Come Back, Shane! ... Come Back! - The Sequel

Good Afternoon Garlic Fans;

Thought we'd pop in today to explain our AWOL status the past few weeks, or more.

We've been going through a lot for almost a year, first diagnosed with a Herniated Disc, the failed Injection Program, the drugs that didn't work, and now, being in the hands of a Neurologist, we have embarked on a Steroid Treatment Program. as said Neurologist believing that the re-diagnosed "Bulging Disc" is not the culprit, but rather inflamed nerves, a General Nueropathy, that is in play here.

The last week of February was our first, and that was followed by six-nights of no sleep... Zero sleep .. Zip ... Nada ...

While there were a whole host of side-effects that could have hit, Insomnia rolled out, like a 2x4 over the head (actually, as things played out, a 2x4 over the head would have been welcomed)

It took three days additional, squeezing out a few hours sleep per day, while waiting for the new script of Ativan to kick in, now tipping me in the other direction, of marathon sleeps, minimum of 8-10-hours, and those can easily slide into 12+hours, followed by leaving me with a feeling of tiredness the rest of the time while upright and awake.

We had to postpone the second Steroid Treatment last week, due to the sleep situation, and are slated for it tomorrow, and, will be going with only one-half gram, as opposed to the full gram previously dripped into my vein, so, hopefully, we can get back into the writing groove.

We'll know that soon enough.

So, in the case we stay on the sidelines, there's plenty of Archived Posts to read, or revisit, over along the left sidebar.

As well as bevy of links to other great blogs - go check some out.

It's Been, Kind of, That St. James Feeling

Good Morning Garlic Fans

Once again, we have to apology, profusely, for our AWOL status.

It’s been a "when it rains, it pours" situation.

When we last surfaced, at the beginning of the month, we were talking about our ailing shoulder, the Rotator Cuff issue, and relief did come, by way of a Cortisone injection (it took a few days to start feeling better).

Ahhh, but that was only half the story.



We had a concurrent issue going on, with pain in the lower back, that included radiating down into the thigh, or hamstring (sometimes both), and causing numbing of the foot.

While pain, and the numbness, were consistent, their levels were not, ranging for low annoyance, to feeling like the Guerre de Cent Ans was reignited, with sharp, pulsating, crippling waves of pain.

So, off to the Doc's again, from there, an MRI and, I wasn't crazy, as results showed a Herniated Disc (in the L4 region), and we'll be off to another Doc in the coming week, for treatment, that, hopefully, will bring some relief (as "cramping" has entered into the picture over the last week-plus, including giving us a new experience - a foot cramp, while the foot was numb!).

We can't say for sure when we resume regular posting.

Being on the DL of so long, we're going to need some writing rehab, and we may attempt some softball satire in the coming days.

In the meantime, for the moment, we'll let the great Jack Teagarden sing our woes.


JACK TEAGARDEN St. James Infirmary

Stolen Moments

Good Evening Garlic Fans

Once again, a thousand-and-one apologies for our extended absence.

We have not been cleared off the DL just yet, as in the past week, we've had a few Doc appointments, one, with the Orthopedic, that has our ailing shoulder/Rotator Cuff feeling some better, but not all the way.



Between those, and a building, growing list of projects on the homefront, we sacrificed computer time (which included one day of some much needed maintenance).

It will still be a few days before we resume posting (more Doc appointments this week), however, we will endeavor to get back in the saddle at the earliest.

In the meantime, for tonight, groove on the great vocalist, Mark Murphy, who wrote the lyrics to this killer Oliver Nelson tune.

Mark Murphy - Stolen Moments.wmv

All The Things You Are

Sorry, once again, Garlic Fans, for our absence the past few days.

Despite some great PT sessions, the Rotator Cuff issue we are enduring has been kicking our ass, and knocking out our teeth for mumbling about it.



Additionally, the past two days, we've had mid-summer-dog-days heat and humidity, which has made sitting at the computer about as torturous as an infomercial full of insurance salesman.

