to the north.             

       Mr. Steve thinks the "angry riffs" in DROWNING POOL'S song "fit perfectly" with the "ferocious" way Dick Butkus hit people.  Mr. Dave likes that song, and was totally amazed when he then saw the Dick Butkus Video.  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the desert.              

    

ROCKY JR. / ROCK / JACOB

STEPHANIE / RICH / CRISTINA

   

                I've mentioned a few times over the last two days how Mr. Steve's brother Rock, and his sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob; now live in Texas.  Their city "Arlington," where PANTERA are also from; is in between "Dallas" and "Fort Worth."  I can smell the big Mulberry tree.

           Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Rich, who was in that Heavy Metal band DRAGPIPE; talk about how DROWNING POOL is from Dallas just like Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan.  I want to see DROWNING POOL'S Dick Butkus Video someday.  Libby just whinnied.

          Mr. Steve has shown the Dick Butkus Video to others, just to see their reaction to the song and tackles Dick Butkus made on Running Backs.  Everyone cringes and then says "Oh!" when they see some of the hits.  Mr. Dave likes the drumming on When the Bodies Hit the Floor.

                                    

 "ROCKY I"       

      ("PHILADELPHIA," PENNSYLVANIA)             

                                                                                                                                                              

        Daisy and Millie heard Mr. Dave tell our boss, before the economic recession we're in; he had a Motorcycle Shop customer in Philadelphia.  She and her kids climbed up the steps Rocky    Balboa ran up in the movie.  The Parts Manager in New Jersey's family also did that too.             

          In Rocky I, "Against the Odds;" Rocky Balboa didn't win but like Chuck Wepner lasted the entire fifteen rounds.  It's like when that other guy Buster Douglas, with "42 to 1" odds against him; beat  Mike Tyson over there in Japan.   Heathcliff crowed and I hear his Hens cackling happily.            

       One time Mr. Steve and Miss Susan at work talked about a 19th century American Writer named Horatio Alger.  This Encyclopedia says he was born in that State of "Massachusetts" but  is also mainly "associated" with "New York City."  Boy!  Heathcliff has a calming voice.               

                                           

HORATIO ALGER JR. (1832-1899)  

      

          Yup!  Daisy was right when she told me a tv show mentioned how that guy Horatio Alger could read and write by eight.  And, it says here at the really young age of only sixteen he went to College at "Harvard;" just like Uncle Marty did.  Mr. Peabody also went to Harvard.                   

         I guess Horatio Alger's father, also named Horatio too; was one of those "Ministers" I've mentioned before.   They were "Protestant Unitarians."  In College at C.S.U.N. Mr. Steve read    a Horatio Alger "young adult" novel, and his mom later did too.  Birds are chirping.                     

      According to what it says here, Horatio Alger's books are "rags to riches" stories about young boys who, through hard work, honesty and luck; "overcome poverty."  Daisy thinks that  might be one of the main ideas of Rocky I too.  Both might be about the "American Dream."                     

MIKE TYSON / JAMES "BUSTER" DOUGLAS

       ("TOKYO," JAPAN / FEBRUARY 11, 1990)        

              

           One time Mr. Steve and his father talked about a fight between Mike Tyson and "Buster" Douglas.  His real first name is "James," and he was the first Boxer to beat Mike Tyson.  It was    the "biggest upset in Boxing history" Mr. Gary the Barber said, and many agree with him.           

      Until being knocked out in the tenth round by Buster Douglas in 1990, Mike Tyson was slaughtering everyone.  I mentioned how the "Odds" had Buster Douglas as a "42-1 Underdog"  so that means, like Rocky Balboa; few thought he "Had a Chance" so to speak.  I smell Sage.       

        Daisy heard, about a month before that Heavyweight Championship fight over in Japan; Buster Douglas's mom died.  So, being totally motivated to win for her; he trained hard and then "Shocked the World" as they say.  Smelling Sage right now is making me feel pretty good.            

                                                   

"POST" TYSON / DOUGLAS FIGHT

  

         Someday I really want to see that Mike Tyson, Buster Douglas fight.  Dais says Mr. Steve's father called it "putting on a boxing clinic."  After the fight was over, Buster Douglas talked to    his mom up there in Heaven I guess.  There are two Crows fighting out there in the desert.           

      From the very first round Buster Douglas was what Mr. Ralph once called "sticking and moving."  He was like a "hit and run" Guerrilla fighter, never being cornered; which would then "open him up" to Tyson's "devastating" power.  He "Painted a Masterpiece" that night.              

     Daisy says in 1990 even the Broadcasters were surprised at how well Buster Douglas was moving around.  Being right-handed, his left jab was "razor sharp;" and very "accurate." But it was his "lateral movement" that allowed him to "escape any danger" Mr. Ralph believes.            

             

LATE AFTERNOON SKY       

        

        I just glanced up and see some puffy clouds floating up there in the late afternoon sky.  Daffy's quacking, which makes me think of that afternoon last Summer when Daisy and I heard him; and were looking at clouds.  And, we were smelling Joshua trees just like I am now.              

           Dais heard Mr. Gary say, even though he's right-handed; Buster Douglas's final "Coup de Grace" knockout punch on Mike Tyson's jaw was an "overhand left hand" thrown from a left-    handed position.  It was the very first time Tyson had ever been knocked down I guess.                 

        Mike Tyson in 1990 was 37-0 record, 33 by "Knockout;" so seemed unbeatable.  But Buster Douglas was "pumped," or "fired up" Mr. Ralph said; the way William Barrett Travis said at      the Alamo, "Victory of Death."  He was like one of those ancient Greek Spartans I'll bet.              

         

MUHAMMAD ALI / CHUCK WEPNER   

("CLEVELAND," OHIO / MARCH 24, 1975)   

         

         One time our boss and his brother Sam in Littlerock talked about Chuck Wepner.  Mr. Steve told him how Sylvester Stallone saw Chuck Wepner's fight against Muhammad Ali, which "gave him some ideas."  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there in the nest.               

            Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Phillip about Mr. Bobby.  Muhammad Ali used his left jab to cut up Chuck Wepner's face, and his foot speed allowed him to avoid being hit.  I've said a few times in these first two books how Mr. Bobby was cut a few times in his later fights.                        

        Mr. Ralph and our boss talked about how Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali was "knocked down" four times in his career.  One was by Chuck Wepner, even though in a picture you can see how Chuck Wepner accidentally stepped on Muhammad Ali's foot.  Heathcliff crowed.                 

                                                           PRE-FIGHT              CLAY / LISTON I                  LEFT JAB                         

(MIAMI BEACH / FEBRUARY 26, 1964)
      

             I guess, in 1964 before their first fight in Florida; Sonny Liston wanted to kill Cassius Clay for the way he acted before the fight.  Gary, the Barber and Mr. Steve talked about the time Clay rented a Bus.  He then woke up Sonny Liston and his wife in the middle of the night.

            Mr. Steve thinks some Athletes, like maybe Sonny Liston for example; don't do well if they're angry.  But others, like that Basketball player Jerry West on the Lakers; do even better when mad at someone.  There are two long and extending vapor trails up there in the sky.

            Mr. Gary thinks the main reason why Cassius Clay was acting so weird leading up to their first fight was he was afraid of Sonny Liston.  Mr. Steve thinks he may've also been what's called  "Hyping" the fight.  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral going east.

         

  "GORGEOUS GEORGE" (1915-1963)   

          

        Mr. Gary says Cassius Clay as a kid watched Wrestling on tv, so saw this one guy from Texas called "Gorgeous George;" who bragged and boasted.  The caption underneath  a picture of him  calls him "flamboyant."  I'd definitely wear a "Cape" like the one he used to wear.           

            Daisy told me our boss, and Mr. Ralph; wonder if Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali wore white shoes because of Gorgeous George?  Almost all Boxers only wore black shoes back then. Because he likes the Oakland A's and their white shoes Mr. Steve notices things like that.

            I just thought about how Mr. Steve got into fights because he wore white Baseball shoes.  Gorgeous George also "boasted" that he was "the greatest."  So people hated him and paid to se him get "Beat Up."  In the early 1960's Mr. Steve's parents ate at his Van Nuys Restaurant.

  

                                                       JAMES BROWN (1933-2006)

       

            Gary the Barber thinks Gorgeous George also influenced that Singer James Brown.  Mr. Mark in Hawaii sold James Brown advertising when he worked for the "Hollywood Reporter.""  Daisy noticed on a tv show how James Brown often wore capes just like Gorgeous George.  

            Yesterday I wrote about how, in 1988; Mr. Steve met and took pictures of that Wrestler called the "Iron Sheik."  Like Gorgeous George, he played the part of a "Villain" or "Heel;" as a lot of people, "deep down;" really "love to hate" Mr. Steve thinks.  A Train whistled.    

           Mr. Gary thinks all the crazy "antics" Cassius Clay did before the Sonny Liston fight just might've worked.  Sonny Liston, instead of being his normal invincible self; fought "hesitantly " and slow.  He got "frustrated" and then even quit when he realized he was going to lose.

  

POST FIGHT (CLAY / LISTON I / 1964)

     

            A picture shows Cassius Clay after he beat Sonny Liston back in 1964  The caption says he kept yelling out, "I shook up the world!"  All four of the Pigeons just flew in from being out in the back desert, and then all of them landed up there on the Patio roof right above me.                  

             Mr. Gary read that when Sonny Liston was in Prison the only people he was "wary" of were those he thought "crazy."  He might've thought Cassius Clay really was a "Lunatic."  He looked slow in the fight and Cassius Clay simply "Ran Circles" around him as they say.  

             Unlike 1974 when he fought George Foreman without foot speed, Cassius Clay was fast in 1964; so a "befuddled" Sonny Liston "threw wild punches" and chased but couldn't catch him.  Clay's "stinging" jabs cut him, which he wasn't used to.  Usually he cut up people.

             

ROBERTO DURÁN / "SUGAR" RAY LEONARD

("NO MAS" / 1980)  

                         

         I just thought of something I want to write about now even though it's on my book three outline.  Daisy watched a 1980 fight between Roberto Durán from "Panama" and "Sugar" Ray  Leonard.  Roberto Durán surprised everyone by giving up or "Quitting" like Sonny Liston.         

          Roberto Durán, when he realized he wasn't going to win; told the referee "no mas" which means "no more" in English.  I guess Sugar Ray Leonard was named after that guy Sugar Ray    Robinson.  The Pigeons are cooing and I see their shadows on the dirt in front of the patio.           

          Many people think Roberto Durán was, "pound for pound" as Nat Fleischer would say; one of the best fighters ever.  His nickname, because he was a hard puncher; was "Manos de Piedra" or "Hands of Stone."  But, in 1980 he quit; and it's haunted him for a while.

                   

HORSE RACING      

                   

           In book one I mentioned when Mr. Steve's Uncle Marty took he and his brother Rock to see Horse Racing at "Del Mar."  Many think, pound for pound; Jockeys are the best Athletes as they have to control huge and powerful Horses.  And they're really small in size too.

            A few years after his "No Mas" fight Mr. Steve and his friend Armando watched Roberto Durán work out at that "Main Street Gym" in downtown Los Angeles.  He was training to fight "Pipino" Cuevas from Mexico.  Both were very impressive to watch as they worked out.  

          Seeing Roberto Durán use a "Jump Rope" was "entertaining" our boss says, people at times cheering.  But it was his "performance" on the "Speed Bag," finishing with a flourish by using his forehead; that made everyone clap.  The Pigeons are flying out into the desert.

                      

                                                       JOSE "PIPINO" CUEVAS    

                                                                                         

            After Roberto Durán was finished with his workout that guy Pipino Cuevas, who had been the "Welterweight" Champion for years;  came in to do his own training.  He hit the Speed Bag so hard with "Left Hooks" the bag actually broke off.  Mr. Steve had never seen that. 

            Mr. Steve thinks Pipino Cuevas, "as hard as it is to believe;" could hit even harder than Roberto Durán.  Wearing big "pillowy" sixteen ounce gloves, like the ones our boss has in the house; he "dropped" a "Sparring Partner" with a vicious "Left Uppercut."  I smell Sage.

           I've mentioned how "Sparring" is when Boxers practice in the Ring so wear protective "Head Gear."   But Pipino Cuevas almost knocked out that Sparring Partner.  I guess, Roberto Durán won their fight by using all of his experience and what Mr. Gary calls "craftiness." 

   

HIGH DESERT LIZARD   

                   

             A Lizard is doing pushups over there in the dirt just to the right of the big Mulberry tree.  It better be careful because it might attract attention from someone like Cher, who'll come in to kill and eat it.  Boy!  I hadn't planned on writing so much about Boxing in this second book.  

           In 1974 against George Foreman Muhammad Ali did like it said to do up there on the wall at Delphi.  He, like Mr. Bobby; knew himself and had to adapt to having lost foot speed he'd had when young.  That Lizard is running away and it's a good thing too as I can smell Cher.

           Roberto Durán was "Disgraced" after his No Mas fight against Sugar Ray Leonard, and didn't want that to be his "Legacy."  He really wanted to "Redeem" himself and, in beating that guy Pipino Cuevas; made what they call a "Comeback."  Some Finch's are chirping. 

                                                               

                                              ROBERTO DURÁN / MARVIN HAGLER  

                                                                     PHOTO BY ARMANDO AGUIRRE

              

             After beating Pipino Cuevas Robert Durán then fought the "Middleweight" Champion Marvin Hagler.  Mr. Steve's friend Armando attended a Press Conference announcing the bout.  Andy's over there guarding the entrance to he and Helen's burrow and I can tell he's alert.

            Mr. Ralph says, one thing that made Roberto Durán's career so "interesting;" is how he "started" as a one hundred and twenty pound "Lightweight."  He knocked out almost all the Lightweights.  But, getting older and heavier; he had to go up in "Weight Divisions."  

           Daisy heard, by the time Roberto Durán fought Marvin Hagler; he weighed about one hundred and sixty pounds.  His punches were still hard but, as he fought bigger fighters; he had to adapt and became a better "Boxer" rather than a "Knockout Artist."  I smell Andy.

      

                                         ROBERTO DURÁN / MARVIN HAGLER (1983)

                        

             Marvin Hagler, who some say was "built like Hercules;" was left-handed and way bigger than Roberto Durán.  He was two and a half inches taller and, even more amazing; his "Reach" advantage was eight and a half inches.   So, he could land punches from farther away.

            This Encyclopedia describes Marvin Hagler as being "formidable" and "menacing."  He was a hard puncher, who had been undefeated for a long time; and many experts even thought he might be the first person to knock out Duran.  Marvin Hagler was the big "Favorite."  

            I guess Marvin Hagler did end up beating Roberto Duran, but just barely.  Duran knew, like Muhammad Ali in 1974; he couldn't fight "Toe to Toe' with Hagler.  Mr. Gary said he fought a very "savvy" fight, so even in losing his "stock went up" in the Boxing community.

     

                                                                                   2014 SUBARU "LEGACY"    

        

                  Writing about Roberto Duran's legacy makes me think about that Japanese Car called a "Legacy."  Daisy and Millie once heard our boss talking with one of his "Subaru" customers,  who said Subaru has been making those Legacy's since back in 1989.  Heathcliff crowed.

