Book 2 Chapter 12 – Maggie Cordova

(Chapter 12 / Book 2)

5:30

LATE AFTERNOON

Well You Guys up there, I can't believe this is the final chapter of my second what have turned out to be really long books. I have to work fast as the Sun is going down, and it's getting darker. Andy's over there sniffing the air, to make sure Cher or Goliath aren't around.

Heathcliff just crowed over there. Boy! Hearing his voice and also the sound of his Hens clucking happily is making me feel so glad to be over here sitting on Elvira. Thank Everyone up there for helping me so much again today because I couldn't have done it all by myself.

A Train whistled faintly way out there in the desert to the northeast. For some reason that makes me appreciate how lucky we are living here in Piñon Hills. Ah! Hearing that Train, and also at the same time smelling Libby too; is making me remember that evening last Summer.

FREIGHT TRAIN LIBBY

Oh! Libby's over there looking in this direction, which is now really making me have one of those Déjá Vu feelings. The Train just whistled again. I have to hurry up and finish this final chapter because, just like yesterday; the Sun is going down fast behind me to the west.

I just thought of that morning when Mr. Randy told our boss about the "Mustang Spirit" Horse ranch here in Piñon Hills. It's near he and his mom's house and they rescue Horses from what we heard her say. The shadows are now stretching away from me here on the Patio.

A girl named Tanya tries to help Horses, Donkeys and Mules that no one wants anymore. Miss Susan mentioned "Obstacle Courses, so Mr. Steve told her about his sister Susan and her Pony "Dinky;" and how they jumped over barriers. I'll bet Dinky was a very smart Horse.

"SANTA BARBARA" MISSION "FRANCISCAN" PRIESTS

One time Daisy and I heard our boss tell Miss Susan how the Santa Barbara Mission is the only one of the twenty one "Alta" California Missions still run by the "Franciscan" Priests. My Encyclopedia says it was the tenth Mission established. I can smell Libby over there.

I guess, Father Serra started the first nine Missions up here but died in 1784, a year when the Revolutionary War was still going on back east. Santa Barbara Mission was set up in 1786 by Father Serra's "successor" named Father Fermin de Lasuén. He was a "Basque."

It says here Father Lasuén named Santa Barbara Mission after a Greek Saint whose head was cut off by her father because she refused to stop being a Christian. Daisy had told me about the tv show that mentioned the same thing. Fred, Ed and Ted are flying bye right now.

"FRAY" JUNIPERO SERRA FATHER FERMIN DE LASUÉN

(0000-0000) (1736-1803)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA PHOTO BY MARK CHURMS

The tv show called Father Lasuén the "Forgotten Friar" in comparison to Father Serra. He was the second "Presidente" of the Alta California Missions. My Encyclopedia says he was born on July 7th. I've mentioned a few times how our boss's birthday is July 9th.

Mr. Steve and his mom one time talked about how Father Serra, when he set up the first nine Missions; didn't really care about how a building looked, as long as it was "Functional." I guess he was a "strict utilitarian" like it says here. I can smell Theodora's Creosote bush.

I guess, Father Lasuén brought up some Artists from Mexico to build the Missions he was assigned to start. They created what is now called "California Mission Style." Our house, like many of Father Lasuén's Missions; has a red tile roof that Mr. Mike sometimes works on.

"CONVENTO " BUILDING ( ON MARBLE)

ARTWORK BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

Our boss and Mr. Ralph one time talked about Father Lasuén. The arches on the front of San Fernando Mission's long "Convento" building is an example of how the buildings he had built were way more "Eye-Pleasing" as they say. A Train just whistled over there to my left.

Yesterday, when I learned about that game called "Jai Jalai;" I wrote a little bit about the "Basque" people. They mainly live in the mountains between Spain and France. Father Lasuen had a few different influences Mr. Steve says, and some of it was because he was Basque.

Basques even have their own language. Sometimes, when people come to our house; they notice our red tile roof. Mr. Steve tells them those type of roofs keep the house cooler during the hot Summer; but in the cold Winter it stays colder. So you have bad with good as usual.

"CÓRDOVA" FOUNTAIN PARENTS /GRANDMA CÓRDOVA

PAINTING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

Father Lasuén was influenced by what they call "Mudéjar" design, like the shape of the "Córdova" fountain at the San Fernando Mission for example. My Encyclopedia says Mudéjar is the art made by Muslims who stayed in Spain after that "Reconquista." Dawn's barking.

Daisy says down in Sylmar at our boss's parent's house, above the couch in their living room; is a big painting his mom did of the Córdova fountain. I guess, Mudéjar can also be art by Christian Artists in "Post Reconquista" Spain. I can smell Blinky standing next to Dawn.

One time Daisy heard Mr. Dave tell our boss he used to have a Motorcycle Shop customer who was a "Chumash" Indian from the Santa Barbara Mission area. The Spanish called them "Barbareños." That guy knew a lot about the Alta California Missions and Father Lasuén.

S.F. MISSION BEDROOM ("MUDÉJAR")

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his mom one time talking about how, whenever they did a tour of the San Fernando Mission; they would point out the shape of some of the different windows or doorways. They were cut out in the Mudéjar style of Spain. Andy's looking at me over here.

Mr. Dave knows about an Indian girl named "Juana Maria," who lived at Santa Barbara Mission in the final years of her life. She was what the Spanish called "Nicoleño," the last of her tribe from "Santa Nicolas" island. A small group of what look like Sparrows is flying bye.

I guess, in 1814 some Russian Fur Traders invaded Santa Nicolas island and killed most of the three hundred members of Juana Maria's tribe. They stole anything of value and took all of the surviving girls except Juana Maria. She probably hid and they didn't find her I guess.

JUANA MARIA (?-1853)

Mr. Dave saw a tv show about that girl Miss Juana which said she and four men survived the slaughter of their tribe. They lived out there but, then in 1835; some of the Mission Priests sent what they thought of as a "Rescue Party." Samson and Delilah are flying bye right now.

Daisy heard, as the Boat started to go back to the mainland from Santa Nicolas island; I guess Juan Maria dove back into the water and said she had forgotten her baby. This storm was starting so the Spanish Sailors decided to just leave her behind. I smell the baby Cholla.

Mr. Ralph knows about the Juana Maria story and thinks it's kind of funny how the Boat sent to rescue her and the other men was named "Peor de Nada." According to my Spanish Dictionary that means "Better than Nothing." Boy! What a bad name for a wooden Boat.

"CHANNEL" ISLANDS

Daisy says the legend is that Juan Maria was too late to save her baby, which got eaten by some wild Dogs I guess. Wow! That would be such a terrible a thing to have happen I think. So Juana Maria lived all alone way out there on Santa Nicolas island for about twenty years.

That girl Miss Juana must've been smart to have survived alone for that long Dais thinks. Mr. Dave said she even made a good house out of Whale bones, and wore clothes some made out of all Bird feathers. Boy! Those are things that prove she had to have been smart alright.

After eighteen years Juana Maria finally went back to the mainland with another Spanish Ship sent by Priests; sent by some other Padres in Santa Barbara. She was about fifty years old by then. Juana Maria lived at the Santa Barbara Mission and I guess is buried there.

ANDY AND HELEN

Oh! I just glanced up and see Andy and Helen over there on their favorite boulder. But even though they're both taking a break from guarding the new babies down there in the hole, I know they're still very alert. If Cher or Goliath show up they can get back there really fast.

Mr. Dave read that girl Miss Juana became Catholic, and is even buried at the cemetery in Santa Barbara. I mentioned before how Indians who converted to Christianity back in those days were called "Neophyte.s" Daisy says we're most likely also considered neophytes too.

I guess, because Juana Maria's language was not "Tongan" and was unique, at first no one could communicate with her. That's what Mr. Dave read. Andy and Helen's break is over so they ran back to their burrow, Helen going down in there and Andy stayed near the entrance.

"STEARNS WHARF" SANTA BARBARA "MIRAMAR" HOTEL

PHOTO BY CHRIS BELL

Mr. Steve and his mom always liked going to Santa Barbara. At the Mission "Gift Shop," named for Father Serra; was run for years by two nice "Sister in Law" ladies. One time Mr. Steve and his mom remembered going to the pier and staying at the "Miramar" Hotel.

From what Dais heard, Mr. Dave read this old early 19th century book called "Last of the Mohicans." It's about an Indian man back east who, like Miss Juana; was the last person alive in his tribe. From way down here on the Patio what looks like Pigeons are now flying bye.

Daisy says one time our boss and Mr. Dave talked about an Indian named "Ishi," who was the last person left in his tribe. My Encyclopedia says Ishi was from Northern California and, in 1911; suddenly showed up near the town of "Oroville." Benjamin the Cow Bird ran bye.

"ISHI" (c.1861-1916)

THE LAST OF HIS "YAHI" TRIBE

It says here, just like that girl Miss Juana; some of Ishi's group were killed. He was able to hide and stay away from civilization for a long time but then, when he was about fifty years old; he must've decided it was way too hard to survive. That's what Daisy thinks and I agree.

Ishi's name means "Man" in his "Yana" language. Mr. Dave read that Yana was the main or "parent" group for Ishi's "Yahi" band. I guess, some "Anthropologists" took Ishi to live in San Francisco and Daisy heard they even got him a good job being one of those Janitors.

Daisy heard that a few different films, and even some books too; have been made about Mr. Ishi's life. Max the Hummingbird just zoomed bye in front of the Sheds and I heard him coming from all the way over there near Libby's Corral. Boy! I feel so good sitting here on this Patio.

BOBBY CHACON

Daisy one time heard our boss and Mr. Ralph talking about Mr. Bobby, and how he was a "World" Champion twice; first in the 1970's and later in the 1980's. At the time of the first one he was a "Featherweight." In the second Championship he was at a higher Weight Division.

I guess Dais heard Mr. Ralph say for a few years Mr. Bobby and his wife Valerie, and their kids; lived at a Ranch in Oroville where that guy Ishi first came out of hiding. Mr. Bobby bought it partly because Valerie didn't like living in Los Angeles any more. I smell Andy over there.

Boy! It's too bad Mr. Bobby's wife Valerie killed herself. Dais says she wanted him to quit Boxing because, having lost foot speed; he was starting to get hit way too much for her. "He did take a lot of punishment in the last years of his career" Mr. Gary the Barber said one time.

Mr. Steve told Mr. Bobby his sister Susan was hired to be a "Set Decorator" for this movie called "Kickboxer." So she used a lot of Mr. Steve's Boxing pictures to put on a wall of what was supposed to be a Boxing Trainer's office. A Finch just ran bye holding a twig in its mouth.

MARK TWAIN (1835-1910)

I just thought of that guy Mark Twain, whose real name was actually Samuel Langhorne Clemons. He's associated with the "Mississippi River," where he was born and wrote about. But he later lived with his wife and kids in Connecticut, like my boss's sister and her two sons.

It says here Mark Twain and his brother named "Orion" grew up back there in the State of "Missouri," but came out here and for a time lived in "Virginia City," Nevada. Mr. Steve one time visited Virginia City. Benjamin the black Cow Bird just ran bye in front of the Sheds.

Daisy heard Mr. Steve tell his mom how, when he was in Virginia City; he visited this Gift Shop above Mark Twain's original office. It says here ran a Newspaper called the "Territorial Enterprise." A really smart lady at the Gift Shop told my boss a lot of interesting things.

