Book Two 11,12ahtml

II

  (Book 2 / Chapter 11 

5:30 

 

LATE AFTERNOON HIGH DESERT SKY

          Well I'm now back, and with a lot of energy to finish these last two chapters of this second book.  As I went pee over there in the northeast corner of our fenced in two acres Cher was out in the back desert eating a Lizard.  And I also smelled the two Twin Joshua trees as I went pee.         

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

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

ROSEMARY

         Ah!   A cool breeze just brought in the smell of Rosemary from behind the Sheds!  I sure hope that's You Blessed Mother, reminding me to think of You.  Thank You again for helping me again today so much.  I still have a lot of energy left to finish these final two chapters.                    

          Oh no!  I just noticed I forgot to say a few more things about that guy Pope John Paul II in chapter ten.  There's a lot writing and notes on my book two outline, so I kind of missed it so will just do it now instead of going back and inserting it in chapter ten.  Heathcliff crowed.                  

        Boy!  I'm so glad I caught my mistake Blessed Mother, and kind of want to think maybe it was You who caused me to notice it in time.  Hey Blessed Virgin!  I think I understand why Pope John Paul II thought so much of You.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.        

  

 MISS BABETTE / MR. DAVID

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

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

          According to Daisy Miss Babette also has twin sons, and from what she told our boss; both were really good Athletes at "Glendale College."  One of them even ended up being one of Navy    "Seals."  A Car or Truck just went bye out there on Primavera Road, and left dust behind.                

U.S. NAVY "SEALS"

         One time Dais heard our boss and Mr. Dave talking about how hard it is to become one of those Navy Seals, with the training being "so difficult very few even make it through."  So Miss    Babette's son has to be special Daisy thinks.  "Not just anyone can do it" Mr. Steve said.                

        Mr. Dave and our boss's dad, before being "deployed" in the military; went to that "Boot Camp" training I've mentioned before.  They know what the Navy Seals have to go through must be even worse.  Oh!  The Twin Joshua tree's scent just came into both of my nostrils right now.    

        Blessed Mother!  I guess back in 1917, when You came down here to Portugal six times to talk with those three Shephard kids; You told them to devote themselves to the holy trinity, and    say a "Rosary" every day for peace.  World War I was still going on.  Leo and Cleo flew bye.        

                  

      APPERANCE AT "FÁTIMA"                         LUCIA / FRANCISCO / JACINTA

       

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

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

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

      PETROGRAD            "RUSSIAN REVOLUTION"           LENIN               

 

           Daisy heard Blessed Virgin how Miss Babette was told, in another part of the second secret You asked for the "Consecration" of Russia to You.  In 1917 that bloody "Russian Revolution"    was going on.  My English Dictionary says to consecrate means, "To make sacred or holy."           

        Because that guy Vladimir Lenin and the other Russian Communists were Atheists I guess some think Blessed Mother You were warning people about not believing in God.  In  that third    secret I guess You talked about the possible death of a Pope and "other religious figures."             

        Mr. Steve's father met a Russian lady who told him she thought in 1917 the revolution was "really sparked" on February 23rd; when the Czar's Soldiers "fired on" women "protesting the  horrible war economy."  They were "starving."  February 23 is Mr. Steve's dad's birthday.                   

POPE JOHN PAUL II (1920-2005)

(ROME / "VATICAN CITY" / JUNE, 1985)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

    

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

           And Blessed Mother, the Pope thought if that third secret was true; maybe the part about "Russian totalitarianism" being defeated could also be fulfilled too.  And it did happen when the Soviet Empire fell in 1991!  So You really did turn out to be totally right Blessed Virgin!                

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

            ROSARY                  PRAYER BEADS                 "MISBAHA"  

                  

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

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

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

   

"COFFEE & CREAM"

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

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

        Hey Mr. Pope!  If you just happen to be up there mind-reading me I really want to thank you for helping end that "Cold War."  Now there's less chance of life being destroyed down here on Earth by a giant nuclear war.  The four Pigeons are flying over the Sheds and going north.       

          

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

           I guess, besides being unique in being Polish instead of Italian; Pope John Paul II traveled around the world way more than any other Pope too.  In that way he was kind of like the Roman  Emperor Hadrian, who also traveled a lot too.  Hadrian was from Spain and not from Italy.          

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

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

    

COFFEE BEANS

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

         Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Hussein talk about those famous Goats.  Mr. Steve's father jokes how those Goats "didn't realize what they started."  According to what Daisy's heard, the    drinking and selling of coffee is one of the biggest business in the whole world now in 2014.           

          I can smell Bravo Company and their new babies out in the desert.  There are two getting longer vapor trails in the sky over the eastern horizon.  Seeing them reminds of that hot day last Summer when Dais and I were back here sitting on Elvira, and looking at two vapor trails.                            

JALÁL AL-DIN MUHAMMAD RUMI (1207-1273)

ARTWORK BY DE AGOSTINI

       Yesterday I wrote a little bit about that 13th century Persian "Sufi" Islamic Poet named "Rumi."  Hey God!  He was one of those "Mystics," and from what Dais heard he told people to be "in communion" with You up there.  Which is what Dais and I want to try to do down here.     

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

    This Encyclopedia says, "by the 9th century A.D." drinking coffee had migrated up from Africa and into places like "Egypt, Syria and Iraq."  Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Hussein talk about how, because of way too much violence; it was "banned" in that holy city of "Mecca."            

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

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

           It says here how "by the 18th century" in Europe, during that "Enlightenment" period when those two French guys Rousseau and Voltaire were writing; coffee drinking in "cafes" and  "salons" was a popular  thing to do.  I like wigs!  I think I might want to get one someday.             

        Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Hussein talk about how in Islam there are "Monks" too.  Yesterday I mentioned how sometimes Sufi Monks would grind up coffee beans and then drink    it.  Mr. Hussein told our boss it was probably "bitter" and "not very pleasant to taste."                 

         Hey God!  As You of course already know, I guess those Sufi Monks drank coffee to make them forget about being hungry during one of those times when they aren't allowed to eat.  Dais  told me how all they wanted to do was pray and think of You up there.  Heathcliff crowed.                 

"CONSTITUTIONAL" CONVENTION 

                                                 (PHILADELPHIA / SEPTEMBER, 1787)                                      

PAINTING BY HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY

   

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

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

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

"SARBUCKS" COFFEE HOUSES

          One time Daisy heard our boss talking with Mr. Hussein down there in Sylmar.   He's had his Coffee Shop since all the way back in 1994, which is so "impressive" Mr. Steve and his father  think.  He was hurt when this other Coffee Shop called "Starbucks" was started near him.           

          I guess Starbucks, whose headquarters is up there in "Seattle," Washington; is one of the "Franchise" restaurants I've written about.  But, instead of food; they specialize in making all      different kinds of coffee Dais told me.  Samson and Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral.            

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

"CUMULOUS" CLOUDS 

  

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

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

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

           THE "ODYSSEY"           

PAINTING BY JOHN WILLIAM WATERHOUSE

b

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

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

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

            HERMAN MELVILLE (1819-1891)                     "MOBY DICK"                                 

     

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

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

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

                CAPTAIN "AHAB" HOLDING A "HARPOON"              

("MOBY DICK"  / 1951)

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

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

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

CAPTAIN AHAB / CHIEF AID STARBUCK

    

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

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

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

  

QUEEQUEG / ISAHMAEL

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

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

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

         

"GALÁPAGOS" ISLANDS 

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

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

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

AHAB SEEKS REVENGE                                       "SPERM" WHALE         

 

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

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

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

    

          One time Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking to Mr. Grant about Sperm Whales being the "loudest" Animal in the world.  Because they at times have to communicate with each other    from a really long distance, they use that "Echo Location" I've written about.  I smell Sage.          

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

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

    

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

(MAYAN CITY OF "TIKAL")

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

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

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

L.I.D.A.R. IMAGE

IMAGE CREATED BY PHOENIX AERIAL

   

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUN / CLOUDS 

          

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

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

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

WHALING SHIP "ESSEX" 

      PAINTING BY L.F. TANTILLO         

    

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

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

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

FLOCK OF BIRDS IN LATE AFTERNOON SKY 

    

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

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

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

                                                        FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE (1844-1900)                                                        

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

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

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

MOBY DICK'S "EVIL EYE"

ART BY WU TSANG

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

        Miss Susan used the phrase "evil eye."  Daisy says our boss told her about Ronnie James Dio, and how he was the one who mainly "popularized" that "Malocchio" hand gesture when he replaced Ozzy Osbourne as BLACK SABBATH'S Singer.  Andy's sniffing the air over there.        

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

                                                                                RONNIE JAMES DIO (1942-2010)                            "MALOCCHIO"                                                      

        

         I've mentioned how Mr. Steve took pictures of that Singer Ronnie James Dio, a few years after he'd been in BLACK SABBATH.  "Little did his Grandma know" Mr. Steve said to Miss    Susan, that "she influenced Heavy Metal."  The malocchio gesture is now associated with it.         

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

       I still have more to write about that giant Whale Moby Dick.  Daisy says one time our boss and his dad wondered about taking a job where one swipe of a Whale's tail could kill you in the    "blink of an eye."  Mr. Steve's dad said, "When you're poor and have a family you'll do it."          

  

MOBY DICK'S REVENGE

ARTWORK BY STEVEN SUTTER

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

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

       As he stabs and yells at Moby Dick some of the ropes connected on to all the harpoons get "entangled" around Captain Ahab my Encyclopedia says.  Dragged around tied to Moby Dick,    Captain Ahab keeps on stabbing and screaming in anger Dais told me.  Dawn's barking.               

                        

AHAB'S END 

PHOTO BY ERICH LESSING

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

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

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

  CAPTAIN HOOK                                           PETER PAN      

    

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

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

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

                                                

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

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

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

HAGAR WITH SON ISHMAEL IN EXILE

 

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

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

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

    

 SAMMY HAGAR                                                        MONTROSE        

  

          I'm not really scheduled to talk about that guy Sammy Hagar until tomorrow, when I find out about him being VAN HALEN'S second Singer.  But, I kind of feel like mentioning him now    too.  He was in that early 1970's band from Northern California band called MONTROSE.          

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

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

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

PHOTO BY JOHN MAYALL                                                                                                                                                                                               

        

        One time, when visiting with Mr. Hussein at his Coffee Shop in Sylmar; Mr. Steve and his father talked with him about the Starbucks Coffee chain.  They discussed Karl Marx's ideas on    "Collectivization," or the Workers "banding together" against the Owners.  Dawn's barking.      

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

          Karl Marx, seeing the rich "Bourgeoisie" class exploiting the  "Proletariat" working class; predicted a "bloody uprising" by those Workers some day.  That girl Emma Goldman, and her      boyfriend; also didn't like "Capitalism."  A group of Birds is flying bye to the northeast.                                                

"CROWN FLASH"  

             

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

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

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

     

MR. STEVE'S PARENTS

PHOTO BY RODERICK CÓRDOVA

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

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

          Maybe, if we "Organized" a group who represented all of us Pets, Cats like Cher included; we could have more bargaining power?  But, like Dais told me that time; we really aren't being    treated badly like workers often are now.  I can smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.                                                                                    1971 G.M.C. "SPRINT"             

        

          I really feel like getting up and running around right now but, I'd better not because now there will be only about two hours of sunlight left.  I do like to sprint which, from what Mr. Cliff    said that time; used to be the name of a Car.  Boy! I really like the smell of Spring Creosote.        

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

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

    

         1968                       "EL CAMINO"                    1971             

PHOTO BY DAVE KOONTZ                                                                                                                                                                     

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

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

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

"SPRINT CAR" RACING 

  

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

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

       Ah!  I just glanced up in time to see Cher going bye carrying a dead mouse in her mouth.  She ducked under Moe where she can eat it without someone trying to steal it from her.   Andy's over there standing totally still, watching Cher with a mean look on his face.  I like Daffy.                                                                                                                    

SPRINT CAR RACING

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

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

       Mr. Cliff told our boss, Sprint Cars "operate" using "Methanol" fuel, and they have "no transmissions" or "electric starters."  When he said you have to push Sprint Cars to start them, Mr. Steve told him about "push starting" Cars with manual transmissions.  Heathcliff crowed.                                                                                          

  PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY (1917-1963)

                     

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

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

      I remember that morning when, as he watered the big Mulberry tree up there in the front yard; our boss told Mr. Randy how he was almost in the Vietnam War.  Mr. Randy is two years older than Mr. Steve but had a "Medical Deferment" from the military.  I smell Mesquite.            

    

MR. RANDY

  

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

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

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

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

(NOVEMBER, 1963)

 

           Dais was so interested in that tv show about the Kennedy family, especially the about the President being assassinated.  In late November of 1963 "J.F.K." and his  wife visited "Dallas,"    near where Mr. Steve's brother Rock now lives with Rocky Jr. and Jacob.  Dawn's barking.          

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

       Yesterday I wrote about how, when President Kennedy was shot; some people thought it might've been Cubans from the failed Bay of Pigs invasion who did it.  Mr. Steve thinks they had a motive but probably not the means or opportunity.  Fred, Ed and Ted just now flew bye.            

          

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

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

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

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

                             ,        

            SAM GIANCANA                CARLOS MARCELLO            SANTO TRAFFICANTE                                         

                As I've said before, when John Kennedy became President he "Appointed" his younger brother Robert as "Attorney General."  He "Went After" Sam Giancana, Carlos Marcello and    that one other guy Santo Trafficante over in Florida.  I'll bet this really got them mad.                   

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

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

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

  

         Oh! When I wrote about World War II earlier; I forgot to talk about President Kennedy piloting a small Navy "PT-Boat" against the Japanese in the "Pacific Theater."  Dais and Millie    one time saw this good tv show about it.  I guess, "PT" just stands for "Patrol, Torpedo."              

          My Encyclopedia says here what the tv show said too, how "Lieutenant" Kennedy's Boat was cut in half when a Japanese Destroyer ran over it.   With a "life jacket strap clenched" in his mouth, he towed a burned Sailor to the shore three miles away.  Wow!   He must be strong!           

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

(JULY 5-AUGUST 23, 1943)    

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

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

          Our boss told Mr. Dave the Germans lost about three hundred thousand men at Kursk but, as usual; the Soviets lost even more.  They could "afford to lose over half a million" casualties.   Ah!  Blackbeard and Anne are chasing and yelling at another what is probably a boy Crow.                                                                      INVASION OF "SICILY"                              OPERATION "MINCEMEAT"                                                   (JULY, 1943)                                                                                    (APRIL, 1943)                                                     

      

          Mr. Steve's father thinks "one factor" in the Germans losing the Battle of Kursk is the Allies also invading the Italian island of "Sicily in July of 1943.  I wrote about that "Operation      Mincemeat."  A little Lizard just ran bye on the other side of Miss Emily's coffee table.                  

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

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

                               

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

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID SUTTON

  

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

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

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

                  

"WIZARD OF OZ" (1939)

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

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

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

     

VITTORIA COLONNA (1492-1547)

PAINTING BY SEBASTIANO DEL PIOMBO

       Oh!  Writing about a smart girl like Dorothy Kilgallen makes me remember how I was supposed to write about smart 16th century women yesterday, but overlooked it on the outline.    So I'll just put it in here right now.  A Train whistled faintly far out there to the northeast.            

          Dais says Mr. Steve and his mom one time talked about a really smart lady from that then "City-State" of "Naples.  Her name was Vittoria Colonna and my Encyclopedia says she was a    "friend and spiritual mentor" to that guy Michelangelo.  I smell the new baby Cholla cactus.        

        No wonder Mr. Steve thinks that lady Miss Vittoria must've been smart.  It says here she was the "first woman to have her poems published in Italy," even though it wasn't called "Italy"  until the late 19th century.  Judging by how the desert looks I'd say it's about five forty.                                                

LATE AFTERNOON HIGH DESERT

          

          Wow!  According to this Encyclopedia that lady Miss Vittoria was Western Europe's "first female career artist."  She was "immersed in the new religious currents of reformation" coming from men like Marin Luther and John Calvin.  I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there.          

          I've written how the 1500's Rennaissance period was a time of what my Encyclopedia calls "seismic shifts" in such things as Culture, Art, Science, Religion, Politics and Philosophy.  So no  wonder Michelangelo admired Miss Vittoria so much as I would too.  A Train whistled faintly.      

       At C.S.U.N. Mr. Steve's mom studied what she called the "wild and complex" paintings of this lady named Lavinia Fontana.  She was so talented I guess, her paintings "rivaled" those of    Caravagio "in the city of Rome."  Mr. Steve's mom read Miss Lavinia had eleven children.                                                                                                   LORENZO "THE MAGNIFICENT"                       LUCREZIA TORNAGUONI               

                                 (1449-1492)                                                           (1427-1482)                               

                                                        WOOD CARVING BY VERROCCHIO                                       PAINTING BY DOMENICO GHIRLANDAIO                                                                                                                                                                                

         I just looked up a late 15th century man called Lorenzo "The Magnificent."  He was the "most powerful patron of the arts" in what is now called the country of Italy.  But Dais says the    man on this one tv show they saw said his mom was "very influential" during their time.               

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

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

              

MR. PEABODY / BOY SHERMAN

  

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

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

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

              

MACHIAVELLI (1469-1527)

PAINTING BY SANTI DI' TITO

   

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

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

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

                      

       NAPOLÉON III / OTTO VON BISMARCK         

COLORIZED BY EUROMAP

        

          One time our boss and Mr. Ralph talked about The Prince.  Mr. Ralph, who also read the Prince; heard that German man Otto von Bismarck, who conquered France in the 19th century; was "very familiar" with Machiavelli's handbook.  All four of the Pigeons are flying bye.              

          Boy!  I really like the spiked helmet Bismarck is wearing in the picture of him sitting with Napoléon III after defeating the French in 1871.  It's kind of like the ones the Germans wore at    the beginning of World War I.  Napoléon III is wearing one of "Kepi" style hats I notice.               

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

  

         In these first two books I've mentioned that "Julio-Claudian" family which ruled ancient Rome for a long time after Julius Caesar was killed.  Mr. Steve's father read Machiavelli wrote    this other "not so famous" book called "Discourses on Livy."  Livy was a Roman "Historian."     

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

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

                               PAINTING BY HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY                                                                                   PAINTING BY DAVID MARTIN                                                          

            

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

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

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

      MUHAMMAD ALI    

                      

          I just thought of the Boxer Muhammad Ali, who I guess was from "Louisville," Kentucky.  Oh what the heck!  I can write about him now too, even though he's not on my outline right here; because I can also write about him later in my three what are turning out to be long books.           

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

          Muhammad Ali knew it was suicidal to fight George Foreman "Toe to Toe," so leaned back on the ring ropes to tire him out.  He was like guerilla Warriors who can't fight a "Conventional" battle against a large army.  But he had to block heavy punches, so it was a risky thing to do.                                                                        

   GEORGE FOREMAN

 

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

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

             I've mentioned a few times in these first two books how Mr. Gary the Barber, and also Mr. Ralph; know a lot about the sport of Boxing.  Mr. Ralph, when he was young; was even one of those "Sparring Partners" I've written about.  The Lizard is now doing some pushups.  

MR. RALPH / SON RORY

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

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

            In "Zaire" Muhammad Ali's Trainer Angelo Dundee did not like Rope-a-Dope at all and got really upset when he realized what was happening.  I guess Mr. Steve met, and shook hands with; both Muhammad Ali and later Angelo Dundee too.  Two of the Pigeons just flew bye.   

                                                                                                              ANGELO DUNDEE (1921-2012)

PHOTO BY NEIL LEIFER                  

                     

            A picture shows Angelo Dundee, who died about two years ago; "taping up" Muhammad Ali's hands.  Like Mr. Rick, he was an Italian-American from Pennsylvania but ran a Gym down in Florida.  Mr. Steve had a customer near the city of "Miami" where that Gym is located.

           My Encyclopedia says, in the 1960's; Muhammad Ali's "tremendous lateral movement" made him "difficult to hit."  But, by 1974 when he fought George Foreman; he had lost much of that speed.  I'm really good at dodging things too, or what they call  "Ducking and Weaving."

           Oh wow!  My Encyclopedia has a picture taken on February the 18th of 1964, when the BEATLES met "Cassius Clay."  That was his original "Birth" name before he changed it over to  being Muhammad Ali.  I've mentioned before how Miss Harriet's birthday is February 19th. 

                           

                                     BEATLES / CASSIUS CLAY (FEBRUARY 18, 1964 / MIAMI)

PHOTO BY HARRY BENSON

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

             I've used the German word "Zeitgeist" a few times, which translates as meaning "Spirit of the Times."  That's what the BEATLES and Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali came to symbolize about the 1960's.  That Lizard ran down the wall and then went behind our water bucket.

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

  

PETE TOWNSEND 

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

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

           Our boss and Mr. Dave talked about the BEATLES 1968 "White" album; which Helter Skelter is on.  I want to hear that song Helter Skelter, which Mr. Dave said was      

                                                                                                       "HELTER SKELTER" SLIDE                          THE BEATLES                                                      

 

          Muhammad Ali is known as a Boxer, and also for being "stripped" of his Title in 1967.  It says here he "refused" to be "inducted" into the army to fight in the Vietnam War.  Daisy says Mr. Steve, who would not have refused to go into the military; still has his "Draft Card."  

          

"PRESS CONFERENCE" (JUNE 4, 1967)   

         

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

            Mr. Gary the Barber in San Fernando, and Mr. Ralph too; think Muhammad Ali lost the most "productive" four years of his career but his "Conscience" made him do it.  So, when he "came back" in 1971 he had to adapt to having lost some of his old foot speed.  I smell Sage.

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

         

    CASSIUS MARCELLUS CLAY (1810-1903)     

            

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

         Marcellus is a name from ancient times because, in the early 1800's; Roman culture was  influencing American society a lot.  Daisy saw a tv show about how that's why so many buildings look the way they do.  Some Slaves were even given Roman names too in the 19th century.            

            This is interesting.  Cassius Clay, because there were "attempts on his life;" carried one of those Bowie Knives like the one that guy Jim Bowie invented.  I've mentioned before how David Bowie the Singer changed his last name from "Jones" to "Bowie" because of Jim Bowie.

             

 SPIDER'S FROM MARS                                         MICK RONSON           

                                                                                                                                                    PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

          

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

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

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

               

                                                    PRESIDENT LINCOLN (1809-1865)

 PHOTO BY ALEXANDER GARDNER

                       

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

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

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

                             

   MALCOLM X (1925-1965)  

             PHOTO BY ROBERT HIGGINS           

                          

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

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

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

           

FRIEDRICH NITTZSCHE (1844-1900)

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

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

           I'm still thinking about Muhammad Ali, and how in 1974 against George Foreman he had to adapt to getting older.  Not having the fast foot speed he was known for when young, in the hot and humid weather of Africa he needed to "Conserve Energy" as they say.  Heathcliff crowed.                                              

                  CASSIUS CLAY JR.             

        (AT AGE TWELVE)   

               

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

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

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

                       

                  DREW "BUNDINI" BROWN (1928-1987)             

                                                             PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                           

         

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

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

        I wrote before about Nat Fleischer, the "Editor" of "Ring" magazine or; Bible of Boxing."  He said Sugar Ray Robinson was the best "Pound for Pound" Boxer in history and Mr. Steve's dad, who Boxed in the Marines; agrees about that.  That Dragonfly just zoomed bye.  

        

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

                                       

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

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

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

                                                 MUHAMMAD ALI /  BUNDINI BROWN 

                

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

            I guess, a few years ago Mr. Steve did some artwork for a lady from Florida; and I guess her family knew Bundini Brown's family.  She said he was in a bad Car accident, and then he fell down; which is what he died from.  He married a Jewish girl so converted over to Judaism.

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

 

   THEODORA 

                           

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

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

          There's a picture of Cassius Clay that shows him after he won his Gold Medal in Rome.  I notice how, in "Amateur" Boxing; the fighter's wear those sleeveless shirts.  Hey!  I wonder if maybe we could make those type of shirts for Dogs and Cats, to possibly make some money?  

        

                                       1960                   MUHAMMAD ALI                1996

           

                At the Forum one time Mr. Steve met Muhammad Ali who had "Parkinson's" disease.  A photo shows him "carrying the torch" at the start of the 1996 Olympics, which was held down there in the city of Atlanta.  Mr. Steve was given a seat cushion souvenir from that Olympics.   

            I guess, after Cassius Clay won the 1960 Olympics he came back to America and "Turned Pro" as they say.  And he did so good that, by 1964 he got a "Title Shot" against Sonny Liston; who was the Heavyweight Champion then.  Fred, Ed and Ted flew over Libby's Corral. 

            Daisy says our boss's father laughed one time when Gary the Barber joked Sonny Liston was such a hard puncher, "He could knock you out with a jab."  As I've mentioned, a jab is not always intended to be so powerful.  It's often a "Range Finder" for harder punches. 

                                                           

                                                                   CHARLES "SONNY" LISTON (1932-1970)

       

        Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Mike Sonny Liston, who spent some time in Prison; was  "Intimidating."  He had knocked out this other good Boxer named Floyd Patterson twice; each time in just one round.  Mr. Steve met Floyd Patterson one time and shook his hand too.                