            I guess that Parts Manager explained to Mr. Steve about "flat" or "Boxer" motors where the "Cylinders" are to the side of the "Crankshaft."  The "Pistons," unlike most other motors; move in and out horizontally like a Boxer "Shadow Boxing."  I smell the Mulberry tree.

           The Parts Manager told our boss that the "mid-size" Legends are one of those Cars which have "Four Wheel Drive," according to what Dais heard.  So, that means all four wheels are able to propel the Car forward by gripping onto the road.  The Monarch Butterfly flew bye.       

   

                                                                                       BERTHA BENZ (1849-1944)

                                                          (BENZ "MOTORWAGEN #3 / 1888)   

      

            I've mentioned before how the very first "Automobile" was invented by that German guy named Karl Benz.  In 1888, his wife and their two sons made that famous first trip in the three-    wheeled Car he created.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the northeast right now.               

           The Subaru Parts Manager told our boss how it was Karl Benz who, in the year before his wife "Bertha" made her first trip in his Car; invented the "Flat" engine.  That "Configuration"  is still used in Airplanes and Motorcycles.  Boy!  I want to be like that lady Miss Bertha.               

        Daisy thinks that lady Miss Bertha must've been smart too because her husband "valued her opinion," even in "Technical" or "Mechanical" things.  On that first trip it was her who        thought of  the idea of "Brake Linings."  She advised a "lower" gear for going up hills.                 

          

  BLACKBEARD AND ANNE BONNY       

                

              Blackbeard and Anne are flying toward the southwest.  You can always tell it's them by his white empty eye socket.  They usually don't talk to each other as the go along the way Fannie and Freddie so often do.  It's so amazing how Crows use the air currents to move around.

                Oh what the heck!  I might as well keep on writing about Boxing even though Daisy has me mainly scheduled to do it tomorrow in book three.  In 1964 I guess some people hated Cassius Clay after he beat Sonny Liston.  But he had won the fight "Fair and Square" as they say. 

           Already not liking him for bragging, more people began to hate Cassius Clay after he "Converted" from Christianity to Islam.  Like Malcolm X had done, he changed what he called his "Slave name;" and joined that "Nation of Islam."  A Train whistled faintly out there. 

       

    ELIJAH MUHAMMAD / MUHAMMAD ALI                 MALCOLN X / MUHAMMAD ALI 

      

             Pictures show Muhammad Ali with Malcolm X, and Elijah Muhammad; leader of the "Nation of Islam; or "Black Muslims."  Daisy says one of our boss's ex-customers in Chicago has Cousin's in the Nation of Islam.  Oh!  I really like the hat Elijah Muhammad gets to wear.  

          It says here because their first fight ended when Sonny Liston said he'd "suffered" a bad shoulder injury and quit, many wanted a "Rematch;" so a second fight was "arranged."  A lot of people couldn't believe Sonny Liston had lost.  I see a white vapor trail up there in the sky.

         From what it says here, the rematch turned out to be one of most "controversial" fights in history.  It lasted less than one round when Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston with one "phantom" overhand right punch.  Libby's strong scent just floated into my right nostril.  

   

MUHAMMAD ALI /  SONNY LISTON II

("LEWISTON," MAINE / 1964)

       

               Mr. Steve, when he was nine; listened to the second Ali-Liston fight with his father on the Radio because in those days few sporting events were on tv.   The third in a series of photos from 1964 shows Ali throwing what would be that phantom knockout punch.  Heathcliff crowed. 

             Because the second Ali- Liston fight was so short people thought Sonny Liston had been told or paid to "Take a Dive" as they say.  In other words, the fight was "Fixed."  But Mr. Steve says it was a short "choppy" right hand counter punch that hit Sonny Liston on the jaw.   

            Daisy says, on the day of the second Ali / Liston fight; our boss spent a few hours taking the shells off of New Mexico Piñon nuts.  He intended to eat them as he listened to the fight on the Radio and, by the time of the fight that evening; had a full bowl.  I like Heathcliff.

    

MUHAMMAD ALI / SONNY LISTON II (1964)  

PHOTO BY NEIL LEIFER     

                    

             A good color picture shows Muhammad Ali standing over a "fallen" Sonny Liston.  The caption says he's "taunting" him to "get up."  Dais says the actual "knockout punch" happened so fast it was hard to see but, in "Slow Motion;" you can see it.  I smell Dawn and Blinky.

            Daisy says our boss had planned on he and his father eating the Piñon nuts "a little at a time," while listening to the fight; which was scheduled for fifteen rounds.  But, "like an idiot" he says; he ate all of them at once when the really short fight ended.  Piñon nuts are "Rich."

           I guess Mr. Steve threw up and got kind of sick from eating all those Piñon nuts.  Laying in bed with a stomach ache, he felt guilty about wasting the nuts; and not saving some for his family later to share.  Hey God!  Did You send Mr. Steve a message about being so selfish?   

   

MAX THE HUMMINGBIRD

             

             Max the Hummingbird flew bye and I heard him coming.  Muhammad Ali "successfully defended" his "Title" a few times after becoming champion but, at that time; was just way too fast and talented for all of the other big Heavyweights.  Seeing Max makes me feel good.  

             It says here that, in two of his "Title Defenses;" Muhammad Ali beat other black fighters who refused to "address him" by his new Muslim name.  One was Floyd Patterson, who Sonny Liston had slaughtered twice; the other guy was named Ernie Terrell.  I smell Manzanita.     

           Muhammad Ali called Floyd Patterson and Ernie Terrell names like "Uncle Tom" during the fights.  He would punch them and yell, "What's my name?;" then hit them again.  Mr. Steve has a "Paperback" copy of that famous book called "Uncle Tom's Cabin" Daisy told me.

      

FLOYD PATTERSON / ALI                                         ERNIE TERREL / ALI         

       

           I guess, after he beat Sonny Liston that second time in 1964; for three years Muhammad Ali won every fight.  In 1966 he fought the European champion, a German "Southpaw" or left-    hander named Karl Mildenberger.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.             

          Mr. Steve and his mom once gave a tour of the San Fernando Mission to this nice German family Dais says.  They were from the city of "Frankfurt," where Muhammad Ali fought against that guy Karl Mildenberger in 1966.  Libby's carefully walking around slowly over there.             

         When Mr. Steve mentioned that 1966 fight, the German man knew right away about it as he and his father liked Boxing.  They knew it was the first Heavyweight championship fight in    Germany, and Karl Mildenberger was the first left-hander to fight for the title.  I smell Sage.       

                 

MUHAMMAD ALI / KARL MILDENBERGER

(FRANKFURT, GERMANY / SEPTEMBER  10, 1966)     

                              

           Mr. Steve saw the Ali, Mildenberger fight on film and noticed Muhammad Ali, who at that point was hard to hit; got hit with some hard right hooks and even good right jabs to the body.  I just now picked up Libby's totally unique scent.  I'm now pretty sure I'm a right-hander.  

           Usually a right-handed Boxer like Muhammad Ali is not used to being hit by right jabs to the body, so Mr. Gary thinks that "threw him off;" which "frustrated" him.  I guess, that guy Karl Mildenberger was brave but Muhammad Ali "wore him down."  Libby whinnied.

          Finally, in round twelve; Muhammad Ali "Caught up With" Karl Mildengerger and then landed hard  "Combinations."  The Referee "Stepped In" and stopped the fight in one of those "T.K.O.'s," or "Technical Knock Outs."  It makes me feel good right now to smell Libby.

      

MOLLY THE MULE / LIBBY IN THE BACKGROUND

         

            Smelling Libby makes me suddenly remember Molly the Mule's scent, and I can almost still hear her loud voice inside of my head.  Hey Molly!  If you just happen to be mind reading me right now Daisy and I remember you and will never forget you.  You were a good Mule!   

           Boy!  That guy Muhammad Ali is such an interesting person and I wish I could smell him.  Daisy says the tv show she and Millie saw on him said he's one of the most famous people in the world.  Fred, Ed and Ted just flew in from the desert and went over the top of the house.

            Daisy says our boss used to have a customer in Detroit who was Canadian and grew up in Toronto.  He knew about Boxing and one time talked with Mr. Steve about this Canadian Boxer who also fought Muhammad Ali back then in the 1960's.  His name was George Chuvalo.                                                               

GEORGE CHUVALO / MUHAMMAD ALI

                                                                      (TORONTO, CANADA / MARCH 29, 1966)                                                    

  

              Mr. Steve and the Parts Manager agreed George Chuvalo was really, really tough but, as with all of Muhammad Ali's opponents then; was too slow to catch him.  So Muhammad Ali beat him by "Decision."  George Chuvalo, who fought Sonny Liston; was never knocked down. 

            It says here how  in 1955, the year Mr. Steve was born; George Chuvalo was Canadian "Amateur" champion.  Another Boxer Muhammad Ali defended his title against in the 1960's was from England, named Henry Cooper.  Frida and Diego are flying toward the east. 

            Before he beat Sonny Liston to become the champion, or changed his name; Cassius Clay fought Henry Cooper.  I mentioned how Muhammad Ali was knocked down only four times, one being by what Mr. Gary called a "perfect" Henry Cooper left hook.  He was "floored."       

                        

                                                  HENRY COOPER / CASSIUS CLAY

                                                         (LONDON, ENGLAND / JUNE 18, 1963)   

            

             A good picture shows the time when Henry Cooper knocked down the then Cassius Clay.  The caption says Henry Cooper was left-handed, but fought right-handed; so had a "powerful" left "whether hooking or jabbing."  A flock of Birds is going bye way up there in the sky.

            Wow!  It says here Henry Cooper is the only Boxer ever "awarded" a "Knighthood."  I mentioned before how that band the BEATLES were also knighted so, as Daisy told me; from then on that means you can be called "Sir."  I wonder what they'd call a knighted girl? 

           Daisy's noticed how our boss at times says "Yes Sir" or "Yes Ma'am" to people, especially when talking to the ladies who answer the phone at the different Auto Dealerships.  When he's trained people to sell things on the phone he tells them to do that.  Heathcliff just crowed.  

                                 

                                            HENRY COOPER / MUHAMMAD ALI II

                                                                  (SECOND FIGHT / 1966)              

              

             Oh!  A picture shows when Muhammad Ali fought Henry Cooper the second time.  The caption says Ali's "knife-like" jabs "sliced up" Henry Cooper's face to "ribbons."  Boy! I don't think I would really like having to be a Boxer or something like that.  Nope!  Not me.   

             This is kind of interesting.  That Editor of Ring Magazine, Nat Fleischer; was one of the three Judges for the Ali / Mildenberger fight.  I guess Muhammad Ali, in later years; told people Karl Mildenberger had been "one of his most difficult" opponents.  Dawn's barking.

             Boy!  It's "Saying a Lot" that Muhammad Ali believed Karl Mildenberger was good and said George Chuvalo was "the toughest guy I fought."  But, I guess his most famous fights would come after he came back from "Forced" retirement.  In the 1960's he was "In his Prime."  

       

   "MONARCH" BUTTERFLY                                             HONEY BEE                         

          

             Oh!  That Butterfly is going bye, which makes me think about how Bundini Brown told Muhammad Ali to "Float like a Butterfly and sting like a Bee" in his fights.  But, he was forced to quit Boxing in 1967, many accusing him him of not being "Patriotic."  I smell Sage. 

            Daisy says Muhammad Ali really didn't want to be sent over to Vietnam and kill people for the United States.  It says here in this one Encyclopedia he said, "I ain't got no quarrel with the Viet Cong.  They never called me Nigger!"  Two Crows are fighting over food.  

           Well, I think I'll just go ahead and finish writing about Muhamad Ali today instead of in my third book tomorrow.  But I'll come back to him in a little while because, for some reason; I want to talk about Lyndon Johnson right now.  He was the American President in 1967. 

                  

                                     JOHN F. KENNEDY / LYNDON B. JOHNSON    

         

           Yesterday I wrote about 1963, when President Kennedy was killed in Texas; and how is family were from the State of "Massachusetts near where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with her sons Dalton and Austin.  His "Vice President" in 1963 was that one guy Lyndon Johnson.

           My Encyclopedia calls Lyndon Johnson Kennedy's "running mate" in 1960, when J.F.K. beat Richard Nixon for President.  So, when J.F.K. died; Lyndon Johnson automatically became the new President.  Dawn and Blinky's scents just floated in, which makes me feel good. 

           I guess as President Lyndon Johnson, who hated all the Communists; didn't like it when Muhammad Ali "refused" to be drafted into the military.  One morning our boss and Mr. Mike talked about it.  In the 1960's many thought Communists wanted to "control the world."    

      

GOVERNOR CONNOLLY / J.F.K. (WITH WIVES)

(DALLAS, TEXAS / NOVEMBER  22, 1963)  

                

          Oh!  Yesterday I forgot to write about how Mr. Steve's Texas customer thinks Lee Harvey Oswald might've been trying to "get back at" Texas's Governor Connolly when he assassinated    President Kennedy.  A picture shows Governor Connolly and his wife with the Kennedy's.            

         Little did the four people in the Car know that the President and Governor were going to be shot later that same exact day.  Everyone is smiling but, pretty soon; J.F.K. will be dead and    Governor Connolly wounded.  Oh!  I like the round furry hat Mrs. Connolly's wearing.                

           That Parts Manager in Texas said Oswald's Address Book was found later, and in it was a page that said; "I will kill."  And, that page had a "Kill List;" with Governor Connolly's name    on the very top.  A knife with blood drops dripping down was drawn next to his name too!                    

LEE HARVEY OSWALD (1939-1963)

       

      Daisy says Mr. Steve's customer said a Secret Service Agent gave Lee Harvey Oswald's Address Book to the F.B.I and "Warren Commission."  But, years later; that page with the list of names on it was missing.  A little Lizard is standing on the wall near the steel water bucket.          

          Lee Harvey Oswald was "Honorably Discharged" from the Marines, just like Mr. Steve's dad was.  But he went to Russia or Soviet Union, so they changed it to be "Undesirable;" which    made it harder to get a job when he came back the the U.S.   The Lizard is doing pushups.            

         I guess Lee Harvey Oswald, who was a "Socialist;" became "disillusioned;" so came back to America from Russia.  By then he had a wife and baby but, because of the bad discharge; had a really hard time getting a good-paying job.  Speedy Gonzales is running bye right now.                                                           

    LEE HARVEY OSWALD WITH FAMILY  

                                           

        It seems like it was hard for Lee Harvey Oswald to "Support his Family" so, he wrote a letter to Governor Connally asking for help.  But, he was sent what's called a "Form Letter;"      which his Russian wife later said that got her husband really mad. That Lizard is gone.               

           Looking out of that 6th Floor "School Book Depository" window, from which Lee Harvey Oswald "probably" shot the President in 1963; our boss told his father he thinks that shot was     "possible."  Below the office window was "Dealey Plaza."  Heathcliff crowed over there.              