"MISSISSIPPI RIVER "PADDLE WHEEL" STEAMBOAT

The lady at the Gift Shop said most people think Mark Twain got his "Pen Name" from being a Mississippi Riverboat Pilot. "Mark Twain" means the river is "two fathoms" deep. But it could mean buying two alcoholic drinks at once but putting them on credit she said.

Mr. Steve has been to "Sacramento," near where that gold was discovered back in 1848. Mark Twain tried to find gold near there, but in 1864 lived in "Calaveras County;" to the east of San Francisco. The lady told him it was there where Mark Twain really became a Writer.

I guess, Mark Twain was known for his "Deadpan" delivery. His first story was about a jumping Frog contest, a contest still held every year the lady said. She and my boss also talked about this guy named Theodore Judah, who was a "Surveyor" back in the 19th century.

THEODORE JUDAH (1826-1863)

My Encyclopedia says Theodore Judah figured out the best route for a Railroad across the "Sierra Nevada" mountains in Northern California. Daisy says he hiked around and did the hard work finding a way through the mountains. George Washington was a Surveyor too.

Hey God! Mr. Steve thinks it's sad how Theodore Judah did all of that work hiking in the mountains, then died before he could make money. I notice how he died in 1863, which was the third year of the American Civil War. I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there in the dirt.

In 1869, four years after the Civil War ended; that Railroad which connected east and west coasts was completed. The three companies who did it were the "Western Pacific" railroad, the "Central Pacific;" and the "Union Pacific" coming from the east coast. Dawn's barking.

"TRANSCONTINENTAL" RAILROAD

CHINESE WORKERS "PROMONTORY," UTAH / MAY 10, 1869

PHOTO BY ANDREW J. RUSSELL

Daisy saw this good tv show about the building of the "Transcontinental" railroad, which said Chinese "Laborers" built it going eastward; while it was poor Irish immigrants who built it coming toward us out here on the west coast. Some of them were killed in doing it I guess.

It says here the two groups met on May the 10th of 1869, in what was then the "Territory" of Utah. The caption below this picture of that famous event says how they had completed about nineteen hundred miles from east to west. I smell Blinky standing next to Dawn over there.

Pigpen the Gopher stuck his head out of the hole near the Mulberry tree, but then went back down when he smelled me over here sitting on the Patio. That reminds of "Pigpen," who was in that band the GRATEFUL DEAD. I can still smell the scent Pigpen left behind.

GRATEFUL DEAD

I wrote yesterday about the late 1970's GRATEFUL DEAD concert Mr. Steve saw on the U.C.S.B. Football field. Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Doug in 1978 it was a really hot day but he and that girl Monica didn't mind walking around the campus. I can still smell Pigpen.

Daisy says our boss told Mr. Doug, who knows and has surfed in that area; it was a clear day so you could see those "Channel" islands offshore. This guy named Elvin Bishop "opened" up the GRATEFUL DEAD concert in Santa Barbara. Fred, Ed and Ted flew bye right now.

A "Reggae" band played at that GRATEFUL DEAD concert, and a piano player named Warren Zevon was booed. Our boss and Monica felt bad for him but he "seemed drunk, called the audience names; then stormed off" Mr. Steve said. He had a song about a Werewolf.

WARREN ZEVON (1947-2003)

Warren Zevon was from Los Angeles, and his song was called "Werewolves in London." I really want to hear it someday because Daisy says it has good howling singing and piano playing in it. Mr. Steve doesn't remember Warren Zevon playing it on that day back in 1978.

I've mentioned before how our boss is interested in the subject of "Werewolves," and likes the 1930's movies about them; which he was told Warren Zevon's song is based on. He was also told John McVie and Mick Fleetwood played on Werewolves in London. Heathcliff crowed.

Mr. Steve heard Warren Zevon, who wrote a song which mentioned Mr. Bobby; died young from lung cancer. Miss Monica noticed he smoked a lot. A "Cantonese" Chinese restaurant in London is mentioned in his song. "Ying's" in Sylmar also made Cantonese Chinese food too.

"AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON"

Daisy and Millie saw a scary movie made a few years after Warren Zevon's song called an "American Werewolf in London." Daisy thinks there must be a lot of Werewolves over there in England, especially in the city of London. Boy! I'd sure hate to be bitten by a Werewolf.

In the movie two American's ignore warnings to go outside at night, and even walk around in a field. They're attacked by a Werewolf who kills one of them and hurts the other guy. Dais says he survived but it turns out from then on he had to sometimes become a Werewolf too.

The scene of the man turning into a Wolf, when the Moon is full; is so scary from what Dais told me. When he changes form his bones and everything crack and make sounds as he becomes a Wolf. Daisy told me how it looks really painful to change from one form into another one.

LON CHANEY JR. (1906-1973)

Daisy says one of our boss's customers also likes "Horror" movies from the 1930's too. I guess his favorite is called the "Wolf Man," and a picture in this Encyclopedia shows the Actor who would turn into the Wolf. The caption below says how his name was Lon Chaney Jr.

Boy! You can really tell by these pictures next to each other how you totally change if you turn into a Wolf. Daisy saw a tv show that said Lon Chaney's father was also an Actor too, and is famous for one of those "Silent" movies called "Phantom of the Opera." Heathcliff crowed.

I've talked before about that movie Daisy saw where the hunchback lives in the big giant French Cathedral, and I guess it was Lon Chaney Sr. who played "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in that silent movie version. I want to see the hunchback movies. I smell some Sage.

LON CHANEY SR. (1883-1930)

In seeing these pictures in this Encyclopedia I can see why Lon Chaney Sr. was called the "Man of a Thousand Faces." He was good at "applying" his own makeup for those movies. I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie is trained in putting makeup on people.

Oh! This is interesting how it says here Lon Chaney Sr. "would have played" the part of "Dracula" instead of that guy Bela Lugosi, if he hadn't died at the age of only forty seven. His son, in the 1930's; played monsters when movies had sound. I can smell some Penstemon.

Lon Chaney Jr., just like Boris Karloff; played a mummy and in some of the Frankenstein movies too. Mr. Steve told Mr. Doug it must've been hard for him to have to live "in the shadow" or follow "in the footsteps" of such a famous father. A Train just whistled faintly to my left.

HANK WILLIAMS SR. / SON HANK WILLIAMS JR.

Daisy saw this good tv show about that guy Hank Williams Jr., which of course also had to mention his way more famous father. So, no matter how good you are; many people are going to naturally compare you to your dad. Andy's over there sniffing the air in guarding their hole.

Oh! I forgot to write a few more things about the GRATEFUL DEAD. Daisy heard their most loyal followers were called "Dead Heads." Mr. Steve remembers the day a few years ago when he heard about the GRATEFUL DEAD'S Guitarist, Jerry Garcia "Passing Away."

Our boss told Mr. Ralph one time how he thinks the GRATEFUL DEAD are "talented" Musicians, and likes how the "jam and improvise" during their concerts; but after about three hours he and that girl Monica wanted to go home. So they did. Daffy's quacking over there.

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CALIFORNIA "HELLS ANGELS"

From what Daisy heard, at the 1978 U.C.S.B. GRATEFUL DEAD concert on the Football field; Mr. Steve noticed the "Hell's Angels" red "Chopper" Motorcycle on the stage. During the day the Sun shone off of its chrome. Mr. Steve has a miniature Chopper model in the house.

Daisy says when young some people said Mr. Steve looked like Jerry Garcia. That was a time when both wore "Muttonchop" sideburns like that Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. He joked with Mr. Rick how he's starting to look like Jerry Garcia when he "gained weight."

I mentioned yesterday how back in the 1970's some bands, like the GRATEFUL DEAD and DOOBIE BROTHERS; used two Drummers. On that same Football field Mr. Steve also saw the ALLMAN BROTHERS, who had two Drummers. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.

LITTLE FEET

During the Summer of 1978 Mr. Steve and his friends saw a few different concerts up in Santa Barbara. Our boss drove his first Chevelle to all of them Daisy heard, and he and Sandy saw a really good show by a band from Los Angeles called LITTLE FEAT. Dawn's barking.

LITTLE FEAT'S main Guitarist had been in Frank Zappa's band, but was kicked out for writing a song about drugs; which Frank Zappa was totally against. Our boss told Mr. Dave how LITTLE FEAT played a kind of "Jazz Fusion" and "Country Rock." I can smell Blinky.

Mr. Steve was told Jimmy Page of LED ZEPPELIN, and Eddie Van Halen; liked LITTLE FEAT. Their song "Oh Atlanta" reminded him of that 1971 trip to Atlanta, especially when he heard "Peach Street" mentioned. Mr. Steve has a vinyl record with that song on it Dais says.

GRATEFUL DEAD

Years later our boss was told many of the people at that GRATEFUL DEAD concert in 1978 had taken that drug called "L.S.D." Dais heard it slang name is "Acid," it's a really strong drug; and sometimes bad things happen if you take it. Andy's over there guarding their hole.

Mr. Steve and that girl Monica left that GRATEFUL DEAD concert before it was over. Our boss thinks one reason is because they were probably the only ones not on Acid. But he was able to leave the Parking Lot easier, and he and Monica had a nice talk on the way home.

For some reason I just thought about those wooden "Piers" Mr. Steve likes. One of them is up there in Santa Barbara, where that GRATEFUL DEAD concert was held. Instead of a long bridge over a River, a Pier is a bridge sticking out into water Dais says. Heathcliff crowed.

"MIRAMAR" HOTEL SANTA BARBARA "STEARNS WHARF"

PHOTO BY CHRIS BELL

One time our boss and his father remembered some of the Sant Barbara vacations their family went on back in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Mr. Steve enjoyed times he's walked on Piers, and a while back had a dream about the one in Santa Barbara. I smell Creosote.

Daisy says our boss once bought and sold some things from a lady who grew up in the Santa Barbara area. She told him how "Stearn's Wharf was first built way back in 1872, about five years before a Railroad came out to Santa Barbara. It was used for "Cargo" Ships.

The lady said the Santa Barbara Pier has been damaged a few times by storm, fires and even an earthquake in 1925. Dais heard that one of those long walls out in the Ocean, like the one in Israel at "Caesarea;" protects Santa Barbara's beaches. Bonnie and Clyde flew bye.

JANE AUSTEN (1775-1817)

ARTWORK BY CASSANDRA AUSTEN

Hey God! As You know already, someday Daisy and I would love to smell a beach near an Ocean. I've mentioned before how our boss really enjoys the "Atmosphere" of being a beach, especially walking on a Pier. He likes all of the different sights, sounds and smells there.

Daisy noticed one time on a tv show about that girl Jane Austen how it said back then, if a person in England got sick the Doctor's told them to go visit a beach. They said the "Sea Air" was very good for breathing in I guess. Ah! The air around here is so clear right now too.

Kind of near the U.C.S.B. campus, where Mr. Steve's sister Susan went to College; is a Pier called "Goleta." One time, Mr. Steve went there to fish with a guy named "Chris;" who said an "Artificial Reef" attracted many different types of Fish. Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

"GIDGET"

The city of "Ventura" is south of Santa Barbara, and Dais heard our boss has been to the Piers there. And, I guess further south are the "Malibu" and "Paradise Cove" Piers; which he's also walked on too. They made the surfing movies about the girl named "Gidget" near there.

Daisy told me there was also a tv show about that girl Gidget, and the Actress who played her later played the part of a Nun with a special hat that allowed her to fly around. Someday I want to see some of the good tv shows Daisy's seen. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.

