About The Author
katiebird
Get out of Iraq. Healthcare & a Living Wage for everyone. Two sentences: A Democratic Platform.
60 Comments
Recent Posts
- Day 45: I Explain Trumpism to Justin Trudeau
- Day 43: The #TrumpRussia Conspiracy Goes Mainstream At Last
- Day 40: Republicans Contemplate Giving Up On Deficit Control Forever
- Progress Pondcast Episode 22 With Bill Hangley Jr, on DOGE and U.S. Alliance With Russia
- Day 37: The Last Bulwarks Protecting the Merit-Based Civil Service
Recent Comments
The first drink (as always) is on the house.
Are you new in town? Introduce yourself here!
Sneaky move. . .but very clever! Sorry about all the broken glasses. But bayprarie will lend me the broom and I will have it all cleaned up in no time.
The weather is so nice this evening, some people will want to go outside.
(testing, testing ….. testing)
Karaoke down next to the
Croaka Cabana
Where inside is outside. . .
Ohhh .. let’s go.
Funniest thing about all those news stories about Aruba. Makes me want to go ! 🙂
straight on down.
And I’ll have a Cheesburger in Paradise, please, and a regular Coke — not too much ice.
ahem…and where are the cabana boys? I need a massage.
yes the broom is off so feel free to borrow it! i just noticed everyone left! i was too busy singing!
I stick with lip-syncing – at the moment Madonna in London doing Hey DJ..
Did you watch much? We missed it… the photos are sensational though.
No, I just found a channel playing highlights a little while ago – CTV in Canada – they’re playing clips from all of the shows. I hadn’t paid much attention, I’m not that into music – but today I’ve realized what a cool thing a truly global concert is. I wish I’d watched the whole Canadian concert earlier – what a great line-up.
I caught it off and on. Great moments: Nelson Mandela, Pink Floyd (bow before the gods of rock – we’re not worthy! we’re not worthy!), and Brad Pitt (of course).
From what I heard about the rush to include an African concert (via CTV news), I have to say I’m a bit disappointed. I’ll most likely do a diary about all of this since poverty is my main personal and political issue.
Was that a downer? Do I have to sing now?
Okay – I feel guilty so I’ll sing now. Of all of the music I heard on Live 8 today, this is the song that touched me most – Everybody Hurts by REM:
When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,
When you’re sure you’ve had enough of this life, well hang on
Don’t let yourself go, ’cause everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes
Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it’s time to sing along
When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go, (hold on)
When you think you’ve had too much of this life, well hang on
‘Cause everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts. Don’t throw your hand. Oh, no. Don’t throw your hand
If you feel like you’re alone, no, no, no, you are not alone
If you’re on your own in this life, the days and nights are long,
When you think you’ve had too much of this life to hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes,
Everybody cries. And everybody hurts sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes. So, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts. You are not alone
made me cry…
The weirdest thing about hosting the Cafe is not being able to recommend it.
