Unknown Territories

Missouri Drivers At Their Best

2011-12-21T16:07:00.001-06:00

<p style="margin:0">Kansas City Star Video</p>

Extreme High-Lining Indeed

2011-12-20T14:25:00.001-06:00

I've never been a particular fan of heights as it is, so watching this video definitely makes my palms sweat. This guy seems to know what he's doing but there is no margin for error. Insane!

My Night at Livestrong Sporting Park

2011-06-15T10:10:00.001-05:00

Last night there were two CONCACAF Gold Cup first rounds games here in Kansas City. The first game featured Canada versus Panana. The second game was the primary attraction as the U.S. Men's national team played Guadeloupe. I received tickets to the Member's Club which allowed me to get a front row seat near the pitch. Following are a few photos I took of my first vist to the new Livestrong Sporting Park. (Click on any photo for a larger view in the browser.)

Prior to the start of the Canada-Panama game flags of both countries were brought onto the field prior to the teams emerging from the tunnel for the national anthems.

An unstiched panaramic of the new Livestrong Sporting Park during the Canada-Panama game.

Alberto Quintero had an early corner kick for Panama.

Mike Klukowski prepares for a corner kick for Canada.

Canada celebrates their goal which gave them a 1-0 lead. Panama tied the game in the 91st minute, eliminating Canada from moving on in the Gold Cup competition.

Finally it was time for the headline attraction! The U.S. applied pressure from the start. Early in the match Landon Donovan prepared for a corner kick near our seats.

Three minutes later Jozy Altidore scored to give the U.S. fans something to celebrate. The 1-0 lead proved enough for the U.S. team to win, but both teams wasted numerous chances to score.

Later in the first half Landon Donovan had another corner kick.

All in all it was a great experience. Feedback about the new Livestrong Sporting Park and the fan environment has been deservedly positive. It's a great venue for a soccer game and gives the Kansas City area another reason to be proud.

The Dog & Her New Toy

2011-05-21T11:44:00.001-05:00

Kaya fell asleep in her bed last night with a new toy giraffe. Based on this photo I'd say she likes it.

Royals Opening Day

2011-04-01T10:58:00.001-05:00

Another Opening Day has come and gone for the Kansas City Royals baseball team. While they did lose to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 4-2 yesterday it was another fun, though chilly, day at the ballpark.

Opening Day announcement was posted on the giant scoreboard regularly.

Presentation of the colors included unfurling a huge flag.

Mike Sweeney signed a one-day contract with the Royals in order to retire as a Royal, the team with which he had his greatest success. Sweeney threw out the first pitch yesterday with George Brett catching.

The scoreboard displays a ton of information about Peter Bourjos as earns a hit in the game.

Fans love watching themselves on the screen between innings.

Melky Cabrera finally got the first hit of the season for the Royals in the bottom of the fourth inning.

However, Torii Hunter provided the power to defeat the Royals, including an impression 446-foot home run.

Even though Royals fans left unsatisfied it was fun to be back inside Kauffman Stadium. There are still three games to go in this Royals-Angels series. Perhaps the hometown boys will earn a win along the way.

The Blizzard's Aftermath

2011-02-02T10:16:00.001-06:00

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday's blizzard is gone, the sun is shining, and Kansas City is digging out. It is still frigid however, and the temperature is predicted to dip to -10°F (-23°C) tonight.

Driving around downtown this morning is much easier than it was yesterday afternoon. Here are a few photos of conditions this morning.

The thermometer on this building couldn't be more wrong, though we may wish it was 74° as displayed! (Click on the photo for a larger view.)

Blizzard in Downtown Kansas City

2011-02-01T16:35:00.001-06:00

Here are a few photos I grabbed on my phone this afternoon while driving towards downtown Kansas City from north of the Missouri River during today's blizzard. Anyone familiar with approaching downtown from the north knows the skyline can be seen easily when approaching the Broadway Bridge. Due to today's weather conditions there is no hint of anything on the other side of the river.

The last photo is among the most striking to me. One Kansas City Place is the tallest building in downtown Kansas City. Even though it is less than three blocks east of where I took the photo it is completely invisible due to the blowing snow. It will be a few days before Kansas City digs out if we get close to the 12" predicted for the area.

Snowy Kansas City

2011-01-11T13:57:00.001-06:00

It has been a relatively mild winter with regard to snow in Kansas City. Some of the area's meteorologists actually predicted a slow snow season after last year's 41" of snow; the predictions are accurate so far. However, the past two days have delivered the first significant snowfall we've seen this winter. Now that the snow has stopped we can prepare for Arctic air with highs in the teens and wind chills below -10°F. At least it's sunny outside.

These photos were taken while driving snowy roads downtown the past two mornings.

Jackpot!

2010-12-10T12:29:00.001-06:00

An old friend from high school offered to send me a few rolls of old film he had sitting around his house at no cost. I received the package this morning. Clearly his definition of "a few" is slightly different than mine. Looks like Christmas came a bit early!

Pumpkin Spice Egg Nog?! Excellent!

2010-12-03T14:29:00.001-06:00

I found some of this hard-to-get treat earlier today. Not only is it great to support a local, family-run dairy, but the glass bottles Shatto Milk is delivered in are just too retro cool. Shatto must know this is good stuff as it has to list 'Sugar' twice in the list of ingredients.

The Yellow Shoes

2010-12-02T08:53:00.001-06:00

via youtube.com

If you make it to the :40 mark you'll understand why so many people have watched this. Apparently, the boots are to protect his feet from sidewalk salt during the winter, but that doesn't make it less funny.