One time Mr. Steve and Miss Susan from work talked about the tv show called the "Brady Bunch." Mr. Steve has seen the guy who played the oldest brother in Santa Barbara, one time out on the Pier. I can now smell the new baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.

"SANTA MONICA" PIER ROLLING STONES

Mr. Steve's mom used to drive Mr. Steve, his brothers, sisters and friends; down to Santa Monica Beach. On the Radio he first heard the ROLLING STONES song "Jumping Jack on the Pier. Flash" while walking on the Pier there. His brother Rock used to fish off of that Pier.

I guess the famous Highway "Route 66," which went by us near "Victorville;" ended near Santa Monica Pier. This man once told our boss Monica Pier is the only West Coast Pier with an "Amusement Park" on it. Frida and Diego used now flew over Libby's Corral over there.

Daisy says our boss has been to Piers in "Venice" and "Manhattan Beach," but not to the one in "Hermosa Beach." He told Mr. Doug, who's surfed near there, at Manhattan Beach Pier you can pet a cute little "Leopard Shark. Speedy Gonzalez ran bye in front of the Sheds.

"LEOPARD" SHARK

Mr. Steve and Mr. Doug talked about how Leopard Sharks are small and live all along the "West Coast" from Mexico up to Oregon. Mark Ritter said in Australia they're called "Zebra" Sharks. They at times live in groups, sometimes even mixed in with other types of Sharks.

There are Piers at "Cabrillo Beach," and "Huntington Beach;" where Mr. Doug drove a "Duffy" Boat in the Harbor. You can at times see Catalina Island from Huntington Beach from what Mr. Doug and our boss talked about Daisy says. Cher the Cat just now jogged bye.

Both our boss and Mr. Doug have been to "Crystal" Pier down in San Diego. I guess it was built back in 1930, which was at the beginning of the "Great Depression." Bravo Company and their babies are using the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the desert.

"CRYSTAL" PIER (SAN DIEGO)

Mr. Steve's parents once met a couple their age who told them about the little houses built on Crystal Pier above the Pacific Ocean. Mr. Steve noticed them too, and thought it was such a good idea to have built houses like that. Boy! I'll bet those people make a lot of money.

When he and his mom had the Art Exhibit at San Juan Capistrano Mission our boss drove to this Pier in "San Clemente." Daisy says he and Mr. Doug talked about how San Clemente is a really beautiful coastal town. San Clemente is just Spanish for "Saint Clement" I guess.

This girl once told Mr. Steve San Clemente is called the "Spanish Village by the Sea," and there's a good "Surfing" Museum and "Cultural Center" called "Casa Romantica" there. That means "Romantic House" according to my Spanish Dictionary. Libby whinnied over there.

"HUNTINGTON" LIBRARY "DESCANSO" GARDENS

Daisy says that girl told our boss Casa Romantica has a garden, and artwork of inside the building. Mr. Steve told her about he and his mom's visits to the "Huntington" Library, and the "Descanso" Gardens; and gave her some pictures he's taken there. I smell Andy over there.

Mr. Steve, and that girl Nancy who I've mentioned before; one time saw a good 4th of July Fireworks show at the "Redondo Beach" Pier. Daisy heard our boss one time tell Miss Susan at work about the Fireworks show. She said she visited Redondo Beach with her parents once.

When he hears of the town of San Clemente Daisy heard, Mr. Steve cannot help but think about a Baseball Player named Roberto Clemente. He was from "Puerto Rico." and played for the Pittsburgh "Pirates." I've mentioned a few times how that's Mr. Rick's favorite team.

MR. RICK ROBERTO CLEMENTE (1934-1972)

"Puerto Rico" just means "Rich Port." Because Mr. Rick's family are originally from the city of "Pittsburgh," Mr. Rick likes their sports teams so he and our boss have seen, or watched on tv; some of the Pirates' Baseball games. So, they got to see Roberto Clemente play a lot.

Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking to Mr. Rick as they thought about how lucky they are to have seen Roberto Clemente play. A tv show Dais saw said he died at the age of only thirty eight. But he's in the "Hall of Fame," and got 3,000 hits; which is really hard to do I guess.

In Mr. Steve's "Subjective" opinion, Roberto Clemente was the best Player he saw play in person. And he and his brother Rock, and Mr. Rick too; saw Willie Mays and other really good Players. But, they now realize at the time they took seeing Roberto Clemente "for granted."

ROBERTO CLEMENTE (3000TH HIT / 1972)

PHOTO BY JERRY SISKIND

Hey God! Was it You who made it so that guy Roberto Clemente got his 3000th hit on the last day of the season? Daisy thinks You might have. He then died during the "Off Season" in a Plane crash, trying to take supplies to earthquake victims in the country of "Nicaragua."

Mr. Steve thinks so many good Baseball Players have "come out of" Puerto Rico mainly because of poverty. He, his brother Rock and their friends; saw many of the good Puerto Rican Players but think Roberto Clemente was the best. I just picked up the scent of Creosote.

Dais heard, in judging how good a Baseball Player is you go by five "Categories;" Running Speed, Fielding, Arm Strength, Hitting for Average, Hitting for Power. It's called being a "Five Tool Tool" Player. Mr. Steve thinks Roberto Clemente was that. Two Pigeons flew bye.

HANK AARON MICKEY MANTLE WILLIE MAYS

Our boss and Mr. Rick think, except in hitting power; Roberto Clemente was better than Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays. And, even in hitting power; they think "at times" it could be argued Roberto Clemente was their equal. Now the other two Pigeons flew bye.

Daisy heard, if you're an Athlete in a big city like Los Angeles or New York; you get way more attention. But if you play in "lesser markets" like Pittsburgh or Oakland, not only do you not get as much "publicity;" you're usually paid less too. They're called "Small Markets."

I guess in 1972 Roberto Clemente filled a Plane with supplies to take to Nicaragua, but they crashed in the ocean and no one ever found that Plane; or any of the bodies either Daisy says. Mr. Steve read Roberto Clemente's wife said he told her he was going to die young. WITH SONS ROBERTO CLEMENTE WITH FAMILY

Mr. Steve says Roberto Clemente's wife said that he told her, "God will tell you how long you're supposed to be here." A tv show Daisy and Millie saw said Roberto Clemente first played in the Major Leagues in 1955, the same year Mr. Steve was born. I smell Libby over there.

Roberto Clemente finished his eighteen year long career with a "Batting Average" of .317. For twelve seasons in a row he earned "Gold Gloves" for fielding. Mr. Steve says seeing him make "Practice" throws before a game was alone worth the "Price of Admission" as they say.

Our boss told his brother Sam seeing Roberto Clemente make routine "warm up" throws before a game was amazing. A Writer said he had a "canon-like" strong arm. Very few runners ever tried to "run on" on "challenge" his unbelievably accurate throwing arm Mr. Steve says.

ROBERTO CLEMENTE (1960'S)

Dais says our boss met a Puerto Rican lady from New York City, who said she "wasn't a sports fan;" but remembers her father's admiration of Roberto Clemente's "style and beauty." Fred, Ed and Ted are flying over Libby's Corral and are now flying over the back desert.

Mr. Steve saw Roberto Clemente catch a ball going away from the infield, wheel around; and "pirouetted and spun" before throwing out the Runner who couldn't believe what had just happened to him. Then Roberto Clemente just casually and calmly jogged off of the field.

Using what they call a "Fungo" bat, Mr. Steve still enjoys hitting grounders or fly balls to kids in getting ready for their Baseball game. Daisy says a Fungo bat is skinnier than the bat you use during the actual game itself. Our boss has a few different bats in his office she told me.

1969 ROBERTO CLEMENTE 1972

As kids Mr. Steve and his brother Rock collected those "Baseball Cards" I've mentioned before. Daisy heard our boss and his brother Sam talking about it one time. Mr. Steve told him how Roberto Clemente really didn't like it when people would call him the nickname "Bob."

Dais says Mr. Rick one time described Roberto Clemente waiting for the pitch as looking like a "coiled spring about to explode." I guess, back in 1969 our boss really wanted his Baseball card but couldn't get it, no matter how many packs of gum he bought. Heathcliff crowed.

In 1969 Mr. Steve was fourteen years old, in his final year at St. Ferdinands; Mr. Rick in 10th Grade at Alemany High. In games at Dodger Stadium Mr. Steve says he "envied" the "Ball Boy" who got to "Play Catch" with Roberto Clemente between innings. I smell Juniper.

MR. STEVE'S MOM

According to what Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Rick remembering, in 1969 it was really frustrating to keep on buying packs of Baseball cards without getting Roberto Clemente. And it was worse getting the same ones over and over. They had many what are called "Duplicates."

Mr. Steve's mom, in knowing just how frustrated Mr. Steve was about Roberto Clemente's Baseball card; secretly went to this neighborhood kid named "Robert." She found out, to said later to her "utter amazement;" he did have Roberto Clemente's card. She was so happy.

When Mr. Steve was out, his mom got his Baseball cards. She went to Robert, who didn't care about Roberto Clemente; so was happy to trade that single card for fifteen duplicates. At dinner that afternoon Mr. Steve says he was "astonished" when she surprised him with it. JACKIE ROBINSON (1919-1972)

I wrote before how that guy from "Pasadena" Jackie Robinson broke the racial "Color Barrier" in 1947, two years after World War II. That's when the "Brooklyn" Dodgers, and that man Branch Rickey; signed him to play for them. Two of the Pigeons are flew over the Sheds.

Daisy heard Roberto Clemente was one of the first "Latin" black Players, so also had to overcome not speaking English. The tv show said he, a "Hall of Fame" Player; was at first in the Dodgers "Minor League" organization. Now the other two Pigeons are flying bye too.

Roberto Clemente played for the Montreal "Royals" just like Jackie Robinson did before going up to the Dodgers. But, I guess the Dodgers "didn't think enough of him" so; the Pirates came in and signed him Mr. Steve thinks. Wow! That means the Dodgers could've had him.

ROBERTO CLEMENTE (U.S. MARINE RESERVES / 1958-1964)

Puerto Rico was one of the areas taken from Spain in the "Spanish American" war, and since then has been a U.S. "Territory;" the way New Mexico was up until 1912. Dais heard our and his father talk about Roberto Clemente being in the Marine "Reserves." I smell Sage.

Before the economic recession Mr. Steve had a customer in North Carolina, near a Marine base called "Camp LeJeune." He and the Parts Manager talked about it being where Marines go through "Basic Training." Mr. Steve's dad did his at "Camp Pendleton" near San Diego.

I guess, Roberto Clemente did "Boot Camp" at Camp LeJeune. A tv show Dais saw said the Pirates getting him was the "second biggest" bad decision any team ever made. The worst was when the Boston "Red Sox" sold that guy Babe Ruth to the Yankees for only $100,000.

GEORGE HERMAN "BABE" RUTH (1895-1948)

I've mentioned that guy "Babe" Ruth a few times in these first two books, and know he's on my book three outline too. In the 1920's, when many fans didn't like Baseball because of that big 1919 "Black Sox" scandal; his "Home Runs" brought them back. Heathcliff crowed.

As a Pitcher and Hitter, the Red Sox won four American League "Pennants" with Babe Ruth; his 1920's Yankees then became one of the greatest teams "Of all Time." Dais told me how "GOAT" stands for "Greatest Of All Time." I can smell the baby Cholla cactus over there.

Yesterday I wrote about the Chicago "Cubs," and mentioned that "Curse of the Bambino" when the Red Sox didn't win anything from 1918 through 2004. After selling Babe Ruth they had fourteen "Losing Seasons" right in a row. "Bambino" just means "baby" in Italian.

