Book Three 10,11,12html

                                                                              III

                                                                     (Chapter 10)          

4:30     

            

                               CALIFORNIA"HIGH" DESERT   

                                                          

             Wow!  I can't believe how I have only three chapters to go so, it's "Down Hill" from here as they say.  Judging by the shadows it's about four thirty.  Right now what I'm seeing, hearing and smelling reminds me of the last two days at this exact same time of the day.

             Hey God!  Do You think I have about three hours of sunlight left today?  I hope so but if it turns out I'm wrong that's okay.  Oh!  By the way You Guys up there, thank You so much for the last three days; even if Heathcliff's gone.  This day makes me appreciate our lives. 

             It looks like in this chapter I'm going to write more about music and entertainment, and as always; will try to do it within the context of Mr. Steve and our lives.  Wait until he sees what I've done in writing these three really long books.  Hopefully, he'll really like them.

       

FRONT YARD    

      

                 I looked up the word "Enclave" and my Dictionary says it's, "A territory surrounded by another country's territory."   One morning, as they loaded Rex to go to the Dump; we heard Mr. Mike jokingly tell our boss this two acres was the three of ours enclave.   Dawn's barking.

            Mr. Steve chuckled and the thought about how, to a certain extent; this two acres is kind of like our enclave from the world.  I love this land and would never ever want to go anywhere else ever again.  Mr. Steve has told other people that he'll live here until the "day I die."

            Boy God!  Looking around right now, and seeing some Birds flying back and forth over the desert behind the Sheds; makes me feel pretty good.  Theodora just used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to run out there.  I smell the Twin Joshua trees in both nostrils. 

        

2014 BUICK "ENCLAVE"      

           

                    Daisy says she and Millie one time heard our boss talking with one of General Motors customers about this "Buick" brand Car called "Enclave."  I guess, that Parts Manager said it's one of those Sports Utility Vehicles; and used the word "luxury."   I smell Blinky over there.

            The Parts Manager told our boss those Enclaves are sold under other names for some of the other G.M. "lines."  He said they were "introduced" in 2007, and have three rows of seats.  Dais heard that Parts Manager using the word "crossover" to describe those Enclaves.

           Andy's over there guarding their hole, and is really alert right now because Cher just went bye; but then ran out into the back field.  Andy and Helen have to notice Heathcliff's crowing is totally missing today.  Oh!  That new Hawk is flying bye and going over Libby's Corral.   

   

 HARLEY EARL (1893-1969)

                 Daisy heard the Parts Manager tell our boss the Enclave was a "Concept" Car.  I guess that means it was "Shown" to the public at one of the "Auto Shows" I've written about.  That way, before it's "Put into Production;" the builders can "gauge" people's reactions.

            The Parts Manager told Mr. Steve it was that guy Harley Earl, who I've written about before; who first thought of the idea to "Showcase" Cars.  He wanted to see what people thought of new "Styles" or "Technology."  I'll bet he did that with the first "Corvette" he designed.

            Our boss told the Parts Manager he saw a tv show that said Harley Earl worked with the military during World War II.  They figured out how to better "Camouflage" Warships or things like that.  Like Homer Lea and John Elway; Harley Earl went to "Stanford" University.

                          

  SD.Kfz.166 TANK ("BRUMBAR")                                                      DAISY CÓRDOVA                        

           

           Oh!  All of a sudden JUDAS PRIEST'S song "You Got Another Thing Coming" just came barging into my mind right now.   It does fit Daisy when she's lumbering along in her slow trot.    I've mentioned over the last three days how Mr. Steve jokes she's like a small "Panzer" Tank.      

            Hey You Guys!  Even though in the back of my mind I'm still thinking about Heathcliff, this day has gone pretty fast because I'm so busy writing.  Oh well, Three more hours of work to do.  I sure wish somehow, even though I know it won't happen; Heathcliff would crow.  

                 Looking out into the back desert makes me remember times when I was doing the same thing while hearing Heathcliff crow.  And just like now, there were a few Birds flying around as I heard a Train whistle; which just happened too.  Hey God!  Thank You for our memories.

               

AFTERNOON SKY   

      

            Hey Heathcliff!  If you did end up going up there to Heaven and aren't that new Hawk who showed up today; I did all this work today in your memory.  If you just happen to be mind reading me down here on Elvira I want you to know we'll pray for you.  A Crow cawed.

            Boy God!  The sky is so blue, and I really love how the clouds up there look right now.  It makes me feel better when I get kind of sad about Heathcliff won't be around anymore.  Charlie Company is using the two vertical slots on the side of the gate to go out into the back field.  

                 I just thought about how hot it can get here in the Summer.  One time Mr. Randy and our boss talked about this one thing called a "Mirage."  My English Dictionary says it's an, "Optical phenomena in which light rays bend through infraction to produce a false image." 

              

      2014 MITSUBISHI "MIRAGE"      

  

                Daisy says that one Japanese company "Mitsubishi" makes a Car called a "Mirage."  She heard our boss talk with Miss Susan at work about it and heard the two words, "compact" and "hatchback."   I  guess little Mirage Cars have been built in two different "Generations." 

           I would love to see a real mirage and we've had really hot days when Daisy said it might be possible to see one.  Mr. Randy and our Chief remembered times when, on hot days in Arizona; they saw what looked like water ahead of them on the highway.  But it was only a mirage.

          Oh!  This is a good time to write about this one man named George Van Tassel, who Mark Ritter knew about.  I was supposed to find out about him yesterday but totally missed him on my outline.  Daisy and Millie heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about George Van Tassel.  

            

GEORGE VAN TASSEL (1910-1978)

                 

               According to a tv show Dais saw, George Van Tassel was a Pilot; and what's called an "Aircraft Inspector."  Our boss told Mr. Dave Mark Ritter had a book that said he and his wife and three daughters lived down in the "Low" desert to our south.   Daffy's quacking. 

           In 1985 Mark Ritter went to the town of "Landers," near "Joshua Tree;" to see this round building built by George Van Tassel; which my Encyclopedia calls the "Integratron."  Daisy says  it might've been a "Time Machine."  The "Domed" structure was "Run Down" as they say.

           Dais says Huell Howser did an episode on the Integratron building.  He found out  George Van Tassel admired Nikola Tesla, and Howard Hughes helped pay to build the Integratron.  Up in the blue sky right now a small group of Birds is moving steadily toward the northeast.   

          

 "INTEGRATRON"     

ARTWORK BY ERIC ALLIX ROGERS          

           

               Daisy says that guy George Van Tassel sounds like a really interesting person.  He got to  meet some men from Outer Space, who came down and told him how to build his dome; and other things like that I guess.  Samson and Delilah are now flying over Libby's Corral.

           I wonder if it's true that Mr. George's round Integratron building was him just trying to make it so you wouldn't age?  One of Mr. Steve's old customers told him what Mark Ritter said.  Andy's over there sniffing the air, just in case Cher or Goliath are in the area right now.

          That ex-customer said there are those who think George Van Tassel's real purpose was to make something having to do with "Anti Gravity."  I've mentioned how some people think the German Nazis may've been working on anti gravity Aircraft.   Andy's scent just came in. 

                 

"UNIDENTIFED FLYING OBJECTS"           

            

                Boy!  That guy George Van Tassel got to go inside a real Flying Saucer.  I don't know if I would want to do that because it might be too scary, and what if the Aliens decided to just take you back to their Planet without permission?  There's a long vapor trail up in the sky.

            The more I look at those two black and white pictures of the U.F.O.'s, the more I think there are probably such things as Flying Saucers.  I'd like to see one someday, but hope Daisy and Mr. Steve are with me if that ever happens.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there.

           Daisy told me how the man on the tv show said one reason Mr. George built his building where he did was because in was near this big, huge, giant boulder called "Giant Rock."  Right now smelling the little baby Cholla is making me feel so good and really happy to be alive.     

                                          

"GIANT ROCK"       

             

               Daisy says Mr. Dave, just like Mark Ritter; knew about Giant Rock, and also George Van Tassel's Integratron building.  The "Serrano" Indians there consider Giant Rock "Sacred."  I've mentioned before how our local public High School is named after the Serrano people.

           Wow!  A good picture shows a person standing near "Giant Rock."  The caption says it's "seven stories tall;" and "possibly the world's largest free standing boulder."  Mark Ritter said some think it's located on a "Ley Line."  Blackbeard and Anne are flying to the north.

           I guess, a Ley Line is a "straight line between two objects or landmarks." Giant Rock is on the same level as those three Pyramids back there in Egypt.  Mr. Dave, and Mark Ritter; think it could be Giant Rock just might be in an area of the Earth "releasing" energy from inside.

       

                    BLACK SABBATH                                                   "INTO THE VOID"                       

                   

         Dais says our boss told Mr. Dave Mark Ritter said some think the Giant Rock area might be a "Geomagnetic Vortex," which always made him think of the "riffs" in the BLACK SABBATH song "Into the Void."  Mr. Steve has been to "Twenty Nine Palms," which is near Landers.           

       Max and 99 just zoomed bye, and seem happy it's Spring; and they get to be together.  And, just a minute ago; Finley and his new girlfriend also flew bye and seemed to be dancing and even playing.   Libby's walking around slowly, toward the back of her Corral on Primavera Road.       

      That older "Shoshone" man at the Phelan Library said there are three water "Aquifers" in the ground right below the area where Giant Rock and George Van Tassel's Integratron are both  located.  He says there's "some special energy" there.  Donald and Daisy are both quacking.                   

HUELL HOWSER ("GIANT ROCK")

          

            Someday I'd really like to see some of those Huell Howser episodes, and the one about Giant Rock is good according to Daisy.  Charlie Company, filing through both slots on the side of the gate; came in from being out there in the desert.  Now they're going underneath Moe.

            I guess back in 1953, just before being "Discharged" from the Marines after fighting in the Korean War; Mr. Steve's dad was "Stationed" at the "Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center" in Twenty Nine Palms.  He remembers the extreme heat.  Boy!  I like looking at Quails.

           Daisy says our boss told Mr. Dave Mark Ritter knew about a man named Frank Critzer. In the late 1930's, he used "Dynamite" to blow a hole out of Giant Rock; which he then lived in as a cave.   He also built a "Rain Catching System" and a "Ventilation" tunnel too.

   

CALIFORNIA DESERT TORTOISE     

PHOTO BY CAMERON PARKS          

                

           From what Daisy overheard, that man Frank Critzer was also interested in the subjects of "Geology" and "Reptiles;" just like Mark Ritter.  He saw how Desert Tortoises dig in the ground and was influenced by them in building his house.  I smell Charlie Company under Moe.

           I guess, at the beginning of the U.S. involvement in World War II; some suspected Frank Critzer of maybe being a Nazi spy.  He was German Dais heard, and then when he also built an Airstrip for Planes; the Government wanted to know more about him.  Dawn's barking. 

          Daisy told me what it says in this one Encyclopedia, how in 1942 that guy Frank Critzer blew himself up with dynamite rather than be arrested.  He "committed suicide" to avoid being "drafted into the military."  Charlie Company are going back out into the eastern desert.

     

FRANK CRITZER'S "LIVING ROOM"

PHOTO BY RALPH CRANE

    

               Wow!  The caption below a picture shows some guys in Frank Critzer's "subterranean living room."  No wonder our boss told Mr. Dave "there's no way" he could live below a "thirty thousand ton boulder;" and not "worry constantly about an earthquake."  Me too!  

          Mark Ritter and our boss used to sometimes talk about how the area around Giant Rock and Frank Critzer's carved out house.  Daisy says that guy Mr. George was a friend of Frank Critzer.  They both knew a lot about the different subjects Mark Ritter was interested in too.

          Dais heard that, in the year 2000; a big section of Giant Rock actually broke and fell onto the ground.  It must've been like the MEGADETH song "Symphony of Destruction," where the guy says, "The Earth Rumbled" she thinks.  Oh!  That would be really scary alright!         

                                                  

"GIANT ROCK"         

               

                  Daisy and Millie saw that one Huell Howser segment where he went out to Landers.  I guess, when the piece of Giant Rock broke off, it "physically exposed" that it's made of "White Granite."  A little Sparrow is sitting on one of the big boulders below the Mulberry tree. 

           Our boss told Mr. Dave he wishes Mark Ritter had been alive in 2000 when that big part of Giant Rock fell off.  He thought of him when he heard what happened on the news.  The Sparrow hopped off of the boulder, picked up a small twig; and then zipped away toward the east. 

           Before the economic recession our boss had a customer near San Diego.  He told him how, these three sisters bought George Van Tassel's old building out there in the desert.  They fixed it up, and are now using it as a business where people go to get a "Sound Bath" under the dome. 

"KARL" SISTERS  (JOANNE, NANCY, PATTY) 

   

        The Parts Manager near San Diego told our boss those three sisters repaired Mr. George's building.  Because sounds inside, or under the dome or "Chamber" are "Acoustically" perfect; a person can whisper and other's in the room can hear it loud Daisy heard.  Dawn's barking.           

         Dais says people now pay to go inside the Integratron for an hour, then sit or lay on "Matt" type beds; as sounds vibrate right on through your body.  The sounds  are so beautiful and make you feel good the Parts Manager told Mr. Steve.  I can smell Blinky standing next to Dawn.          

        I guess, the hour inside the Integratron is called a "Sonic Healing Session;" mainly because it makes you relax from what Daisy heard.  Mr. Dave used the word "ambient" to describe the      way things sound under the Integratron's dome.   That one Dragonfly just zoomed bye.                 

         

  TIBETAN MONKS                                      ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIANS   

               

     Daisy says she can tell Mr. Dave knows a lot about music made by "Indigenous" groups around the world.  He thinks those three Karl sisters have a good idea, and told our boss in Tibet music makes you "feel spiritual energy."  Boy!  I love the hats Tibetan Monks get to wear.             

         Our Chief told Mr. Dave he's read the "Aboriginal" people down there in Australia also use music as "Therapy to Heal" too.  I've  mentioned how that guy Aristotle said the sound of a flute can ""Purify the Soul."   Ah!  I'm hearing that good song "Goin Up the Country" right now.       

     One time Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his father, who was having a hard time sleeping; talk about how ancient Greeks used "vibrating sounds" to help "relax and sleep."  Right now Libby's scent just came in over here, which makes me feel good.  Thank You again God for that.                       

THE BEACH BOYS    

      

          Oh!  All of a sudden, the BEACH BOYS song "Good Vibrations" just came into my head.  I can't wait to someday hear it again for real.  Daisy is so lucky in getting to hear it on Mr. Steve's bedroom stereo as many times as he plays it; whereas I have only that one memory of it.                

        Daisy says that guy Mark Ritter read George Van Tassel designed his Integratron dome to "reflect" sound, which is why it has such a "Calming Effect."   The Parts Manager from San Diego said his wife liked how the "waves of sound" made her feel calm.  A Train whistled.             

      I guess, when you sit or lay on your matt; sounds are made by someone using things like "Gongs" and "Quartz Crystal" bowls.  Oh!  Benjamin the Cow Bird just now ran bye.   And that makes me think about Benjamin Franklin's spinning glass "Armonica" musical instrument.        

                          

INTEGRATRON BUILDING ("SPIRITUALITY CENTER ")        

            

        Mr. Dave told our Chief about the "Buddhist prayer bowls" rubbed by a person under the Integratron dome.  The "tranquil" sounds they make can make you feel calmer, and that's why    Dais jokes I need to go down to Landers someday.  I am getting better at being relaxed.                 

        Hey God!  As You know, Dais says our boss and Mr. Dave think if they were ever able to go inside the Integratron; they would "meditate and reflect" on how grateful they are to be alive in  this world You gave us to live in down here.  Boy!  We are lucky to be here in Piñon Hills.              

      Daisy heard Mr. Dave tell our boss he read in a Magazine article that this band called the ARCTIC SPACE MONKEYS recorded part of one of their songs inside of the Integratron.  Boy!  I'd sure like to hear that song.  Oh!  Some of Heathcliff's Hens are cackling over there.                  

  

"LORETTO" CHAPEL (SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO)

 

          Yesterday in my second book I wrote about that "Loretto Chapel" over there in Santa Fe.  Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave Mark Ritter said George Van Tassel used no nails to build his Integratron building, yet it survived a "7.3" level earthquake in 1992.  Wow!  That's big.               

          The Loretto Chapel's twenty two foot tall "Spiral" staircase was built in such a way that it has no "Center Support," with wooden pegs being used instead of metal nails.  It has thirty three steps, and makes two complete 360 degree turns.  Leo and Cleo are flying over Libby's Corral.     

       Oh!  Mentioning the big city of Santa Fe reminds me to write about some families named "Córdova" and "Trujillo," who live to the north of Santa Fe.  Some are "Artist's" who do things like "Weaving" and "Woodwork."  Libby's walking around slowly over there in her Corral.         

                                      

"CÓRDOVA," NEW MEXICO

      

         Dais originally had me scheduled to write about the Córdova's and Trujillo's of Northern New Mexico yesterday in that second book but, like so many other things over the last three days; missed it on my outline.  So I'll just do it now instead.  A Train whistled to my left.              

       One time our boss and Mr. Dave, who lives in "Taos" even further north; talked about a little town called "Córdova."   I guess, it has less than one thousand people in it so makes it even smaller than us out here in Piñon Hills.  Cher used the right gate slot to go into the desert.            

        Another small "Village" near Córdova, "Truchas;" is where some of those Artist's named Trujillo and Córdova live.  Mr. Dave has met some of them, and so has Mr. Steve's father over      the years.  His three brothers, Mr. Steve's Uncles; also visit that area to see their artwork.                                              

"TRUCHAS," NEW MEXICO        

      

        According to Daisy Mr. Dave has driven down to Truchas from Taos, and also visited this other town called "Chimayó."  I guess Truchas is like Sylmar in being located near the foothills    of some mountains.  Mr. Dave called them the "Sangre de Cristo" mountains one time. 

       Boy Lord!  It must be so great to have an actual range of mountains named after how You spilled Your blood for all of us down here.  Right now the San Gabriel mountains to our south are so clear.  A small flock of Birds is flying bye, and all moving together toward the northwest.          

        Daisy heard Mr. Dave tell our boss he loves the "patterns" and colors of rugs woven by the Córdova's and Trujillo's of Northern Mexico.  Mr. Steve's mother has bought rugs and carved      wooden artwork for herself or as gifts.  A tiny little Lizard ran bye near the Mulberry tree.           

                          

WEAVING PATTERNS FROM NORTHERN NEW MEXICO

                 IRVIN TRUJILLO                                                MAX CÓRDOVA                              

       

      According to what Daisy heard our boss talk about with his father one time, some of the Artwork now made up in Northern New Mexico is a "Hybrid" of two cultures; "Native" and      "Hispanic."  Oh!  Some Motorcycles just now zoomed bye out there on Primavera Road.              

       I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Mr. Steve's mom's "Maiden" last named was "Trujillo."  I guess, some of the families in Northern New Mexico have been weaving rugs and things like that for many generations.  Some dust is lingering in the air to the east.          

    Daisy says one lady once told our boss's parents she was the "eighth" generation of her Trujillo family to weave rugs.  And she's teaching other people in her family to do it too.  Daisy    says there are a lot of really talented Trujillo and Córdova men who weave things too.                    

            

NEW MEXICO DITCHES ("ACEQUIAS")

             

          Dais heard Mr. Dave tell our boss how in 1988 that guy Robert Redford, who went to "Van Nuys" High School like Marilyn Monroe; filmed a movie in that town "Truchas."  It was about a man who defends a small town against "Big Business" and the "State."  Dawn's barking.              

         I guess, that Robert Redford movie had to do with greedy Capitalist "Developers" who use the water that comes from those "Acequias" ditches I've written about before.   Our boss and his father talked about the "High Road" going up to "Taos" from Santa Fe.  I smell Blinky.               

        Mr. Dave, whose wife Julianne is talented at making ceramics and things like that; says the Córdova's and Trujillo families in between Santa Fe and Taos now also make other things too.  I guess he one time used the phrase "branched out."  Boy!  Old Rosie has such a unique scent.                 

"RETABOS"

        

        According to what Mr. Dave told our boss, the Córdova's and Trujillo's over there in New Mexico, besides their weaving; now make "Folk Art" in tin.  Their pottery and jewelry are good  too from what Dais heard.  They make those "Santos and Retablos" I've written about before.     

        The "Rio Grande" River and those Acequia ditches have influenced New Mexico's art, and it's even called "Rio Grande Style;" which I guess is a blend of Native American and Spanish      cultures.   Boy!  Smelling Rosie over there is making me think of Heathcliff being gone.                 

      I don't know why but all of a sudden, for some reason I just thought of that lady Mother Teresa, who helped India's poor people at least die with a little bit of "Comfort."  Daisy heard,      because we're rich; here in America "Hospice" companies do that by coming to your house.         

                     

MOTHER TERESA (1910-1997)  

        

              Daisy told me a tv show said Mother Teresa was from "Albania," an area with a "bloody history."  The Romans conquered it, and after Italy fell the Byzantine Empire ruled.  It was part of the Ottoman Empire during Mother Teresa's time, and later the country of "Yugoslavia." 

          Albania is across that "Adriatic" Sea from southeast Italy's coastline.  It says here Mother Teresa's father died when she was only eight, and much of her family died in that huge "Spanish Flu" Pandemic; after World War I.  Finley and his new girlfriend just flew bye right now.

         Boy Lord!  It's so amazing how, that lady Mother Teresa worked among India's sickest and most diseased people for decades; but never caught and died of some the really bad things they did.  I agree with Daisy You Guys up there must've been protecting her.  Dawn's barking.

  

"PRINCESS" DIANA (1961-1997)

                 Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss talking with his mom about how, when Mother Teresa died; it was totally drowned out by the death of that other girl Princess Diana a few days before.  Wow!  It says Mother Teresa spoke five languages.  And one of them was English.

            Mr. Steve has told his parents about Aldous Huxley and C.S. Lewis dying on the same day that President Kennedy was assassinated.  A man originally from India told him, in the big city of "Calcutta;" some Hindu's "venerate" Mother Teresa as a "Deity."  Wow!  That means Saint!

             Hey God!  Mr. Steve thinks Mother Teresa is an example of how everyone has "Critics." Some people said she wasn't as organized as she should have been in how she ran her Hospital in India.  But, when she died; the Indian Government gave her one of those "State" funerals.    

ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX (1873-1897)

       

                 Oh!   It says here Mother Teresa "adopted" her name from that one other French girl St. Thérèse of Lisieux.  Some people said how Mother Teresa didn't use the money others gave her as wisely as she could have.  But no one ever accused her and her Nuns of stealing money.

           Hey God!  I guess, from what the tv show said; both St. Thérèse and Mother Teresa too at times had "Doubts" about You existing.  But then they realized how much better they felt when they had faith in You up there.  I really believe I've felt You Guys helping me for three days. 

           Daisy says the man from India told our boss Mother Teresa and her Nuns used to read the Quran to Muslims, and brought water from the "Ganges" River for the Hindu's.  And she did it in Your name Lord!  Because if You were down here that's probably what You would do too.

  

                                                URIAH HEEP                                                   GARY THAIN

                  Oh darn!  I just noticed how I somehow missed a few things on my outline when I wrote about that "27 Club."  I'll just have to do it now I guess.  Over the last three days I've mentioned that 1970's band URIAH HEEP, whose name is based on a Charles Dickens character.

             URIAH HEEP'S Gary Thain, who was from "New Zealand" and also died at age twenty seven; was one of our Chief's favorite bass players.  Daisy says, after listening to "Easy Living;" Mr. Dave described his playing as being "very melodic."  Frida and Diego just flew bye.

             Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about how Gary Thain got electrocuted on stage in Dallas.  He could never play as well again, ended up dying of a Drug overdose; and Mr. Steve thinks he might've done it on purpose the way his sister Celina may have done.  I smell Sage.    

    

                                    BADFINGER                                                         GRATEFUL DEAD

             (PETE HAM ON LEFT)                                                 ("RON "PIGPEN"  MCKERNAN MIDDLE FRONT)

                 Our boss told Mr. Phillip he still has a vinyl record of  an early 1970's band from "Wales" called BADFINGER.  Daisy heard they had a lot of potential, even the BEATLES hired them to work for their company.   I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Phillip is from Wales too.

           Mr. Ralph read that a guy in BADFINGER named Pete Ham killed himself at the age of twenty seven, and it was over "financial issues;" or money.  BADFINGER'S named comes from a BEATLES' song I guess.   Mr. Ralph heard one of the other members also committed suicide.

           Our Gopher is named after that guy in the GRATEFUL DEAD, who I guess also died at twenty seven too.  When Mr. Ralph said his last name was "McKernan," our Chief told him he used to know a family from Sylmar with that last name.  A Train just whistled faintly. 

   

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

   

          In my books I've learned how common it is for Musicians to be "Ripped Off" financially by the business people.  Often their poverty or young age is taken advantage of.  One early 1970's band who was famous but ended up with little money was GRAND FUNK RAILROAD.               

          "GRAND FUNK" are from "Michigan" and, were like BADFINGER in not making much money but, at least didn't commit suicide Daisy thinks.  Mr. Steve told a customer in Michigan he used to have their 1970 "Live" album but sold it.  The Parts Manager knew that album.                

         I guess GRAND FUNK were one of those three piece bands Mr. Steve likes, and he and the Parts Manager talked about how, as one of those "Arena" bands I've written about; they were      really famous in the 1970's  A flock of Birds is flying over Libby's Corral and moving east.            

                                                       

GENESIS

 

       Oh!  All of a sudden I hear the flute playing on that GENESIS song "Musical Box, and it's making me feel a happy sense of "Rhêma!"  Boy!  I can't wait to someday hear that other song    about the giant Hogweed plant Daisy's told me about.  She says it's as good as Musical Box.          

         In my books I've written about that kid Jason who's learning to play guitar.  Mr. Steve told him when Daisy runs she reminds him of the JUDAS PRIEST song called "You've Got Another Thing Coming." And as I've said, she does kind of run like a little "Panzer" Tank.

          As I've mentioned a few times already in my books, Mr. Steve likes Three Piece bands.  But he also appreciates bands with two guitarists too; like JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN or that one 1970's band called THIN LIZZY.  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye right now.   

   

          JUDAS PRIEST                            THIN LIZZY                            IRON MAIDEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I guess Mr. Steve has never seen JUDAS PRIEST or IRON MAIDEN play.  But he and his girlfriend Sandy saw THIN LIZZY "Open Up" for QUEEN at the Forum.  As I've said, that kid Jason was sort of afraid of Daisy and I the first time he ever came over here to our house.              

           I've written about how, when people come to our house; I sprint like a Cheetah and bark as I run towards the front gate.  Daisy usually jogs behind me but at times will run too but she's not nearly as fast a runner as I am.  I always arrive at the front gate way before she does.  

          That kid Jason said seeing Dais rumbling up behind me was even more intimidating than me running back and forth in front of the gate barking.  As I've said a few times, I'm pretty good at acting mean.  I smell the clump of Joshua trees over there near Libby's Corral right now.

                                          

                                                                 DAISY CÓRDOVA

                                                                                        

          I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Dais has the ability to puff herself up and make herself seem bigger than she really actually is.  The Ducks are quacking over there, as usual; by far the loudest voice of Daffy's.   The strong scent of Penstemon just floated in.

         The more I think about it, the more JUDAS PRIEST'S song fits Daisy; especially when she moves from a trot and breaks into her gallop.  Wow!  I'm hearing that song You've Got Another Thing Coming right now.  And it's giving me a lot of energy to finish this third and final book.   

         Pretty soon our Chief will start coming outside in the mornings to do some yardwork again, so I'll be able to hear a lot more music on his Boombox.  Daisy one time told me about this other really good JUDAS PRIEST song called the "Hellion."  Boy!  I wish Heathcliff was here!

                   

                                                                    JUDAS PRIEST

            Daisy told me our Chief thinks the second JUDAS PRIEST Drummer is perfect for them.  He's steady but "Flashy" too.  And, even though there's no comparison he says; that Drummer is also "Ambidextrous" like Mr. Steve so uses both hands to hit the two "Crash" cymbals.

           In a Video Daisy and Millie one time saw a tv show where JUDAS PRIEST'S Singer drove a big Motorcycle right onto the stage.  Wow!  I'd really like to see that.  I just glanced up and can see two long, kind of fuzzy; white vapor trails crisscrossed way up there in the high sky.   

          No matter how many times I think about it I still find it hard to imagine how anyone could have even figured out how to make such a complicated thing like a Plane.  How was that German guy Karl Benz able to built his first three-wheeled Car?  Cher just jogged bye right now. 

     

                             LAIKA (1957)                           HAM (1961)                         FELICETTE (1963)

                                                                                                                                                        

                Oh!  Seeing Cher reminds me about how I've totally forgotten to write about a French Astronaut girl Cat named "Félicette."  I was supposed to find out about her when I wrote about the Russian Dog "Laika" and the Chimpanzee "Ham."  But somehow I kept missing her.

            This one Encyclopedia says Félicette, who I notice sort of looks like Cher in the picture of her; was a "Persian" Cat and the "only Cat ever successfully launched into space."  Boy!  I guess that Cat Félicette's face was later put on a few of those Postage Stamps.  She's so lucky! 

            Ah!  I notice Félicette was sent up into space on October the 18th of 1963.  About a month after that President Kennedy was assassinated back in Dallas.  I've mentioned a few times in my three books how our Chief's brother Rock in Texas was born on October the 17th.       

  

"FELIX THE CAT"

                 This is interesting.  It says here how, originally that girl Cat Félicette was named "Felix;" after the cartoon Cat with a Magic Bag Daisy's told me about a few times.  Mr. Steve was told by a guy from France the "Press" thought Félicette was a boy so just changed her name.

            Dais says in real life that boy Cat Felix is talented and even knows how to paint.  He says  says, "Righty-o!" and then laughs.  His Magic Bag turns into anything.  I just glanced up and see Goliath using the wider right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the desert.

           I guess Felix's enemy's a Professor who tries to steal the Magic Bag.  But, sometimes he'll reluctantly agree to help fight the evil "Master Cylinder."   That kind of sounds like how, back in ancient Greece; Athens and Sparta would temporarily stop warring to fight the Persians.     

  

"FELIX CHEVROLET"

ARTWORK BY STAN CLINE    

   

                   One time on the phone Mr. Steve and that girl Miss Susan at work talked about an Auto Dealership in downtown Los Angeles called "Felix Chevrolet."  A good painting shows how the Dealership looked back in 1957.  That was the year our boss's brother Rock was born.

            Mr. Steve and Miss Susan, over the many years; have both seen the big three-sided Felix Chevrolet sign when they've driven by on the #110 "Harbor" Freeway.   And both remember the Felix Chevrolet tv ads they saw as kids growing up.  I can smell the new Roses over there.

            Mentioning the ancient Greek City-States of Athens and Sparta makes me think of that one time Daisy and Millie heard our Chief talking to that one customer in the State of Georgia.  I guess the Parts Manager is originally from a small town called "Sparta."  I really like Roses. 

    

GEORGIA   

     

                 I guess that town Sparta, which is even smaller than Piñon Hills; was created way back in 1795.  That guy in Georgia said it only has "a few thousand" people living in it, is located near to the "Savanah" River; and was named for ancient Sparta.  Dawn's sad howling over there.

            The Georgia map doesn't show Sparta but I notice how "Athens," where those bands the B-52'S and REM are from; is to the east of Atlanta.  The Parts Manager told our boss about one of those big jails called "Prisons" near Sparta back in Georgia.  I like how Blinky smells.

                 Oh!  Looking at the map of Georgia suddenly makes me think about that 16th century man named Gerardus Mercator, who is famous for making the first book of "Maps."  He lived in "Flanders," an area now part of the country of "Belgium."  He called his book an "Atlas."

       

 GERARDUS MERCATOR (1512-1594)

    

                  I was supposed to learn about that guy Gerardus Mercator all the way back on Thursday in my first book, but missed him.  Then, I did it again yesterday, and was really angry with that; until Dais told me he'll fit in with a lot of different subjects.  And of course she was right.

           It says here Gerardus Mercator was what they call a "Cartographer."  Daisy told me how our boss, in the guest bedroom closet; has a lot of different maps and a few of those really big in size books called Atlas's.  Mr. Steve and his father both like studying maps and now I do too. 

          Oh!  This is interesting how Mr. Gerardus named his book after the ancient Greek "Titan" called "Atlas."  Atlas was "condemned by the Olympian God Zeus to hold up the sky forever."  Daisy heard our boss and his dad talk about how that lady Edith Hamilton wrote about him.

   

ATLAS HOLDS UP THE HEAVENS

ARTWORK BY GUILLEPICTURES        

     

                Daisy heard our boss and his father talk about how, back in ancient Greece; the story was that Zeus punished Atlas by forcing him to hold up the "Heavens" forever.  But later it became he had to hold up the Earth itself.  My Encyclopedia talks about "celestial versus terrestrial."

           Atlas was on the losing side when the Titans lost that war against the Olympian Gods.  The "Atlantic " Ocean's name was "derived" from the Greek "Sea of Atlas," and some mountains in northwest Africa are also named after him too.  Two of the Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.

          Oh!  It says here Atlas's daughters were those "Hesperides" sisters, who the city near us is named after.  Wow!  And those "Pleiades" Nymphs are his daughters too.  I've  mentioned before how that one famous "Star Constellation," or "cluster of Stars;" is named after them.  

 

PLATO (c.428-c.348 B.C.) / "ATLANTIS"

    

               Oh!  It says here that place called "Atlantis," which I've written about in my books; was also named for Atlas the Titan.  In that guy Plato's story it was called "Atlas's Island."  Goliath is right now using the right slot on the side of the gate to crawl out into the eastern desert.

           Gerardus Mercator called Atlas the "first great geographer," which is why he named his book of maps after him I guess.  Daisy heard our Chief's father say Gerardus Mercator's maps turned out to be really important in the history of "Navigation."  A Train whistled faintly.

           I guess Atlas was also part of the story's about "Hercules" and "Perseus."  I've mentioned before how one of Hercules "Tasks" was to capture that fierce e three-headed Dog "Cerberus," who guarded the entrance to "Hades;" which is sort of like our Hell.  I smell Penstemon.

           

SISYPHUS                                                                                DEVO

            

            Atlas's story kind of reminds me of that other story about "Sisyphus," who had to keep rolling the huge boulder up a hill every day; only to see it roll back down so he then had to start all over the very next day.  Right now all of a sudden I'm hearing DEVO'S song "Snowball."

            According to what it says here, that guy Sisyphus was punished by Hades, "God of the Dead," and "King of the Underworld."  I guess that lady Edith Hamilton wrote a lot about the ancient Greek idea of the "Afterlife."   Charlie Company is filing bye in front of the Sheds.

           Daisy one time heard our boss and Miss Susan at work talking about how today the word "Sisyphean" has come to mean something that takes a lot of extra work, but is going to end up being "For Nothing" anyway as they say.   I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.

                                  

 "MEDUSA"                                                "PERSEUS"     

                                                                                                            

                 Oh!  This painting shows what the caption says is a "Gorgon" named "Medusa," and she reminds me of my bad Angel "Lilith."  Wow!  Medusa's hair was Snakes, and if she looked you in the eyes you turned to stone.  But that guy Perseus was able to kill her and cut her head off.

            Someday I want to see "Clash of the Titans," which our boss likes.  Daisy told me in that movie Perseus kills Medusa.  I guess, Perseus gave Medusa's head to the Goddess "Athena;" and that's why some Athenian Soldiers then painted Medusa's head on the front of their shields.

            Ah!  I just noticed Blackbeard dive down to the ground and kill a little Garter Snake right behind the gate.  And now Anne is landing too to help him if necessary.  But it won't be necessary as Blackbeard killed it really fast, and is looking around for anyone who might try to steal it.    

       

 2014 VOLKWAGEN "ATLAS"    

          

         One time Daisy and Millie were laying in the hallway, outside of Mr. Steve's office; and heard him talking to this "Volkswagen" customer from back east.  I guess they discussed one of    those "Sport Utility Vehicles" I've mentioned over the last three days.  It's called "Atlas."            

         From what Daisy heard, that Parts Manager knew a lot about the history of Volkswagen; and told our boss about German Car making.  He really admired that lady Bertha Benz, and said she reminded him of his mom in some ways.  He knew about the history of "Electric" Cars.          

      Daisy says one time our Chief and a Chevrolet Parts Manager talked about the history of electric Cars.  I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how, in 2014 the main company making those electric Cars is  named after that smart man Nikola Tesla.  Dawn's barking.             

   

FIRST "OPERATIONAL" ELECTRIC VEHICLE 

(THOMAS PARKER IN MIDDLE / 1884) 

                   It says here how the first "operational" Car was built by a man named Thomas Parker who lived back east.  A picture shows him sitting in it, and I can tell it's old by those round hats his two friends are wearing.   Samson and Delilah just now flew over Libby's Corral.

                   I guess, in Scotland; a man named Robert Anderson built the first electric "motorized carriage" in the 1830's.  But, because "galvanic celled batteries could not be recharged;" it was only able to go a short distance.  But I'll bet in those days everyone was totally amazed.

            The first actual "Rechargeable" battery wasn't  invented until 1859, which was only two years before the American Civil War broke out.  Ah!  Thank You God for making the afternoon air so clear to breath right now.  But, I just wish Heathcliff was here to enjoy it with us. 

          

"LUDDITES"

PAINTING BY PETER JACKSON

              Oh!  This is kind of interesting.  In 1837, when the first electric-powered "locomotive" was invented back there in Scotland; "steam engine" Mechanics were like those "Luddites" in England.  They also destroyed the machines they were afraid would replace them too.

              In the painting of those Luddites you can really tell those "Weavers" were mad.  Two of the Luddites are swinging axes trying to break the machine which threatened to take away their only was to "Make a Living."   Mr. Steve has a few axes and things like that inside Manny.

             Daisy heard our boss and that Chevy Parts Manager talk about the first electric Race Car and I see a good picture of it.  Speedy just zipped right through the left vertical slot on the side of the gate, and disappeared into the field.  The dust he left is still floating in the air.    

                            

"JAMAIS CONTENTE" (CAMILLE JANATZY / 1899)

                  Boy!  The caption below the picture of the first electric Race Car says it shows this man named Camille Janatzy.  I guess, he was from Belgium but lived in France; and his Race Car was shaped like a cannon shell or one of those "Torpedo."  I sort of like how white tires look. 

            The name of that first electric Car was "La Jamais Contente," or French for "The Never Satisfied."  Race Car Drivers, who went sixty miles per hour in an "Aluminum" Car; only wore hats and not helmets I guess back in 1899.  Whew!  There were no "Roll Cages" then.

            Looking at the Mulberry tree, which doesn't have any leaves yet this year; reminds me of an electric Car Dais told me about.  She said one time a girl came over to our house and her Car was a Nissan "Leaf."  Andy's over there alertly guarding the entrance to their burrow.

  

2014 NISSAN "LEAF"

                 Daisy told me when that girl came over it was the first time she ever noticed how electric Cars don't make any noise like gas vehicles do.  One time a customer told Mr. Steve how Nissan has been making electric Cars since 1946, the year after World War II ended.  I smell Andy.

           That Nissan Parts Manager described the small Leaf Cars as being "compact five door hatchbacks."  He said they have a "V-shaped" body style, and mentioned to our boss how their motors are in front and they have "front wheel drive."   A Train just whistled faintly. 

           Mr. Dave back in New Mexico used to have a Motorcycle Shop customer up in Northern California who also played drums.  He told him about this band from the city of "Sacramento" named after Nikola Tesla.  They were from the mid-1980's into the early 1990's I guess.

  

TESLA

                   Our boss told Mr. Dave he was told TESLA looked like a "Hair" or "Glam" Metal band; but weren't.  Mr. Dave said they did an "Acoustic" album on that "MTV" show "Unplugged," the show NIRVANA was on before Kurt Cobaine killed himself.  Boy! No more Heathcliff.

             Per my outline the next thing to write about is how in 2014 over there in the "Democratic Republic of the Congo" terrible things are happening.  Mr. Steve and his father talked about it one time and says it's so sad.  Wow!  I can't believe this is already my tenth chapter. 

            I guess electric Car's battery's use this metal found in the "Congo."   It's called "Cobalt" and the Chinese and Congo government are "Exploiting" the poor people the way those "Robber Barons" did here in the 19th century.  You pay low wages and then just work them to death.    

           

                              KARK MARX (1818-1883)                 KING LEOPOLD II (1835-1909)      

                                                                                                                

              That guy Karl Marx didn't like how, to make money; you can excuse  almost anything in a "Capitalistic"  system.  Daisy and Millie saw this tv show that said how in the late 19th century the country of "Belgium" controlled the Congo area in Africa.  I smell some Penstemon.

           The man on the tv show described the late 1800's Congo as "nightmarish" and called it a "crime against humanity."  At that time Belgium was ruled by this guy named King Leopold II, and Daisy thinks if there's such a place as Hell he's probably in it.  Leo and Cleo flew bye.

