Getting Back in the Saddle

Apologies for the lack of new content recently -- I was on vacation (more on that soon) and couldn't manage to finish any of my customary long-form thoughts and ramblings. Lots to say, of course, but pulling it into form may take some additional time and research like reading "What's The Matter with Kansas" (I think I already know the answer, but I don't want to misrepresent the punchline).

I'm still settling into this whole blogging deal and getting more comfortable that this site won't be updated daily. I care too much about writing and full expression to let something go out the door before I've had time to consider and revise and complete it -- as noted at other times, it's that damn perfectionist streak that does serve me well in other contexts. And while I will do occasional link roundups, I'm not such a voracious consumer of other content to feel justified in that approach. I need to comment and respond and participate in a discourse -- linking just isn't enough for me to feel engaged.

Since I don't have any long-form pieces ready yet (just three in the works), I've seen (or been shown) a few things recently that may be of interest:

• An outstanding speech from Bill Moyers this past spring at the National Conference on Media Reform.
• The sad legacy of the Montreal Expos and their fans in the maple kingdom.
• WFMU's esteemed Wm. Berger on the overexposure of Natalee Holloway.
• Excellent tools for kids to learn music from Morton Subotnick, composer of the electronic/arcana classic, "Silver Apples of the Moon" (and unintentional progenitor of Depeche Mode).
• The Random Surrealism Generator.
• Maria T's insightful (as always) commentary on Philly vs. NYC.
• Instructions on knotting and lacing shoes and sneakers, including the classic checkerboard look I remember as a teen, along with the Polo jackets, Champion sweatshirts, parachute pants, and Adidas Gazelles (allegedly made from kangaroo leather and brought back in every color under the sun from Canada on hockey trips)
• Last, but certainly not least, Mike's tribute to Randy "Biscuit" Turner, including a great set of Big Boys music from his August 19th radio show.