THE BEATLES

I've mentioned a few times already in these first two books how Mr. Steve thinks Babe Ruth, like the 1960's BEATLES; now symbolizes the 1920's "Zeitgeist" or "Spirit of the Times." A small flock of Birds way up there in the high afternoon sky is moving towards the north.

During Babe Ruth's "Heyday," World War I had ended, the world was coming out of the "Spanish" flu pandemic; and the American economy was "Roaring" as they say. So, Mr. Steve thinks; people were way more "optimistic" after many "darker" years. Heathcliff crowed.

Ah! I don't know why but, for some reason a cooler breeze that came in off of the desert makes me think of the tv show Daisy saw about "Antarctica." Oh what the heck! Even though I'm not scheduled to learn about Antarctica until tomorrow, I feel like doing it now too.

"ANTARCTICA"

Daisy told me, even though she has thick fur which gets thicker during the coldest days of Winter; it would not be good to have to live down there in Antarctica. It's at the very bottom of the Earth and is one of those "Continents" I've mentioned before. It's really, really cold!

This Encyclopedia describes Antarctica as being, "the southernmost and least populated of all the continents," of which it is the "fifth largest." Wow! It says here it's a "polar desert," and is the "coldest, driest and windiest" Continent on the Earth. Heathcliff's Hens are clucking.

The "South Pole" is located down in Antarctica. Wow! I notice on the map how it's totally surrounded by the bottoms of Africa, South America and Australia, and the "Atlantic," "Indian" and "Pacific" Oceans. But that freezing cold water is mainly called the "Southern" Ocean.

"KING" PENGUINS ("ANTARCTICA)

Wow! A picture shows thousands of those "Penguin" Birds. The caption says in Summer they go to Antarctica to have babies. Mr. Steve's mom and Nieces Stephanie, at one of those big Movie Theaters; saw a movie about Penguins. I'd like to smell a Movie Theater someday.

That one tv show said how Antarctica "holds the record" for the world's coldest "recorded measured temperature." The Penguins in Antarctica are called "King" Penguins because they're big in size. Dais says it's amazing how they don't fly in the air but seem to fly underwater.

The man on the tv show mentioned what it also says here in this one Encyclopedia too, how "seventy percent" of the Earth's "fresh" water is in Antarctica. I guess since "classic antiquity," like Aristotle for example; Greeks and Romans have mentioned something like Antarctica.

"ELEPHANT" SEAL ("ANTARCTICA")

PHOTO BY GRANT DIXON

Oh wow! I can tell by pictures in my Encyclopedia what Daisy told me is true. Another thing that "Migrates" down to Antarctica in Summer are "Elephant" Seals, which Daisy says are so huge. Actually, it's mainly all of the male "Bulls" who grow to be so gigantic I guess.

Boy! It says here boy Elephant Seals can grow to be over sixteen feet long, and weigh "up to" nine thousand pounds. Daisy told me fights we see, when boys compete for girls; is nothing compared to the bloody matches boy Elephant Seals have. They have some big sharp teeth.

When boy Elephant Seals fight they slam their huge heads hard into each other, and try to bite each other right on the throat or neck. Daisy told me how unbelievable it is and you better not be near them because their giant size alone could accidentally crush you. A Crow cawed.

GEOFFREY CHAUCER (c. 1343-1400)

It says here how, in the 14th century that British Writer "Chaucer" wrote in one of those "Treatise's" about this place that sounds like Antarctica. Oh! The name Antarctica comes from Latin, and would generally be interpreted to mean, "Opposite of North." A Lizard ran bye.

I guess, Antarctica people first went to Antarctica in the early 19th century, but it wasn't until one hundred years later when people began to "map and explore" it. In 1907 a British man named Ernest Shackleford led what was called the "Nimrod" expedition. Dawn's barking.

In the Old Testament's "Book of Genesis" Nimrod was a Mesopotamian King who was that guy "Noah's" Great Grandson. Oh wow! It was King Nimrod who tried to build that "Tower of Babel" I mentioned yesterday in my first book. I smell Blinky and Rosie next to Dawn.

ERNEST SHACKLETON (1888-1957)

It says here the Nimrod expedition was a "series of explorations" of Antarctica, and Daisy noticed they used the word "perilous" to describe them. That means extra dangerous where you could even die Daisy told me. And some of the men almost did die because of the cold I guess.

Wow! That guy Ernest Shackleton and his men, back in 1915; had their Ship get "trapped" in the freezing cold Antarctica ice. The ice ended up crushing the Ship into pieces Dais said, so the men had to "salvage" as much equipment as they could from the Ship. A Train whistled.

Dais says Mr. Steve, who lived in Sylmar with his wife Joan and their kids Dawn and Todd; studied the history of North and South Pole exploration. Mr. Steve was like Mr. Mike in being a really good Handyman. Our Mr. Steve got up and spoke at his San Fernando Mission funeral.

WORD WAR I

(AUGUST, 1914 / OCTOBER, 1918)

In 1915, when that guy Ernest Shackleton's Ship got trapped in the Antarctic ice; World War I was in its second year. My Encyclopedia says he and his men got "rescued" months later but not before having to "endure hardship and discomfort." Ugh! I'm so glad it's Spring.

Ernest Shackleton's Ship, which was "engulfed" by the "unrelenting" ice; was named the "Endurance." Sometimes Daisy and I wonder what it's like to sail on a Boat out on the Lake or an Ocean. But then I think about what I'd do if something went wrong and the Boat sank?

Boy God! Reading about what happened to those guys back in 1915 is making me recall some of those really cold nights out here this Winter. Thank You so much for supplying me with Elvira and the three blankets Mr. Chris go form me. Frida and Diego are flying to the east.

"NIMROD" EXPEDITION

(SHIP "ENDURANCE" / 1915)

PHOTO BY HULTON ARCHIVES

A good black and white picture shows the Ship that got stuck down there in the ice, and the caption says what the tv show said. To this day the Endurance has never been found, and "may never be" Mr. Steve thinks. But maybe "some new technology" will allow it he told his dad.

Dais remembered what it says here in this Encyclopedia too. In those Nimrod explorations Ernest Shackleton's men were the first persons to get to the "south magnetic pole," and also the "south geographic pole" in 1911 as well. A flock of Birds is flying toward the northeast.

Another person who explored Antarctica was an American "Naval Officer" named Richard E. Byrd. He's described here as also being a "pioneer aviator." His expeditions took place in the 1920's, 1930's and 1940's, and there were four of them I guess. A little Lizard just ran bye.

RICHARD E. BYRD (1888-1957)

Ooh! A picture shows that guy Richard Byrd, and the caption says how it was taken on the deck of a Ship during one of his expeditions. He looks so cold even though you can really tell he's wearing extra thick and warm clothes. I'd want clothes like that too if I lived in Antarctica.

Mr. Steve and his father one time talked about seeing that guy Audie Murphy's grave when they visited Washington D.C.'s "Arlington" National cemetery in 2008. Our boss told his dad he read Richard Byrd, who won a "Medal of Honor;" is buried there too. The air is so clear!

Hey God! Me having short hair, I don't think I'd like living in Antarctica. It gets pretty cold enough down here in Piñon Hills and that's why I look forward to the day when I sleep with Dais in the house on those nights. Ugh! I'm glad I have you Elvira, and all you good blankets too.

HENRY FORD (1863-1947)

Dais heard our boss tell his father he read Henry Ford, and his son "Edsel;" were friends of Richard Byrd. They even supported him with money by sponsoring some of his four exploring expeditions I guess. Thank You God for making this such another warm day to work on.

Wow! It says here in 1921 Richard Byrd "missed a Train" which saved his life. Had he made that trip he would've then been on one of those "Dirigible" type "Blimps," which crashed and killed almost everyone "on board." Another name for a blimp is an "Airship" I guess.

I just picked up Libby's unique scent, and right now I notice she's walking around slowly near the back fence of her Corral; next to Primavera Road. A few minutes ago a Truck went bye but now the dust it raised has floated back down to the ground. Boy! I really like Libby.

"HINDENBURG" DISASTER

(MAY 6, 1937 / "LAKEHURST," NEW JERSEY)

Wow! A picture shows that Airship "Hindenburg" burning. Daisy and Millie saw this tv show that said someone might've "Sabotaged" the Hindenburg. But, others think it was a just bad luck when lightning hit it; "igniting" the "Helium" which allowed dirigibles to float.

Daisy says our boss used to have a customer in Louisiana who knew a lot about dirigibles. He joked he was "jealous" when told Mr. Steve's father got to ride in the "Goodyear Blimp" one time. Boy! I don't think I would want to ride around up there in a blimp just floating.

The Parts Manager also knew about that girl Janis Joplin. He had relatives from her home town of "Port Arthur" in Texas, and once said he thought Janis Joplin represents the "Zeitgeist" or "Spirit of the Times" of the 1960's. Those were the days of the "Hippies" Daisy says.

HIGH SCHOOL JANIS JOPLIN 1960'S

(1943-1970)

PHOTO BY DAVID GAHR

Someday I want to hear that girl Janice Joplin sing some songs. Daisy told me our boss thinks she was a really "talented" Singer, who had a kind of "unique soulful" voice; and was "influenced" by Blues music. Mr. Steve still has some old Janis Joplin vinyl records I guess.

Janice Joplin died young, and Dais says our boss thinks she probably "partied" way too much. One time he, Mark Ritter and some friends; went to a place called "Barney's Beanery." I guess Janis Joplin, and also Jim Morrison of the DOORS; used to go there too sometimes.

Daisy heard Mr. Dave one time describe Barney's Beanery as being like a "Truck Stop" type of restaurant. Boy! I really do think a restaurant for Dogs and Cats might be a good idea and make money. The idea of going to a place where your food is cooked for you is great!

JIM MORRISON BARNEY'S BEANERY JANIS JOPLIN

I guess, on the night she died from drugs Janice Joplin went to Barney's Beanery; and also that Nightclub called the "Troubadour." Mr. Steve has been to the Troubadour a few times from what Dais heard. He and Mr. Dave talked about the bands they've seen play there.

Daisy heard that some people jokingly called Barney's Beanery's three areas a "Greasy Spoon Roadhouse." It has some multi-colored "Booths" and "License Plates" on the walls. In my good English Dictionary it says how a booth is just a, "A small area or Enclosure."

A Barney's Beanery "Waitress" said Janis Joplin hit Jim Morrison of the DOORS over the head with a whiskey bottle. If a boy brings your food he's a "Waiter" Daisy says. If they do a good job you have to pay the Waiter or Waitress extra because they're not paid very much.

CLARK GABLE RITA HAYWORTH MARLON BRANDO

Some famous Actors, like Clark Gable, Rita Hayworth and Marlon Brando have eaten at Barney's Beanery over the years. The Waitress said that "Route 66" Road used to go right by Barney's Beanery. A field of those "Poinsettia" flowers at one time surrounded the building.

At Barney's Beanery Mr. Steve ate some chili and played "Pool," which some call "Pocket Billiards" Dais says. Even though he doesn't like the taste of "Beer;" he drank one. In Pool you use a long stick to hit a white ball, that then knocks colored and numbered balls into holes.

Playing pool at Barney's Beanery our boss got on a "Hot Streak," and I'll bet it was like me being "In a Zone" catching food in my mouth. He told Miss Susan from work how on that night he was "visualizing" well. Mr. Steve used to like playing another game called "Ping Pong."