          According to that one tv show, about ten million people in the Congo died during the time of King Leopold II.  As in America after the Civil War, many of them were paid almost nothing, had their health ruined for life; or simply died young.  Then new Workers were just hired.   

       "AMPUTEE" CONGOLESE WORKERS (LATE 19TH CENTURY)

 

              Daisy says our boss and his dad talked about how over the years people who live in the Congo area were used as Slaves to get ivory, gold or rubber.  I've written about how, even though there is no more "Official" Slavery in 2014; there is still unofficial Slavery.  Dawn's barking.

          Mr. Steve, Miss Babette, Susan and Karin have never had a "Quota" doing their sales jobs, because that guy Steve Banks who died never required it.  Our boss jokingly tells them in King  Leopold's Congo missing a quota meant having a hand cut off.  That's extreme Capitalism.

          Boy God!  It's so terrible how the system of "Colonialism" has been used to justify some of those really bad things.  No wonder that guy Karl Marx was so against Capitalism Dais thinks.  I just glanced up in time to see a flock of Birds way up there in the sky flying toward the east.   

  

"APOCALYPE NOW" (1979)

   

                 One time our boss and Mr. Dave talked about a Vietnam War movie from 1979 called "Apocalypse Now."  Mr. Steve said he used to have but sold a copy of the 1899 book "Heart of Darkness it's "loosely based on."  Mr. Steve's mom read Heart of Darkness in College.  

           Daisy heard Heart of Darkness takes place in King Leopold's Congo.  It's main idea is that there is little difference in man's "capacity for cruelty" between a more advanced and superior "Civilized" person or a backward and inferior "Savage."  Frida and Diego just flew bye.        

               Hey Blessed Virgin!  I just picked up the scent of a Rosemary plant so of course think right away of You again.  I sure hope Heathcliff is now up there with You Guys.  Rudy zoomed through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate and is now running into the back desert.

                

                                                         MAGGIE / DAISY CÓRDOVA

                     

             Hey Blessed Mother!  Daisy and I wonder, because we're each other's best friends if You had a best friend.  Daisy thinks Your Cousin Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mom; was probably it. I've mentioned how our boss's mom's Cousin Beatrice is her lifelong best friend.  

             I wonder what Dais is doing up there right now?  I've mentioned before how she doesn't really like to dance the way I do, and usually just stands there when we listen to music; while I at times do my Irish jig if I feel like it.  As I've said, I like howling more than dancing.

            Mr. Steve was so excited when we saw Daisy nodding her head slightly when that one song You've Got Another Thing Coming was playing on his Boombox.  She kind of looked like a little Bull "Head Banging."  Two long white vapor trails are crisscrossed way up there in the sky.   

                

          BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

                    

          Blessed Mother!  Thinking of You suddenly makes me feel like jumping up from Elvira and doing my STEELEYE SPAN jig.  Mr. Steve jokes I should do Spanish "Flamenco" dancing like his mom used to do.  Smelling that Rosemary plant makes me feel good right now.   

          I've mentioned how our boss's sister Susan still likes to dance too.  As I've said before, we could maybe start a dancing school for Dogs; I'd be the Teacher and we might just be able to even make some money.  At times we've wonder if Mr. Peabody knows how to dance?     

         When she was a young girl growing up in Belén Mr. Steve's mom did Flamenco dancing.  I guess they use these wooden things called "Castanets," which Daisy told me are wooden "finger clappers" that help you "Keep Time" with the other music.  I smell Libby over there.      

                               

"FLAMENCO" DANCING

                                 PHOTO BY MANUEL BOLAÑOS                        

                                                 

               This one Encyclopedia says "Flamenco Gitano" means "Gypsy Flemenco" in English.  I guess that type of music and dancing "originated" in 18th century Spain and is still popular in New Mexico.  A small Lizard just skittered bye over there near the Mulberry tree.

                  As I've mentioned a few times over the last three days, the area now called "New Mexico" was first visited by the Spanish in the mid-16th century when that man Coronado looked for the "Seven Cities of Gold."  He didn't find them.  That Lizard ran under a big rock.

           For about a century and a half the Spanish did not come back to what eventually would be called the "American Southwest."  But finally, in 1699; that man Juan de Oñate led his famous expedition which "Colonized" the "Nuevo Mejico" region.  I still smell the Lizard.

  

              "CORONADO" EXPEDITION (1541)                      "OÑATE" COLONIZATION (1698)

                                    NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC                                                                                PAINTING BY GIOVANNA PAPONETT                                 

                   

               In all my books I've learned so much about the "Traditions" brought to the "New World," or "Nuevo España;" after Columbus's first voyage back in 1492.  Daisy says music, singing and dancing were always important to the Hispanic people of New Mexico.  Dawn's barking.

               Mr. Steve's parents families used to go to dances in Belén during "Fiesta" celebrations in August.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve and his brothers and sisters went to fiestas in Belen.  One time he got on a scary ride called the "Hammer," which made you go upside down.  

               Unfortunately for our boss Dais says, he had forgotten that he had a lot of Baseball cards in the pocket of his shirt.  So, when he went upside down all of the cards fell out and he could see them floating down to the ground below.  Luckily, he got most of them back later. 

           

                                                                                                       AL HURRICANE

                  In New Mexico there's this style of music called "Rancherita."  Daisy heard our boss and that Parts Manager Paul at the dealership in Belen talk about it.  One Rancherita Musician is a man named Al Hurricane.  He's called the "Godfather of New Mexico music."

            Daisy heard Mr. Steve say that guy Al Hurricane's real last name is "Sanchez," just like Grandma Córdova's "Maiden" name; and Mr. Rich too.  I guess, from what Daisy overheard; Rancherita songs are called "Corridos" or  "Epic" songs.  A Train whistled faintly.   

                  That guy Al Hurricane, who in the 1950's and 1960's "Opened Up" for "Fats" Domino, Chuck Berry and Marvin Gaye; wore an eyepatch from a Car accident.   He's still know for how he adapts and improvises on stage.  His kids and brothers are in his band I guess.

 

                                                                                                      NEW MEXICO

                  Daisy's never heard any Racherita songs but heard our boss say those Corridos are also called "Story" songs.  They were influenced or "Had their Roots" in the mountains and ranches in Northern Mexico and New Mexico.  It's a unique style of Spanish music Dais heard.

            I guess a lot of different types of musical instruments are used in Rancherita music, even those accordions I'm so curious about.  Over the last three days I've mentioned that Greek word "Rhêma" a lot.  Some people think it would be translated as being, "The Living Word."

                 Mr. Steve's father believes music can be a pleasant temporary distraction or escape from most people's uneventful lives.  Me too!  I'll never, ever forget that warm morning when I heard GENESIS' song "Musical Box" for the first time.  Boy!  I really love the sound of flute! 

        

TEXAS "LONGHORN"     

         

                   I just looked up the word "Maverick," and it means an "unbranded range animal" like some Cows or Horses.  Daisy heard that name when she and Millie saw this tv show about those Cows called "Texas Longhorns" I've mentioned before.  Donald and Daisy are quacking.

            The man on the tv show mentioned how at one time there were wild "Mustang" Horses in places like New Mexico and Texas.  I've mentioned before how there are some wild Donkeys out here in California.  Libby's walking slowly around her Corral and I just now smelled her. 

                 Over the last three days I've written about that time when the man and wife from Barstow came to our house.  They knew about Donkeys and told our boss about this other couple named Mark and Amy Meyers who work together as a team to rescue Donkeys.  I smell Juniper.   

               

          DONKEYS                            ANTELOPE VALLEY             MARK / AMY MEYERS / IZZY    

                                 

           I guess, Mark and Amy Meyers began rescuing Donkeys in 2001 when living in "Acton."  That's the "Antelope Valley," where our boss's brother Sam lives with his family in "Littlerock." Daisy heard a road there is named "Agua Dulce," which is Spanish for "Sweet Water."    

          Before the recession our boss had a customer in "San Angelo," Texas.  I guess that's where the Meyers moved their "Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue" business a few years ago.  The couple from Barstow said they ran their organization from the city of "Tehachapi" for a while.

          Daisy heard Acton is about the same size as Piñon Hills, or seven thousand people.  In 1899 it was "considered" for California's State Capitol when the Governor owned a mining business there.  In 1889 a "Saloon" began, and it's still there because Mr. Dave went to it one time.  

"RADIO CONTROLLED AIRCRAFT"

           

               I've written before about the hobby of flying "Radio Controlled Aircraft," which our boss and Mr. Vic used to take pictures and videos of in the San Fernando Valley.  A guy once told Mr. Steve they do it in Acton too.  The four Pigeons flew over the Sheds and are now moving east.

           Mr. Randy, who went with out boss to the "Animal Sanctuary" near us that time where the black Panther "Zorro" lives; says in Acton there are also places like that too.  They also have Lions and Bears and things like that too.  Ah!  A nice breeze just brought in the Twins scent.

           The lady from Barstow talked about how the Meyers have turned their rescue company into a good business in Texas by doing things like using the Donkey manure to grow hat.  The hay can be used to feed the Donkeys.   Acton, which is near the #14 Freeway; must be in a valley.

              

FRIEND / HELPER                     DONKEYS                         LARGE "POITOU"             

                                                                                                             "MEDITERRANEAN" MINIATURE          

                 

                We heard that couple from Barstow tell our boss how there's such a thing as miniature Donkeys.  So he told them about Mr. Mike's mom Miss Phyllis, who has miniature Animals; like her little girl Horse "Nakoma" for example.  Dawn and Blinky are now barking over there.

            A picture shows a girl with one Donkey which the caption says is "larger than usual," and one of those miniature Donkeys.  Boy!  It's too bad Cars and Trucks replaced Donkey's so now they're "Unemployed" and some don't want them around anymore.  I miss Molly the Mule!  

          Mr. Steve and his sister Susan have talked about how Horses and Donkeys are examples of Charles Darwin's ideas of "Natural Selection" through "Evolution."  Those who live in the cold areas develop thicker fur.  Those in hotter weather have short white fur to reflect the sun.   

                   

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS                                  TAYLOR SWIFT                       

                                                                                                                                                                        PHOTO BY JOHN SHEARER

   

                  We heard Mr. Randy tell our boss he was told Music Videos by people like Tom Petty and this new girl Singer named Taylor Swift have been made in Acton.  And parts of movies made by Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood have been filmed there too.  A Train whistled faintly.

             Miss Phyllis said a lot of Donkeys like to have their rear ends rubbed and scratched.  I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Daisy's all time favorite thing is to be petted by our boss.  Mr. Randy heard a few of those "Western" movies were filmed in Acton.   

           Daisy says our boss and his friend Tim one time met this man named James Garner, who used to be on one of those tv Western shows called "Maverick."  He was watching Car Racing at the "Saugus Speedway" and was very friendly.   Libby's looking over here in this direction. 

     

JAMES GARNER ("MAVERICK")

   

         Daisy one time heard Mr. Steve tell his father how that guy James Garner was kind of funny.  When an old lady jokingly asked him if there were any "Nude Scenes" in his new movie    he said to her, "No ma am!  It's not a horror movie."  Mr. Steve always says ma am too.                 

          Our boss told his father how he can "still almost feel" the handshakes of famous people he's met over the years.  And he remembers the "firm" handshake of James Garner when they    were at the Saugus Speedway that time.  Dawn's barking, and I smell Blinky next to her.               

            According to what Dais heard, there was this small 1970's Ford Car called a "Maverick" too.  One time our boss and Mr. Frank were remembering them.  I guess, back when he was at Sylmar High; Mr. Steve had a friend named Martin who's father bought him a Maverick.             

 

1977 FORD "MAVERICK"   

     

                From what Daisy and Millie heard that time our boss was talking on the phone with Mr. Frank, Mr. Steve at time many years ago did one of his line drawings of the Ford Maverick logo. It was in the shape of one of those Longhorn Cows from Texas.   A Train whistled out there.

            Mr. Steve told Mr. Frank he has some fond memories of he and Martin, and their friends and girlfriends; going to places like "Zuma" beach or a few of those different Piers I've written about over the last three days.  Finley and Fannie the Finches are flying bye right now.

            Daisy says our Chief has a customer named "Otto," who's from Germany; but is now a Parts Manager at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.  His favorite Basketball Player is also German, and is named Dirk Nowitzky.  I guess he plays for a team called the Dallas "Mavericks."         

  

DIRK NOWITZKY (DALLAS "MAVERICKS")

                 That German guy Otto talked with our boss about that guy Dirk Nowitzky, who's seven feet tall I guess.  Boy!  That's a whole foot taller than Mr. Steve so that must be really big.   Mr. Steve's brother Rock, and his girlfriend Judy; have gone to some Dallas Mavericks games.

             I guess that guy Mr. Otto knows a lot about World War II, and also likes German Heavy Metal bands like the SCORPIONS and ACCEPT.   He says, not only is Dirk Nowitzky a Hall of Fame level Player; he's also a pretty good saxophone player too.  I smell some Manzanita.

            Daisy told me the Parts Manager said he "knew well" the town of "Würzburg," where Dirk Nowitzky is originally from.  He and his wife and kids, and his sisters and their families; at times visited Würzberg.   Samson and Delilah are now flying over Libby's Corral over there.

                                               

THE "BERGHOF" ("OBERSALZBERG" NEAR "BERCHTESGADEN")

           

            I guess Würzberg is that area of Germany called "Bavaria," so over the years Mr. Steve and Mr. Otto have talked about Hitler's big house.  I wrote about it yesterday, and how it's way  up there in those "Alps" mountains I've mentioned before.   The Butterfly just went bye. 

           I like the picture of Hitler with his girlfriend Eva Braun, and their Dogs.  Another photo shows him sitting at this table, in front of that famous huge window; and you can see why people were often so amazed at the view of the Alps in the background.  Daffy's quacking over there.

           Daisy heard our Chief and Mr. Otto talk about how Hitler's house was bombed at the end of the Second World War, in April of 1945.  So, it was damaged already when the government knocked the rest down.  They didn't want it to be a "shrine" or "pilgrimage" sight for Nazis. 

                   

"KEHLSTEINHAUS" (THE "EAGLES NEST")       

            

           Daisy heard that near Hitler's "Berghof" house in the town of "Berchtesdaden," is this building called the "Eagles Nest;" where Hitler used to go to for meetings.  Hitler's house was bombed in World War II, but the Eagle's Nest is now a restaurant Dais says.   I smell Sage.

          Mr. Steve's Nephew Jacob, when he was in the military; one time visited Bavaria and that town of Berchtesgaden."  That was when he was "Stationed" in Italy for a little while.  Speedy Gonzalez just used the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the back desert.

          Oh!  That new Hawk just flew bye and it looked down at me here on the Patio while going bye.  The afternoon sky is so pretty right now, with some long wispy clouds way up there above the eastern horizon.  Max and 99 went zooming bye and are now going over Libby's Corral.       

                                   

                                                                              DJANGO REINHARDT (1910-1953)

                  All of a sudden I just thought about that guy Django Reinhardt the guitar player.  I wrote about him yesterday, and how his left hand got burned so he had to create his own new way to play guitar all over again; with only two fingers.  Ugh!  Dais thinks his fingers were melted. 

            A year ago Mr. Steve did art for a lady who's Gypsy family came from Iran.  They talked about that guitar player Django Reinhardt and he told her about BLACK SABBATH'S Guitarist Tony Iommi and how he adapted after losing finger tips.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.

           That one lady told Mr. Steve that in her family, rather than Gypsy; they prefer the names "Roma" or "Romani."  According to this Encyclopedia, the Roma people originated in India but then migrated to many other places in the world.  A Lizard ran and hid under a rock.

     

"MIGRATORY" PATTERNS OF "ROMA" PEOPLE

 

            A map shows how the Roma people migrated out of India and eventually went all around to different places.  The Iranian lady said her family thinks the main reason the Roma left India in the 12th century was Ghengis Khan's Mongol invasion.  I smell some Creosote.

            Hey God!  I guess the Roma are kind of like the Jews and Mormons.  They've been picked on and hounded out of most places they went to.  Mr. Steve says in 1985, when he was in Italy; he was told to "watch out" for the Gypsy's who were what they call "Pickpockets."

            I just noticed a flock of Birds flying bye way up there in the sky.  Fluffy white clouds are hanging over the eastern desert behind the Sheds and they go all the way to the far horizon.  It would be great if we'd suddenly hear Heathcliff and it turned out to be a "False Alarm." 

    

                                                                      "ROMA" GIRL

                                                                  PHOTO BY ANTONIO BALAGUER SOLER

 

                A picture shows this  pretty Roma girl wearing colorful clothes and the caption says, even though she's in Europe; she's wearing a necklace from India.  Ah!  I just picked up the scent of a Garter Snake around here.  That girl's face kind of looks like Mr. Steve's Niece Cristina.

           More Birds are starting to fly around as it gets closer to dinnertime.  Hey God!  Daisy is right in thinking it's okay to have days where we get no snacks.  As I've said before, we can just think of it as a kind of "Penance" to make us appreciate all of our food way more.   

           As I wrote before, penance is, "Self-punishment to show repentance for wrongdoing." We didn't do anything wrong God but Daisy and I are willing to accept not getting any snacks and just do our penance in Heathcliff's name?  I can smell the little baby Cholla cactus.  

    

    "ROMA" CARAVAN

                                           

                  I like the black and white "Painted" photo of Roma people in Wagons.  As I've mentioned a few times in the last three days, our boss used to paint photographs when he had a Darkroom at his house on Hagar Street in Sylmar.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye.

            That Roma lady from Iran joked with Mr. Steve that the Roma in the United States are an "invisible minority." Even though there are about half a million Roma here in America, most do not want to say they're Roma.   That's because of "Stereotyped" images of Gypsies.  

            Mr. Steve thinks, many of today's "Refugees;" the original Roma must've been brave to leave their homes and "Take a Chance" on the unknown.  But, I guess it's better than seeing your family starve or be killed.  Even going into a "Wilderness" or "Frontier" is better.

      

                                                                                   2014 NISSAN "FRONTIER" 

                  Oh!  Over the last three days I keep on forgetting to mention this one Truck Dais told me about called a "Frontier."  A guy and his daughter came over to our house and he was driving in one.   Wow!  The picture in this Encyclopedia shows a beautiful royal blue Frontier.             

           The caption calls the Frontier, which has been made since 1997; a "Crew" or "Extended Cab" mid-size "Pickup."  It's made by that Japanese company "Nissan," and in other countries it's called a "Navara."  Fannie and Freddie are flying bye and I heard them coming.     

          Daisy says Iranians live in L.A. and one time our Chief met that lady at this "Westwood" Bookstore.  An Iranian city is "Tehran so the lady jokingly called Westwood "Tehrangeles" and said Southern California's weather is kindof like Tehran's.   They speak "Farsi" in Iran. 

        

  "WESTWOOD" 

 

          I've mentioned Westwood a few times in the last three days.  Mr. Steve's old girlfriend Emily still works at U.C.L.A.  On a map I see the cemetery where his first girlfriend Sandy's father is buried.  During the 1984 Summer Olympics Mr. Steve often went to Westwood. 

      The lady took Mr. Steve to a place in Westwood where they sell "Persian Rugs."  Then they went to a Restaurant and drank tea with sweets like "Baklava" and "Bamieh."   Mr. Steve tried and liked "Barley" soup.  People play a game called "Backgammon" in Westwood.

       I guess when the Roma come to the U.S. they tell others they're whatever the country they came from so, if they're from Italy; they'll say they're Italian.   But that lady from Iran does not like that and thinks Roma should be more proud of who they are.  Dawn's barking.

                                                                                  

        CYNDY LAUPER                       IRON SHEIK                           HULK HOGAN                 

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA              

           

             All of a sudden I just thought of that Wrestler the "Iron Sheik," who Mr. Steve met at the Wrestling match at the Forum.  That's the night he also shook hands with that very friendly girl  Singer named Cyndy Lauper.  The Iron Sheik's opponent that time was "Hulk Hogan.                   

            Mr. Steve made that one Iranian lady laugh when he told her the Iron Sheik said "Persia" when asked where he was from.  "You mean Iran?" Mr. Steve said, "Oh! Yes, Iran."  Mr. Steve    joked, "I don't blame you for the hostage crisis," which made the Iron Sheik grin I guess.            

             In my books I've written about how ancient Persia had a powerful Empire, and was the Greek's biggest enemy.  But then Alexander the Great conquered them.  That Persian Emperor "Xerxes" killed all of those three hundred Spartans at the mountain pass at Thermopylae.  

                

BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE (480 B.C.)       

PAINTING BY PETER CONNOLLY                    

                  

             That Roma lady from Iran knew about how, after World War II because of the fear of the Soviet Union; the U.S. "installed" that secular leader called the "Shah" in Iran.  He was kind of like one of those King Herod type "Client-Kings."  Some of the Ducks are quacking.

             In 1979, when our Chief was only twenty four; the "Shah was kicked out of power and that guy "Ayatollah" Khomeini took over.  And, from what this Encyclopedia says; in 1980 Iran was attacked by Saddam Hussein's Iraq.  Daffy's loud voice right now makes me feel good.

      Since the time of the Prophet Muhammad's death in the late 7th century, some of those "Sunni" Muslims have fought the "Shia" Muslims.  As I've said, it was like those wars between    "Protestant" and "Catholic" Christians in the 16th and 17th centuries.  I smell Sage.                     

    

 IRAN-IRAQ WAR (1980-1988)

 

           In a photo from the Iran-Iraq war, a really young Iranian young boy is wearing a green bandana under his red helmet I notice.  That's like those Japanese "Kamikaze" Pilots who also put scarves on before a battle.  If I were ever in a war I'd want one too for good luck.                     

            Wow!  It says here, in the eight year long war between Iran and Iraq; over half a million Soldiers were killed.  So that probably means, like in many wars; the amount of wounded were    even way more than that.   Fred, Ed and Ted are all flying over Libby's Corral over there.           

           The Roma lady and Mr. Steve talked about how Saddam Hussein was Sunni but the Iran-Iraq war against Shia Iran was more "political."  Or, more importantly than that; it was simply one of those "Naked power Grabs" I've written about.  I can smell the Twin Joshua trees.

                               

                             SADDAM HUSSEIN (1937-2006)    "AYATOLLAH" KHOMEINI (1900-1989)

          Mr. Steve told the lady that Iran-Iraq war evolved into a "smaller scale" version of World War I.  It became one of those "Stalemates" where there was a "Killing Zone," or as they called  it in the First World War; a "No man's Land."  Two Crows are fighting out in the desert.              

         That guy Ayatollah Khomeini looks kind of mean in the collage of the Iran-Iraq war.  Dais thinks an "Ayatollah" must be kind of like our Priests.  I've mentioned a few times over the last    three day how our boss Mr. Steve has made many of those collages for himself and others.            

                 Daisy and Millie saw that tv show about Saddam Hussein which talked about how he even "Deployed" gas against the Iranian's in that 1980's war.  At times Iran itself used those "Human Waves" I've written about before.  Boy!  It's hard to believe this is already chapter ten.

   

SADDAM HUSSEIN

         Mr. Steve thinks, in some ways; the 1980's war between Saddam Hussein and the Ayatollah Khomeini became "personal" like in World War II between Hitler and Stalin.  I do like the beret hats Saddam Hussein used to wear.  Someday I'd like to have a royal blue one to wear.                  

             That guy Saddam Hussein was often his "Own worst Enemy" as they say.  That's what Mr. Steve thinks. Like Hitler in the Second World War he miscalculated a few times, especially in his thinking he could just go in and steal all of Iran's oil; which he found out he couldn't.                    

        Dais told me the Roma lady and our boss talked about how Saddam Hussein's Uncle really admired Adolph Hitler.  My Encyclopedia says Saddam Hussein was the leader of the "Ba'ath" political party in Iraq.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral right now.                    

ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADE LAUNCHER

PHOTO BY NABIL JURANEE

              After the U.S. beat Saddam Hussein in 2003 there were still many Iraqi "Insurgents" who  wanted to keep on fighting.  And, one weapon they used to kill the Americans was their "Rocket  Propelled Grenade" Launchers; or "R.P.G's."  A Train just whistled faintly to my left.                  

         As I've written about before, Mr. Steve thinks the history of man's ability to kill efficiently more and more people from a longer and longer range; is important.  Our boss, and his father;    have both read about the evolution of "Explosive Projectiles."  I can smell some Mesquite.            

          My Encyclopedia says the use of "exploding" projectiles has its European "origins" in the 15th century.  The "desire" to destroy people and things from "Long Distance" goes way back to the ancient world.  Andy's over there, sniffing the air; and alertly guarding their burrow.                                           

THREE TYPES OF ARTILLERY  

  

         From throwing a rock or spear, to shooting ever better arrows from always improving bows; people have wanted to kill things or defend themselves.  For most of history "solid" things were projected.  Now, those exploding "Grenades" from things like R.P.G's are common.              

             I've written about how there are three primary types of "Artillery."  The difference is the "Trajectory" each one sends out projectiles to land at.  "Guns" shoot at a horizontal or "Flat"    trajectory, "Howitzers" at a more elevated angle; and those "Mortars" the steepest of all.             

         Over the last three days in my books I've mentioned a few times how, during the Korean War in 1951 Mr. Steve's dad was a "Spotter" for artillery.  By then, like in World War I; the war was one of two sides facing off with a "No Man's Land" in between.   Dawn's now barking.           

  

GENERAL PATTON IN W.W. II "JEEP"

          During the Korean War Mr. Steve's father was often taken up to the front in one of those "Jeeps" I've written about.  It had a radio in it so was very valuable for reporting back what the observers were seeing.  Two fighting boy Finches are chasing each other near Libby's Corral.       

          One time Mr. Steve's dad's superior Officer told him, "Don't you come back without your vehicle." He then added, "Remember, you're expendable; it's not."  I've mentioned before how,    by 1951; the Korean War was one of "probing," "firefights" and "close support" combat.            

        Boy!  When smaller "hand-held" Artillery came in, like those "Bazookas" or "R.P.G'S;" only one person is needed so war becomes even more deadly.  Now you don't need a person like    Mr. Steve's father to  shoot at a target.  A small flock of Birds is flying bye way up there.                

                

                          "PANZERFAUST"                     (BERLIN / 1945)                 "HITLER YOUTH"                          

                                         COLORIZED BY BENNO WUND SHAMMER  

         

             A "Colorized" picture from 1945 shows what the caption says are two "teenage" boys carrying those "Panzerfaust's" I've written about.  On their backs are "Mauser" rifles.  The last picture of Hitler shows him talking to one of the boys who were totally "dedicated to him."

            As I've said before, Panzerfaust means "Tank Fist;" mainly because they were designed to allow one person to destroy Tanks.  But of course, because you had only one single shot; you had to get within range and that was really, really dangerous.  Andy's still on guard over there.   

           In 1945, "doggedly" and "fanatically" defending Berlin; German "Hitler Youth" killed thousands of Russians.  Mr. Steve told the Roma lady they were totally willing to die for Hitler. One of the last pictures ever taken of Hitler shows him meeting with some of those boys.  

                   

               IRAN-IRAQ WAR  (1980-1988)             

           

             A map shows the area where that Iran-Iraq war was fought, and in another picture you can see how it was partly like World War I where each side dug trenches for protection.  But, as in the First World War too; gas was used to kill each other.  Dawn's barking over there.

            I notice how the scarves and bandanas people wear into war sometimes have writing on them.  Hey God!  That's what I would want if I ever had to fight in a war.  I would want to have the whole "Hail Mary" prayer on mine but Dais would probably put the "Our Father."  

        The Roma lady told our Chief Saddam Hussein, in his handwriting; inserted the "Takbîr" phrase "Alahu Akbar" on Iraq's flag.  That was to try and get religious support.  I've mentioned a few times in my three books how Alahu Akbar means "God is Great" in Arabic.

          

            

               Hey God!  The Roma lady said You punished Saddam Hussein for being a "hypocrite."   He, unlike Ayatollah Khomeini; was never religious.  She thinks one reason he put the Takbîr on the Iraqi flag was to get both the Sunni and Shia Clerics too to support all his wars.

            That lady said a "cynical" reason Saddam Hussein put Alahu Akbar on the flag of Iraq was to try to get people in Kuwait to stop "disrespecting" it.  They were stepping and spitting on it after his armies invaded their country in 1990.  I can smell the Twin Joshua trees. 

                  One definition of "Accord" is an, "Agreement or understanding, often in contract form."  This Encyclopedia says, the Iran-Iraq war lasted from 1980 to 1988; when a "peace accord was finally agreed to."  Daisy and Millie one time heard Mr. Steve's dad use the word "deal." 

                                              

                                                   "CAMP DAVID" ACCORDS  (1978)   

            

                One time in 1985, on their Bus going north from "Tel Aviv" toward "Haifa;" Chaim the Tour Guide and Mr. Steve's father talked about 1979's "Camp David Accords."  That was when President Carter helped Egypt and Israel "Negotiate" peace.  The Twins smell so good.

            1979 was "no small thing" Mr. Steve's father thinks.  Israel's "Prime Minister" then was that guy Menachem Begin, Egypt's "President" Anwar Sadat.  Menachem Begin was criticized a lot in Israel for giving back that huge "Sinai" desert area taken in 1967's "Six Day" war. 

           After all of those wars that happened since the "Modern" State of Israel's creation back in 1948, the Camp David Accords was the first time an "Arab" country actually "Recognized" the right of Israel to exist.  Libby's scent just floated in over here, and I see her walking around.   

             

       "SIX DAY" WAR (1967)                                        EGYPT-ISRAEL BORDER            

           

                Yesterday I learned about that "Six Day" war, where Egypt lost the big Sinai peninsula. They got it back at Camp David but, unfortunately for Anwar Sadat, some Egyptians didn't like him even dealing with Israel.  That one group "Islamic Jihad" assassinated him in 1981.

          I've mentioned before how the Six Day war is called the "Third Arab-Israeli" war.   Daisy says our boss one time talked with Mr. Hussein down there in Sylmar at his "Coffee & Cream" business about Anwar Sadat.  They also talked about another man named Hosne Mubarek.

         After Anwar Sadat was killed, many of the guys who did it were themselves "Executed." Then Daisy heard, that guy Hosne Mubarek came in; and was one of those "Dictators" for about the next forty years.  His government was "Overthrown" in that big revolution in 2011.

   

          2014 HONDA "ACCORD"           

       

               I just thought about the Car Daisy heard our boss and his customer talk about, called an "Accord."  Since 1976, it's been made by that Japanese company called "Honda," and Dais says the Parts Manager told our Chief how it's been made in "a few" different "sizes and styles." 

           According to what Daisy overheard, those Accord Cars have been one of Honda's best selling Cars.  The Parts Manager said in 1982, they were the first foreign Car made in America. In 1989 Accord was the first "Import" to ever be the United States "Best-Selling" vehicle.     

          I guess in 1979, when Ayatollah Khomeini replaced the Shah; that guy Jimmy Carter was the American President.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's parents met President Carter and his wife.  Aha!  I knew I heard Max and 99 coming and sure enough, they just whizzed bye.  

                                                                                                                        PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER             AYATOLLAH KHOMEINI                                                                                                                                                                   

           Dais is so right when she told me that man Ayatollah Khomeini looks kind of strict.  But I guess Mr. Steve's parents said President Carter, and his wife too; were nice and friendly.  Boy!    Smelling the Twins out there is all of a sudden making me feel pretty good right now.                    

          I can tell that Roma lady didn't like how, in 1953; the American and British governments "facilitated" one of those "Coup d'Etats" to "install" the Shah of Iran in power.   As I've said a    few times, that's French for a "Blow against the State."  A Train just whistled faintly.                    

           Yesterday, when I wrote about the American Italian "Mafia;" I forgot to write about a guy named "Crazy" Joe Gallo.  In 1961 he led a "Coup" attempt against his "Prafaci" crime family  back there in New York City.  But it failed and I guess he later went to prison for a few years.                           

                  ALBERT ASASTASIA KILLED                                      JOE GALLO (1929-1972)                      

(OCTOBER 25, 1957)                                                                                                             

              

        "Joey" Gallo was a "Soldier" or "Enforcer" for the Prafaci family.  It was he and his brother, eight days after Mr. Steve's brother Rock was born; who killed "Murder Inc's" Albert    Anastasi in that New York City Barber Shop.  A Crow is cawing out there in the desert.                 

           A picture shows Joey Gallo "testifying" in 1958 for that government "Committee" led by Robert Kennedy.  He's wearing all black I notice, has on sunglasses even though it's indoors; and is kind of mean-looking alright.  I really think we should make glasses just for us Dogs.                  

        In book two I wrote about how Albert Anastasia led "Murder Inc."  Like that other guy "Torquemada," who led the 16th century Spanish Inquisition; his nickname was the "Lord  High Executioner."  Like Joey Gallo, he was one of those "Hit" men who had to kill people.                  

     

NICCOLÒ MACHIAVELLI (1469-1527)

PAINTING BY SANTI DI TITO

     

         I guess, while he was in prison Joey Gallo read Machiavelli's "The Prince;" which I've written about.  So, he knew how Machiavelli believed it was usually more effective for a leader to be "feared" rather than "loved."   A Motorcycle just went bye out there in the desert.                    

            Wow!  I guess Joey Gallo read Alexandre Dumas' "The Three Musketeers," and books by Leo Tolstoy and Ayn Rand too.  I written about all three of them over the last three days.  Two of the Pigeons are flying out into the eastern desert and I can hear their wings flapping.                     

           Joey Gallo got out of prison in 1970, and immediately wanted to get revenge on his former crime family; which by then was the "Columbo" family led by that guy Joe Columbo.  Oh!  And it was him who had Joe Columbo killed in 1971.   He was killed himself in 1972 I guess.                 

                                

     BOB DYLAN      

                             

              Oh!  It says here that guy Bob Dylan wrote a song about Joey Gallo.  I guess they met in New York City's "Greenwich Village" where, in 1977; Mr. Steve and his brother Rock walked      around.  Speedy just ran bye and, as usual; left behind only dust floating up in the air.                   

           As I've said before, Bob Dylan's real last name is "Zimmerman" and he was originally from the State of Minnesota.  I wonder why he wrote a song about Joey Gallo?  Well, it looks like I still have a few more things to write about Iran according to this book three outline.                    

             From 1953 through 1979 the Shah  ruled in Iran.  My Encyclopedia says the title Shah is short for "Shahanshah,"  or "King of Kings."  A kind of strong breeze just brought over to me here on the Patio the scent of Theodora's favorite Creosote bush from near Jack the Shed.                                     

     "SHAH" MOHAMAD REZA PAHLAVI (1909-1980)      

                                                                     

           Wow!  A painting of the Shah is so realistic, and I've written about how our boss thinks "Portraits" are hard to do because "Likeness" can be a subjective thing.  That's why he admires Mr. Hussein's portraits of that Basketball player Kobe Bryant.  I love medals look!                       

          Even though the Shah was a King, I notice in the painting he's not wearing a crown like other Kings do.  As I've mentioned, I'd like to have a crown even if I'm not a Queen or anything.  I just really like how crowns look, and think Dais would look pretty good in one too.                       

           The Sheds are totally in sunlight right now because the Sun is over on the west side of the house.  The shadows are leaning to the east, away from me over here on Elvira.  Even though I'm still kind of sad about Heathcliff, I can't wait to see what we'll get for our dinner tonight.              

  

MR. HUSSEIN

   

           All of a sudden I just thought of Mr. Hussein down there in Sylmar.  I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how our boss, and his mom; admire his paintings of Kobe Bryant    and Michael Jackson he has at his business in Sylmar.  All four of the Pigeons flew bye.                  

         Daisy's the one who found out Mr. Hussein is originally from Egypt.  Because he knows a lot about the Middle East and things like that our boss and his dad enjoy discussing things with him.  Daffy was quacking by himself  but now some of the other Ducks are quacking too.               

            Sometimes Mr. Hussein and his family go back to visit Egypt, so when they get back Mr. Steve and his parents like to talk to him about it.  In modern Egypt's history, like right now for    instance; there's no democracy.  The governments are "Autocratic" or "Authoritarian."                     

        

                   "GESTAPO"                          "TENKEITAI"                             "NKVD"                                  

            Mr. Steve and the Iranian lady talked about how, in history; most groups have men who's job is to kill their leader's enemies.  Whether the Catholic Church's "Inquisition," or the Mafia's "Murder Inc.;" they all did the "Dirty Work."  Two Crow's are fighting behind the Sheds.           

         I guess the Shah's "Secret Police" were called "Savak," and like Hitler's "Gestapo," or Japan's "Tenkeitai" and Stalin's "NKVD;" they tortured and killed people.  I've mentioned how the U.S. "C.I.A." has also tortured and killed a few people too.  Right now I smell the Twins.        

           Theodora just hopped up into her favorite Creosote bush near Jack.  And Cher is slinking out into the eastern desert through the wider vertical slot on the right side of the gate.  I can tell    just by how she's moving that she's also starting to get kind of hungry the way I am too.                

          

"AMERICAN HOSTAGE" CRISIS (1979-1980)

   

           On Thursday I somehow missed on my outline to write about this thing from 1979 called the "Iranian Hostage Crisis."  I guess, it happened soon after that guy Ayatollah Khomeini came into power.  A Flicker is saying "ki,ki,ki" out there in the desert behind the Sheds.                          

         Daisy saw a tv show on the Hostage Crisis.  It said when the Shah was overthrown, some Americans were "captured" by the Ayatollah's followers before they could escape from Iran; so    were then held as prisoners for over four hundred days.  The Flicker just now flew away.              

        The tv show said how the hostage crisis could not have come at a worse time for that guy President Carter.  He was running for re-election, and ended up losing to Ronald Reagan; so only served one four year "Term."  Dais says our boss thinks President Carter was very unlucky.         

 

PRESIDENTRONALD REAGAN (1911-2004)

   

           I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve and his father think power is often dual in nature. So, American Presidents get more credit than they deserve when things go well; but get more of the blame than they deserve when things beyond their control go bad too.  I smell Sage.                 

         This one Encyclopedia says, in November of 1979; fifty two American "hostages" were "taken" in November of 1979 and not released until January of 1981.  That was very terrible for President Carter because by then he had already lost the 1980 election.  Dawn's barking.               

         One time Mr. Steve and his father talked about how 1980 was not a very good year for President Carter at all.  There were many things happening beyond his control, so he probably    had to do like it says to do in Reinhold Niebuhr's "Serenity" prayer.   I like that prayer.                

     

PRESIDENT CARTER WITH WIFE AND DAUGHTER

         Hey God!  Daisy says the tv show said how President Carter and his wife really believe in You, so I'll bet they probably prayed a lot during that very horrible year of 1980.  Daisy thinks    they likely just did their best and had to accept life's unfairness.  I smell Blinky over there.            

      Mr. Steve's parents think that President Carter and his wife seem like "basically decent people."  Mr. Steve's dad thinks President Carter, wanting to avoid any "taint of impropriety;"    tried to do too much himself in not "delegating" enough.  Blinky's smell makes me feel good.        

        Daisy says Jimmy Carter and his family were "Peanut" Farmers in Georgia.  Hey Lord! The tv show said Jimmy Carter now helps poor people build houses to live in.  One of Mr. Steve's customers has relatives who go to church on Sunday where Jimmy Carter's family goes too.                                                                

     FAILED "OPERATION EAGLE CLAW" (APRIL 25, 1980)

PHOTO BY MOHAMAD SAYYAD       

      

           Oh wow!  A picture shows what happened in 1980 when President Carter tried to rescue those hostages from Iran.  It totally failed and unfortunately eight men died in that "mission."  I  notice an American who burned but it looks like his helmet is melted right onto his head.              

           I guess there were two women included in the group of hostages.  Daisy told me on the tv show it said the Ayatollah thought of the U.S. as the "Great Satan," whose liberal and permissive culture was the "embodiment of evil."  So, at times the hostages were beaten up or mistreated.     

         It was mainly Iranian students who who took the hostages back in 1979, and they really hated America so; sometimes used "psychological" torture on them.  They were "blindfolded" a  lot and often threatened with death.  Fannie and Freddie are flying over Libby's Corral.                             

1970'S GAS SHORTAGES

PHOTO BY OWEN FRANKEN

 

          Daisy says another thing which made the hostage crisis worse was that the U.S. had just come through those two periods of gas shortages.  As I've mentioned before, they called that the "Energy" crisis.  Fred, Ed and Ted just flew in and then went over the top of the house.                 

           In 1974, when our Chief was nineteen and in his first year at Valley Junior College down there in Van Nuys; he and his friends David and Chris "Car-Pooled" to Valley College.  That was because it cost a lot of money in gas to come from Sylmar.  I wish Heathcliff would crow.               

        Mr. Steve and his mom were remembering one time how he and his brother Rock would sometimes sleep in their Cars at night, waiting in line to get gas in the morning.  Those were the days of "Rationing."  I smell the new baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.                