OK. :::clearing my throat::: here goes nuthin’
Homecoming (VBR mp3 audio link)
words and music by Vienna Teng
it’s desert ice outside but this diner has thawed my ears
hot coffee in a clean white mug and a smile when the waitress hears
that I was born in North Carolina
not an hour from her home town
and we used to play the same pizza parlor pinball
and there’s a glance in time suspended as I wonder how it is
we’ve been swept up just by circumstance to where the coyote lives
where my days are strips of highway
and she’s wiping tables down
holding on and still waiting for that windfall
but I’ve come home
even though I’ve never had so far to go
I’ve come home
I pay the check and leave the change from a crumpled ten-dollar bill
head across the street where VACANCY is burning in neon still
well the night eats up my body heat
and there’s no sign of another
and I find myself slipping down into that black
but things are good I’ve got a lot of followers of my faith
I’ve got a whole congregation living in my head these days
and I’m preaching from the pulpit
to cries of “Amen brother”
closing my eyes to feel the warmth come back
and I’ve come home
even though I swear I’ve never been so alone
I’ve come home
I just want to be living as I’m dying
just like everybody here
just want to know my little flicker of time is worthwhile
and I don’t know where I’m driving to
but I know I’m getting old
and there’s a blessing in every moment every mile
thin white terry bars of soap and a couple little plastic cups
old Gideons Bible in the nightstand drawer saying “Go on open up”
well I’ll kneel down on the carpet here
though I never was sure of God
think tonight I’ll give Him the benefit of the doubt
I switch off the lights and imagine that waitress outlined in the bed
her hair falling all around me
I smile and shake my head
well we all write our own endings
and we all have our own scars
but tonight I think I see what it’s all about
because I’ve come home
I’ve come home
Show Details
Hey, this guy wants us to sing this:
I’ve been alive forever, and I wrote the very first song
I put the words and the melodies together
I am music and I write the songs
CHORUS
I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs
My home lies deep within you
And I’ve got my own place in your soul
Now, when I look out through your eyes
I’m young again, even though I’m very old
CHORUS
Oh my music makes you dance
And gives you spirit to take a chance
And I wrote some rock ‘n’ roll so you can move
Music fills your heart
Well, that’s a real fine place to start
It’s from me it’s for you
It’s from you, it’s for me
It’s a worldwide symphony
CHORUS
CHORUS
I am Music (music) and I write the songs
I just got here and all the barstools are empty except for that perverted looking guy…oops, sorry, I didn’t know that was you.
I watched off and on all day. The coverage sucked as they cut to commercials right in the middle of so many great performances but to see all those people out there…amazing. I was moved to uncontrollable sobs when they shoed the video of the sick and starving children. But when Sir G showed the last picture of a girl 10 minutes away from dying 20 years ago and said, “Don’t let anyone tell you these things don’t work” and introduced the most beautiful young woman and she was the dying girl in the video I just lost it. I am getting a lump in my throat just writing about it. Awesome moment in history imho.
Heads up for Canadians – Roger Waters coming up on CTV.
Daammmnnnn!!
24 years since they’ve played together, and it sounded amazing… takes you back, dudn’t it?
(tap..tap..tap) Ahem….scuze me…all you republicans in the building, I have some hot news for you..(holds microphone to seat of pants) RRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiipppppppppppppp
(faning air around nose) “you been spreding so much of it, you might as well smell it” ; )
(turns the mic off, and leaves the republican area of the lounge)
Really?
of course, their everywhere ; ) (it is open to the puclic)
ROFLMAO. . . .tears streaming down my face. . . well, laughter and gaseous odors do that, you know.
Perfect, absolutely perfect!
By the way. . .what have you been eating????
~@^@~ gator ; )
nighthawks at the diner
emma’s 49’er
there’s a rendezvous of strangers
around the coffee urn tonight
all the gypsy hacks
the insomniacs
and other people’s business
the paper’s read and the waitress’ said
eggs and sausage
and a side of toast, coffee and a roll
hashbrowns over easy
chili in a bowl
burgers and fries-what kind of pies?
ala-mode if you will
it’s a graveyard charade
a late shift masquerade
2 for a quarter, dime for a dance
woolworth diamond earrings
and a sideways glance
now the register rings
and the waitress sings
eggs and sausage
and a side of toast, coffee and a roll
hasbrowns over easy
chili in a bowl
burgers and fries-what kind of pies?
ala-mode if you will
now the classified section
offers no direction
it’s a cold caffeine in a nicotine cloud
the touch of your fingers-lingers
burning in my memory…
I been 86’d from your scheme
left in a melodramatic, nocturnal scene
I’m a refugee from a disconcerted affair
and the lead pipe morning falls
and the waitress calls
eggs and sausage…
Tom Waits…1972: Nignthawks at the Diner
Later
Sorry, I’ve got a frog in my throat and can’t sing tonight. I can dance if you like. Here I go. <does the robot> Howzat?