KING "MIDAS" EDITH HAMILTON (1867-1963)

Daisy says our boss told Mr. Doug, on that night at Barney's Beanery when he was doing so good at playing Pool; Mark Ritter joked about him having the "Midas Touch." I guess that's a saying that comes from an ancient Greek story. I guess Edith Hamilton wrote about it.

My Encyclopedia says in the story King "Midas" helps the God "Dionysus's father so he grants the King a "Wish." He wishes to have everything he touches turn to gold, just like those "Alchemists" I've written about tried to do. Fred, Ed and Ted just now flew over the house.

I guess King Midas liked turning things to gold, until one time he accidentally turned his own daughter to gold. Daisy says that story's "Lesson" is, "Beware what you ask for, as you just might get it in the form of a curse." Hey! That's what Sister Rita Joseph used to say too.

"TENNIS"

Daisy told me about this one other game called "Ping Pong," which our boss used to like playing. Even though he's "Near-Sighted," he also enjoyed "Throwing Darts." But he told Mr. Doug, there are some days when he's "terrible" and loses badly at any game he's playing.

I guess Ping Pong is a "Smaller in Scale" version of outdoor "Tennis," but is played on a table rather than a "Court;" and Players hit a small plastic ball instead of a ball made of rubber and wool. In both games Players hit the ball over a net stretched across the playing area.

Mr. Steve one time told his mom he at times misses playing Tennis. He used to play with his girlfriend Sandy's sister "Suzy," and for a time took his Niece Samantha for Tennis lessons in Sylmar. Daisy says in a hall closet are things used to play sports, like Tennis "Rackets."

ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C.)

Wow! It says here that guy Aristotle, who was Alexander the Great's Tutor; said King Midas starved to death because he kept turning his food into gold. One time our boss and Mr. Cliff talked about that King Midas story. Fred, Ed and Ted are flying over Libby's Corral.

Daisy says Mr. Cliff also told our boss about his hometown of "Gary," Indiana; which is the same city Michael Jackson's family is from. Mr. Cliff said Gary is one of those "Industrial" steel towns I've mentioned before. The atmosphere was often "gray and smoky" he said.

Mr. Cliff, who was wounded during the Vietnam War in the "Battle of Khe Sanh;" joked that Gary was not 1960's San Francisco. Daisy says she can tell, like that guy Frank Zappa; Mr. Cliff doesn't like those "Hippies" who believed in "Flower People." A Train just whistled.

"HIPPIES" (1960'S)

Daisy heard a 1960's song called "If You're Going to San Francisco," which I guess says to wear some "flowers in your hair." Our boss and Mr. Cliff talked about that band BLACK SABBATH. They're from the English city of "Birmingham" which is like Gary, Indiana.

Mr. Cliff joked that he and his family, probably like the guys in BLACK SABBATH; "did not see too many flowers" during the 1960's. Our boss told Mr. Cliff Mr. Rick's family are from "Pittsburgh; also an Industrial steel town with an "uncheerful" environment. I smell Sage.

As a teenager, I guess Mr. Cliff worked in one of those big "Steel Mills" I've mentioned a few times. BLACK SABATH'S Guitarist accidentally cut tips of his fingers off in a Steel Mill. That man Charles O. Finley, who owned the Oakland A's; also worked in a Gary Steel Mill.

STEEL "FOUNDRY"

My Dictionary says a "Foundry" is a place, often a big "Factory;" where metal is "cast." That means when the metal is so burning hot it's soft, so can then be poured into those "Molds" I've written about. Ugh! I don't think I would like working in a place like a Steel Mill.

The cities of Gary, Birmingham and Pittsburgh; can be "Gloomy" places because of all the gray smoke coming out of the factories. I've mentioned before how Mr. Cliff, in 1968 during the Vietnam War; was hit in the neck by a jagged piece of hot metal "Shrapnel." I smell Sage.

One morning Daisy and I heard our boss and Mr. Cliff talk about this 1940's Boxer named Tony Zale, who was also from Gary. Because of his "toughness and courage," Mr. Steve's father says he liked him a lot. Being from Gary; Tony Zale's nickname became the "Man of Steel."

TONY ZALE (1913-1997)

Mr. Ralph, who knows a lot about the history of Boxing; says the three fights between Tony Zale and Rocky Graziano were some of the best matches ever. They really didn't like each other and all the fights were "vicious" Mr. Ralph read. Frida and Diego just now flew bye.

I've mentioned that book the "Pictorial History of Boxing" by Nat Fleicher. Daisy says our boss showed Mr. Cliff the section on the "Trilogy" of 1940's Graziano-Zale "Middleweight" championship fights. Mr. Steve's father, and his friends; listened to those fights on the Radio.

My Encyclopedia describes Tony Zale as being "able to take tremendous punishment." I guess, he was a great "Body Puncher" who "wore down opponents." That guy Superman, who came to Earth from another Planet; was also called the "Man of Steel" Dais heard one time.

"VIETNAM" WAR (1960'S)

Mr. Steve graduated from Sylmar High School in 1973, and thinks he came "pretty close" to having to go fight in the Vietnam War. He still has his "Draft Card" in a plastic bag. Speedy Gonzalez just now zoomed through the wider right vertical slot on the side of the back gate.

I remember our boss telling Mr. Cliff his dad used to have nightmares about the Korean War. I guess Mr. Cliff still has bad dreams about Vietnam, and called it "Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome." In Mr. Steve's father's day it was called "Shell Shock" or "Combat Fatigue."

A few years ago our boss bought and sold things to a guy who also fought in the Vietnam War. He said during that war he listened to the DOORS, KINKS and Jimi Hendrix. Dais says that man, who also liked "Country" music; lived on "Catalina" Island for a few years.

"SANTA CATALINA" ISLAND ("AVALON")

Dais heard our boss tell the man who fought in Vietnam about the times he's been over to Catalina. One time, in 1996 he thinks; he represented Mr. Rick's company on one of those "Job Walks." It was for a job "Going to Bid" on the west, or "other" side of Catalina Island.

On the way sailing to the Job Walk Mr. Steve saw a guy he knew who was representing his Mechanical Contracting company. Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Rick the guy lived in that city of "Downey" which I wrote about yesterday. Some Ducks are quacking but Daffy's louder.

I guess, from what Dais heard; that Job Walk over on Catalina was on the side of the island where almost no one lives. That town of "Avalon" is on the east side. The walk was to gather information needed to "Draw Up" and "Submit a Bid" to do a "Pipe Job" in a harbor.

THE CARPENTERS THE BLASTERS (DAVE ALVIN)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

I wrote yesterday about some Musicians from Downey, like those Christian brother and sister in the CARPENTERS for instance. Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Dave talking about how "Weird" Al Yankovic, and the BLASTERS too; are also from Downey. I smell some Sage.

The man also going to do the Job Walk in that little harbor on the west side of Catalina island knew about music I guess. But he didn't know one of METALLICA'S Guitarists is from Downey originally. Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are moving toward the east.

Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Dave the man from Downey said, in 1966 with Jimmy Page; a neighbor saw the YARDBIRDS play a concert at that round Casino in Avalon. Mr. Dave says he sure wishes he could have seen that show. Boy! I'd really like to see a concert someday.

THE YARDBIRDS LED ZEPPELIN

Besides all the good songs, one reason our boss and Mr. Dave like LED ZEPPELIN is the drums are not "Buried in the Mix" as they say. And on songs like "When the Levee Breaks" the drums are "Out Front" instead of sounding like they were in the distance. Dawn's barking.

Mr. Steve told his Niece Samantha how he still has a few vinyl records of the YARDBIRDS and LED ZEPPELIN too. And he also has some of those C.D.'s I've mentioned before, by LED ZEPPELIN. I can smell Blinky and old Rosie over there standing right next to Blinky.

For a little while Daisy heard, LED ZEPPELIN was called the NEW YARDBIRDS. But, a few of the former YARDBIRDS didn't like it so; they just went ahead and changed their name to avoid any arguments. That's what Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Rich talk about one time.

IRON BUTTERFLY QUIET RIOT

Our boss was told the name LED ZEPPELIN is kind of a joke name, which might've been suggested by the WHO'S Drummer Keith Moon. It "Suggests" two "Contradictory" things, like IRON BUTTERFLY or QUIET RIOT. A thing that needs to be light made of heavy material.

In 1968 a band from "San Diego," IRON BUTTERFLY; did a song called "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida." Dais heard our boss and his brother Rock talk about how in 1968 they were going to St. Ferdinand's. Some think that song influenced later "Hard Rock" and "Heavy Metal."

Mr. Dave called In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida "psychedelic" or "acid" Rock. Mr. Steve had the IRON BUTTERFLY album where it was all of side two. It was about twenty minutes long, and had one of the first "Drum Solos" our boss and Mr. Dave had ever heard on a Rock song.

"GARDEN OF EDEN"

Dais heard, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is just another way of saying "In the Garden of Eden." She says Mr. Dave said it's a "love song" between those guys Adam and Eve. Our boss told Mr. Dave his parents, and Nuns at St. Ferdinand's too, "didn't quite get" In-A-Gadd-Da-Vida.

Wow! A good painting shows, in that Garden of Eden; a Lion sitting right next to a Lamb and not even trying to kill and eat it. Boy! I notice how, in that garden; there's a lot of fruit on the trees and colorful flowers growing. I see how they had Peacocks in the Garden of Eden.

I want to hear LED ZEPPELIN'S song "Celebration Day." Daisy thinks I'd like it seeing as how I like to celebrate so much. The name LED ZEPPELIN makes me remember how in 1863 President Lincoln said his "Gettysburg Address" speech "went over like a lead blanket."

JIMMY PAGE

Daisy says our boss was told how, in concert; Jimmy Page uses a "Bow" like the ones used to play cellos and violins. I guess he does it on the "Introduction" to "Immigrant Song," and it's even called "LA Drone." That song has such "eery-sounding" singing in it Dais thinks.

Our boss told Mr. Dave he once knew this guy who tried to learn how to use a violin bow to play his electric guitar. He found out it's not as easy as it looks when someone like Jimmy Page does it. It's like when people try to play behind their backs the way Stevie Ray Vaughn did.

Oh what the heck! Even though I'm not scheduled to learn about the history of the violin until tomorrow, I kind of just feel like doing it now too. Daisy and Millie saw this good tv show about the history of the "Stringed" instruments. Andy's over there guarding their burrow.

"KEMANCHEH" "HUQIN"

Daisy says one time this man from the country of "Iran" told Mr. Steve about a musical instrument called a "Kemancheh." This one Encyclopedia says, in 9th century "Persia" it had "three strings;" and was played by "using a bow." I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies.

The man from Iran, or what used to be "Persia;" also told our boss about a Chinese "two-stringed instrument called a "Huqin." He said that kemancheh" would be translated as being "Little Bow," and "Armenians" and "Kurds" also use kemancheh's. Heathcliff crowed.

It says here the first "string instrument played with a bow" in Europe is from the 1100's, was "introduced" from the "Middle East;" and was called a "Rebec." It was followed during the late Middle Ages by the "Vielle." Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral.

EVOLUTION OF VIOLIN FROM 10TH CENTURY A.D.

A good chart shows the "evolution" of violin type musical instruments. At the beginning of the Middle Ages violins had just four strings, while the modern Italian violin has five or six. I guess, from what it says here, the first Kemancheh's and Huqin's are from about 800 B.C.