             Sonny Liston fought right-handed so "jabbed" with his left hand, and it says here he had "a reputation" for having a "jackhammer-like" jab.  Muhammad Ali, also right-handed too; had what they call a "Razor-like" jab.  It "stung" and often even cut up his opponent's face.  

            I guess Muhammad Ali "flicked" out his left jab and this one Encyclopedia says a Writer named Roger Kahn compared it to a "lizard's tongue" or "rapier" sword.  Daisy says a rapier's long skinny blade it meant for stabbing more that slashing.  Heathcliff just now crowed.  

            

                   THREE MUSKATEERS                                   LOUIS XIV (1638-1715)

                                                                                                                                    PAINTING BY HYACINTHE RIGAUD

                 

           Daisy told me our boss has a long, skinny Rapier sword kind of like the ones used by the Three Muskateer's way back in the 18th century.  That was when Louis XIV was France's King,  who my Encyclopedia says was called the "Sun King."  Speedy the Squirrel zoomed bye.

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

     Mr. Steve's father, as a "Fire Direction" Soldier during the Korean War, helped the guys firing the artillery to get "Zeroed In" on the enemy.  As a "Spotter" he was like a Trainer telling the Boxer where to hit an opponent.  I can now smell Speedy's scent which he left behind.             

                                  

KOREAN WAR  (105-MM "HOWITZER")          

               

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

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

            In 1964, as a big "Underdog;" Cassius Clay Jr. surprised everyone and beat Sonny Liston to became the World Heavyweight Champion.  Most people thought Sonny Liston was too strong and would slaughter him.  Four months before that President Kennedy was killed in Dallas.         

   

                                               CASSIUS CLAY JR. / SONNY LISTON I

                                                   (MIAMI BEACH / FEBRUARY 25, 1964)

                    

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

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

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

MOCKINGBIRD

      

             During Hell Weeks Coaches, like Marine "Drill Instructors;" yell and make "Examples" of people.  They make everyone do extra exercises and blame it on those who finish last running, saying things like, "Thank Mr. Córdova gentlemen."  Our boss and Paul were never last. 

             During those two weeks of "Two a Day" practices Mr. Steve and Paul did "Circuits," or running from one spot to another to do exercises.  When the whistle blows you then sprint over to another area and do a different exercise.  The stocky little Mockingbird just flew away.

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

     

    JACK THE JACKRABBIT

 

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

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

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

                      

      THEN               FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT          NOW                         

        

              I guess, after Hell Weeks players get "fitted" for equipment.  Mr. Steve was a Receiver who caught the ball well; but it quickly became obvious he's too small to play "Tackle" Football.  Daisy told me how when Football first started the players didn't even wear those face masks.

              Right away Dais says, Mr. Steve was getting what they call "Bone Bruises" and cuts all over his body.  And even though he was five feet eleven inches tall he was so skinny.  He told Mr. Mike he chuckles when he thinks back at how thin he was in 1970 in the 9th Grade.

             In 1970 Mr. Steve realized that, "more often than not;" in order to play Football it's way better to be "Big-Boned" like his friend Paul.  So, he quit before he got hurt and I guess his mom was happy about that.  Even though he didn't say so, his father was also happy about it.   

                 

                                                                JOHN HANNAH

         

             In 1970, Mr. Steve's friend Paul did end up making the Alemany "Junior Varsity" team; as an "Offensive Lineman."   His job was to "Block" and give the other players time to do what they do.  The New England Patriots used to have a good Lineman named John Hannah.     

            When Mr. Steve told his father he quit his dad said, "Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor."  His mom was relieved because she knew, in her "Heart of Hearts" as they say; he would've probably gotten injured.  Mr. Steve is good at catching Football's I notice.  

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

        

                                           WILLIE DAVIS ("SUPER BOWL I" / 1967)

           

               In 1984 for the L.A. Olympics Mr. Steve's dad got that License to sell things so Mr. Steve often went down to the Westwood Olympic Headquarters.  One time met and shook hands with this guy named Willie Davis.  He played for the Packers in the first Super Bowl I guess.

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

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

                

                  VINCE LOMBARDI (1913-1970)                                "POWER SWEEP"

     

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

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

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

      

AS A TEENAGER                MISS SUSAN          WITH HER HORSE

        

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

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

        Mr. Steve had a customer who's followed the Patriots from when they were in the A.F.L.  His favorite Patriots Player was John Hannah.  He thought, as good as John Hannah was at blocking on a pass play; he was even better at "pulling" and "clearing the way" for the Runners.  

  

JOHN HANNAH

             Mr. Steve chuckled when that Parts Manager, who lives in Connecticut like Susan and her boys; said it would be really scary to see John Hannah coming at you if you were trying to tackle the Running Back.  In a picture he looks big alright.  The air is so clear right now.    

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

             Daisy heard our boss say Muhammad Ali  talked a lot to "Promote" his fights, but some people thought he was "Cocky."  That means arrogant and conceited Dais says.  Going into the first Sonny Liston fight in 1964 he was always yelling out things like, "I am the greatest!" 

       

CHUCK WEPNER / SONNY LISTON

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

                      

             Oh my God!  A picture shows a Sonny Liston fight against a guy named Chuck Wepner.  The caption says Chuck Wepner's face is "cut to ribbons," and I notice there's even blood on the Referees shirt!  Boy!  That would hurt so much and Chuck Wepner must be really brave! 

                  Dais heard our boss tell Mr. Rich one time about Chuck Wepner and how, like Mr. Rich; he's from the State of "New Jersey."  Mr. Gary called Chuck Wepner the "Bayonne Bleeder."  I guess over one hundred and twenty stitches were needed to repair is face after Sonny Liston.  

            Before the economic recession; Mr. Steve had a Honda customer in "Bayonne," the town Chuck Wepner is from.  They discussed that 1976 movie "Rocky I," and how it was "inspired" by Chuck Wepner.  I can tell by how the shadows look leaning away from me it's afternoon.    

                                                        "ROCKY I" (1976)        

     

              The Honda Parts Manager and Mr. Steve talked about how that Actor Sylvester Stallone, who Mr. Steve met, took pictures of and shook hands with one time; saw Chuck Wepner's fight against Muhammad Ali.  It gave him the ideas to write his movie Rocky I.   I smell Sage.

          Dais told me how "Rocky Balboa," the name of the Boxer Sylvester Stallone played in the movie; has a really nice girlfriend named "Adrian."  She's kind of like Mr. Bobby's wife Valerie, who also had to see her man cut and beaten up.  Mr. Ralph called it "battered and bruised." 

          Boy! Daisy and Millie are so lucky, because they got to see that movie Rocky I.  Daisy says it's a story about "Heavyweight" Boxers like Chuck Wepner and Sonny Liston.   The Champion has a really "Big Fight" scheduled but "At the last Minute" his opponent got injured I guess. 

    

"PHILADELPHIA," PENNSYLVANIA

PHOTO BY ELEVATED ANGLES

         

              The Honda Parts Manager in New Jersey said his family have been to "Philadelphia," where the movie Rocky I takes place.  Dais says in the movie they can't cancel the Heavyweight Championship fight.  But all of the possible "ranked" opponents are also "unavailable" too.

          As one of those "Stunts" or "Gimmicks" I've written about, they announced that they'd give the local Philadelphia champion "A Chance" to fight for the Heavyweight Championship.  And that Boxer was of course that guy Rocky Balboa.   Andy's over there sniffing the air.   

         Daisy says of course almost no one thinks Rocky Balboa, who's left-handed; can to beat the World Champion.  Everyone thinks it will be a slaughter or what Mr. Gary the Barber called "an easy payday for a workout."  Mr. Steve and Miss Sandy saw Rocky I back in the 1970's.    

    

                                       DICK BUTKUS                                   ROCKY BALBOA / DOG "BUTKUS"

  

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

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

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

                                                        

    DROWNING POOL                                          DICK BUTKUS        

  

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

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

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

    

ROCKY JR. / ROCK / JACOB

STEPHANIE / RICH / CRISTINA

                I've mentioned a few times over the last two days how Mr. Steve's brother Rock, and his sons Rocky Jr. and Jacob; now live in Texas.  Their city "Arlington" is in between "Dallas" and "Fort Worth."  Cher jogged bye with a Lizard in her mouth and went out into the desert.

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

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

                                    

 "ROCKY I"       

      ("PHILADELPHIA," PENNSYLVANIA)             

                                                                                                                                                              

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

       In Rocky I, "Against the Odds" as they say; Rocky Balboa somehow ends up beating the Champion.   It's like when that other guy Buster Douglas, with "42 to 1" odds against him; beat  Mike Tyson over there in Japan.   Heathcliff crowed and I hear his Hens cackling happily.             

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

                                      

HORATIO ALGER JR. (1832-1899)

          Yup!  Daisy was right when she told me a tv show mentioned how that guy Horatio Alger could read and write by eight.  And, it says here at the really young age of only sixteen he went to College at "Harvard."  I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve's Uncle Marty went there too.           

         I guess Horatio Alger's father, also named Horatio too; was one of those "Ministers" I've mentioned before.   They were "Protestant Unitarians."  In College at C.S.U.N. Mr. Steve read    one of Horatio Alger's "young adult" novels, and Miss Susan read one too.  Dawn's barking.        

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

MIKE TYSON / JAMES "BUSTER" DOUGLAS

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

          

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

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

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

                                          

"POST" TYSON / DOUGLAS FIGHT

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

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

         Daisy says on that night in 1990 even the Broadcasters were surprised and shocked at how Buster Douglas was moving around.  Being right-handed, his left jab was "razor sharp" and very "accurate."  Then his "lateral movement" allowed him to "escape danger" Mr. Ralph said.            

LATE AFTERNOON SKY

      

          I just glanced up and see some puffy clouds up there in the late afternoon sky.  I still have one and half chapters to go today.  Daffy's quacking, which makes me think of that afternoon last Summer when Daisy and I heard him; and were smelling Joshua trees just like I am now.              

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

        Mike Tyson went into that 1990 fight in Tokyo with a 37-0 record, 33 of those wins coming by a Knockout.  He seemed unbeatable but, Buster Douglas was "pumped," or "fired up" as Mr. Ralph called it.  It was like William Barrett Travis said at the Alamo, "Victory of Death."             

  

MUHAMMAD ALI / CHUCK WEPNER

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

 

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

            Dais heard our boss tell that Honda Parts Manager in Bayonne about Mr. Bobby.  I guess Muhammad Ali used his left jab to cut up Chuck Wepner's face, and his foot speed allowed him to avoid being hit.  I've mentioned before how Mr. Bobby was cut a few times in later fights.         

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

                                                            PRE-FIGHT              CLAY / LISTON I                  LEFT JAB                      

(MIAMI BEACH / FEBRUARY 26, 1964)
   

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

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

            Mr. Gary thinks the main reason why Cassius Clay was acting so weird leading up to their first fight was he was afraid of Sonny Liston.  Mr. Steve thinks he may've also been what's called  "Hyping" the fight.  I see Samson and Delilah the Crows flying bye way up there in the sky.

         

  "GORGEOUS GEORGE" (1915-1963)   

          

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

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

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

  

                                                       JAMES BROWN (1933-2006)

       

            Gary the Barber thinks Gorgeous George also influenced that Singer James Brown.  Mr. Steve's friend Mark in Hawaii sold James Brown advertising when he worked for this Magazine called the "Hollywood Reporter."  Gorgeous George and James Brown wore capes.  

            Yesterday I wrote about how, in 1988; Mr. Steve met and took pictures of that Wrestler called the "Iron Sheik."  He, like Gorgeous George; played the part of a "Villain" or "Heel."  A lot of people, "deep down;" really "love to hate" Mr. Steve one time told Mr. Randy.    

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

  

POST FIGHT (CLAY / LISTON I / 1963)

     

             A picture shows Cassius Clay after he beat Sonny Liston back in 1963.  The caption says he kept yelling out, "I shook up the world!"  All four of the Pigeons just flew in from being out in the back desert, and then all of them landed up there on the patio roof right above me.                  

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

             Unlike 1974 when he fought George Foreman without foot speed, Cassius Clay was fast in 1964; so a "befuddled" Sonny Liston chased but couldn't catch him.  Clay's "stinging" jabs cut up his face, which he wasn't used to.  Usually it was he who cut up his opponent's faces.

          

ROBERTO DURÁN / "SUGAR" RAY LEONARD (1980)  

                    

         I just thought of something I want to write about now even though it's on my book three outline.  Daisy watched a 1980 fight between Roberto Durán from "Panama" and "Sugar" Ray    Leonard.  Durán, to everyone's total surprise; quit fighting and simply "Gave Up."                        

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

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

             

HORSE RACING  

               

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

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

          Seeing Roberto Durán use a "Jump Rope" was incredible Mr. Steve says.  And it was "Jaw Dropping," people cheered who witnessed it; when he used his head to finish his workout on the "Speed Bag."  The Pigeons all just flew away and are now going over Libby's Corral.

                          

                                                           JOSE "PIPINO" CUEVAS

                                                                                        

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

            Mr. Steve thinks Pipino Cuevas, "as hard as it is to believe;" could hit even harder than Roberto Durán.  Wearing these big "pillowy" sixteen ounce gloves, he "dropped" this "Sparring Partner" with a vicious Left "Uppercut."  Mr. Steve has a pair of sixteen ounce gloves.

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

   

HIGH DESERT LIZARD   

                   

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

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

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

                                                               

                                              ROBERTO DURÁN / MARVIN HAGLER  

                                                                     PHOTO BY ARMANDO AGUIRRE

   

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

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

            By the time Roberto Durán fought against Marvin Hagler he weighed about one hundred and sixty pounds.  His punches were still hard but, as he fought bigger fighters; he had to adapt and become a better boxer as opposed to a devastating "Knockout Artist."  Heathcliff crowed.

      

                                         ROBERTO DURÁN / MARVIN HAGLER (1983)

                     

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

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

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

                                                                                      2014 SUBARU "LEGACY"

 

                  Writing about Roberto Duran's legacy makes me think about that Japanese Car called a "Legacy."  Daisy and Millie one time heard our boss talking on the phone with one of his Subaru customers.  That Parts Manager said Subaru has made the Legacy since back in 1989.

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

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

                                                                                       BERTHA BENZ (1849-1944)

                                                            (BENZ "MOTORWAGEN #3 / 1888)

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

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

         Hey Miss Bertha!  You must've been smart too because your husband valued your ideas, even in "Technical" or "Mechanical" things too.  On that first trip it was you who thought of the idea of "Brake Linings."  And you advised him to put a "lower" gear for going up hills.                 

  

BLACKBEARD AND ANNE BONNY

              

             I'm pretty sure it's Blackbeard and Anne who are flying toward the southwest right now.  Usually I can see the white hole where Blackbeard's missing eye used to be but right now I can't.  They usually don't talk to each other as the go along the way Fannie and Freddie so often do. 

                Oh what the heck!  I might as well keep on writing about Boxing even though Daisy has me mainly scheduled to do it tomorrow in book three.  In 1963 I guess some people hated Cassius Clay after he beat Sonny Liston.  But he had won the fight "Fair and Square" as they say. 

           Already not liking him for bragging,  more people began to hate Cassius Clay more when he converted from Christianity to Islam.  Like Malcolm X had done, he changed what he called his "Slave name" his name and joined the "Nation of Islam."  A Train just whistled. 

                                              LOUIS FARAKAN / MUHAMMAD ALI

              A picture shows Muhammad Ali with Louis Farakan, the leader of the Nation of Islam; or "Black Muslims."  Daisy says one of our boss's ex-customers in Chicago has some Cousin's in the Nation of Islam.  Ooh!  I really like the hat that guy Louis Farakan is wearing in the picture.  

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

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

     

ALI / LISTON ("LEWISTON," MAINE / 1964)

  

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

             Because the second Ali- Liston fight was so short people thought Sonny Liston had been told to "Take a Dive" as they say.  In other words, the fight was "Fixed."  But Mr. Steve later saw on film the "short, choppy" right hand knockout punch land right on Sonny Liston's jaw.   

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

    

MUHAMMAD ALI / SONNY LISTON (1964)  

PHOTO BY NEIL LEIFER     

                  

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

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

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

   

MAX THE HUMMINGBIRD

             

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

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

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

      

FLOYD PATTERSON / ALI                                         ERNIE TERREL / ALI         

       

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

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

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

                 

MUHAMMAD ALI / KARL MILDENBERGER

(FRANKFURT, GERMANY / SEPTEMBER  10, 1966)     

                              

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

           Usually a right-handed Boxer like Muhammad Ali is not used to being hit by right jabs to the body so Mr. Steve thinks that "threw him off."  He was getting frustrated.  Daisy says that guy Karl Mildenberger was brave but, little by little; Muhammad Ali "wore him down."

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

      

MOLLY THE MULE / LIBBY IN THE BACKGROUND

  

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

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

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

GEORGE CHUVALO / MUHAMMAD ALI

                                                                      (TORONTO, CANADA / MARCH 29, 1966)                                                    

  

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

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

            I guess in 1963 before he beat Sonny Liston to become champion or changed his name, Cassius Clay fought Henry Cooper.  I mentioned earlier how Muhammad Ali was what Mr. Gary calls "floored" four times in his career.  One was from a perfect left hook by Henry Cooper.      

                     

                                                  HENRY COOPER / CASSIUS CLAY

                                                         (LONDON, ENGLAND / JUNE 18, 1963)   

            

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

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

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

                                 

                                            HENRY COOPER / MUHAMMAD ALI

                                                                  (SECOND FIGHT / 1966)              

          

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

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

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

       

   "MONARCH" BUTTERFLY                                             HONEY BEE                         

          

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

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

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

        

                                       JOHN F. KENNEDY / LYNDON B. JOHNSON

        

           Yesterday I wrote a lot about 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated in Texas.  As I mentioned, his family was from the State of Massachusetts; near where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with her two sons Dalton and Austin.  Dawn's barking about something over there.  

           My Encyclopedia says in 1960, when John Kennedy beat Richard Nixon for President; his "Running Mate" for his "Vice President" was that guy Lyndon Johnson.  So, when J.F.K. died; he became the new President.  Dawn and Blinky's scents just floated into my right nostril. 

           I guess President Johnson was didn't like it at all when Muhammad Ali totally "refused" to be drafted into the military.  One morning our boss and Mr. Mike talked about it, and I guess Johnson hated Communists.  People thought they wanted to take over the whole world.    

      

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

(DALLAS, TEXAS / NOVEMBER  22, 1963)  

               

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

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

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

LEE HARVEY OSWALD (1939-1963)

       

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

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

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

                              

    LEE HARVEY OSWALD WITH FAMILY  

                                          

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

           Mr. Steve stood in the 6th Floor window of the "School Book Depository," from where Lee Harvey Oswald probably shot President Kennedy in 1963.  So, he and his father both know that  shot was "possible."  When he was looking down on "Dealey Plaza" he thought of it.                     

       Tomorrow I'll learn about American "Isolationists" who, before the Second World War; didn't want the U.S. to enter the war.  Joseph Kennedy, J.F.K.'s father; was one of them and so    was that guy Charles Lindbergh.  I'll find out more about both of them in book three.                  

        

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

             

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

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

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

J.F.K ASSASSINATED ("DEALEY PLAZA" / NOVEMBER 1963)  

                                 

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

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

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

      

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

         

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

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

            1966 is the year when Mr. Steve was eleven, and Muhammad Ali "Declared" himself to be one of those "Conscientious Objectors."  Daisy says the man on the tv show said a lot of people, like President Johnson; got angry.  My left nostril can smell Theodora's Creosote bush.

    

VIETNAM ("SOUTHEAST ASIA")

   

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

            As I've said, before World War II; the area now called "Vietnam" was then known as the French "Colony" of "Indochina."  But, when Hitler conquered France in mid-1940; his Japanese allies immediately "Took Advantage" of the situation to "Occupy" Vietnam.  I smell Sage.

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

    

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

     

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

             I might as well learn about the Vietnam War now!  At end of the Second World War in 1945 the "restored" French Government in Europe wanted their colonies back, and tried to force Vietnam not to become independent.  Fannie and Freddie are flying over Libby's Corral.

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

     

"PENTAGON PAPERS"

       

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

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

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

    

MR. PHILLIP     

     

              Daisy says Mr. Phillip read those Pentagon Papers exposed that President Kennedy knew the U.S. was going to secretly "Overthrow" the Vietnamese Government.  That was in 1963, the same year he was later killed.  Maybe he would've stopped the C.I.A. from doing that?

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

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

                                 

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

              

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

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

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

                                

GENERAL VÓ NGUYÊN GIÁP (1911-2013)

  

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

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

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

       

  DIÉM BIÉN PHÚ ("POST" BATTLE / 1954)

      

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

           Well, I might as well write more about President Johnson.  I've mentioned how "L.B.J." stands for "Lyndon Banes Johnson," just as "J.F.K." is short for "John Fitzgerald Kennedy."    Mr. Steve joked if Dais and I were Singers we could be called "D.C.1." and "M.C.2."  

          Even though by "today's standards" Lyndon Johnson, like President Truman too; would be considered Racists Mr. Steve says; they did help black people in America; even if it was for      selfish purposes.  Both used the word "Nigger" to describe blacks sometimes.  I smell Sage.                     

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

  

          Like what happened later in Afghanistan, the North Vietnamese and Viêt Công ended up winning a "Hit and Run" guerrilla war against a more "Technologically" advanced enemy.  It      was tunnels and jungles they hid in then, mountains in Afghanistan.  A Train whistled.                   

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

         For about four years Muhammad Ali couldn't fight so couldn't make money.  But then, in 1971; the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his "Conviction" for "Draft Evasion" and said it was  okay for him to claim to be one of those Conscientious Objectors.  I smell some Creosote.              

                           

JERRY QUARRY / MUHAMMAD ALI

(ATLANTA / OCTOBER 26, 1970)  

   

           The "Supreme Court" overturned Muhammad Ali's conviction so in 1970 he fought that guy Jerry Quarry in Atlanta.  It's a famous day in Africa-American history Mr. Ralph said one    time.  Our boss met Jerry Quarry and his brother Mike down at the "Main Street Gym."             

         Daisy heard Mr. Ralph say Muhammad Ali "stopped" Jerry Quarry because of "nasty" cuts above his eyes.  It wasn't as bad as Chuck Wepner-Sonny Liston but it was still really bad.    So in  I guess.   Then Muhammad Ali wanted to fight Joe Frazier who was the champion.              

           Joe Frazier had become Heavyweight champion during Ali's years off.  Daisy said Joe Frazier was a hard punching right-handed fighter who had a powerful, sweeping "Left Hook."    In 1971 he met Ali in New York City for the first of their three fights.  Heathcliff crowed.              

                                                   

"MADISON SQUARE GARDEN" 

PHOTO BY DANIEL ACKER

     

           At the time of the first Ali-Frazier fight Mr. Steve was in the 10th Grade at Alemany High School.  He remembers the girl he liked and associates 1971 with that year Daisy overheard.  To promote the fight Muhammad Ali said some really mean things about Joe Frazier I guess.             

            One time our boss and Mr. Ralph agreed that, sometimes in the course of their now very famous three fights; Muhammad Ali went a little bit "overboard" in "drumming up interest." It   was not necessary to call Joe Frazier "Uncle Tom."  Or say he looked like an ugly Gorilla.          

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

         

JOE FRAZIER / MUHAMMAD ALI I

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

      

              The caption below a picture says it shows Joe Frazier landing a left hook in the 15th and final round of he and Muhammad Ali's first fight at Madison Square Garden.  It knocked him down and Joe Frazier won a "Decision."  Muhammad won the last two fights I guess.

               Because of Muhammad Ali's three years of "inactivity," in 1971 it was the first time two "undefeated" Heavyweight champions "met each other."  So Daisy heard our boss say; the fight didn't need to be "sold or promoted."  The four Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

              One time Daisy overheard our boss talking to Mr. Gary on the phone and they discussed why Muhammad Ali treated Joe Frazier the way he did.  I guess a customer in Philadelphia told Mr. Steve Joe Frazier never forgave him and really did hate Muhammad Ali.  I smell Sage.

     

                                                                   ALI / FRAZIER I    

PHOTO BY MITSUNORI CHIGITA                                                                                                                                                                    

 

             Wow!  Two pictures show Joe Frazier fighting Muhammad Ali in their famous "Trilogy."  One shows Muhammad Ali landing a "Straight" right and in the other one it's him getting hit by a left "Hook."  In both sweat is flying.   Daisy says our boss took some pictures like that.

             Dais heard, once Joe Frazier got mad he started to call Muhammad Ali "Cassius" or just "Clay."  Mr. Gary thinks, what made Muhammad Ali's "antics" worse was how Joe Frazier had lent him money and helped him during his years of inactivity.  A Train just whistled faintly.  

            I guess, leading up to that first fight; Muhammad Ali called Joe Frazier the "white man's champ."  That got Joe Frazier angry.  Mr. Steve doesn't gamble anymore but, in 1971 bet friends Joe Frazier would win; when a lot of people at that time thought Muhammad Ali would win.