And the bride wore white...

2010-11-28T00:21:00.001-06:00

Crossing Man

2010-11-19T16:50:00.001-06:00

While at a stoplight in downtown Kansas City I saw this man cross in front of me. On impulse I grabbed my smartphone and snapped this picture. I wish I had been a couple of seconds quicker so the photo would have more balance, but I like his silhouette regardless.

Date: November 15, 2010
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Camera: Motorola Droid X

SOTD: Daniel G. Harmann & the Trouble Starts - 'The Horse & the Sistine Chapel' from Risk (2010)

2010-11-17T16:51:00.001-06:00

I've always believed various artist samplers offered the opportunity to discover great artists. I rarely like everything I hear on a sampler, but then again, rarely are they completely without merit. Some of my favorite artists have been discovered via the sampler, so I generally like to give them a shot. Thus it was that I recently discovered Daniel G. Harmann & the Trouble Starts on a Burning Building Records sampler.

Apparently I'm late to the party on Harmann and company due to the fact their new album Risk is their sixth release. This Seattle-based band has been doing the circuit for a number of years, but if their earlier work is anything like Risk I'm going to be doing some catching up quite soon. While their bio says others have compared them to Jeff Buckley or Elliott Smith I hear many other things in their music. Part of it sounds a bit similar to Band of Horses, other parts remind me of early Slobberbone, and yet at other moments I'd swear I'm almost hearing Sugar, though I'm sure nobody else hears that and I can even convince myself I'm nuts. The bottom line is that Harmann and his band The Trouble Starts have an instantly familiar sound, yet don't sound just like anyone else.

'The Horse & the Sistine Chapel' is the lead single off Risk. Though a brief tune at 2:05 the song lingers with you. The guitars chime in all the right places while the drums are nice and crisp. And before you know it the song is over. I dare you to try and not hit repeat.

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The_Horse_&_the_Sistine_Chapel.mp3 (4118 KB)

The version of 'Dee' that appears on Risk is a slightly reworked version from the one that appeared on the May 2009 Our Arms EP. The excellent animated video below is mesmerizing.

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Dee.mp3 (8822 KB)

I suppose it's something few might find interesting, but when I heard 'Dee' it reminded me of another song but I couldn't place what it was exactly. Only later did it come to me: Holland (not the same as the band hollAnd or the metal group of the same name) had a song on their 2003 album Photographs & Tidalwaves titled 'Goodnight Texas.' Though there are many differences, the quiet/soft dynamic works for me in both cases. Once the song works into it's full glory past the 3:30 mark the comparison may make more sense.

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Goodnight_Texas.mp3 (15729 KB)

I was lucky to catch Holland on tour in 2003 while they were opening for The Elms (who were promoting their excellent Truth, Soul, Rock & Roll album). Needless to say, 'Goodnight Texas' was the highlight of their set for me.

In any case, you should check out Daniel G. Harmann & the Trouble Starts as Risk is an excellent release. Here is the band performing 'The Horse & the Sistine Chapel' at the Comet Tavern in January 2010.

The Watchful Gaze

2010-11-15T17:49:00.001-06:00

I'm still getting used to my new Motorola Droid X smartphone and the installed eight megapixel camera, though I'm really enjoying it so far. By far, the best Android application I've found so far is Vignette for Android. I've tried FxCamera and RetroCamera and while each have their place neither app takes full advantage of the great camera.

It's handy to have pets to use as test subjects while exploring settings. Kaya was intently looking out the door when I took a couple of photos of her today. This certainly isn't a classic, but I like it well enough.

Vintage wallpaper strip I found while doing bathroom tearout this morning. Glad this is no longer on the walls!

2010-11-02T13:04:00.001-05:00

via twidroid

An Unexpected Late Season Visitor

2010-10-30T14:43:00.001-05:00

While preparing to powerwash the deck this morning, I noticed a recently bloomed Purple Coneflower in the butterfly garden. It's unusual to have new coneflower blooms this late in the year but there it was along with other new buds.

A butterfly that looks to me as a variety of skipper (I could be wrong) landed and began feeding while I inspected the plant. I was somewhat surprised to see it considering Kansas City reached the freezing mark for the first time yesterday but this little guy was working away. The skipper fed long enough to allow me to run into the house and grab my Droid X for a few photos.

While watching the butterfly feed, a second skipper came to the coneflower. It did not stay quite as long.

I decided to test the macro feature of the Droid X. I was pleased to be able to zoom in so far with a phone, and pleasantly surprised to be able to see individual hairs on the skipper upon magnification. This far surpassed my expectations of what a smartphone could do.

Not to be outdone, a bumblebee of some variety visited the coneflower and fed for a few seconds. Both the butterfly and bee left soon after I snapped this, but each helped me appreciate being outside on a sunny, cool morning.

(All photos taken with the Vignette for Android application using custom settings.)

See the full gallery on posterous

Autumn Leaves In The Yard

2010-10-28T22:53:00.001-05:00

I was outside doing a bit of yard work today and took a break to take a few photos with my new Motorola Droid X. I like the eight megapixel camera a lot so far, especially since I discovered the Vignette for Android application. While there were a few mistakes, a couple were impressionistic enough I kept them.

