HAPPENING NOW

I watched Fourth of July fireworks with a familiar mixture of shock and awe.

Kathryn Dobyns sings 25 or 6 to 4, July, 4, 2026.

military singers, July, 4, 2026.

It's interesting to imagine the life of someone who chooses the military as a way to advance their singing career.

picture of someone filming fireworks, July, 4, 2026.

Kathryn Dobyns sings 25 or 6 to 4, July, 4, 2026.

The penultimate song chosen to accompany the massive climax was Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4", not a standard patriotic number but it's darned American.

Kathryn Dobyns sings 25 or 6 to 4, July, 4, 2026.

President of the United States of America being bored, watching a girl watching her phone, July 4, 2026.

The President got to watch the proceedings from what I imagine is a soundproofed air-conditioned box that had a nice TV set to watch the fireworks on.

Rodriguez sings "Don't Stop Believin'", July 4, 2026.

And just before the big bang, we got to hear a rousing version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'".

Rodriguez sings "Don't Stop Believin'", July 4, 2026.

At last the ground-shaking, smoky dénouement arrived. I understand the data scientists who produce the Guinness Book of World Records will be determining whether this conflagration warrants a mention in their publication.

Shock and awe rules Washington, D.C., July 4, 2026.

IN THE RECENT PAST

JOURNAL

I've been doodling on chunks of scrap wood for fun.

When I did that art show a few weeks ago, I wished I had some small, quickly produced art to sell, or even give away. These are appropriate business cards for me.

JOURNAL

I drew one more little karaoke picture.

Love this band, don't like this song.

JOURNAL

I've been meaning to get around to repainting this drum head for twenty-one years.

This drum head was green, before the green got mostly washed off in Hurricane Katrina.

NOTES

You know what would be a great radio show?

An hour of folk, bluegrass, and blues that Nick Spitzer does NOT approve of.

NOTES

I learned my friend and bandmate Doug DeRienzo passed away.

I hadn't talked to him in a long time but I thought I could just call him up, if I could find his current number.

JOURNAL

Buddy napped on a stack of records.

Also, I have these and some other records for sale.

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Just some pictures of Shadow, for fun.

No real reason to post these, just proof that at least one of us is thriving here on Tricou Street

JOURNAL

I was filming when the biggest part of the warehouse came down.

I was outside watching the demolition and filming intermittently. I happened to get the whole thing (what was left) coming down.

JOURNAL

What is this accursèd thing?

It's got the number-one hallmark of Dixie hoodoo: muddy, bald, eyeless doll heads, something Southern vacant lots contain by the dozen.

JOURNAL

I call this one "Holy Cross Ring Toss".

I didn't make this; it's more of a found artwork, like a Duchamp.

JOURNAL

This is how I tell which eggs are hard-boiled.

It has the nice side benefit of giving me somebody to talk to.

NOTES

When is Apple going to give us a "Move..." command?

Why doesn't Apple (MacOS) have a "Move..." command in the right-click menu?

JOURNAL

I came up with enough material for another little booklet.

It's just a little glimpse into how my mind works (or doesn't).

JOURNAL

Side Hustlers play at Holy Diver on June 30 with Luxurious Faux Furs.

Our first gig in New Orleans proper.

JOURNAL

I found an interesting brick underfoot.

The big benefit of having bad posture and walking with your face looking at your feet all the time is you get to notice when the bricks underfoot have words on them, to help you learn about history.