   

   "FREIGHT" TRAIN      

      

             That Freight Train going bye just whistled again over there to my left but now it's a lot fainter.  Oh!  Another time when I heard a faint Train going to the south I saw Theodora jump up into her favorite Creosote bush just like she did right now.  Ah!  I smell them now too.  

             Daisy says, in 1971 our boss just had a feeling Joe Frazier would win because he heard Joe Frazier tell a Reporter he was going to "tear his head off."  Mr. Ralph thought the first and third Ali / Frazier fights were the best ones.  Theodora jumped down and is running away.

             I've mentioned before how, for a long time; "Bouts" were allowed to go fifteen rounds but now only twelve.  Mr. Bobby fought in some famous fifteen round fights, like when he fought "Bazooka" Limon on national tv.  But, he often knocked opponents out so it didn't matter.  

   

   ALI /  FRAZIER I      

         

             In this picture of Joe Frazier missing a left hook you can kind of tell he's trying to hit Muhammad Ali really, really hard.  Luckily for him, Muhammad Ali is leaning away and getting out of the way of that punch.  Andy's over there guarding the entrance to their burrow.

            I guess, in that first Ali / Frazier fight in New York City you could tell the long layoff had effected Muhammad Ali's foot speed.  So in 1974 when he fought George Foreman, who knocked out Joe Frazier twice; he had to do his "Rope a Dope" tactic.  Andy smelled me over here. 

           George Foreman landed some good punches in 1974 but, in the humid African heat; got tired the way Muhammad Ali hoped.   Daisy says, as he blocked a lot of powerful punches with his arms the crowd even yelled "Ali Bumaye!;" or "Ali kill him."  Dawn's barking.   

                

        TED WILLIAMS (1918-2002)

    

                 For some strange reason I just thought of that Baseball player Ted Williams.  He grew up down there in San Diego, played for the Boston Red Sox; and many think was the best hitter in history.   His biggest "Rival" was Joe DiMaggio who played for the New York Yankees.

           Unlike Muhammad Ali who didn't want to fight in the Vietnam War, Ted Williams ended up being a Fighter Pilot not only in World War II; but also later in the Korean War too.   So, for a different reason; he also lost some of his most "Productive" years too.  I smell Sage.     

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

  

                 TED WILLIAMS (KOREAN WAR)                          JOE DIMAGGIO (WITH MARILYN MONROE)

                   I'm looking at the picture of Ted Williams in the cockpit of that F-86 "Sabre" he flew in the Korean War.  Another picture shows Joe DiMaggio with his then wife Marilyn Monroe.  He also lost a few years of playing Baseball because he joined the military in World War II.

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

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

   

    ALI / FRAZIER I

     (ROUND 15)

   

                 Wow!  A picture shows what the caption says is the Referee "escorting" Joe Frazier to a "neutral" corner after he knocked Muhammad Ali down in their first fight.  You can really tell by the puffed up look on Muhammad Ali's face he was hurt alright.  But he got back up!

            It says here, after Ali / Frazier I; Muhammad Ali went on to "regain" his championship and eventually beat George Foreman in 1974.  Our boss shook hands with George Foreman, who is from "Houston;" in Texas where his brother Rock and Rocky and Jacob live. I smell Sage.

           Dais says, on this tv show she and Millie saw about Boxing; you could really tell just how hard George Foreman punched.  He totally knocked out Joe Frazier, and one right "Uppercut" even lifted Joe Frazier off of his feet; before he landed on a knee.  Poor Joe Frazier  she said.

   

FRAZIER / FOREMAN   

        Oh wow!  A picture shows Joe Frazier laying "flat on his back."  The caption says George Foreman is "looming" in the background.  Our boss and Mr. Ralph one time talked about how    George Foreman's uppercut actually lifted Joe Frazier into the air and he flew a little bit.              

           Daisy says, one time in the mid-1980's at the "Country Club" in Reseda; Mr. Steve took a picture similar to this one of George Foreman and Joe Frazier.  In his photo the beaten Fighter was knocked out of the ring.   I see a now fuzzy vapor trail way up there in the high sky.

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

                                                                   

                    DINO GARZA                                                JACK DEMPSEY / LUIS FIRPO                                                                                               ("POLO GROUNDS" / 1923)

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                                                       

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

             I guess in Boxing the "Ring" now has four strands all around it, but for years there were just three; which at times was dangerous.  A picture shows the famous fight when Luis Firpo of "Argentina" knocked that guy Jack Dempsey completely out of the ring.  I like Dawn. 

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

              

  "COUNTRY CLUB" (RESEDA)

      

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

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

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

                                                                                     ALBERT DAVILLA / JAIME GARZA

                                                                                        

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

           Hey God!  You know Mr. Steve and his father don't really care for the "Institution" of religion.  they think many people can be too easily "corrupted" by power or money.  Dais heard Mr. Ralph tell our boss one time at "Training Camp," Muhammad Ali was waiting on a Bus.

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

     

                    BERBICK / ALI                                                 HOLMES / ALI                         

     

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

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

           Mr. Ralph thinks Muhammad Ali's last two fights may have caused brain damage.  Later he got "Parkinson's" disease.   Daisy says that makes your hands shake, which is what happened to Muhammad Ali.  I guess our boss and Mr. Mark shook his hand at that point in his life.            

                    

   MUHAMMDAD ALI (1996 "ATLANTA" OLYMPICS) 

     

              On a good tv show about the 1996 "Atlanta" Olympics you could tell Muhammad Ali had Parkinson's by how he looked lighting the beginning flame.  That girl Ludwina went to that Olympics.  She bought our boss that seat cushion on the white arm chair in the living room.

              Daisy says our boss told Mr. Mark he's glad he got to shake Muhammad Ali's hand, as Mr. Mark got to do as well.  People with Parkinson's usually have shaking hands until they grip the other person's hand.  There's two long extending vapor trails way up there in the sky.   

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

    

CHACON / LIMÓN                                          EDWARDS / CHACON

(1982)                                                                                                (1983)  

                One time Daisy heard Mr. Gary the Barber talk about the book Mr. Steve wrote about Mr. Bobby.  One of the themes was Mr. Bobby telling kids not to do like he did when he lost all his money.  In the ANIMALS' song "House of the Rising Sun" they say that too Dais says.

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

          Daisy heard Mr. Gary says at times Mr. Bobby uses laughter as a "Defense Mechanism," to keep his sad situation light.  So, when Mr. Steve took him to talk to kids he'd tell him not to do as much joking around and be more serious.  Two of the Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.

    

 MR. BOBBY / "BAZOOKA" LIMÓN  

(SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA / 1982)

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

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

           Mr. Bobby would just sign his name, until our boss told him to say something too; like "Have a nice day" or something like that.   So he always did that from then on I guess.  Goliath is using the left vertical gate slot to go out into the back field and Andy's watching him do it.     

     MR. BOBBY      

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

           One time at a gas station an older man came up to our boss and asked, "Are you Bobby's friend?"  Mr. Steve said yes, so he showed him one of his business cards; which on the back Mr.  Bobby had signed, "Stay in school.  Bobby Chacon."  They both just kind of chuckled.

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

                                      

       BOBBY CHACON / CORNELIUS BOZA EDWARDS    

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

   

                 Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Ralph talk about that guy Mr. Marty one time.  I guess he liked being associated with Mr. Bobby.  The Promoters in Las Vegas told Mr. Marty he could get tickets if they could introduce Mr. Bobby to the crowd.  Mr. Marty would then say, "sure."  

           When the fight was at "Caesar's Palace;" it was easier to get tickets because, in 1983; Mr. Bobby fought in one of the most famous fights in history there.  It was Ring Magazine's "Fight of the Year."  In 1982 he fought "Bazooka" Limon in Sacramento in another Fight of the Year.  

           In 1983 Mr. Bobby fought Cornelius Boza Edwards, who was from "Uganda" in Africa; and was left-handed and really strong from what Dais says.  In 1974 Mr. Bobby won the "World Featherweight Champion."  But, he lost it; then spent years trying to be champion again.                                         

"CAESAR'S PALACE"       

                                                                                                                                                           PHOTO BY KYLE HANSON         

                                  

              Daisy heard, in 1983 that Caesar's Palace fight with Boza Edwards was on "National" tv.  A few months before Mr. Bobby had finally won another world title against Bazooka Limon in that first Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.  Mr. Ralph said  Mr. Bobby was "so tough." 

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

            Yesterday, when I wrote about that Motorcycle "Daredevil" guy Evel Knievel; I totally missed on my outline the subject of Joe Louis the Boxer.  Tomorrow I'll learn about his 1930's fights against the German Mex Schmelling.  But in the 1970's he worked at Caesar's Palace.

                                                                                                                               JOE LOUIS (1914-1981)                                                            

                    After he retired from Boxing, during the 1970's; that guy Joe Louis was what they call a "Greeter" at Caesar's Palace.  Daisy says Mr. Ralph used the term "public relations" when he and our boss talked about Joe Louis.  All four of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.

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

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

                                        EVEL KNIEVEL (1938-2007)                         

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

  PHOTO EVERETT COLLECTION                                         PHOTO BY JERRY ABBOTT                                                                                                                         

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

              Daisy says Mr. Dave's Motorcycle Shop customer told him how, when he was young; Evel Knievel worked as a "Hunter's Guide."  Our boss told Mr. Dave about his Cousin Gil Aaron who does that too back in New Mexico.  There are two skinny extending vapor trails up in the sky.    

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

                                                                              

                                                      "HAPPY DAYS"                             "JUMPING THE SHARK"

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

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

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

          

                                   ED "BIG DADDY" ROTH                               MR. RICH    

          (1932-2001)                                                                (DRAGPIPE)                     

            

         Dais heard Evel Knievel thought one of the most important things in life is to "Keep your word."  And that reminds of how Mr. Steve's Niece Stephanie's boyfriend Mr. Rich, who was inn  that Heavy Metal band DRAGPIPE; admired "Big Daddy" Roth.  Leo and Cleo flew bye.            

       That guy Big Daddy Roth, who ended being a Mormon Latter Day Saint; had those eight rules he went by.  One of the rules was "Play it Straight," which to me and Daisy is another way  of saying to always keep your word.   I smell Bonnie and Clyde's babies up there in the nest.         

       I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve as a kid met Big Daddy Roth down there at the "San Fernando Drag Strip, in the late 1960's.   Daisy heard, for a time Mr. Bobby kept things at a big    "Storage Facility" across the street from where that closed Drag Strip was.  I smell Sage.              

                                                

BOBBY CHACON / DANNY "LITTLE RED" LOPEZ

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

             Mr. Gary said in 1974, when he saw Mr. Bobby fight Danny "Little Red" Lopez down at the "Sports Arena;" he weighed 125 pounds.  It was on May 24th, which is Mr. Steve's parents wedding anniversary.  Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet saw Stevie Ray Vaughn at the

Sports Arena. 

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

          In a "really tough fight" Mr. Bobby ended up winning his match against Danny Lopez in a 9th round "T.K.O." Mr. Gary told our boss.  I've said before stands for "Technical Knock Out."  That means the Referee stops the fight without counting ten seconds over a beaten Boxer.   

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

                               

                 In the early 1970's when his father worked downtown at City Hall he sometimes dropped off Mr. Steve off at the "Main Street Gym."  Then at the end of the day he'd come back and pick him so they could go home.  Part of that movie Rocky I was filmed at the Main Street Gym.

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

           Mr. Ralph said because their family was part "Ute" Indian and he had red hair, Ernie Lopez's nickname was "Indian Red;" his brother "Little Red."   He sometimes wore a feather "Headdress" and like his brother was friendly to Mr. Steve.   Two of the Pigeons flew bye.      

                                          

ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C.)    

   

                 One time our boss and his dad talked about how that ancient Greek Philosopher named  Aristotle wrote on the subjects of "Comedy and Tragedy."  Sometimes they're separate, but at other times they're related to each other.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the east.

            In the book he wrote about Mr. Bobby back in the mid-1990's our boss used his life as an example of comedy and tragedy being "Interrelated."   Because he has brain damage and lost his money Mr. Bobby now leads a kind of sad life from what Dais heard.  I smell Andy over there.

           For a while Mr. Bobby had only one good jacket.  But it had a hole in the right armpit, so Mr. Steve and his father told him, when being introduced to the crown; only wave with your left hand.   Mr. Bobby, who's right-handed; now has a nicer dress jacket so can wave either way.       

                                              

HIGH DESERT LATE AFTERNOON VAPOR TRAIL    

      

                  Ah! I glanced up and see a rising and extending vapor trail going southward way up there in the sky.  Oh!  Heathcliff crowed, which reminds me of another time when Dais and I were on Elvira and heard him as we watched a vapor trail.  Oh Wow!  And we were smelling Sage too!

             Hey God!  Thank You for how I feel.  In writing about how Mr. Bobby has kind of a sad life right now is making me really appreciate my life and to just try to be productive on each and every day.  That's why I have to stay focused and finish book two's last last two chapters.

            Before Mr. Marty died he and Mr. Steve talked about comedy and tragedy often being in some ways connected, like in Mr. bobby's case. 

 

Mr. Bobby sometimes collects aluminum cans to make extra money.   Smelling Sage right now is making me feel so good and gives me energy.  

LATE AFTERNOON DESERT     

      

                  Well, it looks like I still have more to write about the subject of music, especially that English band BLACK SABBATH.   Mr. Steve Boxers like Muhammad Ali and Mr. Bobby have to have a lot of "physical" courage our boss thinks.  And so did BLACK SABBATH

'S Guitarist Tony Iommi.  He didn't give up when the tips of his fingers got cut off, and had to do what Charles Darwin said; "adapt or fall by the wayside."  Heathcliff just crowed over there.  

            My Dictionary says two definitions of "Adversity" are, "misfortune;" or "obstacles to be overcome."  He got knocked down in life, but was stronger when he got up; and just adjusted to no fingertips.  As Nietzsche said, "That which does not destroy me only makes me stronger."  

  

  TONY IOMMI

    

                Daisy says one time our boss and Mr. Rich talked about how Tony Iommi "Fashioned" two fake fingertips out of plastic bottle caps.  I guess they were like the "Thimbles" people wear when sewing.  Andy's over there sniffing the air in protecting the entrance to their burrow.

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

         I guess de-tuning means to reduce the "String Tension" so less finger pressure is needed to play.   Mr. Dave in New Mexico was told, in order the get the "BLACK SABBATH sound;" Tony Iommi also played his guitar through a "Bass" amplifier.  I suddenly smell Andy over there.

     

BLACK SABBATH

                Mr. Dave says BLACK SABBATH'S bass player "Geezer" Butler also "tuned down" too. and a new sound was born.  On a wall inside of the guest bedroom closet is a "Poster" of BLACK SABBATH standing there in a field.  Two of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral. 

           Daisy heard our boss say, in Sylmar High; some people said he sort of resembled Geezer Butler on that poster.  Our boss and Mr. Rick liked BLACK SABBATH'S music right away from the early 1970's.  BLACK SABBATH sounds kind of scary but fits the songs Daisy thinks. 

           Mr. Steve read the members of BLACK SABBATH saw a movie called "Black Sabbath." I I guess the thought "occurred to them," if people were willing to pay see a scary movie; maybe it would also be true that people would pay to hear scary music too.  Heathcliff just crowed.

  

  "BLACK SABBATH"

          

           Our boss likes 1930's "Horror" movies, but I guess the movie Black Sabbath came out in the  1960's.  Boris Karloff, who grew up in England like the guys in BLACK SABBATH; was the "Star" of that movie.  Now the other two Pigeons are also flying over Libby's Corral.         

          My Encyclopedia says Boris Karloff's family thought being an Actor was "beneath" them, so that's why he came to America.  He "struggled" to make money; so even had to "dig ditches" they way that guy Nikola Tesla had to do when he was low on money.  A Train just whistled.

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

    

                                                                 BORIS KARLOFF (1887-1969)

 

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

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

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

  

     "THE KING AND I"

              Mr. Steve's mom liked that movie The King and I, especially one of the Actors named Yul Brenner.  Our boss thinks The King and I was "pretty good," but told Mr. Ralph he likes some of Yul Brenner's other movies better.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying toward the northeast.

             Oh!  It says here Boris Karloff "bow-legged," stuttered and spoke with what they call a "lisp."  But, like Homer Lea, Douglas Bader and Doug Flutie; he overcame his disadvantages like Tony Iommi did too.  This Dictionary says that to lisp means; "To speak imperfectly."           

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

          

"THE MUMMY"    

      

              One night in the living room Daisy and Millie got to see that movie about the Mummy.  You could really tell how talented Boris Karloff was by how he played the part of the Mummy coming back to life Dais thinks.  It was so scary when the Mummy chased people around.   

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

            I guess, Millie got so scared watching the Mummy chasing people, she barked and even wanted to run away.  And then she got brave and wanted to fight the Mummy.  Daisy says one monster she would never want to fight is that Frankenstein, who seems to be really strong.  

  

                                                                    EDGAR WINTER

PHOTO BY MICHELLE ROCHE

   

            Oh!  All of a sudden I just thought about this guy from Texas named Edgar Winter.  Daisy heard a really good song called "Frankenstein" he wrote in the early 1970's when our boss and Sandy were at Sylmar High School.  I sort of want to hear that song someday.

            Our boss told Jason how the song Frankenstein, which is one of those "Instrumentals" I've written about; got its name.  Dais says it began as a few songs that were all combined together to make just a single kind of long song.  Mr. Steve showed Jason a Video of that song.

        I guess the Edgar Winter Video was actually his talented band playing a concert.  It was so amazing according to Daisy.   I was actually supposed to write about Edgar Winter's song earlier when I wrote about that one girl Mary Shelly but somehow missed it on my outline.

                              

                                                                     JOHNNY WINTER

          Daisy and Millie heard our boss tell that kid Jason how, in the mid-1970's; he and some of his friends saw Edgar Winter's guitar-playing older brother named "Johnny" play a concert at that Hollywood Palladium place I've written about.  I smell Sage.  I feel so good.

         What makes Edgar Winter so astounding Daisy told me, is how on Frankenstein he plays a "Strap-On" keyboard he invented; and then a Saxophone too.  In another part he and the other drummer play a two-man solo which really impressed our boss.  Dawn's barking. 

         According to Daisy, our boss told Jason that Edgar and Johnny Winter are both what they call "Albino."  Their hair and skin are as pure white as the paper I'm writing on and their eyes are light sky blue.  Now I can hear little Blinky barking too at something over there.

    

"MAHPIYA SKA"  ("WHITE CLOUD")  

       Mr. Steve played Jason Ted Nugent's song about a white Buffalo Dais says.  He also showed him some old Johnny and Edgar Winter records and cassettes.  Oh!  My Encyclopedia says that Johnny Winter's birthday is February the 23rd just like Mr. Steve's father too.                               

        In book three tomorrow, when I learn about the history of Texas Blues music; I'll write a lot more about that Johnny Winter concert at the Palladium.  I'm tempted to do it now but will wait. And I'll write about Mr. Steve and Harriet seeing Stevie Ray Vaughn just before he died.              

      I guess Mr. Steve was once told about a small village called "Acuña, which is down there in the South American country of Argentina.   Acuña has many Albinos.  "Puerto Rico," or "Rich    Port" in English; has been called the  "World Capital of Albinism" Mr. Steve heard.                      

"MOBY DICK"

         I just thought of how Mr. Steve said there are Albino Animals like Deer.  Someday I hope to read Herman Melville's 19th century book "Moby Dick," about that huge white Whale.  Daisy    told me Mr. Dave mentioned this song by LED ZEPPELIN about Moby Dick the Whale.               

     Mr. Dave told our boss how American Indian tribes, like those "Hopi" in Arizona or New Mexico's "Zuni" for instance;" have albinos.  A few years ago this Japanese man told Mr. Steve about the Japanese island of "Ukerewe," where some albinos live.  I can new smell Mesquite.       

       Yesterday I wrote about how, back in 1994; Mr. Steve and his friend "Armando" went to St. Augustine in Florida.  That's where William Wing Loring, who Mr. Steve wrote about in College; was from.  I've written about him in these two books and will write more about him too.                               

"ALBINO" ALLIGATOR

PHOTO BY KURT ROGERS

        Dais told me our boss and Mr. Armando not only visited sites associated with Loring when they were in St. Augustine, they saw other things too.  On "Anastasia" Island they went up to the top of one of those "Lighthouses."  And they toured an "Alligator Farm" nearby.                         

       Over the last two days I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Steve's dead friend Mark Ritter studied Reptiles.  And one subject he knew about was albino Lizards and Snakes.   Mr. Steve told him about that Alligator Farm.  It has a lot of Alligators and some of them are white.                     

      Before he died Mark Ritter visited other places in the South where they keep Alligators.  So he'd seen albino Alligators and had heard about that farm in St. Augustine.  Mr. Steve gave him  pictures he took in 1994 of Alligators and those things called "Crocodiles" too Daisy says.                                                     

WHITE SQUIRREL    

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

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

       Well, it looks like for sure that again today there will be no snacks for Dais and I.  But that's okay because it just makes me focus on my work more so I can finish these last three chapters.  I can't wait to see what cold leftovers will be mixed in with our dry food for dinner tonight.                                                 

MAGGIE CÓRDOVA

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

       I just thought of how one of the Students who went to St. Ferdinand was named "James," but everyone just called him "Jim" I guess.  He had a funny "Sense of Humor" and Mr. Steve described him to Mr. Grant as "quick-witted."  He liked things having to do with Horror.             

      For many years Jim's father  ran the "Utter-McKinley" Mortuary near to the San Fernando Mission where Mr. Steve and his parents were Tour Guides.  Daisy heard a "Mortuary's" a place where "Funeral" ceremonies for the dead are held.   A nice name is a "Funeral Home."                 

        

        Mr. Steve used to ride his Bike down Maclay Avenue to go through San Fernando and then into Mission Hills to visit his friend Jim at the Mortuary.  That kid Jim was so lucky because his  father let him have his own office.  At least that's what Mr. Steve thought at the time.                     

        But, on Jim's bookshelves; there were some "Well-Organized Comic Books" and "Monster Magazines" instead of books.  Daisy says in our house Mr. Steve has two bookshelves that have a  "Series" of  "Time-Life" books in "Sequence" or "Order."  Some Ducks are now quacking.         

        That guy Jim also read Mary Shelly and Edgar Allen Poe's "Gothic" Horror stories.  Utter-McKinley Mortuary is near the San Fernando Mission and Mission Cemetery.   That one Jewish  cemetery where Steve Banks is buried close by too I guess.  Daffy has such a loud voice.                 

                     

                                                               ST .FERDINAND (1969 / 8TH GRADE CLASS) 

         Even though he hasn't seen Jim for years, Dais says he told his mom on the phone that he occasionally thinks about kids he and his brother Rock went to school with at St. Ferdinands.  I know he still thinks about the Nuns who taught them.  I think about Sister Rita Joseph.

         Mr. Steve and Jim had a mutual friend named Paul.  Paul could have been a Comedian Mr. Steve thinks.  After the big 1971 Sylmar earthquake Paul's father did much of the repairs on the house on Hagar Street.  I've written about how our boss helped him do some of the work.   

        I guess the last time Mr. Steve saw Jim was at Mission Cemetery for Jim's father's funeral.  I've said a few times over the last two days how Mission Cemetery is where Mr. Steve's parents    have "Crypts" and his Grandmothers and sister Celina are buried.  Heathcliff crowed.                 

        

   CELINA CÓRDOVA  (1963-2003)    

         Whenever Mr. Steve's family go visit the graves at the Mission Cemetery our boss says he looks across the street at the Jewish cemetery where his old boss Steve Banks is buried.  He also goes and says a prayer at the grave of his friend Rick's son Gino.  I love Heathcliff's voice.

         I guess our boss once met this guy who was studying to be what they call a "Mortician."  A Mortician fixes the dead bodies up and gets it ready for burial Daisy thinks.  She once heard Mr. Steve and his mom talk about how that guy Mr. Jim's father was a "Funeral Director."  

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

    

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

      

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

           Someday I really want to see that movie where Boris Karloff plays a Mummy who comes to life.  As I wrote earlier, even though he's most famous for acting in Horror movies; Boris Karloff is also known for other things too.  A "Grinch" Dais told me about was his voice I guess.

           One cartoon I definitely have to see is about how that mean green Grinch one time tried to steal Christmas.  He and his Dog lived in a cave above a town and he hated it when he saw people being happy at Christmas.  Dais told me at times that Grinch is very mean to his little Dog. 

        

                                       "HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS"

           Although he's mean to him the Grinch's Dog is still loyal and, on Christmas Eve; even helps him sneak down into the town and steal all of the people's presents and things having to do with Christmas.  They even take every last "Crumb" of food.  That's what Dais has told me. 

       Daisy says the Grinch's Dog, disguised as a Reindeer by putting on fake antlers; has to pull the heavy wagon filled up with all of the stolen things.  But, just as the Grinch is about to destroy the gifts; he hears singing.  Two of the Pigeons just flew out into the eastern desert. 