    

"YOM KIPPUR" / "RAMADAN" WAR (1973)

         Yesterday I wrote about the wars Israel's been in since becoming a country in 1948.  That  "Yom Kippur" war was in 1973; a few months after Mr. Steve graduated out of Sylmar High. It broke out during he and his friends first semester at Valley College too I guess.                               

           This one Encyclopedia says, "in response to" the "Arab-Israeli War;" in October of 1973 there was also that big "Oil Embargo" when the oil-producing Arab countries raised their prices or even stopped selling gas to America.  Dawn's barking.  Boy!  I really like her voice.                    

         As I learned about yesterday, some people think World War III almost broke out in 1973 because; the U.S. backed Israel while the Soviet Union helped the Egyptians and Syrians.  It was sort of like the Spanish Civil War of the 1930's I guess.  Now little Blinky's barking too.                                  

MID-1970'S AMERICAN CARS (VEGA, GREMLIN, PINTO)

PHOTO BY JULIA LAPALME         

           

           I've written before how, in the 1970's because of those gas shortages; some Japanese Car companies began to compete with our traditional American Car makers.  Their smaller vehicles    replaced big "Gas Guzzling" Cars like Mr. Steve's first Chevelle.  I smell Manzanita.                     

         It was back in the 1970's when, in reaction to the Japanese Cars; those three kind of bad American Cars were put out.  In the picture of them I can see why Mr. Steve's brother Rock and  other people like the "Vega's" body style as I kind of like it now too.  A Duck is quacking.              

          Our boss and his mom remembered the 1970's "panic buying" I've mentioned before.  And I guess there were a few riots too here in America then.  "Fuel economy Standards" were created and President Nixon's Administration "implemented" the 55 m.p.h. "Speed Limit."                       

1978 CADILLAC "EL DORDO"

 

         Over the last three days I've written about some of the different Cars our Chief has driven in his lifetime.  One was that big 1978 Cadillac he inherited from his father.  He used to jokingly  call it the "Blue Bomber" because it was not going to "come out second" in a crash.                       

         Mr. Steve told his old boss Steve Banks he chuckles now in thinking about how he used to drive such a "totally ridiculously impractical" Car.  He and his father think there will most likely be a time when another gas shortage like the ones in the 1970's happens.  I smell Sage.                   

          I've mentioned before how our girl Car Theodora, and Rex the Truck; use a lot of gas too.  But not nearly as much as that 1978 Cadillac did.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying over Libby's Corral over there, and she's looking up and watching them go bye.                  

                                   1979                            HOSTAGES RELEASED                             2013                                                                                                                                     PHOTO BY EBRAHIM NOROOZI

                    

           It says here those fifty two American hostages were finally "freed" from Iran in January of 1981, which was too late for President Carter.  A picture shows three of them arriving back in  the U.S. and getting off of the Plane.  The guy on the top was named Jerry Plotkin.                         

       Daisy says our boss one time talked on the phone with his father about how, since 1979; Iranians in the city of "Tehran" burn American flags.  They chant "Marg bar Amerika" which    means "Death to America."  All four of the Pigeons are now flying over the back desert.                

          Mr. Steve and Harriet went to a party where Jerry Plotkin and his wife were at.  Harriet's dad and his wife knew them.  Jerry Plotkin was the only "non-governmental worker" hostage.     In 1979 he was just "In the wrong place at the wrong time" as Mr. Steve's father says.                  

               
              IRON SHEIK / CYNDY LAUPER       

    

             Boy!  Someday, even though Mr. Steve says it's "fake;" I really do want to see a real life Wrestling Match and Wrestlers like that Iranian guy the "Iron Sheik."  He "Played the Part" of a "Bad Guy" or "Heel."  Hulk Hogan was a "Good Guy."  Dais could be a Wrestler.                      

              As I've said a few times, Mr. Steve thinks many people like to hate.  So, in Wrestling he told the Roma lady; Promoters take advantage of that for money because many fans love good guys and hate bad "Characters" like the Iron Sheik.  It's like "Good versus Evil." 

              Yesterday I wrote about how the Boxer Muhammad Ali might've been influenced by that one Wrestler from the 1950's named "Gorgeous" George.  People hated how both of them acted but gladly paid to hopefully see them get beat up.  Rudy the Roadrunner is jogging bye. 

   

                   "GORGEOUS" GEORGE                                     MUHAMMAD ALI

         

              Mr. Steve thinks the Iron Sheik may not have liked being hated, but probably liked to make money.  As with Gorgeous George and Muhammad Ali, a lot of people paid money hoping to see them get beat up.  Samson and Delilah are flying bye and going towards the east.                          

             On that night at the Forum in 1985 the Iron Sheik asked Mr. Steve to take a picture of him with this other guy called "Mr. T."   Daisy says Mr. T was an Actor who also Wrestled as one of the Good Guys.  In the picture you can tell how they're really not enemies at all.

            When our boss first showed that picture of the Iron Sheik posing with Mr. T. to those two brothers Michael and his younger brother Patrick they said "Hey!  They hate each other!"  Mr. Steve gave them copies of the pictures he took in 1985.  Dawn's barking over there.   

                                                                                                                               

                                  MR. T / IRON SHIEK                                      "THE GLADIATOR"

                                           PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                           PAINTING BY JEAN LÉON GÉRÔME

                  

             It's kind of weird to think about how so many cultures have used violence and bloodshed as a form of entertainment.  When you dislike someone it's easier to enjoy when violence is done to them I guess.  I'm looking right now at that Gladiator painting by Jean Léon Gérôme. 

            Mr. Steve, his mom and Niece Samantha; saw that Art Exhibit of Jean Léon Gérôme's up on the hill at the "Getty" Museum.  Boy!  You can really tell by that Roman Gladiator painting how talented Gérôme was I think.  A small Garter Snake is crawling under Moe.

            In 1985, when our Chief's Tour Group saw the Colloseum in Rome; that lady Tour Guide said in ancient Rome many simply enjoyed violence for "It's own Sake."  As I've said before, for centuries some men went into the military or police so their violence would be "Sanctioned".     

  

                                                                 HOWARD STERN

          Daisy says a customer told our boss the Iron Sheik was a "Guest" on the Howard Stern radio show one time.  I wrote about how, back in the late 1990's; the flower company Mr. Steve    was working for had ads on Howard Stern's show.   Frida and Diego are just now flew bye.           

             Mr. Steve still has the Iron Sheik's business card with his real Iranian name "Khosrow" on it.  The Parts Manager said he was from the Iranian city of "Tehran."  I guess, his Wrestling "Tag Team" partner in the 1980's was a "villainous" Russian; who was once a "Good Guy."

            The Parts Manager said in 1979 when the Shah was overthrown; the Iron Sheik was one of his "Bodyguards;" and before that had been in the Iranian army.  I guess the Shah ended up "dying in exile" in 1980.  Then Mr. Khosrow became a "Heel" Wrestler here in America. 

          

                                                          "THE WOLFMAN" (1941)

           

             Mr. Steve told the Roma lady how, as a kid a scene in the The Wolfman movie made an impression on him.  An older Gypsy lady told Lon Chaney Jr. he would start turning into a Wolf whether he liked it or not.  Boy!  I'm really looking forward to seeing that movie someday.

            That would be so terrible to turn into a mean Wolf whenever the Moon is full, which is exactly what happened to that guy Lon Chaney Jr. in the movie Dais says.  So then he would go around killing people for no good reason.  It's too bad they had to kill Lon Chaney Jr.

            Usually that guy Rick Steves mainly visits European countries on his Travel Show.  But I guess one time Daisy and Millie saw this good episode where he went to Iran and found out how friendly the people are.  They invited him to come and eat at their house and everything. 

          

                                        RICK STEVES                                             ANTHONY BOURDAIN

                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

            I've mentioned before how both Rick Steves, and that other guy Anthony Bourdain too; are both Americans.  Daisy saw an Anthony Bourdain segment where he also went to visit Iran. Dais says over there in Iran they sometimes eat these rice meatballs stuffed with eggs.  

                 Speedy just zipped through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate and will now run around in the field behind Manny, Moe and Jack.  The dust he left behind in still lingering or floating in the air near and around the gate.  Andy's over there guarding their burrow.       

           Oh!  I just glanced up in time to see Max and 99 dancing near Jack.  They're right above Theodora's favorite Creosote bush, and look so happy the way they go round and round circling each other.  I wonder if they've noticed how Heathcliff's voice is missing around here?    

                 

MAX AND 99    

      

           Seeing Max and 99 makes me think about how our boss sold some things to a lady who was a member of one of the "Iroquois" Indian tribes.  Those "Mohawks" I've mentioned before  are another Iroquois group.  Max and 99 just now zoomed out into the back desert.                        

        Daisy says the lady told Mr. Steve about Iroquois dancing, and he showed her his little "Kachina" doll he has in his office.  I guess they discussed "Pueblo" Indian dancing which, like    Iroquois dancing; is important in keeping alive "Culture and Tradition."  I smell Sage.                  

           The nice lady said Iroquois society is one of those "Matriarchal" society's I've mentioned before.  Unlike most cultures which are "Patriarchal," it's the "Clan Mother" females who have the "Authority;" so tell the males what to do.  And the males have to earn their power.                  

  

                    "MOHAWK"                            "ZUNI"                                 "NAVAJO"                                                                                                                                                                                                           PHOTO BY BERT CROWFOOT

            

         That lady said the Iroquois, and other tribes; do some more modern "non-traditional" dances where girls sew bells on their dress.  So Dais thinks, when they dance it probably sounds    kind of like the chimes hanging up there above me.  Wow!  I'd love to hear that alright.                 

          Mr. Steve and the lady talked about "Pow- Wow" events they've been to.  Another dance girls do is called a "Shawl" dance.  Mr. Dave has been to some Pow-Wows where they do many    "Ceremonial" dances, and Daisy one time heard he and our boss talking about them.                     

        Hey God!  That lady said some "religious" or "spiritual" dances are done in private, to celebrate the "cycles of the changing seasons;" and also give thanks to You for life down here.      And from now on, whenever I do my Irish jig; I'm going to do that too now.  I smell Sage.             

                    

MR. STEVE'S PARENTS          

                  

             Mr. Steve told the Iroquois lady his parents have been married for almost sixty years, and she said her parents were the same way; and one reason is because they were best friends or "two halves of a circle" she said.  I just noticed Andy over there sniffing the late afternoon air.

            Daisy says in the Wolf Man movie, even though Lon Chaney Jr. turned into a Wolf; he still walked around on two legs.  Sometimes we do feel sort of different when the Moon is full but never want to go bite someone.  The next time I see a full Moon I'll howl for Heathcliff! 

         The Moon was full that one night when Molly was kicking the back fence of her Corral to warn the Mountain Lion not to come over there and try to eat her or Libby.  I can see Libby over there standing in her Corral.  Andy just now picked up my scent and is looking at me.                                                                                                 MOLLY  (LIBBY BEHIND)                       

                    

           Boy God!  I can almost smell Molly right now, and that makes me suddenly think about how Heathcliff is gone.  I can't believe I've made it this far today and just feel like it's all of You    Guys up there who must be helping me.  Some of the Ducks are quacking over there.                      

          Ah!  A breeze from the east, behind the Sheds; makes me feel good!  I just love it when I can breathe in fresh air, because it gives me energy; and I'll need it for these last three hours of    work.   I can now smell Libby, who's walking slowly around over there in her Corral.                     

           I've mentioned those things called "Rodeo's" and seeing Libby, and thinking about Molly too; makes me want to smell and see one someday.  Daisy and Millie saw one on tv and thought it totally unbelievable.  Why would anyone want to ride a really huge and angry Bull?                                                                    "BULL RIDING"                         RODEO                     "STEER ROPING"                            

                                                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY JOHN MOORE

     

          Over the last three days I've written about Horses and how they've been used by people in history.  If I someday get to attend an actual Rodeo, one thing I'd like to see is how the Cowboys  accurately rope a running Cow.  Dais told me about how it's totally amazing alright.                      

         Libby's now looking over here in this direction, and her nostrils are flaring out so; maybe she's trying to smell me over here on the patio?  Right now I feel so comfortable sitting on Elvira and want to thank Everyone up there.  But, I still wish I could smell Molly one more time.             

        One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking on the phone with one of his customers who sells the "Isuzu" brand of Car.  Dais noticed how Mr. Steve and that Parts Manager talked    about how Isuzu makes a Car called a "Rodeo."  Libby's scent just floated over here.                                    

2014 ISUZU "RODEO"        

                                                               

           My Encyclopedia says Isuzu is one of those Japanese companies who make Cars, Trucks and other things like that.  Oh!  I guess, in Japanese; "isuzu" means "Fifty Bells."  Wow!  That    company began way back in 1916, which was only the second year of World War I.                         

           I've mentioned before how "Imperial" Japan, and Germany and Italy; were the enemies of America in World War II.  But in the First World War Japan was on our side.  I guess, over in Japan the Rodeo is a Truck while back here in the U.S. it's one of those S.U.V.'S.                            

           Dais says our Chief and that Parts Manager talked about how Isuzu is known for making good motors that run on "Diesel" instead of gas.  And some other companies, like "Honda" and even "General Motors" for example; use their motors.  A Train just whistled faintly.                      

                                                                         "BRONCO" RIDING                              RODEO               "STEER WRESTLING"                                                                                                             PHOTO BY FRANK COWAN   

                                               

            Wow!  A picture shows a guy holding on as the Bronco Horse tries to throw him off, and in another one this other Cowboy jumped from his Horse; to try to wrestle a Cow onto the ground.  Boy, Dais is right; Horse riding does look kind of dangerous alright.  Daffy's quacking.                  

          I just thought of how that guy O.J. Simpson in the 1990's used to drive around in a Ford "Bronco" Car.  And from this customer told our boss, Ted Nugent also has a "Customized" and and more powerful Bronco too.  The smell of Theodora's Creosote bush just floated in.                  

         Daisy heard that guy Ted Nugent has an older Bronco made for going  "Off Road" so he can go hunting.  This man on a tv show said he sometimes uses "Bow and Arrows" instead of a    gun.  Ted Nugent is like Indians who use and don't waste anything from what they hunt.                  

JOHN ELWAY

        

       I've mentioned how our boss's brother Sam, who's family lives in Littlerock; in the 1980's played on some really good Sylmar High Baseball teams.  They played in that one game against    Granada Hills who had John Elway.  He later played and worked for the Denver "Broncos."        

         Yesterday I wrote about the Baseball game in 1988, for a chance to go play down at Dodger Stadium for the L.A. High School Championship.  Mr. Steve's brother's team barely lost out to     Granada Hills and John Elway by only one run.   Finley and his girlfriend just flew bye.               

    Finley and the girl Finch are now going over Libby's Corral, and she just happened to be looking up so is watching them going toward the southeast.  Andy's over there sniffing the air to make sure Cher or Goliath aren't around.  Ah!  Libby's scent just floated in to me over here.        

        

       MR. STEVE'S SISTER SUSAN     

   

           Unlike Rodeo Horses, the Horses Mr. Steve's sister Susan rides back there in Connecticut don't ever try to "Buck" her off and are very friendly.  I just glanced up and see Libby over in      her Corral.  I wonder if anyone ever rode Libby around when she was young and strong?             

         I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how our boss's sister Susan, and her sons Austin and Dalton too; live about sixteen miles north of "Long Island  Sound."  So they can ride, along with their Dog Bell1; down to the beach.  Andy's over there guarding the burrow.        

            Smelling Libby right now suddenly makes me think about Heathcliff being gone, and how weird it will be tomorrow morning.  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and moving all together toward the southeast.   A Train whistled faintly right now, over there to my left.          

                              "EOHIPPUS" HORSE                   

                                         

          On Thursday in my first book I learned about how there were some ancestors of Horses right here in North America before the last Ice Age ended in about 10,000 B.C.   But, too bad; as  they all went "Extinct."  One of those types was that tiny little Horse named "Eohippus."             

        As I said in book one, Eohippus was about the size of Cher the Cat and lived in a very dangerous time when things like those "Dire" Wolves and "Saber-Toothed" Lions were around.  Speedy Gonzalez ran in front of the Sheds.  Now he ran around the corner of the house.                

        In 1519 Córtez landed in what is now Mexico and "Re-Introduced" those first sixteen Horses to "Mainland" North and South America.  But on his second voyage that guy Columbus had already brought Horses, Goats and Pigs to The Caribbean.  Cher jumped up on Moe.             

        

     "BILLY BOB'S (FORT WORTH, TEXAS)

PHOTO BY ROSPOTTE PHOTOGRAPHY

            Someday I really want to smell a Rodeo.  Daisy heard our boss and his brother Rock talk on the phone one time about 1994, when they went to this place called "Billy Bob's."  I guess, it's  mainly a gigantic place to have indoor concerts and restaurants; but it has Rodeo's too.                 

         When Mr. Steve's brother took him to Billy Bob's, which is in "Fort Worth;" a guy they met inside told them how some famous "Country" Musicians, like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Charley Daniels for instance; have played concerts there.  Cher's going to take a nap.             

           A customer in Texas told our boss about this other giant "Honky Tonk," to the east of Fort Worth in Dallas.  It's called "Gilley's," and is named after Mickey Gilley; who's a Country music Musician.  Right now I can smell Blinky, Dawn and Rosie walking around over there.                    

                

"GILLEYS" (DALLAS, TEXAS)

  

         Daisy says our Chief's customer told him Gilley's in Dallas is not the more famous Gilley's where they made a movie about.  That Gilley's he said; is in a town called "Pasadena;" just like    the one we have back here in Southern California.  Cher's grooming herself over there.                 

          One time Dais and Millie saw the movie the Parts Manager was talking about, and says it is really good alright.  A machine that acts like a bucking horse or bull is in it but mainly it's about  a boy and this girl who dance with each other.  I'd sure like to go to a place like Gilley's.                

        The Parts Manager said Pasadena is near Houston, and joked early 1980's Gilley's became to Country music what New York City's "Studio 54" had in the 1970's been to Disco.  It came to  represent a "Lifestyle."  Boy!  I really think we could make money starting a Dog dance hall.       

             

WITH MOM "PATSY" / WIFE "LISA"     PATRICK SWAYZE                WITH WIFE                            

(1952-2009)  

  

          I guess it was that guy Patrick Swayze and his mom who taught the Actor John Travolta how to Country dance the right way for that movie "Urban Cowboy."  As I wrote earlier today,    Mr. Steve met Patrick Swayze and his wife one time.  Cher yawned and will lay down.                   

         Dais heard our boss tell Miss Susan how he petted some of Patrick Swayze's "Arabian" Horses.  The Parts Manager said Patrick Swayze and his wife had been together for over thirty    years when he died.  But, the last words they got to say to each other were; "I love You."               

            Oh!  I notice that guy Mickey Gilley was born in 1936, the year after Mr. Steve's mom was born; and four years after his dad.  Wow!  It says here his Cousin was Jerry Lee Lewis.  Finley    and his new girlfriend Fanny are flying all around together and being so happy.                             

                             

MICKEY GILLEY / JOHN TRAVOLTA (1980)           

                                                        

         It says here just what Dais heard when the Parts Manager in Texas said the movie Urban Cowboy "inspired" the "soft-core" Country music of the 1980's.  That's what they call the songs  of Mickey Gilley, Dolly Parton and that other guy Kenny Rogers.  I see Libby over there.              

        Cher woke up and jumped down onto the ground.  Sometimes when she does that it turns out, even though she was sleeping; she smelled something like a Lizard which ended being food.  Now she jogged through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go into the desert.             

          Someday I really do want to see that other Patrick Swayze movie Dais told me about where the boy and girl dance together.  Thinking about dancing makes me feel pretty good because, in    the "Back of my Mind; I'm still thinking of Heathcliff.  Cher's scent just came in to me.                

    

DON QUIXOTE / SANCHO PANZA

ARTWORK BY JULES DAVID

     

          All of a sudden, right now smelling Libby makes me think of that story of the Knight and his Assistant again.  I've mentioned before how, back in the 16th century; that Spanish Writer named Miguel de Cervantes wrote "Don Quixote."  Some people say it was the  first "Novel."

          I was supposed to learn about Miguel de Cervantes yesterday but missed him on my book two outline.  Daisy saw this tv show that said he also wrote a book where two Dogs talk to each      other, and in the 20th century that Psychiatrist Sigmund Freud really liked it.  I smell Sage.          

        Daisy heard our boss and his mom one time talk about that book Don Quixote.  Mr. Steve told her he met a lady who, in the 1970's; saw a Play called "Man of La Mancha" back there in    New York City.  That lady said how she and her husband also saw it over in London too.                          

MIGUEL DE CERVANTES (1547-1616)

 

         Oh!  It says here Miguel de Cervantes's family lived in Córdoba for the first nine years of his life.  Dais told me the tv show said some people think his family might've been some of those  "Converso" Jews I've written about in my books.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying bye.                 

          Mr. Steve said that Knight Don Quixote was a "romantic and nostalgic idealist" while his Aid Sancho, a Farmer; was "down to earth and practical."  Daisy says Don Quixote gets to wear  good armor and ride a big Horse, Sancho Panza rides that small Donkey.  I love Sage!                   

       Miguel de Cervantes wrote in his book, Don Quixote was a "Hidalgo;" from Spain's "La Mancha" region.   Ah!  That's how the Play, and also the movie Daisy told me about; got their names.  It says here the name La Mancha is "derived" from the Arabic word "birthplace."          

                    "BATTLE OF LEPANTO" (OCTOBER, 1571)         

                                                                                                                                                                                                              PAINTING BY JUAN LUNA 

         Daisy says the man on the tv show mentioned how that guy Miguel de Cervantes was often poor during his lifetime, and did many jobs like Tax Collector or Purchasing Agent.  Hey Lord!    It says here, as a teenager; he went to a "Jesuit" College.  Blackbeard and Anne flew bye.             

       The tv show said Miguel de Cervantes fought, and was wounded three times; in that huge naval battle at "Lepanto."  My Encyclopedia describes it as being, "The last major engagement using rowing vessels.  Wow!  Over four hundred Warships were involved in that giant battle.

         A "Trireme" is one of those ancient "Ramming" Ships, with three different levels Slaves rowing to give it power.   I've written about how in the movie Ben Hur Charlton Heston has to be a "Galley" Slave for a while.   I guess Miguel de Cervantes "lost the use of" one of his arms.             

MARTIN DE CÓRDOVA (1520-1604)

       Daisy says one time Mr. Dave called our boss and told him he was reading about this man named Martin de Córdova.  A "Viceroy" and then "Governor" in North Africa, I guess Martin    de Córdova lived at the same time as Miguel de Cervantes.  A Train just whistled faintly.               

      Just like Miguel de Cervantes a few years later, in 1561 that guy Martin de Córdova was captured in "Algiers" and his family had to pay a "Ransom."  I've mentioned in my books how a lot of fighting in the 16th century was between Catholics and Ottoman Turks.  I smell Sage.          

     The man on the tv show said many later Writers, like Alexander Dumas who wrote "The Three Muskateers;" were influenced by that book Don Quixote.  And from what Dais heard, so    was that other guy Mark Twain too.  Well, it's back to finding out about "Flamenco."                    

       

UNCLE MARTY

    

         When Mr. Dave told our boss about that man Martin de Córdova Mr. Steve told him about his Uncle Marty.  In my three books I've written about how he was the youngest of five kids and  was a Medic in the Vietnam War.  Finley and his new girlfriend Fanny flew over the Sheds.           

       Dais says Mr. Dave, who was in the Navy; seemed to be impressed when our boss told him how his Uncle Marty used his G.I. Bill to go to Harvard.  He was even more impressed when he    heard how he then graduated with one of those "M.B.A." degrees.  A Train whistled faintly.          

        Mr. Steve also told that one Roma lady about some of the different people in his family, like Uncle Marty for instance.   She also told him about some of the people in her family and how, a lot of them are dead; but "alive" in her mind.   Boy God!  I sure wish I could hear Heathcliff.      

                                            

                                                       "FLAMENCO" DANCING   

                                     

            When Mr. Steve told that Roma lady his family is Spanish from New Mexico they talked about Flamenco music.  She knew a lot about that subject and our boss ended up learning things from her.  Ah!  I just picked up the faint scent of a Lizard somewhere around here.   

            That lady knew Flamenco music and dancing has its "roots" in "Andalusia."  Over the last three days I've learned about southern Spain where that city of "Córdoba," and "Granada" too; are located.  Aha!  I just now noticed the Lizard standing right over there on the wall.  

           Mr. Steve told that lady, using Hegel's Dialectic formula; Spanish and Gypsy music kind of merged or "melded" into Flamenco.  In the 1970's, so did Jazz and Rock; to make that "Fusion" music.  "Chicago" Blues blends or combines acoustic Delta Blues with an electric guitar.     

           

                                                                                                 "FLAMENCO"     

                                                                                                                     

             Mr. Steve told that lady his mom likes Flamenco music.  Daisy thinks I would really like the dancing part and the lady used the words "energetic" and "fiery" to describe it.  Daisy told me our boss some castanets hanging on the wall behind his drums.  The Lizard's gone.   

             Dais says girl Flamenco Dancers wear fancy dresses when they dance with the boys and it's so amazing how the Dancers pound their shoes on the ground to add to the music.  Oh!  I see a picture where a girl is wearing a beautiful red dress.  Daisy would love its color.

             I guess, when girl Flamenco Dancers twirl around; their long "Feria" dress almost seems to "become a part of their bodies" my Encyclopedia says.  A talented Flamenco Dancer, male or female; can make themselves" comes together into a single organic motion."  I smell Sage.

                                                                                               Book 3 / Chapter 11   

5:30

                          

THE TWINS      

                   

              Ah! A cool breeze just blew in from the desert so the chimes are ringing.  I just picked up the scent of the Twins out there.  That kind of makes me feel good knowing some things haven't changed.  I'm thinking about You Holy Spirit and want to think I feel Your presence. 

             Boy Everyone, it's going to be weird in the morning when Heathcliff doesn't crow so that we can start our day.  Poor Heathcliff!  But, it would be so great if our neighbors got someone to replace him; even though we'll never, ever forget him.   No way!  Never!  Ugh! Ugh!

            My Encyclopedia says the end of the girl Flamenco Dancers' dress is called a "Train."  In Spanish I guess they call that area the "Bata de Cola."  From what I can figure out in using my Spanish Dictionary, Bata de Cola would be translated to mean, "The end of the Dress." 

  

GIRL WITH "CASTANETS"

 

            Oh wow!  Dais would love the dress this one pretty girl is wearing in a good picture of a Flamenco Dancer.  And she has a big giant red flower in her hair and I notice she's holding those wooden castanets in her hands.  To this day Flamenco dancing is popular in New Mexico.

            According to what it says here in my Dictionary castanets are, "A pair of small, hollowed-out pieces of wood clicked together in the hand in time to the music."  This is interesting.  I guess "castanet" comes from the Spanish word "Castanea," or "Chestnut;" which is wood.  

           That Roma lady knew about "Palmas," a type of hand clapping Flemenco Dancers do as they dance.  She told Mr. Steve she thinks Flamenco music "blends three things," Roma, Spanish and even Arabic.  Rudy the Roadrunner is jogging bye with a dead Lizard in his mouth.

  

RONI BENISE

                 Mr. Steve told the lady about a Guitarist named Roni Benise, who's originally from the State of "Nebraska;" but now lives out here in California.  He used to play electric guitar in some bands but now only plays acoustic guitar.   Two of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral. 

             Dais one time saw a "BENISE" concert on tv, and says he plays songs with good Dancers in them.  His music combines flamenco with other styles of music, like "Tango" from Argentina; or Brazilian "Samba."  Roni Benise's music has been described as being "Nouveau Flameco."

                    I guess, our boss read when he first came to Los Angeles that guy Roni Benise was kind of poor.  So, he did things to make money; like cleaning pools the way Mr. Steve's brother Sam does.  He played on the streets, "Busking" like Eddie Spaghetti does over there in Phelan.

  

"SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO" MISSION

PAINTINGS BY STELLA CÓRDOVA

                 Mr. Steve told the Roma lady Roni Benise filmed a Video at the Capistrano Mission.  I've mentioned a few times how his mom did paintings of that Mission, for the Art Exhibit they had there.  One painting shows Mr. Steve's Nephew Jacob, as a kid; holding a white Pigeon.

                  I guess, at first Nightclub owners didn't want to hire Roni Benise to play; because they didn't think Latin type rhythms would "Sell."  Daisy says his songs are influenced by music from all over the whole world, like Cuba and Sri Lanka for instance.  He has African sounds too.

             Daisy thinks, if I were ever to see that guy Roni Benise play; I would probably like all of the Dancers the most.  I'll bet Roni Benise has definitely gone back there to Spain, just because of the type of music he likes best.  I wonder if there's such a thing as Heavy Metal Flamenco? 

         

"SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO" MISSION      

        

                   In my three books I've learned about some of the twenty one "Alta" California Missions.  Other than the San Fernando Mission; Mr. Steve and his mom know more about the Capistrano Mission than any other.  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral and moving east.

             Mr. Dave noticed how, when you go to Capistrano Mission you see it's located right in the middle of modern things; like Cars driving around and business's all around it.  San Fernando Mission is like that, and so are the ones in San Diego and Santa Barbara.  Dawn's barking.

            Mr. Steve and his parents have at times thought about how, when you go to a Mission; you sense the past blended in with the present.  Mr. Steve's mom loves to walk slowly all around the historic area, which they say is California's oldest "Residential" neighborhood.  I smell Sage.

        

 FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA (1713-1784)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA        

        

          Dais heard Mr. Dave tell our boss one of his old Motorcycle Shop customers in Texas said what's left of the "Alamo," back there in Texas; is totally surrounded by a modern city.  It says    here Father Serra "said Mass" in the Capistrano Mission Church.  I smell Blinky over there.       

           I guess the only thing left of Capistrano's Church are "ruins," from when that really huge 1812 earthquake happened; and over forty people were killed inside when the walls "collapsed." The Video that guy Roni Benise did was filmed in the ruins.  I smell Rosie next to Blinky.              

        Capistrano Mission began in 1876, the same year the Revolutionary War started; and the "Declaration of Independence" came out.  Oh!  The very first vineyard ever to be grown in Alta  California was down there at the Capistrano Mission.  Frida and Diego just now flew bye             

         

                CALIFORNIA INDIANVILLAGE                 FATHER LUIS JAYME KILLED

                                          PAINTING BYMARY LEIGHTON THOMSON 

        

                Daisy says Mr. Dave knows about the "Acjachemen" Indians, who were living in the San Juan Capistrano area when the Spanish first "Colonized" Alta California.  The Spanish called them "Juaneños."  Mr. Dave once read about their villages of "Panhe" and "Putuidem."

           In book one on Thursday I mentioned how, in 1775, those "Kumeyaay" Indians killed a Priest near the "San Diego" Mission.  Mr. Dave said he once met this Acjachemen guy who told him all about that "mini" revolt in San Diego.  Some of  Indians became Catholics too.     

           The Acjachemen people called Putuidem their "Mother Village," which probably means it was their capitol.  Wow!  People first came into the Capistrano area about nine thousand years ago.   I guess there were about two hundred thousand people in California way back then.   

     

RICHARD EGAN (1842-1923)

                  Daisy says our Chief's mom read about an Irish man named Richard Egan who, in the late 19th century; was kind of like the "King of Capistrano.   It says here he came to America as a "ten year old" orphan.  Oh!  He fought for the South during the American Civil War. 

             I guess, three years after the Civil War, that man Mr. Egan came out here to California, bought land in San Juan Capistrano; and became it's "most important citizen."  Wow!  He knew five languages, and "quickly" learned Spanish.  No one spoke English back then in those days.

            Because the people in that area knew he was "firm but fair," Richard Egan became the area Judge and many other things too.  Everyone "respected his decisions" and totally trusted his opinions as being the smartest person around.  Finley and Fanny just flew bye right now.   

                                

                 "RAMONA"                           HELEN HUNT JACKSON (1830-1885) 

          

                Oh!  Helen Hunt Jackson, who wrote that book "Ramona" about Native Californians of the late 19th century; came to Richard Egan for help.  A Priest would not help her do research until Mr. Egan "vouched for her."  Daisy's Guardian Angel is also named Ramona too.

            Mr. Steve and his parents, when Tour Guides; read about how people like Richard Egan helped restore what were then mostly ruins at the Missions.  He started to rebuild Capistrano so those who followed him had something "to build on "Mr. Steve says.   I can smell Libby.

            I guess, from what Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Dave, Richard Egan had a lot of land and one of the things he grew were Olive trees like the one's that used to cover parts of Sylmar.  One time, in 1818; San Juan Capistrano was "looted and sacked."   Libby's now looking at me.

                                                    SWALLOW                               ME-262                         SWALLOW NESTS                                            

                  I just thought of the dream I had last night about those "Swallow" Birds, who go every year to make nests at Capistrano Mission.   In book one I mentioned how a girl told our Chief if you dream about a Swallow it's a sign of good luck.  But, with Heathcliff gone; I wonder.

            Back on Thursday I mentioned how that very first "Operational" World War II Jet was nicknamed "Schwalbe," or "Swallow" in German.  Hey God!  Daisy thinks me dreaming about those Swallows is a sign of good things to come, and I kind of want to believe her on that idea.  

            Daisy says our boss's mom's Girl Scout Troop's sang a song called "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano."  Bing Crosby did it in 1940, and Pat Boone sang it in1957; the year Mr. Steve's brother Rock was born.  Millie really liked that song from what Dais told me.        

                                                                           FRANCIS DRAKE (c.1540-1596)                  HIPPOLYTE DE BOUCHARD (1780-1837)                                                                                                                              

                A painting shows a "Frenchman" wearing good shoulder epaulettes named Hippolyte de Bouchard, who led the raid on Capistrano in 1818.  Mr. Steve thinks he, like Francis Drake; was a "Pirate" but called "Privateers" so wasn't hung.  You can also call him "Hipólito" too.  

           The caption below the painting of Hipolyte de Bouchard says he worked for the country of "Argentina" in 1818, so his raid was "sanctioned."  Francis Drake was also given permission to be a Pirate in the late 16th century.  He sailed here to California and called it "New Albion." 

           It says here Trains made it to the Capistrano area in 1887, the first "Depot" built in 1894.  Mr. Steve heard roof tiles from the Mission ruins were later "salvaged" and used to rebuild that depot.  The word "disrepair" is used here to describe how the Mission looked in those days.

               

          SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO "TRAIN DEPOT"                                            "METROLINK" 

         

               Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss tell his mom how he met a person who took the "Metrolink" Train from Los Angeles to Capistrano.  His wife and kids, and his sister's kids too;  really like it and want to do it again.  The Train goes along the beach from what Dais says.  

                It says here the "Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe" company sent Trains to the Capistrano area first.  Daisy says Huell Howser did a good episode about San Juan Capistrano.  Theodora flew in, landed near Moe; and then ran and jumped up into her favorite Creosote bush.

           In 1974, when he was one year out of Sylmar High School; "Amtrak" Trains started going down there to the Capistrano area Mr. Steve told his mom.  And now those Metrolink Trains take people there too from what Daisy heard.  Oh!  A Train whistled faintly over there to my left. 

 

HIGH DESERT BUNNY RABBIT

     

                I just noticed a Rabbit a Bunny Rabbit standing out there in the desert behind the Sheds. It better be careful because that new Hawk has been hanging around here a lot today.  Yup!  The Rabbit hopped away and went underneath this bushy Creosote bush near the back fence.

           Wow!  I can't believe it God that this is the end of chapter ten so that means I only have two more chapters to go in my three what turned out to be really long books.  Hey You Guys!  I could not have done it without all of Your help so thank You so much.  Dawn's barking.

           I'll hide everything and go pee where I've been going over the last three days, that it; the northeast corner of our two acres near the fence.  I'd say, based on by the angle the shadows are leaning it's about five thirty in the afternoon.  Thank you Heathcliff if you're helping me too!

                                             

                                                                Book 3 /  Chapter 11  

5:30  

LATE AFTERNOON SKY

                       

          Well, I'm back after going pee in the corner of out property; and when I was there saw that same new Hawk that's been hanging around here today.  So it's a good thing the Bunny Rabbit is now hiding under the big Creosote bush out there in the desert.  A Train whistled faintly.

          Oh!  All of a sudden Vivaldi's song "La Primavera" just came into my head.  It's giving me a feeling of energy to finish these final two chapters of this last book.  While I was going pee this flock of Birds went bye up in the sky, and another flock of Birds is going bye right now too. 

          Ah!  Now all of sudden GENESIS'S song "Musical Box" flowed into my thoughts, which is giving the that uplifting feeling of "Rhema" I've written about so much over the last three days.  My right nostril just picked up the blended scent of Blinky, Dawn and Rosie.  I like that! 

                                  

                                                      CARLOS MONTOYA (1903-1993)

                        

                I just thought of that time back in the 1970's when Mr. Steve and his friend Chris saw Carlos Montoya play guitar at "Busch Gardens" in Van Nuys.  That night, because the audience was kind of small; they got to sit right near Carlos Montoya as he played.  Daffy's quacking.  

             Daisy says, as our boss and Chris watched Carlos Montoya play; they "Couldn't believe their Eyes" so to speak.  The "Dexterity" in his fingers was incredible.  I've mentioned how Chris joked after the first song he was going to quit playing guitar, but he was just kidding.  

             Mr. Steve was told Carlos Montoya is now known as the Musician who "transformed" Flamenco music into a "separate" musical style.  Dais heard our Chief tell Mr. Dave he used his right picking hand to sound like a snare drum.  His finger movement was unbelievable.   

             

                   BUDWEISER BREWERY        "BUSCH GARDENS"          BIRD SANCTUARY 

PHOTO BY CRAIG BAKER                                                                                                                                                                                               

                   

        I've mentioned before how the actual gardens at Busch Gardens were next to a tall beer "Brewery."  It's the tallest building in the San Fernando Valley, and has been called the "world's  most modern" Brewery.  Mr. Steve and Sandy walked around Busch Gardens a few times.            

      When our boss and Chris saw the Newspaper ad that listed "Carlos Montoya" at Busch Gardens it didn't seem possible it could be the "Real" Carlos Montoya.  But, it was alright; and  turned out to be totally amazing.  They even got to say hello and then shook his hand too.              

          Daisy says when Mr. Steve thinks of  Busch Gardens he not only remembers the times he and Sandy walked around looking at the beautiful flowers and different Birds, but also how he    and Chris saw Carlos Montoya; who told Chris to "practice."  Dawn's barking.  I like her!           

              

T-BONE WALKER               JIMI HENDRIX                STEVIE RAY VAUGHN      

                    (1910-1975)                          (1942-1970)                                (1954-1990)                                                                                                                PHOTO BY HENRY DILTZ                                         PHOTO BY DAVID PLASTIK

          

              In 1990, when Mr. Steve saw Stevie Ray Vaughn play guitar behind his back on "Texas Flood;" he thought of Carlos Montoya.  I mentioned yesterday how he played behind his back in "Tribute" to T-Bone Walker and Jimi Hendrix.  Those guys even played with their teeth too.        

           T-Bone Walker died on March the 16th, which is also our boss's sister Susan's birthday.  The caption below a picture of him says he was one of the first to use the  electric guitar to play    Blues louder.  Oh!  Finley and Fanny just flew bye again, and still seem to be really happy.            

            I guess, T-Bone Walker was born in Dallas just like Stevie Ray Vaughn; but died here in Los Angeles.  Our boss's brother Rock and his sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob live in "Arlington,"    which is near Dallas; and where the brothers in PANTERA  grew up.  Dawn's barking.                  

            

STEVIE RAY VAUGHN (JEFF BECK BEHIND)         

                

           Boy!  It's too bad that guy Stevie Ray Vaughn got killed in the Helicopter crash.  Daisy says our boss is grateful to have been able to see him, and Jeff Beck; play in that concert he and    Harriet saw back then in 1990.  I smell Blinky, Dawn and Rosie standing near the fence.                

              As You know God, our boss thinks You give some people "natural ability" to do certain things.  But, they still have to practice too; or the gift might go away.  Daisy told me about how      Stevie Ray Vaughn is so talented he can even sing while playing his guitar behind his back.           

             Daisy says one time our Chief told Mr. Dave Stevie Ray Vaughn plays better behind his back than most people can play the normal way.  In order to do a stunt like that you have to be    able to "Visualize" without looking he thinks.   I wonder if I could run with my eyes closed?         

                                                                                                                    

LARRY DAVIS (1936-1994)                            STEVIE RAY VAUGHN            

                                                                                                                           PAINTING BY MICHÈLE RAIS

                       

             I guess that guy Larry Davis originally wrote Texas Flood in 1955, the year Mr. Steve was born.  Oh!  It says here he was born on December 4th, just like our boss's Niece Stephanie too.  Texas Flood is described here as being a, "metaphor for a possibly failed relationship."                  

           Mr. Dave thinks Stevie Ray Vaughn's guitar "solos" on his 1984 versions of Texas Flood are some of the best ever.  Dais says he starts out slowly, gains speed; and then slows down again in the middle.  After that he plays behind his back, still singing; until the end of the song.               