I don't know why but, I just thought about that Canadian band BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE; or "B.T.O." for short. Daisy heard that there were three "Bachman" brothers in the band. Their Bassist, whose last name was "Turner;" sang in a "gruff and gravelly" voice.

Randy Bachman wrote the songs, played guitar and sang; sometimes with what sounded like a person "Stuttering." Before he was in B.T.O. he'd been in a 1960's band called the GUESS WHO. Hey! The Singer in the WHO also stuttered in that one song called "My Generation."

THE GUESS WHO BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE

Mr. Steve used to have a customer from Canada who said he heard Randy Bachman left the GUESS WHO at the "height of their success." Many thought he was making a big mistake, but it turned out okay Daisy heard; because he did even better with his own new band.

To see their reaction; our boss has played the GUESS WHO'S song "American Woman" song for Drummers. Randy Bachman plays good guitar Dais says, but the unusual drum beat is what Mr. Steve wants them to notice. Mr. Dave had never noticed it and was impressed.

A while back this lady told our boss Randy Bachman "converted" to Mormonism when he married his wife. He left, or was kicked out of the GUESS WHO; because he does not drink or take drugs. Many Mormons are "Family-Oriented," and most are honest Mr. Steve thinks.

LONGSHIP VIKINGS RAIDING

Someday I want to hear that song "Immigrant Song," which Daisy heard is about Vikings invading England. Mr. Steve was told it was written while LED ZEPPELIN was in "Iceland," where some of the Vikings established that "Colony" I've written about. Dawn's barking.

"Greenland" sounds like a better place to live than Iceland. I just thought about those big scary Thunderstorm's from last Summer, which reminds me how "Thor" was the Viking God of "Thunder and Lightning." I tremble during storms but Daisy and our boss calm me down.

Daisy jokes no one beats "Mother Nature" or "Father Time," and Vikings knew it too. My Encyclopedia says a King "challenged" Thor to do "Three Tasks. First, he gave Thor a cup of beer but Thor couldn't drink it all because it was really just this giant Ocean in disguise.

"THOR"

I guess, Thor's second Task was to lift a Cat's paw but it was really a giant heavy Snake disguised as a Cat; so he couldn't even budge it. The third Task was outwrestle a small old lady, who "embodied old age or time; which no one can beat. I can smell little Blinky over there.

All of a sudden I just thought of that guy Gustav Holst, who influenced bands like BLACK SABBATH and LED ZEPPELIN. Daisy heard LED ZEPPELIN used, or "Sampled;" a part of Holst's composition "Mars" in their song "Friends." Max zoomed bye in front of the Sheds.

Oh! This is a good time to write about LED ZEPPELIN'S song called "Kashmir." I was supposed to write about it yesterday but missed it. Daisy says one time Mr. Mark told our boss Kashmir was "sampled" by a "Hip-Hop" band because of it's "exotic rhythm and feel."

INDIAN SUBCONTIENT INDIA / PAKISTAN

("KASHMIR" IN ORANGE) ("CHANGING OF THE GUARD")

I'm looking at a map of India, which shows the "Kashmir" region at the very northern part of that "Indian Subcontinent." It's colored in orange on the map, and India, Pakistan and China have "claims" to it. A lady from India told our boss Kashmir is "a lot of mountains."

Mr. Steve's father thinks the India, Pakistan border, with all three countries having some nuclear weapons; could be where the "first nuclear war" is fought. Oh wow! I love the hats the Soldiers get to wear at the nightly "changing of the guard" ceremony. I want one like that!

The lady told our boss what it says here too, how the name Kashmir "might" come from the "Sanskrit" language. She said the name "Kásmira" has "something to do with water." The shadows are all really starting to lean more and more away from me over here on the Patio.

LED ZEPPELIN MOROCCO

One time Mr. Dave told our boss he read the lyrics for LED ZEPPELIN'S song Kashmir were actually written by Robert Plant the Singer when he was in "Morocco." That's the area of northwest Africa, at the very far western end of that huge "Sahara" desert. I smell Sage.

I can't wait to someday hear that song Kashmir. Daisy noticed how Robert Plant sings about the "yellow desert," and also mentions his "mama" and says "I've been flying." Speedy Gonzalez just now ran through the right vertical gate slot to go out into the back desert.

Daisy says Mr. Dave thinks LED ZEPPELIN'S two most "Progressive Rock" songs are Kashmir and also that other one "Stairway to Heaven." I really want to hear that song too, as well as all of those other LED ZEPPELIN songs Daisy's told me about. Heathcliff crowed.

"SECRET SQUIRREL" / "MOROCCO MOLE" / "DOUBLE Q"

Mentioning the country of Morocco makes me think of that cartoon Daisy told me about. It's about a smart "Secret Agent" Squirrel whose Assistant is named "Morocco Mole." He wears one of those "Fez" hats and of course Dais likes it because it's red. I like Heathcliff's voice.

Daisy told me how Millie liked those "Secret Squirrel" cartoons. They're from the 1960's and, like the tv show "Get Smart;" are based on the "James Bond" books and movies. I guess, Secret Squirrel, "Agent 0000;" even has a boss named "Double Q" instead of just plain "Q."

Andy over there reminds me how Secret Squirrel has James Bond type" Gadgets," like a cane machine gun. The spy gadgets "backfire" so Morocco Mole helps him. Secret Squirrel and Morocco Mole call their boss Double Q "Chief," the way Dais is starting to call Mr. Steve.

"JAMES BOND" "GET SMART"

One time our boss and Mr. Phillip talked about Ian Flemming's "007" books. Because he grew up over in Wales Mr. Phillip only saw the tv show Get Smart later, and thought they were "very clever." Mr. Steve told him about those "Walther PPK" guns according to Daisy.

I guess Morocco Mole is one of those "Sidekicks" I've mentioned before, and in helping his boss Secret Squirrel fight crime and evil he mainly drives him around. Secret Squirrel, under his hat and coat; has many astounding spy things. Daisy says his hat is also a really good mask.

Oh! I just looked up "Mole" in my Encyclopedia and the picture is so amazing. Dais and Millie watched a tv show about Moles, which are like Gophers in having adapted to living under the ground. Ah! A nice cool breeze just brought in all of the smells out there in the desert.

MOLE

Boy! Now I understand what Dais was talking about when she said Moles have no need for eyes so theirs are tiny, and their really powerful front legs have evolved to dig. Mr. Steve met a lady from Germany who knew about the Moles over in Europe. The chimes are ringing.

Daisy says the lady told our boss Farmers don't like Moles, who it says here mainly eat those Earthworms. They're "solitary" or live alone, and Mr. Phillip says in England people call them "Mouldywarps." I wonder if Moles have distinctive strong smells like our Gophers?

The lady said in Germany and three Scandinavian countries Moles have different names, like "Moulwurf;" and all have to do with "dirt tossing." "Moul" is dirt or soil, while "Wurf " means to throw something. You can see by the photo that Moles have big noses for smelling.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE KING HENRY VIII

(1564-1616) (1491-1547)

THE CHANDROS PORTRAI HANS HOLBEIN THEYOUNGER

One time our boss and Mr. Ralph talked about that Secret Squirrel cartoon. Mr. Steve has heard Moles are all over the world but "maybe" not in Morocco's sand. Daisy told me how Millie liked the black glasses and blue coat Morocco Mole always wears. I want a blue Fez!

Mr. Ralph read the old saying to "Make a Mountain Out of a Mole Hill," or "exaggerate a situation;" was "coined" during Henry VIII's mid-16th century "Tudor" period. During his daughter Queen Elizabeth I's reign Shakespeare "referred" to Moles. Heathcliff crowed.

A few years ago Mr. Steve heard this kid and his band playing LED ZEPPELIN'S song Kashmir. Our boss told Mr. Dave their "cover" version "sounded pretty good," with keyboards in it like the way John Paul Jones used to do for LED ZEPPELIN. I smell Andy over there.

DIAMOND HEAD DRAGPIPE

I don't know why but for some reason I just now thought of that 1980's song called "Am I Evil." Daisy told me it was originally done by one of those "New Wave of Heavy Metal" English bands called DIAMOND HEAD. Our boss and Mr. Rich talked about that song one time.

Dais says Mr. Dave thinks the "Intro" to Am I Evil is so good, and Mr. Steve told him how it's a Hard Rock version of Holst's Mars. Our boss one time told Mr. Rich his band DRAGPIPE should have "covered" that song. A Train just whistled faintly way out there in the desert.

Mr. Steve has heard METALLICA'S cover of DIAMOND HEAD'S song Am I Evil, and I guess likes both versions equally. Someday I really want to hear that song, which Dais thinks is "really catchy." And I also want to hear some songs by that other band called BUDGIE.

METALLICA

Mr. Dave saw an episode of "The Metal Show" when METALLICA'S Drummer was the guest. He said METALLICA "covered" Am I Evil? but "conveniently didn't mention" it wasn't their song. Gustav Holst's Mars really creates a "Sense of Anticipation" Daisy thinks.

I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve likes songs whose beginning section creates that sense of anticipation. That's why he likes some Progressive Rock songs, like "Roundabout" by YES; or RUSH'S "Tom Sawyer." That's one thing I also like in GENESIS'S song "Musical Box."

Daisy told me about a METALLICA song called "For Whom the Bells Toll." It also has a good opening, and Mr. Steve thinks must've been inspired by Ernest Hemingway's book about the Spanish Civil War. Daisy says the introduction part of a book is called the "Preface."

JOHAN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685-1750) IAN ANDERSON (JETHRO TULL)

ARTWORK BY RISCHGITZ

All of a sudden I'm hearing the flute in that song "The Third Hoorah!" I'm really looking forward to someday hearing JETHRO TULL'S "Bourée," which Daisy heard was their version of that one German "Baroque" Composer Bach's song. Antonio Vivaldi influenced Bach.

This Encyclopedia says Bourée was a late 17th and early 18th century "dancing style." I guess, Bach's parents died when he was ten; but had taught him to earn a living through music. His wife died having their seventh child, only four of which survived. Libby just whinnied.

Wow! Bach's second wife had thirteen kids, and six survived. He was a "Kappelmeister," or "Music Director." In his lifetime he was known as a good Musician, but in the 19th century his song writing ability was "recognized." Like Vivaldi, he was buried in a "Pauper's" grave.

"SWITCHED ON BACH" (1972) Yesterday I wrote about those "Moog Synthesizers," and that album called "Switched on Bach;" which Mr. Steve still has a copy of on vinyl record. That's where Bach's Baroque songs were played with a more modern electronic keyboard sound. Libby's scent just floated in.

I've mentioned before how a lot of different bands began using synthesizers in their music, like even the WHO for instance; in the early 1970's. Someday I want to hear their song "Baba O'Reilly, which Daisy says begins with a good synthesizer introduction. Heathcliff crowed.

Mr. Dave told our boss he read, in the late 1960's that band the MONKEES were the first band to use a really "primitive" synthesizer on an album. Boy! The MONKEES must've been so talented because, not only did they make good songs; they even had their own tv show too.

THE MONKEES 1965 "GTO" Daisy told me about that special Car the MONKEES got to drive around in. Our boss, and Mr. Jim down there in Sylmar; built models of that Car when they were kids. It's one of those "Custom" Cars like the ones that guy "Big Daddy" Roth used to build back in those days.

The "Monkeemobile" was a fixed up 1966 "Pontiac GTO." Mr. Cliff, who had a 1965 GTO when young; one time told our boss about the "body style" difference between the 1965 and 1966 models. Mr. Steve did one of his line drawings of the guitar-shaped MONKEES' logo.