             Daisy says the singing the Grinch and his Dog hear is the people, way down below; who are happy even though they have no presents.  This makes the Grinch feel bad so he gives back all of the gifts.  Dais told me his heart actually grows much bigger and bigger in size too.

  

                                                     CHARLES DICKENS (1812-1870)

     

          I've written about that one 19th century English writer Charles Dickens.  As I said, in 1843 he wrote "A Christmas Carol;" which like the Grinch cartoon described what should be the real genuine "Spirit" of Christmas.  1843 was three years before the "Mexican War."

        In A Christmas Carol Dicken's shows the wide gap between "Victorian" England's rich and poor.  Mr. Steve told his mom Charles Dickens grew up poor.  In 1843, he needed to make money to "support" his wife and five kids but; didn't make much money on A Christmas Carol.

        Daisy says our boss thinks Charles Dickens thought people should be nice to each other even when it wasn't Christmas.  I wonder if that man Dr. Seuss, who wrote the Grinch; was trying to say that too?  Frida and Diego the Bluebirds just flew out into the desert behind the Sheds.  

                 

              EBENEZER SCROOGE                             PETER GABRIEL (GENESIS)      

                                                                                 PHOTO BY ARMANDO GALLO

 

        In a Christmas Carol Ebenezer Scrooge, like the Grinch; hates Christmas.  Mr. Steve thinks the British band GENESIS' singer has a Scrooge-like costume.  He wears it when they play that    one song I like called "Musical Box," the song where he also plays a flute in it.                                

        According to what our boss told his mom, Charles Dickins wrote a Christmas story hoping to make English people think about "Crass Commercialism" or what Karl Marx would refer to as "Materialism."  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve doesn't like "Consumerism" either.   

        In book one I wrote about how Mr. Steve has stopped "Giving or Getting" Christmas gifts.  He would rather not think of Christmas as a "Commercial Holiday" but prefers to donate money to different "Charities" instead.  Some Ducks are quacking over there next door.

  

                                              THEODORE SEUSS GEISEL (1904-1991)

  PAINTING BY EVERET RAYMOND KINSTLER    

'  

         This one Encyclopedia says Dr. Seuss's real name was Theodore Seuss Geisel.  His family were German and I guess he "adopted" his "Pen Title" of "Doctor" as an "inside joke" because his parents had really wanted him to become a "Physician."  I smell Rosemary.

         I guess Dr. Seuss was Lutheran.  I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's two Niece's, Samantha and Cristina; went to Lutheran schools in San Fernando and then Sylmar.  Hey Blessed Mother!  As You know, at times Dais and I have wondered why Protestants don't worship You.  

            Dr. Seuss was born in Massachusetts; to the east of where Mr. Steve's sister Susan lives with her boys Dalton and Austin.  During World War II he worked as a "Propaganda" artist for the Allies.  Samson and Delilah flew in from the desert and are going west over the house.    

  

                                           WORLD WAR II AMERICAN PROPAGANDA 

                                                                                                                               ARTWORK BY THEODORE GEISEL

  

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

          The correct way to pronounce Seuss in German is "Zoice" not "Suse."  Mr. Steve was told that, even though in the 1950's he began writing "Children's Books;" Dr. Seuss really didn't like being around kids.  I can smell the little baby Cholla cactus over there in the dirt.

          Mr. Steve told his mom, when asked why he never had kids he joked, "You have them and I'll entertain them."  Dr. Seuss was married twice and I guess his first wife also wrote children's books and believed in "Phonics."  The baby Cholla cactus' scent makes me feel good.

           

                             FIRST WIFE                                                              SECOND WIFE

         Oh! My Encyclopedia says Dr. Seuss's first wife "committed suicide" because of "chronic pain" after  being his "biggest supporter."  My Dictionary says phonics is a, "Teaching method" in learning to read.  It can also be the, "Written representations of speech sounds."   

         According to what Daisy heard our boss tell his mom on the phone that one time, it said in the Magazine article his second wife "wisely administered" the money in Dr. Seuss's "Estate" in the years after he died.  Max the Hummingbird just whizzed bye going right to left.

        From the two photos in my Encyclopedia it looks like Dr. Seuss's wives were really nice and friendly.  I notice his second wife had a little "Yorky" Dog.  I've mentioned a few times how our local homeless man in Phelan, Mr. "Mark;" also has a loyal Yorky named "Karma."

                                                                   

                                                        TV SHOW (ROUTE 66 / 1962) 

     

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

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

        I guess Route 66 is about a two thousand mile long road from the "Midwest," near Chicago; to out west here in California.  And it went through Barstow and Victorville in the High Desert near us.  Daisy told me our boss told Mr. Phillip from Wales about Route 66 one time.

    

RICK STEVES (LONDON, ENGLAND)

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

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

          I've written about that big Italian guy Giovanni Belzoni, who worked getting things for the British Museum.  That gigantic stone head of the Pharaoh "Ramses II" he got from Egypt is on display at the British Museum.  Heathcliff crowed and I can also hear all his Hens cackling.   

                                                                                    

                                                                                         "ROSETTA" STONE                                                             

   

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

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

            According to Dais, Rick Steves said ancient Egypt created "art with a purpose;" either to "placate the Gods" or as "the Pharaoh's propaganda."  He looked at Assyrian art, from about  900 B.C.; which shows warrior killing Lions.   I just thought of our Assyrian-themed statues.      

                       

                               KARL MARX WITH WIFE                     RUDYARD KIPLING WITH WIFE

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

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

           Last Summer Mr. Steve sold some things to that man from Greece, who said the British Museum "should return" the things they have from ancient Greece.  We heard him say how he thought they were "stolen."  I can smell Bravo Company out there behind the Sheds.  

 

GOLIATH

PHOTO BY MATT JEPPSON

          Yup!  I knew I smelled Goliath and sure enough there he is sticking his tongue at me over in the dirt, just to the right of Moe; right in front of the gate going out into the desert.  As I said in book one, Snakes taste the smell that attaches to the air.  I think Goliath smells me. 

        Oh!  All of a sudden I'm thinking about Mary Shelley, Boris Karloff and that band BLACK SABBATH again.  I've said before how that 1930's Boris Karloff movie was "Loosely" based on Mary Shelley's early 19th century book.  Goliath just crawled out into the desert. 

        I've mentioned how in the 19th century many thought, including females; that females were  "Inferior" to males.  Mary Shelley lived at about the same time as that other English girl writer Jane Austen.  The scent Goliath left behind just now floated over in this direction.   

                                                                                                  MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT SHELLEY (1797-1851)          

PAINTING BY RICHARD ROTHWELL           

               

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

         Boy!  That girl Mary Shelley must've been really smart.  According to my Encyclopedia her husband and father were both Philosophers so it wouldn't be too surprising for her to have been interested in those subjects too.  I see Libby over there and that makes me feel good.

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

  

                                                              JANE AUSTEN (1775-1817)

PAINTING BY CSSSANDRA AUSTEN

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

         I guess the main reason why Mary Shelley wrote her book was because of what they call a "Writing Contest."  Her husband's friend, that one famous Writer Lord Byron; suggested each of them write a good Horror story.  I smell Libby over there walking around her Corral.

         I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve thinks that huge volcano's erupting, like "Krakatoa" in 535 A.D. for example; has effected life on Earth.  In 1815; this "Indonesian" volcano called "Tambora" exploded.  The "Debris" shot up into the "Atmosphere" and blocked the Sun. 

             

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

   

          Boy !  I'm sure glad we weren't around sixty five million years ago, when that six mile wide "Meteor" flew down and hit Earth at "Chicxulub" in "Yucatan," Mexico.  It also caused the Sun to be blocked out.  The plants died, so eventually the "Non-Aviary" Dinosaurs did too.  

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

         In fact, it says here in this Encyclopedia that 1816 is now even called the; "Year With No Summer."  And Mary Shelley, her husband and Lord Byron; decided to vacation in the country of Switzerland that year.  But it was so dark and rainy that everyone had to stay indoors.  

  

GEORGE GORDON "LORD" BYRON (1788-1824)

PAINTING BY THOMAS PHILLIPS 

           

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

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

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

FANNIE AND FREDDIE

   

          This Encyclopedia says Mary Shelley had a "mind of her own" and did not always agree with her father and husband on everything.  Ah!  I just noticed Fannie and Freddie standing over there in the dirt in front of Moe.  You can really tell how they're each other's best friends.

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

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

  EDGAR ALLAN POE (1809-1849)

             

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

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

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

            

                  (EXTERIOR FACADE)       HUNTINGTON LIBRARY        (OUTSIDE GARDEN)

                       

        Dais and I would sure like to smell those gardens around Huntington Library.  Our boss and his mother like the "Atmosphere" there, as I've said before.  Mr. Steve has really good what they call "Penmanship."  But, he says Edgar Allan Poe's handwriting is very "artistic looking." 

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

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

         

ANNE BRADSTREET (1612-1672)

DRAWING BY EDMUND H. GARRETT

  

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

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

       Anne Bradstreet and her husband were English but, in the early 17th century; they sailed to the "New England" area.  Both were "Devout" Protestant Christian "Puritans," who ended up having eight kids.  Anne Bradstreet had a really hard and difficult life from what Dais heard.          

                             TEOTIHUACAN                              

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

         I've written about how, in the 6th century A.D.; Krakatoa sent so much debris up into the air that it caused decades of cold weather.  Without the sunlight being able to get through much of the plant life died.  So there was "Drought" and "Famine" all over the whole world.

         Oh!  What a coincidence that Theodora just flew bye as I was about to mention again that devastating 6th century A.D. "Plague" that killed millions of people in Justinian and Theodora's "Byzantine" Empire.  It was the first known "Bubonic" plague "Pandemic."  I smell Sage. 

                            ("LONGSHIP")                    THE VIKINGS             (RAIDING IRELAND)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       PAINTING BY ANGUS MCBRIDE

            Boy God!  Daisy's right in saying how lucky we are to live in a peaceful area and also have enough food and water.  In 6th century "Scandinavia" there was "widespread famine" when no crops could grow.  Dais also thinks we're very fortunate to have such a good house too.

         The caption under a painting of some "marauding" Vikings says they're attacking one of Ireland's coasts.  Another painting shows one of those Viking Ships I've written about.  Mr. Steve has that miniature Viking "Long Ship" on one of the kitchen counters from what Dais says.

         I guess, in 6th century Scandinavia; many people "starved" and "towns were abandoned."   Two centuries later, "warlike" cultures "emerged;" to become "rampaging" Viking "raiders" in terrifying the world  from the 8th through 10th centuries.  Some Crow are cawing.   

                     b

MR. PHILLIP                                                   ENGLAND   

  

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

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

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

  

"ATOMIC" BLAST

        I've mentioned before how, if someday Atomic bombs destroy humanity; the "End Result" would be what's called "Nuclear Winter."  That means, like in the 6th and 19th centuries when    volcanoes blew up; the sunlight blocked out the Sun.  So, it would get really; really cold.                

        When the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa blew up in 536 A.D., which indirectly caused that huge pandemic in Europe; the Celts in England caught the plague from some Byzantine Romans they were trading things with.  So tens of thousands of people died.  A Crow just cawed.                

        This one Encyclopedia says that so many Celts died in the 6th century. it created a "void," or "vacuum;" in population.  So, the Anglo-Saxons "took advantage" of this by; rushing in and  taking all of their lands.  They also tried to kill many, if not most; of the survivors.                         

  

"EXCALIBER"

               Daisy says our boss told Mr. Phillip, If that guy King Arthur did exist; he most likely lived in the 6th century A.D.  That's what he thinks but could be wrong.  If we could time travel back to "Camelot," Dais would want to smell King Arthur; and his "Knights of the Round Table."

   

           In a way Mr. Steve thinks, even though the 6th through 15th centuries are now called the "Dark" or "Medieval" Ages; the idea of "England" began back in the 6th century after the time of King Arthur.  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the northeast, over Libby's Corral.  

          Well, according to my outline; I still have more to write about that English band BLACK SABBATH.  Just like that other band the MOVE, they're originally from the "Midlands" city of "Birmingham."  Daisy heard Mr. Dave say JUDAS PRIEST is also from Birmingham too.

                   

              BLACK SABBATH                                                     JUDAS PRIEST                   

              

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

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

           I guess that Manager's daughter was a smart girl named "Sharon," who ended up marrying and being Ozzy Osbourne's Manager.  I guess that was after he'd gotten kicked out of BLACK SABBATH.  Mr. Steve told Mr. Phillip, who calls it being "sacked;" he's been fired before.

                 

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

           

           Daisy says the tv show on Ozzy Osbourne said that, for a short time in the mid-1980's; the MOVE'S Drummer Bev Bevan was in BLACK SABBATH.  Mr. Steve thinks it's funny how just just seeing a Boris Karloff movie can influence history.  I can smell that Arborvitae bush.

          Mr. Steve heard, in the early 1970's the members of BLACK SABBATH needed to make some money.  So they changed from a Blues band, which there were a lot of; and kind of invented their own unique type of music.  Some people say it was the beginning of "Heavy Metal."

          I guess our boss and his parents like this old saying by Plato which goes, "Necessity is the mother of invention."  Mr. Steve thinks maybe that type of thinking might've been part of what happened in the case of BLACK SABBATH.   Heathcliff just now crowed over there. 

  

                                                         MOTHERS OF INVENTION

    

              Over the last two days I've been writing about that guy Frank Zappa who grew up here in the High Desert.  In the 1960's his band was the MOTHER'S OF INVENTION.  I've mentioned how his Saxophone Player's nickname was "Motorhead," just like Lemmy's later band.  

         Daisy says that the scary first song on BLACK SABBATH'S first album is called "Black Sabbath."  Mr. Steve thinks the main three note slow "Riff" at the beginning was influenced by Gustav Holst's" Mars."  Boy!  Someday I really want to hear both of those two song. 

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

    

                 BLACK SABBATH (1971)                                        BIRMINGHAM (1926)

         

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

        Mr. Steve thinks one reason why BLACK SABBATH developed a darker form of music was because they're from Birmingham.  Until recently he was told it was known mainly as being, in part; a "gritty" gray factory town of "belching" smoke.  And also "industrial noise" too. 

       I just thought of the 1960's "Hippies," who talked about "peace, love and understanding."  Daisy says our boss has wondered if there were any Hippies, who said they believed in "Flower    Power;" in Birmingham.  Some Crows are croaking way out there in the eastern desert.                

           

                      KORN                                   SLAYER                     DIABOLUS IN MUSICA   

     

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

           I mentioned in chapter ten how Diabolus en Musica is Latin for "The Devil in Music."  A guy told our boss KORN'S first album starts with the Tritone but when he mentioned it to this      other guy he said they didn't recognize those three notes.  It's not like in "Black Sabbath."            

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

        

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

                                                                                                                                                 

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

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

          The JEFFERSON AIRPLANE and GRATEFUL DEAD were popular bands in the 1960's our boss says. They were both from the San Francisco "Bay Area" and came to symbolize some of the Hippie's different ideas and "Lifestyles."  Blackbeard and Anne Bonny just flew bye.  

  

                                                                 GRATEFUL DEAD

               Mr. Steve's sister Susan went to College at U.C.S.B for a few years before graduating from C.S.U.N.  The Football field at U.C.S.B. is where our boss saw that GRATEFUL DEAD concert back in 1978.  Mr. Steve's Nephew Mathew is now going to C.S.U.N. from what Dais heard.

         Mr. Steve thinks, because life is often dual in nature; good things came out of the Hippie's culture.  But there were some bad Hippies too, like that "Cult" leader Charles Manson.  People "blindly followed him," and look what they went out and did for "his selfish purposes."   

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

     

CHARLES MANSON                                               MANSON "FAMILY"

        

          Daisy says that guy Charles Manson started his cult in San Francisco but they moved down here to the San Fernando Valley, kind of near Sylmar.  His Family lived in "Chatsworth" which  I've mentioned before.  But, then he ordered them go out to kill those "Innocent" people.              

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

        Hey Lord!  As You know, Daisy and I do want to believe in what You said about peace, love and understanding.  But I guess, like our boss says; even good ideas can be "Manipulated" to control others.  Sadly he says, with the "Internet;" that can be done on "a bigger scale."

         

                  JIM JONES (1931-1978)                                         "MASS" SUICIDE (1978)

    

                   In 1978, because people were were starting to get "Suspicious" of him; Jim Jones told all his one thousand followers they had to move all the way down there to South America with him.  And he eventually had them drink poisoned "Koolaid."  Many willingly killed themselves. 

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

            Mr. Steve and that girl named Monica, in 1978; drove in his first Chevelle up the "Pacific Coast Highway" to see the GRATEFUL DEAD concert at U.C.S.B.  I've said before how, that's just short for "California State University at Santa Barbara.  I'll bet College would be fun. 

           

                                                                   GRATEFUL DEAD

             Daisy heard our boss tell Mr. Ralph in 1978 that GRATEFUL DEAD concert was held on the U.C.S.B. Football field.  It was on a warm Summer day and evening, and I mentioned in my first book how the band did a long concert.  Fred, Ed and Ted are flying over the desert.

              Mr. Steve told his mom one time how, he at times remembers fondly when he and Sandy would drive in his first Chevelle up to "Carpinteria."  They met her parents and sisters "Suzy" and and "Stacy" there.  I wrote on Thursday how Carpinteria is where they vacationed.

             I just thought about how, for all those years; our boss's family took those annual Summer vacations to Santa Barbara.  They stayed at that "Miramar" Hotel, which is on the beach; and is probably near the U.C.S.B. campus.  Mr. Steve told his parents he liked those vacations.

                

 "MIRAMAR" HOTEL (SANTA BARBARA)

         

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

        This Encyclopedia says U.C.S.B. campus sits on a "Peninsula" that sticks into the Pacific Ocean.  Spain and Portugal are on the "Iberian" peninsula, which sticks out into the "Atlantic" Ocean, and the Italian peninsula extends out into the Mediterranean  Sea.  I smell Sage.               

        Mr. Steve did some artwork for a girl who went to U.C.S.B. so he told her about his sister Susan and the GRATEFUL DEAD concert on the Football field.  She knew where the Miramar Hotel was.  She told our boss how U.C.S.B. began as a "Research" University back in 1944.                    

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SANTA BARBARA

         Mr. Steve told the girl 1944 was the sixth year of World War II, the second to last year of the war.  She said actually, what is now U.C.S.B. had been a "Teacher's College since 1891.  Mr.  Steve told her he's at times wondered how the school got the nickname "Gauchos?"                      

        Daisy says our boss and that girl talked about how the colors white and yellow have been used by U.C.S.B. as secondary colors.  At various times the primary color has changed from dark to light blue I guess.  Boy!  The sky is so beautiful right now, which makes me feel so good.  

             

"GAUCHO" (ARGENTINA)

 

              Mr. Steve and the girl talked about "Gaucho's," people from the country of "Argentina" who ride Horses and do things like early 19th century California "Vaquero's" used to do.  In the years right after the Civil War "Cowboys" were the same.  I smell the baby Cholla cactus.           

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

    Daisy says our boss lent that girl a book about the Alta California Missions, because she mentioned a 1818 "Raid" on Santa Barbara Mission.  It had a chapter on this guy from France named Hipólito Bouchard.  Frida and Diego are flying toward the northeast right now.                 

                                                                     

    HIPÓLITO BOUCHARD (1780-1837)

         

             My Encyclopedia says in 1818 that guy Hipólito Bouchard was the Captain of a big Ship that was sponsored by the country of "Argentina."  Mr. Steve's father jokes "that made him a legal Privateer, and not a Pirate to be hung."  Oh!  I love the shoulder epaulettes he wore.

           Hipólito Bouchard's men tried to raid Santa Barbara like a Viking but the Franciscan Priests and some Indians beat them off.   Right here it's called a "thwarted attempt."  In 1818 the "Alta" California Missions were still Spanish.  Mexico broke away in the year 1821. 

           It says here how, Hipolito Bouchard's men were "unsuccessful" in trying to steal things at the Santa Barbara Mission, but were "more successful" when they sailed south and attacked the "San Juan Capistrano" Mission.  It would be bad if we were ever to be raided and killed.

     DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS (1883-1939) / "THE GAUCHO"

             The girl said the name "Gauchos" came from a 1927 Douglas Fairbanks "Silent" movie.  The Students at the school liked it so voted to call their sports teams that.  Oh!  My Encyclopedia says how Douglas Fairbanks was born on May the 23rd, just like our boss's brother Sam.

            According to what Daisy and Millie heard that girl say, she thinks U.C.S.B. doesn't have a Football team anymore.  Daisy told me one time our boss and Mr. Mark talked about a house in Beverly Hills named "Pickfair."  In the 1980's they went to some "Sales Meetings" there.

           Pickfair was built by Douglas Fairbanks and his wife Mary Pickford.  In the 1980's it was owned by Jerry Buss, who also owned the sports teams who played at the Forum.  I guess those meetings were held on nice sunny days where everyone could be out near the swimming pool.

      

                   "PICKFAIR"                          "ROARING" 1920'S      "GREAT DEPRESSION" 1930'S 

      

            I guess, that Douglas Fairbanks movie "The Gaucho" came out two years before the big "Stock Market Crash;" which then started the "Great Depression."  A picture shows Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in front of that house Pickfair.  They had a few Dogs as pets.

            In these first two books I've written about It was the end of the Roaring Twenties; a time in which the economy was so good so people were overconfident.  Tomorrow in book three I'll be finding out a lot about the years between the two world wars.  Heathcliff just now crowed. 

           Wow!  Well, it looks like this is the end of chapter eleven, so I have only one chapter to go.  There's only about an hour of sunlight left today, and I can tell by how the shadows are leaning away from me that it's the end of the day.  Hearing Heathcliff's voice makes me feel good.

            

                                                                                                                          II

(CHAPTER 12 / BOOK 2)

6:30

               Well You Guys up there, I can't believe this is the final chapter of my second long book.  I have to work fast because the Sun is going down and it's getting darker 

            Looking at Libby over there right now makes me think of how Miss Susan told our boss about this place near us in Piñon Hills called "Mustang Spirit."  They rescue Horses, and have these events called "Fund Raisers" Daisy heard.  I see a long vapor trail up there in the sky.

           A girl named Tanya tries to help Horses, Donkeys and Mules that no one wants anymore.  Dais heard Mustang Spirit has "Obstacle Courses."  Mr. Steve thinks his sister Susan would've  liked them as a kid because as a young girl she and her Horse "Dinky" jumped barriers.

      

            "SANTA BARBARA" MISSION                            "FRANCISCAN" PRIESTS

   

                 One time Daisy heard our boss talking with Mr. Ralph about the Santa Barbara Mission, and how it's the only one of the twenty one Alta California Missions still run by the "Franciscan" Priests.  My Encyclopedia says it was the tenth Mission established.  Dawn's barking.

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

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

 

"FRAY" FERMIN DE LASUÉN (1736-1803)

PHOTO BY MARK CHURMS

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

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

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

      

"CONVENTO " BUILDING ( ON MARBLE)    

 ARTWORK BY STELLA CÓRDOVA        

       

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

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

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

                                  "CÓRDOVA" FOUNTAIN                                         PARENTS /GRANDMA CÓRDOVA  

PAINTING BY STELLA CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA             

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

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

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

                             

S.F. MISSION BEDROOM ("MUDÉJAR")

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

        

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

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

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

JUANA MARIA (?-1853)

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

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

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

         

               "CHANNEL" ISLANDS                     

        

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

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

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

    

ANDY AND HELEN

   

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

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

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

    

"SANTA BARBARA" MISSION

      

             Mr. Steve and his mom always liked going to the Santa Barbara Mission "Gift Shop."  I guess, it's named after Father Serra; and has been run for years by two nice ladies who are what they call "Sisters-in-Laws."   That's what Daisy and Millie heard our boss say one time.

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

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

      

      "ISHI" (c.1861-1916)        

          THE LAST OF HIS "YAHI" TRIBE           

     

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

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

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

                

      BOBBY CHACON 

  

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

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

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

      

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

                     

 MARK TWAIN (1835-1910)  

    

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

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

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

      

                            "MISSISSIPPI RIVER                          "PADDLE WHEEL" STEAMBOAT

       

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

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

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

                                                                                               

     THEODORE JUDAH (1826-1863)      

         

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

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

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

          

       "TRANSCONTINENTAL" RAILROAD             

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

                                                                                                                                                 PHOTO BY ANDREW J. RUSSELL

               

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

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

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

                     

GRATEFUL DEAD

  

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

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

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

          

WARREN ZEVON (1947-2003)

    

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

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

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

  

"AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON"

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

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

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

   LON CHANEY JR. (1906-1973)  

   

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

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

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

LON CHANEY SR. (1883-1930)

     

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

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

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

     HANK WILLIAMS SR. / SON                                 HANK WILLIAMS JR.           