SOTD: Jason Kent - 'Slowly Dive in Love' from Jason Kent (2008)

2010-10-11T10:53:00.001-05:00

Teen Mom did it to me. The guilty pleasure MTV reality show following the lives and trials of four young mothers infected me with an ear worm that wouldn't go away until it was satisfied. Last week's episode ended with a song by a little-known Canadian, Jason Kent, who must have good friends at the network. It's really too bad it's so hard to find Kent's music as the payoff is definitely worth the effort.

Despite the fact Kent's self-titled debut album was released in 2008, the Teen Mom exposure is probably the first time many people have been exposed to his brand of singer/songwriter tunes. While he occasionally sounds similar to Harvest-era Neil Young, Kent has an understated, simple way of singing that appealed to me quickly. Hearing the piano chords of "Slowly Dive in Love" I immediately perked up as this was far different than the usual MTV show soundtrack. It's a haunting track that seems to beg to be played at the end of a long night. Other tracks are more upbeat and remind one of early Wilco, never a bad thing.

Download now or listen on posterous

07_Slowly_Dive_in_Love.mp3 (7014 KB)

According to maplemusic.com, Kent has has opened for Rufus Wainwright, Neko Case, Arctic Monkeys, April Wine, Melissa Auf der Maur, The Stars, The Dears, The Unicorns, and The Autumn Defense (members of Wilco) among others. Unfortunately, the album is not available on iTunes in the U.S. or Amazon.com. There aren't even any cheap CDs on eBay currently. The only places I found to get the album are through Toronto-based zunior.com (mp3/FLAC) or maplemusic.com (CD). Perhaps with the increased exposure more avenues for obtaining Jason Kent's work will become available.

Don't believe me that Jason Kent can channel Neil Young? Check out this video of Kent performing 'Great Divide' on a Rhodes piano:

'Country Lane' is also found on the 2008 self-titled album.

'America' is another personal favorite from Jason Kent.

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05_America.mp3 (5276 KB)

Lloyd Cole Acoustic from Spain

2010-09-23T09:27:00.001-05:00

via elmundo.es

I've long been a fan of Lloyd Cole. In my opinion he is one of the most under-appreciated singer/songwriters out there today. His work is consistently strong with great lyrics and generally catchy tunes to match. Cole has recently released a new album, Broken Record.

Love heights? Enough to do this for a living?

2010-09-15T10:31:00.001-05:00

via youtube.com

I have no problem admitting heights aren't my thing. Tall buildings are fine. And climbing narrow trails in the mountains can be fantastic. However, looking at high catwalks and narrow ledges makes my palms sweat.

The work these guys do is in another league. While the camera motion from the helmet-cam certainly induces some heebie-jeebies (technical term), it's watching the free climbs that really does it. I appreciate the work they do, I just want no part of it!

Belle & Sebastian Preview 'Write About Love'

2010-09-08T14:17:00.001-05:00

Belle & Sebastian have a new album coming out on October 12th in the U.S. In anticipation of the new release, the band has released the first in a series of TV-style interviews. The video includes two of the songs from the album: "I Want The World To Stop" and "I Didn't See It Coming" as well as snippets of previous work. Enjoy!

Kilbey the Cat: 1998 - Very Soon

2010-07-30T19:35:00.001-05:00

Dear Kilbey,

I can't believe this is almost goodbye. I can't believe you lie here next to me, body having withered away as it was ravaged by cancer, appetite suddenly gone. It is clear you'll soon be separated from me forever.

How do I tell you what you've meant to me the past 12 years? I suppose I can't in a way you'll understand, but perhaps I've shown you through my actions. I know I uprooted your comfortable existence when I moved to Kansas City from Augusta. You adapted well as you always have. Do you realize you've had seven different mailing addresses in your 12 years? Sure, you could accuse me of being one step removed from a transient, but you always took your new dwellings in stride. Within a few days you were running around as if you'd always owned the place.

And you did own the place. Let that be clear. Whether it was your favorite room (the bathroom) or the lap of whoever happened to be available at any given time, you were in charge. I've never seen a cat who so enjoyed acting like a dog. I remember the many times you would run to the front door to greet me when I'd come home after a long day at work. Even now in your emaciated state you do the best you can to greet me at the door. I will miss seeing you there.

I'd be willing to bet no other cat has ever enjoyed water and the bathroom the way you did. From the time you were a kitten you were fascinated by the bathroom. I'm probably partly to blame when I shared my Crest toothpaste with you. I never actually believed you'd find the pea-sized sample I gave you appealing. You showed me! Even though you eventually lost interest in toothpaste, you never lost interest in the process. How many times did you jump on the toilet or sink and study me morning, noon, and night when teeth were brushed? I don't know why I was so frustrated when you tried to rub on me while I was trying to spit over you. I'd give anything to have you in the way again.

Do you remember when you scared my Mom due to your bathtub fixation? Remember how you were in the tub licking the post-shower faucet (BTW, disgusting habit Kilbey!) and she didn't realize you were there as she settled onto the toilet? I still remember the shriek as you jumped from the shower to the toilet bowl and brushed against the back of her neck. It was probably a good thing she was already in position.

You had the most fascinating diet of any cat alive. Oh, sure. You ate your usual kibble. But how many cats beg for Doritos or potato chips? How many eat lettuce?! I'll always laugh when I recall you running to the door if you heard what could be a fast-food bag and try to guilt me into giving you french fries. And you'd eat them. You believed if it was on our plate you should have a sample as well. Not typical feline behavior you know.