           I guess, on some electric Blues songs; a "Call and Response" technique is used.  Dais says the way Stevie Ray Vaughn sings a line, and then answers it on his guitar; is so totally amazing.    She and Millie both agreed that his talented singing is just as good as his guitar playing.                       

         DANCERS FROM INDIA                                             HAWAIIAN DANCERS           

          

            Daisy noticed how female Flamenco Dancers move their hands when dancing.  She says our Chief thinks that in some types of dancing, like in India or Hawaii; the hand movements are meant to send signals and give messages.  Speedy Gonzalez just ran bye right now.    

            Oh!  Wait until Daisy sees this.  Pictures show Indian and Hawaiian girls dancing and the caption says what she told me too.  The girl "Hula" dancers over in Hawaii wear skirts made out of grass, and this one really good color picture totally proves proves that it's true alright.  

            I was supposed to write about this Play called "The Nutcracker" yesterday when I wrote about Russia and Christmas.  It's actually a "Ballet" Dance performance.  Dais said one time she and Millie saw it on tv and she told me Mr. Steve said it's always shown in December.

       

"BALLET" DANCING

              

            Daisy and I decided to insert The Nutcracker right here once I realized my mistake.  She says our boss's mom likes that play but, as I've mentioned a few times; Mr. Steve doesn't usually like "Musical" plays or movies that much.  A Train just whistled faintly to my left. 

            Yesterday I mentioned that one lady from San Fernando named Marge Britt.  She really knew a lot about the history of The Nutcracker Ballet I guess.  Daisy and I can tell that our boss kind of misses talking to her, and a while back he even had a pleasant dream about her.

            My Encyclopedia says The Nutcracker was written in the late 19th century by that one Russian Composer Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  I mentioned him yesterday at the beginning of book two, when I wrote about the British band our boss likes from Birmingham called the MOVE.

  

                                                 ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)

           

                    Well, that lady Marge Britt was right when she told Mr. Steve that Tchaikovsky wrote "Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy" based on a bet.  He composed that song using a "sequential musical note scale" she said.  And that's just what it also says in this Encyclopedia too.

             Daisy says The Nutcracker has a lot of Ballet dancing in it, and the story is about a girl named "Clara" who gets a toy in the shape of a little Soldier.  It's actually a tool for taking nuts out of their shells, but Clara's brother carelessly breaks it.  Our boss has a nutcracker.

             Andy just ran out into the desert so Helen took over guarding their babies at the entrance going down into their burrow.  Ah!  I see this little Lizard standing on the wall over there, near to the sliding glass door going into this back dining room.  I can now smell the Lizard.

"NUTCRACKERS"

                A picture in this one Encyclopedia shows three nutcrackers shaped like toy soldiers.  It says here how that guy Tchaikovsky wrote The Nutcracker in 1892 but it "wasn't popular" in Russia and was kind of one of those "Flops."  That Lizard is now looking over at me.

             That Lizard is missing its tail but, as I've mentioned; Lizards can get their tail bitten off and then a new one will just grow right back.  Oh!  Finley and his new girlfriend Fanny just now flew bye.  Daisy says our boss has this miniature Nutcracker soldier in the kitchen.  

                 Because it's getting later in the day, the shadows are now leaning away from me sitting over here on my couch Elvira.  Libby's walking around over there in her Corral, and Cher is slinking bye right now.  Some long thin clouds are hanging high over the eastern desert.  

                                   

                            VLADIMIR LENIN (1870-1924)            CZAR NICHOLAS II (1868-1918)

              This is interesting.  My Encyclopedia says, after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 when the Communists under Vladimir Lenin overthrew Czar Nicholas II; Russians who "fled" over here to America brought The Nutcracker play with them.  That little Lizard's now gone.

         Hey Lord.  I guess, The Nutcracker is associated with Your birthday; even though Mrs. Britt and our boss think You probably weren't born in December.  Mrs. Britt joked how she just needed an "excuse to celebrate."  Mr. Steve doesn't celebrate that much any more.                         

             It's too bad that lady Mrs. Britt died because Daisy and I would have like to smell and meet her.  Mr. Steve and his parents remember her and her husband John as being good, decent-hearted people.  In his mind Mr. Steve can still almost hear her very distinctive laugh.                    

   

"BALLET" DANCING COUPLE

  

          According to Dais, part of the The Nutcracker is about this girl called the "Sugar Plumb Fairy," who dances with her boyfriend who's a Prince.  They have so much talent and the music    really fits that kind of dancing I guess.  Oh!  I smell one of the new Spring Sage plants.               

            It says here some Russians "settled" in San Francisco, and in 1944 "produced" their own version of The Nutcracker.  As I've written, 1944 was an important year in World War II history as a lot of very important things happened in that year.  I can see Libby over there.                        

         Mrs. Britt knew that, since 1944; many American towns and cities have done versions of The Nutcracker during Christmas Season.  Hey Lord!  As You know, Daisy thinks the best thing about The Nutcracker is how happy it makes you feel.  Boy!  I really do want to see it.                                                      

                                                  "NEUHAUSEN," GERMANY

                    

             Mr. Steve's mother once met a German girl who told her about this big thirty foot tall Nutcracker statue in the city of "Neuhausen."  Mrs. Britt knew about that statue, which I guess is standing on the outside of a Museum.  Samson and Delilah are flying to the north.  

            Mrs. Britt says one reason why The Nutcracker is so popular is because in the first scene a kids are needed as those "Extras" I've written about.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve has known people who were Extras in movies and other things like that.  I'd like to be an Extra!

            Because kids are already needed anyway, the people "Organizing" the Ballet can just use a few of the local ones who happen to live in that community.  So of course everyone wants to go see it.  Hey Lord!  I don't care when You were born, I just like dancing and celebrating.  

         

"THE NUTCRACKER"         

                              

              I guess Mr. Steve has been to a few productions of The Nutcracker.  Usually he doesn't like Ballet dancing all that much but sometimes it's okay he says.  Dais and Millie liked the part when that one girl Clara helps all the Toy soldiers beat some Mice in this big fight.  

             Hey Lord!  Our Chief thinks another reason why so many towns and cities "put on" The Nutcracker at Christmas is because it can raise money.  He says, now that he lives up here in a small town he more appreciates the idea of "keeping money in the community."  Me too!

             As I wrote Lord, Mr. Steve gives to "Charity" at Christmas instead of giving gifts to all his family.  He doesn't like how Your birthday has been turned into a "Commercial" Holiday but willingly pays to see Nutcracker productions.  His mom also likes seeing the Nutcracker.

                

    THEODORA          

                            

                Aha!  I knew I was smelling Theodora and sure enough, she's standing over there on her Creosote bush.  She now sees me over here on the patio sitting on Elvira.  The big Monarch Butterfly that's been hanging around here for the last three days is fluttering bye right now, and going over the Sheds.

           That lady Marge Britt said it was really "challenging" to do a good job in producing The Nutcracker.  Mr. Steve says, even though he doesn't really like Ballet dancing that much, he can appreciate how hard it would be to do.  Theodora just flew off into the desert.  

           Our boss told Mrs. Britt the 1970's Boston Bruins Hockey team used a Hard Rock version of Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies, called "Nutty;" as a theme song.  One of Mr. Steve's customers in Rhode Island told him about it.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.

         

                                             BOBBY ORR / 1970's BOSTON "BRUINS"

                

             Back in the 1970's when Mr. Steve, his brother Rock and their friends "Followed" N.H.L. Ice Hockey; the Boston "Bruins" had really good teams.  Everyone could tell that guy Bobby Orr was one of the best players in history.  He was a "great skater" our boss told Mr. Ralph.

           A picture shows a member of Mr. Steve's favorite team the Oakland "Seals," in light blue instead of green; trying to take the puck from Bobby Orr.  No wonder our boss thinks it was way more dangerous to play sports in the past.  None of the players are even wearing helmets.  

          I guess, until he injured his knee; Bobby Orr was one of the best Hockey players ever.  As a "Defenseman," which is not usually a high "Scoring" position like "Forwards;" he was so fast he could be great at "Both Ends" of the ice.  I see a long white vapor trail up there right now.

               

                                                                       "THE GOAL"

PHOTO BY RAY LUSSIER                                                                                                                                                                            

                   Mr. Steve has a customer in the State of Maine, but who grew up in Massachusetts near where his sister Susan lives with Dalton and Austin.  That Parts Manager, who's also fifty eight like our boss; is a Boston Bruins fan.  Oh!  I can now smell Goliath the Gopher Snake.

            Photos of Bobby Orr show him scoring a famous goal in 1970, when Mr. Steve was fifteen and in 9th Grade at Alemany.  The one on the left is called "The Goal" according to the caption, is one of the most "well-known" images in "New England" sports history.  I see Goliath.

            Andy's over there guarding the entrance to their burrow, and I can just tell by the way he looks that he's ready to fight Goliath again.  But Goliath is under Moe so is far away right now.  I know Helen's down there too, also ready to fight if it becomes a necessary thing to do. 

                                                                                                         

                            BERNIE NICHOLS                     (MID-1980'S)                 MARCEL DIONNE                              PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

             Dais says our boss told that Parts Manager in Maine he took pictures of the Los Angeles Kings in the 1980's.  And he even sent him some of the pictures he took back then.  I guess, that man's brother and his kids liked a guy named Bernie Nichols; who was on the Kings.

             According to Daisy, Mr. Steve also sent that Parts Manager a picture he took of that one other King's player Marcel Dionne.  That's mainly because he mentioned how his wife's family were originally from that Canadian Province of "Quebec."  A Train just whistled.   

            Mr. Steve and the Parts Manager have talked about a story "behind" that photo of Bobby Orr's famous goal.  By how he looks right now over there near Moe, you can tell Goliath is not a threat to Andy and Helen's babies down there.  The Train whistled faintly again out there.   

                                

PIGPEN          

                 

             Oh my God!  Pigpen the Gopher is looking at me from his hole near the Mulberry tree.  I guess he doesn't even know yet that Goliath is close bye over there.  Ah!  Now I can smell Pigpen because his scent is so strong and just came up into both of my nostrils right now.   

           That Parts Manager thinks the Photographer who took the famous picture of Bobby Orr flying through the air was "smart" and "lucky."  I guess Bobby Orr scored his "game winning" goal against the St. Louis "Blues."  Oh Oh! Goliath's tongue just picked up Pigpen's scent. 

           I've mentioned before how, in Hockey; the Championship team wins the "Stanley Cup."  It says here in 1970 the Bruins and Blues were tied at the end of "Regulation" time so had to play one of those "Overtime" periods.  Oh no!  Goliath is slowly waking up right now.

    

                                                          MURRAY BANNERMAN

                                        PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                         

                                                                                                                      

           I've mentioned how Hockey Photographers take pictures through holes in the glass.  When he took his famous picture of Bobby Orr, the Photographer wasn't supposed to be using the hole he took his picture through.  Daisy says our boss has drawn the Bruins and Blues logos.

          From what that Parts Manager says, the Photographer assigned to the hole was out getting a beer when Bobby Orr scored his goal forty seconds into overtime.  So, he missed it and got mad when he came back holding his beer.  Mr. Steve has never really liked how beer tastes. 

          In 1970 the guy who passed the puck to Bobby Orr on the winning goal was named Derek Sanderson.  I guess Derek Sanderson was good on "Face Offs" and was also a great fighter too. Oh good!  Oh good!  Pigpen just ducked back down into his hole so now can be a lot safer.

         

                                                              DEREK SANDERSON

             I guess, in 1972 Derek Sanderson went to play in a new rival league to the National Hockey League.  It was called the "World Hockey League" or "W.H.L."  Just like the A.F.L. in Football was created to compete against the N.F.L., it was the same thing in Ice Hockey too.   

         Wow! This W.H.L. team paid Derek Sanderson 2.6 million dollars a year, making him the highest paid athlete in the world at that time.  I guess athletes make way more now.  Goliath just crawled through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go into the desert.

        That Parts Manager in Maine told Mr. Steve Derek Sanderson lost all of his money and was even homeless for a while.  But now I guess he's doing way better and sometimes even goes to the Bruins games.  The Parts Manager said Derek Sanderson drank too much alcohol.     

       

 THE VENTURES

                                                                       

          I'm still thinking about the Nutcracker.  A few years ago Mr. Steve met a guy from the State of Washington who said the VENTURES did a version of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.    I can tell by how Andy's reacting after he sniffing the air that he knows Goliath left.                       

             The man from Washington told our boss about a Museum near where he and his wife and kids live.  It's in a town called "Leavenworth," and is dedicated to things having to do with The    Nutcracker Ballet.  Dais says she sure would like to go to that Museum.  And me too!                     

             I'm really looking forward to someday seeing the little miniature figurine, which is in the shape of a Nutcracker soldier.  According to Daisy it's on the divider between the kitchen and the dining room just over there to my right behind the sliding glass door.  Dawn's barking.                  

       

   "CELESTA"             

                              

                 From what Daisy heard our boss and his mom talking about, Mrs. Britt knew about how Tchaikovsky used a musical instrument called a "Celesta."  The Nutcracker was the first Ballet ever to use a celesta in it.  Daisy and Millie both really liked the way celesta's sound.

             Mrs. Britt described the sounds made by a celesta as "heavenly," and Daisy says Millie said it sounded sort of like a bell sound.   Mr. Steve says a celesta was used in "Harry Potter," the movie he took his Nieces Samantha and Cristina to.  Things are so calm right now.       

             About one hundred years before the invention of the celesta, in 1761; that guy Benjamin Franklin created a musical instrument called a "Glass Harmonica."  This Encyclopedia says he called it a "Armonica."  I can smell the strong scent of that one new Mesquite plant.

                           

                                                                         BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790)                                                                                                                                                                                                        ARTWORK BY ALAN FOSTER

                                                

                  A black and white drawing in my Encyclopedia shows Benjamin Franklin playing one of his Armonica's.  And I notice how he's wearing some of those old-fashioned shoes with buckles on them.  Theodora just flew in and landed on her favorite Creosote bush right now.

            I guess, an Armonica is a "series" of "rotating" glass bowels; that make the musical notes through "friction."  The bowels are turned by a foot pedal that Benjamin Franklin is using in the picture.  Friction means "rubbing objects;" in this case with the person's fingers.

           Even though he's "Long Gone," I still smell Pigpen.  One time Daisy had a dream where she was chased by a giant Gopher.  So, she ran into the garage and hid in her area between the refrigerator and utility room door; which she would defend "To the Death" as they say. 

              

        "ARMONICA"               

                            

           Daisy says one time our boss and Mr. Dave talked on the phone about Benjamin Franklin's Armonica.  On tv Mr. Steve saw this good "Demonstration" of an Armonica, where a pretty lady played Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.  Theodora just now ran away.

           I guess, from what it says in the caption below the picture of that Armonica; it was mainly after 1761 that Benjamin Franklin's Armonica became popular.  That was eight years before the Spanish came up here to "Alta" California.  Fred, Ed and Ted flew over top of the house.

          Hey God!  Thank You again for Elvira.  Thinking of her somehow makes me feel a little bit better about things on this kind of sad day.  Daisy, like myself too; has been up there in the front yard thinking about Heathcliff even though she always says nothing stays the same.

                       

                                           LOUIS XVI (1754-1793)                 MARIE ANTOINETTE (1755-1793)

PAINTING BY JOSEPH-SIFFREIN DUPLESSIS                                                                                                                                         

         Oh!  I guess that girl Marie Antoinette took lessons on how to play Benjamin Franklin's Armonica.  Hey!  I wonder if a Dog could learn to play the Armonica because, if so; maybe we      could make money doing concerts for the public.  You know, I think it might just work.                 

           I've mentioned before how Marie Antoinette, and her husband King Louis XVI; both had their heads cut off during the French Revolution's "Reign of Terror."  Someday I really want see that small "Guillotine" sitting on the divider between the kitchen and this dining room.                

           Dais told me our Chief met an older French lady who knew a lot about European  history.  I guess, she thought it ironic how France "Went Broke," in part; by helping the U.S. break away  from England.  Those American ideas then made their "Common" people want freedom too.                                                    

    "NORTH AMERICA" IN THE 18TH CENTURY                 

                       

          Over the last three days I've written about how, after Christopher Columbus accidentally found the "New World" in 1492; European countries competed for it.  And, in the 18th century    France, England and Spain had wars against each other.  Samson and Delilah flew bye.                 

         For most of the 18th century Spain, France and England fought each other, and  a good map shows the lands they killed each other over.  I can see how the French had a huge area; but only fifteen thousand people to populate it so no wonder they lost.  A Train just whistled.               

          According to that French lady, the French Monarchy under Louis XVI was already in kind of bad "financial" shape even before the American Revolution.  But helping the thirteen colonies "Broke the Bank as they say.  The French and English really, really  hated each other back then.                                                         

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN           

    PAINTING BY DAVID MARTIN                        

                  

     The lady thought Benjamin Franklin, as Ambassador to France; "tricked" Louis XVI's Government into helping America.  He "exploited" their hatred  of the British, who had beaten them in North America; so they wanted "revenge."  Oh! Benjamin the Cow Bird ran bye.             

         Motorcycles went bye out in the desert on Primavera Road and I can tell there are three of them by the dust raised by their wheels.  Glancing to my right I see good old Libby over there in her Corral, as usual walking around slowly and cautiously.  Seeing her makes me feel good.          

         Dais thinks, if he could ever borrow Mr. Peabody's Time Machine; our boss would want to go back to the end of the 1700's.  And in France, he would want to see that guy Robespierre who I've written about.  Oh!  And he would definitely want to meet Napoléon Bonaparte.                                     

"EXECUTION" OF KING LOUIS XVI (JANUARY 21, 1793)

                           PAINTING BY GEORG HEINRICH SIEVEKING             

                          

         The caption below the painting of King Louis XVI's "decapitated" head being "displayed to  the "cheering" says he "miscalculated."  He made a mistake by helping the U.S. and he ended up up getting he and his wife's heads cut off.  Thousands died during the "Reign of Terror."         

          Able Company is now coming back in from the desert behind the Sheds.  I can tell it's them because I see Angeline escorting or herding her new babies.  They're using the two vertical slots    on either side of the gate and now they'll probably go underneath one of the Sheds.                        

        Yup!  There they go under Manny.  Quail babies learn really fast to keep up with the rest of the group so they won't be killed and eaten by something.  It's a good thing Cher isn't anywhere around here right now.  Boy!  Baby Quail are so cute in how they move all around.                                             

                         MOZART (1756-1791)                                 BEETHOVEN (1770-1821) 

               PAINTING BY BARBARA CRAFT                                                                                     PAINTING BY JOSEPH KARL STEILER             

 

             This is kind of interesting how it says here both Mozart and Beethoven wrote songs using one of Benjamin Franklin's Armonica's.  I'd like to hear those songs and wonder if Mr. Steve has ever heard them?  Frida and Diego just now flew right over Libby's Corral over there.

             Oh!  I wonder if Mr. Steve knows this?  The "Harmonica" everyone knows, where you blow into it while using your hands to cover up certain air holes; wasn't invented until 1821.  So, that means it was about seventy years after Benjamin Franklin's "Glass Harmonica."       

          Seeing Frida and Diego makes me think about how, when they visit us; you can just tell Mr. Steve's parents are friends.  Daisy says our boss noticed how, in that Play the "Nutcracker;" the Sugar Plumb Fairy and her Prince show respect for one another.   I see a Spider over there.

WHITE SWAN

PHOTO BY COLTON BERGER

                Daffy's quacking, which reminds me of another Tchaikovsky song I look forward to one day hearing.  It's called "Swan Lake" and according to a tv show Daisy and Millie saw it's part of a Ballerina dancing show.   The Spider's gone and that's good as I'm afraid of Spiders.

             In the story about the Lake some girls are turned into pretty white Swan Birds by an evil Magician; whose daughter is an all black Swan.  Boy!  I'd like to smell a Swan, some of which I guess have very loud voices, but other who never talk at all.  All have really long necks.

             Swan Lake starts out slow but then gets louder.  One time Daisy heard our boss's mom say she prefers the soft parts, while Mr. Steve likes the louder section; which seems influenced by Richard Wagner and maybe Bach too he thinks.  Daisy says a flute is at the beginning.   

                         

NEW YORK "STOCK EXCHANGE"

                  I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how, back in the late 1960's and then early 1970's; Mr. Steve's father had his school for Stockbrokers.  He knows how a "Black Swan Event" is when something "Unpredictable" happens in the Stock Market.   I smell Sage.

             From what Dais heard, the reason it's called a Black Swan event is because until the late 17th century Europeans used to say there was "no such thing as a black Swan."  But then, this Dutch man saw some in Australia.  That guy Mark Ritter knew about those black Swans.

             Black Swan events are "Extreme," and Mr. Steve's father thinks sometimes people use it as an excuse to justify their "not predicting it."  That's called "With the Benefit of Hindsight."  I guess, a "Gray Swan" event is when something "Less Rare" happens in the area of economics.  

                                

                 THE SWANS                 

               One time Daisy heard our boss talking to a Parts Manager in New Jersey, where Mr. Rich is originally from; and that guy told him about a 1980's band called SWANS.  I guess Mr. Steve has never heard any of their songs.  His customer called them "experimental" Dais says.  

          SWANS are from New York City, and that Parts Manager described them "ever changing in sound and types of music they play."  He said they may've influenced NIRVANA.  Speedy just ran through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go out into the back desert.   

           The tv show mentioned how real Swans can be "aggressive," and fight hard in defending their territory.  And they're a lot bigger than Ducks Dais says, so their beaks could probably hit you really hard.  If we do ever happen to see Swans we can't eat any food on their land.   

                                               

CALIFORNIA "MOHAVE" HIGH DESERT            

            

                  Hey Everyone up there!  Thank You all for again helping me today and I can't believe I'm already doing the end part of this third and final book.  Sitting here on Elvira I feel so fortunate to be alive.  Oh!  Cher the Cat is slinking bye behind the Sheds but Able Company is gone.

            I'm still thinking of Christmas.  Dais says Millie liked the second part of the Nutcracker when happy things like dancing start.  I guess, there are actually a few different versions of that Play; but the one Daisy and Millie saw on tv was based on Tchaikovky's original ideas.        

            Hey Lord!  As You know, that lady Mrs. Britt said the Nutcracker is actually a "secular" Ballet and not religious.  Mr. Steve says in different communities they at times substitute the local forms of dancing for Ballet.  Finley and his new girlfriend Fanny just flew bye right now.

  

                        "SALSA" DANCING                                             "SCOTTISH" DANCING

        

             That lady Marge Britt told Mr. Steve she once saw the Nutcracker with "Salsa" dancing. Mr. Steve told her a girl once said she saw a version with Scottish dancing.  And over in Hawaii where, Mr. Mark lives with his family; they even do Hula dancing rather than Ballet.  

             Mr. Steve thinks one reason the Nutcracker has become so popular in America is because people feel hopeful when they see it.  And it must make everyone feel friendly too, by sharing in the enjoyment of dancing.  I really kind of feel like dancing right now for some reason.

             Daisy and Millie both really liked how in The Nutcracker that girl character Clara seems so smart.  She helps the Toy Soldiers win the battle against the Mice by shrewd strategy, and she makes us females look good.  I can't wait for my boss Mr. Steve to think I'm smart too. 

             

"MALOCCHIO"        

             

               Boy!  I wrote a lot about that Ballet the Nutcracker.  There turned out to be a lot more to say than Dais and I planned.  But now it's back to my outline and I can see the next thing to write about is that hand gesture called the "Malocchio," which I've mentioned a few times before.

             In my books I've written about that Singer Ronnie James Dio who was in RAIBOW and the BLACKSABBATH.  While singing for BLACK SABBATH he's the one who "Popularized" the "Devil's Horns" hand symbol now associated with Heavy Metal music.  Dawn's barking.

             Mr. Steve and Mr. Dave one time talked about how Dio replaced Ozzy Osbourne as the Singer in BLACK  SABBATH.  He began to make the Devil's Horns up on stage and I guess from then on a lot of people started doing it too.  Us Dogs can't do it because all we have are toes. 

                  

                                               RONNIE JAMES DIO (1942-2010)   

                 

               I've said before how, in Italian the Devil's Horns hand signal is pronounced "Ma-loike;" and that way of forming your hand into that signal has been done for centuries.  The Persians, Greeks, Romans and even the later Ottoman Turks used that hand gesture.  I smell Sage.

              Dais says it's not just us who think "Curses" could be a real thing.  That Roma lady told our boss how, "for many centuries;" Mediterranean or Middle Eastern people have worn "neck medallions" to "ward off" the "evil eye."  Sometimes Cher looks at us in a very mean way.  

            The lady said sometimes, when you're not looking or don't know it; a person will look at you in a mean way with "bad intentions."  Those medallions around your neck are in the shape of the palm of a hand representing a "shield."  Frida and Diego are flying toward the east.

            

"HAMSA"       

           

                 The lady said some people call the image on the medallions "Hamsa."  It might represent the Arabic word for the number "5," or maybe the five fingers of a "protective" hand.  Speedy Gonzalez right now just zoomed through the right vertical slot on the side of the gate.   

            There's a story that says the Hamsa symbol, called the "Hand of Fatima;" actually refers to the Prophet Muhammad's daughter.   Even though he didn't take pictures of Ronnie James Dio making the Malocchio, he showed that lady the ones he did get.  Daffy's quacking.

            The lady said, when you see someone "has mean intentions" against you the Malocchio is "flashed" to "reflect" the intentions back.  But, if you don't see the person; the medallion will be "automatically able to send back the bad ideas to that person."  Boy! I really like Daffy.  

               

       "LONGHORN" COW                                   TEXAS "LONGHORNS" FANS

     

                Fans of this College in Texas also use the malocchio hand gesture too, but in their case it's to symbolize the horns of those amazing Cows who live back there.  I've mentioned before how someday I really want to smell a live Cow, or a Goat; or even a Pig.  Daffy's still quacking.    

           Daisy says, because Mr. Ramon the Auto Mechanic up on the Highway likes orange; our boss wants to buy him an orange Coffee Cup with the Texas "Longhorns" logo on it.  Orange is that College's primary or main color.  A flock of Birds is flying bye way up there in the sky.

           I wonder if we could maybe think of some paw gestures able to send signals or symbolize a secret message?  We kind of do that with our different barks.   Rudy the Roadrunner right now just used the left vertical slot on the side of the gate to run out into the eastern desert.      

                             

 DAVE BLUMENKRANTZ               

                     

                Yesterday I mentioned that Photographer named Dave who Mr. Steve used to know.  He lived in Africa for a while, and Daisy says he took some  good pictures of "Kenya" and that other country called "Uganda."  Another flock of Birds is flying toward the east right now.

            Dais heard, the reason our Chief got permission to take pictures of Dio at the Forum was because at the time Mr. Dave's mom worked for Dio's wife "Wendy."  Ah!  I smell the little baby Cholla cactus over there.  That scent is starting to make me feel happier and happier.

            I guess, Mr. Dave mainly lived in Kenya; but sometimes went to the country of "Uganda" too.  That was in the mid-1980's, which was about five years after the rule a Dictator named Idi Amin.  Daisy and Millie saw a good tv show about him, and it said he was really mean.

              

IDI AMIN (1925-2003)      

             

                 From what the man on the tv show said, no one knows for sure but; that guy Idi Amin's government might've killed half a million Ugandans and other groups from 1971 through 1979.  They described Idi Amin as having been, "One of the most brutal despots in history." 

             Daisy says Idi Amin's Soldiers used big sledgehammers to kill anyone who opposed him.  Sometimes, "Just for Fun;" they would throw people into the Nile River and watch as Crocodiles ate them alive.  Idi Amin saved the heads of his enemies and some say even ate them too.

            During the period when Mr. Steve took photos of Ronnie James Dio, Mr. Mark sold some advertising to Wendy Dio.  Their company "Niji" productions put ads in the Lakers and Kings programs, and Indoor Soccer Lazer's and String's Team Tennis too.  Dawn's barking.

                                                                      

                                                         RONNIE JAMES DIO 

                                                                                              PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA     

            

                      I've mentioned before how "Dio" means "God" in Latin.  Daisy says our boss told Mr. Dave Ronnie James Dio, who died about four years ago, was from an Italian immigrant family who lived back east near his sister Susan.  Oh!  Bees are flying around near the Sheds.

              Daisy heard the Devil's Horn hand gesture is now associated with Ronnie James Dio way more than anyone else.  It's too bad he died so young Mr. Steve says.  Daisy told me one time she and Millie listened to our boss playing drums to that Dio song "Rainbow in the Dark." 

              A while back Mr. Steve made one of his Frames for this lady from Texas.  Both she and her husband graduated from that College where the sports teams are called "Longhorns," and the fans use the Devil's Horn hand gesture too.  Benjamin the Cow Bird just ran bye.

       

LEON THEREMIN (1896-1993)

              

                   Oh!  Seeing Benjamin go bye makes me remember I forgot to write about this musical instrument from the 1920's called a "Theremin."  I was supposed to write about it after I wrote about Benjamin Franklin's Armonica, but missed it on the outline.  So I'll just do it now.  

              It says here this Russian man invented the Theremin, which is described here as being, "one of the first electronic musical instruments."   Daisy saw a tv show that showed how you play Theramin's by waving our moving your hands in front of or around it.  Daffy's quacking.

              I guess, from what it says here; that Russian man Leon Theremin was an Engineer and also one of those Inventors like Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.  Dais told me by moving your hands in front of the Theremin it makes all different types of "eerie" sounds.  I like Daffy.

                                            "ELECTRO THEREMIN"                               BARBARA BUCHHOLTZ PLAYING A THEREMIN

                                                                                                                                                                 PHOTO BY STEFAN MENNE

             

                   Daisy says the tv show talked about how now there's a newer more modern form of the Theremin called an "Electro Theremin."  It can also be played or controlled without having to touch anything.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying over Libby's Corral and moving east.  

             According to what the man on the tv show said, the Electro Theremin "mimics" the same kind of sounds the older Theremin does.  And those sounds are kind of "spooky" Daisy told me.  Frank Zappa was influenced by a 1930's Musician Edgard Varese's use of a Theremin. 

             The BEACH BOYS song "Good Vibrations" has an Electro Theremin on it, and so does LED ZEPPELIN'S "Whole Lotta Love."  Brian Jones used it on ROLLING STONES albums.  Mr. Steve thinks BLACK SABBATH might've used one on part of "Children of the Sea."  

                                    

"DESERT WREN" IN "CHOLLA" CACTUS PATCH      

                   

            Oh!  I see that little Wren inside the Cholla cactus' behind the Sheds.  Daisy says as a kid our boss drew the University of Texas Longhorns logo.  She thinks, because of their long horns which could stab you from far away; it would be hard to fight one of those Texas Cows. 

            I really do wonder sometimes what a Cow or Bull would smell like.  Daisy says they have totally unique, kind of strong; scents alright.  Speedy just ran through the narrower left vertical slot on the side of the gate but left behind some floating dust lingering slowly in the air.  

                 Oh!  Seeing the picture of the Texas Longhorn makes me suddenly think of that tv show Daisy and Millie saw.  It was about 19th century African "Zulu" culture, and their famous King named "Shaka Zula."   Andy's over there alertly guarding the entrance to their burrow. 

              

SHAKA ZULU (1787-1828)              

ARTWORK BY ANTHONY MWANGI                          

                  

               Dais says that guy King Shaka was known as a warrior, and when leading his men into battle they went into what they called their "Buffalo Horns" formation.  I can tell Andy is now totally comfortable with me being over here on the patio so much.  I like that.

             It says here how "Impi" in Zulu means "war units" and, Daisy says Zulu's used clubs but mainly had spears and shields.  She says our Chief has a spear kind of like the ones the Zulu's used back then in the 1800's.  A small little Garter Snake is crawling into the back field.

            I wonder if our boss knows that the Zulu "stabbing" spear is called a "kiwa."  Oh!  It gets its name from the sound made when a spear tip is "retracted," or pulled back out of; the person who was stabbed.  I really hope God, when I die; it will not by being stabbed to death.      

               

"BUFFALO HORN" FORMATION         

             

                  It says here the Zulu's "goal" in battle was trying to "encircle" an opponent.  A diagram shows the enemy in pink and the Zulu's in blue, and I can see why they called it a Buffalo Horns formation.  I've mentioned before how the African Buffalo's are really, really dangerous.

            I guess there were three sections to that Buffalo Horns formation.  The "Chest" is where the "Front Lines" are, and the "Loins" are reserves which can be "deployed" for "exploiting" a success; or "reinforce" any part of the battlefield.  Fred, Ed and Ted just flew bye.

           The "Horns" of the Buffalo Horns formation tries to go around the sides of the enemy.  A few times over the last three days I've learned about how, since ancient times; armies have tried to "Flank" an opponent in battle.  I can smell Libby from over there in her Corral.  

                           

  "ZULU" WARS (LATE 19TH CENTURY)           

PAINTING BY CHRIS COLLINGWOOD                      

                

              If the Horns units of the Zulu's Buffalo Horns formation can get on the side of an army then they might even be able to surround them and create one of those "Killing Zones" that I've written about.  Then you have a pretty good chance an enemy force can be "Annihilated."

             A painting shows a late 1800's battle between the Zulu's and British soldiers.  Daisy told me the tv show said the Zulu's Buffalo Horns formation was very effective against all of the other African tribes, so Shaka Zulu created a big Kingdom.  That was in the early 19th century.

             The problem for the Zulu's I guess was, they didn't have modern weapons like guns and things like that.  So, when the British showed up and wanted their land they did good at first but ended up losing.  I guess our Chief used to have a replica white British 1800's helmet.  

                        

           "THE TROOPER"                               "CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE"

                                             ARTWORK BY DEREK RIGGS                                                                                              PAINTING BY RICHARD CATON WOODVILLE JR.                                                                              

                

                  Over the last three days I've mentioned some of the different songs done by that British band IRON MAIDEN.  I guess, when they play their song "The Trooper;" the Singer wears a red British uniform.  Back then in the 19th century men's shirts were called "Blouses" too.

             I guess, the red uniform IRON MAIDEN'S Singer wears is from the 1850's at the time of the "Crimean War;" and that one famous charge of the "Light Brigade" Rudyard Kipling wrote about happened.  There's a small little Garter Snake just now crawling out into the desert.

             Dais says IRON MAIDEN'S mascot Eddie, who looks exactly like her bad Angel; wore a red uniform on the "Sleeve" of the vinyl record for The Trooper.  In concert, IRON MAIDEN'S Singer also waves a big "Union Jack" flag.  Daisy loves red uniforms, like Underdogs.

              

STRYPER             

                   

                Our boss and Mr. Dave talked about how that Christian Metal band from Orange County called STRYPER covered IRON MAIDEN'S song The Trooper.  It's "Harmonizing" guitars are really good too.  Boy Lord, someday I really, really want to hear some STRYPER songs.

           Mr. Steve thinks the "galloping" bass on a lot of the fast-paced IRON MAIDEN songs was probably influenced by some DEEP PURPLE and UFO songs from the early 1970's.  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral.  Libby's watching them go bye from down below.

              I really look forward to someday hearing all of those good DEEP PURPLE LE songs I've been writing about in my three books.   And I can't wait to hear  BLACK SABBATH and LED ZEPPELIN'S songs too.   I can smell the baby Cholla cactus growing over there in the dirt.  

  

     DEEP PURPLE        

       

            In my books I've mentioned a few times that one 1972 DEEP PURPLE album "Machine Head."  Many people know the hit songs, like "Smoke on the Water" or "Highway Star, but have never heard "Pictures of Home" from that album.  Daisy says it's a great album alright.

           Our boss told Mr. Rich he likes to see people's reactions when they hear Pictures of Home. It's "every bit as good as Highway Star in its catchy melody and high of level musicianship" he thinks. Most people are totally "blown away" by the guitar, organ and bass solos in that song.  

          Daisy heard our Chief and Mr. Phillip talk about that DEEP PURPLE song Pictures of Home.  I guess Mr. Phillip likes the singing, and guitar and organ solos; but like many people is really impressed by the bass solo.   Our boss and Mr. Dave like the drumming in that song.

      

MR. PHILLIP

            Over the last three days I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Phillip is from Wales, which is a part of the United Kingdom; or U.K.   He's a Honda Parts Manager and has been one of Mr. Steve's customers for many years.  He's also listened to DEEPPURPLE and RAINBOW.  

           Daisy heard Mr. Phillip say DEEP PURPLE'S Jon Lord's organ playing and also Ritchie Blackmore's guitar; were "right on the money."  Daisy says that means precise.  He recognized the Classical music influences and thought RAINBOW could sound Baroque like Vivaldi. 

          Our boss and Mr. Phillip have at times talked about Ireland's bloody thirty years, from the late 1960's until 1998; called the "Troubles."  I guess, a "Paramilitary" group called the "Ulster Freedom Fighters" also used IRON MAIDEN'S Eddie as their mascot too.  I smell Sage.      

       

       "GATLING" GUN               A-10 "THUNDERBOLT II"              "NOSE" CANNON

("WARTHOG")            

              

                    Daisy says one thing the British had against the Zulu's was some of those first machine guns I've written about.  But, they also had good rifles with long sharp bayonet blades; which are used as stabbing spears.  The Zula shields were not effective against bullets Dais told me.

            A picture shows Richard Gatling with his first version of what are now thought of being "Machine" guns.  It's interesting how his original idea of "Rotating" barrels fired "In Sequence" is still used to this day.  Daffy's now quacking and talking to all of the other Ducks.

            I wrote about those Planes nicknamed the "Hog" or "Warthogs."  In the two Iraq wars they were the "Monster" to any surviving Iraqi Soldiers.  Their terrifying nose cannon is based on the same exact principle Richard Gatling thought of way back in the mid-19th century.       

           

13TH CENTURY "MONGOL" WARRIORS        

                

                   Daisy told me about how that tv show on Zulu societies said Shaka Zula used terror just like those guys Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan did.  But, instead of being on Horses like the Huns and Mongols; Zula soldiers were "Foot Infantry."  Dawn's barking over there.

            One time Dais heard our boss talking on the phone with his brother Rock and they were remembering being kids down there in Sylmar.  I guess Mr. Steve once built and painted some of those miniature figurines of Zulu and British Soldiers.  Hearing Dawn makes me feel good.

            According to Daisy the figurines of a Zulu Warrior and a British Soldier were some of the ones destroyed in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake.  But, as I mentioned earlier; our boss has a spear which is similar to the ones the Zulu's used back in the 1800's.  I want to see it someday.

                          

FLAG OF "KENYA"           

                   

                  Daisy says our boss noticed on the tv show how the Zulu's logo of a shield with "crossed spears" behind it is kind of like the flag of Kenya he has hanging on one of the bookshelves in his office.  Mr. Dave the Photographer sent him that flag when he lived over there in Africa.  

             On the coffee table in the living room is this miniature metal spear, with colorful beads wrapped around the shaft.  Mr. Dave also gave that to our boss, and over the years some of the people who have come to our house have admired it.  Frida and Diego just now flew bye. 

            I'm still thinking about the Malocchio hand gesture Ronnie James Dio did in his concerts.  I've written about Mr. Steve being allowed to take pictures of Ronnie James Dio at the Forum that one time.  And it was because Mr. Dave's mom worked for Wendy Dio in those days.

                   

RONNIE JAMES DIO WITH  BLACK SABBATH              

      PHOTO BY FIN COSTELLO                            

                           

          My Encyclopedia describes the Malocchio hand gesture as the "Index" and "Little" fingers being "upright," while the thumb is "clasped against the two middle fingers."  I just looked up and see two long white vapor trails up therein the afternoon sky.  Dawn's barking.

         Oh!  I wonder if I could figure out a good Dog paw gesture?  Then I could have our boss or Mr. Grant fill out the paperwork to get the right to use it.  I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve and Mr. Grant know about submitting "Patent" requests and other things like that.   

         It's so interesting how Ronnie James Dio said he first saw the Malocchio as a kid, when his Italian Grandmother used it to "Ward Off" evil spirits.  If Daisy and I could do a Malocchio we would use it to scare away our Bad Angel's Lilith and Eddie.   Now Blinky's barking. 

                                                      

                                                          RONNIE JAMES DIO

                                                                PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                                                                         

             Oh!  This Encyclopedia says that guy Ronnie James Dio was born on July the 10th, so is one of those "Cancers" like our boss.  It says here, as I mentioned earlier; the Malocchio hand gesture has been used for centuries to "ward off" people's "Evil Eye."  I smell Sage.

            I guess the Malocchio goes back at least to to ancient Egypt, because it's shown on "Tomb Art."  Dais jokes about how it might be kind of like "Knocking on Wood" for good luck.  I know for sure if something would give us good luck we'd be totally willing to at least try it out. 

           During the years when Mr. Steve went to St. Ferdinand's, one of his classmates was that guy "Al;" whose family lived over there in San Fernando.  I've mentioned how Al's family lived next door to the Actor Johnny Whittaker's family.  All four of the Pigeons just flew bye.