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

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

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

          s_angels.jpg” style=”width: 360px; height: 325px;” />             

          CALIFORNIA "HELLS ANGELS"       

   

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

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

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

 

 LITTLE FEET

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

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

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

                 

      GRATEFUL DEAD      

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

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

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

         

     "SANTA BARBARA" PIER  ("STEARN'S WHARF)         

PHOTO BY CHRIS BELL            

             

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

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

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

              

  JANE AUSTEN (1775-1817)           

ARTWORK BY CASSANDRA AUSTEN                     

                 

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

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

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

          "GIDGET"             

       

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

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

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

                                    "SANTA MONICA" PIER                                     ROLLING STONES                   

           

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

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

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

                                                               "LEOPARD" SHARK        

               

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

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

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

                                         

"CRYSTAL" PIER (SAN DIEGO)        

          

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

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

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

                 

                "HUNTINGTON" LIBRARY                            "DESCANSO" GARDENS                                                                                                                                       

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

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

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

                            

                      MR. RICK                                                             ROBERTO CLEMENTE (1934-1972)

             

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

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

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

     ROBERTO CLEMENTE (3000TH HIT / 1972)        

                    PHOTO BY JERRY SISKIND                                

                                                                 

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

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

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

                                       

      HANK AARON                MICKEY MANTLE                 WILLIE MAYS           

      

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

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

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

             

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

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

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

           

ROBERTO CLEMENTE (1960'S)

       

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

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

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

1969                       ROBERTO CLEMENTE                    1972 

      

          As kids Mr. Steve and his brother Rock collected those "Baseball Cards" I've mentioned before.   In 1969 our boss really wanted Roberto Clemente's card but couldn't get it, no matter    how many packs of gum he bought.  He had a lot of "Duplicate" cards of the same Players.          

       A picture of Roberto Clemente batting shows why Mr. Rick said he looked like a "coiled spring about to explode" sometimes.  At games at "Dodger Stadium" Mr. Steve used to envy the "Ball Boy" who got to "Play Catch" with Roberto Clemente between innings.  I smell Sage.          

        Mr. Steve's mom, knowing how frustrated he was in not getting Roberto Clemente's card; secretly went to this kid named "Robert" and traded him ten of our boss's Baseball cards for one Roberto Clemente card.  She then surprised Mr. Steve.  It made her happy to see him happy.                                 JACKIE ROBINSON (1919-1972)      

                                   

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

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

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

        

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

        

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

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

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

 

GEORGE HERMAN "BABE" RUTH (1895-1948)

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

          Dais heard our boss and his brother Sam talk about how, as both a Pitcher and Hitter, the Red Sox won four American League "Pennants" with Babe Ruth.  With him the 1920's Yankees  became of of the greatest teams "Of all Time."  A little Wren carrying a twig just ran bye.             

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

             

THE BEATLES        

             

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

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

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

         

"ANTARCTICA"   

            

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

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

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

"KING" PENGUINS ("ANTARCTICA)

 

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

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

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

"ELEPHANT" SEAL ("ANTARCTICA")

                                                                                                                                                   PHOTO BY GRANT DIXON

       

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

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

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

        

         GEOFFREY CHAUCER (c. 1343-1400)                     

             

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

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

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

      

ERNEST SHACKLETON (1888-1957)

          

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

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

     1915 was the second year of World War I.  It says here Ernest Shackleton and his men got "rescued" months later but not before having to "endure hardship and discomfort."  The Ship    "engulfed" by the "unrelenting" ice was called "Endurance," which turned out to be untrue.                                      

"NIMROD" EXPEDITION (SHIP "ENDURANCE" / 1915)  

PHOTO BY HULTON ARCHIVES

        

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

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

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

RICHARD E. BYRD (1888-1957)

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

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

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

      

HENRY FORD (1863-1947)

               

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

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

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

"HINDENBURG" DISASTER        

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

      

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

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

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

                                

HIGH SCHOOL                      JANIS JOPLIN                          1960'S       

  (1943-1970)   

                  PHOTO BY DAVID GAHR                 

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

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

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

  

                        JIM MORRISON                 BARNEY'S BEANERY                   JANIS JOPLIN

     

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

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

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

       

     CLARK GABLE   RITA HAYWORTH    MARLON BRANDO

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

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

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

                          

                                 KING "MIDAS"                        EDITH HAMILTON (1867-1963)     

         

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

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

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

                                                                             

    "TENNIS"            

             

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

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

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

           

     ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C.)       

            

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

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

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

   

 "HIPPIES" (1960'S)

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

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

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

                  

STEEL "FOUNDRY"  

                 

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

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

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

   

                                                           TONY ZALE (1913-1997)

        

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

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

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

                                                                                         "VIETNAM" WAR (1960'S)                                                                                             

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

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

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

"SANTA CATALINA" ISLAND ("AVALON")

    

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

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

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

   THE CARPENTERS                              THE BLASTERS (DAVE ALVIN)

                                                                                                                                           PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

    

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

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

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

   

                       THE YARDBIRDS                                                      LED ZEPPELIN                             

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

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

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

    IRON BUTTERFLY                                                        QUIET RIOT           

    

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

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

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

"GARDEN OF EDEN"    

          

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

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

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

    JIMMY PAGE          

        

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

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

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

      

"KEMANCHEH"                                                             "HUQIN"         

           

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

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

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

                                   

   EVOLUTION OF VIOLIN FROM 10TH CENTURY A.D.     

               

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

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

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

                      THE GUESS WHO                                  BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE

           

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

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

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

              

   LONGSHIP                       VIKINGS                        RAIDING              

            

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

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

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

                                  

      "THOR"               

               

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

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

           LED ZEPPELIN's song "Kashmir" was sampled by a later "Hip-Hop" band.  I just now thought of a 1980's song called "Am I Evil," by an English band called DIAMOND HEAD.  Dais says the "Intro" is a good Hard Rock version of Holst's Mars.  A Train just whistled faintly.    

   

     METALLICA      

    

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

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

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

    

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

      ARTWORK BY RISCHGITZ                                                                                   

             

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

          

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

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

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

                                                          JETHRO TULL ("PASSION PLAY")                               

                                             

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

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

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

           

"AQUALUNG" (1971)

          

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

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

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

  

"A PASSION PLAY (1973)                                                               

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

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

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

          PIGEONS ON PATIO ROOF          

                  

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

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

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

                    

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

         I've mentioned before how the band who "Opened Up" the concert for JETHRO TULL was STEELEY SPAN, who Mr. Steve now really likes.   He and Angela thought their Middle Age sounding British "Folk" music was perfect for setting up JETHRO TULL.  Sage smells good.      

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

          STEELEYE SPAN                  

             

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

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

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

  JETHRO TULL ("TOP OF THE POPS")       

       

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

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

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

  

     SPIDERS FROM MARS                                                 METALLICA                

       

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

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

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

                                                                                                         IAN HUNTER                                                              GUNS N' ROSES                                                  

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                        

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

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

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

                                     

               THE "PALACE"                    

         

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

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

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

        

          LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)                                ABBA                                                                 

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

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

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

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

       

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

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

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

                                                       

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

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

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

                    RAINBOW                             

PHOTO BY METAL BLOGS.COM                         

       

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

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

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

          "RAINBOW" RESTAIRANT / "ROXY" THEATER             

                

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

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

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

"LEMMY" KILMISTER      

                                                                     

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

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

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

                                                        
YNGWIE MALMSTEIN

             

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

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

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

NICCOLÒ PAGANINI (1782-1840)      

          

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

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

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

          

RITCHIE BLACKMORE WITH WIFE CANDICE

             

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

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

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

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

                                                       

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

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

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

                         

        "GALPIN" FORD                  

                            

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

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

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

       

ED "BIG DADDY" ROTH (1932-2001)

  

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

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

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

    THE BAND                               DRAGPIPE                                  MR. RICH      

   

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

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

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

HOWARD STERN

     

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

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

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

         

                        PEOPLE "LOOKING FOR WORK" IN HIGH DESERT                           

    

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

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

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

DAISY / MAGGIE CÓRDOVA        

       

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

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

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

             PIÑON HILLS POST OFFICE                        

                                                                                                                 

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

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

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

            

ISAAC NEWTON (1642-1766)

       

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

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

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

               

                                    POST-WORLD WAR I ("WEIMAR" GERMANY)

           

           I've written before about how, after losing the First World War; the "Weimar" German government tried to get away with printing more money too.  The caption below a picture says it shows men carrying thousands of "almost worthless paper notes.  Daffy has a strong voice.

          I just thought of how in the early 1920's, the German people had to use wheelbarrows to carry money around; because of the "Inflation" caused by the printing of too much money.  Mr. Steve's father thinks that could happen here in the U.S. too someday.  I can smell a Lizard.   

            Sometimes at night, out there on Primavera Road; some poor people sleep in "Recreational Vehicles."  They have nowhere to go so our boss doesn't mind, "just as long as they don't dump anything in the dirt."  They always leave early in the morning before most people even notice.  

        

MR. RANDY    

         

             One time our boss told Mr. Randy about the time a couple was out there on the road in front of our house arguing.  Her Car was parked on the side of the road, with his Truck behind it.  Daisy and I, as well as Dawn, Blinky and Rosie too; were all really barking at them.

             As Mr. Steve walked out to the front gate the couple were so busy yelling at each other they didn't even notice him until he yell, "Hey!  What's going on?"  They turned and then the guy said, "Oh!  We were just leaving."  The girl ran, jumped into her Car; and sped off.

            The guy got in his Truck and chased the Car.  As Mr. Steve was walking toward them he heard the guy yell, "You didn't tell me about those credit cards!  As they drove away you could see three little kids sitting in the girl's back seat.  Aha!  I see a Lizard over there in the dirt.

            

         HIGH DESERT LIZARD

 

           I've mentioned how Sister Rita Joseph told her class the difference between "Sympathy" and "Empathy."  Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone, empathy is when you understand their situation because you've experienced the same thing.  You've "Walked in their shoes." 

           I just thought of "Blackie," who's buried in our graveyard on the north side of the cement slab.  I empathized with him when he got dumped out there on the road in front of our house.  I  guess Mr. Steve has given or lent money to people he's sympathized and empathized with.  

          Daisy told me about that LED ZEPPELIN song “Dazed and Confused,” which is exactly what Blackie looked like running back and forth out there on the road.  We were all barking at him, and he you could tell he couldn't decide which direction to run.  The Lizard ran away.   

  

LED ZEPPELIN

     

                I can't wait to someday hear LED ZEPPELIN songs.  Daisy says she thinks of their song "Friends" in seeing abandoned Dogs who have none, so we should be grateful.  Besides having Hard Rock songs, LED ZEPPELIN do softer "Celtic," or "folkish" music too I guess.     

            When Mr. Steve drives down to Sylmar he now sees many more people from countries like Mexico selling things like "Tamales" on the side of the road.  Mr. Ralph told him some of them are also from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala too.  It's getting darker fast right now.

           Daisy heard our boss tell his mom how he sometimes buys tamales from a girl who parks near the "Four Points" intersection, where that big Swap Meet is located.  That's close to where his brother Sam's family live in Littlerock.  Andy's over there guarding the burrow entrance.

                                      

 "ANTELOPE VALLEY" SWAP MEET (PALMDALE)  

              

           I've mentioned before how over the years Mr. Steve has bought and sold things at Swap Meets.  One time he and Mr. Grant spent a Sunday walking around the one near to his brother Sam's house.  Max zoomed bye and is now zipping out into the desert behind the Sheds.  

           Our boss and his mom talked about "Street Vendors" selling a sweet-flavored "Shaved" ice called "Raspado."  My Spanish Dictionary says "raspar" means "to scrape."  Daisy thinks, before they squirt the liquid flavoring onto the ice; the ice is first scraped off a block of ice.    

          Another noticeable change lately is how so many people ride Motorcycles up and down the road in front of our property.  That's manly because gas is more expensive now than it was just a few years ago.  I can now smell the clump of Joshua trees over there near Libby's Corral. 

        

"VESPA" SCOOTERS (ROME, ITALY)          

              

          One time Mr. Steve and his father talked about how, in 1985 in Italy and Israel; there were a lot of people riding those "Vespa Scooters."  Daisy told me that scooters are sort of like small    Motorcycles.   She said a few years ago this young kid used to ride a "Vespa" past our house.        

       Daisy heard our boss's friend Mark Ritter who died knew about Vespa's, and so does Mr. Doug down there in Sylmar now.  I've mentioned a few times how Mr. Doug also knows about the mechanics of French "Citroen" Cars too, and sometimes still works on them.  I smell Sage.           

          In 1985 Italy's economy was bad, gas was expensive, and that's why so many people rode  Vespa's.  The Italian currency the was the "Lira" the, which was before the "Euro" now used;      and it was "Fluctuating Wildly" as they say.  Heathcliff's Hens are now clucking over there.         

       

WESTERN "WAILING" WALL (JERUSALEM, ISRAEL)

      

        Hey God!  All of a sudden, for some reason I just thought about when Mr. Steve and the Tour Group got to go to that big wall over there in Israel.  If we could go back in time Daisy and  I would want to see either one of Jerusalem's two Jewish Temple's.  A Crow cawed faintly.            

           If Dais and I were ever to be so lucky as to be able to go to Jerusalem God, You know we'd definitely stick a paper with a wish on it in one of the cracks between the blocks of what's left of    King Herod's "Second Temple.  I'd ask You to please let me stay here on these two acres.               

          Mr. Steve's father, on the Bus going north from "Tel Aviv" up to "Haifa;" talked about the Israeli economy and how people in Israel also rode Vespa's.  Daisy says Millie liked the cute little wagon that kid at times pulled on his Vespa.  If I had a Vespa that's what I would want too.          

 

                     ROME                                                                        JERUSALEM                

PHOTO BY NIKREATES                                                                                                                                                                                          

   

       Daisy heard our boss talking with his mom one time about how over the years he's done "informal" slide presentations for people of the 1985 trip to Italy and Israel.  Some have noticed how there are only small Cars in the images.  Fred, Ed and Ted just flew over the house.                        

       I guess, a "Slide Projector" is an ingenious machine that lets you see the picture, in a big size; on a screen or even a wall.  Daisy says it's one of the most amazing things she's ever seen,      and knows I would probably think the same thing.  Boy!  I can't wait to see that alright.                

        Boy Lord!  Dais and I both think our boss is so lucky because he got to see that "Jordan" River where Your cousin John baptized You.  That would be so great!  Bravo Company is right    now using both of the vertical gate slots to go out there into the desert behind the Sheds.                

      

"JORDAN RIVER                                    "CAESAREA MARITIMA"

                    PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                ARTWORK BY STEPHEN BORNSTEIN                        

                                                                                                                                                                     Daisy says if she could borrow Mr. Peabody's time machine she'd want to see that Harbor called "Caesarea."  I mentioned yesterday how Caesarea was a "Man Made" Harbor on Israel's coastline.  That guy King Herod used Roman engineering, and "Concrete;" to build it.                  

         Hey Lord!  Daisy and I would both really like see, and smell; the "Sea of Galilee" where You walked right on the water.  Mr. Steve's Tour Group took a boat ride on it and then visited      that "Kibbutz" I wrote about in my first book.  That's where they ate "St. Peter's" Fish.               

            Mr. Steve and his mom thought those St. Peter's Fish were small and bony, so only ate one just to say they did it.  In Israel Mr. Steve and his sisters rode those Camels at "Jericho," which I've mentioned before is one of the oldest cities in the world.  Heathcliff crowed over there.  

               

               "JERICHO" ("BOOK OF JOSHUA")                 

                            ARWORK BY MARSHALL MORGAN                                                                                                                                           ARTWORK BY BIBLE ART LIBRARY 

         

                  If we could time travel Dais and I would also want to see when Joshua and the Israelites captured Jericho.  They marched around the city playing those Ram's Horn trumpets and also carrying that "Ark of the Covenant" I've written about.   Donald and Daisy are quacking.  

           Hey God!  Daisy says a few years ago our boss met that older Jewish lady who told him in Hebrew Your name would be pronounced either "Yahweh" or "Yahveh."  She also said another names for You is "Yehovah" or "Y'hovah."  In the Old Testament You're also "Elohim" too.

           Daisy thinks it's so amazing God, after You got mad at the ancient Jews for worshiping that golden Cow statue; how You had them wander in the "Sinai" desert for those forty years.  But then under Joshua they entered the "Promised Land."  To bad Moses wasn't there. 

                     

  "SEA OF GALILEE"    

                     

           Hey Lord!  Dais and I would like to have been there when You walked on Sea of Galilee's water.  We would've been like Your Apostle Peter, who trusted You enough to go out there onto      the water too.  Mr. Steve's Tour Group took that one Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.                      

          Mr. Steve and his mom one time remembered the time they walked around the area near their Hotel in "Tiberius," on the western coast of the Sea of Galilee.  Hey St. Peter!  I'd also like  to see your house in "Capernaum," on the Sea of Galilee's north shore.  Heathcliff crowed.           

           Dais says Mr. Steve's father remembers how, in 1985 in Italy there was high inflation.  He was amused when our boss showed him a currency note from 2008, which was "Issued" by the    African country of "Zimbabwe."  During "Colonialism" Zimbabwe was called "Rhodesia."                    

     1923 GERMAN NOTE                                         2008 ZIMBABWE NOTE        

      

           The note from Zimbabwe, because of the "Hyper Inflation" that happened there; is for one hundred trillion dollars.  Daisy says it's really not worth that high amount, which is too bad because then we would be so rich.  Blackbeard and Anne are flying toward the northeast. 

           Mr. Grant gave our boss the 1923 "Weimar" German Republic note.  It became it became almost worthless after World War I.  But American Banks loaned Germans money, which helped the German economy.   Hitler said they were "bad loans," and he turned out to be right.  

           I had the idea that, since the U.S. government is printing so much money, it would be way cheaper to just give each American a million dollars.  But Dais thinks it might make people lazy, and tempt the other six billion people on Earth try to break in to our country.  I smell Sage.

          

    THREE DOG NIGHT

            All of a sudden I just thought about how cold it was this Winter.  Daisy and Millie saw a tv show about a band called THREE DOG NIGHT, who I guess have three talented Singers to go along with a good band.  Mr. Dave told our boss he thinks their Drummer is really good.    

            Dais heard on cold nights, for the "Body Heat;" sometimes people sleep next to one Dog.  On even colder nights he or she sleeps with two Dogs around them, and when it's really, really freezing cold then three Dogs sleep with the person.  And that's called a "Three Dog Night."   

            During this last Winter, on a really cold day; this kid named "Patrick" came over to our house.  He's an Auto Mechanic and comes to your house.  I guess, for a few years Patrick and a few of his friends too; were all "Firefighters who made what they call "Really good Money." 

                               

                          "REX" THE TRUCK                                               

               

             Unlike his friends who bought Boats, Jet Ski's and things like that; I guess Patrick saved his money.  So, when they got "Laid Off" he used some of his money to buy a Van and tools; and is now a "Mobile" Auto Mechanic.  Patrick worked on our Truck Rex when he came over.

             When the recession hit in 2009 Patrick's buddies, up there near the main Highway, tried to sell Boats and things they still owed money on.  Some, like Ulysses S. Grant; had to move back in with their parents.  One already had a family so it was kind of embarrassing Dais heard.

             Daisy heard our boss tell his father about that one kid having to move back to his parents house, and his dad said what he has often said, "Well, whatever it takes."  I've mentioned before how Mr. Rick also says that too.  Mr. Steve jokes that should be their gravestone "Epitaph."

                 

           BASIC WORKING OF A "CARBURETOR"       

      

           Old vehicles like Rex have this device on their motors called "Carburetor's," which mix "Fuel and Air" to make the Car run.  In order to give Patrick practice in working on Cars with carburetors, Mr. Steve paid him to "Rebuild" the one on Rex.   Frida and Diego flew bye. 

           All of a sudden, for some reason I just thought about that guy Jimi Hendrix.  One time our boss and Mr. Mark talked about how, when they asked Jimi Hendrix which Guitarists he liked; he said Terry Kath of CHICAGO and ZZ TOP'S Billy Gibbons.  I smell Andy over there.  

          Dais heard, like Jimi Hendrix;, Terry Kath died too young.  This man on a tv show she and Millie saw said he accidentally shot himself with one of those handguns I've mentioned before.  I guess, Jimi Hendrix told people he thought Terry Kath was a better Guitarist than he was.           

  

  TERRY KATH                                                                   ZZ TOP          

  

          Over the years our boss has shown people a 1970 Video of Terry Kath's guitar solo at a place called "Tanglewood."  When Mr. Dave saw it, he said he was "blown away;" especially by the "Wah Wah" pedal.  Daisy says CHICAGO were playing this song called "25 or 6 to 4."           

            According to Dais that song 25 or 6 to 4 has "Horns" on it, which I've mentioned before is some of her favorite instruments.  She really likes Bobby Keys saxophone solo on the ROLLING STONES' song "Brown Sugar."  Jimi Hendrix also complimented CHICAGO's horns too.            

            Hawaii, where Mr. Mark, Kim and their sons Taj and Dylan live; only became a State in 1959.  Mr. Steve was four then, his brother Rock only two.  Like New Mexico and Arizona, it had been one of those "Territories" until then.   Two of the Pigeons are flying over Libby's Corral.                                                                                                        "HAWAII"                                                  

               

          I've mentioned before how "Hawaii" means "homeland" in Polynesian, and how the first Polynesians arrived there in about 800 A.D.   That British guy Captain James Cook visited those islands in 1778.   The Revolutionary War against England was going on in that same year.             

         This Encyclopedia says Hawaii was a "Kingdom" from 1810 through 1893, and for many years the people had been "dedicated to warfare."  Their "Koa" Warriors would die to acquire "Mana," or "spiritual power."  Before the British their weapons were stone and "Koa" wood.         

        Hey Holy Spirit!   Mana sounds kind of like You, because it's described here as being "life force;" or "life essence."  The Chinese concept of "Chi" kind of sounds like Mana.  It says here how Koa Warriors thought the best way to gain Mana was to "kill their enemies in war."                                 

 "MAGIC" JOHNSON          LARRY BIRD 

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

  

            I've mentioned before how our boss and Mr. Mark met in 1984, when they with Miss Helen worked for the different sports teams who played at the Forum.  They were Salesmen, but Mr. Steve also took pictures across the street at the at the Forum too.  Heathcliff crowed.              

         In the 1980's the Basketball Lakers, Kings Hockey and Lazer's indoor Soccer teams used purple as their primary color; with white and yellow as secondary colors.  Jimi Hendrix did that song "Purple Haze."  Mr. Mark likes that guy Prince, who's associated with the color purple.      

           Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Mark one time talk about how, in 1968 when that man Jack Kent Cooke built the Forum and owned the teams; he insisted purple be called "Forum Blue."  I guess he even made the Announcers like Chick Hearn call it that.  Andy's sniffing the air.              

                             JACK KENT COOKE (1912-1997)                                         THE "FORUM"                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       In 1978 that guy Jerry Buss bought the Forum, and Lakers and Kings; from Jack Kent Cooke.  He called the team's primary color purple and, unlike Jack Kent Cooke; didn't demand  the Forum be called the "Fabulous" Forum.   Samson and Delilah flew over the Sheds.                 

       Over the years Mr. Steve has met people who worked for Jack Kent Cooke, either at the Forum or from when he owned the "Daily News" Newspaper.  All disliked him, and used words    like "Tyrant."   Mr. Steve went to Alemany High with this guy named "Tom" Dais heard.             

          I guess Mr. Tom, an "Award Winning" Photographer; was never complimented but says he was "loudly criticized" for small mistakes.  Jack Kent Cooke said people were lazy so had to be    motivated only through fear.  I wonder if he ever read Machiavelli's book "The Prince?"             

        

CHICK HEARN                                  MIKE TYSON                           THE LENNON'S   

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA               

                                         

         On the night at the Forum when Mr. Steve at ringside sat next to and took pictures of Mike Tyson, a "Stroh's" Boxing Tournament was going on.  Up in the "Colonnade" someone yelled      "Tyson" so people below turned to look.  People up there began to point at Mike Tyson.                

          Tyson was sitting up there in what are called the "Cheap" seats.  At the Forum, the lower section is the "Loge;" the "Colonnade" up above and farther away.  Jerry Buss, who was three seats away from Mr. Steve; waved for "Tyson" to come down.  I smell Andy over there. 

          Mike Tyson saw a Newspaper ad for the Forum Boxing Card.  He told Mr. Steve he rode a Cab over to Inglewood, bought a ticket in the parking lot from one of those "Ticket Scalpers;" the then went inside.  When he came down they put him right next to our boss I guess.

          

     MIKE TYSON         

         

             I've written about Mr. Steve sitting next to Mike Tyson on a night when he was taking pictures of the Boxing matches.  They talked and, unlike his "Image" of being so mean; Mike Tyson was a really nice person.  He signed autographs but our boss prefers to shake hands.      

          Daisy one time explained to me what she thought a "Paparazzi" Photographer was.  I've mentioned before how our boss didn't want to be considered one of those because that means you take people's picture without getting their permission.  Fred, Ed and Ted just now flew bye.          

           Mr. Steve has taken pictures of "Celebrities," or famous people.  But he always introduced himself first and asked if it was okay to take their picture.  Only twice did the person say no, but he still got to shake their hand anyway.  "Happily posed photos just look better" he jokes.               