You've seen me through relationships beginning and relationships ending. You have been the constant for me as I've been the constant for you. I don't know if you remember the day you were adopted when your brother was chosen by an old girlfriend. A year later they headed to California and we moved to Missouri. I haven't told you, but I heard your brother passed a couple of years ago. You'll get to be reunited soon. I hope you'll enjoy playing together as much as you did as kittens.

So now it's down to this. I've known this day was coming. Today the appetite came to a halt; you've ignored some of your favorite foods. Today is the first day I came home to find you hiding in the basement. I want to do right by you. I have to listen to my head, not my heart. I don't know the day or time, but I'm sure it won't be long now.

This isn't easy for me buddy. I'm not ready to say goodbye.

TWA Mural

2010-07-14T22:45:00.001-05:00

A fading mural advertising TWA. The building was torn down about three months after this photo was taken.

Date: August 10, 2004
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Camera: Canon A2e
Lens: EF 28-135mm/3.5-5.6 IS
Film: Kodak T-Max 400

The Security Light

2010-07-12T19:09:00.001-05:00

A security light guards the side of a blank, textured building. The actual building is a purple/lavender color but the cross-processed slide film rendered it this interesting seafoam green.

Date: November 11, 2007
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Camera: Yashica 635
Film: expired Fuji 64T Type II

SOTD: Gentle Touch - 'Memories' from Gentle Touch EP (2006)

2010-05-26T21:46:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I find out about new music through the oddest methods. Today I discovered an EP by a Swedish duo released four years ago all through a person adding a photo of mine to their favorites list on Flickr.com. Follow me for a minute.

An apparently really great guy, Andreas Sundgren, marked a photo of mine as one of his favorites on Flickr, allowing him to easily come back to it if he ever chooses to do so. When I saw this I looked at his profile and noticed he is Swedish, but lives in Montreal and is co-founder of creative agency Svenska. A section of the Svenska website is devoted to Scandinavian music and artists Svenska promotes in North America. Looking deeper, I was led to The Swedish Model, a collective of seven Swedish record labels that produce a newsletter and jointly promote releases. One of the participating record labels is the fantastically named Songs I Wish I Had Written. Their website has samples of their artists and that's how I was introduced to Gentle Touch.

Right away I must confess I'm not crazy about the name Gentle Touch. It sounds too...something. Make of it what you will. But I can live with a name for music like this! Granted, at the end of the day this is simple pop music, but is so well executed one can easily dive in and ignore any initial misgivings. Sounding like the best of some of the '80s synth-pop groups with a bit more guitar, Gentle Touch combine elements so many of us remember fondly from that era and package it into something recognizable and familar, yet not sounding completely derivative.

Gentle Touch's MySpace page lists all the influences I would expect for a group like this: Red House Painters, The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Savage, Clan Of Xymox, Julee Cruise, Book Of Love, Cocteau Twins. I also hear a bit of New Order mixed with the Xymox. There's something from The Railway Children (maybe just a little bit). Honestly, a lot of it reminds me of little-known New Order side-project The Other Two, but that's certainly not a bad thing.

In any case, it's good stuff. Both songs below sound start off a bit beat-oriented, especially 'Smedby', but soon incorporate floating keyboards and soothing guitars to take the edge off. The Gentle Touch EP was released in February 2006. The debut full-length, In Memory of Savannah, followed in March 2008, also on the Songs I Wish I Had Written label. I just wish I had discovered Gentle Touch four years ago.

Download now or listen on posterous

Memories.mp3 (6601 KB)

Download now or listen on posterous

Smedby.mp3 (9795 KB)

This video is for Gentle Touch's 'Expectations,' the lead track from In Memory of Savannah. The sound isn't great, but gives an idea of the band in action. You can also download songs from the Songs I Wish I Had Written website.

SOTD: Memoryhouse - 'Lately (Deuxième)' from The Years EP (2010)

2010-04-22T10:50:00.001-05:00

I dreamt last night. I often dream I suppose, but don't usually remember them. This one remains fairly clear. I was in a second story room, perhaps a bedroom in an old farmhouse. The natural light was amazing as it filtered through the old leaden windows. A breeze provided enough strength to move the sheers just so slightly. It seemed to be warm, perhaps late spring or early summer. I was standing in front of desk looking toward an open window. I could see billowy, white clouds outside. There were many trees in the yard. In the sunlight dappled lawn children were playing and laughing. And this song was the soundtrack.

I discovered Memoryhouse fairly recently upon a friend's recommendation. The Ontario-based duo comprising Memoryhouse recently released The Years EP in preparation for a full-length album out next month. On this release Evan Abeele and Denise Nouvion have created a hypnotic, dreamy, peaceful soundscape upon which to build. 'Lately (Deuxième)' takes a sample of Jon Brion's 'Phone Call' from the Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind soundtrack (a seemingly appropriate movie from which to base a song like this) and builds it into an ethereal hymn with a subtle but hypnotic beat belying the somewhat depressing lyrics.

It's no secret I enjoy sonically dense, hypnotic music on occasion. Bands such as School of Seven Bells (reviewed here) produce amazing music. While approaching it from a determinedly lo-fi angle, Memoryhouse exists in the same area. This could be shoegazing without the multitude of effects pedals. It is ambient. It is quiet. It can become the soundtrack to your dreams.

Lately (Deuxième) by Memoryhouse
Download now or listen on posterous

Lately (Deuxième).mp3 (8773 KB)

Check out the video on Vimeo:

Other reviews and Memoryhouse information: Pitchfork (7.3/10) and Cokemachineglow.com.