So, another night off, and, hopefully (with another PT session under our belts), we'll be in the mood (and shape) to write again (notes and half-written posts are building up).

In the meantime, let Paquito D'Rivera (and the great trumpet man, Diego Urcola) give you a wonderful treat.

Enjoy!

Paquito D'Rivera Quintet - All The Things You Are

Only Trust Your Heart

Sorry, Garlic Fans, for the lack-of-posting, yesterday.

We were jammed up on the homefront (as we will be, again, today), and, as a bonus, it as a spectacularly beautiful day ... An Ernie-Banks-Let's Play-Two-Today kind of day ...

There's a good a good Frank Rick column today, on our Ran Kan Kan man, the implications of the his, and the Teabaggers, warped views.

So, until later (either tonight, or tomorrow), here's a tune that will go with your morning coffee, and have you humming its' melody the rest of the day.

Enjoy!

Only Trust Your Heart - Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz

Ran Kan Kan

Well, we've been trying.

Still hovering on the edge of the DL, it seems we were overly optimistic, after Monday's PT, feeling so good, we worked hard on the homefront on Tuesday, and paid the price for it.

Today's PT session did not give us the relief and comfort we were expecting, so we took it easy for most of the day/evening.

And so much happening, like BP (Better Profits) using the Coast Guard to chase away reporters to chase away reporters, to the crowning, last night, of Son of Paul, in Kentucky, a glowing candle in the Tea Party's "Take Back Our Country" cake.



It seems that Rand Paul is very much against racism, and is is using his 1st Amendment Right to say that while he likes elements of the Civil Rights Act, it really should be left to locals as to who they serve in their business, that they have 1st Amendment Rights as well, and Government shouldn't come in and tell them how to run their business.

Look for this to be a blazing billboard in the days-and-weeks ahead, so much so, likely the Flying Monkeys, of both the Right Wing Freak Show, and the Teabaggers, will be crying like that nerd whimpering about "Leave Britney Alone"

It's a toss-up, if it will be Michelle "Stalkin" Malkin, or Andrew Breitbart who first wails out "Leave Rand Alone!".

Now, if Rand only wants to let Wheel of Fortune drop one letter, he could run with this as a theme song, to show his love of diversity.

Hit it El Rey!

Tito Puente - Ran Kan Kan (HQ last recorded live performance)

My Song

Sorry folks, still on the DLtoday, and, rather uncomfortably so.

Last night we went with his younger brother, we thought we go with the elder this evening, Keith Jarrett



A wonderful song, a duo with the great Norwegian saxophonist, Jan Garbarek

Enjoy!

Keith Jarrett & Jan Garbarek "My Song"

The Image of You

Sorry, Garlic Fans, for your absence the past few days.

We ran into a buzz saw of activity, on the homefront.

And, additionally, we have been on the DL, having injured our shoulder (Rotator Cuff issue, at the moment, with a slate of PT on the schedule, the days and weeks ahead), so we just didn't get to spend much time at the ol' computer.



We are aiming to resume posting this weekend.

Which puts a bit of pressure on us.

What music do we leave you with, something to make up for the lack of posting, something that will have you sit up, and say WOW!

For that we tap Scott Jarrett, younger brother of Jazz legend Keith Jarrett, and a monster, monster ballad.

Sit back and enjoy!

Scott Jarrett - The Image of You

Tijuana Gift Shop

Sorry, Garlic Fans, we be dry tonight, having worked away the day on the homefront, leaving little time (and less energy) to sit down and be creative.

We would like to bring your attention to a brewing pissing contest, over on The Reaction (where this writer is a Contributing Editor), and the on-going documentation of the "Craziest Republicans", by Michael Stickings.



Yesterday (Wednesday), Michael posted "Craziest Republican of the Day: Pat Bertroche", the PartyofNoican doctor running for Congress in Iowa.

The good Dr. Bertoche offered this, as a solution to the illegal immigration crisis;

I think we should catch 'em, we should document 'em, make sure we know where they are and where they are going. I actually support microchipping them. I can microchip my dog so I can find it. Why can't I microchip an illegal? That's not a popular thing to say, but it's a lot cheaper than building a fence they can tunnel under.