    "HULK" HOGAN      THE "IRON SHEIK"     

PHOTOS BY STEVE CÓRDOVA       

           

         On that night Mr. Steve took pictures of the Wrestlers at the Forum, earlier in the evening he asked Cyndy Lauper's Manager if he could take her picture later.  He said "It's up to her."  I really want to see a real Wrestling match in a ring.  Donald and Daisy are both quacking.             

          Daisy told me our boss was sitting in the dressing room tunnel at the Forum when this guy named "Jimmy" nudged him, and nodded toward the far end of the tunnel.  Cyndy Lauper was standing with her Manager and a girl Wrestler.  I guess that guy Jimmy said, "Go get her."          

        Mr. Steve stood up and walked down the tunnel.  As he got closer he heard Cyndy Lauper ask her Manager, "Who's that?;" to which he responded, "He's cool."  She smiled as our boss      walked up to her, introduced himself in shaking her hand; and asked to take a picture.                    

CYNDY LAUPER           

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

 

         Cyndy Lauper was very friendly and posed for a picture.   Mr. Steve had walked up and down that long tunnel a few times before that, but on that occasion it sure seemed a lot longer.  If Cyndy Lauper had said no the walk back would've "been even longer" he told Mr. Randy.            

          Dais says if Cyndy Lauper had been a mean person our boss's walk back down the tunnel would have been "like a Dog with it's tail between its legs."  I have a tail but Daisy doesn't so it's kind of hard to tell when she's embarrassed.  The four Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral.       

          Miss Harriet one time got a job working for a Magazine called "American Fitness," so got  permission for Mr. Steve to go with her.  They went to this West L.A. Elementary School for an    event in the Gym, held by the "Governor's Council on Physical Fitness."  Heathcliff crowed.        

ARNOLD SCHWARTZENEGER / GOVERNOR PETE WILSON

       PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA                     

                                     

         That guy Arnold Schwartzenegger is usually an Actor, but Daisy heard in 1992 he was the head of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness under Governor Wilson.  Mr. Steve went up    to him, introduced he and Miss Harriet; and shook his hand.  Andy's now looking at me.               

          I guess Mr. Steve told Arnold Schwartzenegger why he and Miss Harriet were there, and if they could later take pictures.  He said "No problem."  During the event Mr. Arnold even called    Governor Wilson over to pose for Mr. Steve.  Mr. Steve's parents met Governor Wilson.                

         Dais says when our boss asked Mike Tyson if they could later take pictures up in the ring he said, "I'll take whatever pictures you want as long as you get one with me and the old man."  By that he meant Jimmy Lennon Sr. who I've written about before.  Heathcliff just crowed.               

MIKE TYSON /  THE LENNONS                                 

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA  

   

          As I've said before in these first two books Mr. Steve did end up taking a picture of Jimmy Lennon Sr. and Jr. with Mike Tyson.  And I guess it's been published a few times.  Samson and    Delilah are flying over Libby's Corral and are both moving together toward the east.                     

        Daisy heard our boss and Mr. Gary the Barber, who's a Boxing Historian; talk about how Mike Tyson knows a lot about the history of the sport too.  He's even studied film of the greatest  Fighters.   Wow!  I'd better hurry up and finish this book because it's getting harder to see.           

         Mr. Steve thinks, until his death, Jimmy Lennon Sr. was probably the most, famous "Ring Announcer" in Boxing history.  Many people who hear his voice recognize it immediately; even if they aren't even Boxing fans according to what Dais heard one time.  Heathcliff is crowing.           

         

  JIMMY LENNON JR.

PHOTO BY STEVE CÓRDOVA

   

          I've written before how both our boss and his dad think Jimmy Lennon Jr. is a good Ring Announcer in "His own Right" as they say.  But as I've said, because his father was who he was    in history; he "doesn't get enough credit" Mr. Steve believes.  I sure like Heathcliff's voice.           

         Jimmy Lennon Jr. is a good Ring Announcer too but how can he ever "Measure Up" when his father was the best in history?  He's in a difficult position because his dad was what they call  an "Institution."  It's like being a Broadcaster with Vin Scully or Chick Hearn your dad.              

       To "a lesser extent" our boss tells people, he's been in Jimmy Lennon's position in that his father did all those things down there in Northeast San Fernando Valley.  That one "Olive View" Hospital was going to be torn down after the 1971 Sylmar earthquake.  Andy's looking at me.                    

       "OLIVE VIEW" HOSPITAL                

     

            If it hadn't been for Mr. Steve's dad, and others like his best friend Bill Garcia and his boss the Supervisor Mike Antonovich; there would not be a Hospital in Sylmar.   I just thought of that lady in San Fernando whose Dog "Alcindor" may've save her life.  Dawn's now barking.               

        Because her Great Dane Dog was acting up on the morning of the 1971 earthquake, the lady had to call in late to work.  She was a Nurse at the Olive View Hospital, and the "Wing" where    she most likely would've been in fell over and some people were killed.  I smell some Creosote.      

      I just thought about how some of the 1960's black Athletes, like Lew Alcindor for example; changed or "adopted" Muslim names.   Muhammad Ali was another one.  I've mentioned before how that guy Lew Alcindor is now "Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar."  Leo and Cleo flew just flew bye.             

     LEW ALCINDOR                           KAREEM-ABDUL) JABBAR

                                                           

        One time our boss and Mr. Mark talked about the 1980's when they worked at the Forum, so got to see Kareem Jabbar play a few times.  Daisy says he's really tall so plays "Center."  Mr.  Steve one time saw him at a Bank on Wilshire Boulevard but didn't want to bother him.               

        Daisy says that guy "Kareem" retired from Basketball but still at times talks on tv.  He, like our boss's father; thinks September the 17th should be made one of those "National" Holidays    I've written about.  That's because that's the date of what they call "Constitution Day."                 

       Our boss thinks Mr. Kareem knows, as "Flawed" as it was and still is; the Founding Fathers started an "Experiment" in people "Governing Themselves."  It still could fail.  He's like Mr. Steve in telling kids to learn "Math and Science" because "those are the jobs of the future."               

          "CONSTITUTIONAL" CONVENTION                     BENJAMIN FRANKLIN                                            (PHILADELPIA /1787)                                                 (1706-1790)                                                      PAINTING BY HOWARD CHANDLER CHRISTY                                                                                  PAINTING BY EDMON DE HARO                                                                                                  

 

            I've learned in history "Authoritarianism" is the norm, not "Democracy."  So some think the "U.S. Constitution" is one of the "greatest political documents ever written."  In Greek the    words "demos" and "kratos" mean "people" and "power" according to my Dictionary.                

         As I've said a few times over the last two days, after that 1787 Constitutional Convention the lady asked Ben Franklin, "So Doctor, what do we have, a republic or a monarchy?"  He then said back to her,  "A republic madam, if you can keep it."  We're just an "Experiment."                

       I'm still thinking about that guy Jimmy Lennon Jr. and being the son of a famous man.  Daisy says one time this man down there in Sylmar said to our boss, "If you're half the man your father is you'll do great."  When he said that Mr. Steve was surprised but proud to hear it.            

                        

                     AS BOY            JOHN LENNON (1940-1980)           AUNT MIMI              

                          

            Daisy says Jimmy Lennon and his father are not related to the BEATLES' John Lennon from over there in England.  But they are related to the "Lennon Sister's who sang on all of those 1950's and 1960's "Lawrence Welk" Shows I've written about.  It's getting kind of dark.               

           A tv show Daisy and Millie saw about the BEATLES said John Lennon was born in 1940, the year Nazi Germany was using Blitzkrieg tactics to conquer most of Europe.  That was also      year of the "Battle of Britain" and later the "Blitz."  And his city of Liverpool was bombed.         

         I guess, the tv show said John Lennon's father left the family to go fight in World War II and for about the next twenty years John Lennon was raised by his mom and her sisters. He said they were "five strong women."  But his mom was killed when she got hit by a Car Dais says.       

                         LENNON SISTERS                       PALLADIUM                     LAWRENCE WELK                                                                                                 

     I've mentioned how some of Lawrence Welk's tv shows were filmed at the "Hollywood Palladium."  And some were filmed at the round Casino out there on "Catalina" Island.   Daisy says one time he and his mom remembered how the four grandparents loved that show.                 

       Daisy says the LENNON SISTERS' voices complemented each other, their "harmonies" were like a female version of the BEE GEES she thinks.  Mr. Steve still has some very pleasant memories of watching the Lawrence Welk Show with his Grandparents in New Mexico.

       Mr. Steve was told the LENNON SISTERS first appearance on the Lawrence Welk Show was in 1955, the year he was born.  He and his mom one time remembered how much all four of the Grandparents enjoyed the sound of an accordion.  Frida and Diego are flying bye.                                                                                             VENICE                                                              MISS HARRIET                                                                                                                                                     

         I guess the LENNON SISTERS were not the only Musicians in their family.  Daisy says one time Miss Harriet got an assignment to review a band from "West L.A." called "VENICE, some  of whose members were relatives of the LENNON SISTERS.  A Train just whistled faintly.           

      I'm still thinking of that Boxer Mike Tyson, who a tv show described as being "ferocious." Daisy says that tv show had highlights of all the times he "swarmed over and overwhelmed his      opponent like a rampaging Panzer Tank."  He knocked other Fighters "Out Cold" Dais says.       

     Dais says Mike Tyson at times seems kind of mean, but on that one night he sat next to our boss was very friendly and nice.  He had a soft handshake when, "if he'd really wanted to break your hand" he could've Mr. Steve jokes.  That Train whistled again out there in the desert.           

               

 MIKE TYSON  / EVANDER HOLYFIELD  

                                  (LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / JUNE 28,1997)                           

                                                                        

         Dais told me the tv show talked about when Mike Tyson f ought Evander Holyfield.  Most of the time in his fights Mike Tyson was not only way stronger than his opponent, but he was also    faster too.  But not in that fight so Mike Tyson even bit Evander Holyfield's ear.  Oh wow!            

      Only for a million dollars would she fight Mike Tyson Dais says.  When Mr. Steve's father boxed in the Marines he jokes "In Belen I was good but in the Marines not so much."  In a fight  one time the other Marine Boxer purposely head butted him which broke his nose I guess.            

     In these first two books I've mentioned how Mr. Steve's father did his "Basic Training," or "Boot Camp;" at that place "Camp Pendleton." Mr. Steve and  dad have talked about the times  they've visited Camp Pendleton over the years.  Boy!  I love smelling everything right now.                                              "CAMP PENDLETON" ("OCEANSIDE")         

          Daisy thinks they call Basic Training "Boot Camp" because everyone has to wear boots to do things during that time.  They also had to tell Mr. Steve's father what to do and not do when    he got over to South Korea to fight in the war.  The four Pigeons flew over Libby's Corral.           

          When Mr. Steve's father broke his nose Boxing in the Marines because his opponent cheated and fought "dirty," he "retaliated" by kicking him "In the Groin."  That morning when Mr. Randy used the word "nuts" Daisy explained to me about boy Dogs and making babies.         

        Mr. Steve's father never got his nose fixed so, over the years; the cracks filled in with what they call  "Calcium."  His nose had to be rebroken in order to fix it and that was not easy but, at least now he can breathe better through his nose.   Boy!  It would be bad not to smell things.                   

                           MIKE TYSON                                 

    

              Daisy and Millie saw a good tv show about Mike Tyson and she says he usually knocks his opponents out.   Our boss told Mr. Ralph he's about five feet ten or eleven, a little shorter than    himself.  Birds are flying toward the northeast way up there in the quickly darkening sky.            

       According to my outline the next thing to write about is that Boxer Rocky Marciano, who fought in the 1950's.  Like Mike Tyson, he was a short, right-handed Heavyweight so fought in a   "swarming" style.  With short arms, both had to get "On the Inside" to land hard punches.         

         I wrote earlier how Mike Tyson's style was like the German "Blitzkrieg" at the start of  World War II.  Rocky Marciano was one of the hardest punchers in history but Mike Tyson was also faster and quicker than his opponents too.  That really made him hard to beat Dais says.                          ROCKY MARCIANO (1923-1969)  /  "JERSEY" JOE WOLCOTT (1914-1994)

(PHILADELPHIA / 1952)

PHOTO BY HERB SCHARFMAN

  

           Oh wow!  No wonder Mr. Gary the Barber in San Fernando described being hit by Rocky Marciano as "going to sleep."  Three images of Rocky Marciano show him landing a right hand punch on this other guy named "Jersey" Joe Walcott.   His face is totally distorted by it.               

         Whew!  That guy Jersey Joe Wolcott's contorted face sort of looks like one of those French "Gargoyles" I've mentioned before.   I guess he's from the State of "New Jersey" just like Mr.      Rich down there in Sylmar.  Heathcliff crowed and I can hear some of his Hens cackling.              

      Daisy heard our boss, before the economic recession; had this customer near the town of "Brockton," Massachusetts.  That's where Rocky Marciano was from, which Mr. Steve and that Parts Manager talked about a few times.  The shadows are really leaning away from me.                     

ROCKY MARCIANO / ROLAND LA STARZA        

(1953 / "POLO GROUNDS" / N.Y.C.)

       

       A picture shows Rocky Marciano about to land a really hard punch on this guy named Roland La Starza.  Mr. Rick's descendants came through "Ellis Island" right before the turn of    the 20th century.  So they were Italian-Americans just like Rocky Marciano's family too.               

           Mr. Rick's father admired and was proud of Rocky Marciano Dais heard.  I guess, Roland La Starza was the only opponent Rocky Marciano ever disliked and "wanted to punish."  Rocky Marciano really didn't like arrogance, and thought Roland La Starza "talked too much."             

          This Encyclopedia says Rocky Marciano "injured the bones, muscles and nerves" in both of Roland La Starza's arms.  He blocked so many punches his arms got "heavy" and he couldn't hold them up.   That's when he Rocky Marciano "destroyed him" as Mr. Gary said one time.           

HIGH DESERT SUNSET

        

           It's getting darker and darker but I'm getting closer to the end of this book two outline.  I still have more to write about Rocky Marciano.   Daisy says the tv show about Mike Tyson said    Rocky Marciano in 1951 fought that guy Joe Louis one time.  Finley and Fanny flew bye.            

        One time our boss and Mr. Gary talked about Rocky Marciano totally knocking out Joe Louis.  Daisy told me how the man on the tv show described Joe Louis in 1951 as being "past his  prime," and "washed up;" but he really "needed the money."  The shadows are longer now.         

          Losing to Rocky Marciano turned out to be Joe Louis's final fight of his career.   He later said he had never faced anyone who "hit so hard."  Rocky Marciano felt bad having to knock him out, even crying afterwar but Joe Louis told him not to feel bad about "doing his job."                 

ROCKY MARCIANO /  JOE LOUIS

(1951 / "MADISON SQUAR GARDENS" / N.Y.C.)

           Three pictures show Rocky Marciano throwing punches at Joe Louis.  In the first one you can see how Rocky Marciano is about to deliver a hard right hand on an obviously already hurt    and stunned Joe Louis.  Ah!  Max and 99 just now zoomed bye right in front of the Sheds.             

           Joe Louis, who I'll learn a lot more about tomorrow; was one of the greatest Heavyweight champions in history during the 1930's Great Depression years.  In World War II he was in the    Army.  He donated money and even held "Exhibition's to raise money for the "War Effort."        

         Gary the Barber said Joe Louis "donated" his what they call "Purses" to the Government during the Second World War.  Daisy told me that just means his pay.  Tomorrow I'll  learn more about his two world famous fights against this one German Boxer named Max Schmeling.            

     

         LOUIS / SCHMELING (1938)                  HENRY ARMSTRONG (1912-1988)      

   

         Mr. Steve's father, Gary the Barber and also Mr. Ralph think one reason that Mike Tyson dominated the Heavyweight Division for so long was he "Idolized" Henry Armstrong.  During      the 1930's, "Simultaneously;" held three world titles.  That means three "Weight Divisions."        

         Henry Armstrong fought in what Mr. Gary called a "swarming" style, the way Mike Tyson did.  Because he was "as strong or stronger" than his opponents, but also "faster and quicker"    too; Boxers who faced Mike Tyson were "at a disadvantage."  It was like a "Blitzkrieg."               

        Dais heard Mr. Ralph say one time he thought Mike Tyson was a "bigger version" of Henry Armstrong, "but with crushing and devastating power."  Two Pigeons flew bye, which  reminds    me of how Mike Tyson raises Pigeons.  Boy!  Thank You so much God for making Pigeons.            

MIKE TYSON (PIGEONS)

          Mike Tyson was a "Juvenile Delinquent" as a kid growing up in New York City, and did some bad things Dais heard.  Mr. Steve met a "Belgian" man who told him one time some bigger kids killed Mike Tyson's Pigeons in front of him.  Oh!  I'll bet that made him really angry.            

         Mr. Ralph heard Mike Tyson, to "keep him out of trouble;" was taken out of N.Y.C. and put to work learning to be a Boxer.   Daisy heard his "Trainer" was this one old man named Cus D'Amato, who I guess taught him what to do.  Some Robins are singing out in the desert.              

          A "big advantage" Mike Tyson had was, his "Manager" Jim Jacobs owned a collection of Boxing films Mr. Gary said.  So after training during the day Mike Tyson could study the films at night.  There were "very few" fighters back then who were "so fortunate" Mr. Ralph said.                            

CUS D'AMAOT /  JIM JACOBS / MIKE TYSON      

         

      I guess, from what Dais heard Mr. Gary say one time; that man Cus D'Amato was "like a father" to Mike Tyson in the early 1980's; when he was just a teenager.  Mike Tyson became the  youngest Heavyweight Champion in history.  Hearing those Robins makes me feel good.                

       The Belgian man was from "Queens," where our boss and his brother Rock stayed back in 1977.  He said since the 1950's his family have done "Pigeon-Keeping" up on the roof of the place they lived.  Being around Pigeons is "therapeutic" according to what Dais heard him say.              

     But now, because of that "Gentrification" process I've talked about, the Belgian man said there are "fewer and fewer" people in N.Y.C. able to raise Pigeons on roof tops in "Coop" cages.  It takes a "lot of work" to raise Pigeons he said but "it's worth it.  A Train whistled faintly.           

              

                 "ON THE WATERFRONT"      MARLON BRANDO          "THE GODFATHER"                             

       

       Daisy and Millie saw this old 1950's movie called "On the Waterfront," where that guy Marlon Brando played an ex-Boxer who raises Pigeons in N.Y.C.  I've mentioned before how he    also played the Godfather in the movie.  I just thought of that guy Machiavelli right now.              

       The Belgian man said sometimes your Pigeons come home from flying around and bring back other Pigeons called "Strays," and the rule is you get to keep the new Pigeons.  He told our boss his father really liked that old movie On the Waterfront.   I like smelling the Twins.                

       I guess one time Marlon Brando called Mr. Steve's dad to talk about using Vitamin "B-1 Thiamine" as an "Insect Repellent."  According to what Dais heard, Marlon Brando owned his own island way out there in the "South Pacific."  Boy!  He must've really been so rich!                  

                                                     

                               JACK, MANNY, MOE                                 

          

            I'm looking at the Sheds and, as I've mentioned a few times; can see how they're raised off the ground a few feet.  In case of a “Flash Flood” they're elevated, and our Chief told Mr. Randy he hopes we don't a flood because insurance "doesn't cover it."  The Twins smell so good.  

           Daisy and I love when Jackrabbits or Quail run under the Sheds, as then our fun game of "Cat and Mouse" begins.  I circle round and round barking, to “flush” them out so we can chase them.   Ah!  A nice cool evening breeze came in from the desert and is making the chimes ring. 

          Standing off to the side, Daisy hopes I can get whoever's under the Shed “Make a Break” for it.  When younger, Daisy liked to dig for Gophers and Ground Squirrels; but now tries to save energy for more important things.  Hey Holy Spirit!  I hope it's You I feel inside of me now.

  

BADGER-COYOTE "COOPERATING" TOGETHER

   

            Over the last three days I've talked about "Symbiotic" relationships which are "Mutually Beneficial."  And the one which seemed to have impressed our boss was how sometimes Badgers will work as a team with a Coyote so they can both eat.  Dawn's barking and I smell Blinky.

            Mr. Steve joked with Mr. Randy one time how Daisy looked like a Badger that final time she dug.  Dirt was flying out like a stream and she became even more determined to dig the more she did it.  Mr. Steve came out yelling "Bad Daisy!" because she was digging near Moe.

           Daisy still has strong legs, and I should know because I'm the one who wrestles with her.   That's why I really do think we should try to find that gold mine up on the mountain behind the Post Office and maybe we could help did it out.  Boy!  Blinky has such an attractive scent.  

                                               LANDSLIDE BEHIND POST OFFICE                                         PIÑON HILLS POST OFFICE                                                                                                                       

          Boy!  What if it turns out all the rumors of the Franciscan Priests hiding the gold mine by creating that landslide are true?  Daisy might be able find it if she could smell gold first and our  boss does have some gold coins.  I'd help her too because it would be so worth it for us all.             

         Oh!  Maybe our boss could even hire that man who told him he has a "Backhoe" Tractor.  It would help him because he has a wife and two kids but said he hasn't had enough work lately.   That one Dragonfly zoomed bye and I heard it coming from the direction of Libby's Corral.        

             It's an impressive thing to see Daisy dig!  Dirt flies out behind her in a steady and powerful stream which our boss told Mr. Randy looked like “sawdust flying from a Buzzsaw.”  Once I saw how mad Mr. Steve got at Daisy I really don't want to dig holes down into the dirt anymore.         

 

         RHINOCEROUS        

           I just thought of how, after she finishes going to the bathroom; Daisy has the habit of then kicking dirt backward with her hind legs.  I guess African Rhinocerous do that, as does Cher the Cat too.  I might start doing that too because more and more it seems like a good idea.

          Daisy pointed out to me that time how Mr. Grant's blind Dog Miggie also tried to cover up where she went to the bathroom.  Everyone is  weird in some ways, and Daisy admits most Dogs want to "broadcast" and "advertise" you're in someone's "territory."  Heathcliff crowed.

          I remember when Daisy told me she and I are lucky because we don't need to "mark" our land as much as other things do.  We have our great fence around our two acres which will tell strangers you're going into someone's area.  Heathcliff's Hens are clucking over there.

  

  DAISY CÓRDOVA    

    

           Also like a Rhinoceros, Daisy's near-sighted so squints a lot; but her good hearing more than makes up for it.  Like a Rhinoceros, if Daisy picks up a scent she doesn't recognize and one  ear tilts forward; you better start running.  Daisy taught me about staying  “Down Wind.”            

             That last time she felt like Digging Daisy was determined to dig out that Gopher.  She was making a tunnel and didn't notice she was "Undermining " Moe so, by the time our boss saw it she had already "excavated" a big hole.   He caught her in the “Nick of Time” as they say. 

             Daisy had so focused on digging and got “Carried Away” and the way she almost seemed to be in one of those "Altered States" surprised me.  I had never seen her do something like that. Ah!  A nice breeze just brought in the scent of the Twin Joshua trees and is ringing the chimes.

  

SYSTEM OF A DOWN

     

            One time our boss and Mr. Dave talked about that good Hard Rock Armenian band from "Glendale" SYSTEM OF A DOWN.  Mr. Steve told him when he lived down there in Sylmar he always hired "H&R Block" to prepare his taxes.  Boy!  It's getting darker and darker now.  

           Dais heard an Armenian man named "Ara" worked on our boss's taxes. He also lived in Glendale.  In the 1980's and early 1990's Mr. Steve and Miss Harriet got "1099" forms from the Magazines they worked for.  Dais says that means they were "Independent Contractors." 

           Because he thought Mr. Steve knew about music in the mid-1990's Mr. Ara, who was an older man; gave him a cassette tape of SYSTEM OF A DOWN and asked him his opinion of it.  Mr. Steve later told him he thought S.O.A.D. "were really good."  I can smell Arborvitae.

  

WORLD WAR I 

("ARMENIAN GENOCIDE" /  1915-1916)

      

               All of a sudden I just thought about the "Armenian Genocide" that happened during the First Word War.  A picture in my Encyclopedia shows two Turkish Soldiers standing in what the caption calls "unburied Armenians."  Oh!  I wonder if any Animals ate those Armenians?

           SYSTEM OF A DOWN try to "bring attention to" the Armenian Genocide from what Mr. Dave and our boss talked about one time.  I've mentioned how S.O.A.D.'S Singer went to College at "Cal State Northridge" like Mr. Steve's family.  Boy!  I hope there's never a Dog genocide.

           In the mid-1980's when he worked for the "San Fernando Sun," that lady Miss Thelma had our boss use a "Press Release" to write a short story.   If Miss Harriet had been in the office she might've done it but no Writers were there.  Miss Thelma knew Mr. Steve could do it.           

  

       SYSTEM OF A DOWN      

       

           The story Mr. Steve wrote for Miss Thelma was to announce the opening of an "Assisted Living Facility" in Mission Hills.  It's near Alemany's old campus; and above the "Holy Cross" Hospital.  It's for Armenians and S.O.A.D.'S Singer's father is there Daisy and Millie heard.