       Tomorrow I'll learn about those American "Isolationists" who, before the Second World War; didn't want the U.S. to enter.  Joseph Kennedy, J.F.K.'s father; was one and so was that    other guy Charles Lindbergh.  Ah!  The late afternoon air is so clear and I like that a lot.                                           

                      6TH FLOOR "ANGLE"          "DEALEY PLAZA"          6TH FLOOR VIEW                                                                                                            PHOTO BY MICHAEL BARERA

             

          As I said yesterday, when Mr. Steve looked down from that window in the School Book Depository; he thought of how nowadays the Secret Service would never allow a President to be driving around in a "Convertible" Car.   Three shots were fired from up in that window.              

            Mr. Steve read the first shot missed and "ricocheted" off the curb on the side of the road.  The second one hit J.F.K., "exited" out his throat; then hit Governor Connolly in the wrist.  As    I wrote in book one, when Mr. Steve visited Dealey Plaza it was really hot and humid.                   

        Daisy told me it was so hot in 1995 that, all Mr. Steve wanted to do outside was jump up onto the little wall where that "Zapruder" film was made.  He also stood on the road, where this "X"  marks the spot where the President was killed.  Then he went in the cool Museum.                                                

J.F.K ASSASSINATED

("DEALEY PLAZA" / NOVEMBER 22, 1963)  

                                        

          This one Encyclopedia shows a "Sequence" of four "Frames" from that Zapruder film.  The caption says frame # 2 "depicts" the moment the third deadly bullet "arrives."  I wrote in    book one how there are some people who think the final shot didn't come from behind.                 

          In 1995 Mr. Steve and his brother Rock walked over to the "Grassy Knoll," where some think the third shot actually came from.  I guess part of J.F.K.'s head blew off and his wife tried to crawl out onto the back of the Car to get it.  But a Secret Service Agent pushed her back.          

        A picture shows Lyndon B. Johnson taking the "Oath of Office" to become the new U.S. President, Mrs. Kennedy looking so sad standing next to him.  Lyndon Johnson's wife is right    behind him the caption says.  A Crow is squawking at something out in the back desert.                       

LYNDON JOHNSON "SWORN IN" (NOVEMBER 23, 1963)    

           

                 Hey God!  I notice, in the picture of Lyndon Johnson becoming President; he's raising his right hand with his left hand resting on a Bible.  The caption says they're all in an Airplane flying from Texas back to Washington D.C.  Mrs. Kennedy has "blood-splattered" clothes. 

             I guess for President Johnson, who later helped black people get their "Civil" rights; the Vietnam War ended up being his big "Downfall."  Some in the 1960's were so afraid, if Vietnam became Communist; other countries would just go ahead and do it too.  Dawn's barking.    

            1966 is the year when Mr. Steve was eleven, and Muhammad Ali "Declared" himself to be one of those "Conscientious Objectors."  Daisy says the man on the tv show said a lot of people, like President Johnson for example; got angry.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there.

    

VIETNAM ("SOUTHEAST ASIA")

   

             I've found out a few things about the "Vietnam War" in my books, which Mr. Steve was almost in.  Mr. Cliff was wounded in that war, and Daisy and I have seen the white scar he still has on his neck; where hot metal shrapnel melted onto it.  Now Blinky's also barking too. 

            As I've said, before World War II; the area that's now called "Vietnam" was the French "Colony" of "Indochina."  But when Hitler conquered France in 1940 his Japanese allies "Took Advantage" of the situation to "Occupy" Vietnam.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.

           According to my outlines, I'm scheduled to write a lot about the Vietnam War tomorrow in my third book but; I think I'll do it a little bit right now too.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve was almost drafted into that war.  He still has what's left of his original "Draft Card." 

      

WITH "ETHEL"                 MR. ROCK               WITH MISS"JUDY" 

        

             Oh!  This is interesting.  According to my Encyclopedia, Indochina "became" a French Colony on October the 17th in 1887, and as I've said a few times; Mr. Steve's brother Rock was born on October 17 too.  A small little Garter Snake just crawled out into the back desert. 

             What the heck!  I might as well learn about the Vietnam War now, and how at the end of the Second World War in 1945 the "restored" French Government wanted their colonies back; and tried to "prevent" Vietnam from becoming independent.  A Train whistled faintly.

            The French tried to "reassert their authority" in Vietnam, but the people there said no way; and even revolted against them.   I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve and his father think the U.S. has kind of "Lured" weak countries into wars.  And the Vietnam War was one.

           

"PENTAGON PAPERS"    

       

               One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss and his father talking about what they call the "Pentagon Papers."  My Encyclopedia says, in 1971 this man named Daniel Ellsberg stole some "Top Secret" papers; which got the Nixon Administration really mad.  Heathcliff crowed.

          The Pentagon Papers showed how, when World War II ended in 1945, the U.S. had secretly helped the French take back Vietnam as a colony.  Every Administration, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson; had lied about a lot of things concerning Vietnam.  I smell Sage.

          In the early 1960's President Kennedy told people we were helping the Vietnamese people to be "Independent."   But the real reason we got involved in Vietnam was the "Cold War" fear of "Communists" Daisy heard.  In this one Encyclopedia it's called the "Domino" theory.      

     

  MR. PHILLIP     

      

              Daisy says Mr. Phillip thinks those Pentagon Papers "exposed" that President Kennedy knew the U.S. was going to secretly "overthrow" the Vietnamese Government.  Some think he was going to "remove the U.S. presence" from Vietnam?  Maybe the C.I.A. killed him?  

           Mr. Steve's father thinks the U.S. lured Mexico into war in 1846.  An exploding Ship down there in Cuba, which to this day no one knows for sure what caused it; was was a good excuse to fight a "One-Sided" war against a really weak Spain.  I can smell Libby over there.  

           Those Pentagon Papers proved the Johnson Administration used that small "skirmish" in the "Gulf of Tonkin" to "escalate" U.S. involvement in Vietnam.  I've written before about how the main North Vietnamese leader during the war was Hó Chi Minh.  Heathcliff crowed.  

                               

                         "HÓ CHI MINH TRAIL"                          HÓ CHI MINH (1890-1969)  

                

                 Hó Chi Minh, who had a "Supply Line" named after him during the Vietnam War; led the  "Viet Minh."  In their "attempt to gain independence" from France they were supplied with weapons and equipment by the Soviet Union and China.   Boy!  I really love to look at maps.        

              In 1954, the year before Mr. Steve was born; a big giant battle happened at "Diém Bién Phú."  It says here Diém Bién Phú was a "series" of battles and then one of those "sieges."  This big French army was "trapped" and eventually defeated over a period of a few months. 

             Normally the Viet Minh used "Guerrilla" tactics like I've written about before, but then in 1954 they surrounded a French army sent to destroy them.  They lifted cannons onto hills and from there could shell the French without being hit back.  This surprised the French.

                                

GENERAL VÓ NGUYÊN GIÁP (1911-2013)

     

             Hó Chi Minh "entrusted" General Vó Nguyên Giáp, who knew that guy Sun Tsu's book "The Art of War;" with beating the French in 1954.  Mr. Cliff used to hate him, but now admits  he  was a really smart General; who later also beat us Americans too.  Heathcliff crowed.              

             Daisy says our boss has wondered if General Giáp ever read Karl von Clausewitz's book "Vom Krieg?"  In 1954, from above; the Viet Minh artillery could "systematically" destroy all of the French army down below.  Eventually the "humiliated" French had to surrender I guess.  

            It's amazing how, like a smart Boxer; in the "Vietnam War" Hó Chi Minh's Communists, the "N.V.A." and "Viêt Công" beat much stronger U.S. and South Vietnamese armies.  As I said in book one, N.V.A. means "North Vietnamese Army."  President Johnson wanted a war!     

       

  DIÉM BIÉN PHÚ

("POST" BATTLE / 1954)

      

            Wow!  A picture shows a lot of French Soldiers being "marched off into captivity" back in 1954.  Mr. Cliff now admits the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong were "right" in being willing to die "defending their homeland" as he would too.  Frida and Diego flew over the house.    

            I've mentioned how "L.B.J." stands for "Lyndon Banes Johnson," just as "J.F.K." is the short way of saying "John Fitzgerald Kennedy."    Rudy ran bye in front of the Sheds, carrying a dead Lizard; with Andy watching him.  The afternoon shadows are leaning away more. 

        Even though, by "today's standards" Lyndon Johnson and most of the other Presidents would be considered Racists Mr. Steve says; L.B.J. did help black people in America; even if it    was for "selfish" purposes.  He used the word "Nigger" sometimes.  I smell Arborvitae.                           

"VIÊT CÔNG"                                                           "N.V.A."           

         

           Mr. Steve's father admires how the North Vietnamese and Viêt Công ended up winning a "Hit and Run" guerrilla war against their "much more technologically advanced enemy."  They lived down tunnels and knew how to fight in jungles.  I wrote about those "Booby Traps.             

        Anyway, I'll learn more about the Vietnam War tomorrow.  But now it's back to that guy Muhammad Ali.  This one Encyclopedia says, back in 1966 when he refused to be "enlisted" or    "conscripted" into the military; he was "stripped" of his Title and "forced to retire."                   

         For about three years Muhammad Ali couldn't fight almost anywhere but, in 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court "overturned his conviction for draft evasion;" saying it okay for him to claim to be one of those "Conscientious Objectors."  I smell some Creosote.  Heathcliff crowed.                                                

JERRY QUARRY / MUHAMMAD ALI

(ATLANTA / OCTOBER 26, 1970)  

   

           In 1970 the State of "Georgia" allowed Muhammad Ali to fight that guy Jerry Quarry in Atlanta.  It's a "famous" event in Africa-American history Mr. Mark said.  Our boss has told      him how he met Jerry Quarry and his brother Mike down there at the Main Street Gym.              

         Daisy heard Mr. Mark say that Muhammad Ali "stopped" Jerry Quarry because of some "nasty" cuts above both eyes.  It wasn't as bad as Chuck Wepner-Sonny Liston, but still pretty    bad.  Jerry Quarry was never "knocked" or "counted out" during his career I guess.                    

       Joe Frazier had become Heavyweight champion during Ali's years off.  Daisy said he was a hard punching right-handed fighter, who Mr. Gary said had a "powerful, sweeping left hook;"    so in 1971 he met Ali in New York City for the first of their three fights.  Heathcliff crowed.                                                           "MADISON SQUARE GARDEN"                                 MR. GARY                       

PHOTO BY DANIEL ACKER                                                                                                                                                    

     

            The first Ali-Frazier fight in 1971 was at "Madison Square Garden," when  Mr. Steve was in the 10th Grade at Alemany High.  To "Promote" that fight Muhammad Ali said some really    mean things about Joe Frazier I guess.  A little gray Lizard ran bye out there in the dirt.               

            One time our boss and Mr. Gary agreed that, sometimes before their now famous three fights; Muhammad Ali went a little "overboard" in "drumming up interest." It wasn't needed to call Joe Frazier "Uncle Tom," or say he looked like an ugly Gorilla.  Heathcliff crowed.          

           Dais says our boss and his father think at times in Boxing a fight doesn't "measure up" to the "Pre-fight "Hype."  But that was not true for the three Ali / Frazier matches.  Daisy says our boss says at times Boxers "Pretend" to hate each other but in this case it "seemed" true.

           

JOE FRAZIER / MUHAMMAD ALI I

(NEW YORK CITY / "MADISON SQUARE GARDEN" / MARCH 8, 1971)

PHOTO B Y MITSUNORI CHIGITA                                                                                                                                                      

      

            Daisy says in that first Ali-Frazier fight it was "pretty even."  I guess, because of Ali's three years off; in 1971 it was the very first time two "undefeated" Heavyweight champions met each other."  So Mr. Gary told our boss, that fight "didn't need to be sold" to the public.

           A customer in "Philadelphia," where Joe Frazier lived; said Joe Frazier "never forgave the man" for what Muhammad Ali said in the 1970's.  During those three years off he had even lent Muhammad Ali money.  A small flock of Birds is flying over the desert moving east. 

          Joe Frazier, in responding to the things Muhammad Ali said before the first fight in 1971; started calling him "Clay" or "Cassius."  Muhammad Ali had referred to him as being only the "white man's champion," which really got Joe Frazier angry.  A Train whistled faintly.

  

                                                                                                       ALI-FRAZIER I

                                                        (ROUND 15 / KNOCKDOWN)

   

               I guess, from what Daisy told me; that first Ali-Frazier fight in New York City was very "close."   But then, in the 15th and final round; Joe Frazier connected on what Mr. Gary called a "vicious" left hook which "floored" his opponent.  It was such a hard punch Dais says.

             Knocking down Muhammad Ali in that last round must've "made an impression" on the judges Mr. Steve's father thinks.  Mr. Ralph called Joe Frazier's left hook "perfectly-timed" and it "got him the decision."  But Muhammad Ali would win their final two fights Dais says.             

             Mr. Steve doesn't gamble anymore but, in 1971 bet friends Joe Frazier would win; when a lot of people at that time thought Muhammad Ali was better.  So our boss won some money but didn't hold his friend Martin to it.  A little Lizard went running bye out there in the dirt.

         

   "FREIGHT" TRAIN                                                  THEODORA                

      

              Oh!  A Train just whistled faintly over there to my left, just like another time when I saw Theodora jump up into her favorite Creosote bush near Jack.  You can really tell how much she likes being on that bush.   Ah!  And now I smell that Creosote bush from way over here.  

             Daisy says, in 1971 our boss just had a feeling Joe Frazier would win because he heard Joe Frazier tell a Reporter he was going to "tear his head off."  Mr. Ralph thought the first and third Ali-Frazier fights were the best ones.  Theodora's looking at me here on Elvira. 

             I've mentioned how, for a long time "Bouts" were allowed to go fifteen rounds; but now only twelve.  Mr. Bobby fought in famous fifteen round fights, like when he fought "Bazooka" Limon on national tv.  He knocked Bazooka Limon down in the 15th round Daisy told me.  

         

   ALI /  FRAZIER I         

            

             I guess, in the first Ali-Frazier fight in New York City; you could tell the long layoff had effected Muhammad Ali's foot speed Mr. Gary thinks.  He got hit with punches he probably was able to avoid earlier.  He landed good punches too but that knockdown was important.   

            Three years later in 1974 when he fought George Foreman, who knocked out Joe Frazier twice; Muhammad Ali had to do his "Rope a Dope" tactic.  George Foreman landed some good punches in 1974 but, in the humid African heat; got tired the way Muhammad Ali hoped.   

           Someday I want to see Muhammad Ali's fight in Africa, when he blocked and took many powerful punches; but ended up tiring George Foreman out.  Daisy told me the crowd in Zaire wanted Muhammad Ali to win, chanting "Ali Bumaye!;" or "Ali kill him."  Dawn's barking.                                               

        TED WILLIAMS (1918-2002)             

          

                 That Baseball player Ted Williams also lost a few "Productive" years of his career too. But, unlike Muhammad Ali; he wanted to serve as a Pilot in World War II and the Korean War.  And, unlike Muhammad Ali; he wanted to go into the military.   Theodora just flew away. 