            

       "GREAT DANE"                                                           ROSIE                        

                          

             I wrote how "Alphonso's" mom might've been saved from dying in the 1971 earthquake by their "Great Dane" Dog named "Alcindor."  On that morning Alcindor was acting up so she called in late to work at a Hospital where some people got killed.  Rosie's a Great Dane too.

            When they were growing up Al, and their friend "Paul;" made our boss and their friends laugh Dais says.  I've written about some of the things Paul did back then, and how Al had two  younger brothers; named "Larry" and "Phillip."  Andy's over there sniffing the air.  

          Larry was the same age as Mr. Steve's brother Rock. I guess he was a really good guitar player.  But, in Mr. Steve's subjective opinion; he concentrated too much on playing lead and not enough on rhythm.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying bye right now.

                 

OZZY OSBOURNE (BLACK SABBATH)

      

            When Ozzy Osbourne was fired as BLACK SABBATH'S Singer, with the help of his now wife named "Sharon;" he started all over again with that good band I've mentioned before.  That was the band with Randy Rhoades in it.  Donald and Daisy are both quacking over there.  

            Mr. Steve was told one time that guy Larry tried out, or "Auditioned;" to be the Guitarist in Ozzy Osbourne's band.  But, of course; Randy Rhoades ended up getting the job instead.  Oh!  A Train whistled faintly just when I was thinking of that Ozzy Osbourne song about a Train. 

            Hey God!  As You know, Daisy and I kind of think You used that girl Sharon to be Ozzy Osbourne's worldly Guardian Angel.  You had our boss rescue us.  I know what it's like to have no hope, maybe like how Ozzy Osbourne felt when kicked out of BLACK SABBATH.

                     

   OZZY OSBOURE WITH FAMILY          

                    

              Hey God!  I guess that girl Sharon Osbourne forced Ozzy Osbourne to "get over it" and stop feeling sorry for himself.  She became his Manager and helped him in his "Comeback."  If not for here Daisy thinks, Ozzy Osbourne might even have died of drugs and alcohol.

            Daisy says Mr. Steve thinks Sharon Osbourne seems like a pretty smart business person.  He told Mr. Dave in New Mexico, who knew that Guitarist Larry; he's wondered if the tryouts      for Ozzy Osbourne's band was one of those crowded "Cattle Calls."  I smell Mesquite.                  

             As I've written about before, a Cattle Call is what people jokingly call it when a lot more "Applicants" show up for only a few "Job Openings."  So, as happens in Capitalism; it all boils    down to "What will the market bear" as Karl Marx said.  And that can be "Cheap Pay."             

                                       

"LAKER" GIRLS" (1980'S)           

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                       

               

             In the 1980's Mr. Steve took a few pictures of the Laker Girl Cheerleaders.  He was told the annual "Tryouts" of pretty girls did sort of resemble a big herd of Cattle alright.  Sometimes a few hundred talented dancing girls showed up to apply for only about twenty or so jobs.                                                                                                                                                                                                I've learned a lot about that guy Karl Marx over the last three days.  He wrote about how if an "Employment Market" will not "Bear" paying low wages, like if a person has a "Unique Skill" or there's one of those "Unions;" the Employer has to pay more.  I smell old Sage. 

            As I've said a few times before, in 2014 there are approximately three hundred and thirty million "Americans;" five percent of the world's population.  Our boss told Mr. Grant his father says only twelve percent of the "Workforce" are now Union members.  Ah!  I love Sage!  

               

                     STEEL WORKER                                       SOCIALISM / CAPITALISM                        

                                        

          Over the last three days I've learned how Karl Marx believed the Industrial workforce were "exploited" by the few people with money, or "Capital."  The only way the "excesses" of    Capitalism could be fought was by workers "banding" together.  A Train just whistled.                  

            Karl Marx's 19th century "Proletarian" workforce was made up of millions and millions of poor people.   The "Bourgeoisie" controllers of Capital had plenty of people they could "take    advantage of" and often "work to death."   I wrote about those different Robber Barons.              

           Daisy says one time our Chief told his brother Sam he thinks Cheerleaders, even the more "glamorous" ones; are "grossly underpaid."  He was told, the 1980's the Laker Girls were paid    fifty dollars for each of the then forty one "Home" games.  Two of the Pigeons flew bye.                                             

PAULA ABDUL (VAN NUYS HIGH SCHOOL)         

                   

                   Even though Cheerleaders aren't paid very much, there's always the "One in a Million" chance someone in "Show Business" might see them and give them a better job.  Daisy saw a tv show that said a Jewish girl named Paula Abdul had that happen.  She was a "Laker Girl." 

             The tv show said that girl Paula Abdul's father was a Jew born in Syria.  And her mom's family were "Ashkenazi" Jews like Miss Harriet and Miss Emily's families.  Speedy Gonzalez is using the vertical slot on the side of the gate to run out there into the back eastern desert.

             Daisy says Mr. Steve was interested when a lady from Wrightwood he sold things to told him Paula Abdul was born in San Fernando near Sylmar.  She also mentioned how Paula Abdul's family lived in North Hollywood where Miss Harriet lives.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus. 

                      

PAULA ABDUL ("LAKER GIRLS")           

                      

            The lady from Wrightwood told our boss Paula Abdul was a Cheerleader for Van Nuys High School before being a Laker Girl.  She already knew Marilyn Monroe went there too when Mr. Steve mentioned it.  Finley and Fanny flew bye and sound so happy to have each other.

            I guess, back in the mid-1980's; Cheerleaders did not get paid for all of the time they had to practice; which I'll bet was a lot.  But, like Daisy says; at least they got to eat the really good food served in the Press Lounge before each Laker game.  Oh!  That makes me hungry.  

           I've mentioned before how in those days sometimes "Booths" were set up in the different Malls or places like that.  Then the Salespeople, like Mr. Steve, Mr. Mark or Miss Helen; would "Man" them in trying to get sales "Leads."  Sometimes the Laker Girls would go there too.

          

PAULA ABDUL

           

              Daisy says the tv show talked about how that girl Paula Abdul, who was not just a good Dancer but also a Singer too; was seen by one of Michael Jackson's brothers at a Laker game.  He got her a job with him and then, because she had talent; she did good.  Dawn's barking.

            Mr. Steve was surprised when the lady from Wrightwood told him Paula Abdul went to College at C.S.U.N. like his family.  And when she mentioned "Astoria" Studios in Queens, New York; he told his sister Susan worked there too.  That was when she worked for Bill Cosby.

           The lady said Paula Abdul, like Mr. Steve's mom and Nephew Mathew; was an "Honors Student;" which of course means you get high grades in school.  That's what I would want to be if I ever get a chance to go to school.  Blinky, Dawn and Rosie's scents just now floated in.         

        

       CLAIRE ROTHMAN                                    TONY DANZA / DICK VAN PATTEN

                                                                                                                                                                       PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                    

                 The lady from Wrightwood said it was that Claire Rothman, the Forum's Manager in those days; who originally wanted Paula Abdul to be a Laker Girl.   Daisy says the tv show talked about some of the other entertainment things Paula Abdul's done.  Boy!  Blinky smells good!

            According to the lady, who also went to Van Nuys High School too; Paula Abdul and that Actor Dick Van Patten give those "Guide Dogs" I've mentioned  to help blind people.  Mr. Steve showed her the picture he took of Dick Van Patten in the 1980's.  A Train just whistled. 

            Little Blinky's now barking over there, which for some reason is making me feel kind of good right now.  I see Libby walking slowly around her Corral.  The strong smell of the clump of Joshua trees in the southeast corner of our fenced in two acres just came floating in.   

             

LAKER GIRL TRYOUTS      

            

                 Mr. Steve and the lady talked about how the Laker Girls are the most "Prestigious" of all the different sports dance teams.  But they aren't paid very well.  I guess the "Pool" of girls who wanted to be a Laker Girl during Paula Abdul's tryout numbered about seven hundred.   

                 Daisy says Mr. Vic the Videographer one time heard the man holding the tryouts to be a "Raider" Cheerleader joke, "Maybe we should make these girls pay me for the privilege?"  The guys around him all laughed.  Blackbeard and Anne are now flying in toward the northeast.  

                 Mr. Steve told the lady the market does not bear making the Cheerleaders pay to do the job but, if the people conducting the tryouts thought they could get away with it; they might try to do it.   Look at that "Pay to Play" system the L.A. bands worked in during the 1980's.

          

                            ROBBIN CROSBY (RATT)                                   TAWNY KITAIN

             

                 Over the last three days I've mentioned that 1980's band from San Diego called RATT.   Earlier today, when I wrote about O.J. Simpson; I mentioned how RATT'S Guitarist Robbin Crosby's High Scholl girlfriend was named Tawny Kitaen.  Ah!  I smell Blinky over there.  

            The lady from Wrightwood mentioned Tawny Kitaen, so our Chief told her about RATT.  She said on the WHITESNAKE Video Paula Abdul was hired to coach her dancing but did not have to do that much because Tawny Kitaen was already really good.  Dawn's barking.

            Daisy told me on the WHITESNAKE Video you can really tell how talented a Dancer that girl Tawny Kitaen is.  She does a gymnastic somersault from the hood of one Car right onto the hood of another Car.  And another time she spins around in a circle on the Car hood too.   

                              

DAISY              

                

                    I wonder what Daisy is doing right now?  What would I do if she wasn't around to help and encourage me in doing these three really long books.  I'm now kind of glad we didn't go in the house to watch cartoons this morning because I wouldn't have gotten as much done.

             Dais says, when our boss and the other Salespeople set up booths at the different places; they would show videotaped highlight films of all the different teams who played at the Forum. That was to attract people to fill out cards for ticket drawings.  A Train just whistled.

              The main purpose in having people fill out those cards was to get "Leads."  Later all the people could be called to see if they'd be interested in buying Season Tickets or Advertising.  On some days players or Cheerleaders would also go to the Malls to "Meet and Greet" fans.

               

   SPEEDY GONZALEZ         

PHOTO BY IAN MERRL                

             

                    Speedy the Squirrel is standing in the dirt over there near Manny.  It's always kind of weird to see him not running around fast the way he usually does.  Oh!  There he goes running out into the back desert by using the right vertical slot on the side of the gate to do it.

             When the Laker Girls had to go to the Malls, based on what they said to each other; Mr. Steve thinks they weren't getting money to pay for gas the way he was.  Sometimes, those Malls were kind of far away.  Mr. Steve thinks Cheerleaders make less than "Minimum Wage."    

             Randy Rhoads, who had been in QUIET RIOT until then; got the job or "Gig" with Ozzy Osbourne.  Ah!  One of those Black Widow Spiders is going behind the milk crate right near the sliding glass door over there.  That milk crate has a lot of cut up pieces of wood inside it. 

                      

"BLACK WIDOW" SPIDER

   

                   Mr. Steve doesn't use the Fireplace but keeps a lot of chopped up wood around anyway.  I've mentioned a few times how, if our house ever loses all its power; we can make some fires to cook, boil water or maybe even keep warm too.  I'm glad that Black Widow is gone.

             Boy!  It's too bad Randy Rhoades died in that Airplane crash back in 1982 because who knows what he would have accomplished Dais says.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave he now feels lucky that he and Sandy saw him rehearse and play when he was QUIET RIOT'S Guitarist.

             I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Mr. Steve thinks that guy Randy Rhoades was one of the best guitar players he's ever seen play in person.  Daisy says, it seemed like he and Ozzy Osbourne made a good team.  But now, only his music is left of him.  

         

                                                           RANDY RHODES (1956-1982)

  

             Daisy heard our boss and his brother Sam talk on the phone about how unfortunately, no one will ever know what Randy Rhoades would've done if he had lived longer.  I've learned a lot about that "27 Club" in my books.  Randy Rhoades was only twenty six when he died.   

             Boy!  I wonder what it would be like to be a "Legend?"  It would probably be both good and bad I'll bet.  Randy Rhoades died in 1982, when Mr. Steve was twenty seven.  Daisy's lucky because she's heard some of the Ozzy Osbourne songs Randy Rhoades played on.

            Oh!  What a coincidence that a Train just whistled right when I was writing about Ozzy Osbourne.  One of his most famous songs with Randy Rhoades was about a Train, and Dais says it's really good alright.  I just now noticed Cher slinking around behind the three Sheds.

         

"FREIGHT" TRAIN 

  

              Mr. Steve thinks one reason Ozzy Osbourne likely hired Randy Rhoads was because he was good at playing rhythm and lead too.  Even though he's never seen AC/DC's Angus Young play in person, he's seen the film and knows he's the same.  The Train whistled again.   

              A guy from Glendale one time told our boss Randy Rhoads was a really good Classical guitarist.  Mr. Steve, Sandy and their friends only got to see him play the electric guitar.  Daisy and Millie saw a Video and noticed he sometimes played one of those "Flying V" guitars.  

             Daisy says a few years ago our Chief's brother Sam called, and told him Phillip, Al and Larry the Guitarist's younger brother; had died.  And then, they later heard Larry was also dead too.  So, now the only brother left is the oldest brother Al.  And hopefully their pretty sister. 

                                                       OZZY OSBOURNE / RANDY RHOADS (EARLY 1980'S)      

PHOTO BY LARRY HULST       

                                                                  

             I guess Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads became friends, and were a good team in not only playing live; but also in writing songs too.  Mr. Steve thinks Ozzy Osbourne is lucky his wife Sharon came along.  Hey God!  Was it You who helped Ozzy Osbourne to survive?                         

          Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have three kids, and Daisy says the son seems kind of smart like his mom.  Daisy saw him talking on tv, and told me you can tell he knows about history and things like that.  Frida and Diego flew bye and are now going over Libby's Corral.                         

      At Valley Junior College Mr. Steve and Sandy met that guy "Jim," who knew QUIET RIOT'S Singer Kevin DuBrow.  Both lived in Van Nuys near Valley College.   I've mentioned how our boss, Sandy and their friends saw QUIET RIOT play a few times in the mid-1970's.                         

QUIET RIOT ( "VALLEY" COLLEGE)

  

           Daisy says our boss told Mr. Dave one time about seeing QUIET RIOT play that concert on the grass at Valley College.  Even way back then in the mid-1970's you could tell how Randy    Rhoads was "A cut Above" as they say.  All four of the Pigeons are flying toward the east.           

           I guess Mr. Steve's friend Chris, who also played guitar; was impressed how such a young skinny kid could play so well.  Even though QUIET RIOT didn't have as good of songs as they'd have later in the early 1980's, Randy Rhoads was already really good.  Dawn's barking.                 

     Our boss told Mr. Dave about seeing QUIET RIOT rehearse, when Randy Rhoads was casually "Noodling" the lead part from QUEEN'S song "Great King Rat."  It was between songs so he was just talking to people as he "Killed Time" so to speak.  Now Blinky's barking too.          

                                                            QUIET RIOT AT GRIFFITH PARK OBSERVATORY (MID-1970's)           

               

           Mr. Steve one time heard Randy Rhoads say how he liked that band MOUNTAIN'S song "Mississippi Queen."  He complimented Alice Cooper's two Guitarists, and Mick Ronson when    he was in David Bowie's band SPIDERS FROM MARS.  I like hearing Blinky bark.                      

           Daisy says our boss told Mr. Dave he once had a dream in which he ran into that guy Jim  from Valley College.  They sat out on the "Cuad" the way they did back then and had a pleasant  conversation where Mr. Jim asked him about Sandy, Chris and David.  I smell a Joshua tree.        

           In that one dream Mr. Steve and Mr. Jim remembered seeing SUPERTRAMP at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.  They reminisced about the QUIET RIOT Halloween night concert at  the "Workman's Hall" in Pasadena.  In that dream Mr. Steve also hugged Miss Sandy I guess.     

          

 HALLOWEEN        

            

       Oh!  Mentioning Halloween makes me think of writing about bands influenced by that holiday.  I've missed that subject a few times on my outlines, when learning about "Shock" or      even that scary "Goth" Rock.  So, I can just finally do it right now; here in this section.                

          Mr. Steve's customer told him about a 1980's Detroit Metal band called HALLOWEEN.  He said he "didn't really care for Hard Rock;" but knew about them because his brother knew    them.  I guess sometimes they even wore costumes and put on some scary white makeup too.        

          Dais says Mr. Dave one time told our boss there have been a few different bands using the name HALLOWEEN.  Mr. Steve mentioned how a guy he met a few years ago said there's even a another 1980's Heavy Metal band from Germany.  But they spell their name HELLOWEEN.               

HELLOWEEN   

      

            Dais says the guy told our boss how that German band HELLOWEEN are from the city of "Hamburg."  That was the "Port" city bombed by the Allies during World War II, and where  the BEATLES played and got practice before they were famous.  Two Pigeons flew bye.                 

           I guess, that guy described HELLOWEEN to Mr. Steve as being a "Power" Metal band; and said the songs he's heard by them had good "hooks and riffs" in them.  They're "catchy" he  said.  Over the last three days I've mentioned how Grandma Trujillo was born on Halloween.       

          That guy said in 1988 HELLOWEEN "got to play" at the "Monsters of Rock" festival in Donington, England.  On "the same bill" was KISS, IRON MAIDEN and MEGADETH.  Mr.      Steve remembers it was on August the 20th that year, which is also his mom's birthday.               

      \                c  

    RIKI RACHTMAN                 

                  

          In book one on Thursday I mentioned that guy Riki Rachtman.  In the late 1980's and early 1990's, he "Hosted" that tv show "Headbanger's Ball;" which was a big part of the Heavy Metal scene here in Los Angeles then.  I can smell the new baby Cholla cactus over there.              

            Daisy says our boss did one of his "Name Frames" for a guy who went to "Grant" High School.  Mr. Steve told him Miss Harriet, Mr. Doug and Samantha's boyfriend Rick too; all went there.  Riki Rachtman went to Grant when Miss Harriet was a Student there Dais heard.          

           The guy told our boss how Riki Rachtman likes N.A.S.C.A.R racing, Skateboarding; and also Wrestling.  In 1995 his tv show was "abruptly canceled without warning," a "casualty of Grunge" that guy said.  Smelling the baby Cholla is making me feel kind of good right now.                     

                            RANDY RHOADS / KEVIN DUBROW                        

      

            Back in the 1970's that guy Jim told Mr. Steve Randy Rhoads was from Burbank, and his mom had a "Music School" in North Hollywood called "Musonia."  I guess, Randy Rhoads liked teaching kids to play guitar.  Mr. Steve was told his mom "Dolores" was very smart.                       

       Many people think it was Kevin DuBrow who started QUIET RIOT but, it was actually Randy Rhoads and this one bass player named "Kelly.  They did it in 1973 and Kevin DuBrow,    who  died a few years ago; was "Recruited" to be their Singer.  I smell some Juniper.                     

           Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Doug one time how a lot of people didn't like Kevin DuBrow that much, but he was always friendly to him and Sandy.  He was born in late October of 1955,    or about three months after our boss.  Mr. Steve occasionally thinks about that sometimes.            

  

                                              (1970'S)                   QUIET RIOT                      (1980'S)                                         

                                                                                                                PHOTO BY ABEL ARMAS LI

     

           Daisy says our Chief met a guy who went to a 1977 concert at "Glendale College" where QUIET RIOT opened up for VAN HALEN.  I guess, Mr. Steve and Sandy were invited to go to it but; went to her family event instead.  Later that year was our boss's trip back east.                       

           The guy who did go to that concert said Randy Rhoads enjoyed "imparting" information to others, just like his mom at her school.  I guess that school was started by his family way back  in 1947, or just two years after World War II had ended.  I'd like to start a new school!                  

           I've written before how Mr. Steve was told that guy Eddie Van Halen was the opposite of Randy Rhoads in being "Secretive."  One time, Randy Rhoads supposedly even asked him for      advice; and was disappointed when he wouldn't tell him.  Frida and Diego just flew bye.                

  

EDDIE VAN HALEN ("TAPPING" / 1984)

PHOTO BY EBET ROBERTS

        I've written how one guitar playing "Technique" Eddie Van Halen made popular was "Tapping."  He supposedly saw, in the early 1970's; GENESIS'S Guitarist Steve Hackett do it on songs like my all time favorite song "Musical Box."  Donald and Daisy are quacking.                    

            Earlier I wrote about how, at the Forum in the 1980's;  Mr. Steve saw some band "Sound Checks."  Because he, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen worked at an office across the street, he would    walk over to the Forum which he often did anyway.  I see a long white vapor trail in the sky.         

       In 1984, as usual standing in the circular walkway which divided the upper area of the Forum from the "Loge" or lower area; our boss saw Eddie Van Halen tapping during the Sound Check for the VAN HALEN concert that evening.  And he also did parts of "Eruption" too.          

          

THE FORUM      

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA           

              

          Daisy heard our Chief and Mr. Dave talking on the phone about VAN HALEN and how, when he was young; at times Eddie Van Halen turned his back on the audience because he didn't want other Guitarists to see what he was doing.  Dawn's barking.  And now so is Blinky.               

           As I've said a few times over the last three days, Mr. Steve likes teaching others as long as they're a "Receptive Audience."  In that way he's probably just like Randy Rhoads I'll bet.  I just now saw Rudy use the wider right vertical slot on the side of the gate to go into the desert.             

         Randy Rhoads was friendly to our boss and Sandy.  I guess his mom played in Marching Bands at U.C.L.A. and started a "Scholarship" at C.S.U.N. in her son's name after he died.  Mr.  Steve's parents did the same for Hispanic or Latino students at Mission College for a while.         

                                                                         QUIET RIOT (1980'S)                          

           Dais heard our Chief tell Mr. Doug on the phone how, even though it was Randy Rhoads who started the band; he told Kevin DuBrow it was okay to keep using the name QUIET RIOT    after he went over to Ozzy Osbourne.   Boy!  I sure do wish I'd hear Heathcliff's voice.                  

         I guess, a later version of QUIET RIOT became a success in 1983; the year after Randy Rhoads died.  That was when our boss, Mr. Grant and Miss Emily were still in Law School over    there in Van Nuys.  Hey God!  Thank You for giving us good memories of Heathcliff.                      

            Over the last three days I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve prefers music created on instruments, rather than programmed on a computer.  But, from what he's been told; fewer    and fewer kids are learning to play musical instruments.  I'd love to learn to play a flute.                                                                   MR. RICH                                                   RUDY SARZO

                                                                                               PHOTO BY DANIEL LARSEN

                     

           Our boss's Niece Stephanie's boyfriend Rich, who played guitar in DRAGPIPE; grew up in New Jersey.  His family originally went to America from Cuba when Fidel Castro came into    power in 1959.  A Train going bye to the north whistled faintly over there to my left.                       

         When QUIET RIOT finally did become a success back then in 1983, their bass player was named Rudy Sarzo.  Mr. Steve heard him say in an interview his family came from Cuba in 1961 and settled in Miami.  And for a time he and his brother lived up there in New Jersey.                    

         The failed "Bay of Pigs" invasion also happened in 1961, the following year the "Cuban Missile Crisis" took place; and in 1963 President Kennedy was assassinated.  Mr. Steve was six in 1961, his brother Rock four.  Smelling that new little Cholla cactus makes me feel good now.                        

       RODNEY BINGENHEIMER / KISS            

                                            

         A few years ago our boss met a guy who told him he and his girlfriend once saw QUIET RIOT play before Kevin DuBrow became the Singer.  I guess that was down in Hollywood, at      "Rodney Bingenheimer's English Disco" Nightclub.  Mr. Steve met "Rodney" one time.                

          Daisy heard that guy Rodney Bingenheimer has met a lot of famous people, and since the 1970's some people have even called him the "Mayor" of the Sunset Strip.  I guess, after meeting him Mr. Steve's girlfriend Sandy felt a "sense of sadness" about him.  But he was famous!            

           I guess our boss never went to Rodney Bingenheimer's Nightclub but Mark Ritter did.  He said it was kind of small and at that time they played music by those two English "Glitter" Rock bands T-REX and the SWEET.  I've mentioned both of them over the last three days.                     

     

     T-REX                                                                   THE SWEET    

                   

           One time our boss told Mr. Doug he met a girl who went to Rodney's Nightclub in the mid-1970's.  It must've  been about the same time Mark Ritter was there based on the music playing  on the loud speakers.  She said how that same building was later used as a "Karate" studio.          

          Someday I look forward to hearing T-REX'S song about the gong, and the SWEET'S  song about that barroom.  I'm still thinking about Randy Rhoads.  Mr. Steve was told his mom gives    money to young kids who want to go to C.S.U.N. where he and his family went to College.             

       Our boss heard Rudy Sarzo say he taught kids at Randy Rhoads mom's school, and so did another Guitarist named George Lynch.  STEPPINWOLF'S bass player took piano lessons from Randy Rhoads' mom I guess.  One of the guys later in MEGADETH taught there too.                                                     

    SUPERTRAMP            

                    

          I've written before about that guy "Bernard," who rented a warehouse from Mr. Steve's family.  He "Tunes" and works on pianos and all other keyboards.  I've mentioned how, for a few years; he worked for that band SUPERTRAMP and even got to travel around with them.             

           In the dream about Mr. Jim our boss thanked him for giving him the ticket when they saw SUPERTRAMP play their "Crime of the Century" album at the Santa Monica Civic. Mr. Steve drove his first Chevelle.  It had a good Stereo in it so Mr. Jim really liked that Daisy says.              

          Even though some say Santa Monica Civic has bad sound, it sure sounded crystal clear on the night of that SUPERTRAMP concert Mr. Steve says.  Mr. Bernard was not working for them then.  There are two long crisscrossed vapor trails way up there in the sky right now.                             

2014 HONDA "CIVIC"        

         

           Mentioning the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium makes me think of how Daisy says that Japanese company "Honda" makes a Car called a "Civic."  Mr. Phillip from Wales is the Parts    Manager at that Honda dealership.  So he gets parts for all of the different Honda's.                      

          Daisy heard that Civics, which have been around since 1972; are smaller sized Cars but Mr. Phillip told our boss one time how since 2000 they're now even smaller.  The same vehicle is    also sold under other names and even brands.  Mr. Steve was in 11th Grade in 1972.                       

           One night Dais and Millie saw an interesting tv show about a really smart Japanese man named Soichiro Honda.  Wow!  It says here he's called "Japan's Henry Ford."  He was born in a  small village, his dad one of those Blacksmiths; and his mom was a really talented Weaver.            

      

SOICHIRO HONDA (1906-1991) WITH WIFE SACHI

       

           Daisy says you can really tell that man Soichiro Honda, who started the Honda company after World War II; had obvious trust and respect for his wife named "Sachi."  Another Honda    Parts Manager told our boss people who've met them notice it right away.  Dawn's barking.         

            The tv show said Soichiro Honda and his wife were both Pilots, and he even trusted her to be coordinated enough to be a "Test" driver for vehicles he designed and had built.  I guess their  son also ended up being a good Engineer too in making Race Cars.  I smell Blinky over there.       

           It says here Soichiro Honda worked around his father and was interested in bicycles.  At the age of fifteen he went to Tokyo and got a job as an "Apprentice" for the "Toyota" company.  Hey!  Those two American Wright brothers were also interested in working on bicycles too.          

                                         

"TYPE D" MOTORCYCLE (1959)

                    

           Daisy says the man on the tv show said during World War II the factory Soichiro worked at got bombed.  It says here that happened in late 1944, about a year before those Atomic bombs  were dropped on Hiroshima and then Nagasaki.  Mr. Steve has drawn all the Honda logos.            

           After the war that guy Soichiro Honda had to "Pick up the Pieces" and then start all over again.  But, with his wife's help; he started this company that made small motors which could be put on bicycles so you didn't have to pedal.  They started in a really small wooden "shack."          

           I guess, eventually Soichiro Honda's company "evolved" into making actual Motorcycles.  In 1959 they opened the first dealership in the U.S., and ended up outselling even the American    companies like "Triumph" and "Harley Davidson."  I smell Libby over there in her Corral.         

              

1963 HONDA "T360"      

            

          One time our boss and Mr. Doug, who knows a lot about small Post Second World War Cars; talked about the first Car Honda made in 1963.  It was actually a little Pickup Truck called the "T360."  Daisy says Mr. Doug told our Chief how they the driver was on the left side.              

           On the tv show Soichiro Honda said he got his interest in machinery from his father, and his "determination" from his mother.  Oh!  This is a good quote by him, "Success represents the  1% of your work which results from 99% that is called failure."   I smell the baby Cholla.             

          It says here in this Encyclopedia those Honda Civic Cars are made using a "transverse" engine "configuration."   And I guess that means the motor is mounted sideways instead of from  front to back.  Smelling that new baby Cholla cactus is making me feel good right now.                  

               

"TRANSVERSE" VERSUS "LONGITUDINAL" ENGINE 

                 

       This diagram shows the difference between Cars having an "In Line" or "Longitudinal engine "set up."  The caption says the engine's "crankshaft axis" is "perpendicular," which I'm  pretty sure means from side to side.  I sure wish all of a sudden I would hear Heathcliff.                

         I guess, it's the power coming from the motor that turns the crankshaft connected to the wheels; which makes the Car move.  It says here many of those "front wheel drive" vehicles use    the transverse system.   The first transverse configuration Car was in Germany in 1931.                

          Dais heard one of our boss's other Honda customers say how transverse systems are used on many smaller lighter weight Cars.  But, in order to save "interior space;" even some "heavily  armored" combat vehicles use transverse set ups.  Frida and Diego just now flew bye.                    

                                                

THE DICKIES           

                                                                                                   

           Over the last three days I've mentioned a few times how Mark Ritter and Mr. Doug knew the guys in that band from the Valley the DICKIES.  They have that funny song "You Drive Me  Ape You Big Gorilla."  I guess that guy Kevin DuBrow knew the DICKIES Guitarist.                    

          That time in the mid-1970's when Mr. Steve, Sandy and their friends saw the DICKIES at the Whisky a Go Go; the Singer wore a rubber Gorilla mask when they did that song about the    Gorilla.  Oh!  I wonder if they have some masks for Dogs?  If not, we should invent them.              

         Ah! This good breeze just brought in the scent of the Twin Joshua trees out there, and now the green and gold chimes are ringing.  Hey Holy Spirit!  I hope that's You again trying to make me feel better about Heathcliff dying and, if it is You thank You so much for doing that.                 

           

  MOODY BLUES                                                 BLACK SABBATH          

                                       

            I've mentioned before how the DICKIES do some "fast-paced" versions of other bands original songs, like the MOODY BLUES "Nights in White Satin;" or even BLACK SABBATH'S "Paranoid."  I'm really, really looking forward to someday hearing those two good songs.             

          Boy! I can't wait to someday hear that song Nights in White Satin, which Daisy says has that famous flute solo in it.  Because the Sun is now on the other side of the house, behind me; the shadows are now leaning away from me or toward the east.  I love how flute sounds!                      

         Wow!  This day is going faster than I expected.  Because of Heathcliff dying, I would have never thought I'd be able to actually finish this third and final book; but it looks like I will.  So, thank Everyone up there so much for really helping me, especially on this kind of sad day.                      

               THE DICKIES                                               "STUKA" DIVE BOMBER

          Dais says the DICKIES, like our boss's friend Mark Ritter;  had a weird sense of humor.  Their album "Stukas over Disneyland" shows a World War II German Stuka, flying above the      ears of Mouse Mickey; ready to dive bomb down below.  A Train just whistled faintly.                  

        One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking with Mr. Doug about a weekend when they saw QUIET RIOT one night and the DICKIES on the next.  Oh!  Samson's chasing another Raven with Delilah flying behind them.  I'll bet it's a boy Raven who tried to steal Delilah.           

          I can hear some of Heathcliff's Hens over there clucking, and that makes me think about how from now on we won't be able to take for granted hearing his voice again.  Tomorrow will be one of the weirdest days in all of history!  I can now smell the Twins out there in the desert.           

   

KEVIN DUBROW (1955-2007)

   

            I guess Kevin DuBrow, like our boss in 2007; was just fifty two when he died.  When our boss met him in the 1970's he was living at his mom's house in Van Nuys.  Mr. Steve and Sandy    got to go to a few "Backyard" parties during those years when they were at Valley College.           

             According to what Dais heard, QUIET RIOT'S first two albums were made in Japan and Kevin DuBrow later admitted they weren't very good.  Mr. Steve gives him credit because he was determined to be successful.  And after Randy Rhoads quit it must've been discouraging.              

           Someday, I want to hear QUIET RIOT songs because Daisy thinks Kevin DuBrow was a good Singer.  Our boss was told his favorite Singer had been Steve Marriot of HUMBLE PIE.  Dais says Mr. Steve still has some HUMBLE PIE vinyl records, and one is of their concert.            

                       

    HUMBLE PIE          

      (RIGHT REAR / STEVE MARRIOT)            

                   

          Dais one time heard our boss and Mr. Dave talk about that band HUMBLE PIE.  I guess they did that "Live" album Mr. Steve has, and he likes a song called "Thirty Days in the Hole."  The  Singer is really good alright according to what Daisy and Millie heard a few times.              

           I hear a Jet going bye way up there in the high blue sky, and in looking up I see how there are a few puffy clouds up there too.  Two Crows are fighting, and yelling at each other; out there behind the Sheds.  I wonder if the name HUMBLE PIE means something over in England?          

        I guess, before he was HUMBLE PIE'S Singer,  Steve Marriot was in that 1960's "Mod" band the SMALL FACES.  Our boss, as a kid; one time bought one of those 45 R.P.M. records of their song about a park Daisy heard.  I can smell the Twins and that makes me feel good.              

                                                                                     SMALL FACES                                        

  

            In looking at a picture of the SMALL FACES, I notice they're all wearing nice suits and ties so; maybe that's why they were called Mods.  I guess, Mr. Steve for many years had to wear suits and ties; but not any more Dais says.  Now he mostly just wears ordinary clothes.                  

           Mr. Steve was told the SMALL FACES were "Managed" by that girl Sharon Osbourne's father, who did the same for the MOVE; and BLACK SABBATH too.  I can't wait to someday hear all of those different BLACK SABBATH songs.  Some of the Ducks are quacking.                  

           That one guy Peter Frampton, who I wrote about when I learned about those things called "Talk Boxes" on Thursday; was in HUMBLE PIE but then went "On his Own" as they say.  He did that mid-1970's "Live" album I mentioned in book one.  I smell a Creosote bush.                     

       

                          PETER FRAMPTON                                                "TALK BOX"                                         

 

          Someday I want to hear someone sing through one of those Talk Box's, because Dais told me it's a filter to change your voice.  In a picture of Peter Frampton I notice how he's playing one of those "Les Paul" guitars I've written about.  I see a vapor trail up there in the sky.                    

         One time back in the 1970's Mr. Steve's friend Chris noticed how Peter Frampton's Les Paul's had three of those things called "Humbucking Pickups" on the body.  I guess most of the    electric guitars only have two of them.  Boy!  I just kind of like how Les Paul guitars look.             

         Daisy says our Chief, and Mark Ritter; were working at "Laser Images" when that live album by Peter Frampton came out.  A lot of people liked it a lot so it sold millions of records.  I  wonder what a Dog voice would sound like if howled through one of those Talk Box's?                  

 

"LASERIUM" 

            One time our boss told Mr. Dave about Mark Ritter, when they worked for Laser Images near the Van Nuys Airport.  During that period he, Sandy and Mark Ritter saw this band called FRAMPTON'S CAMEL at the Santa Monica Civic.  Dawn's now barking over there.                    

           Our boss told Mr. Dave FRAMPTON'S CAMEL was Peter Frampton's band before that now famous live album.  He read FRAMPTON'S CAMEL made their album at "Electric Lady," the 1960's New York City Recording Studio built by Jimi Hendrix.  I smell old Sage.                      

            I've mentioned before how, until the late 1960's; most people bought "45 R.P.M." records with only two songs on them.  But then, bands started making "33 R.P.M." Albums with about    ten songs on them.  All four of the Pigeons are flying together toward the northeast.                           

CREDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL    

             As a young teenager Mr. Steve bought a few "Single" records by that band from the Bay area called CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL.  Daisy thinks some of their songs sound    like C.C.R. would be from down there in Louisiana.  Frida and Diego just flew bye.                        

        Back in the 1960's our boss and his friends noticed right away how C.C.R., unlike most other bands in those days; put two good songs on their "45's."  The BEACH BOYS, BEATLES    and ROLLING STONES did that too I guess.  Ah!  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.                        

          The shadows are now leaning further away from me over here sitting on Elvira.  I'm sure Daisy likes the Sun now being all the way over there on the west side of the house, because heat    makes her Arthritis feel better.  That Monarch Butterfly is fluttering bye over there.                      

       

 STEPPENWOLF

            Mr. Steve had STEPPENWOLF'S song "Born to be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride" on one 45 record.  As I mentioned the day before yesterday, in 1968 the term "Heavy Metal" was used STEPPENWOLF'S Born to be Wild.  And it is a really Hard Rock song Daisy says.               

          When Mr. Steve and Sandy broke up, all of his 45's were at her parents house.  So, after thinking about it; he decided to just let her keep them.  At first he didn't like that but now Dais    says he's glad he did it because they had a lot of pretty good memories listening to them.               

           I guess, in all the times he went to games at Dodger Stadium; our Chief only caught one Baseball.  In 1977 he and Sandy stood below the left field "Foul Pole" as the Dodgers took their pre-game "Batting Practice."  A Train just now whistled faintly over there to my left.                              

          1970'S L.A. "DODGERS"  (30 HOME RUN HITTERS)        

(REAR- STEVE GARVEY, REGGIE SMITH / FRONT- DUSTY BAKER, RON CEY)

             Dais heard our boss tell his mom on the phone one time how, during Batting Practice that guy Dusty Baker who's right-handed; hit a high fly ball right toward Mr. Steve and Sandy.  Mr.    Steve could tell it was going to hit the Foul Pole directly above them.  I can smell Libby.                 

        I guess our Chief saw a group of kids running towards where they thought the ball was going to go so they could get it.  They all thought it was going to land further away, so flooded or swarmed right past he and Sandy.  But, it hit the tall Foul Pole; and came straight down.               

         Mr. Steve was holding a binocular case in his right hand so, when the ball bounced off a seat; he grabbed it with his left hand.  Two kids tried to catch it too but, our boss didn't drop it;    and they were really disappointed about that.  Libby's over there looking in this direction.            

         

   "FOUL" POLE       

                  

           Wow!  A  color picture shows one of those Foul Poles, and I can see how they're really tall alright.  I guess, Foul Poles are there to make it easier for the "Umpires" to judge if a hit ball is    "Fair or Foul."  The ball our boss caught hit the three foot wide "Mesh" net on the side.               

         Mr. Steve told his mom Sandy was impressed how he plucked that ball out of the air and didn't drop it.  And, so were those kids who swiped at it too; even giving him one of those "High  Five" cheers.  He knew it was "bang-bang" and had only one chance to get a bouncing ball.          

          Dais says our Chief gave the Baseball to Sandy and never got another one even though he went to lot of other games at Dodger Stadium.  But, he doesn't care; "No big Deal" as they say.  I'm so lucky to have my valuable collection of balls and logs that I can chew on for fun.                                                                                            RANDY RHOADS         

        

          One thing Mr. Steve and Sandy noticed about Randy Rhodes in the 1970's was how long his thumbnail was.  He also had a "Shag" haircut which, according to what Dais heard; was a popular style back in those days.  Oh!  I wonder how Dais would look in a Shag haircut?               

            Boy! Dais is so lucky because she's seen pictures of when our boss was young and had long hair and beards.  All I know is how he looks now that he's old.  I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how he thinks he's now very ugly and takes "horrible pictures."                        

         Daisy says Mr. Steve and Sandy saw QUIET RIOT play on Halloween.  Boy!  Someday I would love to wear a good costume, like a DEVO yellow suit; and go to a party.  I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Grandma Trujillo was born on October the 31st.                 

 

      VAN HALEN          

                                                     

         In the late 1970's there was kind of a competition between Randy Rhoads and that guy Eddie Van Halen.  I've mentioned a few times in my books how Eddie and Alex Van Halen grew    up down there in Pasadena, just like the Baseball player Jackie Robinson.  I smell Sage.               

             Mr. Steve one time told his brother Sam he hasn't been to Pasadena or Glendale for many years, but still occasionally talks on the phone to people he knows who live there. Fred, Ed and    Ted just flew over Libby's Corral.  Libby herself is standing over there near the north fence.         

            Daisy says our Chief has at times tried to play along to some of VAN HALEN'S songs over the years.  A Train just whistled faintly to my left out there in the northern desert, and for some    reason that makes me feel good.  A Motorcycle is going bye out there on Primavera Road.                

ALEX VAN HALEN     

         

         Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Dave one time talking about VAN HALEN'S Drummer named Alex Van Halen.  He's powerful and has this one unique drum kit with four of those big    kick or bass drums on it.  That for sure has got to be an all time world record Dais says.                