Song of the Day: Little & Ashley - 'Stole My Heart' from Stole My Heart EP (2010)

2010-04-14T17:02:00.001-05:00

It sure seems as though duos are the hip musical trend these days. I know there were plenty of successful duos prior to The White Stripes, but it seems as they were the ones to popularize the current wave of duos (primarily male/female) so plentiful these days. Whether one looks to The Ting Tings, Mates of State, Let's Whisper, or Matt & Kim my perception is duos are making their mark to a greater degree in modern rock than in previous eras. Heck, country music even has male/female duos such as Joey + Rory springing up though country music duos aren't especially anything new.

This brings me to my newest favorite duo, Little & Ashley. Despite possible first impressions, Little is actually Annie Little while the Ashley part of the equation is the surname of one Marcus Ashley. Apparently they met in Los Angeles on the open-mic circuit and started listening to music together while forming Little & Ashley.

You may recognize their songs from the Amazon Kindle commercials now airing in the United States. While two songs are in circulation on commercials, 'Stole My Heart' is the one with which I instantly became enamored. Give it a listen. Perhaps they will steal your heart as well.

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Stole_My_Heart.mp3 (5325 KB)

KC Royals Opening Day

2010-04-05T19:20:00.001-05:00

Today was the opening day for the Kansas City Royals season. Though the team was facing the ace of the Detroit Tigers staff, Justin Verlander, there was reason for optimism as the Royals Cy Young winner from last year, Zack Greinke, was starting.

The Royals had a 4-2 lead when Greinke exited the game. The bullpen immediately gave up six runs and the Tigers had all the offense they would need to defeat the Royals 8-4.

It was another unfortunate day in the latest chapter of the Royals. For all the optimism and personnel changes today's result looks suspiciously like some from previous years. It's only one game though; things can only get better.

My Spring Fling: the Bronica ETR-Si Camera

2010-04-01T14:20:00.001-05:00

Every so often one comes across a great deal that simply cannot be ignored. It was just the case with my newest camera, this Bronica ETR-Si. Even though I should have probably ignored the call, I stumbled upon this setup and simply could not walk away.

The Bronica ETR-Si is a medium-format film camera. The basic ETR family has been around for many years and there are several on the used-camera market. I've never used a Bronica before, but have used other similar cameras.

The body, lens, and film back on this particular example are in excellent condition. There are a few scratches on the AE-III prism finder, but certainly nothing that will affect performance. Naturally, now that I have this I'll have to acquire other bits of gear to complement the set. That's just how it works for men and their toys, right?

With spring seemingly arrived, I'm excited to load this with film and head out to test the performance. Based on what I've found online and in flickr groups, this camera should be a lot of fun. Here's hoping I'm up to the challenge!

The First Hint of Spring

2010-02-22T12:27:00.001-06:00

The temperature reached 50°F in Kansas City today. That doesn't sound like a big deal, but after the winter we have been having it most certainly is.

I took the opportunity to take Kaya out for a walk this afternoon while it was still sunny and the air was warm. School had let out and kids were playing in backyards. I heard cardinals and wrens singing. It seemed all creatures were appreciating the respite from the cold, no matter how brief it may be.

It got me to thinking how much I enjoyed spring as a kid in Quincy, Illinois. There was something about the time between school letting out and when it was required to come in for dinner. The days when the air would start to warm and I could play outside again, no matter how hard the ground may still have been. Sure, summer had the advantage of being able to go out and play after dinner, but spring had its own allure, even in its early days. There was something of that in the air today and it added a bit of a levity to my mood.

Spring is on the way. The forecast is for snow tomorrow.

(The photos of Kaya were taken last year with my Minolta Autocord on expired Kodak Ektacolor Pro 160NC.)

Photographer Paul Nicklen - Face-Off With a Deadly Predator

2009-12-30T08:43:00.001-06:00

via youtube.com

I often enjoy wildlife photography, but the stories behind the photos are sometimes as interesting as the photos themselves. Hearing about (and seeing) the encounter with this massive Leopard Seal is awesome. I don't know if I would've been as calm and focused as Nicklen was upon the initial encounters.

Driving the Wet Streets of Kansas City Tonight

2009-12-23T23:44:00.001-06:00

Kansas City is supposed to see snow tomorrow afternoon just in time for Christmas Day. However, all precipitation is rain currently. While on the way home tonight I noticed how even though most of the rain had stopped the wet streets reflected light very well. Ignoring common sense in the short-term, I grabbed my camera and shot these pictures as I headed north on Main Street.

Though they lack technical perfection for the most part, I do like the impressionistic feel to them. In the third photo the camera focused on water droplets on the windshield. I like how the cityscape of downtown buildings is distinctly unclear.

These aren't meant to be serious photos, but just something different on a wet night in Kansas City.

SOTD: Transfer - 'Losing Composure' from Future Selves (2009)

2009-12-15T22:17:00.001-06:00

I stumbled upon Transfer recently while checking out free Amazon.com MP3s. Here was something of value, yet I could sample it for free! Sounding like the best elements of bands I like this song drew me in and provided hooks my ears found pleasing.

Upon further investigation I discovered Transfer hails from San Diego. The self-released Future Selves came out in November. They received an 8.0/10 review from PopMatters for the album. The band's site states 'Losing Composure' refers to schizophrenia:

"It was originally inspired by delirium tremens: the condition where the symptoms of severe withdrawl from alcohol cause major hallucinations. I thought of someone that had such an intense hallucination he felt he was sent on a government mission to collect information from an unexplored planet and save the earth. The person I imagined gradually lost his mind over time and this particular trip was his grand maul meltdown."