            Our boss and Mr. Rick one time talked about how Ted Williams grew up down there in San Diego, but played back east for the Boston "Red Sox."  Many think he was the best hitter in history.  But his "Rival" Joe DiMaggio, on the New York "Yankees;" was good too.          

                 In a picture of Ted Williams swinging I notice how he's left-handed.  Mr. Steve read his eyesight was so good he could see the spinning "Seams" on an approaching Baseball. And that's probably why the government wanted him too, because Pilots need really good eyesight.

       

                              TED WILLIAMS                                                               JOE DIMAGGIO 

                               (KOREAN" WAR)                                                                          (WITH MARILYN MONROE)                              

       

                   I'm looking at the picture of Ted Williams in the cockpit of that F-86 "Sabre" he flew in the Korean War.  Another picture shows Joe DiMaggio, who served in the Second World War; with his then wife Marilyn Monroe.  Andy's over there sniffing the air, just to be safe.

           Mr. Steve thinks, just like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier are now; Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio will "forever be linked."  Hey God!  Was it You who caused that to happen?  I guess, it's kind of like how Adolph Hitler will always be connected onto Franklin Roosevelt.  

              Hey God!  Thank You for arranging it so that Daisy and I now seem to be connected by "Destiny."  What would've happened to us if You hadn't made it so that our boss got us when our first owners didn't want us anymore?  Fannie and Freddie are flying toward the east.     

          

    ALI / FRAZIER I       

     (THE KNOCKDOWN / ROUND 15)          

         

                 Daisy told me, after the Boxer knocks his opponent down; the Referee tells him to go to one of the two "Neutral" corners.  You could really tell Muhammad Ali was stunned when Joe Frazier knocked him down Dais says.  But, he was brave; so got back up and survived!

            I guess, after Ali-Frazier I; Muhammad Ali "regained" his championship and also beat George Foreman in 1974.  Our boss has shaken hands with George Foreman and Muhammad Ali.  George Foreman is from "Houston," in Texas; where his brother Rock's family live. 

           On a good tv show Daisy and Millie saw you could really tell how hard George Foreman punched Dais says.  He totally knocked out Joe Frazier, and one right "Uppercut" even lifted Joe Frazier right off of his feet; before he landed on a knee.  Wow!  That is hard alright.

       

JOE FRAZIER / GEORGE FOREMAN   

      

           Daisy told me how George Foreman slaughtered Joe Frazier.  Mr. Steve's father and Mr. Gary say "styles make fights," and in that case Joe Frazier's way of fighting was "not suited" to George Foreman's.  Joe Frazier got lifted into the air and he "flew a little bit" Dais says.              

            One time in the mid-1980's, at the "Country Club" in Reseda; Mr. Steve took a picture where the beaten Fighter was knocked completely out of the ring.  The "Wide Angle" shot only showed the guy's legs as the other Boxer stood over him in the ring.  Heathcliff crowed.

           In Mr. Steve's picture a Boxer from Pacoima named Dino Garza, whose brother Jaime was the world "Bantamweight" champion.  He's standing there looking at how he he knocked the other Boxer out of the ring.  Fred, Ed and Ted all just flew over over Libby's Corral.  

                                                          

                    DINO GARZA                                          JACK DEMPSEY / LUIS FIRPO                                       PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                  ("POLO GROUNDS" / 1923)                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

           

            Daisy says our boss's picture shows Dino Garza's opponent's leg hanging over one of the "Ropes" or "Ring Strands."  That picture was used by Dan Goosen in flyers and other things to promote fights at the Country Club for his "Ten Goose" organization.  Dawn's barking.

           This Encyclopedia shows a famous 1923 fight, when Luis Firpo of "Argentina" knocked Jack Dempsey out of the ring.  I guess in Boxing the ring can have either three or four strands around it, four is safer for the fighters; but worse for the Photographer.  I smell Blinky.  

           From what our boss told Mr. Gary the Barber, to avoid the strands blocking the image; Photographer's often use a "Wide-Angle" lens to take pictures from below the bottom rope.  At the Country Club the ring was pushed up against the "Stage."  Now Blinky's barking too.

              

  "COUNTRY CLUB" (RESEDA)

           

            Many now famous bands, from all over the world; have played concerts at the Country Club in Reseda.  I guess, most of the time Boxing Photographers sit at "Ringside."  But, at the Country Club Mr. Steve could stand on the stage and take pictures from above the ropes. 

            Daisy says our boss was positioned in one of the "Neutral" corners so, when the Boxer Dino Garza knocked out of the ring was laying on the stage; Mr. Steve just looked down and took the picture of his leg hanging over the rope.  He was "K.O.'d."  A Train whistled.  

            Dino Garza's older brother was named "Jaime" and, in the late 1980's; for a few years was world "Bantamweight" champion.  Dais says Mr. Ralph thinks, "for such a small guy;" he got as much "leverage" on his left hook as any Boxer he'd ever seen.  He was right-handed.

                                                                                     ALBERT DAVILLA / JAIME GARZA       

                                                                                          

            Mr. Ralph told our boss, one time when a Reporter asked George Foreman if he was the hardest puncher in Boxing he said; "No, it's that kid from a town in California called Pacoima." He was referring to Jaime Garza!  Oh!  I just thought of a funny Muhammad Ali story.

           Hey God!  You know Mr. Steve and his father don't really care for the "Institution" of religion, thinking many too easily "corrupted" by power; or money.  Daisy heard Mr. Ralph tell our boss, at "Training Camp" Muhammad Ali was waiting on a Bus.  Heathcliff crowed.

          Also on the Bus were other people, and when there was a delay; that guy "Bundini told Muhammad Ali to "Say something religious."  He got up and went down the aisle with his hand out saying, "Give me money."  Mr. Steve's father thought that was kind of funny I guess.

              

                    BERBICK / ALI                                                 HOLMES / ALI                                 

           

           After upsetting George Foreman in Africa I guess Muhammad Ali ended up winning the Heavyweight Championship a third time.  But our boss, his father, Mr. Gary the Barber and Mr. Ralph all thought he didn't retire soon enough.  I hear Crows fighting out in the desert. 

        Muhammad Ali might've been the best Heavyweight in history, but in his final fights took beatings from Trevor Berbick and Larry Holmes.  Daisy heard Holmes even asked the Referee    stop the "One-Sided" fight.  Muhammad Ali still had courage but it just wasn't enough.               

         Those beatings may've caused brain damage to Muhammad Ali Mr. Ralph thinks.  Later he got that "Parkinson's" disease, which Daisy says makes your hands shake.  I've mentioned how,  when our boss and Mr. Mark shook Muhammad Ali's hand; his "grip was still firm."                                                                                                    

      MUHAMMDAD ALI         

      (1996 "ATLANTA" OLYMPICS)          

         

             On this tv show about the 1996 "Atlanta" Olympics you could tell Muhammad Ali had Parkinson's when he lit the opening flame.  That girl Ludwina went to those Olympics, and got our boss the seat cushion on the white arm chair in the living room.  A Train whistled.

            Daisy says our boss one time told Mr. Mark they're "lucky" to have been able to shake Muhammad Ali's hand.  Mr. Steve says, if he had Parkinson's; he's also want to have a "strong handshake" the way Muhammad Ali had.  Blackbeard and Anne are now flying bye.   

               All of a sudden I just thought about Mr. Bobby, who got brain damage from Boxing.  He also took drugs for a time and of course that caused some damage too Daisy heard.  I mentioned before how Mr. Bobby was a really good Baseball player at San Fernando High School.    

    

CHACON / LIMÓN                                          EDWARDS / CHACON

(1982)                                                                                                (1983)  

  

                One time Daisy heard Mr. Gary discuss the book our boss wrote about Mr. Bobby.  One theme, like in that song "House of the Rising Sun;" was Mr. Bobby telling kids not to do like he did in his life.  He made a lot of money but then, in the mid-1990's; was almost homeless.

           Mr. Steve knows Teachers and a few times took Mr. Bobby to talk to the school kids.  He told them to stay in school, how his nickname was "School Boy" because he went to C.S.U.N.; and he regrets not graduating.   I can smell Bravo Company and their babies nearby.

          Dais heard Mr. Gary say, at times Mr. Bobby "uses laughter as a defense mechanism;" to "keep his sad situation light."  So, when Mr. Steve took him to talk to kids; he told him not to joke as much and "be more serious."  Mr. Bobby's voice was also not as clear by then.

             

     MR. BOBBY / "BAZOOKA" LIMÓN    

(1982 / SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA)     

       

                Our boss and Mr. Ralph one time talked about how, many Mexican people disliked Mr. Bobby because he was a non Spanish-speaking "Pocho;" who beat their Boxers from Mexico.  I guess some even booed him from what Daisy heard.   Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

           Dais said as much as they hated Mr. Bobby as a Boxer, when he and Mr. Steve got to the schools to speak to the kids; there was often parents waiting there who meet him.  So for a little while, he got to be a "Big Shot" again; even signing autographs.  He was very grateful.

           Mr. Bobby would just sign his name, until our boss showed him pictures famous people have signed to him, saying things like "Have a nice day" or something like that.   So he's always done that from then on Daisy heard.  Cher jogged bye with a dead Lizard in her mouth.     

           

     MR. BOBBY             

         

              Another main theme of that book our boss wrote about Mr. Bobby is how "Comedy and Tragedy" can be "Interrelated," with Mr. Bobby's life an example.  "At times you have to laugh or you'd cry" Mr. Steve's father says.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the east.

           One time at a gas station an old man came up to our boss and asked, "Aren't you Bobby's friend?"  Mr. Steve said yes, so he showed him one of his business cards; which Mr.  Bobby had signed on the back, "Stay in school.  Bobby Chacon."  They both just kind of chuckled.

          Mr. Bobby had a friend named "Marty."  Before he died he'd drive Mr. Bobby to fights, especially the big ones up there in Las Vegas.  Daisy told me he'd call the Promoters saying he "represents" Bobby Chacon and "would it be possible" to get some tickets to the fight? 

                  

       BOBBY CHACON / CORNELIUS BOZA EDWARDS            

           (1983 / LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / "CAESAR'S PALACE)         

                                                                                                                                                      PHOTO BY KYLE HANSEN

           

                 Daisy heard Mr. Ralph say that guy Mr. Marty "liked being associated" with Mr. Bobby.  The Promoters in Las Vegas told him they'd give him tickets if they could introduce Mr. Bobby to the crowd, so Mr. Marty would then say "sure."  I'd like to smell a Boxing match.  

           When the fight was at "Caesar's Palace" it was easier to get tickets because, in 1983; Mr. Bobby fought in one of the most famous fights in history there.  It was Ring Magazine's "Fight of the Year."  His fight in 1982 against "Bazooka" Limón was also Fight of the Year too.  

           In 1983, at "Ceasar's;" Mr. Bobby fought Cornelius Boza Edwards from "Uganda" in Africa.  Like Bazooka Limón, he was left-handed and very strong.  In 1974 Mr. Bobby won the "World Featherweight Champion."  He lost it, spending years trying to be champion again.                                       

       SIGN ENTERING TOWN                    LAS VEGAS              "CAESAR'S PALACE"                      

                                                                                                                                                                                             

              Daisy heard, Mr. Bobby's 1983 fight with "Boza" at Caesar's Palace was on "National" tv.  A few months before he'd finally won another world title against Bazooka Limón in that first Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.  Mr. Bobby was by then known for his "Toughness."                  

            Caesar's Palace, which Mr. Steve and his father have been to a few times; has an ancient Roman theme of course.  Daisy one time heard our boss and his Nephew Sammy Jr. talk about the big "Sports Betting" room at Caesar's Palace.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

               One time our boss told Mr. Rick about a trip he and their friend Tim took to Las Vegas in Mr. Rick's old 1968 Chevelle, which Mr. Steve's father had bought from him.  They were going to deliver a few things to someone in "Henderson," near Las Vegas.   Dawn's barking.

                                              

"CALICO" GHOST TOWN

("YERMO," CALIFORNIA)

                                                       PHOTO BY G. GILL                                                                                                                        PHOTO BY JULIE TREMAINE                                                           

          

                 On the way to Las Vegas our boss and Mr. Tim stopped at an old "Ghost Town" called "Calico."  I guess it's kind of near "Barstow;" that town I've mentioned a few times in my first two books.  The Encyclopedia says Calico was a town built near some of those silver mines.

             California became a State in 1850, and since that big giant "Gold Rush" of 1849 a lot of people were "fanatically" hunting for precious metals.  And they found it so Calico had to be set up all around it.  There's a small group of Birds flying above Libby's Corral over there. 

             It says here Calico was first "established" in 1881, but when the price of silver went way down about fifteen years later; it was "abandoned."   Mr. Steve told his mom how someone put the name "Calico," in big white letters; up on a hill above the town.   I like Libby's scent.

    

          FAMILY                                                                     MR. PHILLIP        

      

                 Our boss told Mr. Dave about that time he and Tim delivered his father's things to Las Vegas.  During the drive one of the cassette tapes they listened to was by an English band called FAMILY.  Mr. Phillip laughed when told Tim thought the Singer "sounded like a Goat."

            Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave about a song by FAMILY called "In My Own Time," which Dais tells me is really good.  Mr. Dave laughed when he first heard it, because of how the Singer "bleats;" but he and our boss both like the guitar tones.  Andy's sniffing the air.

           Wow!  It says here how "at its height," when three thousand people lived there; Calico "produced 87 million dollars worth of silver."  Mr. Steve told his mom how a man named Walter Knott, who owned "Knott's Berry Farm;" bought Calico in the 1950's.  Sage smells good. 

            s berry farm origin.webp” style=”width: 340px; height: 325px;” />      s berry farm.jpg” style=”width: 340px; height: 325px;” />                        THEN             "KNOTT'S BERRY FARM"             NOW            

                   

                 I'm so tempted to write about Knott's Berry Farm now but, I'd better just wait and do it tomorrow as scheduled.  Daisy heard our boss tell his mom it began as a small restaurant to sell "Boysenberry" pies Walter Knott's wife baked.   Boy!  Mentioning pies makes me hungry. 

            Mr. Steve told his mom, even though they began really poor; by the late 1950's that guy Water Knott had enough money to buy Calico and fix it up.  He said without his wife he "could not have done" what he did.  There are adobe buildings and this metal bathtub in Calico. 

           From what Dais says, all visitors to Calico can even "pan for gold" in this nearby stream.  Wow!  That sounds so fun and maybe you might just get really lucky and find some.  Then, we'd right away give it to our boss; to help him pay for the different things we need around here.  

                                                                                                      "OLD SPANISH TRAIL"                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                         PAINTING BY FREDERICK REMINGTON

                 

                 A map shows how Calico must've been close to where that "Old Spanish Trail" from New Mexico came out here to California.  I've mentioned it before because, back in the 19th century; it was really important for trading things.  The Mormons also had a trail near there too.

            Mr. Steve told his mom how there's an old schoolhouse in Calico.  And, even though it's small in size; it looks kind of like a little church because of the steeple above it.  I just noticed a long line of marching Ants on the Patio floor, on the other side of Miss Emily's coffee table.