             According to Dais, VAN HALEN have this song our boss likes called "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love."  I guess in the 1980's QUIET RIOT, and Randy Rhoads in Ozzie Osbourne's band; were very successful.  But not nearly as successful as VAN HALEN ended up becoming then.                 

             It would be so interesting to time travel back to the 1980's to see when there were a lot of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal bands playing in Los Angeles.  Some were those "Glam" or "Hair" bands.  I suddenly smell the baby Cholla cactus beginning to grow over there in the dirt.                                                                    "ROXY" RESTAURANT / "RAINBOW" NIGHTCLUB                      

                      

          Back in the late 1980's and early 1990's, when our boss went with Harriet on some of her review assignments for "Music Connection" and "Bam" Magazines; they saw bands at some of    the different Nightclubs in Hollywood.  The Dragonfly zoomed bye.  I heard it coming.                  

          One of the Nightclubs Mr. Steve and Harriet went to was that place I've mentioned before called the "Roxy" Theater.   I guess it's right next door to that Restaurant called the "Rainbow," where MÖTORHEAD'S "Lemmy" goes to.  A Train whistled faintly over there to my right.          

         This one Encyclopedia says how the Roxy Nightclub was originally built back in the 1930's during the Great Depression.  But, it became the "Roxy" in 1973; and the first band to play there was that guy Neil Young's band CRAZY HORSE.  I can smell Theodora's Creosote bush.                 

                BOB MARLEY                             GENESIS                                FRANK ZAPPA                                                                        

        Wow!  Way back in 1974 GENESSIS played at the Roxy, so most likely played "Musical Box,"  And, according to what it says here; in those days Bob Marley and the WAILERS did a      concert there too.  Oh!  Frank Zappa's band MOTHERS OF INVENTION played there.              

       Mr. Steve has been told some Comedians have done shows at the Roxy, like that one guy Richard Pryor for instance.  Mr. Ralph says he's pretty sure Robin Williams performed there a    few times too.  Finley and Fanny just flew bye, and then went out into the back desert.                   

        It says here how the RAMONES, and Bruce Springsteen's E STREET BAND; have done concerts at the Roxy Theater.  Daisy says our Chief was told one time how KORN filmed a Video there.  I can smell Libby, who's right now over there walking around slowly in her Corral.                                       

   "ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW"                                     MEATLOAF                   

       

          Oh!  This is kind of interesting how, in 1974, when it was one of those Plays; "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" was "performed" on the Roxy stage.  It was in the following year that it    was made into the movie I learned about.  The Singer MEATLOAF was in that movie.                 

       I've mentioned how Mr. Steve doesn't like the taste of beer anyway but, when he goes to places that serve alcohol; he now seldom drinks even the "Shot" of whisky followed by water he's done in the past.  And, that's usually true even if he isn't the one driving according to Daisy.         

        Daisy heard our Chief talk about how anyone can go into the bar at the Rainbow, but the one at the Roxy is private.  Guys like the BEATLES' John Lennon, the WHO'S Keith Moon; and Harry Nilson made it famous.  Blackbeard and Ann Bonny are flying toward the northeast. 

  

ANTHRAX

        There are four main "Thrash" Metal bands from the 1980's, ANTHRAX from New York City; and METALLICA, MEGADETH and SLAYER from out here in California.  I'm looking forward to someday hearing  more Thrash Metal songs.  Daisy says some are "fast-paced."           

          A New Jersey customer one time told our Chief ANTHRAX'S rhythm Guitarist, who has a unique beard; is married to MEATLOAF'S daughter.   I guess, she's a Singer too like her father; and is in a band with her husband.  The Parts Manager heard how they had a son together.          

       Our boss told Mr. Dave he's only heard a few ANTHRAX songs.  But, on the ones he's heard he thinks he hears not only the influence of BLACK SABBATH, MÖTORHEAD and JUDAS        PRIEST; but also the Punk sounds of the RAMONES.   And he also hears ACCEPT too.               

                            

ADRIAN BELEW       

       

           When Mr. Steve and Harriet saw Adrian Belew at the Roxy he used his yellow guitar to make weird sound effects and tones; some of animals or even machines.  Jimi Hendrix "Used"    "Feedback," Adrian Belew "Played" feedback "Melodically." That's what Mr. Steve thinks.        

         I guess, not only did Adrian Belew make weird guitar sounds; he used "Techniques" like sliding the pick on the strings, tapping and bending the neck.  He was in Frank Zappa's band for a while.  And then later, he also played in KING CRIMSON; and TALKING HEADS too.             

     Oh!  This is a good place to write about that one 1990's Los Angeles band called RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE.  Dais heard Mr. Dave tell our boss how, back in the year 2000; they played their last concert.  And it was held down there at the "Olympic" Auditorium.                     

               

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE      

PHOTO BY NIELS VAN  IPERSON                   

                

           Yesterday when I learned about the history of U.S. "Labor" I was supposed to write about RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE but missed it.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave he's only heard one of their songs.  But he noticed how the Guitarist seemed to be playing Feedback melodically.             

         According to Dais, Mr. Dave does know many of the different R.A.T.M. songs, and thinks their Guitarist is really good alright.  I guess, like our boss's Uncle Marty; that Guitarist went to  College at "Harvard."  A flock of Birds is flying to the north up there in the afternoon sky.            

           R.A.T.M.'S Guitarist Tom Morello, like Adrian Belew; makes unusual sounds.  Mr. Dave says he does Police sirens, bombs falling; and a D.J. "Scratching."  Dais heard Eddie Van Halen make the sounds of a bellowing Elephant, and called his whinnying Horse sound "Trigger."                                 

BUDDHIST PROTEST (SOUTH VETNAM / 1963)

PHOTO BY MALCOM BROWN          

           

            Mr. Dave says in 1991 R.A.T.M.'S first album was made at that Recording Studio in Van Nuys I wrote about called "Sound City."  Daisy heard the picture they used on the cover was that one Monk Thich Quang Duc burning himself up on purpose.   Ugh!  It must hurt to burn!            

       I guess that guy Tom Morello, besides being a Musician who does some good "Guitar Effects" on "Rap-Metal" songs; is also one of those "Social Activists" I've mentioned before.  He  really hates some things about Capitalism Dais says.  All four of the Pigeons are flying bye.           

            The rage in the band's name is meant to be against the Capitalist machine.  But Mr. Dave said he heard people jokingly say the band's anger was against a Van that always broke down so  they destroyed it with sledgehammers.  It wasn't dependable at a time when they were poor.                                  

TOM MORELLO         

PHOTO BY SEAN RICIGLIANO        

              

            Our boss told Mr. Dave about the "Wobblies."  Mr. Dave read Tom Morello's a member of that "Labor Union," which I learned about.  As I said yesterday in my second book, Wobblies is just a nickname but the actual name of that Union is "Industrial Workers of the World."          

          From what Dais heard, Tom Morello has read some of the things that guy Mumia Abu-Jamal wrote from his Pennsylvania Prison.  And, as a Socialist; he totally agrees with him about  some of the bad things in our society.  There are two crisscrossed vapor trails up in the sky.          

          Mumia Abu-Jamal, who I mentioned earlier this afternoon in writing about the "Black Panthers;" seems like one of those "Anarchists."  I wonder if he, or Tom Morello; have read or    heard about that lady Emma Goldman?  I wouldn't be surprised if they know about her.                   

                  KARL MARX                    GEORGE ORWELL                CHE GUEVARA                                                                          

           Mr. Dave read that Tom Morello has been influenced by the ideas of Karl Marx, George Orwell and Che Guevara too.  So, he's obviously studied or read about the history of Socialism    versus Capitalism; or things like that.  Boy!  I really wonder if a Dog could play the guitar.            

           As I've said a few times over the last three days, Mr. Steve and his father think someday there might be another economic depression.  Since World War II, the U.S. has had the biggest "Middle Class" in history but; the gap between rich and poor widening.  I smell some Sage.          

         Mr. Dave read Tom Morello's father's family are very important in the early history of "Post-Colonial" Kenya.  His dad even fought the British during the 1950's "Mau Mau" rebellion and was Kenya's fist "Ambassador" to the United Nations.   The Dragonfly zoomed bye.               

                     

        AFRICAN NATIONS                                                   KENYA                          

                                                                                                     

           It says here, until 1890 the area now called "Kenya" was ruled by an Arab "Sultan; but the British came in and "things changed."  I guess some of the tribes welcomed the English, but  not the "Maasi," "Kambo" and "Kikuyu" groups.   Tom Morello's father was Kikuyu.                

           Oh!  This in interesting.  In 1915, the second and one of the bloodiest years of World War I; the British "officially" took away all the "Land Rights" from the Kenyans.   I'll bet they just    conveniently used the chaos of the war to cover or distract from how they stole the land.                

           After the First World War finally ended in 1918, I guess a lot of the lucky British Soldiers who had survived went down there with their families to live in Africa.   But, after World War II ended in 1945 the Kenyans wanted their land back.  And they were willing to fight over it.                     

   "MAU MAU" REBELLION (1952-1960)              JOMO KENYATTA (1894-1978)                                                                                                        

           Daisy says our boss was surprised when Mr. Dave told him Tom Morello's "Great Uncle" was Jomo Kenyatta, who led Kenya from 1963 until he died.  Boy!  I kind of like the hats shown  in these two good pictures.  And I'd definitely wear some clothes like they're wearing too.              

            Our boss told Mr. Dave in New Mexico how Mr. Dave the Photographer lived in Kenya so knew about the Mau Mau "Uprising," and all the bad things that happened.  It says here "over ten thousand" people died, and many were tortured.  Kenya gained independence in 1960.            

            Mr. Dave and our Chief talked one time about how, back in the 1980's; that Heavy Metal music became popular in L.A.  But, eventually there were almost too many bands "Competing."   In fact, I  guess that's the main reason why "Promoters" put in that" Pay to Play" system.           

                                   

KARL MARX (1818-1883)         

        PHOTO BY JOHN MAYALL                                

                                                

             As I said before, it was Daisy who explained to me how Pay to Play means the band has to "Purchase in Advance" tickets to their concert, and then resell them.  So, like Karl Marx said;      "What will the market bear?" And, in the 1980's; the music market bore having Pay to Play.        

          It was in the late 1980's when Mr. Steve and Mr. Mark in Hawaii met that guy "Robert," who played guitar; and worked for the company that put on Pay to Play shows.  I've mentioned    how Robert's last name is also "Wood" like Mr. Mark's.  The Pigeons are flying bye.                      

          Someday I'd like to hear some of the songs Mr. Mark and Mr. Robert did when they called themselves the WOOD BROTHERS.  "Creative Image Associates," or "C.I.A.;" was the name of the Promoters Mr. Robert worked for back in the 1980's.  A Train just whistled to my left.                                                                  GUNS N' ROSES                 

       

            I guess, many if not most of the 1980's bands who had to be involved in that Pay to Play system did not like it at all.  But some, like GUNS N' ROSES; were able to be successful with it.    The scent of that clump of Joshua trees over there near Libby's Corral just floated in.                    

           One time that guy Mr. Robert went on "MTV" as one of those "Spokesmen" for the Pay to Play system.  Mr. Steve admired how he explained logically that, in Capitalism; "Supply and    Demand" is important.  In his own words he basically said what Karl Marx might say.                  

           Dais says our Chief visited Mr. Robert at his office in a tall building right across the street from the Rainbow Bar and Grill and Roxy Theater.  He noticed how all of the "Hair "bands were beginning to look the same then.  The "Look" became more important than the music.                                    CAULDRON              

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                   

                

           Daisy heard another band who did okay under the Pay to Play system was CAULDRON from San Fernando.  And that's because I guess, all the members had a big "Network" of friends and family who were willing to buy the tickets.  Frida and Diego are flying bye right now.             

         All of a sudden I just thought again of that band VAN HALEN.  Someday, I'm hoping to hear some of their songs Daisy told me about.  One is about jumping, and another has to do with  the Central American country called Panama; where that really important canal is located.          

            I just noticed Andy over there guarding the burrow entrance.  He's now sniffing the air to make sure Goliath and Cher aren't somewhere around.  I can tell by how he's now acting he just picked my scent coming from way over here sitting on my comfortable couch Elvira.                                                    

                                                                     GENESIS

                 

                 One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking with Mr. Dave about GENESIS.  Back in the early 1970's their Singer played flute while using his right foot to hit a bass drum.  In fact Daisy told me, he did it in this middle section of my all time my favorite song "Musical Box."

             I've mentioned before how another thing which gave early 1970's GENESIS an unusual look up on stage was how sometimes the Guitarists sat down while playing.  And their Drummer Phil Collins is also left-handed too.  Andy is now looking over here in this direction.

             Boy!  I can't wait to someday hear all of our boss's favorite GENESIS album "Nursery Cryme."  Musical Box is on it but the song I really want to hear is the one about a giant Hogweed bush.  Dais says our Chief told Mr. Dave Steve Hackett used tapping on that song too.   

                                                                           

                                                                PHIL COLLINS    

                                                               PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA   

                 

              I've mentioned before how our boss one time took pictures of GENESIS'S Drummer Phil Collins.  That was in the late 1980's and by then he had his own band.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Dave how he wishes he could've taken pictures of Phil Collins playing drums but, oh well.  

             I'm still thinking of that band VAN HALEN.  I wrote about how their first Singer named David Lee Roth does Martial Arts moves, like spinning back kicks; up on stage.  And it was that guy Benny Urquidez who taught him to do them in the way he used to do in his fights.

             I guess Mr. Dave knows Mr. Benny and, back in the 1980's even lived for a time in the same house as his brother "Smiley."  Like our boss, he also knew Benny's Brother in Law Blinky, and his wife Lilly too.  Fred, Ed and Ted are flying to the southeast right over Libby's Corral.

                              

          BENNY "THE JET" URQUIDEZ                  LILLY / "BLINKY" RODRIQUEZ

                

            As I've written, Benny Urquidez went to "Grant" High School and was a really famous 1980's Kick Boxer.  His sister and her husband "Blinky," who had five kids; were fighters too.  Oh!  My right nostril just picked up the scent of Blinky, Dawn and Rosie over there. 

           When Mr. Steve knew Benny and his family he sometimes went their "Jet Center" Gym near the Van Nuys Courthouse.   At times it was to take pictures but at other times it was just to visit Blinky.  Hey Lord!  I guess Mr. Blinky's Christian and allows no "Cussing" in his gym.

           Mr. Blinky was the tv "Color Commentator" for Kick Boxing "telecasts" at the Palladium in Hollywood, and hired Mr. Steve to go as a Photographer.  Daisy says one time our boss went to the Sylmar "Juvenile Hall" to take pictures of Blinky's wife Lilly.  She did an "Exhibition."   

            

                                                                                           DAVID LEE ROTH

              

               Wow!  A picture shows that guy David Lee Roth jumping up on stage, and the caption says it was from 1984 when Mr. Steve saw their Sound Check at the Forum.  That was when VAN HALEN did their new song called "Jump."  Some of the Ducks are quacking over there.

               Daisy says one time our Chief talked with Mr. Ralph about how the Jet Center was one of the best Gyms either one of them had ever been to.  Both have been to a few L.A. Gyms over the years.  It had really good equipment compared to some of the other Gyms I guess. 

              I've written about how, in the late 1960's; Mr. Steve's father was a "City Commissioner" who worked downtown.  Mr. Steve remembers fondly the "Main Street Gym," where his father dropped him off sometimes before going in to work.  Now only Daffy is still quacking.

                                                       

                                              HOWIE STEINDLER (1904-1977)

                          

            On the days he spent at the Main Street Gym Mr. Steve's dad gave him money for lunch, and asked a man named Mr. Steindler to "please keep an eye on him;" as he watched the Boxers train.  Our boss was told never to leave the Gym, which was near that "Skid Row" area.

            I guess Howie Steindler ran the Main Street Gym, and knew right away he didn't have to worry about our Chief "Wondering Off" so to speak.  He was in his early teens, and at that time did everything his parents ordered him to do; "Without Question."  I smell some Juniper.

            The Main Street Gym was what they call an L.A. "Institution" for many years, since its beginning way back in 1924.  Wow!  So that means it's been around since before the "Roaring 20's," 1930's "Great Depression;" and World War II as well.  I feel pretty good right now. 

      

 "MAIN STREET" GYM

              Many famous Boxers, like Muhammad Ali for example; have trained down there at the Main Street Gym.  But most fighters who work out there are young and working their way "Up the Ladder" as they say.  I can see three long vapor trails way up there in the high sky.

             Sadly, I guess that man Howie Steindler was killed in 1977; the same year of Mr. Steve and his brother Rock's trip back east.  That was also the year the famous U2 Pilot, Francis Gary Powers; was killed when his Helicopter crashed near the Sepulveda Dam.  Dawn's barking.     

            Some people think Howie Steindler was killed because he at times carried a lot of money.  That's what Mr. Steve's friend Ralph thinks, and so does Mr. Gary; the Boxing Historian from San Fernando too.  Mr. Steve thanked Howie Steindler in a dream one time Dais says.

      

                           ROCK Y BALBOA                                            ROCKY / "BUTKUS"

          

                Dais heard our boss and Mr. Gary talk about that movie "Rocky."  I guess, even though the movie is "Set" in Philadelphia; some scenes were filmed at the Main Street Gym.  Mr. Ralph said the famous Boxer Roberto Duran was hired to play the part of a "Sparring Partner."

             Some people think Rocky Balboa's "Trainer" in the movie was based on the personality of Howie Steindler.  It was Daisy who heard about our Chief watching those "Quarry" brothers, "Jerry;" and his younger brother "Mike."  Both were very strong, and hit really hard.

             Over the last three days I've mentioned a few times how our boss, and his father; think cultures and families are "Products" of their history. Many people from Ireland, ever since that huge mid-19th century "Potato Famine;"  have had to be very tough.  A Crow is cawing.   

    

                                JERRY QUARRY (1945-1999)              MIKE QUARRY (1951-2006)

                   According to what Daisy heard our boss say when talking to Mr. Gary, Mike and Jerry Quarry were good "counter punchers."  And seeing them "close up" was "very impressive."  I guess both Quarry brothers were friendly, and even talked with Mr. Steve sometimes.

            As I mentioned yesterday in book two, Mike and Jerry Quarry, who both died; were Irish but grew up here in California.  Sadly, just like Mr. Bobby did; they ended up with brain damage from being Boxers.  All four of the Pigeons just flew bye, and are now moving to the east.

          Daisy heard Jerry Quarry was older, and bigger in size; as a "Heavyweight."  I guess Mike was a "Light Heavyweight."  Mr. Steve was told Mike was born in Bakersfield and is buried in a town near there.   Buck Owens, and that band KORN; are also from Bakersfield too.

    

FLOYD PATTERSON / JERRY QUARRY

                The caption below a picture of that guy Jerry Quarry fighting says his nickname was the "Bellflower Bomber," and from 1968 through 1971; Nat Fleischer's Ring Magazine named him "most popular" Boxer.  Mr. Steve's dad liked his courage. Bellflower is here in California.                   

            According to what Mr. Ralph thinks, Jerry Quarry was "unfortunate" in fighting at the same time as a lot of great future Hall of Fame level Heavyweights.  So, he was "Overshadowed" by guys like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.  Blackbeard and Anne landed on Moe.

           Blackbeard's tilting his head to the side so he can see me with his one good eye.  And now they're both scanning the ground below them; just hoping to see a Lizard or Snake to capture and eat. Oh!  Now they just lifted off and are flying over the top of the house going west.

JERRY QUARRY / MUHAMMAD ALI

             According to what Daisy heard, when Jerry Quarry fought Muhammad Ali he got some really bad cuts on his face.  But, he wouldn't give up and wanted to keep fighting; even when the Referee decided to "Stop the Fight."  A Train just whistled faintly over there to my left.                 

           George Foreman, who annihilated Joe Frazier and looked so unbeatable at the time; says now that back in the early 1970's he avoided or "Ducked" Jerry Quarry.  That's what Mr. Ralph read in this Magazine article one time.  Dawn and Blinky's scent just floated over here.                  

            Mr. Ralph thinks, one reason why George Foreman might've avoided Jerry Quarry is because of how he knocked out Ernie Shavers; who I guess is now considered to have been one of the hardest punchers ever in Boxing history.  Dawn's barking.  I really like Dawn!    

                                                             

                                                              ERNIE SHAVERS   

              

            Dais says one time, in the mid-1980's; Mr. Steve met Ernie Shavers at some fights down there at the Forum.  He was very friendly, and even walked around with Mr. Steve who wanted to introduced him to some of his customers; who had bought Season Tickets.  I smell Sage.

            In the early 1970's, when Mr. Steve was in High School; the Light Heavyweight champion was named Bob Foster.  He was from New Mexico, held the championship for years; and was one of the best Light Heavyweights in history.  He was unbeatable as a Light Heavyweight.  

            One of the fighters Bob Foster beat, and knocked out; was Mike Quarry who I guess was hard to knock out and had what they call a "Good Chin."  But Bob Foster landed one of the best "Left Hooks" ever and Mike Quarry "Went Unconscious."  It was a "Picture Perfect" punch.    

             

                                                                      BOB FOSTER

        

             Wow!  My Encyclopedia says Bob Foster "successfully defended" his Light Heavyweight championship fourteen times in a row.  Our boss and Mr. Gary talked about how, even though he was skinny; he was a powerful puncher.  The Monarch Butterfly just went bye right now.

             I guess, Bob Foster's regular "Day Job" was as a New Mexico "Deputy Sheriff" officer.  He was six foot three but only weighed about one hundred and eighty pounds.  A right-hander, he had really long arms Dais says; and our boss said his "stiff" left "jab" was pretty good.

            When he fought Mike Quarry Bob Foster landed one of the most "devastating" punches in Boxing history.  It knocked out Mike Quarry "cold" and Bob Foster was worried for a while he might've even killed Mike Quarry.  But Mike Quarry ended up being alright I guess.

        

                           BOB FOSTER / JOE FRAZIER                                   BOB FOSTER / MUHAMMAD ALI IN BACKGROUND

    

         Wow!  It says here, after he retired from Boxing; Bob Foster was elected into the Boxing Hall of Fame.  But, I guess he just couldn't  beat Heavyweights according to what Daisy heard.    Cher just went through the right vertical gate slot to go check things out in the back desert.          

        In the early 1970's, when our boss was back in High School; Bob Foster lost to both Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali too.  One picture shows him getting hit by Joe Frazier's left hook,      and in another one he's been knocked down by Muhammad Ali.  Cher's scent just came in.           

         Mr. Steve and his father admire Bob Foster because, unlike many "Entertainers;" he had another way to "Make a Living" when he retired.  Dais says our Chief admired whenever he met people in hopeful bands like that.  Mr. Dave, CAULDRON'S Singer; was one of those.                   

                                                   DRAGONFLY                                                             HORNET                                                       

            Aha!  I knew I was hearing something coming from my left and it turns out to be that big Dragonfly which has been hanging around here for the last three days.  Dais has been seeing it too up there in the front yard.  The Dragonfly is now flying over Libby's Corral.

            Seeing that one Dragonfly makes me suddenly think of that other Bug called a "Hornet." I've never seen one but Daisy has and says they sting like Bees.  She and Millie heard Miss Susan say they're related to these other flying Insects called "Wasps" and "Yellowjackets.

           A while back Dais and Millie saw this tv show about Hornets and things like that.  It said Hornets make their nests out of chewed up wood.  Another time, they watched a Huell Howser episode about one of those "Aircraft Carriers" I've written about; called the "Hornet."    

    

                              USS "HORNET CV-12                                               HUELL HOWSER

                 Daisy told me how the USS Hornet is now a museum docked up there in the San Francisco Bay.  It says here it was built during World War II and saw a lot of combat in the last part of the war in the Pacific Ocean against Imperial Japan.  Two of the Pigeons just now flew bye.

            In one of those "Bird's Eye" view photographs I see how the Aircraft Carrier Hornet has a "Diagonal" Landing Strip."  Mr. Dave in New Mexico, who I've mentioned before served on a Navy Aircraft Carrier; knew that the Hornet was also used in the 1950's Korean War.

           Mr. Dave also said the Hornet was used in the Vietnam War  too.  My Encyclopedia says it was an "Essex-Class" vessel with the nickname of "Grey Ghost."  Oh!  I guess, in 1969; it was the Hornet that picked up the "Apollo 11" Astronauts when they got back from the Moon.

  

                                                                                 BATTLE OF "SHILOH"  (1862)    

                                                 PAINTING BY RICK REEVES                                                                                                                PAINTING BY THURE DE THULSTRUP

                                       

             Over the last three days I've written about the American Civil War.  And one of the battles I've mentioned a few times took place at that place called "Shiloh." General Grant's Union men, in a bloody two day battle; beat Rebel troops under that guy Albert Sydney Johnston.                 

               At the Battle of Shiloh, one of the areas where the most vicious fighting took place was in what the Soldier's later called the "Hornet's Nest."  And, I guess that was mainly because of the way the bullets sounded as they were zinging all around.   Oh!  That would be so scary!

           Daisy says there's a Basketball team called the Charlotte "Hornets."  Mr. Steve one time faxed a copy of the line drawing he did years ago to one of his customers in North Carolina.  His kids made copies of the original and colored them, and also the other ones sent later too.    

                                                                                                    

      KOBE BRYANT / MICHAEL JORDAN                "MUGGSY" BOGUES (CHARLOTTE "HORNETS")

                                       

              Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Grant how, for a few years Harriet's father bought Season seats for the Clippers; when they played down at the "Sports Arena."  Mr. Steve and Harriet one time saw the Charlotte Hornets play.  I guess that guy Michael Jordan now owns them. 

            In that game the Hornets had a five foot three inch tall Player named "Mugsy" Bogues. Just like Doug Flutie in Football, he was a short but great Basketball Player.  One of Mr. Steve's customers in Baltimore told him Mugsy Bogues was a really good Baseball Player too. 

            During pre-game warmups Mr. Steve kiddingly told Harriet Mugsy Bogues was a "Ball Boy" who the Hornets had felt sorry for and gave him a job.  She thought that was nice of them to do that, but laughed when he "Started the Game."  Ah!  The air is so clear right now.  

                                   

 NG MUI / WÚ MÉI (DATES UNKNOWN)       

           

             All of a sudden I just thought of this Chinese girl Daisy told me about named Ng Mui, or Wé Méi as my Encyclopedia also calls her.  She lived in the late 17th and early 1700's.  According to Dais, and this Encyclopedia too; she might've been a Buddhist Nun.

             I was supposed to write about Ng Mui yesterday but it was one of the things I missed on the outline.  Many things are not known about that girl Ng Mui, not even the exact years when she was born or died.  Cher jogged bye holding a dead Lizard firmly in her mouth.

            It sounds like Ng Mui had a hard life, because her parents may've been killed when she was young; and then later the "Shaolin" Temple where she lived was destroyed.  Daisy says one story is about how her father may've been a General.  I smell Cher and her Lizard.

   

FRONT YARD 

                    It says here Ng Mui was a Nun, but also a "warrior" who is now "associated" with the Martial Arts.  The tv show called her "Five Plum" or a five petal flower.  I just thought of the two statues up in the front yard.  One is that Warrior Monk, the other the seated Buddha.

              I guess, probably because she was one of those Orphans; Ng Mui became a Nun.  Daisy says besides praying a lot, she also learned about "hand to hand" combat; when a small person is fighting a bigger person.  I wonder what Dais is doing up there in the front yard right now.       

                  I guess, that girl Ng Mui is now associated not only with the Shaolin fighting style; she influenced "Wing Chun" and "Wudang" too.  Wow!  She was the "founder" of the "Wûméi Pài Martial Arts form.  Mr. Steve and his brothers learned that "Tang Soo Do" as kids.

   

                      "GREEN HORNET"                BRUCE LEE (1940-1973)              "GAME OF DEATH"                             

    

          One of Mr. Steve's pre-Recession customers up there in Washington once said he and his wife and kids saw that guy Bruce Lee's gravesite in Seattle.  They were there for one of his wife's  relatives when someone pointed out Bruce Lee's grave.  Some of the Ducks are quacking.              

         Daisy says our boss thinks Bruce Lee was probably influenced by that girl Ng Mui in his Martial Arts style.  Someday, Dais and I really want to see that one tv show he was in; called the  "Green Hornet."  The strong scent of the Twin Joshua's just floated in from out there.                   

         Wow!  A picture shows Bruce Lee standing next to that Basketball Player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  I guess it's a scene from a 1978 movie they were in.  A painting shows him holding those "Nunchaku" or "Nunchucks," like the ones Dais says our Chief has inside his bedroom.                

  

"KUNG FU" (MID-1970'S)

                 Daisy told me about a tv show about a 19th century Shaolin Monk who walks around the American West.  He plays flute; and always tried to be peaceful; even when others tried to fight him.  But, he knows how to fight and can even redirect or deflect spears thrown at him.    

             According to Dais, in the tv show the Chinese man walks all around the West and at times has to fight.  What the mean people don't know is that he's like that girl Ng Mui in being able to use leverage and quickness to overcome greater physical strength.  Dawn's barking.

            One time Daisy jokingly called me "Little Grasshopper" because on the tv show when the Monk was a kid in China and being trained; that's what the older Monks called him.  I guess that nickname means he was a "Trainee."   Wow!  I can't believe this is the end of chapter eleven.

(Book 3 / Chapter 12)

6:30

 

LATE AFTERNOON HIGH DESERT

    

          I took a quick pee break but now I'm back and ready to finish this third and last book.  I can't believe I made it this far based on how sad I felt this morning.  Hey Heathcliff!  If you just    happen to be up there mind reading me I want to thank you so much for motivating me.                

         Wow!  I can't believe this chapter thirty six!  The Sun is going down to the west or behind me sitting here on Elvira, so I have to write fast in order to get in everything on this outline.  I still have more to write about music and Boxing too.  Oh!  Heathcliff's Hens are clucking.             

           I just thought of how VANHALEN'S first Singer David Lee Roth, who used to ride one of those "Chopper" Motorcycles in the 1980's; learned the martial art stage moves from that guy    Benny Urquidez.   The four Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral and are moving to the east.                               

DAVID LEE ROTH       

PHOTO BY TAYLOR PLAYER            

       

                 I've written before how David Lee Roth grew up in "Pasadena," which is to the south of Sylmar.   Daisy says he can jump really high and do good spinning back kicks.  Two Motorcycles just zoomed bye out there on Primavera Road, which left behind a slowly rising cloud of dust.  

            Our boss told Mr. Rich some people in Sylmar, in the mid-1980's; saw David Lee Roth eating a Hot Dog while sitting on his Motorcycle.  He was in the parking lot at the Liquor Store near Mr. Rich, Stephanie and Cristina's house.  And he was friendly, unlike his reputation.

            Daisy heard David Lee Roth was fired from VAN HALEN, so started his own band.  And his Guitarist Steve Vai lived in Sylmar so that's why he would drive north up the #210 Freeway to get to Sylmar.  Mr. Steve saw that new band play a concert at the Forum soon after that.

   

              STEVE APPLEFORD                          1978 "EL DORADO"                         STEVE APPLEFORD'S BOOK

    

                Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave one time about seeing, in 1988; David Lee Roth's band play a concert at the Forum.  He went with that guy Steve Appleford, who wrote the book about the Rolling Stones.  Ah!  I just really love breathing in fresh air only through my nose.

            Our Chief joked with Mr. Dave how Steve Appleford is tall, so it was a good thing back in those days he was driving his "floating Boat."  That was the huge Car his dad "Handed Down" to him.  Mr. Dave laughed when they talked about how expensive gas is right now in 2014.

             In 1988 I guess Steve Appleford, working for the L.A. Times; was sent to review David Lee Roth's concert.  Dais heard our Chief tell Mr. Dave he was impressed when Steve Appleford called in and "Dictated" the review from a phonebooth at the Forum.  Dawn's barking.

                            

STEVE VAI            

 PHOTO BY NEIL ZLOZOWER                         

                       

                  One time Daisy heard our Chief talking on the phone with Mr. Rich, and the discussed that Guitarist Steve Vai living in Sylmar.  Daisy says our boss told Mr. Rich he thinks, maybe in 1989; he saw Steve Vai's business on a list of "Members"  for "Pace."  Dawn's barking.

           A few years ago Mr. Steve did some artwork for a kid who it turned out grew up in Sylmar and worked a drive through Dairy there.  He said Steve Vai and his wife are really friendly and nice.  It's slowly getting darker as the Sun goes down over the western horizon behind me.

          Our boss sold some things to a lady from Sylmar who knew Steve Vai and his wife.  She said a few years ago Steve Vai's family moved to "Encino," where Mr. Steve's dad used to have his school for Stockbrokers back in the early 1970's.  Steve Vai now raises Bee's she said. 

              

   STEVE VAI         

          

       Mr. Steve thinks David Lee Roth was good in their concert at the Forum, but the songs weren't as good as VAN HALEN'S songs.  But, you could tell Steve Vai is a great Guitarist in his "Technique."  Dais heard our boss and Mr. Rich talk about his three-necked "Ibanez" guitar.      

          Steve Vai uses one of those "Whammy Bars" I guess.  And, in some songs at the David Lee Roth concert; he "Tapped" like Eddie Van Halen.  Just like Adrian Belew, who I just mentioned a few minutes ago; Steve Vai was also at one time a member of Frank Zappa's then band.              

        Oh!  This is a good place to write about the subject of "Ibanez" guitars.  I was supposed to do it yesterday, when I wrote about GENESIS; but missed it on my outline.  Mr. Dave, and also    Mr. Rich; know about that brand of electric guitar and Mr. Rich plays and has a few of them.         

STEVE VAI ("IBANEZ" GUITAR)

PHOTO BY C. FLANIGAN

     

          This Encyclopedia says the Ibanez company is Japanese.  They began way back in the year 1908; which was even six years before World War I.  Daisy says our Chief and Mr. Rich talked      about Ibanez being the first company to "mass produce" seven and eight string guitars.                

           Dais heard Mr. Rich say Ibanez, behind only those "Gibson" and "Fender" guitars; is the "third biggest brand."  It says here they began making electric musical instruments in 1957, the  same year Mr. Steve's brother Rock was born.  Finley and Fannie just flew bye right now.             

        I just looked up the name "Luthier," and it's defined as being any person who, "works on stringed instruments."   Oh!  The Ibanez company, back in 1908; was originally named after a      Spanish Luthier named Salvador Ibáñez.   I can smell Theodora's Creosote bush over there.         

                       

GENESIS (EARLY 1970'S)

     Our boss told Mr. Dave of a tv show he once saw that said it was in 1986 when the Ibanez company changed the "Pronunciation" of its name.  Until then the Spanish pronunciation was      used I guess.  GENESIS' two main Guitarists both "Endorse" Ibanez guitars Dais heard.              

       Daisy also heard Mr. Dave talk about how the Ibanez company don't just make "stringed" musical instruments. They also build "Effects," "Accessories" and "Amplifiers" too he said.  Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet saw Adrian Belew use Ibanez guitars when they saw him play that time.  

      Now I'll write about this other company that makes guitars.  They're called "Guild" and I also forgot to write about them.   Dais saw a tv show about Guild and heard our boss talk with      Mr. Rich about it.  Guild began back in 1952, three years before Mr. Steve was even born.             

            

                                         1950'S  ("GUILD")                  GEORGE BENSON              1980'S ("IBANEZ")   

    

           That guy George Benson, who I've written about before; also plays Ibanez guitars Daisy heard.  And in the 1950's and 1960's he used to play Guild guitars too.   I've mentioned how Mr.  Steve and Sandy saw George Benson play a concert at that place called the "Greek Theater."       

         The tv show said the Guild company began in the "Manhattan" area of New York City, near New Jersey where Mr. Rich grew up.  Since then it's moved a few times to places like New    Jersey or that other city called "Philadelphia."  In 1995 "Fender" bought the company.                

          Mr. Dave said one of his old Motorcycle Shop customers told him Guild is located here in Southern California now.  He also heard that the Guilt brand may be bought by that "Córdoba" company I wrote about yesterday in my second book.  I can smell the Twin Joshua trees.                 

PETER, PAUL AND MARY

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

        I've written about Miss Emily's job raising money to "Refurbish" the "Statue of Liberty.  It was her who got our boss that photography job taking pictures of PETER, PAUL AND MARY at the "Universal Ampitheatre."  Finley and Fanny just flew bye and seem to be so happy.                

        Dais says Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customer also told him how, in New York City's early 1960's "Folk" music "Revival" scene; many of the Musicians played acoustic Guild guitars.  It    was then those guys PETER, PAUL AND MARY first came up I guess.  Dawn's barking.               

    Hey!  I wonder if Bob Dylan, when he went to live in New York City from his hometown of "Hibbing" Minnesota; played Guild acoustic guitars?  Mr. Dave said how Guild began making    electric guitars in the 1960's.  I can smell little Blinky and Rosie standing right next to Dawn.             

ERIC CLAPTON                         JOE WALSH                           BRIAN MAY        

       

          Those guys Eric Clapton, Joe Walsh and Brian May are mainly known for playing electric guitars.  But Mr. Dave's customer told him they use Guild acoustic guitars.   And, so does Tom      Petty too I guess.  Cher just used the right vertical gate slot to go out into the back desert.            

        Dais says Guild even began making electric bass guitars, and the guy in the JEFFERSON AIRPLANE used them.  Jerry Garcia played some Guild electric guitars when our boss saw that  one GRATEFUL DEAD concert back in the late 1970's.  Andy's over there looking at me.              

        Mr. Dave's customer said, back in 1972; Guild were the first to make acoustic guitars in a "Cutaway" design.  Mr. Rich says that makes it "easier to reach the higher frets," at the bottom of the neck.   Now almost every guitar making company has copied that good idea I guess.                                                 

BATTLE SHIP "BISMARCK"    

     

         It says here "Dreadnaught" is the "body style" most "associated" with acoustic guitars.  It was first first used in 1916 by an American company called "C.F. Martin."  But sales were bad so it was "retired," ironic because it's the shape now most commonly used.  Daffy's quacking.           

        This is sort of interesting how the name Dreadnought comes from that big type of Battleship "introduced" in 1906.  The giant Nazi Ship "Bismarck," which I've written about; was an even      larger form of a Battleship than that.   I wonder if the first Dreadnaught guitars were big?         

      I just thought of that DEF LEPPARD concert at the L.A. "Sports Arena."  Our boss got to see it because he drove Steve Appleford to it, so he could write his review for the "L.A Times" Newspaper.   Boy!  It's so amazing how DEF LEPPARD'S Drummer plays with only one arm.        

                                         RICK ALLEN                                              EDDIE SPAGHETTI

                 Over the last three days I've mentioned Mr. Eddie who was born with no arms but still plays drums and sings along to pre-recorded music with the vocals deleted.  Mr. Steve really does admire him a lot and always gives him money.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying bye.

            Dais says our boss has told Mr. Eddie about that DEF LEPPARD concert, and how that guy Rick Allen played.  One of his customers, who also plays drums; read Rick Allen say he's had to either "adapt or die."  Oh!  I wonder if he knows about the ideas of Charles Darwin?

            I guess, the Parts Manager said Rick Allen admitted; since the accident he has to "think ahead" more and cannot be "clever."  Mr. Phillip from Wales has used that word too, which is how people from Britain mean our "fancy."  A breeze just brought in the Twins' scent.

 

"FIVE PIECE" DRUM SET     

     

                 Our boss and Mr. Dave have talked a few times about DEF LEPPARD'S Drummer and how his new "Electronic" drum has four of those pedals.  That allows Rick Allen to use his left foot do what his missing left arm used to do.  Andy's over there looking in this direction.

            I guess, Rick Allen's four pedals make the sound of a Hi-Hat, and Snare, Bass and Tom drums.  The Parts Manager read in that Magazine article how Rick Allen now just concentrates on "keeping time."  Hey God!  Dais thinks You made it so Rick Allen has good friends.

            According to what it said in the Magazine article, Rick Allen says he now also plays at a "slightly slower pace;" which has made the songs better.  Our Chief says maybe that makes their already good songs sound more "melodic."  I really want to hear DEF LEPPARD songs. 

    

JOHN BONHAM (1948-1980)

  

                  Mr. Steve's customer told him when Rick Allen came back after his accident, to show the band he could do it; he played LED ZEPPELIN'S song "When the Levee Breaks.  I've written about that song.  Mr. Dave and our boss think that would be pretty impressive alright.

                 From what the Parts Manager read Rick Allen says he now "needs," and is more open to; "constructive criticism."  Daisy is that way with me too, and I like it when she gives me advice; because I know she has my best interest in mind.  Frida and Diego just now flew bye.     

                   It's too bad that Drummer John Bonham drank himself to death by using alcohol.  That's what our boss thinks.  And the WHO'S Keith Moon also probably did something similar I guess, but Mr. Steve was told neither one was playing drums well at the time of their deaths.    

                

                                   MEGADETH                                                             GUNS N' ROSES

         

             Writing about David Lee Roth makes me think about how that guy Benny Urquidez also taught GUNS N' ROSES Bassist, and MEGADETH'S Guitarist; about Martial Arts.  But I guess they didn't jump around and do spinning back kicks up on stage.  That's what Dais says. 