Well, Michael ripped him a new one, and the good Dr. Bertoche replied back, in a comment, that your can read HERE.

So, take a jaunt over there, and offer the good doctor some advice, about the "hysteria bandwagon" and "kool-aid" that he alleges we have been drinking, in attempting to gloss over his head-up-ass immigration advice.



You can do so, accompanied by the great Charles Mingus.

We had hoped to post the fiery "Ysabel's Table Dance", but, alas, it's not up on YouTube, so you get something a bit more whimsical (both tunes are off Mingus's 'Tijuana Moods' album).

Tijuana Gift Shop-Charles Mingus

El Trombon Majadero

Well, apologies, Garlic Fans, as we got jammed up today, leaving us little opportunity to finish a few riffs started, and get some posts up.

So, being Saturday Night, we should go with some music, again.

And, this ties in with our posting of last night, as our featured artist, Generoso Jiménez, was on that recording, as well;



From Bembe Records;

In Que Bueno Baila Usted ("How Good You Dance"), the very famous Benny Moré song, the singers call out "Generoso how good you play!" Every Cuban knows whom they are singing about: Generoso Jiménez, star of the Benny Moré Big Band and the most celebrated trombonist in the history of Cuban music.

[snip]

In April 1955, Generoso joined Benny Moré as an arranger and composer, section leader and soloist. He remained in the band until June 1959. Even after this he helped Benny with arrangements and musical details. Generoso's own band existed from November 1963 until September 1965. He finished his career as part of the prestigious orchestra of the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television.

Pull out, and put on those dancing shoes again ...

Trombon Majadero - ' Tojo' Instrumental

Que Bueno Baila Usted

Well, after attempting to finish up a post, we decided to chill out.

I mean, it's Friday night, where there should be music, and dancing.

So, we will have music and dancing!

We dug out a "gigante" classic for you this evening.

It comes from the legendary Cuban superstar, Bartolomé Maximiliano Moré Gutiérrez, otherwise known as Benny Moré.

There has never been a Cuban popular singer like Bartolomé Maximiliano Moré Gutierrez, El Benny. There might never be again. - Ivan Castro

So exulted is Benny Moré, an annual music festival is held in his hometown of Cienfuegos, where, in 2009, his grave was declared a "national monument and the Benny Moré Municipal Museum, which will exhibit the artist’s death mask, will be reopened."

I can't say, sit back and listen.

Get up and dance!

Benny Moré Y Su Banda Gigante - Que Bueno Baila Usted (Son Montuno - Cuba 1940's)




From Wikipedia, Benny Moré

You Won't See Me Cry

It's another day off, Garlic Fans, least we go in the opposite direction, and unleash a full-scale, red-faced rant against the smegma that is Liz Cheney.

We already took one shower today.

And, since we alluded to, last evening, the group B-Tribe (or The Barcelona Tribe of Soulsters), we'll turn things over to them for the night (and highly recommend that you explore their music- kick-ass stuff)

Enjoy!

B-Tribe - You won't see me cry

Tamally Ma'ak (Always With You)

Sorry Garlic Fans, it was another wall-to-wall day, so no posting tonight.

I had, initially, thought of putting up some B-Tribe (also known as The Barcelona Tribe of Soulsters), when I stumbled on "Wonderful Arabic Chill Out Music" and, bust my buttons, it certainly was just that.

The tune, Tamally Ma'ak (Always With You) is from Amr Diab, which Wikipedia says is "known as the Father of Mediterranean Music. He has created his own style which is often termed "Mediterranean Music" or "Mediterranean Sound", a blend of Western and Arabic rhythms."

Enjoy!