Based on the songs I've heard so far Transfer is a band to watch. Check them out and let me know what you think!

Losing Composure by Transfer (7662 KB)
Listen on posterous

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Not Your Everyday Fox

2009-12-13T17:55:00.001-06:00

I saw this guy in a local Wendy's yesterday about lunchtime. I initially saw him upon entering and immediately noticed a bushy tail and the large furry ears. As impressive as it was, I wasn't prepared for the makeup, which essentially transformed this guy to a fox (with catlike contacts to boot).

He was with his mother who seemed fine with his costume. When I asked him why the elaborate get-up he said it was a 'social experiment.' It seemed to work on some level; adults were incredulous, kids were fascinated. Still, not your everyday Wendy's patron.

Lost Between the Cracks: Private Eleanor - Sweethearting (2007)

2009-12-01T22:03:00.001-06:00

It's really a shame Private Eleanor didn't achieve a higher profile before going on hiatus in late 2007. The band from Baltimore had several well-regarded releases, including what should have served as their breakthough in the 2007 album Sweethearting. Their combination of softly lilting songs and guy-girl vocals are exactly what appeal to fans of Mojave 3 or Yo La Tengo, groups to which Private Eleanor has been compared at various times. Add in a healthy dose of upbeat, slightly jangly tunes and you have a band to watch.

Private Eleanor came to my attention with a track on a Magnet Magazine CD sampler as each issue had a disc of new music. It was a spring night in 2007 when I first heard 'A better way to run' and could not stop listening. I've always been attracted to catchy music and this was ear candy. I immediately found the band's website and purchased the CD. I was pleased to receive the album in a package mailed by PE primary songwriter Austin Stahl.

It is hard for me to compare Private Eleanor with anyone else. No, they're not the most original band, and I understand why Mojave 3 or Yo La Tengo get used as comparisons. My own personal comparison is to the seemingly long-forgotten Aussie band Sea Stories.* They had a similar song dynamic and were similarly lost in the public consciousness despite releasing a couple of albums on I.R.S. Records.

*Music geek story/trivia: I met Sea Stories members Simon Honisett and Penny Hewson in 1996 when they were touring to support their post-Sea Stories project Gigantaur. Both were exceptionally nice people as they co-hosted an episode of my Sunday night radio show and played in-studio. During our discussion I learned Simon's dad had done artwork for many Australian postage stamps, some of which were in my collection. It was an odd connection but one we thought was funny at the time. The last I heard Simon was living in Portland, Oregon while Penny was back in Australia and ran the Choc Chip Records label for a while.

What Stahl and the rest of Private Eleanor created was a sublime sonic tapestry. The instrumentation is always just right on Sweethearting; nothing is too loud or too soft. It probably helps that much of the album was recorded live in the same room, but having producer T.J. Lipple was a good move as well. The results display the work and rehearsals that must have been involved in producing the album.

What really helps Private Eleanor stand out is the vocal interaction between Stahl and Marian Glebes. It seems to me this is a case of two voices being better than one. When Glebes and Stahl mesh the songs excel. That is not to say it's necessary for everything to be a duet. On a quieter acoustic guitar/piano driven song such as 'Consider the archer' you feel it when Stahl sings "Tonight feels like home, but I wonder if it won't be recalled as the end of something." It's a plaintive song and Stahl conveys the emotion perfectly.

But it's the more upbeat numbers where I fell in love with Private Eleanor. There is a nominal story through the album, and it ends with a mostly optimistic outlook in 'This year I'm going to see the sun.' I understand the hopefulness in a lyric such as "I'd forgotten how the light looks when the sun's this low in the sky, and the feeling of possibility when you know it's on the rise." However, it is immediately tempered by "But the sensation's fleeting." It is that cautious optimism I found endearing in Private Eleanor.

Due to band member's schedules, school responsibilities, life, etc. Private Eleanor announced they were going on indefinite hiatus in November 2007. All is not lost though: the band is still selling copies of Sweethearting on their site for $5 shipping included. Treat yourself to a lost treasure.

A Better Way To Run by Private Eleanor (5382 KB)
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This Year I'm Going To See The Sun by Private Eleanor (8149 KB)
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If you order Sweethearting you may receive a free copy of the Baltimore band compilation This City of Neighborhoods if any are left. On it are a couple of tracks by Pupa's Window, a band of which Austin Stahl is a casual contributor. Though 'Warm Embrace' hasn't been released on an album yet, I thought this short song was very promising.

Warm Embrace by Pupa's Window (3564 KB)
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An Open Letter to Son Volt

2009-11-18T21:04:00.001-06:00

Dear Son Volt,

I never saw this coming. I never thought I'd hear a Son Volt album I could possibly love more than Trace or Straightaways. What have you done? American Central Dust is a left turn onto a dusty gravel road that is new, yet strangely familiar and comforting. Thank you!

Seriously, I read the press about the new album serving as return to the roots of Trace. Everyone says that when they want to inject a bit of life into their fan base and possibly raise an eyebrow or two. But you guys are serious. From the first line of the opening tune it is clear this is a different Son Volt album. 'Dynamite' is the best album opener since 'Windfall.' A fairly short song at 2:50, it sets the album mood nicely with the accordion, acoustic guitar, and percussion. I feel it when Jay Farrar sings "There is no right way, only the way that keeps your mind free."