                 Another Gym our boss used to sometimes go to was that one in North Hollywood, where Boxers who worked for that "Ten Goose" company trained.  It was in a house on a "Cul de Sac" like Hagar Street in Sylmar.  A flock of Birds is flying to the west way up there in the sky.

             Dais says our boss hasn't been to North Hollywood in a long time.  One time he and Mr. Ralph talked about some of the different Gyms around Los Angeles, and I guess Mr. Ralph has been to the Jet Center and Ten Goose Gym too.  Miss Harriet still lives in North Hollywood.    

    

FRANKIE DUARTE (1980'S)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

   

               One Boxer who used to work out at the Ten Goose Gym in North Hollywood was that guy Frankie Duarte.  Mr. Steve took that picture of his fight at the Forum which ended up being used in a few Magazines or internet websites.  I can smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie over there.

           Daisy told me the picture of Frankie Duarte, who's right-handed;  shows him throwing an overhand right and preparing to throw a straight left.  His opponent is backing or leaning away from him.  I really do think we could make some money starting a Gym for us Dogs.  

           Mr. Ralph used to go to the "Hoover Street" Gym in South Los Angeles, where that guy Carlos Palomino trained.   I've mentioned how Carlos Palomino, who was born down in Mexico but grew up in L.A.; graduated from College.  A Train just whistled faintly out in the desert.  

CARLOS PALOMINO

    

                Daisy heard our Chief one time talking with Mr. Ralph about when Carlos Palomino had a fight against this other Southern California "Welterweight" Boxer named Armando Muñiz.  I just glanced up in time to see a small Garter Snake.  It's crawling out into the back desert. 

            I guess, when Carlos Palomino fought Armando Muñiz in 1977; it was the first time in Boxing history two College graduates fought for a "World" title.  A Welterweight Boxer weighs between one hundred and forty and one hundred and forty five pounds.  I smell old Sage. 

           Carlos Palomino, who our boss met and who knows Mr. Bobby; won that fight and later became World Champion.  Our boss also met and shook hands with Armando Muñiz too.  A few times it was at those "World Boxing Hall of Fame" banquets Mr. Gary helped organize.     

     

ROBERTO DURAN / CARLOS PALOMINO (1979)

                Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Gary one time talk about those World Boxing Hall of Fame banquets, which were held at a big Hotel near "International" Airport.  I've mentioned how Mr. Gary was an official for the Hall of Fame for years.  Andy's over there looking at me. 

              I guess, Carlos Palomino lost to that guy Roberto Duran in New York City; at Madison Square Garden.  He won the World Championship at "Wembley" Stadium in London, where that band QUEEN did their famous concert in 1985.  I just now picked up Andy's scent.

          Carlos Palomino, who served in the Army; got a degree in "Recreation Administration" from Long Beach State.  Armando Muniz, now a Teacher; studied "Business Administration" in College.  Carlos Palomino was in a few movies, and tv commercials too; according to Dais.      

                                                

                        ROY ROGERS /DALE EVANS        "TRIGGER"      CEMETERY ("APPLE VALLEY")                        

                                                                                                                     PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                Seeing Libby walking around slowly over there in her Corral suddenly makes me think about that guy Roy Rogers.  I've mentioned before how, later in life; he lived over there with his wife and kids in "Apple Valley" near "Victorville."  Mr. Steve went to their cemetery.

           Daisy says one time our Chief told his mom about the cemetery in a mountain where Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans are buried.  He went there for that funeral and says it's in a nice peaceful setting.  I just thought about our little cemetery on the south side of the driveway.

          Oh!  That new Hawk just flew bye, and was looking at me over here sitting on my couch Elvira as it went past.  Andy's over there sniffing the air, just to make sure Goliath or Cher aren't around to threaten their babies.  Bonnie and Clyde's babies are sound asleep up there.  

                                                                                                        

                                 OSCAR DE LA HOYA      JOHNNY TAPIA

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                

             I'm still need to write more about Boxing.  In 1989 Mr. Steve and his father and Nephews went to the "Resurrection" Gym in East L.A., to see a kid named Oscar De La Hoya train.  This New Mexico Fighter named Johnny Tapia was also there.  Both became World Champions.

           Mr. Ralph told our boss Oscar De la Hoya later bought the Resurrection Gym; which was once a Church.  This was after he got a Gold Medal in the 1992 Olympics.  As a "pro" he won ten world titles, in six weight divisions; and fought against twenty world champion Fighters.

           Like the guys in that band LOS LOBOS, I guess Oscar De La Hoya also went to Garfield High School too.  Daisy heard that Oscar De La Hoya retired as a Boxer, and is now one of those  "Promoters" I've written about.  Mr. Steve says Oscar De La Hoya seems like a smart person.

                                                                  

                                                         ART ARAGON (1927-2008)   

        

                 According to what Dais heard, Oscar De La Hoya's nickname was the "Golden Boy," but the original Boxing Golden Boy was that guy from Belen Art Aragon.  He came to California in the 1950's and became famous.  Mr. Steve's parents knew his family back in New Mexico.  

           Art Aragon used to joke about how he was the "Pocho" the Mexicans "loved to hate," as he often beat their Fighters.  One time our boss and his father talked about him wearing an all gold robe and gold trunks.  All four Pigeons flew over the Patio and are now going eastward.

          Daisy told me, in the 1950's Art Aragon became one of those bad guy "Heels" I've written about; who people pay hoping to see him get beat up.  I've mentioned before how our boss heard Muhammad Ali was influenced by that Wrestler "Gorgeous George."  Daffy's quacking.   

              

              "OLYMPIC" AUDITORIUM                              ART ARAGON (RIGHT)                                                                     

            Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Gary one time talk about how Art Aragon fought in some famous fights at that downtown "Olympic" Auditorium I've written about.  In the 1950's he was mainly what they call a "Lightweight."  Andy's now looking at me over here on the Patio.

           I guess at first Art Aragon, unlike Gorgeous George and later Muhammad Ali; didn't like  being hated and getting booed and screamed at.  But then he realized he could make some money by being the Heel.  Andy's unique scent just now came floating in to me sitting on Elvira. 

          After he retired Art Aragon started a "Bail Bonds" business, and Mr. Steve and his father visited his office at the "Van Nuys Courthouse;" near Benny Urquidez's gym.  Daisy heard Art Aragon joked a lot and always got Mr. Steve's father to laugh.  They often talked about Belén.     

                              

                         MARILYN MONROE                                   JAYNE MANSFIELD

          

            I guess, in the 1950's pretty girls like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield went to Art Aragon's fights; and Mr. Ralph heard an Actor named William Holden first called him "Golden Boy."  Art Aragon converted to Judaism in order to marry his wife.  I can smell new Sage.

           That guy Audie Murphy, the most "Decorated" American Soldier in World War II; was a friend of Art Aragon.  Daisy told me a "Bail Bondsman" lends money to people in trouble with the law, in order to be able to get out of jail.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the east.

          Both Art Aragon and Audie Murphy acted in a few different 1950's movies from what Dais heard our boss one time talk about with his father.  Speedy Gonzalez just whizzed through the right vertical gate slot.  Boy!  No matter how many times he does that it still amazes me. 

                            BOBBY CHACON       

           

          Over the last three days I've written about our boss's friend Mr. Bobby.  Like Art Aragon, for a time he was the "Pocho" who some Mexican Boxing fans "Loved to Hate;" because he beat the Fighters from Mexico.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are flying to the east.          

        I've mentioned how a "Pocho" is a "Hispanic" or "Latino" person who doesn't speak any Spanish.  Daisy says, when Mr. Steve took Mr. Bobby to talk to Elementary school kids; waiting    there were parents wanting to meet him.  He was like one of those "Celebrities" again.                  

         Our boss told Mr. Bobby, when signing an autograph; say something more than just putting down your name.  He showed him a picture he took of Pat Quinn, the Hockey Kings Coach back in the mid-1980's.  Daisy told me how he wrote on it, "Top of the morning to you Steve."               

        

WITH WIFE VELERIE BOBBY CHACON    WITH JIMMY LENNON SR.

          Dais and Millie heard Mr. Steve tell his father about what happened at a Gas Station in Sylmar one time.  An old man walked up to him and asked, "Aren't you Bobby's friend?"  Mr.    Steve said he was so the man reached into his back pocket and then pulled out his wallet.              

           The man, who looked like he was in his seventies; showed our boss his business card that Mr. Bobby had signed on the back.  It said, "Stay in School.  Bobby Chacon."  I've mentioned a  few times over the last three days how Mr. Bobby has brain damaged from Boxing and drugs.      

           I just thought of how that guy Bennie Urquidez  went to "Grant" High School down there in Van Nuys near Valley Junior College.  I've mentioned a few times that his sister "Lilly," who    was also a "Mixed Martial Arts" champion; married to Blinky.  Oh!  Blinkys's barking.               

   

  THE "JET CENTER" (VAN NUYS)

              

           Daisy and Millie heard our Chief and Mr. Ralph one time talking about Benny Urquidez's gym, or what Mr. Ralph a "Training Facility."  It's a "Cut Above" most other gyms from what    Mr. Steve says.  He's been to a lot of the different L.A. gyms over the years so know about it.         

        One time, after they visited with Art Aragon, Mr. Steve and his dad stopped bye the "Jet Center" to visit Mr. Blinky.  Mr. Steve had been there before but not his father, so Mr. Blinky        gave them a tour of the gym.   Bravo Company is going bye out there in the back desert.                

      I've written before about how some of the Comic Books have been made into movie, like "Superman" for instance.  From what Dais says, some Actors have trained at the Jet Center and one was the girl who played "Cat Woman" in a "Batman" movie.  I smell Blinky over there.            

                       MICHELLE PFEIFFER                                           CHUCKNORRIS

            I guess, another Actor who worked out at the Jet Center was Chuck Norris, who was also a Mixed Martial Arts Champion before he became an Actor.  Grandma Trujillo used to think he  was "so handsome."   She loved the way some men looked when wearing Cowboy hats.                  

           Mr. Benny only lost once in his professional career; is in the the "International Sports Hall of Fame."   Mr. Gary the Barber once called him a "pioneer" in ""full contact fighting arena,"    especially in the "field of kickboxing."   Frida and Diego are flying over Libby's Corral.                

           One time our Chief and Mr. Rich talked about MEGADETH'S Guitarist Dave Mustaine, who also trained at the Jet Center.  Like Ozzy Osborne and David Lee Roth were kicked out of their bands; Dave Mustaine was "Booted Out" of METALLICA.  I smell some Mesquite.

                     

                                                                                                         MEGADETH    

                     

                 Daisy heard Mr. Rich call MEGADETH, METALLICA, SLAYER and ANTHRAX the "Big Four" of "Thrash."  Dais says that guy Dave Mustaine is a good guitar player but also has kind of a unique "gruff" voice too.  I just picked up the strong scent of the Twin Joshua trees.

          Someday one song I definitely want to hear is that MEGADETH song called "Symphony of Destruction."  Dais says our boss really likes it so now does Mr. Dave who had not heard until our boss told him about it.  The faint echoing sound of a Train just came in from my left.

         Because our Chief and some of his friends liked some Heavy Metal bands like BUDGIE, BLITZKRIEG and DIAMOND HEAD, they also liked early METALLICA when they were just playing good "Covers" of those bands.   All four of the Pigeons are flying toward the east.            

MARCHING NAZIS

      

            That song Symphony of Destruction seems to be about how Politicians can, and often do; manipulate people the way  Aldous Huxley and George Orwell warned against.  At least that's what Daisy thinks.  The lyrics made Mr. Steve think of the Nazis from back in the 1930's.

           Many years ago our Chief made a Video where he played Symphony of Destruction over a section of the 1935 film "Triumph of the Will."  Mr. Steve's brother Rock had a machine where you could combine music and video images.  A flock of Birds is going bye up there in the sky.

            I guess, from what he and his brother Rock talked about one time; Mr. Steve picked one of the big marching scenes from Triumph of the Will and matched it up to MEGADETHS song.  Others have noticed how well the lyrics seem to match the visual images from the old film. 

                                            "TRIUMPH OF THE WILL"                         LENI RIEFENSTAHL (1902-2003)

              A picture shows the three American High Jump winners at the Berlin Olympics, and I notice how one of them has the first name of "Cornelius."  I remember Daisy telling me about our boss's customer down in Louisiana with that first name too.  A Train whistled faintly.             

             Our boss's father thinks it's "ironic" that, when he returned to to the U.S. in 1936; Jesse Owens was ignored by President Franklin Roosevelt.  Mr. Ralph read during the Olympics Jesse Owens wore German made shoes.  And that company is called now "Adidas" and "Puma."

             Mr. Steve and Mr. Ralph one time talked about how, when he got back to America; that guy Jesse Owens didn't do good.  In 1936 most white people, including the "Liberals;" thought black people inferior.  Andy's over there sniffing the air to see if Cher or Goliath is around.   

                                             

                                                             THE FORUM (1984)    

                                                                 PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA          

                                                                                                    

             I've written before how our boss, Mr. Mark and that lady Miss Helen all worked at the Forum in Inglewood for a few years in the mid-1980's  Their office at first, in 1984; was on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and 18th Street in West Los Angeles.  That Lizard is gone.  

            The Sales Office where Mr. Steve, Mr. Mark and Miss Helen worked in eventually moved to right across the street from the Forum.  One time our Chief and Mr. Mark were remembering how they sometimes ate at the "Sizzler" restaurant nearby.  A Train just whistled faintly.

           One "Fringe Benefit" of working right across the street from the Forum in the 1980's was the ability to watch bands do their morning "Sound Checks."  In an almost empty Forum Mr. Steve saw the CARS do a sound check in 1984, BOSTON in 1987, and AEROSMITH in 1988.

       

                THE CARS                                  BOSTON                                   AEROSMITH

    

            The CARS, BOSTON and AEROSMITH are all from "New England," where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with Dalston and Austin.  But each band all sound different; an example of how one "environment" can produce different results.  I smell Roses again, which I really like.                                                                                                                                                                                                I've written before about how, when Mr. Steve would visit New Mexico as a kid; his Aunt Lydia would tell him one of the ROLLINGSTONES was from Belén.  He would tell her how the ROLLING  STONES were from England.  Thank You so much God for making flowers.

           My boss knew his Aunt was not a liar and years later, in the late 1970's, felt happy when it "dawned on him" she had been referring to that saxophone player Bobby Keys.   I wrote about it on Thursday in book one.  I remember when Dais explained what an "Aha" moment was.   

             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               As I wrote the day before yesterday in book one, it turns out Bobby Keys, while not one of the five "regular" members of the ROLLING STONES, traveled with them on tour; as did this trumpet player named Jim Price.   Boy!  I can really smell those rose bushes over there.

           It's interesting how Bobby Keyes was born in Belén, but when his parents broke up he and his brother went to live in "Amarillo" Texas with their father.  Their mom Lucy Keys, stayed in Belén; which is where she later became Aunt Lydia's friend.   Frida and Diego just flew bye. 

           Daisy told me one of our Chief's favorite ROLLING STONES songs is about brown sugar, and on it Bobby Keyes plays a really good saxophone solo on it.  I can't wait to someday hear the sound of musical instruments I've never heard.  Wow!  I'm almost done with my three books!   

           

                                      THE CRICKETTS                                               CLARENCE CLEMONS

                                                                                                                                                                                       PHOTO BY PETER PAKVIS

                 Daisy and Millie heard our boss and his mom talk about how Bobby Keys grew up in Amarillo, where that other guy Buddy Holly was from too.  Daisy thinks the solo Bobby Keys did on "Brown Sugar" is good.  Mr. Dave says it's "as good as" Bruce Springsteen's saxophonist.   

            Mr. Steve has told his parents about that "Aha" moment when he realized who his Aunt Lydia had been talking about, one of those "Epiphanies" I've written about.  He was so happy, but had always known his Aunt Lydia was not lying.  Two of the Pigeons just flew past.

           One time our Chief and Mr. Dave talked about how, watching band "rehearsals" is very interesting.  It's better than watching one of those Sound Check Mr. Steve thinks.  I've mentioned before how, back in the mid-1970's; he and Miss Sandy got to see QUIET RIOT rehearse.    

                             

                                                                     STATUS QUO  

      

             I've written before how Mr. Steve was told QUIET RIOT got their name because they misinterpreted something a British guy in that band  STATUS QUO said.  I guess, he said "quite right," but it sounded to them like "quiet riot."   I smell the Oleander bushes over there. 

            One time our boss told Mr. Phillip about how QUIET RIOT got its name.  And over the years he and Mr. Steve discussed band names which sound like "Contradiction in Terms," like IRON BUTTERFLY or LED ZEPPELIN.  The idea of a quiet riot somehow sounded good.

           When Randy Rhodes left QUIET RIOT to go play with Ozzy Osbourne's new band that guy Kevin Dubrow the Singer was very depressed our boss heard.  "Who wouldn't be" depressed when such a great Musician leaves your band Mr. Steve says.  Boy!  Too bad life isn't fair.                                                                                                             QUIET RIOT (1983)    

   

              I guess, from what Dais heard; Kevin Dubrow was down for a while but "regrouped." He  put together a new version of QUIET RIOT, which in the early 1980's made that one famous album "Metal Health."  I wonder if Mr. Kevin knew about that one Nietzsche quote?  

             Boy!  It's too bad Randy Rhodes died in that Plane crash in 1982.   Then Ozzy Osbourne was really really depressed Dais heard.  After Randy Rhodes died Ozzy Osbourne, and his wife "Sharon;" had to "Pick themselves Up" just like Kevin Dubrow did.  It was so hard I'll bet.

             Daisy heard that after Randy Rhodes was killed Ozzy Osbourne use a few different good Guitarists.  One was named Zakk Wylde.  Mr. Rich down there in Sylmar says Zakk Wylde did a version of the "National Anthem" which was "just as good as the one Jimi Hendrix did."

ZAKK WYLDE

  

                One time our boss and his mom talked about how most people look way different as they age, and he's now "unrecognizable" from when he was young.  But that guy Zakk Wylde really looks different from when he was a kid.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.  

            Daisy and Millie heard our boss and Mr. Rich talk about Zakk Wylde and how, now that he wears a beard; he's totally changed from when he was in Ozzy Osbourne's band.  I guess Ted Nugent also did an "Interpretation" of the National anthem too.  A Train whistled faintly.   

            Mr. Steve says he saw Zakk Wylde when young but hadn't seen him for years, so when he saw him with a beard he was kind of surprised.  Dais says another Guitarist he had never seen with a shaved head and a beard was Kerry King from that "Thrash Metal" band SLAYER.

 

SLAYER (KERRY KING)

PHOTOS BY BRIAN LEW

            

            I've mentioned before how METALLICA, MEGADETH SLAYER and ANTHRAX are called the "Big Four" of Thrash Metal.  SLAYER are from an area of L.A. called "Huntington Beach."  Mr. Steve used to have a customer there who sold Ford vehicles like our Barny.  

                One time our boss and Mr. Rich talked about how some Hard Rock bands use what they call Nazi "Iconography."  The "S" in SLAYER, the two S's in KISS'S's logo, and also AC/DC's lightning bolts are all S.S. "Sig" Runes used by the Nazis.  Iconography means images.

           A few years ago Mr. Steve traded some things with a guy who also went to concerts on the Sunset Strip in the 1980's at places like the Whisky A Go Go or Gazarri's.  He told him about a band called BRUTE FORCE, who used Nazi colors and imagery.  Dawn's barking over there. 

NAZI "S.S. LIGHTNING RUNES"

             Our boss told Mr. Rich how it's not because they're Nazis that bands or other forms of entertainment use what's called "Nazi Chic."  It's just that the Nazi's had such "great looking" logos and uniforms which now symbolize "excessive power."  Two Crows are fighting. 

            SLAYER have a song called "Angel of Death."  Daisy heard our boss was told it's about that Nazi S.S. Doctor Joseph Mengele.  And that SLAYER album was called "Reign of Blood" I guess.  Ah!  Way out there in the northern desert to my left this Train just whistled faintly.

            Mr. Steve, because he drew one of the Nazi Eagle logos as a kid; noticed how SLAYER'S emblems resemble Nazi Eagles.  And Daisy and Millie saw some of them and totally agree with him on that, and so does Mr. Dave I guess.  Those two Crows are still yelling at each other. 

  

SLAYER'S LOGO 

   

            When Mr. Steve was in College at C.S.U.N. he met a pretty girl who was studying what's called "Graphic Arts."  One time in the Oviat Library she said, "Is it just me or is there a lot of Fascist imagery in popular culture entertainment?  Mr. Steve told her she was not wrong.   

                  Mr. Steve told that girl he's seen Fascist imagery in things since he's been a kid, and most people don't realized what it is they're looking at.  All they know is it seems to convey the idea of "Power" and "Force."  A flock of Birds way up there in the darkening sky is going bye.

                 Because he's been doing line drawings of logos for years Mr. Steve tends to notice things like emblems more than most other people.  Sometimes, as a way to shock or offend; there are a few Entertainers don't even try to disguise wearing Nazi things.  The Hens are clucking.

                             

KEITH MOON                                         BRIAN JONES       

       

                  Mr. Steve told Mr. Rich how one times, as a "Farce," the WHO's Drummer Keith Moon and Vivian Stanshal of the BONZO DOG BAND dressed up in Nazi uniforms.  Keith Moon even put on a Hitler mustache.   Oh!  That new Hawk is flying bye with a dead Lizard in its mouth.

           According to what Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Rich that time, Brian Jones of the ROLLING STONES wore an S.S. uniform to cause a lot of controversy; especially because it showed him stepping on a doll with his big Jack boots.  Andy's over there sniffing the air.

           Daisy says our Chief told Mr. Rich he thinks, because Hitler rose from being one of those homeless "Drifters" to almost conquering the world; many people are "fascinated" by him.  He designed much of the Nazi imagery.  He had an "instinct for symbolism" Mr. Steve thinks. 

                      

                                                        THE "WALL" (PINK FLOYD)

   

           Mr. Steve thinks the "Goose-Stepping" hammers in that one band PINK FLOYD'S movie "The Wall" was obviously influenced by the Italian and German parades under Mussolini and Hitler.  China and North Korea's military still use Goose Step marching to impress people.

          Just because PINK FLOYD uses Fascist imagery doesn't make them Nazis our boss says.  It just conveys the idea of symbolic "Lock Step" thinking like what Aldous Huxley and George Orwell warned against.  And marching hammers is a good visual image conveying power.

         One time a girl told Mr. Steve she heard David Bowie was a Nazi.  He told her those rumors were probably not true.  In the late 1970's he said, David Bowie lived in Germany; and like many other people; was "fascinated" by Adolph Hitler.  Andy's looking at me over here on Elvira.

                  

DAVID BOWIE (1976)  

         

             Mr. Steve read, back in 1976; David Bowie supposedly gave the Fascist arm salute while standing in a convertible Car.  Later he told people the Photographer simply caught waving at some people at the Airport.  Pigpen just stuck his head out of his hole near the Mulberry tree.

            David Bowie was most likely not a Nazi Mr. Steve thinks, but he did read some of the things he said back in the 1970's, like "Hitler's overall objective was very good, and he was a marvelous morale booster.  I mean, he was a perfect figurehead."  Pigpen is looking at me.

            It did not help David Bowie our boss thinks, that in the photo from 1976 he was wearing black clothes, as that was the way the British Fascists used to dress in the 1930's.  And since the 1920's Benito Mussolini's "Black Shirts" have been well known too.  Ah!  I can smell Pigpen.  

  

                                                         OSWALD MOSLEY (1896-1980)

       

             I'm looking at a picture which shows this British man named Oswald Mosley.  From what the caption says, he was one of the "leading Fascist leaders" in England during the 1930's; and I notice he's wearing black.  Mr. Ralph read David Bowie's mother was an admirer of Mosley.

           Because of how the world had gone in the previous centuries with "Colonialism," Hitler thought the British in their racist thinking were his "natural allies" in many ways.  But, most of the English disagreed with him on that.  Pigpen just now went back down into his hole. 

          Mr. Ralph read, while living in Berlin David Bowie bought a desk used by that guy Joseph Goebbels; the Nazi Propaganda Minister.  But that does not mean he was a Nazi Mr. Steve says. The "Nazi Memorabilia" market is "huge."  And most of the people "are not Fascists."

       

         NAZI PARTY RALLY                                             NAZI'S MARCHING           

            

           One time Daisy and Millie listened to our boss as he talked with Mr. Ralph.  He told him about a time in College at C.S.U.N. when the class watched Leni Riefenstahl's movie "Triumph of the Will."  Way out there in the desert to the north a Train just whistled really faintly.  

           After watching Triumph of the Will Mr. Steve went out in parking lot with this guy from his class.  The guy had obviously been totally blown away and kept saying "Wow," or "That was amazing."  Then, he shook his head and said reflectively; "Boy, it's too bad I'm Jewish."

          Over the years Mr. Steve has bought and sold things on the Nazi Memorabilia market.  He still has knives and things like that in his office.  Daisy says that he's been told the annual Nazi Memorabilia market is "well over one hundred million dollars."  I can still smell Pigpen.    

     

                                  IGGY AND THE STOOGES                        LEMMY (MOTÖRHEAD)

    

                 Before the economic recession I guess our Chief had a customer in Michigan who was a "Collector" of Nazi Memorabilia.  He said the STOOGES Guitarist also has a big collection of things like that.  They talked about how MOTÖRHEAD'S Lemmy collects Nazi things too.

           Daisy told me that, in his office on one of his bookshelves, Mr. Steve has things like knives and models that are Fascist-themed.  And he has a lot of books on Fascism on that one bookshelf too I guess.  I can hear two Crows fighting out there in the eastern desert behind the Sheds.

           Mr. Steve told Mr. Ralph David Bowie was one of the few people in the early days of "M-TV" who pointed out there were no few black music Videos shown.  From what our boss says, in those days black Artists were only shown really late at night.  Andy's looking in this direction.

 HIGH DESERT SUNSET

             Mr. Steve thinks in his subjective opinion "if hypnotized" many people, even Asians and Latinos; would admit they don't like seeing too many black people in entertainment.  This was especially true back in the early 1980's.  Mr. Dave said he thinks our boss is right on that.     

            David Bowie once called Adolph Hitler the "first Rock Star" because he was the first person to speak at what would now be called "Mega-Arena" level.  And some of those big events the Nazis put on at Nuremburg went far beyond an Arena.  I can smell Andy over there.

            A few years ago Mr. Steve saw a show about the band MÖTLEY CRÜE.  One of them said their goal was to always try to be "bigger, louder and faster" than anyone.  Well Daisy says, that is pretty much what the Nazis used to say too.  They put on perfect "Rock" type events.

                                   

MICHAEL JACKSON "HISTORY" TOUR (1995)

              Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking with Mr. Ralph about how, back in 1995; that guy Michael Jackson did his "History Tour."  It was so obvious he was using Fascist imagery a lot on that tour I guess.  All four of the Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral moving east.  

             Mr. Ralph used the word "blatant" to describe the Fascist imagery Michael Jackson used on that 1995 tour.  You could tell he wanted to "Project" power and did it in part by using black, white and red; as well as having the statues look Fascist.   Libby's over eating her hay and oats.    

            I guess Mr. Steve admits he's no expert on "Rap" or "Hip Hop" music.  But he told Mr. Ralph how, "to the best of his knowledge;" no Rap or Hip Hop bands have used Nazi imagery.  Even though they're mostly black Musicians they would "appreciate power symbolism" too.

 

                 "HEGELIAN DIALECTIC"                      FRIEDRICH HEGEL (1770-1831)

                                                                                                                      PAINTING BY JACOB SCHLESINGER

     

                Over the last three days I've written about that late 18th century German Philosopher Friedrich Hegel.  Karl Marx used his "Dialectic" formula or method to predict the workers or "Proletariat" would overthrow the "Bourgeoisie" ruling class.  I like how Libby smells. 

           I wrote about how in College a girl in one on his classes, using Hegel's Dialectic; correctly predicted a band like HEART would be popular in 1977.  When driving around New York City in 1977 their song "Barracuda" came on the Radio.  Mr. Steve knew she had been right.

           Shock and imagery of power is still used in today's entertainment market.  I've written about "Shock Rock" that has existed since back in 1950's.  Using Hegel's Dialectic, our Chief thinks you can predict that a Hip Hop artist will use Fascist or even Nazi imagery someday.

                                                 

ADOLPH HITLER (1889-1945)   

     

         Adolph Hitler was a bad man and a failed Artist.  But, as I've shown in these three long books; he definitely "Had an Eye" for "Aesthetics," such as how he slightly twisted the swastika logo at an angle on the flag to give it a sense of action or movement.  Daffy's quacking.                  

            I've written about how Hitler had others propose designs for uniforms and "insignias." But he had "the final word" and often made slight changes.  He did that with the SS lightning "Runes" and the "Totenkopf" emblems.  The four Pigeons are now flying toward the north.

           In German Totenkopf  means "Death's Head," even though one time this German girl told our boss the more correct word would probably be "Todeskopf;" except there is no such word in German.  I see Andy over there guarding the burrow.  Ah!  His scent just came in to me. 

      

"2ND LIFE" HUSSAR REGMENT  

   

            Daisy told me Millie thought Totenkopf logos resemble the "Skull and Bones" emblems 17th and 18th century Pirates like Blackbeard put on flags.  Hitler put in on the front of black SS hats to intimidate.  Boy!  I like that man's mustache and would definitely wear a hat like his.

            I like the picture of that 19th century German Soldier in the furry hat with the Totenkopf on the front.  Hitler's use of the Totenkopf seems another  example of taking a "Familiar" idea and merging it with a modern idea.  You "update" them for your own particular use.

           Hitler spoke of "Lebensraum" or "Living Space" in his book "Mein Kampf," because he knew the old historical concept of "Drang Nacht Austen" or "Move to the East;" was familiar to many Germans.  He was an Atheist who used "Christian Symbolism."  Dawn's barking.

                                                                                                                                                                            LIVING COLOR

                                                               PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

                    

            I wrote about the time in the late 1980's when Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet went to one of those "Meet and Greet" events at the "Tower Records" in Hollywood.   That black Hard Rock band LIVING COLOR, who are from New York City; were there.  I like hearing Dawn.

           Daisy says LIVING COLOR'S song "Cult of Personality" is a phrase originally used to describe Stalin.  But it's also "applicable" to Mussolini, Hitler and Mao too.  Mr. Steve's father thinks someday an American Politician may try it if there's ever an economic recession.  

          Mr. Steve thinks Michael Jackson in 1995 was trying to create a Cult of Personality.  He once met a guy from Ireland who joked that band U2 "seem to have been influenced" by those huge Nazi Party Rallies.  That new Hawk flew bye carrying a dead Gopher in its mouth

                     

                        QUEEN ELIZABETH I                                   QUEEN ELIZABETH II

                           THE  DARNLEY PORTRAIT                                                                                                PHOTO BY ALASTAIR GRANT                   

          

                 I just thought about how England is still a "Monarchy," which means it's led by either a "King" or "Queen."  Right now it's that nice lady Elizabeth II who, as "Head of State;" is only a symbolic "Figurehead."  She's not as powerful as Elizabeth I was, and seems nicer Dais says.  

             England was on the winning side in World War II but, as I've said a few times in these books; were losers in having to give up much of its "Colonial" empire.   The advantage they had because of the world's most powerful navy was gone.  Donald and Daisy are quacking.

           That pretty girl Princess "Diana" married Queen Elizabeth's son "Charles," and they had two sons.  It's too bad she died so young in that bad Automobile accident over in France.  I wrote before about how she was for years involved in the "Anti Mine" movement around the world.

1.            

                                         PRINCESS DIANNA (1961-1997) WITH SONS

 

              Daisy says sons seem different, the older "William" "down to earth" and "responsible."  The younger brother "Harry" at times seems "arrogant and cocky" our Chief thinks.   I wrote about how Princess Diana and Mother Teresa died within just a few days of each other. 

            Hey Mother Teresa!  If you just happen to be up there mind reading me right now I want to tell you Daisy and I feel bad your death was totally drowned out by Princess Diana's.  In that way you were like Aldous Huxley dying on the same exact day President Kennedy was shot.  

           I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Tolkien's friend and fellow Writer C.S. Lewis also died on the day President Kennedy was assassinated.  And it's weird how the GERMS Darby Crash killed himself on the day John Lennon was killed.  I smell Mesquite.   

                

      DIANA / CHARLES                                           CATHERINE / WILLIAM        

  (1981)                                                                                                (2011)           

      

             Daisy told me when Royalty gets married it's a big event where the girls wear beautiful dresses and the guys are in nice uniforms.  I really like the Napoleonic era uniforms many of the Soldiers escorting them in their Carriages wear.  Blackbeard and Anne just flew bye.

             I've mentioned before how, even though he never wears anything with writing on them; our Chief has a lot of T-shirts, Jerseys and things like that in the two hallway closets.  He bought and sold things like that over the years.  A Train whistled faintly way out there in the desert.  

            One time our boss and Mr. Dave talked about how Princess Diana's youngest son Harry went to a costume party wearing a Nazi armband.  But he really isn't a Nazi Mr. Steve thinks, he probably has sort of a strange sense of humor.  I can really smell the flowers next door now.

    

PRINCE HARRY

 

             Mr. Steve thinks Hitler knew the value symbolism and that guy Prince Harry probably simply wanted to get attention. Nowadays Nazi logos are "underground cool, and often people don't even know what they're wearing.  Michael Jackson used to like wearing arm bands.   

                One time our Chief and Mr. Phillip talked about that guy Prince Harry wearing the Nazi armband.  Mr. Steve told him he's bought and sold Nazi armbands.  They also talked about how, in 1976; LED ZEPPELIN'S Jimmy Page wore a lot of Nazi-themed clothes in the concerts. 

            In 1976 Mr. Steve bought two black LED ZAPPELIN T-shirts showing the four members on the front, with Jimmy Page's picture showing him wearing a Nazi hat.  A few years ago he sold one of those shirts to one of those "Skinheads" I've mentioned.  Leo and Cleo flew bye.

      

JIMMY PAGE (1976)    

                  

            Once some of the other High Desert "Neo-Nazis" saw that T-shirt, which our boss sold for sixty dollars; they wanted to buy the other one.   But our Chief, who bought the T-shirts for only fifteen dollars in 1976; doesn't want to sell it right now.  He's been offered one hundred dollars.

           Dais says not only did Jimmy Page wear that black Nazi hat in 1976, he also wore knee-length "Jack Boots" like the ones Hitler's brown-shirted "Storm Troopers" used to wear. 

          I've mentioned before how "SS" just stands for "Schutzstaffel," or ""Defense Corps" in German.  The Storm Troopers were called "Sturmabteilung;" or "SA" for short.  In 1934, in the "Night of the Long Knives;" Hitler used Heinrich Himmler's SS to kill off the SA leaders.  

   

                              HIMMLER / HITLER                            HITLER REVIEWING THE SA

 

            According to Mr. Steve, references to or use of Nazi terms is still used in Popular Culture entertainment.  That guy Ted Nugent wrote a song called "Storm Troopin."  And the RAMONES did "Blitzkrieg Bop."  BLÜE ÖYSTER CÜLT had a song called "Dominance and Submission."

           In my books I've mentioned how the "Swastika" is now associated with evil because of the "Holocaust."  But since ancient times it's been used by many cultures like the Celts.  Buddhists and Hindus both use it, and it was in a Christian Church were Hitler first saw it as a kid.       

          Someday I want to see that movie "Star Wars," where the villain "Darth Vader's" army were called Storm Troopers.   Finley and his new girlfriend Fanny just zoomed bye and are going out into the back desert.   Oh!  And now Theodora and her new boyfriend went bye too.

             

                                                                    "STAR WARS"    

       

            Dais and Millie both thought in Star Wars the villain Darth Vader shiny black helmet is obviously meant to look like one those German "Coal Scoop" helmets.   "Stahlhelm" means "Steel Helmet."  A small flock of Birds is going bye way up there in the darkening sky.

            Our boss told Mr. Dave one time how over the years he's seen Punk and Heavy Metal fans with Nazi influenced tattoos.  Daisy says James Hetfield of METALLICA has a guitar with one of those "Maltese" or "Iron" crosses on it.  I can hear Heathcliff's Hens clucking over there.  

             MOTÖRHEAD'S "Lemmy" sometimes wears an "Iron Cross" medal like the ones Hitler earned in the First Word War, and he also wears Nazi hats too from what Dais says.  I just looked up in time to see a Garter Snake crawling out into the back field.  It used the right gate slot.         

       

                                                                     "LEMMY" KILMISTER OF MOTÖRHEAD

 

               Our boss doesn't think Mr. Lemmy believes in the Nazi ideas but, like many people; just thinks the Nazis designed "cool" looking logos and uniforms.  Daisy thinks Lemmy would be so  impressed if he ever saw our boss's military hat and helmet collection.  Dawn's barking.

           Mr. Dave says he once saw Lemmy wearing Cowboy boots with Iron crosses on them, and has seen him with Totenkopf Death's Head symbols on SS hats.  When Mr. Steve met him down at the "Rainbow" restaurant in Hollywood he noticed he smoked a lot.  I can smell Blinky.

          Dais told me Millie noticed some Hard Rock bands like MOTÖRHEAD, BLÜE ÖYSTER CÜLT and MÖTLEY CRÜE use the double dot German "Umlaut" accent in spelling their band names.  It's not for the pronunciation, it "just looks cool Mr. Dave said.  Blinky smells good.

   

NIKKI SIXX      MÖTLEY CRÜE        MICK MARS

        

            A guy Mr. Steve met at the Sylmar Library saw a MÖTLEY CRÜE concert and noticed Bassist Nikki Sixx wearing a red armband without a swastika.  Guitarist Mick Mars' hat had a skull and bones logo like a "Totenkampf" or "Death's Head" emblem on it.  I smell Sage.   

               It says here the "crooked" or "twisted" cross may've first been seen in India, in what are called "Sanskrit."  Daisy saw a tv show which said that Singer Madonna used a swastika image on stage to be "provocative" and "push the envelope" so to speak.  Sage makes me feel good.

          Dais says the tv show about "Shock" Rock said Marilyn Manson's "color scheme" is red, black and white; and in Videos he wore Nazi type hats.  Mr. Dave saw how BLACK SABBATH'S members at times used black, red or white musical instruments.  I'm so glad we have Sage!

                                            

                              MARILYN MANSON                                      ROUGH CUTT

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

        

           Back in the late 1980's our Chief took pictures of that band ROUGH CUTT at the Forum.  One of their Guitarists had a guitar painted in desert camouflage brown with a black swastika on it.  This was the same pattern used by Erwin Rommel's "Afrika Korps" in World War II.

          In the 1970's our Chief saw BLUE ÖYSER CULT play a few times, and still has some of their vinyl records.  The first time he and Sandy saw them with friends was in 1974; down at the Hollywood Palladium.   They had never heard of "B.O.C." then and were impressed by them.

         At that first BLUE ÖYSTER CULT concert Mr. Steve and his friends thought it was kind of like that movie "West Side Story."  Of course Mr. Steve watched the Drummer and one time Mr. Dave he was good.  But what he remembers best was how talented the lead Guitarist was.

                                                                                            BLUE ÖYSTER CULT

     

            One time our boss and Mr. Rich talked about how BLUE ÖYSTER CULT at times used three Guitarists like Mr. Rich's band DRAGPIPE.   I've mentioned a few times over the last three days how Mr. Rich is from New Jersey, while B.O.C are from New York City.  I love Sage!

           Daisy says our boss told Mr. Rich how one time, when they worked at "Laser Images;" he and Mark Ritter towed a laser down to the "Long Beach Arena" so B.O.C. could use it in their concert.  That was the tour where where they had and played a song about "Godzilla."

          Mr. Steve heard some of the members of B.O.C. are Jewish, yet use black, red and white as color schemes on their album covers and have a logo that looks kind of Fascist.  Daisy noticed it right away.  A small flock of Birds high up there in the darkening sky is flying bye right now. 

                                 

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT ("SECRET TREATIES")      

        

            Daisy told me about the B.O.C. album "Secret Treaties," which has that one song I wrote about yesterday called "Flaming Telepaths," on which our boss thinks he can hear lead Guitarist Buck Dharma's Jewish influence.  B.O.C.'s logo looks like the Nazi's flag.  Dawn's barking.

           The picture on the front of Secret Treaties shows the band standing around one of those "Me-262" Nazi Jets Dais told me.  Another song on that album is "Dominance and Submission."  The shadows are now really leaning away from me pointing toward the east behind the Sheds.

          Our Chief told Mr. Rich he thinks Buck Dharma is one of the best lead Guitarists he's seen in person, his "melodic" leads are so good.  Dais told me Millie really liked the BLUE ÖYSTER CULT song about not being afraid of that "Grim Reaper."  I think I would be scared anyway.     