           Oh!  Yesterday when I wrote about that "Daredevil" Evel Knievel I missed talking about the Boxer Joe Louis.  In the 1970's he was a "Greeter" for Caesar's Palace, and tomorrow I'll learn about his 1930's fights against the German Mex Schmelling.  Libby just whinnied.

                                                                                                                               JOE LOUIS (1914-1981)                                                            

                    After he retired, Joe Louis was hired by Caesar's Palace; to do what Mr. Ralph called "public relations."  Mr. Gary read Joe Louis's wife called him an "Easy Mark," because if you told him a "Sob Story;" he gave you all his money, even if had little of it.   I smell Sage.

            Our boss told Mr. Ralph his parents shook hands with Joe Louis one time.  He was really friendly and Mr. Steve's mom thought he "seemed like a decent person."  He joked his job was to "make people who lost money not feel so bad."  Mr. Steve's dad thought that was funny.

           Caesar's Palace is the place where that guy Evel Knievel crashed in trying to jump over the fountain.   One of Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customers told him Evel Knievel is from the State of "Montana," and worked at a "Honda" Motorcycle Shop for a while.  I like Sage.

                                                EVEL KNIEVEL (1938-2007)                         

("CAESAR'S PALACE" / DECEMBER, 1967)      

      PHOTO EVERETT COLLECTION                                         PHOTO BY JERRY ABBOTT                                                                                                                         

   

                I wrote in book one how Evel Knievel was born on October the 17th, just like Mr. Steve's brother Rock back there in Texas.  Daisy says he was what they call a "Stunt Performer," and I guess "made" most of his jumps, but broke a lot of bones if he missed.  Daffy's quacking. 

              Daisy says Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customer told him how, when he was young; Evel Knievel worked as a "Hunter's Guide."  Our boss told Mr. Dave about his Cousin Gil Aaron who does that too for a job in New Mexico.  The sunlight coming from behind me is less now.    

          Mr. Dave's customer said Evel Knievel's real first name was "Robert," so I'll bet a lot of people called him "Bob" for short.  He "was successful" in over seventy five "long" jumps," but of course is most famous for the one he missed at Caesar's Palace.   I smell Joshua trees.    

                                                                              

                                     "HAPPY DAYS"                                            "JUMPING THE SHARK"

    

              I guess, Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customer said in 1977 Evel Knievel was supposed to jump over a tank with Sharks in it, but had an accident in the warmups.  Later that year, on that tv show "Happy Days;" a scene had "Fonzie" jumping over this Shark.  I smell Arborvitae.

           When the scene from Happy Days was shown it became known as "Jumping the Shark," and now symbolizes when something artistic or creative has "Run its Course" as they say.  Mr. Dave said it has come to represent something "running out of steam." Heathcliff crowed.

           A lady once told Mr. Steve she didn't understand Jumping the Shark because Happy Days was a "successful" tv show after that.  Daisy says Mr. Dave's customer said Evel Knievel began riding Honda's.  But later he rode Norton's, Triumph's and even Harley Harley Davidson's.       

           

                                   ED "BIG DADDY" ROTH                               MR. RICH    

          (1932-2001)                                                                (DRAGPIPE)                     

             

       Daisy heard Evel Knievel said one of the most important things in life is to "keep your word."  She says our boss and Mr. Rich admire how "Big Daddy" Roth told people to do that too, saying to "Play it Straight."  Hey Lord!  That's kind of like Your "Golden Rule."                    

        That guy Big Daddy Roth, who ended up becoming a Mormon; had those eight rules he went by.  To both Dais and I playing it straight might mean never to lie in order to make money. I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there in their new Spring nest.                            

          I've mentioned before how, Mr. Steve as a kid met Big Daddy Roth at the "San Fernando Drag Strip; back in the late 1960's.  Daisy heard, Mr. Bobby the Boxer kept things at a "Storage Facility" across the street from where the Drag Strip used to be.  I smell Bravo Company.                           

BOBBY CHACON / DANNY "LITTLE RED" LOPEZ

(LOS ANGELES "SPORTS ARENA" / MAY 24, 1974)

         

            In 1974 Mr. Gary saw Mr. Bobby fight Danny "Little Red" Lopez at the "Sports Arena," when he weighed 125 pounds.  It was on May 24th, Mr. Steve's parents wedding anniversary.  It was at the Sports Arena where our boss and Miss Harriet saw Stevie Ray Vaughan play.

            Mr. Gary said, in 1974 Mr. Bobby's "Bout" against Danny Lopez was for the "unofficial" championship of Los Angeles.  Both were undefeated, so it was a "Sellout."  Mr. Bobby used to fight at the "Forum," Danny Lopez was known for his fights at the "Olympic" Auditorium.   

           Daisy says, in a "really tough fight;" Mr. Bobby ended up beating Danny Lopez in a 9th round "T.K.O."  I've said before how that stands for "Technical Knock Out," when the Referee stops the fight without counting ten seconds over a beaten Boxer.   A small Lizard ran bye.

                                                                                    "MAIN STREET" GYM                     MIKE ANTONOVICH /  MR. STEVE'S FATHER 

                                                                      PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA           

                                       

                   In the early 1970's when his father worked downtown at City Hall, he at times dropped off Mr. Steve at the "Main Street Gym;" where scenes from that movie "Rocky I" were filmed. Them, at the end of the day; he'd come back to pick him up.  Dawn's barking over there.

           Besides the Quarry brothers, at the Main Street Gym Mr. Steve shook hands with Danny Lopez; and his older brother "Ernie" too.  Mr. Bobby at times worked out at Main Street Gym but Mr. Steve never met him there.  Mr. Bobby and Danny Lopez are now friends I guess.

           Mr. Ralph said because their family was part "Ute" Indian and he had red hair, Ernie Lopez's nickname was "Indian Red;" his brother "Little Red."  For "Publicity," they sometimes wore those big feather "Headdress's."  All four of the Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.      

                                          

ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C.)    

   

                    One time our boss and his dad talked about how it was that ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle who said comedy and tragedy were "interrelated."  Sometimes they're separate but at other times, like with Mr. Bobby; they're definitely connected.   A Train whistled over there.

             Someday Daisy and I would like to meet Mr. Bobby, but he can't drive so we live too far away for him to visit.  Because he has brain damage, and lost his money; Mr. Bobby now leads a kind of sad life compared to when he was World Champion.  I can smell Andy over there.

           For a while Mr. Bobby had only one good jacket.  But it had a hole in the right armpit, so Mr. Steve told him, when introduced to an audience up in the ring; only wave to them with your left-hand.  Mr. Steve's mom helped him pick out and buy a much nicer dress jacket to wear.       

                                              

HIGH DESERT LATE AFTERNOON VAPOR TRAIL    

        

                    Ah!  I glanced up and see an extending vapor trail going southward way up there in the afternoon sky.  Heathcliff crowed, which reminds me of a time when Daisy and I were back here on Elvira and heard him as we watched a vapor trail.  And we were smelling Juniper too.

            Hey God!  Thank You for how I feel right now.  In writing about Mr. Bobby's at times sad life I feel more appreciative of our lives down here in Piñon Hills.  Before Mr. Marty died he and Mr. Steve at times talked about comedy and tragedy being associated with each other. 

            Mr. Marty read the book our boss wrote about Mr. Bobby, saying how it "should be made into a movie."  Mr. Gary and his dad also think it would make an interesting movie, in warning  others about how fragile life can be.  One minute you're up, the next minute you're down.

                

                      MISS VALERIE / MR. BOBBY                    MR. BOBBY / JIMMY LENNON SR.

                                                                                                                                                  

            I just thought about how Mr. Bobby's wife Valerie, who he met at "San Fernando High;" killed herself.  She had begged him to quit Boxing because of how much damage he was taking, he said he would but; changed his mind.  Blackbeard and Anne are now flying to the east.

            Mr. Bobby's family was living up there in Northern California, in "Oroville;" when his wife shot herself.  They had three kids, two boys and a girl, one of those boys later getting killed in gang activity.  Daisy says Mr. Bobby told our boss he "regrets" some things he's done.

           Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Dave talking one time about how Mr. Bobby, to make some money; at times collects aluminum cans.  When he went with Mr. Marty to Las Vegas, he had the urge to collect the thousands of cans he sees at the fights.  But Mr. Marty tells him no way.  

              

LATE AFTERNOON DESERT       

           

                  Well, I'll write more about Mr. Bobby tomorrow, but right now I still have more to write about that English band BLACK SABBATH.   It's so interesting to me how their Guitarist Tony Iommi accidentally cut off the tips on two of his fingers.  Andy's scent just floated in to me.

             To survive after losing foot speed, Muhammad Ali and Mr. Bobby had to "Adapt;" and  Tony Iommi was forced to "Make Adjustments" too in order to keep on playing guitar.  As that guy Charles Darwin said; "adapt or fall by the wayside."  Heathcliff crowed over there.  

            My Dictionary says two definitions of "Adversity" are, "misfortune;" or "obstacles to be overcome."  Tony Iommi was knocked down in his life, but seemed to be stronger when he got up.  As Friedrich Nietzsche said, "That which does not destroy me only makes me stronger."  

         

     TONY IOMMI        

             

                Daisy says one time our boss and Mr. Rich talked about how Tony Iommi "Fashioned" two fake fingertips out of plastic bottle caps.  I guess they were like the "Thimbles" people wear when sewing.  Two orange boy Finch's are fighting over a girl Finch who's watching them.

          Because he's left-handed, it was Tony Iommi's right "fretboard" hand that needed to be   "extended."  Other adaptations he made were, using lighter "gauge" strings; and "De-Tuning"  his guitar.  Mr. Rich says this made his notes sound "fatter and heavier" than usual.     

          I guess de-tuning means to reduce the "String Tension" so less finger pressure is needed to play.  Mr. Dave read, to get "BLACK SABBATH'S sound;" Tony Iommi also played his guitar through a "Bass" amplifier.  Mr. Steve has played with Guitarists who used bass amps.

     

BLACK SABBATH

  

                Mr. Dave says BLACK SABBATH'S bass player "Geezer" Butler also "tuned down" too, and a "new sound was then born."  Daisy says on a wall inside the guest bedroom closet is a big black and white "Poster" of BLACK SABBATH out in a field.  A Motorcycle zoomed bye. 

           Daisy heard our boss say, in Sylmar High; some people said he "sort of resembled" Geezer Butler on that poster.  Since the early 1970's he and Mr. Rick liked BLACK SABBATH'S music.  The name "Black Sabbath" sounds scary but their music "fits the name" Dais told me. 

           I guess, the guys in BLACK SABBATH saw this 1960's "Horror" movie with that title.  The thought "occurred to them," if people were willing to pay to be scared by a movie; maybe it they'd pay to hear scary music too?  Boy!  They were smart but I don't like being scared.

  

  "BLACK SABBATH"          

                  

           Our boss likes 1930's "Horror" movies, but I guess the movie Black Sabbath came out in the  1960's.  Boris Karloff, who grew up in England like the guys in BLACK SABBATH; was the "Star" of that movie.  Frida and Diego are flying bye over Libby's Corral to my right.         

           Mr. Ralph read Boris Karloff's family thought being an Actor was "beneath" them, so he came over here to America.  But he "struggled" to make money, even having to "dig ditches;" as Nikola Tesla did when he was low on money.  A Train just whistled way out in the desert.

          Daisy saw a tv show about the history of Horror movies and it said, once he started to earn a living as an Actor; Boris Karloff's family "accepted it."  But, he had not been an "overnight success.  He was a "Baggage Handler" like Grandpa Trujillo and Satchel Page for a time.         

    

                                                                 BORIS KARLOFF (1887-1969)

 

         Dais says our boss likes the 1930's Boris Karloff movies.  Today I'll also find out about Lon Chaney Sr. and his son Lon Chaney Jr.   According to this Encyclopedia, Boris Karloff not only    played the part of that one scary "Frankenstein" monster; he was also the "Mummy" too.           

        It says here how Boris Karloff's female relative wrote a book about the 19th century "Royal Court" of the "King of Siam," now the country of "Thailand."  I guess, a year after our boss was born; they made a "Musical" movie based on the book called "The King and I."  I smell Sage.    

        I've mentioned before how, usually; Mr. Steve doesn't really like Musicals.  The King and I had a lot of singing or dancing.  But a lot of girls do seem to like those kind of movies so, over the years; he's had to go see a few of them.  And some, like "The Wizard of Oz;" he really liked.

  

     "THE KING AND I"

             Mr. Steve told his mom The King and I was "pretty good" but, he prefers other movies the Actor Yul Brenner was in.  I've mentioned a few times over the last two days how our boss does not see any new movies anymore.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying toward the north.

             I guess, Boris Karloff was "bow-legged," stuttered and spoke with a "lisp."  But just like Homer Lea, Douglas Bader and Doug Flutie, and and also Tony Iommi too; he overcame all of  those disadvantages. This one Dictionary says to lisp means, "To speak imperfectly."           

            Boy!  Boris Karloff wore a lot of "Makeup."  I've mentioned before how our boss's Niece Stephanie is a trained "Make Up" Artist.  Wow!  Boris Karloff must've been a really good Actor because it says here how they even made one of those Postage Stamps with his face on it.  

          

EGYPTIAN MUMMY    

PHOTO BY JUSTIN CHAY       

      

             One night in the living room Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about Mummies, and it also discussed horror movies.  In the movie Boris Karloff, as the Mummy; came back to life and it was so scary when he would chase people around I guess.  Libby just neighed over there.   

            Daisy and I both think, if he could borrow Mr. Peabody's time machine; our boss would want to travel back to see what it was like to live in ancient Egypt.  He would want to find out how they built those three Pyramids at "Giza" I'll bet.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.   

            Millie got so scared watching the Mummy chasing people, she barked and even wanted to run away.  But the, all of a sudden; she got brave and wanted to fight the Mummy.  Daisy says one monster she would never want to fight is Frankenstein, who seems to be really strong.  

      

                                                                 EDGAR WINTER                                                                    

PHOTO BY MICHELLE ROCHE        

        

                One time our boss and Mr. Dave talked about that "Albino" Musician from Texas named Edgar Winter.  Daisy watched this Video for his song "Frankenstein," which came out when Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy were at Sylmar High School.  I do want to hear that song someday.

               The song Frankenstein is one of those "Instrumentals" with no singing, and got its name in being a few songs combined together to make a single longer song.  Mr. Steve showed that kid Jason the Video and he was amazed at how talented Edgar Winter is.  I smell Mesquite.

           I guess the Edgar Winter Video showed his really talented band playing live on a British tv show.  I was actually supposed to write about Edgar Winter's song when I talked about that girl Mary Shelly, who wrote that famous book back in the early 19th century.  Dawn's barking.

                               

                                                                 JOHNNY WINTER    

   

            Daisy heard our boss tell Jason, in the mid-1970's; he and his friends saw Edgar Winter's Guitarist older brother "Johnny" play down at the Hollywood Palladium.  Mr. Steve read how Johnny Winter shares a birthday of February the 23rd with his dad.  I like Dawn's voice.

            What makes that song Frankenstein so good Dais thinks, is how skillfully Edgar Winter plays a "Strap-On" keyboard he invented; and then a Saxophone too.  In another section he and the other Drummer play a two-man solo which really impressed Jason.  I smell Blinky. 