Wonderful Arabic Chill Out Music

Milonga Del Ángel

Sorry, Garlic Fans, we be workin' it today, and a wee bit too tired to fire up the creative juices, so, rather than force anything, and it being a overcast, gloomy day (some snow a'comin'), we'll give it up to the legendary bandoneonist (not an accordion!), Astor Piazzolla, and his New Tango Sextet, on a monster riff (you really owe it to yourselves to give a listen);

Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992) "Milonga Del Ángel"

The Yarn Store Lady

Today, we have another tribute to our late Aunt, Celia Malmberg.

For our local, weekly newspaper - The Cambridge Chronicle - we penned "The Yarn Store Lady", offering a remembrance to the Aunt we were caretaker to, highlighting her buoyant spirit, as opposed to submitting a boilerplate obituary.

Generously, 'The Chronicle' (the oldest, continuously published weekly newspaper in the country) accepted it.

Check out;

Guest commentary: Remembering the Central Square 'Yarn Store Lady’

Barry Crimmins: A Tribute Before a Eulogy

Our Eulogy

Our Eulogy

Today, we had final services for my now late Aunt, Celia C. Malmberg, age 97, and this was the eulogy I delivered, thanks to the richness of my childhood, my life, inhabited, surrounded, nurtured and loved, by my Aunt, and all her siblings.

The quiet demeanor Cele often posed almost, completely, shielded what an incredible, remarkable woman she was.

Iconoclastic would be, perhaps, a bit too loud, but she was, truly, an independent spirit, following her own path, throughout her life.

This perhaps surfaced, when, back in the day, when it was not encouraged, marrying the love-of-her-life, though he had been married before, and had children.

Cele took in and loved those children as her own, as she would, with each and every, niece, nephew, and grandchild that came along.

And she had a trick.

She made each and everyone one of us feel uniquely special, that she was "our Aunt", just ours, without ever letting all the others lose the same feeling.

She was a prolific knitter, sewer, baker (ahhh, who wouldn't go for a batch of her home-made devil dogs right now, or one of her pistachio cakes?), shopper, and, yes, iconoclast, adopting early, long before they became popular, mainstream topics, such as healthy eating, and vitamins.

And, most of all, she was an incredible "giver" ... She was always there, always ready to help, not looking for anything in return, again, for everyone, with the specialness, always making you feel uniquely special.

She is reunited now, with her siblings, those that left before her, The Mokaba's ...

The Seven Wonders of the World rock, again ...

(Photo by Adrienne Pilarski, my niece, taken in May, 2009, at the dedication ceremony of "Mokaba Square", named after my grandparents, Yusef and Jamille, and the entire family)


We would be remiss, if we didn't acknowledge the gigantically generous words my good friend Barry Crimmins posted today, a posting that brought me to my knees, in a flood of both, sorrowful and joyful, tears;

A Tribute Before a Eulogy

One unique, special person gone, but another, here, that I can still love.

Peace
JTD

Special Announcement - Help Needed!

As to posting today, this comes at an opportune time.

We've been battling a major cold all week, and a considerable, ass-kicking cough, and we are giving in to taking it easy, and seeing if the meds we acquired today for it, do any good.

Numerous times, over our soon-to-be-five-years, we have attempted to bring your attention to others, usually by the way of a "pointer-post", a "Good Post Alert", what-have you, as a means to highlight some other great writing, or, a good cause, something you should be aware of, or look at.

Tonight, we are going to ask you to pony up.

Earlier this month, on his Facebook page, Barry Crimmins appealed to his readers, for good vibes, prayers, anything positive in the way of thoughts, for a "young lady" who was going through a life-threatening crises.

Even before we talked, I knew this was something extraordinary, though, not unusual, as Barry, typically, is the one leading the charge, often unasked, to help someone else.

Privately, Barry confided that this "young lady" was his 34-year-old niece, who, while on Christmas vacation, in Texas, visiting relatives, fell seriously ill, and at the hospital, cancer was discovered, an aggressive, massive amount of cancer.



The initial prognosis was not good, casting a fearful grimness throughout the family, with its' shuddering finality.

However, additional testing, and further consultations, a short time later, offered a way to deal with the situation, a course of treatment that would save this young, single mother of a 5-year-old "superhero" and deliver her to a healthy life, again.