        

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT  

   

           Because so many people "Resonate" with powerful, even "Megalomaniac" imagery; our boss thinks Hitler will always have an ongoing "Legacy."  Our boss told Mr. Rich Buck Dharma uses a white "SG."  I've mentioned that "Gibson" guitar a few times over the last three days. 

          Our boss once read a description of Buck Dharma's lead on Dominance and Submission as being "searing."  Daisy says it is pretty amazing alright.  I guess, there are now people all around the world who have come to associate the phrase Dominance and Submission with Hitler.

            Mr. Rich down in Sylmar thinks that one English band the CLASH were "The Beatles of Punk."  One of Mr. Dave's old Motorcycle Shop customers  told him some of the CLASH, and a band called the DAMNED; came from a band called LONDON SS.  That's Nazi influence.

                                                                     THE CLASH   

 

            I've never heard any songs by that band the CLASH.  Daisy has.  One time her and Millie listened to a song called "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"  And she told me, they also have this other really good song called "Rock the Casbah."  I so want to hear that song someday.  

           Over the last three days I've mentioned a few times how our boss Mr. Steve thinks that the better Guitarists can almost "instinctively transition" from "rhythm to lead" and back easily.  It looks easy but isn't at all I guess.  A Train whistled faintly way out in the northern desert.

           Mr. Steve was not lucky enough to see Jimi Hendrix play the way Mr. Doug did, but can hear how he was a great Guitarist.  He didn't need a second Guitarist in his bands.  Ah!  Thank You God for how the air is so clear right now, which makes me glad to be alive down here.  

  

                                                   STEVIE RAY VAUGHN  (1954-1990)                                           

                                                                                                                                                 PAINTING BY MICHELE RAIS

  

               Our Chief told Mr. Rich the best Guitarist he's seen is Stevie Ray Vaughn, with Brian May a "close second."  Eric Clapton was not as "impressive" as Stevie Ray Vaughn or QUEEN with Brian May.   But he told Mr. Rich, it was "quite obvious" why Eric Clapton is so famous.  

          Mick Mars of MÖTLEY CRÜE goes back and forth from rhythm and lead and also gets good "distorted tones."  Our Chief told Mr. Dave he used to play along to "Looks that Kill" and "Knock Em Dead Kid."  Mick Mars has a painful bone disease which makes him hunch over.         

         One band Mr. Steve saw play a few times was X, whose Billy Zoom is another Guitarist who can make going from rhythm to lead as if it's "second nature."  He makes it "Look Easy" as they say.  Fannie and Freddie, talking to each other; are moving together toward the northeast.

                                                                     

                                                                   BILLY ZOOM

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA            

         

            The band X are from Los Angeles, Mr. Steve saw them play three times; once from up on stage.  That was at the "Reseda Country Club," where he used to also take pictures of Boxing at. So he saw "up close" how amazing Billy Zoom is.  Ah!  I can small our neighbors flowers. 

            Over the last three days in my long books I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve likes "Three Piece" bands of bass, drums and guitar.   But he also likes a lot of bands who have two or three Guitarists too.  BLUE ÖYSTER CULT at times had three guitar players up there. 

         Someday I really want to hear that ZZ TOP song about drinking beer, and also that other one I wrote about called "La Grange" too.   Like the BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, Mr. Steve first saw ZZ TOP play at the Hollywood Palladium as one of those opening acts.  Flowers smell good.      

                                                              THEN                                ZZ TOP                               NOW

            Daisy heard our boss, Miss Sandy and their friends saw ZZ TOP in 1974.  Soon after he and his friend Chris bought their album "Tres Hombres;" Spanish for "Three Men." Mr. Steve likes that song beer even though he doesn't raise Hell and has never liked the taste of beer.

                Mr. Steve read how QUEEN'S Brian May uses a metal coin instead of one of those plastic "Pics" I've written about.  Both times our boss and Miss Sandy saw QUEEN play it was obvious how good Brian May was.  At the Forum that Irish band THIN LIZZY opened up for them.

           Brian May and his father built his red girl guitar, and from what Daisy says he gets some unique and unusual sounds out of her that don't sound like a guitar.  Some of QUEEN'S songs are those "Anthems" I've mentioned before.  Fred, Ed and Ted are flying toward the east.   

                      

                         WITH HIS CHILDREN                BRIAN MAY                               CUSTOM GUITAR

              

          Our Chief told Mr. Dave he gave that kid Jason a dime to use instead of a pic.  He liked it a lot I guess, because it gave it a different sound.  One of Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customers told him one time how Billy Gibbons of ZZ TOP has at times used coins to play his guitars.

          It's interesting how that guy Brian May calls his custom built red guitar the "Old Lady."  I just thought of how in 1990 our boss and Miss Harriet saw Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jeff Beck play that concert down at the "Sports Arena."  Andy's over there sniffing the air right now.

         Someday I want to hear some of the songs by that 1960's band the YARDBIRDS.  It's hard to believe Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page at one time or another played guitar in that band.  For some reason our boss says, in 1990 Jeff Beck seemed a bit "distracted" that night.

                        

                                                                                                   THE  YARDBIRDS     

             (JEFF BECK ON LEFT / JIMMY PAGE THIRD FROM LEFT)     

            

           Dais says our boss has an old YARDBIRDS vinyl record.  He played it for Jason who liked how on the song "Heart Full of Soul" Jeff Beck makes his guitar sound sort of like one of those sitars I've written about.  Speedy Gonzalez just now ran bye in front of the Sheds. 

       Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet saw the Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jeff Beck concert down at the Sports Arena.   That's where, a few years before; our boss and that Writer Mr. Steve saw DEF      LEPPARD play.  Speedy left behind some of his scent which just floated over to the Patio.             

        In the late 1980's Miss Harriet's father bought season tickets for the Basketball "Clippers," so Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet went to a few games at the Sports Arena.   The Clippers, at that    time; used to play all of their "Home" games there.   Dawn's over there barking right now.                        

         SPORTS ARENA                                               MR. STEVE WITH MOM  

 (DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES)                                            (NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM)

         Throughout my three long books I've talked a lot about the different "Art Exhibits" Mr. Steve and his mother had back in the early 1990's.  Boy!  I can't wait to someday see those four    paintings Mr. Steve's mom did hanging in his bedroom.  And I also want to see his office too.        

           Mr. Steve and his mom's art spent that whole year at the "Natural History" Museum next to the Sports Arena, near where the "Coliseum" and U.S.C. College campus is located.  I looked up in time to see Benjamin running bye the Sheds.  It's getting darker so he blends in more.          

         Daisy told, me when our boss wants to show people an example of a Guitarist being able to go "smoothly and fluidly" from "rhythm to lead and back;" he plays them Stevie Ray Vaughn's song "Scuttle Buttin."  I guess it's one of those "Instrumentals."  A Train whistled faintly.                  

                                                                      STEVIE RAY VAUGHN / JEFF BECK

            Boy!  It's too bad Stevie Ray Vaughn got killed in that Helicopter crash. Thinking about it right now is making me think about how Heathcliff won't be around any  more.   Oh!  I just now  noticed I forgot to write about that L.A. Punk band X.  I smell Libby over eating her hay.             

            One time our boss and Mr. Dave, who also saw them play; talked about how X's music is kind of like 1950's "Rockabilly" in a modern Hard Rock form.  Daisy heard John Doe, who sings and plays bass; was then married to the girl Singer "Exene."  Libby has such a good scent.  

           Daisy says John Doe and Exene's voices "blend together" in good harmonies.  Mr. Dave said he really admired how good X's Drummer "Bonebrake" is.  On just a small drum kit he can keep a steady consistent "In the Pocket" beat.   And his "Fills" are really good too I guess.                                              

                  

                                                                      THE BAND X  

               Mr. Steve thinks, "as talented as everyone is in X," it's Billy Zoom's unbelievably good guitar playing that "gives them the edge."  And seeing him play up close that time at the Country Club was "amazing" he's told Mr. Dave and Mr. Rich before.   He "makes it look so easy." 

              As I've mentioned before, the city of "Reseda" is located in the western part of the "San Fernando Valley."  Mr. Steve's sister Susan's Condominium nearby, in "Tarzana;" was destroyed in the 1994 "Northridge" earthquake.  She later got married and moved to Connecticut.

            Rockabilly music, through guys like Gene Vincent and early Elvis; began in the 1950's.  I guess our boss likes their songs but prefers the harder rock way Billy Zoom plays it.  One time a "Reviewer" said Billy Zoom's guitar playing was at times like being "punched in the gut."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             BILLY ZOOM / TOP JIMMY (1955-2001)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

 

                    One time Miss Harriet got an assignment from "Music Connection" Magazine to go see a Singer named "Top Jimmy" play at the "Palomino" in North Hollywood.  Dais says Billy Zoom helped him out that night by showing up to play guitar.   A Train just now whistled faintly.

           Daisy heard our Chief tell Mr. Dave Top Jimmy was one of X's "Roadies."   He sounded a lot like Jim Morrison but, even though he was born in 1955 like Mr. Steve; ended up dying young of alcoholism.  I've mentioned how Miss Harriet and her mom lived in North Hollywood.

            You know God, so many people die every day, and so do Dogs and Cats too.  But every time today that I think about death I can't help but think about Heathcliff.   According to what Daisy heard, VAN HALEN'S Singer David Lee Roth wrote a song about Top Jimmy one time. 

                                              

       HIGH DESERT SUNSET       

            

          Our boss and Mr. Dave talked about this documentary movie about the Punk scene in late 1970's L.A. called the "Decline of Civilization."  Part of that movie was about the band X and in that part you can see Top Jimmy with them.  Donald and Daisy are quacking over there.     

         Top Jimmy died because of drinking too much alcohol, Jim Morrison from drugs.  They, Janice Joplin and Jimmy Hendrix; were called by a man on this tv show to be like "flares" who "burnt out early."  At least Heathcliff had a long life, at least a long life as far as Roosters go. 

        I just thought about how the DOORS got their name from the title of Aldous Huxley's book "The Doors of Perception.   And he got it from a phrase in that British Writer William Blake's  early 18th century poem.   It's getting darker, and I sure wish I could hear Heathcliff again.      

                                          WILLIAM BLAKE  (1757-1827)                                             THE DOORS                 

PAINTING BY THOMAS PHILLIPS                                                                                                                                     

                   

           Mr. Dave read about when Jim Morrison went to U.C.L.A., where Miss Emily works.  He studied film making but since a kid had read a lot of "Literature," which is how he knew about William Blake.  I've mentioned before that Jim Morrison admired Friedrich Nietzsche.

          Oh!  Goliath is crawling under Moe the Shed, and is what in the darkening time looks from here like a dead Rat.  Because of the time of day it is there are now a lot of things around here looking for food.  Andy's over there staring at Goliath and keeping a close eye on him.  

          I just thought of those German words our Chief told Samantha about.  My Dictionary says “Shadenfruede” means "to take pleasure in others misfortune.” Daisy and I aren't like that, but are more like the phrase "Gemoitlich zuzamen;" or "a warm feeling around each other."

          

                    SHERMAN / GRANT                                             JACKSON / LEE

               

                I just thought about how Daisy and I make a good team, like in the Civil War when Grant worked with Sherman and Lee was "Stonewall" Jackson's boss.  We're like what many think the "Yin and Yang" logo represents.   She's always predictable while I'm at times not so much.

           Sometimes Daisy calms me down when I get too excited but, at times I get her “fired up!” when she's tired.  We try to help each other and are always there for each other Daisy and I and that's why we're best friends!  Thank all of You Guys up there for helping me down here!

         Mr. Steve seems to think it's funny to call me “Chaos” and Daisy "Order,” which I think I get; even though I'm way better at controlling my emotions and being disciplined now.  In fact, I think writing these three long books has helped me a lot.  Thank Everyone for my good life.  

                                                                                              

        CAIN AND ABEL                                               ROMULUS AND REMUS   

                    

            Because Mr. Steve thinks most things in life are dual in nature, he reminds others that, while there are positive stories about two individuals cooperating; there are other stories about the opposite.  In the Old Testament that guy "Cain" killed his brother "Abel."  I smell Sage. 

            Daisy says in one of her episodes that British lady Mary Beard talked about how, in the story of ancient Rome's "Founding;" one brother "Romulus" killed his brother "Remus."  Mr. Steve has known people who were friends until they became "Roommates."  Sage smells good.

           Sometimes those who are the closest to you are the ones who can do you the most harm.  A person's children can give you the greatest pleasure in life, but they can also give you the most pain too.  Oh!  All of a sudden I just thought about our boss's 1985 trip to Italy and Israel.

            

CITY OF ROME   

  

                  I've written about how, in 1985 Mr. Steve took his Time-Life book on Rome and walked around the city.  He visited a Museum with a lot of what they call "Busts" or what my Dictionary says is; "A sculpture of a person's head and shoulders."  Andy's over there sniffing the air.

            Sitting on the table in the front dining room are some busts I notice, one of that Roman Goddess "Diana;" another one of Mozart.  Near the living room fireplace is a bust of that guy Abraham Lincoln.  Mr. Steve's father bought that one many years ago from what Dais heard.

           In ancient Rome a leader had to always keep "Looking over your Shoulder" as they say, as there was always someone trying to kill you.  Mr. Steve noticed in that Museum with those busts how many of the different Emperors were assassinated or died violently.  Andy smells good.  

                                                             "WILD" BILL HICKOCK (1837-1876)     

         

          I guess being an Emperor in Rome was sort of like being an Old West Gunslinger like that guy "Wild" Bill Hickock.  There was always someone around who hoped to kill you.  But instead of wanting power it was "Bragging Rights" on being better than you were using guns.

         Because he was probably addicted to gambling Mr. Steve thinks Wild Bill hickock made a big mistake in taking a chair at a poker table with back to the door.   So he didn't see the guy who shot him come in the saloon.   He was holding that "Dead Man's Hand" of "Aces and Eights." 

        Another thing Mr. Steve noticed in walking around that Museum in Rome was how often it was the "Praetorian Guards," who were supposed to be protecting them; who ended up killing a lot of the Roman Emperors.  A Motorcycle just went bye out there on Primavera Road.
                                          

                        CALIGULA (12 B.C.-41 A.D.)                        TIBERIUS (42 B.C.-37 A.D.)

     

             Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Ralph one time a lot of people, like Emperor "Claudius" for example; were poisoned through their food and drink.  That's why they often had those "Food Tasters" Slaves.  The Praetorian Guards killed "Caligula" and possibly "Tiberius" too.

             I've said before how Mr. Steve and his father both say it seems like in history "peace, love and understanding" are not as common "war, hate and intolerance.   Daisy says Caligula had the Grandson of Tiberius killed because as a possible threat to his throne.  I can smell Mesquite. 

            Boy!  It would hurt so much to be stabbed to death with a sword, which is often how you were killed back in the ancient world.  Yesterday I wrote about Emperor "Nero," had that Slave kill him because the Praetorian Guards were on the way to do it.  Mesquite smells so good.

                          

                                                               NERO (54-68 A.D.)   

        

            Yesterday I wrote about the Emperor "Nero" who, either killed himself or had a Slave do it for him; because he heard his Praetorian Guard was on the way.  His last words were; "What an artist dies with me."  He killed his own mom, who was the one who poisoned Claudius.   

           I guess, almost all of the ancient Roman Emperors were at times "Cruel," but some like Nero and Caligula seemed worse.  Nero burned alive all those Christians as scapegoats for that time the city of Rome burned.  Max and 99 just zoomed bye and I didn't hear them coming.

       Boy Lord!  Those early Christians must've been screaming so much as they burned when Nero "impaled" them and then set them on fire.  He supposedly used their burning bodies as his "Torches" to what my Encyclopedia says "light up the night.  Ah!  I'd hate burn to death.             

     

ROMAN CRUCIFIXION 

      

            Hey Lord!  If anyone knows how the Romans were experts in inflicting pain it was You.   It seems like that guy Pontius Pilate killed You more for "Political" reasons than anything else.  He just wanted to "Send a Message" to the other Jews not to cause any trouble by rioting.

            I just thought of how Caligula's father "Germanicus," a famous General; was poisoned.  And then for a while Caligula had to go live out on that island of "Capri" with that crazy guy Tiberius; who probably had his father killed.  So he saw "First Hand" extreme cruelty.

           A few years ago Mr. Steve met an older Italian lady who said it's possible it was Caligula himself who killed Tiberius by strangling him.  Some say one of the Praetorian Guards used a pillow to smother him to death.  The shadows are now really leaning away from me over here.

                                 

TIBERIUS (42 B.C-37 A.D) 

                When he was living out there on that one island of Capri, Caligula saw Tiberius's cruelty "First Hand," or "Up Close and Personal" so to speak.  Tiberius threw people off this tall cliff so they'd die on the jagged rocks below near the Mediterranean Sea beach.  Dawn's barking.   

            If the people survived the rocks men in Rowboats bludgeoned them.  The Italian lady said "at first the common people" in the city of Rome "liked Caligula."   But he got sick, went into a coma; and came out really mean Dais heard.  He used "Fear and Intimidation" from then on. 

           The Italian lady said, "For amusement;" Caligula had people kill themselves at banquets, and killed his own relatives.  But, "in the end" she told our boss; "he angered his own Praetorian Guard so was "butchered" by some of them.  That lady Mary Beard talked about that too.  

                                      

                                                      JULIUS CAESAR (100-44 B.C.)

           Boy!  I've learned so much about Julius Caesar's eventful life, like him conquering those "Gaul's" in what is now "France."  He even has the month of "July" named after him; and the medical procedure called a "Caesarean Section" too.  He knew that girl "Cleopatra."

           If Mr. Steve could time travel Daisy and I are pretty sure he'd want to go back to ancient Rome and talk to Julius Caesar.  He once noticed that Julius Caesar died at the age of fifty six, the same age as Adolph Hitler.  He accomplished so much in his half a century down here. 

           I've said before how Julius Caesar was killed on March the 15th, which is called the "Ides of March."  Mr. Steve's sister Susan was born on the 16th.  Daisy says a customer told him about a Jazz Rock band from "Illinois" called the IDES OF MARCH.  Leo and Cleo just flew bye.

                    

          IDES OF MARCH           

     

                Daisy and Millie heard that band IDES OF MARCH'S hit song called called "Vehicle," which has horns on it similar to CHICAGO songs like "23 or 6 to 4."  It came out in 1970 when Mr. Steve was in 10th Grade at Alemany High School.  I smell Libby eating over there.

          That Parts Manager told our boss the IDES OF MARCH began in the 1960's, and got the band's name from Shakespeare's old play about Julius Caesar.  They were one of those "One Hit Wonders" I've written about.  Their song Vehicle made it to #10 on the "Billboard" charts.

          From what his customer told him that time, in 1970 IDES OF MARCH toured with LED ZEPPELIN.   And, in that year they opened up for JIMI HENDRIX and that girl Janis Joplin; a few months before they both died.   Birds are zooming around out there in the back desert. 

   

JEAN-LÉON GEROME         

       

            I just thought of how Romans enjoyed violence for entertainment, even calling it "Blood Sport."  I'm looking at the painting by that guy Jean-Léon Gerome where the winning Gladiator is asking the audience if they want him to kill his beaten opponent.  I'm glad I live now.

           Boy!  In the painting the Gladiator has his foot on the other guy's throat, holding him in place so he can stab him through the throat if the crowd wants him to do it.  I've written before about the ancient Roman saying, "Give him the Boot."  Andy's over there sniffing the air.

          Daisy's probably right when she says "Gladiatorial Games" were like modern Boxing, but way worse.   Our Chief, his mom and Samantha saw that Jean-Léon Gerome art exhibit up at the "Getty Museum" that time.  Mr. Steve's mom thinks "Gerome" was a great Painter.   

   

HEINRICH HIMMLER (1900-1945)

           Hey Lord!  Over the last three days in these long books I've found out how life can often be good and bad  Wow!  I'm looking at that quote bye Heinrich Himmler, the head of the Nazi Police.  I've mentioned before how SS just means "Schutzstaffel" or "Protection Squad."  

          It seems like war, hate and intolerance have often been more common than peace, love and understanding Lord.  That quote by Heinrich Himmler sounds like what the Spanish Inquisitor Torquemada or the Mafia's Murder Inc. leader Albert Anastasia would say.  I smell Sage.

         That Italian guy Machiavelli said it was more effective for a leader to be feared rather than loved.  Caligula one time thought the Gladiator Games were not bloody enough so changed the rules for more bloodshed.  The Italian lady said Caligula "took cruelty to a different level."   

              

"ALTA" CALIFORNIA

                   

           It's getting darker now, and in looking at my outline I see I still have to write a few things about "Alta" or "Upper" California.  I've mentioned a few times how the Spanish colonized our area in the late 18th century.   That new Hawk flew bye holding something dead in its mouth.

          After that 1821 revolution Alta California became part of "Mexico," until 1848 when the U.S. acquired the region after the Mexican War.  Gold was discovered in Northern California in 1848 so by 1851 we were an American state.  I smell Charley Company behind the Sheds.

          Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about California which said a man named Benjamin Davis Wilson was important in our State's history.  My Encyclopedia says he was originally from the State of "Tennessee."  He came to California twenty years before the American Civil War.  

                                                                                        BENJAMIN DAVIS WILSON (1811-1878) WITH SECOND WIFE

         

               I forgot to write about Benjamin Wilson yesterday when I wrote about that guy General Patton.  Benjamin Wilson was going to China but decided to stay in California.  When his first wife named "Ramona" like Daisy's Guardian Angel died; he remarried.  I smell Mesquite.

          Benjamin Wilson and his second wife ended up being George Patton's Grandparents.  In 1851 Benjamin Wilson was elected Mayor of L.A., after the Civil War in 1865 he became a State Senator.  Eventually he owned a lot of land in California and became very rich I guess.  

        Oh!  "Mount Wilson" in "Pasadena," near where Jackie Robinson grew up on "Wilson" Avenue; is named after Benjamin Wilson.  That Observatory where Albert Einstein visited, and a Pasadena school called "Don Benito;" is also named him too.  Mesquite smell so good to me.     

          

                                      BENJAMIN DAVIS WILSON (1870)                                       

                                                                                                 

             Daisy heard the man on the tv show says how for a few years Benjamin Davis Wilson was head of "Indian Affairs."  Unlike many other white men who held that job, he must've been nice to the Native people as his nickname was "Benigno;" Spanish for "Kind."  Dawn's barking.

             Mr. Dave read about Benjamin Wilson and said, even though most Native Californians respected him; one shot him with an arrow; which Mr. Benjamin "carried" in his shoulder until he died.  Mr. Steve's father knows people who have pieces of metal still inside of them too.

            Benjamin Wilson was, back in the 1850's before the Civil War;  what the Spanish called "Alcalde" of  San Bernardino.  Daisy heard how the title Alcalde is the Arabic word for "Village Chief" so; you could say Mr. Steve is kind of like our Alcalde I guess.  But we like it like that.

  

  LARRY CASTILLO / SON CHRIS           "BIG BEAR"                            BEATRICE CASTILLO                      

          I just thought about "Big Bear Lake," a "Resort" town where the Castillo's had the cabin Mr. Steve's family visited.  Daisy told me the tv show said Benjamin Wilson "explored" and later owned that land around "Big Bear."  The town is up in the "San Bernardino" mountains.             

       Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell Mr. Dave "Serrano" Indians, like the ones who lived near us over here in Piñon Hills; have been in the Big Bear Lake for a few thousand years.  Mr.    Steve was told movies like "Gone With the Wind" have been filmed there.  I smell Mesquite.        

        I guess, at one time those big huge "Grizzly" Bears lived in the mountains of Big Bear but Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Dave he was told the last one was killed way back in 1908.  But they still have those "Black" Bears over there.  Smelling Mesquite right now makes me feel good.        

                             "GRIZZLY" BEAR                                                  "BLACK" BEAR                         

              

        From what Daisy heard, Bears usually live in forests and mountains like the ones to our south.  Boy!  If a Bear ever invaded our land it would be hard to fight it, because all Bears have    way bigger and sharper claws and teeth than Dais or I do.  We'd just have to do our best.              

            Daisy and Millie saw a tv show which showed this Grizzly Bear tossing a big Deer around where the man described it as looking like a "Rag Doll."  I've never seen a Rag Doll but Dais has and told me they're very light in weight.   Bears are really strong and good fighters too. 

                 According to what Dais heard, Boxers like Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya and this other guy named Shane Mosley have trained in Big Bear for their fights.  And so did Fernando Vargas who's from the city of "Oxnard."      

  

 HIGH DESERT SUNSET

PHOTO BY STEVE SHAMES

            Looking over at our water bowl near the sliding glass door makes me think of how those "Lakota" Sioux Indians say "Water is Life."  We're in a drought but Dais and I are so lucky to be able to drink water any time we want with no limit.  A small group of Birds are flying bye.

       

           WILLIAM MULHOLLAND (1855-1935)                  "CALIFORNIA" AQUEDUCT

            Over the last three days I've learned about that man William Mulholland, who in 1913 oversaw the building of that Aqueduct near us taking water down to Los Angeles.   The city could not be as big as it is if not for Mr. William our Chief says.  

                Because his father beat him, I guess Mr. William ran away from home in "Ireland" and joined the British Navy; arriving out here in California after the Civil War.   He 

            Mr. Steve joked with Mr. Randy that, if there ever is a big natural disaster; we can at least try to catch Fish in the Aqueduct and also get some water.  I noticed how Mr. Randy thought that was kind of funny.  We have that fire pit our boss will cook food in if there's ever a need. 

   

                       "OPENING" CEREMONY (1913)                       "SYLMAR" GATES 

   Aqueduct  built  1913;  same year Sylmar changed name from Morningside. 

       Mr. Steve dug a pit fires there.  We could cook the Fish. We  love  taste  Fish! 

 water in Aqueductcoming  northern California;  "Owens Valley."   two hundred and fifty away.  

  

       Oh!   want to thank you  Stanley.   watched over me for three days but today more it seems; 

      Lilith, even though you haven't been around for three days you might as well not show up when I'm this close to finishing my three books.  It's late in the day Lilith and I "can see light at the end of the tunnel" as they say.  So there's no chance I'm going to be lazy at this point.

         Mulholland building of  Aqueduct  huge.  later"adviser"  "Panama Canal" "Hoover Dam" 

     Mr.  thinks Mulholland most likely used gravity to move water  going downward.  probably studied how Roman engineers moved water i Franciscan Priests  built Aqueducts 

       

       1877 when Mulhalland came  LA  nine thousand people.  by 1913 one hundred thousand peopl forty four square miles

     By 1920 LA "encompassed"  three hundred and sixty square miles five hundred thousand  because of the Aqueduct.  Sylmar where  water enters LA  

 

      Because Mr. Steve grew up in the Northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley he knew all about the Los Angeles Aqueduct even before moving up here.  

      in 1913, in Sylmar, when William Mulholland "officiated" the ceremony opening up the Aqueduct, he just said "take it" when the water gates were opened. 

       The Doobie Brothers. from northern California  song  "China Grove."   good guitar and piano .   Doobie Brothers sing good.

      looked at a Doobie Brothers album cover.  It showed them in 19th century clothes riding in a Stage Coach.     The pictures were taken in Sylmar; near the Aqueduct.                                                                       

 one of the pictures on that Doobie Brothers album cover showed them under a part of a Freeway which had collapsed two years before in the 1971 Sylmar Earthquake.  same section also fell over in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.                          

  Hey Lord!  As you know, someday I want to hear that song by the DOOBIE BROTHERS called "Jesus is Just Alright."  Dais says it's so good.  Our boss told her and Millie that for a while the    DOOBIE BROTHERS were like the GRATEFUL DEAD in having two drummers.                                            

 BYRDS did a version of Jesus is Just Alright.  And so did that Surf band the VENTURES.  Eric Clapton covered it too. And then there was a Christian Heavy Metal band called STRYPER who played their heavy interpretation of it.           

   STRYPER.  They're from "Orange County" and in the 1980's were a Heavy Metal Hair band that wore all black and yellow suits as a gimmick.   STRYPER'S musical      instruments were also black and yellow.                                                         

   STRYPER had the same "color scheme" as the professional sports teams from Pittsburgh.  But the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates also used white with yellow and black.             

   Mulholland.  Down in Los Angeles they even named this road after him.  But then, toward the end of his life, a disaster happened when one of his Dams broke and killed people.                                                                      

      Mr. Mark, who worked with our Chief but now lives over there in Hawaii; before that lived with his family "Green Valley."  It'sat the end of  "San   Francisquito Canyon."                                                                            

   in 1928 the Dam at the top of San Francisquito Canyon broke and drowned or killed over six hundred people before it stopped all the way down at the coast of  the Pacific Ocean.  That Dam was named after Saint Francis.                                                     

 

   after the water flooded out of San Franciquito Canyon it "rampaged" through the towns of "Valencia" and "Newhall."  The water then went all the way down to the     beach;  a coastline which is over fifty miles away!                                                                                 

   historian named William Karl said; "The history of California in the 20th century is the history of a state inventing itself with water."   I'll bet he thought, like Mr. Steve, that drought       has had a huge influence on mankind's history.                                                                                     

   he thinks it was probably a long drought in the 9th century A.D. that destroyed the powerful Mayan Empire down there in Central America.  And in ancient Egypt      the Old Kingdom was ended by drought.                                                                                                         

    California is the eighth biggest economy in the whole world!   And a big part of that is our method of moving water from one place to another.  Mr. Steve says that       improvements were made from 1970 through the 1990's.                                                                     

    Mr. Cliff, who fought in the Vietnam War, is interested in the subject of "Meteorology."  He says California's population doubled from 1970 until the year 2000.  And      during that period it rained more than usual.                                                     

     Mr. Cliff says the last one hundred and fifty years have been "wetter" in California than usual.  And California is known by scientists to be "subject to unpredictable weather patterns."   For most of the Southwest's history he says the climate has been much drier.                                   

       In fact Mr. Cliff says, there have been "dry spells" or "mega-droughts here that have lasted about one hundred years!  That means the drought we're in now could be at just the beginning.                                                                                    

    Just like you can study the "rings" in trees to see weather patterns, Mr. Cliff says "core samples" from way down deep in the ground prove that the Southwest once had a drought in the 9th century which lasted for nearly two hundred years!                                

     From what Mr. Cliff told our boss, in the 1200's there was another drought here in California that was one hundred and fifty years long.   Both Mr. Steve and his friend Cliff think they need    to collect all "runoff" rain a lot better here in California.                                                                    

    Our Chief and his friend Rick know about taking salt out of water.  In Israel and also over on Catalina Island Mr. Steve visited "desalination" plants and thinks someday California will have    more of them.                                                                              

   Mr. Cliff says California's water system is built around melting snow but if there's less snow to run off then there's also less water.  He thinks you need to reward people's good behavior in    saving water instead of punishing them for not doing it.                                                                     

 Mr. Steve and his friend Rick know about "reverse osmosis;" which means cleaning and then re-using sewer water.  Daisy told me what sewer water is and that sounds kind of gross. But our  boss says it works really good and you can even drink it.  Yuk!                                                         

   If you cleaned sewer water you could "recover" eighty percent of it our Chief says.  Mr. Cliff says there hasn't been any "new water" for billions of years.  We're now still drinking the same   water that the Dinosaurs drank he says.                                                                                                

    So Mr. Cliff jokes we're already drinking sewer water!  It's just that through the millions of years nature has purified it on its own.  Boy, writing about water sure makes me thirsty.   I see      the bucket of water near  sliding glass door.                                                                                  

 Mr. Cliff says in Southern California there are a lot of these areas called "Watersheds."  Those are low areas where rain collects.  For thousands of years the Native Indians here set up their villages close to them so they could get the water and things that live around them.                       

 

"WIYOT"S CHILDREN (GABRIELINO VILLAGE OF "SA-ANGNA)

PAINTING BY MARY LEIGHTON THOMSON

    Mr. Steve says the Priests at the Spanish Missions also knew about and used the natural Watersheds.  And so did the people who lived here after Mexico broke away from Spain.  But       now paved roads and concrete covers so much of modern California.                                               

       That guy Mr. Cliff agrees with our boss.  Los Angeles seems to have no interest in adapting to the natural Watersheds any more.  Today "Dams," "Culverts" and "Channels," and a lot of    cement, have been used to try to control nature.  But now we're in a really big drought.                 

       Mr. Cliff thinks Los Angeles should create more water catching areas and also study how the Indians used their knowledge of the way Mountains, Canyons, Wash's and also what they call       "Aquifers" were "interconnected."                        

       definition of an Aquifer is; "permeable underground rock that can contain or move groundwater."  And I guess that "permeable" means spaces in rock       where water can sit or move through.                                         

  Mr. Cliff says, one hundred years ago in "Pomona Valley," the Fruit growers worked with the local government to build these areas called "spreading   grounds" that allowed surface water to sink down into the Aquifers below.  More people should do that too he thinks.                                 

                  IMPERIAL VALLEY

 

 during the Winter the "Imperial Valley" and Arizona's "Yuma"  District, produces ninety percent of the vegetables for the United States.  So, if anything ever happens to   our water supply it's "bad news" he says.                                                                                                                                            

    A while back our Chief met an older man at the Phelan Library.  He told Mr. Steve about this guy named Charles Hatfield.  In 1915, right after the Los Angeles Aqueduct was opened, he was  hired by San Diego to make it rain because they were in a drought like the one we're in.                  

CHARLES HATFIELD (1875-1958)

 

  Charles Hatfield claimed he had a secret formula of chemicals that could produce rain.  He and his brother set up a tower east of San Diego and shot something up  into the sky.  Some people now call it "cloud-seeding."                                                                     

     Whatever that guy Charles Hatfield did worked.  In fact, it worked too well.  What they call a "downpour" happened and thirty inches of rain fell on San Diego.  Fifty people died   so everyone was really mad at Charles Hatfield.                                                                                                                    

 I guess Charles Hatfield had to "get out of Dodge" as they say because there were those who wanted to kill him.  He never got paid.  Boy, too bad we couldn't find out what he did because      we could maybe make a lot of money.                                                                                                    

  I just looked up "Operation Popeye" which was an attempt by the United States military to create rain during the Vietnam War.  It lasted from 1967 through 1972; when Mr. Steve was in    the eleventh grade at Sylmar High.                                                                                                        

   This is interesting.  Just like that man Charles Hatfield, the U.S. military used cloud-seeding to to make the "monsoon" season longer so it would turn the dirt roads used by the Viêt Công and North Vietnamese into "quagmires."  Here's a map of it here in this Encyclopedia.                                             

  

    The supply roads the North Vietnamese were using were called the "Hô chi minh Trail."  This is because the leader of North Vietnam at that time was a man named Hô chi minh.  For      many years he had been one of the most respected leaders in Vietnam.                                             

 From what it says here the U.S. cloud seeding, just like Charles Hatfields, worked too well.  It did make the rainy season longer.  A few years ago Mr. Steve met this nice man from Vietnam.     He said relatives drowned because of Operation Popeye.  I just looked up Hô chi minh.              

 

HÔ CHI MINH (1111-1111)

     I guess Hô chi minh was a famous Communist leader.  Even back when Vietnam was a French colony called "Indochina" he was a leader.  He fought against the Japanese and in 1954 helped    slaughter the French at the battle of "Dien Bien Phu" which I wrote about yesterday.                                                                                                                                                                                          Even though France had been conquered by Hitler's Germany in 1940 after the war they wanted their colonies back.  But in Vietnam the people fought against it and kicked the French out.      Later Mao tse-tung in China helped Hô chi minh fight the Americans.                                             

  It says here that once the United States left Vietnam in the mid-1970's the North Vietnamese renamed the city of "Saigon."  It's now called "Hô chi minh city."  Hô chi minh died in 1969 so     he wasn't around to see that happen.                                                                       

   Mr. Steve thinks weather patterns have often influenced human history; sometimes for good and sometimes for not so good.  After the last Ice Age ended about ten thousand years ago people then moved down into North and South America.                                                                                 

 One person who benefited from good weather were the Vikings in the 8th century.  When it warmed up it allowed them and their Long Ships to travel all the way to the area off of Canada    and also down rivers all over Europe and other places.  But then it got cold again.                                                                                                                                                                 

    Oh!  I wonder if Mr. Steve knows this?  It says that Charles Hatfield and William Mulholland are buried at the Glendale "Forrest Lawn" cemetery.  Our Chief knows of other people who are buried there.  A Lizard is standing near the tree.                                                                                 

   When our Chief and his friend Mark worked for the sports teams in the mid-1980's they knew an older lady named Helen Graham.   She was also a salesman; or a "saleswoman." And Helen    Graham died and is buried at Forrest Lawn in Glendale too.                                                             

 Even though she wasn't on my outline I feel like writing about that lady Helen Graham.  Mr. Steve says she lived in Glendale and worked right up until she died in her 80's; not because she    had to work but because she wanted to work.                                                                                        

    lady Helen Graham, just like the Nuns at Saint Ferdinands and many of the other older ladies he's known, made a big impression on him.  She    was one of the most "conscientious" people our boss has ever known.                                               

  Helen Graham graduated from U.C.L.A. where Mr. Steve's ex-girlfriend Emily works.  She was an "Alumni" and used to buy season seats for U.C.L.A. Football games at the Rose Bowl.       Her mind was still good right up to the time she died our Chief told us.                                            

   In the last years of her life Helen Graham couldn't "get around" as easily.  She was over six feet tall, about an inch taller than Mr. Steve.  But she wanted to attend Football games. She only could stand up for about ten hours per day so "rationed" that time.                                                        

   Helen Graham had a bad back so needed someone to take her to the U.C.L.A. games.  Mr. Steve at times took her because she could hold onto his arm as they walked; the way President     Franklin Roosevelt did with his son to hide that he had polio.                                                            

     On the day of a Football game Miss Helen laid on her back until Mr. Steve called her from Sylmar to say he was on his way. Then, she got up so when Mr. Steve showed up at her house in   Glendale they just left right away for the game.                                                      

   Dais says our Chief told her and Millie the seats at the Rose Bowl were too small.  He joked the Rose Bowl must've been made when people were much smaller or maybe it was designed for  midgets.  Mr. Steve says it gets hot sometimes at the Rose Bowl.                                                        

    At times our boss thinks about Helen Graham.  He remembers how logical and intelligent she was even though she was "up in age" as they say.  One time he had a dream where he met Helen  at that house in Beverly Hills "Pickfair."  They hugged each other and talked.                                                                                 

  As I mentioned yesterday in book two, Pickfair was the big mansion built by those Silent Movie Actors Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Mary Pickford.  Douglas Fairbanks Jr. was in that movie called "The Gaucho;" for which U.C.S.B. sports teams were named.            

                      

    

                                                  DOUGLAS FAIRBANAKS / MARY PICKFORD AT "PICKFAIR"                                                                              

   Pickfair was the first house in Los Angeles to have a swimming pool built in the ground.  Mr. Steve's brother Sam has a pool cleaning business in Littlerock and that area.                                                                               

 Wow!  I wonder if Mr. Steve knows this!  It says here Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford made some of their Silent Movies up here in the High Desert.  And the first movie they ever made for their own company was a movie about Zorro called "The Mark of Zorro."                                 

     As I mentioned, close to where Mr. Steve's friend Rick lives with his wife Linda, that other Silent Movie Actor named William S. Hart had his house in Newhall.  Now it's a nice Western Museum I guess.  They used to even have some Buffaloes and Peacocks there.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

     Oh my God!  When movies had sound that man John Wayne made a few movies up near Apple Valley where that guy Roy Rogers and his family lived after they moved from Chatsworth down in the San Fernando Valley.                                                         

      A lot of famous people visited Pickfair over the years; like Albert Einstein, H.G. Wells, and even President Franklin Roosevelt.  That's what Mr. Steve told us.  Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh also went to some of the gatherings there.                                                                                     

   Well You Guys, I'm glad I wrote about Helen Graham.  Dais says Mr. Steve admired her a lot.  Hey!  Was it You Guys who made me all of a sudden think about Helen Graham?  You know I       really want to meet her up there in Heaven.                                                                                         

Mr. Steve says Michael Jackson is buried at the Glendale Forrest Lawn.  He said that cemetery has replicas of Michelangelo statues, a stained-glass window of Da Vinci's "Last Supper" and a big painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.                                                          

      Wow!  A lot of famous people are buried at the Glendale Forrest Lawn cemetery.  Actors like Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor and two Marx Brothers are there.  Oh!  Larry from The Three Stooges, writer Louis L'Amour and Walt Disney are there.                                          

     man who ran Glendale Forrest Lawn was made fun of by Aldous Huxley who thought it was very ridiculous to have artwork and things like that in a cemetery.  But Mr. says he sort of likes it and doesn't mind it at all.                                                  

    Our boss has been to many cemeteries.   He's seen Marilyn Monroe's grave in Westwood and a bronze statue of Joey Ramone in Hollywood.  In 2008 he visited "Arlington" National Cemetery   in Washington D.C. where this guy named Audie Murphy is buried.                                                    

AUDIE MURPHY (1925-1971)