           According to Daisy, our boss told Jason how Edgar and Johnny Winter are both albinos, their hair and skin as white as the paper I'm writing on; their eyes light sky blue.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Rich Johnny Winter is a "talented" Blues Rock guitar player.  A Lizard just ran bye.

                                 

"MAHPIYA SKA"  ("WHITE CLOUD")  

          

               Mr. Steve played for Jason Ted Nugent's song about a white Buffalo Daisy says, and showed him some old Johnny and Edgar Winter records and cassettes.  On Edgar Winter's song Frankenstein that guy Ronnie Montrose played guitar.  Edgar Winter is a good Drummer.            

             In book three tomorrow, when I learn about "Texas Blues" history; I'll write  more about that Johnny Winter concert down at the Palladium.  I'm so tempted to do it now but will wait. Stevie Ray Vaughan studied and admired Johnny Winter's guitar playing I guess.                 

               A lady one time told Mr. Steve's mom about this "small village" down in "Argentina" called "Acuña, which has many albinos in it.  "Puerto Rico," or "Rich    Port" in English; is the  "world capital of the albinos" she said.  Frida and Diego are flying over Libby's Corral.               

"MOBY DICK"   

   

              Miss Susan read, like I hope to read someday; that book "Moby Dick."  One morning, as he watered around here; she told Mr. Steve there are some "albino deer."  He told her about  LED ZEPPELIN'S song "Moby Dick," and how Mr. Dave likes it because of the drum solo.         

              An older man once told our boss's father he met a "pretty" albino girl in New Mexico, who was "Zuni."  He said some "Hopi" Indians in Arizona are albino, and was once told about    the Japanese island of "Ukerewe;" where albinos live.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.            

              I just thought of 1994, when our boss and Mr. Armando visited "St. Augustine" over in Florida.  That's where William Wing Loring, who Mr. Steve wrote about in College; was from.  I have a feeling that I'll be mentioning him again tomorrow in my third and final long book.                                      

    "ALBINO" ALLIGATOR                                  MR. ARMANDO / WIFE PAT    

   PHOTO BY KURT ROGERS                                                                                                                                                                          

       

        Daisy told me, in St. Augustine our boss and Mr. Armando visited sites associated with Loring; and other things too.  On "Anastasia" Island, they went up to the top of one of those tall  "Lighthouses;" then saw an "Alligator Farm" nearby.  The shadows are getting longer.                

           Our boss told his friend Mark Ritter, who studied Reptiles; about that Alligator Farm in Florida.  There are many Alligators who live there but one in particular was giant in size I guess, and there were a few albino Alligator's too.  Andy's over there keeping a good guard.                     

          Before he died, Mark Ritter visited other places in the South where they keep Alligators;  so had seen albino Alligators and heard of that farm in St. Augustine.  Daisy heard our boss tell    his sister Susan there were "Crocodiles" at the farm too.  Andy is looking at me over here.            

                                                  WHITE SQUIRREL                                               WRIGHTWOOD                                     

            Oh!  Speedy Gonzalez just zoomed out into the desert through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.  That reminds of how Miss Susan told our boss about those white Squirrels who used to live up there in Wrightwood for many years.  I just picked up Speedy's scent.            

          Daisy and Millie saw a tv show that showed an albino Gorilla who lives in one of those Zoos I've written about.  Boy!  I wonder what an Alligator or Gorilla smells like?  I wonder if an albino Squirrel would smell different from a regular Squirrel like Speedy Gonzalez?                     

            Wow!  I can't believe I'm getting toward the end of chapter eleven, and then there will be only one chapter left after that.  I can't wait to see if there will be any good cold leftovers mixed in with our regular dry food tonight for dinner.  We also like Dog Food from a a can too.               

                                             MAGGIE CÓRDOVA                                                     DAISY CÓRDOVA                   

           

          Hey God!  Thank You for making me khaki brown in color and not albino.  Agh!  I just now suddenly imagined what Daisy would look like if she were one of those albinos.  That would be so weird to see her thick shaggy black fur all pure white without any color in it.  Oh!                

         For some reason I just thought of that kid named "James," who was one of Mr. Steve's classmates at St. Ferdinand's; but everyone just called him "Jim."  He had a funny "Sense of      Humor," our boss told Mr. Grant he was "quick-witted."  He liked 1930's Horror movies.            

         I guess for many years Jim's father ran the "Utter-McKinley" Mortuary, near the San Fernando Mission; where Mr. Steve and his parents were those Tour Guides.  A "Mortuary," or  "Funeral Home;" is where funeral ceremonies for the dead are held.  I smell Mesquite.                        

            Our boss and Mr. Rick remembered riding bikes up "Maclay" Avenue, going through San Fernando getting to Mission Hills; at times to visit Jim at the Mortuary.  Jim was "so lucky" he thought, because his father let him have his own private office.  Heathcliff is crowing.               

             Mr. Steve told his sister Susan, instead of books; "well-organized" comic books and also "Monster Magazines" were filed on that guy Jim's bookshelves.  Daisy says in his office our boss has a  "Series" of  "Time-Life" books in "Sequence" or "Order."  I smell Creosote.                       

         Daisy says, that kid Jim also read Mary Shelly; and Edgar Allen Poe's "Gothic" Horror stories.  Utter-McKinley Mortuary is near Mission Cemetery, and also that one Jewish  cemetery where Steve Banks is buried.  Boy!  The afternoon air is so clear and beautiful right now.                                             

                                            ST. FERDINANDS                              MR. RICK WITH HIS MOM     

     

             One time our boss and Mr. Rick talked about going to St. Ferdinand's, remembering all  of the classmates and Nuns they were around in Elementary School.  If Daisy could time travel I know for sure she would want to see our boss and Mr. Rick as kids.  I smell Arborvitae.

             Mr. Steve and Jim's friend "Paul," who went out for Alemany's Football team with our boss; "could've been a comedian" Mr. Steve thinks.  After the 1971 Sylmar earthquake our boss helped Paul's dad repair the Hagar house.  Mr. Jim was also "pretty funny" too he says.   

            I guess, the last time our boss saw Mr. Jim was at Mission Cemetery; for Jim's father's funeral.  I've said a few times how Mission Cemetery is where Mr. Steve's parents have "Crypts" and his Grandmothers and sister Celina are buried.  A little Lizard just went running bye.                    

                CELINA CÓRDOVA  (1963-2003)                         GINO (0000-0000)                                                                                                                                                                        PHOTO BY STEVE CÒRDOVA            

      

             When our boss and Mr. Bobby went to Mission Cemetery that time, they visited all of the graves; as well as Mr. Rick's son "Gino's" grave too.  Mr. Steve pointed across the street, telling Mr. Bobby about his old boss Steve Banks buried at the Jewish cemetery.  I smell Juniper.

             I guess, our boss once met a guy studying to be what they call a "Mortician;" who "fix up" the dead bodies for burial Daisy thinks.  She once heard Mr. Steve and his mom talk about how Mr. Jim's father was a "Funeral Director."  He and our boss's dad were friends.

            The guy who wanted to become a Mortician studied how those ancient Egyptians tried to physically "Preserve" corpses for "as long as possible."  Yesterday I wrote about "King Tut," whose tomb in 1922 was discovered by Howard Carter.  Dawn and Blinky are barking. 

         

                                  PHARAOH "TUTANKHAMUN" (1342-1325? B.C.)         

      

                      I don't know if I would like being a Mortician, because then you'd have to touch dead bodies a lot.  According to what Dais heard our boss tell his mom one time, for ancient Egyptians preparing the Pharaoh's corpse's "For the Afterlife" was so important.  I smell Creosote.

                    Even though it's really scary, someday I do want to see that movie where Boris Karloff plays a Mummy who comes to life.  I guess, even though he's most famous for acting in Horror movies; Boris Karloff is also known for other things too.  The Mummy chases people.

               One cartoon I definitely have to see is about how that mean green Grinch one time tried to steal Christmas.  He and his Dog lived in a cave above this town, and he hated it when he saw happy people during Christmas.  Daisy says at times the Grinch is mean to his little Dog. 

                    

                                       "HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS"

     

                 Even though the Grinch is mean to him, the small Dog is still loyal to him; even helping him sneak down into the town to steal all of the people's presents.  They also take anything that has to do with Christmas, even every last "Crumb" of food Daisy says.  I smell Mesquite. 

             I guess, the Grinch, who has all green skin; disguises his Dog as a Reindeer by putting on fake antlers.  Then, the Dog has to pull a heavy wagon filled with all the stolen things.  But, just as the Grinch is about to destroy the gifts; he hears some singing coming from the town. 

               Daisy says the singing the Grinch and his Dog hear is townspeople down below, who are happy even though they have no presents.  This makes the Grinch feel bad, so he gives back all of the gifts; his heart actually growing bigger and bigger in size.  Libby whinnied over there.

  

                                                     CHARLES DICKENS (1812-1870)

     

                I just thought of that 19th century "Victorian" English Writer Charles Dickens.  Back in 1843 he wrote "A Christmas Carol" which, like the Grinch cartoon; described what should be the real genuine "Spirit" of Christmas.  1843 was three years before the "Mexican War."

             This Encyclopedia says Charles Dickens, who grew up poor; describes England's "wide gap" between rich and poor.  In 1843, he needed to make money to "support" his wife and five kids but; didn't make much money on A Christmas Carol.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

             Daisy says our boss thinks Charles Dickens believed people should be nice to each other even when it wasn't Christmas.  I wonder if that man Dr. Seuss, who wrote the Grinch; was also trying to say that too?   Behind Manny, Moe and Jack are a few Birds flying all around.  

                           

              EBENEZER SCROOGE                         PETER GABRIEL (GENESIS)                

                                                                                 PHOTO BY ARMANDO GALLO

           

              Daisy says when GENESIS'S Singer, who also plays flute; wears a mask to sing that song "Musical Box" it reminds her of "Scrooge" in A Christmas Carol.  Like the Grinch he also hates Christmas.  I can't wait to see film of GENESIS playing Musical Box in the early 1970's.               

             According to what our boss told his mom, Charles Dickins wrote his Christmas story in part hoping to make people think about "Crass Commercialism."  That guy Karl Marx called it "Materialism."  Mr. Steve and his dad don't like some things about "Consumerism."    

            In book one I wrote how Mr. Steve has stopped giving or getting Christmas gifts, instead donating money to charity.  He doesn't like "wasteful overconsumption," or how Christmas "to a certain extent;" has become just a "Commercial Holiday."  A Train whistled faintly.  

                                           

         THEODORE SEUSS GEISEL (1904-1991)                      MR. STEVE'S MOM 

  PAINTING BY EVERET RAYMOND KINSTLER                                                                                                                                                                       

'              

              A German lady told our boss's mom Dr. Seuss's real name was Theodore Seuss Geisel.  His family was also German, and she said his "pen name of Doctor" was an "inside joke" to his parents; who had "really wanted him to become a physician."  Ah!  I can smell Rosemary.

             I guess Dr. Seuss was "Lutheran."  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's Niece's, Samantha and Cristina; went to Lutheran schools in San Fernando and then Sylmar.  Hey Blessed Mother!  As You know, we've wondered why Protestants don't think as highly of You as we do?  

                 The lady said Dr. Seuss was born in "Massachusetts;" or to the east of where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with her boys Dalton and Austin.  He was a "propaganda" Artist for the Allies during World War II she told our boss's mom.  Samson and Delilah flew over the house.    

  

                                           WORLD WAR II AMERICAN PROPAGANDA 

                                                                                                                               ARTWORK BY THEODORE GEISEL

      

             The German lady said after World War II Dr. Seuss and his wife came to California, to live in "La Jolla" near San Diego; where Mr. Steve had a "Mazda" customer.  RATT'S Robbin Crosby was from La Jolla.  I've mentioned how in Spanish La Jolla means "The Jewell."   

             In German the correct way to pronounce "Seuss" is "Zoice" not "Suse" the lady said.   In the 1950's he began writing "Children's Books," but "didn't really enjoy being around kids" the lady told Mr. Steve's mom.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there in the dirt.

            When asked why he never had any children Dr. Seuss used to joke, "You have them and I'll entertain them."  He was married twice and, I guess his first wife also wrote children's books too; believing in "Phonics."  The baby Cholla cactus' scent is now making me feel good.

            

                           FIRST WIFE                                                          SECOND WIFE

        

              I guess, like Mr. Bobby's wife Valerie; Dr. Seuss's first wife "committed suicide" because of "chronic pain."  The lady said she was "his biggest supporter."  My Dictionary says phonics is a, "teaching method in learning to read."  It can also be "written representations of speech."   

             According to what Daisy heard, that German lady told Mr. Steve's mom how Dr. Seuss's second wife "wisely administered the money in his estate after he died."  Max the Hummingbird just whizzed bye going right to left.  Boy!  I sure hope nothing bad has happened to 99.

            When the lady told our boss's mom Dr. Seuss's second wife had a "Yorky" Dog, she told her about her Yorky named "Pilar."  I've mentioned a few times how our local homeless man in Phelan, Mr. "Mark;" also has a loyal Yorky named "Karma."  A Train whistled faintly.

                                                                   

                                                        TV SHOW (ROUTE 66 / 1962) 

     

              I just thought about that guy Boris Karloff again.  My Encyclopedia says the last time he "wore his Frankenstein costume" was in 1962, appearing on a tv show called "Route 66." John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated about a year later; was the U.S. President in that year. 

             There's a picture of a "Poster" made for that one episode of Route 66 and it shows how, not only was Boris Karloff in it; so was Lon Chaney Jr. and Peter Lorre too.  People in our area have a "Club" in memory of the real "Highway Route 66."  The four Pigeons flew bye.    

            Miss Susan knows about Route 66, that two thousand mile long road coming out here to California from the "Midwest;" near Chicago.  It went through Barstow and Victorville in the High Desert near us.  Daisy told me our boss told Mr. Phillip from Wales about Route 66.

                           

                              MR. PHILLIP                                        RICK STEVES (LONDON, ENGLAND)           

                 Daisy says one time our boss and Mr. Phillip talked about a Rick Steves episode, where he went to "London" and visited that "British Museum" I've mentioned before.  It has things in it collected in the 1800's when Queen Victoria ruled over England.  Andy's now looking at me.

           From what Dais heard; Mr. Rick called the British Museum a "showcase for art," and "a chronicle of western civilization."  There's ancient Greek and Rome things in it, and also things from Assyria and Egypt.  We have those Assyrian and Egyptian things around here too.

           Oh!  This is a good place to mention that "Ford" Car Daisy heard about called a "Crown Victoria,"  I was supposed to write about it yesterday but it's one of the things I totally missed on the book one outline.   Daisy thinks it might be named after that one lady Queen Victoria.

                                                                                                                            

  1993 LINCOLN "TOWN CAR"                  1993 FORD "CROWN VICTORIA"

      

              I'll bet Daisy is up there laying on the driveway next to our Lincoln Car Theodora.  Mr. Eddie, who lives in Lake Los Angeles and sometimes sells things for us; compared Theodora to a Crown Victoria because both are "really nice vehicles."  Frida and Diego went flying bye.  

