The era of the brilliant Nabokovs is over. Dmitri died 22 February 2012. He was my age, born in Berlin in 1934 half a year before me. One day when I asked his father about his taste in music, he said he had none; all the musical talents went to his son, Dmitri. The father was very proud of his son and justifiably so.
Valentine for Flipper
One of the most important cultural centers in the ancient world was founded by a dolphin. According to a Homeric Hymn, the creature jumped aboard a ship sailing from Crete and commanded the mariners to build a sanctuary at Delphi. The animal was said to be a manifestation of the Greek god Apollo. Apollo Delphinios.
Surfing Pop Culture: Who Wants the Truth?
Does it even matter anymore that light sabers aren’t real? Or that Lance Armstrong used drugs to win races? Or that Manti Te’o’s dead girlfriend never existed? Or that faith, as the filmed LIFE OF PI suggests, needn’t be based on truth to be valid?
Surfing Pop Culture: Reaching for Smart Noir
JACK REACHER is the rare film that sharpens your senses. Exiting the theater, you find yourself walking brisker, thinking clearer, and having added energy to re-enter your life. You could call it a Red Bull film. Or a Five Hour Energy movie.
Holiday classic bridges communities
For years, the Coaster Theatre was perhaps best known for its annual production of some version of Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” Since the 1970’s, members of the community—from sandwich makers to librarians to students—came together to dress up in top hats and spread some holiday cheer. Those community members who didn’t take part in the show were sure to come and watch. The theatre truly brought the community together. [Read More]
Hankering for Paradise: My Discovery of The Wave Crest Inn
On one of my trips from Portland to Cannon Beach I stayed at the Wave Crest Inn. I drove past it the previous time I was in town and later looked it up on the Internet. From one picture on the scant web site, I knew I wanted to see this place.
Watt’s Gospel at the Farmer’s Market
Stop and talk to Watt Childress (who founded this website) any day at Jupiter’s Books in Cannon Beach and you’ll hear the gospel of community. The good news that our community is full of talent and special people and that we have much to give each other if we would find ways to share. Upper […]
Counterstomp
In 1984 a bioacoustic researcher was studying whale songs on the west coast. She heard news that four baby elephants were born at the Oregon Zoo, and went to see them. While there she sensed a vibration near the elephant cages. It turned out the animals were using low-frequency sounds to send messages back and forth across the zoo grounds. [More]
Charles de Lint sings about Animal People
“There’s only one thing you’ve got to remember.
Everything in this world is a brother or sister.”
In addition to being a world-class author, Charles de Lint is a heartfelt folk musician. Here he offers up a message about Animal People, beings who are also featured in his mythic fiction.
Why aren’t we all dancing wholeheartedly?
I just returned from an evening of dancing to live music. Live, danceable music always brings great joy to me. I love moving my body in harmony with the music, I love experiencing all the ways my body will move, I love watching others experience the same things. This evening it was reggae. Rock and roll, jazz, blues, yes even classical can inspire the same joy. When I am in a self-care mindset, I plan dance into my life.