(In talking with a small circle of friends, privately, as word got around, a special Hat-Tip goes out to Tom Kenny, known to the small fry generation as SpongeBob SquarePants, who, on his own, put together a special, customized audio message to Vanessa's little 5-year-old, from SpongeBob SquarePants, that would knock your socks off)

Barry lifted the curtain today, with a "new" news announcement;

The young woman I've been asking you to support with good thoughts and prayers is my darling niece, Vanessa. Her friends have put up a website and they're planning a benefit @ The Oakland Metro Operahouse: The Oakland Metro Operahouse: 6303rd St. in Oakland California FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5TH 8PM..! There's a DONATE button on the site. Any help sincerely appreciated! Thanks so much and please keep the good karma coming!

The site is VanessaFightingCancer

Vanessa Smith of San Francisco, Oakland, New Orleans, Austin, Dallas, and Black Rock City.. rock & roll musician, artist, dancer, healer, student, single mother of a 5-year old superhero.. during a Holiday visit to her family in Dallas Texas was admitted into the hospital where she underwent emergency surgery and diagnosed with Advanced Colorectal Cancer.

The doctors are saying that her cancer is aggressive, however, it is currently localized and they are hopeful for a full recovery.

They have a PayPal button you can make a donation with, and are asking;

Hit the Paypal Donate button. Under donation amount: "$2.00" Put in the subject: ".. ♥ ..fight..!..win..!..we love you..!.. ♥ .."

If you can donate more than $2.00, please do so.

As D.A. of Black Rock (aka Dominic Tinio), who put up VanessaFightingCancer, says, "Until our world can figure out the whole Health Care mess..it looks like we're just going to have to take care of each other the best we can ..."

And, even though he is a super-hero, the 5-year-old is gonna need some help.




(In an effort to give this maximum exposure, we will resume posting to The Garlic on Monday)

Open Doors, But Blocked Sinuses

Good Evening Garlic Fans

Sorry, for the lack-of-posts the past few days.

The relentless cold weather has been playing havoc with our sinuses, to the point it is extremely difficult to feel good, let alone, creative.

So we have just tanked it, staying off the computer, and attempting to medicate, and chill out.

Today, we interrupted our plan, with the need of getting our front door fixed, by a Master Locksmith.

We are planning to be back on duty tomorrow

In the meantime, we start pining, for warmer weather;

Astrud Gilberto - It Might as Well Be Spring

Here's to Life

Good Evening Garlic Fans

We are going to defer posting today, as, for one reason, we be bone tired.

Another is, for today, there was big celebration on the homefront .... A very big day on the homefront ...

As regular readers know, we refer to The Aunt, that we have been caretaker too for these many years, and have had our trials-and-tribulations, ups-and-downs, especially so, most recently.

This past Wednesday, The Aunt reached the age of 97, and today, to accommodate more family members, we had a birthday soirée for her, complete with a custom-made cake, singing (of course) and a birthday tiara for the lady of honor.

Included among the nieces, nephews and grandchildren, were, one great niece, two great nephews, and one great-great-grandchild.

That be some longevity.

It was a marvelous, wonderfully nice day, and she was quite happy.

So, we'll let this gem from Shirley Horn bring this wonderful, marvelous day to a close.

Enjoy!

Shirley Horn - Here's to Life

Caravan

So sorry Garlic fans, we're out-of-gas this evening, and, possibly, coming to be under-the-weather (the relentless cold weather has been playing havoc with the sinuses).

So, rather then force anything, we're kicking back until (hopefully) tomorrow.

We don't leave you empty though ...

Monster track here, from Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (circa 1962 - Curtis Fuller/Trombone, Freddie Hubbard/Trumpet, Wayne Shorter/Tenor Saxophone, Cedar Walton/Piano and Reggie Workman/Bass).

And, of course, Master Drummer Blakey, who is absolutely smokin' on this cut ...

Enjoy!

Art blakey: Caravan