             One time, when Mr. Eddie was here visiting with us; he and our boss talked about maybe him using Theodora for his "Taxi" business.  Mr. Eddie said a Lincoln "Town Car" is similar to those Crown Victoria's, both being used for Police Cars and Cabs.  A Train whistled faintly.

           Mr. Eddie told our boss Theodora's "giant" trunk could carry a lot of things he sells for us.  So he could show them to customers to see if maybe they might want to buy something.  One of Mr. Steve's Ford customers told him the "Crown Vics" were built up there in Canada. 

                                                                                                    GIOVANNI BELZONI (1778-1823)               RAMESSES II (c.1303-1213 B.C.)                                               

           

              One time our boss told Mr. Phillip about that big Italian Explorer Giovanni Belzoni, who I've written about before.  He's the guy who was able to somehow get that giant seven ton head of Ramesses "The Great" from Egypt to England.   "Belzoni" was six feet seven inches tall. 

            That huge stone head of the Pharaoh Ramesses II is "On Display" at the British Museum I guess.  Mr. Steve and his mom have talked about Ramesses II Daisy says, and how it's possible he was maybe  the  "New Kingdom" Pharaoh at the time of Moses.  Heathcliff just crowed.

            I can hear Heathcliff's Hens cackling over there and they sound so happy and grateful to be alive here in Piñon Hills.  Boy!  Thank Everyone for again helping me down here on Elvira as I'm almost finished with this eleventh chapter.  The shadows are now slowly getting longer.   

               

THREE PYRAMIDS

("GIZA" PLATEAU / EGYPT)

     

                   I just thought of those three big pyramids in "Giza," which our boss associates with the three "Belt" Stars in the "Orion" Constellation.   This one Encyclopedia says that guy Belzoni "penetrated" the Pharaoh "Khafre's" second biggest pyramid.  Cleo and Leo flew bye.  

            Our boss and Mr. Hussein, who owns "Coffee & Cream" down there in Sylmar; have at times talked about those three Pyramids in Egypt.  Mr. Hussein has walked around that plateau they were built on.  The faint sound of a Train way out in the northeast desert came in.

           Mr. Steve thinks Belzoni could not have accomplished the things he did without the help of his wife.  He's read about her and she seemed to have been a really good partner who's character was "a good example" to him.  Andy's over there sniffing the air, just to be safe and alert.

   

                 TEMPLE ("ABU SIMBEL")                                     LAKE "NASSER"                        

                                                                                                                           PHOTO BY PAUL VINTEN       

         

              Our boss and Mr. Hussein have talked about this Temple in Southern Egypt, near that "Nile" River; called "Abu Simbel."  It was built by the Pharaoh Ramesses II, and explored by Belzoni in the 19th century.  The shadows are gradually extending away from me over here. 

             Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Hussein talk about how today, in the area of Abu Simbel; there's now a big Lake.  If that ancient Temple had not been moved to a higher area, it would be totally under the water I guess.  I smell Bravo Company out there in the eastern desert.   

            A few years ago Mr. Steve's mom met this lady who, with her husband and kids; went to the British Museum.  They discussed some of the things our boss's mom had studied in College at C.S.U.N.  Mr. Steve thinks that Italian guy Giovanni Belzoni "led a very interesting life."    

                                                                                    

                                                                                         "ROSETTA" STONE                                                             

   

                 Daisy says Rick Steves talked about that "Rosetta Stone" I've written about, which is at the British Museum.  It's got those three languages chiseled on it and, when "Decoded;" allowed the Scientists for the first time to read ancient Egyptian "Hieroglyphics."  I can smell Andy.

            Rick Steves mentioned, when he looked at statues from ancient Greece's "Golden Age" in 400 B.C.; how that city-state of "Athens" was important to western civilization.  He said it "set the tone" for "democracy, theater, literature, math, science and philosophy."  I like Andy.

            According to Dais, Rick Steves said ancient Egypt created "art with a purpose;" either to "placate the Gods" or as "the Pharaoh's propaganda."  He looked at "Assyrian" art, from 900 B.C.; which shows Warriors killing Lions.   We have some Assyrian-themed statues up front.      

                        

                               KARL MARX WITH WIFE                     RUDYARD KIPLING WITH WIFE

 

               Daisy says the British Museum has a big Library, or "Reading Room."  Rick Steves said famous Writers like Karl Marx, Rudyard Kipling and that other guy T.S. Eliot all studied there at one time or another.  A small flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral and going east.

            I guess Rick Steve mentioned how many of the things shown in the British Museum were taken to England at the "peak" of the Victorian Empire.  Back in the 19th century; the British had the best and most powerful navy.  So they could just take whatever they wanted to.

           Last Summer Mr. Steve sold some things to that man from Greece, who said the British Museum "should return" the things they have from ancient Greece.  We heard him say how he thought they were "stolen."  The scents of todays late afternoon desert are so beautiful.

                            

  GOLIATH  

PHOTO BY MATT JEPPSON

                Yup!  I knew I smelled Goliath, and there he is using his tongue to taste my scent; from way over there in the dirt.  He's in front of Moe and I can now see by his body language he now realizes I'm sitting here.  He probably wonders why I'm always here on the Patio lately. 

              I just thought of that girl Mary Shelley, and how my Encyclopedia says the 1930's Boris Karloff movie was "loosely" based on her early 19th century book.  Goliath just crawled out into the desert using the right vertical gate slot.  Andy is glaring at him from the burrow. 

             As I've said before, back in the 19th century many, including females; thought females were  "Inferior" to males.  Mary Shelley lived at about the same time as that other English girl Writer Jane Austen I guess.  The scent Goliath left behind just now floated in over here.   

                                                                                                  MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT SHELLEY (1797-1851)             

PAINTING BY RICHARD ROTHWELL           

               

           Mary Shelley had such a sad life!  She died at the age of fifty three and by then three of her children had already died, her half sister killed herself; and her husband drowned too.  Out  in the back desert behind the Sheds it sounds like two Crows are fighting over something.             

             Boy!  That girl Mary Shelley must've been really smart.  It says here, her husband and father were both Philosophers so; it wouldn't be too surprising for her to have been interested in those subjects too.  I see Libby over there, which makes me feel so happy to be alive.

             This is interesting.  It says here that, nowhere in Mary Shelley's book does she ever call the Monster "Frankenstein;" and I guess the monster talks and is kind of smart.  Mr. Steve told his mom in the original story the monster commits suicide by floating away on an Iceberg.

  

                                                          JANE AUSTEN (1775-1817)   

PAINTING BY CSSSANDRA AUSTEN

              Well, just like with that other British girl Jane Austen; at first Mary Shelley's book had to be published "Anonymously."  Females weren't thought smart enough to be Writers.  Carol Kaye, that 1960's bass player; got no credit for playing on a lot of now very famous songs.    

              I guess the main reason why Mary Shelley wrote her book Frankenstein was because of what they call a "Writing Contest."  Her husband's friend, that one famous Writer Lord Byron; suggested each of them write a good Horror story.  A group of Sparrows flew bye.

             Mr. Steve thinks huge volcano's erupting, like "Krakatoa" in 535 A.D. for example; has "effected life" on Earth.  In 1815 this "Indonesian" volcano called "Tambora" exploded, all the "Debris" shooting up into the "Atmosphere;" blocking the Sun.  A Train whistled faintly. 

                

         "CHICXULUB" (65 MILLION B.C.)                            "TAMBORA" (1815)

       

               I just thought of how, sixty five million years ago that six mile wide "Meteor" flew in and hit Earth at "Chicxulub" in "Yucatan," Mexico.  It also caused the Sun to be blocked out,  the plants died off; so eventually most Dinosaurs did too.  I can smell some Joshua trees.

              As I wrote yesterday, some Birds who live today are the ancestors or "Descendants;" of the Dinosaurs.  In Europe, where Mary Shelley lived in 1816 when she wrote Frankenstein; lack of sunlight from Tambora resulted in "Crop Failures."  That means less food to eat.    

             This Encyclopedia calls 1816 the "Year With No Summer."  It was really cold and Mary Shelley, her husband and Lord Byron; decided to vacation in the country of "Switzerland." But, it was so dark and rainy that; everyone had to stay indoors.  All four Pigeons flew bye.

  

   GEORGE GORDON "LORD" BYRON (1788-1824)

PAINTING BY THOMAS PHILLIPS     

           

               A painting in this Encyclopedia shows Lord Byron, and the caption says he's wearing some clothes from "Albania;" which I guess is kind of near the country of Greece.  I really like how he looks and would definitely wear a hat like the one he has on.  Heathcliff just crowed.

              I guess in 1816 Mary Shelley was only eighteen, and Daisy says our boss told Mr. Ralph it could be she was hoping to "impress" the men in writing Frankenstein.  In part, I'm also kind of  writing my books to make our boss proud of me too.  I can't wait for him to read them.

             This Encyclopedia says Mary Shelley is "now considered" to be one of the first "Gothic" novel Writers.  Daisy says our boss thinks she was really good at describing "cold, dark bleak atmospheres."  I hear some Crows cawing at something going on up there in the front yard.  

       

FANNIE AND FREDDIE       

          

               A tv show said Mary Shelley had a "mind of her own," and didn't always agree with her father and husband on everything.  Ah!  I just noticed Fannie and Freddie standing over there in the dirt in front of Moe the middle Shed.  You can really tell they're each other's best friends.

          It says here Mary Shelley's book Frankenstein was meant, in part; to be a "cautionary tale" about the "excesses" of Science.  Mr. Steve says some think it was the very first "Science      Fiction" story.  Fannie and Freddie hopped and are now flying together toward the east.               

         Over the last two days I've mentioned that other 19th century American Writer Edgar Allan Poe.  He lived at about the same time as Mary Shelley, and is also one of the first Writers    to do Science Fiction type stories.  The scent of green Arborvitae just floated into my nose.                                               

  EDGAR ALLAN POE (1809-1849)

             

              Earlier in this second book I wrote about how "Intelligence" and "Espionage" were two of the biggest "Factors" in the Allies beating the Axis powers in World War II.  Some of those "Code Breakers" I wrote about were influenced by Edgar Allan Poe.  Dawn's now barking.

             This Encyclopedia says Edgar Allan Poe is famous for "macabre horror stories," but is also called the "Father of Detective Fiction."  I guess, in some of his books; he used Codes and Ciphers like those the Code Breakers worked on back in the 1940's.  I can smell Blinky.

             Edgar Allan Poe knew about "Cryptography" and, like Mary Shelley; science too.  Daisy heard another way of saying Cryptography is "Cryptology."   I mentioned yesterday how, over at the  "Huntington Library;" they have a real "Hand-Written" poem by Edgar Allan Poe.  

                  

                    (EXTERIOR FACADE)        HUNTINGTON LIBRARY        (OUTSIDE GARDEN) 

                         

             I just thought of the "Huntington Library," where Mr. Steve and his mom like walking around; because of the the pleasant "Atmosphere."  Mr. Steve's mom thinks Edgar Allan Poe's handwriting is "art in and of itself."   I've mentioned how our boss has good "Penmanship."  

            Boy!  It says here Edgar Allan Poe, like Mary Shelley; had a "sad and difficult life."  His father "abandoned the family" soon after he was born and, then his mother died.  Daisy heard our boss tell his Niece Stephanie "dying young was pretty common" in the 19th century.       

           Hey Lord!  I know Mr. Steve might be interested in this.  It says here the last words Edgar Allan Poe said before dying were, "Lord help my poor soul."  Daisy heard our boss read Edgar Allan Poe was possibly one of those "Alcoholics" and might even have taken drugs too.

         

ANNE BRADSTREET (1612-1672)

DRAWING BY EDMUND H. GARRETT

  

               I just thought of that girl Anne Bradstreet, who I wrote about in book one; and lived in "New England" about two centuries before Mary Shelley and Jane Austen.  She's considered by  many people to have been "America's First Poet."   I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus.         

            Mr. Steve helped his Nephew Sammy Jr. write that short report on Anne Bradstreet .  It wasn't long like the ones he did in College on William Wing Loring or the Black Death period in  Europe.  A Train just now whistled faintly way out there in the desert, far to the northeast.           

            As I said yesterday, Anne Bradstreet and her husband, in the 1600's; sailed from England over to America.  Both were "Devout" Protestant Christian "Puritans," and ended up having      eight kids.  Anne Bradstreet also had a really hard and difficult life from what Dais heard.              

                             TEOTIHUACAN                              

             I guess that 19th century volcanic eruption which happened during Mary Shelley's life was not as big as "Krakatoa's" explosion in the 6th century A.D., which caused way more "Political" upheaval.  Mr. Steve thinks "Teotihuacan," in Mexico; "may've been one of the casualties."    

         The debris that exploded from Krakatoa in the 500's caused "decades" of cold weather, the sunlight being blocked for a long time.  Much of plant life "died off," causing those "Droughts" and "Famines" all over the whole world.  Theodora just went flying toward the east.

         Oh!  What a coincidence Theodora flew bye as I was about to mention that big 6th century A.D. "Plague" which killed millions of people in Justinian and Theodora's "Byzantine" Empire.  It was the first known "Bubonic Plague Pandemic."   I hear a Motorcycle out in the desert. 

  

                            ("LONGSHIP")                   MISS HELENA                     (RAIDING IRELAND)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       PAINTING BY ANGUS MCBRIDE

       

              Daisy heard our boss talking with Miss Helena, who I've mentioned is from "Norway;" about a huge famine which hit "Scandinavia" in the 6th century.  Daisy thinks we're so lucky to have enough food, water and a good house; which I agree with.  A Lizard went running bye.  

           The caption under that painting of "marauding" Vikings says they're attacking Ireland's coast.  Another painting shows one of those Viking "Long Ships," like the miniature one Daisy's told me about on the divider between the kitchen and dining room to my right.  I smell Sage.

           I guess, back in 6th century Scandinavia; many "starved" and "towns were abandoned."  Two centuries later, from the 8th through 10th centuries; those "warlike cultures emerged" and began raiding all over the world.  A Train just whistled way out there in the northern desert.   

                     b

MR. PHILLIP                                                   ENGLAND   

  

            One time Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Phillip, who I've said is from "Wales;" talking about the history of the "English Islands."  I guess, in the 6th century those "Celts" lived in the  west; the "Angles" and "Saxons" were in many of the other areas.  Heathcliff crowed.                  

           Mr. Phillip read, when that volcano Tambora blew up in 535 A.D.; "things changed" in what is now the "U.K."  By then, the Romans had left the islands; after conquering and then        occupying them for a few centuries.  Ah!  A breeze just blew in the scent of Mesquite.                     

        In the 6th century A.D., in what is now the "United Kingdom; the Angles and Saxons mainly traded things with Germans and Scandinavians in Europe.  The Celtic groups still traded with the Romans I guess.   Frida and Diego flew over the Sheds and are now moving east.             

