the music for my alexander von humboldt project is (finally) finished (i started march of 2005). it will be part of an all-original work, ten-song, concept multimedia dvd about the great european explorer from the 17th century. i still have to shoot pictures and videos to accompany the piece. the objective for this project is to: (a) educate the willing on the michael jordanesque accomplishments of this great man; and (b) to undertake and complete an ambitious, creative project.

for this project i'm using apple's garageband recording software with a motu 828 firewire audio interface.

robert adams, a photographer of note and the maker of this picture, undertook what i would describe as the quintessential american adventure for this decade: relive the 200-year-old adventures of lewis and clark. robert adams did just that, but with a twist: he retraced the route of the return journey. adams and other historians believe that the explorers' return from the pacific was a lot less exciting (read: potentially depressing) than the first leg west. "discovery and progress carried the burdens of civilization" and energized the lewis & clark team with all the momentum they needed to get to the pacific, writes michael kimmelman in his nytimes.com piece about adams. adams' exhibit, and there's a book, is called "turning back," which is about that: lewis & clark 200 years later, and the quintessential american adventure.

web site of note: everyday food.

a great afternoon with warm temps and a cold brew

(click on letter to enlarge)

Sparky's, a South Park institution for over 70 years, and the oldest beer and wine bar in San Diego, received a letter on Friday from an attorney representing the landlord. In the letter the lawyer made requests, one of which: Sparky's must vacate the premises by May 1, 2006. (That's approximately two months from now.)

I tend bar at Sparky's and worked a shift last night and it was a very somber evening, with patrons wondering what next.

Reenie, the day-shift bartender, called me while I was at school and told me the news. She also added that Paul (the owner of Sparky's) is on the lookout for a new building to relocate, and that he does not have any plans to shutdown. (look here for more updates)

Lucky (or Keith) is part of the south park photograhy club and he, too, has a web site featuring his picutres.