We’ll turn down the kareoke for a moment.
I’ll be backing on my tin whistle for Mrs. Gooserock singing “Arthur McBride,” which I first heard from the traditional band Planxty back in the 70’s, sung by Andy Irvine if I’m not mistaken.
Oh, I see Bob Dylan did a version of this. Silly me, in the 60’s and 70’s I was all jigs and reels. It was an honest mistake. Anyways:
I had a first cousin called Arthur McBride,
he and I took a stroll down by the seaside
A-seeking good fortune and what might betide,
’twas just as the day was a-dawning.
And then after resting we both took a tramp,
we met sergeant Harper and corporal Cramp
Besides the wee drummer who beat up our camp
with his rowdy-dow-dow in the morning.
Says the sergeant ‘My boys, if you will enlist,
a Guinea you quickly will have in your fist,
Besides a Crown for to kick up the dust,
and drink the King’s health in the morning.’
‘Had we been such fools as to take the advance,
the wee bitter morning we had run to chance,
For you’d think it no scruple to send us to France,
where we would be killed in the morning.’
Says the sergeant ‘My boys, if I hear one more word,
I instantly now will out with my sword,
And into your bodies as strength will afford,
so now, my gay devils, take warning.’
But Arthur and I, we took in the odds,
we gave them no chance to lunge out their swords.
Our whacking shillelaghs came over their heads,
and paid them right smart in the morning.
As for the wee drummer we rifled his pouch,
and we made a football of his rowdy-dow-dow,
And into the ocean to rock and to row,
and bade him a tedious returning.
As for the old rapier that hung by his side,
we flung it as far as we could in the tide.
‘To the devil I bid you’ says Arthur McBride,
‘to temper your steel in the morning.’
I was going to play the tune for the Highland dance “Wilt Thou Go to the Barracks, Johnny” but I’ve run long so I’ll sit out and enjoy my beer for a
Wow – you guys are getting all fancy schmancy here with the cool graphics! How excellent. 🙂
Hey I’m back and ready to sing, My Way, here I go…
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.
I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve traveled each and ev’ry highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.
I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried.
I’ve had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.
To think I did all that;
And may I say – not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows –
And did it my way!
And there you have it!!!!
So now anyone for a game of pool, I have yet to play a game here!!!!
Rack em and I’ll break em. . .
And what about “tears” in your eyes, eh?
Yeh, so you wannta play one handed????
Anyone still up? Helloooooo….. How about a late night roll call?
cleaning out the shrimp tank. . .the dance floor was all scummy like. What’s up?
just meandering around in here – watching One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – gotta love Jack Nicholson…
Just read your comment to Janet over in Catnip’s diary – have I told you lately that you’re wonderful? Guess I’m just feeling warm and fuzzies today – it’s been great in here…
Aw shucks, and thank you. I don’t know, but I feel kinda lost when I don’t see zander and bayprarie, and diane, and Kansas and Cabin Girl and katiebird, just all over the place at BMT. . . amazing how quickly we have all come to care and enjoy each other.
Party on in the warm fuzzies!
i’m around!!!! was reading
hey there – I haven’t chatted with you much lately – how’ve ya been?
sooper, hows by you?
giddy actually – very unusual for me… full of warm fuzzies for BT today – even more than usual…
giddy is good, enjoy it! i feel good about this place too. much nicer than that old place, isn’t it? so hey what did you do to S_inc? I read that diary today. haha.. that your work?
Yep – I think I had something to do with that – and it could be a part of my giddy mood. I’m still laughing about it – I made some teasing crack about 12 step programs advocating letters of apology to all those you’ve been a jack-ass to, and woke up today to find that diary… too funny. I do believe that he’s a changed man…
welp you should be proud.. lets just hope it sticks real good, eh?