   

PLANET "EARTH"                                       "ATOMIC" BLAST

   

             I just thought about how, if someday a nuclear war happens and much of the Earth is destroyed; the survivors will have to live in what's called "Nuclear Winter."  That means, like in the 6th and 19th centuries when volcanoes blew up; sunlight is blocked.  It gets really cold.           

          When that Indonesian volcano Krakatoa blew up in 536 A.D., which caused that huge pandemic in Europe; the Celts in England caught the plague from Byzantine Romans they were  trading things with.  It says here "tens of thousands" died.  A Crow cawed faintly.                         

            Mr. Phillip read so many Celts dying in the 6th century created a "void," or "vacuum;" in population.  So, those Anglo-Saxons "took advantage" of this; rushing in and just taking all of their lands.  They also "tried to kill the survivors" from what Dais heard Mr. Phillip say.                                                            

"EXCALIBER"     

     

               Daisy says Mr. Phillip read, if that guy King Arthur did exist; he "most likely" lived in the 6th century A.D.  If we ever borrowed Mr. Peabody's time machine, it would be so great to travel back to "Camelot."  We could smell King Arthur; and those "Knights of the Round Table."

           Mr. Phillip knows how, the 6th through 15th centuries in "Europe;" are called the "Dark" or "Medieval" Ages.  The "idea" of "England" began in about the 6th century, after the time of King Arthur.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the northeast, over Libby's Corral.  

          Well, it's back to writing about music; like that English band BLACK SABBATH.  I've mentioned before how, like the MOVE; they're from that "Midlands" city of "Birmingham."  Daisy one time heard Mr. Dave say he read JUDAS PRIEST is also from Birmingham too.

                     

               BLACK SABBATH                                                   JUDAS PRIEST                     

              

                 I just thought of how Mr. Steve jokingly says Daisy's "theme song" should be JUDAS PRIEST'S "You've Got Another Thing Coming."  She does like some "Hard Rock" and "Heavy Metal" music alright.  A few of the Ducks are quacking but as usual Daffy is way louder.

             One time Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about BLACK SABBATH'S first Singer Ozzy Osbourne.  It said "for a time," the MOVE and BLACK SABBATH "shared a manager;" so even "Toured" around England together.  Boy!  Mr. Steve would've liked that concert.   

                The MOVE and BLACK SABBATH'S Manager's daughter was that girl "Sharon," who ended up marrying and being Ozzy Osbourne's Manager; after he was kicked out of BLACK SABBATH.  Mr. Phillip calls it being "sacked."   Mr. Steve's been "Fired" before I guess.

                 

               THE MOVE (LATE 1960'S)                                 BLACK SABBATH (1983)

               

              Daisy says the tv show said "for a time" in the mid-1980's, the MOVE'S Drummer Bev Bevan and DEEP PURPLE'S ex-Singer; were in BLACK SABBATH.  That was after Ronnie James Dio, who replaced Ozzy Osbourne; had left too.  Two of the Pigeons are flying bye.   

            Mr. Dave read, in the late 1960's BLACK SABBATH began as more of a "Blues" band; but were making little money.  So, they changed from a Blues band which there were a lot of; to inventing their unique type of music.  Some say it was the beginning of "Heavy Metal."

            I guess our boss and his parents like this old saying by Plato which goes, "Necessity is the mother of invention."  Mr. Steve thinks maybe that type of thinking might've been part of what happened in the case of BLACK SABBATH.   A Motorcycle zoomed bye out in the desert. 

  

                                                         MOTHERS OF INVENTION

    

                  Over these last two days I've been writing about that guy Frank Zappa who grew up here in the High Desert.  In the 1960's his band was called MOTHER'S OF INVENTION, and their Saxophone player's nickname was "Motorhead," like Lemmy's later band.   I smell Sage. 

            Someday I really want to hear that BLACK SABBATH song "Black Sabbath."   I wrote how Mr. Steve thinks those "three ominous notes" at the beginning was "influenced" by Gustav Holst's" Mars."  The late afternoon sunlight from behind me is making me feel good. 

           Daisy says at the start of that song Black Sabbath you hear rain falling, bells ringing; and thunder in the background.  Mr. Steve thinks BLACK SABBATH may've also been influenced by the three "Tritone" notes on "Children of the Grave."  Uh!  It sounds kind of scary!

    

                  BLACK SABBATH (1971)                                        BIRMINGHAM (1926)

            

         Daisy says the cover on BLACK SABBATH'S first album shows a girl in black standing in front of an old house that's probably over there in England.  She looks ghostly or might be one of those Witches.  I guess, back in the 1970's; Mr. Steve drew the logo on that album cover.               

          I've said before how Mr. Steve thinks BLACK SABBATH'S "darker" sound was partly a product of being from "Birmingham."  Boy!  I don't think I'd like living where there's a lot of factory smoke polluting the air, and things are gray.  And also "industrial noise" is loud too. 

      One time our boss joked with Mr. Dave, saying he's "wondered" if there were any of those "Hippies" in Birmingham as the members of  BLACK SABBATH grew up.  Hippies believed in "peace, love and understanding;" or that "Flower Power."  Heathcliff crowed over there.                          

                      KORN                                   SLAYER                     DIABOLUS IN MUSICA     

      

          Daisy heard, people in the Middle Ages thought; playing those "ominous and foreboding" three notes of the Tritone would "Summon the Devil."  Mr. Dave read SLAYER did this album    one time called "Diabolus en Musica."  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.      

         I mentioned in chapter ten how Diabolus en Musica is Latin for "The Devil in Music."  A guy told our boss KORN'S first album starts with the Tritone but, when he mentioned it to this    other guy; that guy said it "wasn't as recognizable" as in "Black Sabbath."  I smell Sage.             

      The guy who told our boss about the SLAYER album said there's a "Symphonic Metal" band from Spain called DIOBOLUS EN MUSICA.  They have this really pretty girl who's their Singer I guess.  All of a sudden for some reason I just thought of those 1960's "Hippies."              

        

 VW BUG ("PSYCHADELIC" PAINT JOB)             HIPPIES ("WOODSTOCK" / 1969)                

                                                                                                                                                 

          Our boss and Miss Susan from work talked about how, here in America; some of the young people "rebelled" against society.  Some became Hippies in "Communes" in California and New Mexico.  Miss Susan laughed and said some Hippies like "wild colors" in clothes and Cars.

          Hey Lord!  In 1985 Mr. Steve's Tour Group visited that Jewish "Kibbutz" on the shore of the Sea of Galilee where You lived.  A kibbutz sounds like a commune, but Daisy thinks they're more like that one Socialist Utopian community "Llano del Rio."  Andy's sniffing the air.

          The JEFFERSON AIRPLANE and GRATEFUL DEAD were popular bands in the 1960's our boss says. They were both from the San Francisco "Bay Area" and came to symbolize some of the Hippie's different ideas and "Lifestyles."  Samson and Delilah are now flying bye.  

  

                                                                 GRATEFUL DEAD

                    Mr. Steve's sister Susan went to College in "Santa Barbara," graduating from C.S.U.N.; where their Nephew Mathew is going now.  In 1978, when our boss saw the GRATEFUL DEAD on the U.C.S.B. Football field; they did a song called "Samson and Delilah."  I smell Sage.

             Our boss thinks, because life can be dual in nature; "good and bad" came out of 1960's Hippie culture.  That guy Charles Manson was a Hippie, but selfishly used their ideas to be a "Cult" leader; who got young people to "blindly followed him."  Sage smells good.  

            Daisy thinks the members of Charles Manson's "Family" must've been "Brainwashed."  I guess our boss thought of Pavlov's experiments with Dogs, and also the books of Aldous Huxley and George Orwell; when he read about Charles Manson.  Heathcliff crowed over there.

       

CHARLES MANSON                                               MANSON "FAMILY"

         

             Daisy says that guy Charles Manson started his cult in San Francisco, but they moved down here to the San Fernando Valley; to "Chatsworth" which I've mentioned a few times in      these first two books.  In 1969 he ordered his family to go out and kill "Innocent" people.            

               One time Dais and Millie saw this tv show about another "Bay Area" cult, called the "People's Temple;" led by a man named Jim Jones.  He didn't look like a Hippie but "Preached" ideas that were kind of like theirs.  The scent of Mesquite just floated in from the desert. 

              Hey Lord!  You also talked about "peace, love and understanding" too.  But I guess, like our boss says; "even good ideas can be manipulated for bad purposes."  And "sadly" he thinks, with the "advent of the Internet;" good and bad things can done on a "much bigger scale."

         

                      JIM JONES (1931-1978)       "PEOPLE'S TEMPLE"      "MASS" SUICIDE (1978)

    

                   In 1978, because people were starting to get "Suspicious" of him; I guess that guy Jim Jones told his one thousand followers they had to move down to South America with him.  But, he eventually had them drink poisoned "Koolaid."  Many willingly killed themselves. 

            Dais told me in 1978 our boss was going to C.S.U.N. and working at Laser Images in Van Nuys.  Jim Jones moved his cult to a country called "Guiana," and Daisy heard our boss say a lot of those people didn't want to commit suicide but were forced to do it.  A Crow is cawing.

            1978 was also the year Mr. Steve and that girl Monica drove in his first Chevelle up the "Pacific Coast Highway" to see the GRATEFUL DEAD concert at U.C.S.B.  I've said how that's just short for "California State University at Santa Barbara."  College sounds sort of fun. 

           

                                                                   GRATEFUL DEAD

               I've mentioned how, in 1978 that GRATEFUL DEAD concert was held on the U.C.S.B. Football field; on a warm Summer day.  The band, through their P.A. system; used the roaring sound of "Chopper" Motorcycle to call the crowd.   Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

             Mr. Steve remembers fondly times he and Sandy drove in his first Chevelle to places, like "Carpinteria;" where her family vacationed.  They went through the town of "Filmore" and met her parents and sisters "Suzy" and "Stacy" in Carpinteria .  I smell Andy over there.

             I just thought of how, for all of those years our boss's family took Summer vacations to Santa Barbara; staying at that "Miramar" Hotel near the beach.  Steve has told his parents he appreciates them giving their family "such pleasant memories."  A Train whistled faintly.

                  

 "MIRAMAR" HOTEL (SANTA BARBARA)

        

             Daisy heard our boss tell his mom the last time he's been to Santa Barbara was he thinks in 1993.  He and Miss Harriet were there for "New Years Eve," and they went to a party where the Go-GO'S Bassist played in a band.  Benjamin the Cowbird ran bye as Andy watched.  

            This Encyclopedia says, what is now U.C.S.B. began in 1891 as a "teachers college."  Mr. Steve did artwork for a girl from "Goleta" who told him in 1944, during World War II; it was turned into a "research university."  He told her about that GRATEFUL DEAD concert. 

           I guess, when our boss mentioned the "Miramar" Hotel that girl said, "Oh!  "I remember those royal blue roof's.  Oh!  We have a red tile roof on our house but, I wonder if there's such a  thing as royal blue colored tile?  If so I'd definitely want to have a house with it for sure.                                          

          U.C.S.B.                 SANTA BARBARA            MISS HARRIET

  

             A good "Bird's Eye" picture shows how the U.C.S.B. campus sticks out into the "Pacific Ocean; on one of those "Peninsula's.  Behind is the city of Santa Barbara, which our boss and      Miss Harriet walked around back in 1993.  All four of the Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.        

        Mr. Steve and the girl from Goleta talked about Portugal and Spain being on that giant "Iberian" peninsula.  Italy is a "Boot" shaped peninsula.  She said U.C.S.B. has used royal "or"  navy blue as the primary color, with white and yell being the secondary school colors.                    

        Our boss told his sister Susan over the years he's at times wondered how U.C.S.B. got its nickname "Gauchos?"  He knows that the Cowboys from the country of "Argentina" are called Gauchos.  Theodora just now went running bye out there in the dirt, in front of the Sheds.                                                        "GAUCHO" (ARGENTINA)                                      SOUTH AMERICA                   

      

               Mr. Steve and the girl talked about Argentina's "Gaucho's," who ride Horses; and do all of the same things around Cows those early 19th century Californio "Vaquero's" used to do.  In those years after the Civil War the American "Cowboys" were the same.  I smell Juniper.             

        Daisy says the girl told our boss that guy Michael Jackson has a big house, with his own private Zoo; and even rides like you would see at Disneyland.  Wow!  That just proves how rich Michael Jackson must be if he's able to afford things like that alright.  Daffy's quacking.           

        When the girl mentioned that one 1818 "Raid" on "Santa Barbara Mission" by Hipólito Bouchard, our boss lent her a book about the "Alta California Missions."  Hipólito Bouchard        was French but worked as a Sea Captain for Argentina.  A little Lizard went running bye.                                                                                             

    HIPÓLITO BOUCHARD (1780-1837)

         

             This Encyclopedia says, in 1818; that guy Hipólito Bouchard's Ship was "sponsored" by Argentina.  Mr. Steve's father jokes "that made him a legal Privateer, and not an illegal Pirate to be hung."  If I ever have a uniform I definitely want it to have some shoulder epaulets.

             Hipólito Bouchard's men tried to raid Santa Barbara, just like the Vikings used to do but their "attempt was thwarted and repulsed" by Franciscan Priests and some Indians.  In 1818 the "Alta" California Missions were still Spanish.  Mexico broke away in the year 1821. 

            It says here how, Hipólito Bouchard's men were "unsuccessful" in trying to steal things at the Santa Barbara Mission, but were "more successful" when they sailed south and attacked the "San Juan Capistrano" Mission.  Boy!  It would be so bad if we were ever to be raided.

  

     DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS (1883-1939)

("THE GAUCHO" / 1927)

       

             The girl said the name "Gauchos" came from a 1927 Douglas Fairbanks "Silent" movie.  The Students at the school liked it so voted to call their sports teams that.  Oh!  My Encyclopedia says how Douglas Fairbanks was born on May the 23rd, just like our boss's brother Sam.

            According to what Daisy and Millie heard that girl say, she thinks U.C.S.B. doesn't have a Football team anymore.  One time our boss and Mr. Mark talked about "Pickfair," this house in Beverly Hills where in the 1980's they went to for a few "Sales Meetings."  Dawn's barking.

           Pickfair was built by Douglas Fairbanks and his wife Mary Pickford.  In the 1980's it was owned by Jerry Buss, who also owned the Forum and sports teams who played there.  I guess all those meetings were held on nice days where everyone could be near the swimming pool.

      

                   "PICKFAIR"                          "ROARING" 1920'S      "GREAT DEPRESSION" 1930'S 

      

            I guess, that Douglas Fairbanks movie "The Gaucho" came out two years before the big "Stock Market Crash;" which then started the "Great Depression."  A picture shows Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in front of that house Pickfair.  They had a few Dogs as pets.

            As I've written about before, the good economy of the "Roaring" 1920's; was followed by the "Great Depression" of the 1930's.   In the 1920's many became "overconfident" Mr. Steve's father thinks, and tomorrow I'll find out about the years between world wars.  I smell Sage. 

           Wow!  Well, it looks like this is the end of chapter eleven, so I have only one chapter to go.  There's only about an hour of sunlight left today, and I can tell by how the shadows are leaning away from me that it's the end of the day.  Hearing Heathcliff's voice makes me feel good.