           Dais says one time this girl Mr. Steve knew, who worked at that Armenian "Retirement Home;" called and asked, "Who is SYSTEM OF A DOWN?  He told her so she said S.O.A.D.'S dad lived there.  A flock of Birds way up there in the darkening sky is moving toward the east.

          Mr. Rich, who plays guitar; was told S.O.A.D.'S Guitarist was influenced by SLAYER'S Thrash Metal.  Our boss thinks at times S.O.A.D. sound to him like "Middle Eastern" influenced Hard Rock, and has wondered if they liked "Cat" Stevens?  Arborvitae smells so good.       

  

"THE BLUES BROTHERS" (1981)

              I kind of laugh when I think about how focused Daisy was that time trying to dig out that Gopher.  She and Millie saw a funny movie where these two brothers try to raise money for their Orphanage so it won't close.  Hey God!  They even said they were "on a mission" for You. 

            The way Dais was furiously digging that time it almost seemed like she was on mission to get that Gopher.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve's brother Rock in Texas, at a photography event; met Dan Akroyd who was one of the Actors in the "Blues Brothers."  Heathcliff just crowed. 

                When Daisy was tunneling it was like she was in one of those "Spells."   One time our boss and Mr. Rich talked about S.O.A.D.'S albums "Hypnotized" and "Mesmerized," which is how Daisy was acting.   Mr. Steve joked with his mom about her trying to dig her way to China. 

        

        "THE BLUES BROTHERS"      

                                                                                                                            

           Someday I really want to see that movie The Blues Brothers.  Daisy says it's mainly about how the two brothers who dress the same "Reform" an old band they used to be in to help their Catholic Orphanage.  But along the way they get people mad at them, like Nazi's in Chicago.

           Mr. Steve's father thought it was funny in The Blues Brothers when this Nightclub owner says, "We play every kind of music here, Country and Western."   Daisy says the two brothers are able to convince their old Musicians to make another band again.  Heathcliff crowed.

           In The Blues Brothers the Catholic Nun who ran the Orphanage was nice.  But Dais says she hit the brothers with a long pointer if they joked around.  Our boss and Mr. Rick remember how at St. Ferdinand's and then Alemany High "Corporal" punishment was still allowed.   

 

BOOKER T & THE MG'S

        I've mentioned before how Mr. Steve likes that  band BOOKER T & THE MG'S, and so does Mr. Mark too I guess.  Daisy heard them talking about The Blues Brothers movie, and how  two Musicians in the band were in BOOKER T & THE MG'S.   I like Heathcliff's voice.                

         Our boss and Mr. Mark both like Booker T's organ playing on "Time is Tight."  I want to someday hear their song about the green onions, which Daisy told me Millie liked.  Heathcliff's    Hens are cackling and sound happy, probably because it's a new year.  Thank Everyone!              

       When Dais was digging that time I stood there in total amazement, as I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  Somehow, I had this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach that our boss would not    be happy; and I was right.  He came out here and kept on saying, “Bad Daisy! Bad Daisy!”           

    

          HIGH DESERT SUNSET        

      

             Hey God!  Like Daisy, I sometimes prefer to believe "Everything happens for a Reason" as they say.  That way we can more easily accept life's difficulties and "Ups and Downs."  Sister Rita Joseph used to tell her class about life's many "peaks and valleys" and "highs and lows." 

            As our boss used his favorite shovel with the turquoise duct tape to in fill Daisy's tunnel near the Shed he scolded her and gave her one of those “Tongue Lashings!” Now, both Daisy and I know for sure that it's “verboten” (German for “forbidden”) to dig near the three Sheds.

           But, that doesn't mean we can't still play our game; when something tries to hide from us under one of the Sheds.  I just love our game and feel so fortunate to have Daisy around to be my friend and Teacher.  Together we make a good team in guarding these fenced in two acres.                                                                                          

CHIEF TECUMSEH (c. 1768-1813)

PAINTING BY W.B. TURNER

              Dais and Millie saw a tv show where the man said that guy Chief Tecumseh once said, “A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is stronger!”  Daisy and I are like a bundle of two.  As she says, if we "fight smart;" we can hold off any invaders until our Chief can take over.               

            I just thought about how in Sun Tzu's old book "The Art of War" he says one had to try to "take advantage of your strengths while lessening your weaknesses."  In other words our boss says, you have to "Know Thyself" as it said up on the wall at Delphi.  A Train whistled.

           Mr. Steve and his father think one reason the U.S. lost the Vietnam War, which Mr. Steve almost had to fight in; was because of that smart North Vietnamese General Yõ Nguyên Giáp who I've mentioned.  He read Sun Tzu.  He knew the strengths and weaknesses of both sides.

                              

  YÕ NGUYÊN GIÁP (1911-2013)

       

           General Giáp knew the North Vietnamese and "Viet Cong" could not beat the U.S. in a "conventional" war; so fought a smart "Hit and Run Guerilla" wars instead.  He knew Sun Tzu wrote, "All warfare is based on deception."   A small  flock of Birds is flying to the east.  

          You might say General Giap was, "given lemons so made lemonade;" or "played the hand he was dealt" as Mr. Steve's father might say.  I've mentioned how "Guerrilla" comes from the Spanish word "guerra" or "war."  It was first used in Spain when Napoléon invaded. 

          I guess those early 19th century Spanish guerrilla fighters used hit and run tactics and never met the French in a "Set Piece" land battle.  And, like in the Vietnam War a century later; my Encyclopedia says they "frustrated and outlasted" Napoléon.  It was a "War of Attrition."

 "HOOT" OWL 

     

          With it now getting darker and me hearing Dawn over there barking, for some reason I just thought about the first time I ever saw one of those Owls who live around here.  Actually, I    heard them when I was homeless but never saw one until last Summer.  I really like Dawn.           

              I remember that night when I was out here sleeping on Elvira, and Dais was in the house sleeping next to our boss's bed.   All of a sudden, seemingly out of nowhere; this big Owl came in and landed on the Patio floor.  It totally scared me and I "Jumped a Mile" as they say.                  

             When I barked the Owl flew away and over top of the Sheds, and a minute later Daisy and Mr. Steve came out into the Patio.  But I got a good look at the Owl because the Moon was almost full that night.  Daisy says one time a baby Owl accidentally got stuck inside of  our garage.                                                                        BROWN DESERT BAT                             

          

                    I always have to stay alert just in case Daisy calls on me, because you never know when something might come up.  I remember that one night when I smelled an unfamiliar odor, and it turned out to be that big, ugly, brown Bat.  It had pointy teeth sticking out and screeched!

              On that night I actually smelled the Bat in my sleep, but woke up fast.  When I looked up from Elvira and saw that Bat near the Patio roof I almost had a heart attack, but stayed calm;      and just barked for backup.  Daisy was proud of me for not panicking but I was scared.                

          Mr. Steve came out here and used his flashlight to make the Bat fly away.  He "felt sorry" for the Bat because it was "gray and thin" like Rosie, which "probably" meant it "couldn't find enough food."  I was so amazed the first time our boss turned on the Patio lights out here.            

               

"RADAR"     

        

          Mentioning Bats makes me think about "Radar" being used in 1940 during the "Battle of Britain."  That was when the British were able to prevent Hitler from actually invading England and taking over.  Heathcliff just crowed and his voice makes me feel so grateful to be alive.           

         Boy!  Dais is right in thinking it's so amazing how Bats evolved to have their own personal radar systems.   But they send out sound waves instead of electrical impulses or things like that.  Oh!  Blackbeard is chasing a boy Crow and Anne is trailing behind them but yelling loud too. 

       I've said a few times how, by feeling the reflected sound a Bat can tell how far ahead, and how big something is to its front.   Mr. Dave read South American Bats can even pick up sounds plants make, and Bats intercept flying Bugs to eat in total darkness.  It's getting darker now.            

DANIEL KISH

  

       Oh!  I just remembered that I forgot to write about this man named Daniel Kish earlier today when I first talked about Radar.  Daisy says a lady told our boss he's from down there in Los Angeles and is totally blind.  I can smell the Arborvitae bush's just to my left front.                 

     The lady told Mr. Steve that guy Daniel Kish had his eyes removed as a baby because of cancer.   As a toddler he climbed out of his crib and crawled around exploring his family's back yard.  Mr. Steve's brother Rock used to climb out of his crib too from what Daisy heard.               

      I guess Daniel Kish, like a Bat or Radar or Sonar; gets around by making clicking sounds which reflects back to him.   He uses what's called "Echo Location" or "Sensory Substitution" to "see through his ears" the lady said.  He even rides a bike and draws correctly what he feels.          

                 SUNFLOWERS                                NEW MEXICO SPRING FLOWERS

                                                                                                                                                     PHOTO BY DAVE KOZIOL

               Daisy and Millie heard our boss and Mr. Dave talking about how Bats are like Humming Birds and Bees in having "Symbiotic," or "Mutually Beneficial;" relationships with flowers.  Mr. Dave takes pictures of the Spring flowers.  He likes Mr. Steve's Mission photos of flowers.             

         Bats, Hummingbirds and Bees fly in and eat flower "Nectar," and "Pollen" then sticks to their bodies.  When they go over to another flower the pollen on them then gets deposited on the  second flower, which allows them to have baby flowers.  Daisy's good at explaining things.            

          Mr. Steve's father met a man who told him, during World War II;  he U.S. considered using Bats "fitted with delayed reaction incendiary charges."  I guess, the Japanese houses were made  of wood.  The Bats would "Roost" in them and burn when the charges were "ignited" he said.     

         

B-29 "SUPER FORTRESS"                              TOKYO "FIRE" BOMBED 

  (MARCH 9, 10,1945)     

          

            That man told Mr. Steve's father "Bat Bombs" were never used because those big B-29 Bombers "came on line."  So, that allowed the Americans to just bomb Japan with "Fire Bombs" instead.  Oh wow!  A good painting of the burning city of "Tokyo" shows what happened.             

       My Encyclopedia says, on the night of March 9 and 10; Tokyo was "firebombed" in the "single most destructive bombing raid in all of human history."  Boy!  Looking at the painting      makes me feel so grateful we're not in a war here in Piñon Hills.   That would be so bad!                

           Over a "sixteen square mile" area of Tokyo one hundred thousand people were killed, with more than a million "made homeless."  Wow!  That's even more than later in 1945 when those      two Nuclear bombs were dropped.  Heathcliff crowed and I hear his Hens cackling happily.          

                

GRANDMA / GRANDPA TRUJILLO

 

         Writing about Bats is making me think of that "Halloween" holiday, which Grandma Trujillo was born on.  I'm really looking forward to the day when I can hear that "Shock Rock"  music I've written about before.  Daisy thinks I'd like that Christian guy Alice Cooper.                  

              One time our boss and Mr. Rich talked about Shock Rock bands, and how they rely on what's called "Theatrical Pomposity."  Some of the Musicians are more "Entertainers" who use a scary "Personal Persona" to shock people.   Two Crows are fighting behind the Sheds.  

              Daisy told me about this one band called SLIPKNOT who all wear scary Halloween-like costumes in their concerts.   Our boss and Mr. Rich discussed how SLIPKNOT use a lot of drums and percussion in some of their songs.  A Train just whistled faintly over there to my left.

     

 SLIPKNOT                          "SOUND CITY"                               GWAR         

  

         Our boss and Mr. Rich talked about how SLIPKNOT made an album at that Van Nuys Recording Studio I've written about called "Sound City."  That's where Ronnie James Dio, Tom Petty and NIRVANA made albums too.  The two Crows are really yelling at each other now.         

          In the late 1980's Mr. Steve saw another Shock Rock or "Horror" band called GWAR at the "Hollywood Palladium."  He told Mr. Rich his friend "Tom," who went with him; thought      their music was "okay" but the costumes seemed "too corny."  Darn!  A Fly just went bye.            

        So far in the first two days of this year there are few Flies, which is great because of how much Daisy and I hate them.  Someday I'll hear that Alice Cooper song Mr. Steve likes "Halo of Flies."  Dais says it also has "time and dynamic" changes like GENESIS'S "Musical Box."                                                                               ALICE COOPER BAND                                             WHITE ZOMBIE                                                   

            Mr. Rich, being from "New Jersey" and a Guitarist for that band DRAGPIPE; knows about that New York City group called WHITE ZOMBIE.  Their Singer is named Rob Zombie    and Daisy heard Mr. Rich describe their songs as "Groove Metal."  Leo and Cleo flew bye.           

            Before the economic recession Mr. Dave had a Motorcycle Shop customer who was from that country of "Haiti."  He used terms like "living dead" and "walking corpse" to describe how in "Voodoo" magic you can "reanimate" a dead person.  Oh wow!  That would be so scary!          

            Daisy says Mr. Dave likes 1950's "Zombie" movies.  Boy!  I wonder if there really is such a thing as a Zombie who comes back to life?  Daisy thinks it might be true, and if it is and they attacked our land we'd have a hard time.  Jimi Hendrix has a song about Voodoo I guess.              

  

 DRACULA                                                               ZOMBIE      

  

         According to what Mr. Dave said, that band WHITE ZOMBIE got its name from a 1932 Bela Lugosi Horror movie.  I've mentioned before how that guy Bela Lugosi is famous for being    "Dracula," who can turn into a Bat whenever he wants.  Mr. Steve's dad was born in 1932.           

         Mr. Dave told our boss that 1932 movie is now considered to be the "first zombie movie."  His Motorcycle Shop customer from Haiti knew a lot about those 1950's movies, which Mr. Steve says he "never really cared for that much."  He prefers Horror movies from the 1930's.                

        I feel a lot more courageous with Daisy next to me.  If it turns out Zombies are real and we have to fight them I know Daisy would say to "take each other's back," like the ancient Greeks    used to do in combat.  I've mentioned before how the Greek Soldiers were called "Hoplites."                     

"SCREAMING LORD" SUTCH (1940-1999)

          When I earlier wrote about Shock Rock I forgot to mention this guy from England called "Screaming Lord Sutch."  I guess, he had a "Horror-Themed" band in the early 1960's; even before those other guys Arthur Brown and Alice Cooper.  It's getting darker and darker.               

          Mr. Dave heard "Lord Sutch," who not only was a Singer but also a Politician too; ended up killing himself like Ernest Hemingway and Kurt Cobaine.  Guitarists like Ritchie Blackmore, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck played in his band the SAVAGES.   Two Crows are fighting.                 

           Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, later in Jimi Hendrix's band; played in the SAVAGES.  And so did Drummers Charlie Watts, Keith Moon and John Bonham too.  I've mentioned before how that one guy Mitch Mitchell and our boss Mr. Steve were both born on July the 9th.                                                                           "SCREAMING" JAY HAWKINS                             "SPINAL TAP"                              

          Mr. Dave and our boss talked about the 1950's "Screaming" Jay Hawkins,  and wondered if Lord Sutch was influenced by him?  I guess, one time Lord Sutch got stuck inside of a coffin he was supposed to emerge from when the lid somehow got stuck shut.  Heathcliff crowed.                 

        Daisy says Mr. Dave mentioned that funny movie "Spinal Tap," and he and our boss both laughed at what he called Lord Sutch's "technical difficulties."  I can't wait to someday see that movie Spinal Tap just because Mr. Steve thinks it's so funny.  And so does Mr. Dave too.                

       According to what Mr. Dave said, in 1963 when our boss was eight; Lord Sutch had a song about that one guy "Jack the Ripper."  It was "covered" by that other band WHITE STRIPES.  I've mentioned a few times before how Jack White was born on July the 9th like our boss.             

          

HIGH DESERT SUNSET

   

        There are some Finches chirping out in the desert.  That makes me think about how Mr. Dave told our boss in Taos near he and Miss Julianne's house there's a flock of Finches who go to the top of a tall tree to  "perch."   It's getting darker but there's still a little bit of sunlight left.      

           I remember that morning last Summer when Mr. Randy said a group of Finches "roost" on a power line near he and his mom's house.  In looking at my book two outline I can see I only  have a few things more to write about today in this second book.  Heathcliff crowed again.            

            Over the last two days I've talked about how, back in ancient Greece people lived in those independent country-like "City-States."   So, both Athens and Sparta were similar to the later      City-States in 16th century Renaissance Italy; like Rome and Florence.  I can smell Andy.                                                

     LEONARD DA VINCI (1452-1519)               ROTATING TURRET TANK           

      ARTWORK BY LEONARDO DA VINCI      

    

             All of a sudden I just thought about that guy Leonardo da Vinci and how, even though he was a good Painter; he was also a designer of futuristic weapons to kill people.  He worked for a few Italian "Patrons," and later the French King Francis I.   Andy's looking in this direction. 

            I've mentioned a few times how in the 1500's Italian City-States had their own armies and fought each other all the time.  It was the same  in ancient Greece at the time of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, when Sparta used to fight Athens.  Heathcliff crowed and his Hens are clucking.

           Ancient Athens is where the idea of "Democracy" started, even though females had few rights and Athenians "held" Slaves.  Boy!  I really wonder if we, as "Pets;" would be considered Slaves?   A lot of Birds are zooming around out in the back desert looking for their dinner.  

                                                                                                    "SPARTAN" WARRIORS                                  

                                                                                                                                               ARTWORK BY PETER CONNOLLY

  

             While ancient Athens was more democratic, Sparta "on the other hand," was what this Encyclopedia calls a "Warrior Culture."  From the time a Spartan boy was born he was raised to be a tough Warrior.  I can smell Bravo Company out there in the field behind the Sheds.

            Daisy and Millie saw this good tv show which said, when a Spartan baby was born it was "thoroughly examined;" and if there were any deformities they were killed.  This was especially true for males.  "In effect" our boss told Miss Susan at work, "children belonged to" Sparta.

            It says here, "from infancy until the age of seven" a Spartan boy lived with his mom.  But it was thought the "softening female influence" was bad for raising a strong Warrior, so love was totally "discouraged."  I guess, the word "spartan" has now come to mean "simple living." 

                                                                                                                                                             SPARTAN WARRIORS                                               

                                                                                                    ARTWORK BY HISTORY SKILLS                                                                                          

   

            The tv show said "Spartan" is associated with "self-denial" and "discipline, traits of the Spartan Warriors.  From seven through twenty Spartan boys lived a "harsh and rigorous" life of training.  I noticed how Mr. Steve has a miniature metal Hoplite helmet in the living room. 

            I guess Spartan boys learned to fight with "weapons or fists," had to "endure pain;" and be able to "survive on his wits" as it says here.  Spartan girls also were expected to be tough too Dais says. Boys went barefoot to condition their feet for pain, and the older boys beat them.

           The German Nazis were going to do what the ancient Greek Spartans did in "Breeding"  generations of Warriors.  They wanted a "balance" of "active aggression" with "voluntary self restraint."  Boy!  Thank You God for all of the Spring evening things I'm smelling right now.  

                              

                                                                SPARTAN MOTHER 

                                                                                                   PAINTING BY JEAN-JACQUES-FRANCOIS LE BARBIER                                                                                                                                                                               

        This 19th century painting shows what the caption says is a Spartan mother "sending her son off to war."  Oh!  As she hands him his shield she tells him, "E tan e epi tas;" Greek for saying "With this shield or on it."   Dais heard Mr. Steve's mom knows about this painting.          

           Dais says the Spartan mother was letting her son know, if he won the battle then he could came back holding his shield proudly.  But, if they lost the big battle; he was "expected to die" so  his body would come back carried on it.  In a way it was that old saying "Kill or be Killed." 

          The man on the tv show said, had Hitler's Nazi's won World War II; they intended to try to "emulate" the Spartans in "breeding generations of warriors."  But thank goodness Dais thinks, they lost so that never happened.  I see Andy over there scanning around and sniffing the air. 

               

"HITLERJUGEND"  

     

            The tv show talked about those German boys in the 1930's who were like our Boy Scouts.  But the "Hitler Youth, or "Hitlerjugend;" were trained for warfare.  A picture shows two of them carrying those "Panzerfaust" rocket launchers in 1945 while defending the city of Berlin.             

          I'm looking at the last photo of Adolph Hitler, which shows him encouraging a boy in the Hitler Youth.  The Russians were "closing in on" Berlin, and that boy was going to "willingly if    necessary give up his life for his Führer."  Samson and Delilah are flying toward the east.              

         Dais told me the man on the tv show compared the Spartans to later Japanese "Samurai" Warriors, and also the 19th century "Lakota" Sioux Horsemen.  All Warriors had to "live by"    one of those strict "Codes of Conduct" I've written about.  It's getting dimmer and dimmer.                                           

"LAKOTA"                                                             "SAMURAI"

PAINTING BY BOB CORONATO                                                                                                                                                                             

            It says here "loyalty to ones comrades in combat" was one of the most important things for all the Spartan, Samurai and Lakota Warriors.  I've written about that Japanese "Bushido"  code over the last two days.  Bravo Company's scent just floated in on a nice evening breeze.        

        According to what the tv show said, Spartan, Samurai and Lakota Warriors had three things they believed in.  The first, like Viking Warriors going up to "Valhalla;" was wanting to die in a way which "brought honor."  Heathcliff crowed over there and I hear his girls.                  

           Spartan, Samurai and Lakota Warriors thought the "highest duty" was to "protect their people," and the best way to survive combat was to "train and condition well" before the battle was even fought.  Dais heard Mr. Ralph say "good sports coaches" tell their teams that too.       

   

FV103 "SPARTAN"

PHOTO BY MILITARY TODAY.COM

   

           Mr. Steve met an English man who knew about ancient Greece, and had read things by that lady Edith Hamilton.  He said the name "Spartan" has been used over the years for a few      different vehicles.  And one is a military "armored personnel carrier" called the "FV103."            

           Daisy heard our boss tell his father the man from England said the FV103 is one of those "Tracked" vehicles I've written about.  One time he and Miss Babette at work talked about how there are a few U.S. cities called "Sparta," a customer of hers being one.  I smell Mesquite.           

          That man said the FV103, which can be "refitted" in an "anti-tank" version; holds seven so is used to "deliver" some of those "Special Forces."   The Spartan has been used since 1978,    and I guess in 2009 it was improved a lot.  Mr. Steve was in College at C.S.U.N. in 1978.                 

      

MR. PEABODY / SHERMAN                        "BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE (480 B.C.)

    

         Dais thinks, if our boss could borrow Mr. Peabody's time machine; he'd go back to see the "Battle of Thermopylae."  That was when those three hundred Spartans under "Leonidas," and their allies; died blocking that narrow mountain pass from the Persians.  Heathcliff crowed.         

         The Spartan Soldiers gave up their lives to gain time or "Breathing Space" for the Greek City-States behind them.  They "bought" three days for those they protected to "mobilize," but    "In the End" were killed.  But they "Went down Fighting" and killed a lot of Persians too.           

      If there's ever an invader into our two fenced in two acres Dais and I will have to be brave like those three hundred Spartans, who held up and delayed the huge Persian army under that    other guy King Xerxes.  Boy!  Hearing Heathcliff's Hens right now is making me feel so good.                              

     "THE THREE HUNDRED SPARTANS"                                 "300 SPARTANS"                              (1962)                                                                                                         (2006)             

             

         Daisy and Millie heard our boss talking with Mr. Dave about the Battle of Thermopylae, and how there have been a few movies made about what happened in 480 B.C.   One was from      1962 where they wore "inauthentic" Roman helmets Mr. Steve noticed.  Heathcliff crowed.           

          A few years ago Mr. Steve bought, and then resold; a sword just like the ones the Spartans used.  It was only one of those replicas but still was "really nice" he told Mr. Dave one time.  If it  weren't "too expensive" Mr. Steve would buy a Greek or Roman Shield Dais heard him say.         

        From what Daisy's heard, back in 480 B.C. a Greek man showed the Persians a way to get behind the three hundred Spartans at Thermopylae.  Mr. Steve's father, who likes to play Chess; said they were "flanked into checkmate."  The Spartans just decided to die together I guess.              

                        LANDING IN MEXICO               HERNAN CÓRTEZ                 MEETING MONTEZUMA                                        (1485-1547)                            

  

           All of a sudden I just thought of that guy Hernan Córtez who conquered the Aztecs in the early 16th century.   I've mentioned how, when he and his Spanish Soldiers arrived on Mexico's    east coast back in 1519; he sank all of his Ships.  Oh!  Dawn's doing her sad howl over there.        

           Córtez did not want any of his men to change their mind about what they were about to do so, in a way it was like the Spartans at Thermopylae.  In effect Daisy says, he was telling those Conquistadores that there was "no turning back."  I can smell Dawn, Blinky and Rosie.                

        I've written before how, in 1836 at the "Battle of the Alamo;" William Barrett Travis said it was "Victory of Death."   And back in 49 B.C. Julius Caesar told his Roman Soldiers they would cross that "Rubicon" River so the "Die was Cast."  That made him one of those "Rogues."           

     

             2014 NISSAN "ROGUE"             

 

           I just thought of that Car called a "Rogue," which Daisy heard is made by that Japanese company.  This Encyclopedia says in 1519 the Cuban Governor gave Córtez only permission to      "Explore," but he ignored that order.  That's another reason why he sank all of his Ships.           