Mr. Dave read how one time, in the mid-1960's; the MONKEES Drummer showed an early synthesizer to the BEATLES' John Lennon. He was interested in it I guess, but was only able to make a few "weird noises" with it. Fred , Ed and Ted are all flying over Libby's Corral. EMERSON, LAKE AND PALMER

A band that "Popularized" using a synthesizer, in the 1970's; was that group EMERSON, EMERSON, LAKE AND PALMER. Mr. Dave said a synthesizer is "smaller, cheaper and more reliable than electronic keyboard instruments that came before it. Libby's walking around.

I guess in the 1970's those synthesizers became so popular even bands who usually didn't use keyboards, like the ROLLING STONES for example; used them on a few songs. Daisy says the WHO'S Pete Townsend used "ARP" synthesizers on "Who's Next." Heathcliff crowed.

One time Mr. Rich told our boss how a "Transistor" was better than "Vacuum Tubes" for use on electronic musical instruments. And my Dictionary says a Transistor is a "compact device that controls current flow." Boy! It's starting to get darker and darker around here.

JETHRO TULL ("PASSION PLAY")

Oh! I'm hearing JETHRO TULL'S song "The Third Hoorrah!," which is now making me think of that JETHRO TULL concert I've mentioned before. That girl Angela had tickets and knew our boss had a Car. Two orange boy Finches are over there fighting about something.

In our boss's first Chevelle, the one his dad bought for him from Mr. Rick; Mr. Steve and Angela drove to Inglewood to see that JETHRO TULL concert. It turned out that 1973 concert was really good Dais heard. I've mentioned it a few times already in these first two books.

Hey Lord! That concert was named "A Passion Play," just liked they called Your death back in the "Middle Ages." Our boss told Miss Susan at work JETHRO TULL created a great "sense of anticipation" in the audience to start that concert. The Finches stopped fighting.

"AQUALUNG" (1971)

Our boss told Miss Susan in 1973 he and Angela, especially her; knew JETHRO TULL'S music and she liked their version of Bach's "Bourée." Mr. Steve still has a vinyl record of their album "Aqualung." Back then he copied the "Old English" lettering on the album cover.

In 1973 there was a big screen behind the stage, with the album cover projected onto it; an upside down "Ballerina" Daisy heard. But suddenly the bright lights went out; and the twenty thousand people in attendance muttered; then went totally silent. Heathcliff just crowed.

A small red dot appeared up on the screen, started to blink, and with every pulse the "Blip" sound got louder; and the red dot got bigger and bigger. Angela held on tight to Mr. Steve's arm as the blip evolved from dripping water to a "Throbbing" beating heart. I smell Mesquite.

"A PASSION PLAY (1973)

One time Daisy heard our boss's mom use the phrase, "You could hear a ping drop;" and that's the way it was at the beginning of that JETHRO TULL concert. Everyone knew when the whole screen blipped into all red something would happen. Samson and Delilah flew bye.

On the album cover the upside down Ballerina's eyes were open, and she looks like one of those "Mannequins." Some people in the audience "Gasped" when the entire screen blipped red because the Ballerina's eyes "Blinked." Angela held on even tighter than before I guess.

Then, in slow motion; the camera "Panned Back" for one of those "Wide Angle Shots" I've mentioned before. The Ballerina stood up, and began running toward the camera; a big pane of glass or mirror appearing Daisy says. Oh! Two of the Pigeons are up there on the Patio roof.

PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF

Dais heard, at the beginning of the JETHRO TULL concert; when that Ballerina jumped and crashed through the mirror some of the audience cringed. I guess, shards of glass seemed to be flying all over the place; lights exploded up on the stage; and the concert then got started.

As JETHRO TULL "Hit the Stage" the crowd was cheering, which began a good concert. They did new songs, but also the "Hits" like "Locomotive Breath;" which in parts really sounds just like a Train chugging along Daisy told me. Oh! A Train whistled over there to my right.

JETHRO TULL have a song about a girl named "Mary" who's "Cross Eyed." A decade later, in the 1980's; that song was "Covered" by IRON MAIDEN Mr. Steve was told. The two Pigeons just took off, and are now flying right over the Sheds; going out into the back desert. SPARKS

Mr. Steve and that girl Angela were impressed at the concert JETHRO TULL did on that night back in 1973. Our boss thought JEHRO TULL was going to be really big but, just like with that band SPARKS from here in Los Angeles; they didn't. I can smell that Arborvitae tree.

I've mentioned before how the band who "Opened Up" that JETHRO TULL concert was STEELEY SPAN, who Mr. Steve now really likes. Both he and Angela thought their Middle Age sounding British "Folk" music was perfect for setting up JETHRO TULL. Daffy's quacking.

Oh! All of a sudden I'm hearing that STEELEY SPAN song "Jigs," which is making me start to like the sound of mandolin and banjo. I guess Mr. Steve thinks STEELEY SPAN'S girl Singer who plays spoons on Jigs, besides being talented; is very pretty. I feel like dancing!

STEELEYE SPAN

Boy! Hearing Jigs right now is really making me feel like dancing. There's no singing on that song, but STEELEYE SPAN'S other song "Gaudette" has only singing; with not even one musical instrument at all. It's one of those "Acapella" songs I've mentioned a few times.

Dais told me STEELEYE SPAN have a song about King Henry VIII, and another about a Black Cow. The singing in Gaudette is all in Latin, and that girl Singer's voice is so pretty and beautiful Dais says. I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies sleeping up there in their nest.

Mr. Dave told our boss he once read about BLACK SABBATH'S Guitarist Tony Iommi being on that one British tv show "Top of the Pops" with JETHRO TULL. But, I guess all he did was take part in one of those fake "Lip Synching" songs. Libby just whinnied over there.

JETHRO TULL ("TOP OF THE POPS")

Our boss told Mr. Dave he's glad Tony Iommi didn't stay in JETHRO TULL because then there would've been no BLACK SABBATH. He says JETHRO TULL'S Guitarist back in 1973 was really good too. Our boss Mr. Steve was in the 12th Grade at Sylmar High in that year.

Mr. Steve likes it when bands play Classical music to create the atmosphere of anticipation before a concert. Daisy and Millie one time saw a "Documentary" about David Bowie's band the SPIDERS FROM MARS' last concert. A little Wren with a twig in its mouth just ran bye.

I guess, that SPIDERS FROM MARS concert was in the city of "London," and also took place in 1973. Before the band came out on stage this tape of Beethoven's "9th" Symphony was played. Daisy says she could tell Mr. Steve liked hearing that as the beginning of a concert.

SPIDERS FROM MARS METALLICA

Tomorrow I'm scheduled to write about a song called "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly." Daisy heard how METALLICA play a girl singing from that song to start all of their concerts. I really want to see the Video, and hear METALLICA'S song too; about that Sandman guy.

I mentioned earlier how our boss took pictures of the SPIDERS' Guitarist Mick Ronson at the "Palace" in Hollywood. He went with Miss Harriet on one of her assignments. I just noticed Goliath right now using the thin left vertical gate slot to go out into desert behind the Sheds.

Dais says, in the concert at the Palace the Singer in the band Mick Ronson was in was this guy named Ian Hunter. Back in the early 1970's he was in another English band called MOTT THE HOOPLE. Both the SPIDERS and MOTT THE HOOPLE were "Glam" bands.

IAN HUNTER GUNS N' ROSES

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave how, on that one night at the Palace GUNS N' ROSES' Singer and Guitarist came out for a song. Back in those days Photographers used "Film," and Mr. Steve had one "Roll" left but it was not "Loaded" in his camera. It was in his "Bag."

When GUNS N' ROSES suddenly came out on stage Mr. Steve went to get the roll from his camera bag. But, unfortunately; it was then he realized the drunk guy who bumped into him a few times had accidentally knocked the roll out and it went under the stage. I smell Sage.

Now, in "Digital" format, a Photographer can take as many pictures as he or she wants to. Later you can simply erase of "Delete" anything you don't want. But in the early 1990's, when the usually low-paid Photographer paid to "Develop" the film; they had to be "Selective."

THE "PALACE"

Mr. Steve went to get his last roll of film, but then noticed it was gone. He looked around but knew it had probably been kicked by all the people standing near the stage. At first he was really mad at the drunk guy, but then realized it was his own fault for "not being prepared."

Daisy says Mr. Dave has also been to the Palace, which he described as being a "smaller version of the Palladium;" with no seats but just a dance floor. Hey! What if someone started a Dance Hall for Dogs? It might just turn out to be a good business to make some money!

A few years ago our boss met a guy from Ireland who told him that Guitarist Mick Ronson had died. He also said how, after the SPIDERS FROM MARS ended; for "a little while" Mick Ronson played in Bob Dylan's band. Donald and Daisy sound happy quacking together.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) ABBA

All of a sudden I just thought of that guy Beethoven. It's too bad he had kind of a sad life from what Daisy heard our boss say. Over there in Germany at the end of the 18th century, he was one of seven kids in his family; but I guess only he and two younger brothers survived.

I've mentioned how that young girl described Beethoven's song "Fúr Elise" as being kind of a "happy sad song." So, Mr. Steve played her that ABBA song "S.O.S;" wanting to see what her reaction would be. As he suspected, she said it gave her the same "sentimental" feeling.

I guess, Beethoven wrote some love songs, but girls thought he was too ugly; sometimes I guess he was like Albert Einstein in not combing his hair. He was often low on money, ended up going deaf; but overcame it by adapting. Mr. Dave thinks he heard music "in his head."

DAVID BOWIE (SPIDERS FROM MARS) KEVIN DUBROW PHOTO BY MICK ROCK

Our boss and Sandy, in the 1970's; went to a backyard party in Van Nuys. QUIET RIOT'S Singer Kevin Dubrow was there. There was this good Stereo system, and they played really loud the SPIDERS' song "Suffragette City;" and AEROSMITH'S album "Toys in the Attic."

Mr. Steve thinks David Bowie was smart to quit being the "Ziggy Stardust" character so he wouldn't become "Typecaste." He didn't want to be a "Parody" or "Caricature" of himself, and probably thought the SPIDERS gimmick but had "Run its Course." Heathcliff crowed.

Dais says our boss really likes that SPIDERS' song "Man Who Sold the World," which he thinks is most likely about that guy Judas Ascariot who may've betrayed You Lord. Mr. Steve also liked it a lot when NIRVANA played that song on their "Unplugged" performance. DEEP PURPLE

Our boss told Mr. Dave he remembers how, at that barbecue in Van Nuys; they also played DEEP PURPLE'S album's "In Rock" and "Machine Head." People were so impressed when they played the song "Child in Time" Daisy heard. Blackbeard and Anne Bonny flew bye.

I look forward to someday hearing DEEP PURPLE songs. Daisy says Mr. Steve, besides liking the musicianship on their early 1970's albums; also really likes the way the band arranged the structure of those old songs. They're now considered to be early "Heavy Metal" songs.

Dais told me about that other band RAINBOW, which Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore started after he left DEEP PURPLE. They did songs about "Swords and Sorcerers," the one she likes is is about a man who lives on a silver mountain. They also have a a song called "Stargazer."

RAINBOW

PHOTO BY METAL BLOGS.COM

Mr. Dave really likes how Ritchie Blackmore, especially in RAINBOW; was influenced by Classical music. They did a song called "Difficult to Cure," which is a "Tribute" to Beethoven's "9th" Symphony. A small flock of Birds is flying bye way up there in the high blue sky.