Quality songs keep coming. 'Roll On' is beautiful with the gentle electric guitar flourishes. The organ complements the guitar perfectly. 'Cocaine and Ashes' is a great piano-driven ode to Keith Richards. Even the single 'Down to the Wire' doesn't let down with its nasty vibe and groove. This captures the ear and stays once the song has ended.

Perhaps my favorite song so far is 'No Turning Back.' This ode to the long-haul trucker has everything fans love about Son Volt: a great hook, guitars and organ playing well together, and harmony vocals. And who can't use a song that namedrops Lead Belly?

Granted, there may not be a song that rocks in the same way as 'Route' from Trace, but Son Volt is a different band now. The Boquist boys have departed and it's a new group around Farrar creating the tunes now. I give credit to Chris Masterson for creating some of the texture here too. I saw his work in Jack Ingram's band and I think it's possible his contributions are large. If I'm wrong please feel free to correct me Jay.

The bottom line is this: after producing music for nearly 15 years as Son Volt I don't think we fans had any expectations the results would be this solid. Sure, we hoped they would, but one never knows how a band will mature. If there was any doubt it has been dismissed. Heck, at this point my biggest regret is I didn't take advantage of the CD/t-shirt combo offered on the website upon the album's release.

In 'Dust of Daylight' Farrar sings "Hand in hand there are angels that are holding warning signs." Certainly none of the signs are warnings about this album. American Central Dust is a first-rate release by one of the founders of the alt-country movement. Now all I need to do is fill up the gas tank, find the open highway, and absorb all Son Volt has to offer.

Sincerely,
Me

From American Central Dust:

Roll On by Son Volt (6131 KB)
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No Turning Back by Son Volt (6927 KB)
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From Trace:

(3741 KB)
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Jay Farrar with Mark Spencer performing 'Cocaine and Ashes' at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, CA.

Humpbacks Saving Seals from Killer Whales?

2009-11-18T15:02:00.001-06:00

Save the Seal!

Whales act instinctively to save seals

By Robert L. Pitman and John W. Durban

Robert L. Pitman

Last January we sailed from the tip of South America to the Antarctic Peninsula on the sixty-five-foot yacht Golden Fleece, in search of killer whales. The kind we were looking for—which potentially constitute a new species—prey on seals that live on and around the sea ice. We hoped to document one of their remarkable hunting techniques: sometimes as many as seven whales swim side by side to make a wave that washes a seal off an ice floe. The journey brought some surprises.

Early one morning, we located a pod of ten killer whales that we had previously tagged for satellite tracking, and found they had a pair of agitated, adult-size humpback whales in their midst. The humpbacks were bellowing loudly through their blowholes and slapping the water with their tails and fifteen-foot flippers. At first we thought that the humpbacks were under attack, but we saw no overt signs of aggression, so we concluded that they were probably just being harassed. Killer whales often test larger whales, perhaps to check for weaknesses that they might be able to exploit. We ducked below deck to quickly review some video footage of the event, however, and noticed a Weddell seal between the humpbacks—perhaps that’s what the killer whales were after.

The killer whales moved on, and fifteen minutes later they spotted a crabeater seal on an ice floe. They created a wave that broke up the floe and left the distraught seal on a piece of ice not much bigger than it was. Just when it seemed the killers were about to have their way, the same pair of humpbacks charged in, swimming around the floe, bellowing and thrashing the water. The killer whales seemed annoyed and finally left the seal alone, still safe on the floe. We concluded that perhaps this deliberate intrusion by the humpbacks was some jumbo-size form of mobbing behavior, comparable to the way songbirds pester birds of prey to drive them off.

A week later we witnessed a similar event that suggested a somewhat different interpretation. Another group of killer whales was attacking a Weddell seal on an ice floe, and a different pair of large humpbacks had inserted themselves into the fray. At one point, the predators succeeded in washing the seal off the floe. Exposed to lethal attack in the open water, the seal swam frantically toward the humpbacks, seeming to seek shelter, perhaps not even aware that they were living animals. (We have known fur seals in the North Pacific to use our vessel as a refuge against attacking killer whales.)

Just as the seal got to the closest humpback, the huge animal rolled over on its back—and the 400-pound seal was swept up onto the humpback’s chest between its massive flippers. Then, as the killer whales moved in closer, the humpback arched its chest, lifting the seal out of the water. The water rushing off that safe platform started to wash the seal back into the sea, but then the humpback gave the seal a gentle nudge with its flipper, back to the middle of its chest [see photograph]. Moments later the seal scrambled off and swam to the safety of a nearby ice floe.

It occurred to us that in all three of these encounters, the menacing behavior of the killer whales may have triggered a protective maternal response in the humpback whales. Even though they did not have calves that were at risk, they acted immediately and instinctively to counter the threat posed to a smaller animal.

When an animal provides maternal care to another that is not its own offspring, it is termed allomaternal care [see “Meet the Alloparents,” April 2009]. Maternal behavior may even cross species boundaries. Perhaps the most common example of that is when humans raise pets, but there are plenty of cases of domestic cats and dogs adopting orphaned animals. Such behavior has been documented less frequently in undomesticated animals—though in 1996 a mother gorilla at the Brookfield Zoo near Chicago made headlines when she gently picked up a three-year-old boy who had fallen into the gorillas’ enclosure and carried him to the zookeepers’ door.

When a human protects an imperiled individual of another species, we call it compassion. If a humpback whale does so, we call it instinct. But sometimes the distinction isn’t all that clear.

via naturalhistorymag.com

This interesting story about the Antarctic humpback whales was brought to my attention by Betsy Karasik on Twitter. It would be extraordinary if we could prove they are acting in a protective manner. In any case, the instinct/compassion shown to protect the seals is noteworthy.