         Córtez was a rogue in "going beyond" what he was legally entitled to do, but he ended up conquering the whole Aztec Empire.  My Dictionary defines a "rogue" as being, "A scoundrel or mischievous fellow."  Oh!  Rudy just jogged bye holding a dead Garter Snake in his mouth.          

          During the American Revolutionary in 1776 War George Washington said it was "victory or death" at the "Battle of Trenton."  He took a gamble crossing a River in Winter, but caught    those German mercenary Soldiers totally by surprise.  I smell the new baby Cholla cactus.                                      

"BATTLE OF TRENTON"                             "BATTLE OF THE ALAMO"    

    (1776 / CROSSING "DELAWARE" RIVER)                                             (1836 / FINAL ASSAULT)                            

PAINTING BY EMANUEL LEUTZE                                                                                                                                                                        

          

        I'm looking at that one famous painting of George Washington and his men crossing the Delaware River back in 1776.  You can really tell it's freezing cold.   Daisy and Millie heard Mr.    Steve tell Miss Babette his parents, when visiting New York City; have seen that painting.              

          Texas broke away from Mexico in 1836, to become its oven country for nine years.  But the "Texians" under William Barret Travis, Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett were all killed by that guy Santa Anna's Mexican Soldiers.  Two of the Pigeons just flew over Libby's Corral over there.       

      Someday I really want to see that 1960's John Wayne movie about the Alamo.  It's one of our boss's favorite movies I guess.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve and his mom talk about when Uncle Marty and Aunt Josephine's family lived for a time in "San Antonio," where the Alamo is located.                                     

                  LATE AFTERNOON SUNSET                

    PHOTO BY MARK PEACOCK  

              

                   It's getting darker so I have to hurry up and finish this second book.  I still have more to write about Sparta.  Daisy says the tv show said, when a male turned twenty he was "assigned" a wife so they could right away start having babies to make some new Warriors for Sparta.              

           The tv show mentioned the story of a Spartan boy who caught a Fox, but hid it under his cloak so the older boys wouldn't see it.  Rather than give away he was hiding a Fox, the boy had the discipline not to yell  when the Fox bit and clawed him under his cloak.  Heathcliff crowed.

           Boy! Dais says, even though that Spartan boy endured the pain without the older boys ever finding out about the Fox; he died from his bad injuries.  That story was meant to tell the other boys it was the "highest character trait" how he was able to endure pain without complaining.

                                   

  ANCIENT GREECE    

       

          I remember that morning last Summer when the nice man came over to our house.  He turned out to be from Greece, and told our boss Sparta is "in between" the mountain ranges of "Parnon" and "Taygetos."  Mr. Steve told that man. as a kid; he drew the Spartan's logo.             

            The man told our boss how Sparta's "upside down V" is the Greek letter "L," which just stands for the region Sparta is located in called "Laconia."   My Encyclopedia says it's "Lakedai Mðnion" in the Greek language.  I smell the Twins out there in the desert behind the Sheds.          

             Like the 16th century Italian City-States, the ancient Greek City-States also fought each other a lot.  "Truces" were "declared" for those Olympic Games.  And sometimes "cooperative alliances" were made to fight "common enemies" like the Persians in 480 B.C. for example.

      

                                                       HERODOTUS (484-424 B.C.)  

       

           The ancient Greek Historian Herodotus wrote about those "Persian Wars."  The Battle of Thermopylae was in the second one.  Daisy heard Mr. Steve's father talk about how "terrain,"    or a "narrow pass to defend;" can be a "force multiplier" against a much bigger army.                 

         My Encyclopedia says, when King Xerxes and his giant Persian army invaded Greece in 480 B.C.; King Leonidas led a total of seven thousand Greek Hoplites.  They were to "intercept"  them and "stall for time" at Thermopylae.  There are a lot of Birds chirping right now.                 

          It says here the "Persian Empire" was "founded" by "Cyrus the Great" in 550 B.C., and Thermopylae was not the first time Persia had invaded Greece.  Ten years before, in 490 B.C.;      King "Darius" tried to conquer Greece.  The famous "Battle of Marathon" happened then.                                       "BATTLE OF MARATHON"

("FIRST PERSIAN WAR" / 490 B.C.)

                       ARTWORK BY PETER CONNOLLY                                                                                                                                                                                                              

   

           I just thought about the First Persian War's "Battle of Marathon," and how that guy ran twenty six miles back to Athens to announce a Greek win.  But too bad he died right after saying "Nike," or "Victory."  A nice cool evening breeze just floated in from the eastern desert.                       

           Mr. Steve's brothers Rock and Sam ran in those Marathon races, and as I wrote before; it was our boss and Miss Harriet who drove them home afterwards.  The distance from our house    to Littlerock where his brother Sam's family lives is twenty seven miles.  I smell Joshua trees.       

       Boy!  That guy "Hannibal" invaded ancient Rome by marching an army, with Elephants; over the the tall "Alps" mountains in Winter; which caught the Romans totally by surprise.  In    Italy he then beat the Romans in a few battles. Daisy says some Elephants fell off of cliffs.             

       

                CROSSING THE ALPS                 HANNIBAL BARCA               WAR ELEPHANTS

                                                                      (247-183 B.C.)

       

           Like Greece and Persia were big "Rivals," later Rome and Carthage were the same.  In book one I forgot to write a few things about that "Battle of Cannae," but Daisy told me to just    add it in today somewhere.  So I'll do it now and then write about the "Battle of the Alamo."        

          In my first book I mentioned how Students at "West Point" military academy study the 215 B.C. Battle of Cannae.  In that battle Hannibal "Annihilated" a Roman army of over seventy thousand by using that "Double Envelopment" tactic I've written about.  Heathcliff crowed.        

         Daisy says Mr. Steve's father studied "Cannae," which took place in 215 B.C.  And so did Frederick the Great, and that guy General Schwartzcoff in that 1991 "Persian Gulf" War.   A Roman Writer said sixty thousand Roman Soldiers were slaughtered at Cannae.                            

                                               

         HOMER LEA (1876-1912)         

              

          Over the last two days I've mentioned that little hunchback Homer Lea, who wrote those two books about military history.  Daisy says he thought Hannibal was just as good of a "Field    Commander" as Alexander the Great or Napoléon too.  All four Pigeons are flying bye.                 

      Homer Lea, who went to College up there at "Stanford;" studied Double Envelopment, where you try to create one of those "Killing Zones."  This one Encyclopedia says, in 215 B.C.;    Hannibal's "front ranks" stuck out as if "exposed and vulnerable."  Heathcliff just crowed.         

          I guess at Cannae the Romans rushed in to "engage," Hannibal's Soldiers told to fight but slowly back up like a bending rubber band.  The Romans, thinking they were winning and their enemy was retreating; kept pushing forward.   I smell the baby Cholla cactus over there.               

"BATTLE OF CANNAE"

("SECONC PUNIC WAR" / 215 B.C.)

ARTWORK BY FRANK MILLER                                                                                                                                                                     

   

               I love diagrams, like the one here that shows how the Roman lines in red pushed against Hannibal's men in gray.  Hannibal's front lines, acting as a "lure" like in fishing; slowly pulled    or "sucked" the Romans in, "giving ground" in the center.   A Train just whistled faintly.              

           Once the Romans were "bottled up" and "surrounded" Hannibal's "wing units," some on Horses; then came in to "collapse" on the Roman Warriors trapped inside.  A Killing Zone was created in the center.  Boy!  And in those days you had to stab an enemy to end their lives.          

          Genghis Khan's 13th century Mongols conquered a huge empire, and used Hannibal's idea  of Double Envelopment; only on their Ponies.   I wrote yesterday how they were like 19th century "Comanche" Indians who could shoot backwards while galloping on a Horse.  I smell Libby.        

                        

NAPOLÉON BONAPARTE I (1769-1821)

    PAINTING BY JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID                                                                      PAINTING BY ERNEST MEISSONIER           

             

            I don't know why but I suddenly just thought of that guy Napoléon, who took advantage of the "French Revolutions" chaos to become France's leader.  He won a lot of battles and knew about the Battle of Cannae.  But in 1812 his invasion of Russia turned out to be a disaster.            

           This one Encyclopedia describes Napoléon's "failed" attempt to conquer Russia as being "catastrophic."  His "Grand Armee" of four hundred thousand men beat the Russians in some    battles early in the Russian campaign but eventually lost the war.  Heathcliff just crowed.             

         Wow!  Only twenty thousand of Napoléon's army "escaped" back to France.  That's why it's surprising a century later Hitler made the same exact mistake of "miscalculating" attacking  Russia.  And in both cases extremely cold Winters were also big "factors" in their defeats.                               

LATE AFTERNOON

            It's getting darker and darker fast but, like yesterday at this time; I only have a few things left to write about.  And then we can have dinner which will be so great because I'm hungry.  On my outline I see I have to write more about that famous "Battle of the Alamo" from 1836.             

          As I've said before, the area now the State of "Texas" was first part of Spain's New World Empire until that the Mexicans "broke away" from Spain in 1821.  Then, it was in the Mexican    "State" of "Coahuilla" according to this one Encyclopedia.  Ah!  The evening air is so clear.         

        The Federal Government down in Mexico City decided to "enforce its authority" in 1835, but the white "Texians" and Hispanic "Tejanos" in "Tejas" didn't like it.  That's what a tv show Dais and Millie saw that one time said.   All four of the Pigeons flew over Libby Corral.                                             

"BATTLE OF THE ALAMO"

("SAN ANTONIO" / MARCH, 1836)

            It says here, in 1835 many of the people in Texas "defied" the Mexican Government so the following year that guy General Santa Anna marched an army of about two thousand men up to Texas.  

           When Santa's army got to Texas he found about two hundred Texians and Tejanos had "fortified" that old "run down" 18th century Franciscan Mission near San Antonio. 

          Santa Anna surrounded the Alamo, which in Spanish means "Cottonwood;" and then did one of those "Sieges" I've written about.  It was from inside the Alamo that guy William Barrett Travis wrote his famous letter to Sam Houston saying "victory or death."  I smell Juniper. 

                                                                                                                   

        As I've said before, by 1835 many white American "Illegal Aliens" had been moving into Texas; and others like that guy Moses Austin's family were legal.   But none of them liked how the government was treating them.  Santa Anna wanted to "put them in their place .    

Travis, the famous knife fighter Jim Bowie; and later Davy Crockett. 

          Alamo's defenders flew Mexican green, white  red "1824" flag.  Mexico broke away Spain  1824.  Mr. Steve has  little 1824 flag also Mexico's  current "bandera;"  "flag" 

          1836  jobthose inside Alamo  hold up delay Santa Anna   When  arrived  Texas  Santa Anna  in bad mood because  army had marched all way Mexico City.

    reason  Travis  Bowie,  with  frontiersman  former Congressman Davy,  had to "stall for time"  so  Sam Houston could raise  army.   would require "sacrifice in blood"

       1836 Travis, Bowie Crockett were same task as  Spartans    "buy time" 

       SAM HOUSTON (1783-1863)                                        SANTA ANNA (1794-1876)

                                                                                                                                             Santa   killing all  defenders but later Sam  beat him near  "San Jacinto" river.   before  massacred another three hundred  prisoners goliad."

     At  San Jacinto river  Houston's soldiers caught Santa Anna's army by surprise  "routed"  Santa tried escape but had to surrender to Sam under a tree.  wounded Sam laying on blanket. 

     Texas, or "Tejas" in Spanish,  part of  Mexico1936.  were just part of state  "Coahuila."  At first the Texans  not seeking independence but more  say in  own affairs.  But after Alamo  changed.

    after killing everyone at  Alamo, then slaughtering three hundred at Goliad Santa Anna "sowed the seeds of revenge" asPersians made Thermopylae  "rallying cry" 480 B.C.

    "matanza" "slaughter."  In 1995 Mr. Steve  Armando visited "Matanza Bay"  where  Spanish killed French Catholics  "Huguenots"on  beach.  

     at San Jacinto late 1836  Houston's "ragtag" force yelled "Remember the Alamo!"  "Remember Goliad" as  killed  soldiers; some Indians forcibly "conscripted"  Some  drowned 

     At Thermopylae three hundred Spartans under Leonidas held up Persians  three days  In 1836 the Texans had about two hundred defenders  held out  thirteen days. 

           WILLIAM. B. TRAVIS (1809-1836)                                             JIM BOWIE (1796-1836)

                                                                          Texans under Travis, Crockett  Bowie, did  best they could with what had to work with  1836.  The three  now symbolize  "heroic struggle against impossible odds." 

       on cold final morning before  final assault   Santa Anna flew  red "blood flag."   ordered  buglers  play "Deguello" or "no quarter" means "no prisoners!"

   "Alamo"   "Cottonwood" in Spanish.   not really a fort but  old "run down" 18th century Spanish Franciscan Mission. 

                                                                                     "Pee Wee's Big Adventure."  In one scene Pee Wee Herman supposed to be visiting Alamo.  Butboss recognized  San Fernando Mission.

    For  years  legend was  Crockett  men Tennessee among  last  killed "went down fighting."  But one of Santa Anna's Colonels  wrote Crockett survived

                                                              DAVY CROCKETT (1786-1836)

     Mexican Colonel, Enrique de la Pena, said Crockett  others captured but  Santa Anna ordered  "sliced" to death killed with sabers.  At first some  refused but then others did; 

      boss has  Bowie knife like Jim Bowie's!  

      books onAlamo  one about Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.      

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

            many females tend  “Risk Averse.” I know what he means but, when  Daisy and me are protecting our territory, we do become braver!  “Kamikaze” (“Divine Wind”) pilots.

                      Japanese Kamikaze  believed; “It is better to die than live as cowards.” 

                                                                              

         “Possum” down in Valley. Because  have sharp teeth  claws, look mean! are harmless  as “Defense Mechanism,” have evolved a look which makes predators hesitate.

     Sometimes a “Split” second makes the difference between life and death!   Also as a defense mechanism my boss says, Possum's can be as “still as a rock.” 

                                           I don't like staying in one spot for too long!could never be a possum  you can eat Possum. 

     Hillbillies.   family goes from poor to rich by accidentally finding oil old Dog  Duke.

            Hillbillies   Clampett family  eat Possum   

       1994,  Las Vegas,  boss  father met Max Baer Jr. "Jethro"  convention  father, in 1930's and 1940's,  had been  fan of  father 

               Mr. owns  "Pictorial History of Boxing;" written 1975 Nat Fleischer.   until died, published "Ring"  the "Bible of Boxing."  If Nat Fleischer said it in this book it's "Gospel" to people who know Boxing.

                               MAX BAER SR. ON COVER OF RING MAGAZINE     NAT FLEISCHER / HENRY ARMSTRONG / JOE LOUIS

   Nat Fleischer wrote, "Max Baer had the finest physical equipment a ringman could want. Unfortunately, he never took boxing seriously, clowning and depending upon his right hand to end matters.  Greatness might have been his had learned to box and set up a defense." 

                                       

       Mr. bought  small metal Shark  Garage Sale  now  Living Room coffee tables; next to  statue of the Marlin he bought in Florida.  

        Sharks only known Fish can blink with both eyes.  

     now realizes he's had  “Subconscious” fear Sharks.   in  dumb way  twelve year old thinks  as ridiculous as sounds;  wanted to know "On Sight" which  dangerous.  

              amuses  boss when thinks about  a kid   wanted to know all  Sharks in case ever found himself swimming   

                  biggest Fish  "Whale Shark."   can grow to be fifty feet weigh fifty thousand pounds.  But harmless because eat  "Plankton." 

             shows people swimming near Whale Sharks.   could  eat in one bite.  But   are "Filter Feeders"  only eat plankton.  

              plankton is; "Microscopic animal and plant life found floating in bodies of water."   Whale Sharks swim along  open  mouths wide 

      another  huge Shark  "Basking" Shark.   like  Whale Shark,  only eats plankton  

             Daisy brought up  good point.   even though  Whale Shark does not eat Dogs; what if you  swimming along and  Whale Shark came by mouth open?  You could  by accident.

          looking up plankton shows "Jelly Fish."  In definition of plankton  word "microscopic"  used.  That means  so small you can't see most of them; except things like Jelly Fish.

     Jelly Fish giant form plankton.   heads  made   jelly  long arms  "Tentacles."  have been floating in Oceans  five hundred million years! 

    paintings of "Octopus"  "Squid."  also have  tentacles like  Jelly Fish.   Jelly Fish has "Stingers" on tentacles while Octopus  Squid have "Suction Cups" to hold  prey.

       Some of things in  Oceans  look like monsters.   boss thinks some  stories  Sea Monsters   giant Octopus'  giant Squid.  

     I'm tempted to write about the "Giant Squid" called "Architeuthis" now but I think I'll wait and do it when I look up "Sperm Whales.  next thing  "Blue" Sharks.  

              ten when  first read about Blue .   blue  silver  makes them one of  prettiest 

             though Blue doesn't have reputation for  dangerous his friend  attacked by one.  His hands got cut;  left foot  almost bitten off. 

             Blue Sharks sometimes look lazy  "lethargic."  But when  need  want to  can move  fast.  And even though you don't see teeth; have sharp teeth.

     Blue Sharks, unlike other Sharks, prefer cooler water.  females bigger   Some ten feet  

     Many  Sharks "Solitary" until time to go have babies.  But Blue Sharks seem to group

       some of most harmless Sharks  like “Reef”  "Sand Tiger"  look scary  pointy teeth sticking out   

      most Sharks can be dangerous depending on situation and if they're hungry.  But one  "Great White" Shark.   often aggressive  can be over twenty feet   

          Mr. knows   "The Divine Comedy"  early 14th  Dante.  describes what  "afterlife" might be like.  In  nine circles of Hell each soul spends  eternity in their particular torment. 

            for Mr. worst Hell  swimming  on  pitch black moonless night.  In daytime  can see  Shark coming say  quick Hail Mary throw a few punches  But not at night.

         late July of 1945.  "Cruiser" the U.S.S "Indianapolis" delivered parts  Atomic bombs 

                                                               U.S.S "INDIANAPOLIS"

PAINTING BY TED EASLEY

          after making  delivery  "Components"  Indianapolis  left but sunk two torpedoes Submarine.   no one  noticed for four days.  

      about twelve hundred when it went down.  Almost nine hundred would end up dying; many  eaten by Sharks easy meals  real-life nightmare.

       Indianapolis sank twelve minutes.  Three hundred  did not escape   about nine hundred  went into   Ocean.  At  end of  four days floating about three hundred survived.  

      Because  Indianapolis sank so fast men weren't able  use  many of  "Life Rafts"    not enough room   Life Rafts .  Only a few lucky ones got inside.  

    for Mr.  what happened  Indianapolis  his worst nightmare. would've died of stress   hard not to panic 

                  ARTWORK BY CECIL TROTTER               

      What happened to  Sailors  terrible.  In burning hot Sun four days floated out there   For sharks  a "Gold Mine" of food. 

     As I mentioned before when I talked about the Dead Sea in Israel and the Great Salt Lake in Utah;  you'll die if you try drinking salt water.  

     For four days  nights  Sailors died thirst, heat  Sharks.   most Sharks  loners but out in the middle of oceans some  become like pack of Wolves when  plenty of food 

                                                                     TIGER SHARK

                                                                  PAINTING BY ADRIAN SUTTON

      good painting shows  Tiger   has markings  Tiger.   Tiger Sharks may grow over twenty feet long.  

       documentary  U.S.S. Indianapolis  1945.  some of  three hundred survivors said  thought a few shipmates  eaten by  Tiger Sharks; based on  stripe patterns   

                                                                              OCEANIC WHITE TIP SHARKS       

                                                                    PHOTO BY BRIAN SKERRY

           "Oceanic White Tips."caption says accompanied   "Pilot Fish." Whit Tip  prefer warm water in  middle of deep Oceans.

        White Tip  Stocky  rounded instead of pointed Dorsal Fins.  All  Fins white at edges.  Some survivors of  Indianapolis say seemed like hunting pack  Wolves.

       White Tip  never seem to rest.  hunt all time; even night  Pilot Fish follow  eat parasites off bodies   scraps of food  after Shark kills 

       were some mornings  1945 when  men  Life Rafts woke  to find out  in  middle of  night Sharks had eaten bottom half of  sailors 

                                                    CHARLES  B. MCVAY (1898-1968)

       trials ended up blaming  on the  Captain.  Charles B. McVay  was "Railroaded." 

      Mr.  agrees t McVay  made "Fall Guy"  scapegoat for 1945.   General Short and Admiral Kimmel  blamed 

    1968 McVay killed self.  McVay's birthday  July  30th; same date  his Ship  sunk.  

         McVay  "Exonerated"  2003.  But, van Gogh might've died thinking  a failure; died before being "cleared of blame."  

      1974, first year  College;  movie "Jaws"  He  Sandy saw.   abouthuge "Great White" Shark

    Jaws a big hit.  That's when Mr.  realized other people afraid of Sharks too.  

      Since  a kid one of Mr. favorite documentaries  about White Sharks.   "Blue Water, White Death"  first time  saw it was when  Uncle Marty's                     

      When Jaws came out Mr.found himself explaining to people about Sharks  same thing movie "Gettysburg"  in  Theaters.        

     scene where Shark eats  boy people panic run out of  water  escape onto  beach.   another scene Shark bites  man leg, with  shoe  floats down                      

        aws was based on a book whose author may've known about this time when people were killed by Sharks in New Jersey.  That was in 1916, the   second year of World War I.  

        In Jaws  Mayor  beach town doesn't want  scare away  Tourists tries to "downplay"  danger.  tells  Sheriff  hire someone  kill White Shark  man  named "Quint."                         

               QUINT      FRANK MUNDAS (1925-2008)

       Mr.  had  customer in "Key West"  where  Hemingway lived. said  character Quint   probably based loosely on  Frank Mundas.                       

    FRANK MUNDAS (1964)

     in 1964; Frank Mundas caught  White Shark  four thousand five hundred pounds.   he did it using  "Harpoon" spear like  ones used to kill Whales.                                 

    Frank Mundas  Fisherman  New York City.  made livingtaking people Fish  Atlantic   later   "Conservationist"  protected Sharks                 

    "Montauk" New York is.   where  Frank Mundas lived.   Susan lives  "Stonington,"                  

     Long Island   part of New York City sticks  into  Atlantic Ocean.  Montauk, which sounds an Indian name; is  area  eastern tip Long Island.  Emily's family are from Long Island.             

           in Jaws  turns out  Quint, hired to kill the Shark; was  survivor of  U.S.S. Indianapolis.  So  really hates Sharks like Captain Ahab hated    Whale  wants revenge for 1945.                                

       story is like Moby Dick in some ways.  Just like that big white Whale ended up killing Captain    Ahab; giant Shark sank Quint's boat  ate him                             

     one difference between Jaws  Moby Dick  in Jaws  Shark  blown to pieces dies    giant white Whale Moby  survives so does the main character   Ishmael;  usedwooden coffin as  life Boat.                  

       scene  Jaws  Shark going from salt  fresh water  "Inlet."  in real  life there  "Bull" Shark.                     

      customer Louisiana saw  Bull Shark Mississippi River  Mr. has talked about Bull Sharks Julio;  Julio's     wife originally  Nicaragua where  fresh water Bull                          

       1993 Mr.  mom had year-long Art Exhibit  Natural History Mr.  mom named Cliff set  up.                       

  Cliff  helped set up  Art Exhibit  not  same Cliff now.   That other  Cliff  "Tenant"  rented  warehouse  Sylmar.                              

      Cliff  a "Machinist"  from "Nebraska."   boss has  customers there  Cliff had been in  Navy.  In 1993, besides working   Machinist, raised "Earthworms" had  Truckused that day.                       

             Cliff helped  mother "hang" art Museum "Closed to the public."  made it  easier    to move things  on wheeled "Dollys."                       

          took a few hours, from early   morning until late afternoon to finish "Hanging"     Everyone tired.  Throughout  day  boss  Cliff kept rolling things  past   container  labeled "Mega-Mouth" Shark.                         

       Chief got  curious as  day went on.   FinallyMr.  walked over to container looked inside.   almost had  "Heart Attack."                                 

           thought he knew a lot about Sharks.  But hadn't  studied  since  1970. didn't  know in 1976,  Hawaii,  first Mega- was accidentally caught in a net.                             

     if he'd been swimming  Ocean looked down saw  Shark  had never seen  probably  "died of fright."  Looking  into   container; worst nightmare flashed in front                              

     occasionally  still has dreams about moment  looked down into  tank with the Mega-  insidewas over ten feet long. 

                                 Mega    like Whale  Basking  not dangerous  third known Shark eats only plankton.                                  

  Because Mega-usually stay   deep  almost nothing  known about   Seeing one  rare.                           

   Looking at   pictures  Mega  looks like really big heads rubbery lips.      may grow  twenty feet But nobody  knows                                        

         Since 1976 only a few Mega-Mouth  caught.  photograph people in  Philippines  standing around dead Mega-Mouth. huge with big mouths.                            another rare Fish.  "Coelacanth."   thought  extinct; like  Eohippus.                      

1938,  one of those Coelcanth  caught off  coast of South Africa.  Everyone     surprised.                     

    until 1938  Scientists believed  Coelacanth died out  sixty six million years ag