I think it will. I suspect that if he felt compelled to have a hard-core, no holds barred, Machiavelli’s Rules kind of debate about a sensitive topic – he’d now go somewhere where I couldn’t find him. I dogged him mercilessly…
well then your giddy feelings are richly deserved. and you should revel in them.
but not for long I expect, am getting a might tired but you two shirl and zander are night owls.
I just got an Enquirer with lot of pics of celeb. women with saggy and etc. butts, so I am feeling a lot better about myself…Nicky Hilton was there with Sandra Bullock, Goldie hawn, and more…lol.
I’m so clueless with celebrities – the other day I stood waiting in line at the grocery store looking from one magazine to the next – and was momentarily baffled. On one cover was celebrity chick number one and speculation about the engagement and marriage – on the other was celebrity chick number two and speculation about a pregnancy….. I wondered how in the world the dude could be so busy, before I realized that I’d merged Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt into one guy in my own mind. Oopsie.
You were at the store?, what on one of your rushes to get supplies so you could put in another 78 hours non stop.
I love the whole celebrity thing, and I used to really keep up on most of it, until politics blew my way..
And Zander I am a tiny bit jealous of the nicities you sent Shirlstars way, whatttttt about meeeeeee?
Yep – it was something like that… I really wonder sometimes how often I would see the outside world if I didn’t smoke. But summer seems to have finally arrived here – so those days may be almost over, it’s time to start rollerblading! Yay!
Diane – I’m sorry I’ve neglected you! You rock too – not a single warm-fuzzy I’ve felt today would have been possible without you and your warm welcome here and your determination to push me into a welcome wagon and the entire Woodstock like phenomenon that developed out of your Welcome Wagons, etc, etc… Not only do you rock, but I’m deeply grateful….
zander said: Not only do you rock, but I’m deeply grateful….
lots of us are too!!!! very nice place ya got here ms d. it’s a pleasure to sweep up!
as an aside: ALMOST Summer? hah. i bet it’s 85 outside here now and it’s practically 3 a.m.! we should trade weather for a few days sometime SOON!
85 would be nice. The rain has finally stopped – that’s always a blessing, but the temp has been hanging in the 60’s… I’d love a couple of days of honest to goodness debilitating heat.
i’d mail you some in an envelope, but i don’t think it would stay sealed! :::snickering:::
Oh Zander I am so bad, but I just had to get personal attention from you, I need your hugs, dont ya know….
Going to bed now and sending hugs to all and will dream I am in the booman cafe with you all. Lets all have fun in out dreams tonight, see you there, and sleep for heavens sake Zander and Bay prarie. Night all, final hugs to all…..
Oh say Zander, would you like to do an early bird cafe diary so I dont have to get up early….thanks if you do…you could do it anytime now..
I’ll put up the next one, no worries. Go get some sleep – g’night.
<more hugs>
I can’t believe you fell for that one, Zander. As if every other diary hasn’t been about what a terrific job Diane has done!! (yuck yuck yuck. . .gotcha Mz D)
Yep, she has done an amazing job and all the kudos are well deserved. . .However, I am not going to write one more “praise Diane” comment tonight.
Party On Mz Zander, party on.
Aah – everyone needs love sometimes… and I myself, just earlier today shamelessly asked for a little love, kudos, applause and 4’s…
…that, and I chose to be gullible. Life is nicer that way.
And a pretty darn good choice it is too. I just have to kid Diane, and we had just hung up from talking to each other where she was just enjoying all the lovely comments and I was giving her a hard time about it all. . .just because I can. Certainly she deserves it all.
And good for you for asking for 4’s, hugs, encouragement or anything else you feel you need. You certainly deserve it all and I have no doubt that there was no lack of it forth coming.
It has been amazing to watch you here from that first night on the welcome wagon and all that you have stepped up and done since. You are pretty darn awesome, but then, you’re Canadian, so how could it be otherwise?
Hugs, Kiddo
and with that? i must sweep and go to bed! im going straight home and going to bed! :::smile:::