Kansas City's Most Expensive Prostitute

2009-11-12T20:11:00.001-06:00

Charges filed in case of john robbed by prostitute in KC

Kansas City police have arrested a prostitute accused of robbing a customer over the weekend and stealing his car, which contained up to $50,000 in sports memorabilia.

Jackson County prosecutors today charged Carolyn A. Williams, 45, of Kansas City, with first-degree robbery and armed criminal action for the holdup Sunday.

The victim said he met the prostitute about 8 p.m. on Independence Avenue near Brooklyn Avenue. After he drove her to a parking lot near Independence and Tracy Avenue, they walked into an apartment, where he thought he was going to pay $40 in exchange for sex. Instead, the prostitute and a gun-toting man robbed him.

The victim gave them some cash, but the prostitute said she wanted more.

“I got rent due tomorrow,” she said.

The robbers took $360, the man’s cell phone and car keys and told him to walk away. The victim saw the robbers drive away in his car, which contained the valuable memorabilia.

Police said they recovered the stolen memorabilia. Police were still looking for the suspected gunman.

via kansascity.com

If you need the services of a working woman, please take the $50,000 worth of sports memorabilia home first. Why risk the Jose Canseco rookie card while out looking for a good time? This is clearly not the brightest guy on so many levels.

SOTD: Chapterhouse - 'Pearl' from Whirlpool (1991)

2009-11-03T22:30:00.001-06:00

I never should have liked Chapterhouse anyway. I blame Dave Kendall and that dang MTV 120 Minutes.

A history lesson for those of you too young to remember how discovering music could be difficult pre-internet days. When MTV still aired videos they had a show called 120 Minutes on Sunday nights hosted by a Brit named Dave Kendall. It wasn't uncommon at that time to tape the show on the VCR and watch it during the week, as the videos played would often not air in regular programming. Bands such as Oasis, Blur, or Weezer got exposure on 120 Minutes. Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' had its world premiere on the show before blowing up and becoming a massive worldwide hit. 120 Minutes aired the bands you craved to discover but could never hear on the radio outside of big cities or college towns with good radio stations.

It was during one such episode in the summer of 1991 the video for 'Pearl' from Chapterhouse's debut album Whirlpool aired. Though everything was wrong with the band, I still remember watching it with the same rapt attention that Straitjacket Fits received for the vaguely similar 'Down in Splendour.' The music was mushy (for lack of a better word) and the vocals buried in the mix. I was transfixed. My Bloody Valentine's epic Loveless would be released later in the year and I had yet to discover Slowdive. The swirl of sound drew me in and wouldn't let go. I had been introduced to the shoegazing bands.

In Augusta, Georgia there was only one place in 1991 that would stock imports and left-of-center releases. I went that week and found one copy of the CD with its "Made in Germany" sticker affixed. Despite the import price I walked out of the shop with my prize. To this day, 'Pearl' is probably one of the top five songs I've played most often. The vocals ended up being something I loved. When Rachel Goswell of Slowdive (and later Mojave 3) kicked in with her contributions late in the song I swooned.

'Pearl' ended up being part of the soundtrack of my life in the summer of 1991.

Trivia about the song. At about the 1:45 mark of the video there is a breakdown to the bridge. Some may recognize the distinct similarity to 'Kiss Them for Me' by Siouxsie and the Banshees from the Superstition album. It's interesting to note that Superstition was released on June 11, 1991 while Whirlpool hit stores on June 25, 1991, exactly two weeks later. The somewhat curious similarity came up a few years later when I was interviewing a British band, probably in 1995/1996. (I am fairly sure it was Jim Shaw of the Cranes as we hit it off during an interview but may have been someone else.) In any case, apparently an engineer working on Whirlpool was dating someone in Siouxie's band or management. They thought the loop was cool and took it to Siouxsie who then used it in 'Kiss Them for Me' as the main loop. Ironically, Superstition was released first and everyone then thought Chapterhouse had robbed Siouxsie and the Banshees. Go figure.

Children, Why Not Play Amongst the Headstones?

2009-11-01T22:22:00.001-06:00

Rural Missouri sometimes does things just a little bit differently. Sure, the festival may not actually be in the cemetery but at first glace it's hard to be sure!

Wreck on Heart of America Bridge (with photo)

2009-10-30T08:40:00.001-05:00

An accident on the Heart of America Bridge in Kansas City this morning is still causing issues. While the wreck happened in the southbound lanes northbound traffic was still effected by emergency vehicles.
Though a van ended up straddling the barriers there didn't appear to be any injuries.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Aerial Photos: Pictures from the Window Seat

2009-10-28T22:58:00.001-05:00

After my post earlier this evening of Peter Shankman's column regarding Air Traffic Control and business (here) I thought it was time for a photography post. Inspired by thoughts of air travel here is a selection of photographs I've taken from the air.

Early morning Missouri countryside departing Kansas City International.

Taken with my Holga on a plane from Atlanta to Kansas City.

The unusually shaped Quimby Island in California, just to the west of Stockton, part of the Franks Tract State Recreation Area.

Countryside in western Missouri as my plane approaches Kansas City International Airport.

Two shots from the same landing approach into Kansas City.

Taking photographs from the air presents its own unique challenge. To learn more about how to achieve good photos while in a plane, check out these columns for tips and tricks: Ken Rockwell and photo.net.