Daisy likes the RAINBOW song "Since You've been Gone," and says the guitar playing on that song Stargazer sounds kind of Arabic. That guy Ronnie James Dio was RAINBOW'S first Singer Dais heard. I mentioned yesterday how "Dio" later sang for BLACK SABBATH.

I guess, Ritchie Blackmore named his second band for that "Rainbow Bar and Grille" in Hollywood. Mr. Steve told his Niece Stephanie, who's a talented Cook; he ate good "Chicken Strips" there. I've mentioned how Steph's boyfriend Mr. Rich is also a very good cook too.

"RAINBOW" RESTAIRANT / "ROXY" THEATER

I've written before about how, back in the late 1980's and early 1990's; Mr. Steve often went with Miss Harriet on her different review assignments. Some of them were for shows at the "Roxy" Theater, which is right next door to the "Rainbow." Frida and Diego just flew bye.

Dais says our boss told his Niece Stephanie Ritchie Blackmore used to eat at the Rainbow, and that's where he got the name of his band. He told her how over the years he and others have enjoyed just walking all around in "West Hollywood." A Train whistled faintly to my left.

Another Musician originally from England but now lives here in Los Angeles is that guy "Lemmy," MÖTORHEAD'S Bassist and Singer. I guess, he lives within walking distance from the Rainbow so goes there a lot; often to play "Video Poker." Ah! I smell some Mesquite.

"LEMMY" KILMISTER

Daisy told me about that MÖTORHEAD song "Ace of Spades." Our boss told his bother Rock about the time he introduced himself to Lemmy at the Rainbow, and shook his hand. He was friendly and was the one who suggested the Chicken Strips because that's what he liked.

Mr. Steve told Lemmy he liked some songs by his former band HAWKWIND. And when he mentioned how his brother Rock used that name as a nickname as a Camp Counselor at a Boys Camp in Griffith Park, he thinks he said, "A good band that." Lemmy has a thick accent.

I think if I ever do put together a Dog band, I'd try to be influenced by all the different types of music that our boss likes; like Classical. Daisy heard him and his brother Rock talk one time talk about how HAWKWIND was influenced by early PINK FLOYD. Heathcliff crowed.

YNGWIE MALMSTEIN

Another good Guitarist who's influenced by Classical music is Yngwie Malmstein from Sweden. I've never heard any of his songs, but Daisy told me he plays really, really fast on the guitar. Sweden, where some Vikings came from; is where that band ABBA are from too.

"Yngwie" admired Ritchie Blackmore's playing so much he took the time to learn every note from DEEP PURPLE'S live album as a kid. That's what Mr. Steve was told one time, by a "Volvo" customer; who was also originally from Sweden too. I can hear Dawn barking.

Our boss told Mr. Dave how, one time as guest on "The Metal Show;" Yngwie was asked if he ever played something so complicated he couldn't remember what he'd done. He chuckled, and admitted he's done that alright. The Keyboard Player in his band plays fast too Dais says.

NICCOLÒ PAGANINI (1782-1840)

I guess Yngwie's family liked Bach and this 19th century Italian Violinist named Niccolò Paganini. "Paganini" is known for playing really fast like Yngwie Dais said. Our boss told Mr. Dave he hears Paganini in the organ and guitar solos of DEEP PURPLE'S "Highway Star."

I've mentioned before how one time Mr. Steve got to take pictures of RAINBOW's Singer Ronnie James Dio. That concert was in the late 1980's at the Forum in Inglewood. Goliath just crawled out into the back desert through the left vertical gate slot, with Andy watching him.

During the period when Ronnie James Dio did that concert at the Forum Mr. Mark sold his wife "Wendy," his "Business Manager; advertising for things at the Forum. I've said a few times how he, Mr. Steve and Miss Helen all sold, among others things; "Advertising Packages."

RITCHIE BLACKMORE WITH WIFE CANDICE

Dais says our boss thinks that girl Wendy Dio sounds like a smart person. A few years ago this guy told our boss how Ritchie Blackmore doesn't play Rock music anymore. I guess, he met a girl and they play music which sounds like it could be from "Renaissance" times Daisy says.

I just thought about that Recording Studio "Sound City" in Van Nuys, where "Dio" made his 1982 album "Holy Diver." In the late 1990's Mr. Steve worked for that Flower Company in San Fernando. In 1997 he made a flower delivery to Sound City, so curious to see inside.

Many good albums have been made at Sound City, like some of FLEETWOOD MAC'S best ones for example. I can't wait to someday hear FLEETWOOD MAC, because Daisy thinks I'd really like some of their songs. That guy Tom Petty made some albums there Dais heard.

FLEETWOOD MAC TOM PETTY / HEARTBREAKERS PHOTO BY RICHARD CREAMER PHOTO BY ED CARAEFF

Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss tell Mr. Dave how it was impressive to see all of the many "Gold Records" Sound City in Van Nuys had on the walls. That guy Tom Petty, and his band the HEARTBREAKERS; made some albums at Sound City. Heathcliff crowed.

Sound City is where Neil Young recorded some songs, and so did Johnny Cash from what Daisy heard. Even though it was small in size Sound City's "Mixing Board," for recording on tape; was one of the best in the whole world. Some of Heathcliff's Hens are clucking away.

Mr. Steve heard NIRVANA'S Drummer Dave Grohl, now the FOO FIGHTERS Singer and Guitarist; bought that mixing board when Sound City went out of business. Daisy heard Sound City recorded drums well. NIRVANA'S famous 1993 album was recorded at Sound City.

"GALPIN" FORD

I've mentioned before how Mr. Dave, before the economic recession; did the same job our boss, and Miss Babette, Susan and Karin do. One customer Mr. Steve lost during this current recession is called "Galpin" Ford. Dais heard that it's in Van Nuys, near to Sound City.

Mr. Steve's father knows Mr. Boeckman, the owner of Galpin Ford. They've both been to many Democratic Party functions or events over the many years. Often those occasions had to do with the history of the post war San Fernando Valley, which both men played a part in.

One time our boss and Mr. Rich talked about that guy Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. I guess, Galpin Ford has this collection of Cars; some made by Ed Roth. I've mentioned a few times over the last two days how Mr. Rich, who's also a good "Pinstriper; admires Mr. Ed's artwork.

ED "BIG DADDY" ROTH (1932-2001)

I've written about how, as a kid Mr. Steve rode his bike to the "San Fernando Drag Strip;" and one time met that guy Ed Roth. Mr. Steve, and his friend Neil; were at first intimidated by how big he was. He was born in the same year as Mr. Steve's father was, but already died.

Mr. Steve built a model of a "Custom Car" designed and built by Big Daddy Roth. It was called "Canned Heat," just like the name of that band. Oh! All of a sudden I'm hearing their song "Goin up the Country" in my mind, which makes me feel happy to be here on Elvira.

Daisy and Millie heard our boss and Mr. Rich, who played guitar in that Heavy Metal band from New Jersey DRAGPIPE; talk about Big Daddy Roth. They both like his eight "Goals" in life. One was "Be on Time," another "Play it Straight; and a third was "Thank for Help."

THE BAND DRAGPIPE MR. RICH

Hey God! Big Daddy Roth said to "listen to You, ask You for strength and guidance;" and "Pray, Read and Study." Boy! That sounds like what Sister Rita Joseph said to do too. I always think of Mr. Rich when I see the good welded wrought iron Dragon he made for us as a gift.

Another goal Big Daddy Roth said everyone should try to follow is, "Define your God given talent and then us it." Rudy just ran through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the back field. There are some wispy white clouds spreading out up in the sky.

Besides getting to see Sound City, another thing Mr. Steve did in 1997 was help his flower company boss write text for an advertisement. It "Ran" on the "Howard Stern Radio Show." Howard Stern, like Miss Emily; grew up in that area of New York City called "Long Island."

HOWARD STERN

Mr. Steve thinks Howard Stern's family, like Miss Emily and Miss Harriet, may be from a family of those immigrant "Ashkenazi" eastern Europe Jews. I've written about how at the turn of the century many Jews were escaping persecution. They came through "Ellis Island."

Daisy heard how Howard Stern made the advertisement for the flower company better by changing a few small things. Mr. Steve wrote "No mix ups on delivery," Howard Stern said "no screwups;" which made it sound more like the way he talked. Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

I just thought about how, back in 1977 Mr. Steve and his brother Rock saw the "Statue of Liberty" in New York Harbor. I've mentioned how Miss Emily, before working at the U.C.L.A. Athletic Department; helped raise money to "refurbish" that statue. Dawn's barking.

PEOPLE "LOOKING FOR WORK" IN HIGH DESERT

Over the last two days I've mentioned a few times how, since late 2008; we've been one of those "Economic Recessions." So a lot of people up here where we live are having a harder time trying to make money. Daisy heard our boss tell his father how there are "signs everywhere."

Mr. Randy mentioned that one morning how, many people in our area are having those "Garage Sales;" some every single day. Lately, to raise money; some groups like the "4H Club" or Serrano High School Cheerleaders have "Car Washes" in Phelan. Andy's looking at me.

I used to be so afraid of water coming out of hoses but, now that I know what it is I kind of like when Mr. Steve washes our Cars on the cement slab in front of the garage. Daisy and I play in the "spray." I always pretend to be scared but actually I just really like jumping around.

DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

When Mr. Steve washes our Cars sometimes he suddenly squirts me with water, and I run away fast. Daisy looks forward to letting our boss soak her in water on really hot days, and now so do I because it makes me feel so good. Fred, Ed and Ted are all flying out into the desert.

Looking at our steel water bucket over there next to the sliding glass door going into this dining room makes me appreciate water. Daisy is so right God! She thinks we should thank You for making it so our Planet has a lot of water so more things can live and multiply down here.

I guess, many people who live near us are having a harder time making money, so some are even doing things like selling food or firewood; right on the street. We heard Mr. Randy say a lot of his neighbors are "barely making it," or "just scraping by." Heathcliff crowed over there.

PIÑON HILLS POST OFFICE

I've mentioned before how unlike in a city, there is no "Mail Delivery" where we live up here in this part of the desert; so we have a "Box" at the Post Office. Daisy's been to that Post Office before, and someday I'm hoping to see; and especially smell it too. Boy! I can't wait!

One morning last Summer, as our boss watered the Mulberry tree over there; Mr. Randy mentioned how lately there's been a man in a white Van parked near the Oost Office entrance. I guess he's a "Carpet Cleaner" trying to get work. Mr. Steve says, "You can tell he's not lazy."

Mr. Randy said, if no one hires that man in the morning; he drives over to the Phelan Post Office. As that guy Satchel Paige used to say, "A man's got to do what a man's got to do." I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's father, and Mr. Rick too; sometimes say "Whatever it takes."

ISAAC NEWTON (1642-1766)

Boy! It's too bad some smart person like that guy Isaac Newton never created a tree to grow money on. Besides being a Scientist, he also studied "Alchemy;" which tried to turn lead into gold. Boy! Looking that that picture of Isaac Newton makes me want to get a wig.

I just thought of that guy King Midas, who got what he had wished for, being able to turn anything he touched into gold; only to find out it was a "Curse" when he accidentally turned his own daughter into gold. Two Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral, moving toward the east.

Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Grant one time talking about how the U.S. Government, to keep us from going into one of those "Depressions;" is now "printing money out of thin air." Mr. Steve father joked it just sounds better to call it "Quantitative Easing." Daffy's quacking.

POST-WORLD WAR I ("WEIMAR" GERMANY)