Jenny Lewis--Silver Lining

Tried to get my good friend Kelly into Jenny Lewis and Rilo Kiley. No sale. Not a fan of her voice. It baffles me when I hear that from people with such good taste. She didn't seem to mind RK guitarist Blake Sennett's voice when I played her a song by his band, the Elected.

Michael Cassidy - Lover Of The Lord

It's as sappy as it gets. But that can be rather nice, I think.

Elliott Smith--Division Day

"Beautiful division day." 

U.S. Navy: Drunk OK, Cannabis Not OK

                                                  Naval Base San Diego, California


"You can just imagine the work that we do in a military environment," said Mark Ridley, deputy director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, adding, "you need to be in your right mind when you do a job. That's why the Navy has always taken a zero tolerance policy toward drugs."


What a crock! When I was driving cab in San Diego, I used to bring sailors right up to the boarding plank of their ship. They could be so drunk that a buddy would have to help them up, and make sure they didn't fall into the grimy waters of San Diego Bay. That was OK with the Shore Patrol, who were standing right there. But if a sailor was found with cannabis--so much as a minuscule roach--the sailor was going to the brig. 


I agree that military personnel, at least while on duty, should be as sober as sober can be. After all they could be working with dangerous equipment, ordnance, or classified info--whatever; I don't know much about such matters, I'm just saying--so why is alcohol allowed? Is it not a drug, and a dangerous one at that? In fact, is not alcohol far more dangerous, statistically, than cannabis? 


I can't shake the memory of those sailors, so drunk they could not walk unaided. However, I have never in my entire life seen anyone impaired like that under the influence of cannabis. So what gives? 


You tell me. 

Phish - Waste

I don't know Jack about Phish, but I am finding out.

The Hush Sound--Molasses

 From 2008.

Concrete Blonde--Joey

From one of the finest of years--1992.

4 Non Blondes--What's Up

This song has popped up about five different times in the last week. It's my spooky Christmas song, apparently. 

Old Mac Tells The Truth Of Slaughterhouses

I can't watch it. However, I have been a vegetarian since 1974. Maybe that's why I can't watch it. Can you? What do you think of Paul McCartney's observation that if slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian?

There are regulations meant to mitigate the suffering of animals, but these regulations are ROUTINELY ignored. Why? Because they are in place only because conscientious people have demanded them, but society doesn't really care about them, and so slaughterhouses violate the regulations WITH IMPUNITY.

So listen to your conscience and go vegetarian. Yes or no, and why?

Yamuna Devi - Govindam Adi Purusham

In this video are pictures of Yamuna Devi, the lead singer in "Govindam Adi Purusham", with A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, George Harrison, and his first wife Patti. Yamuna Devi passed away last week in Melbourne, Florida. She was 70.

Long-Haired Radical Socialist Jew

A wonderful song by Hugh Blumenfeld that I am posting for my dear little sister, who has always loved Jesus.

Jury Refuses Cannabis Conviction

This is what I call power to the people.

Tell Obama To Honor His Campaign Statements!

I voted for the President, and I will vote for him again. But his allowing Justice Department resources to be wasted on busting medical marijuana dispensaries is outrageous. If you agree with me, click on this and tell him so!

The Spirituality Of Cannabis

In "Cannabis Club", Professor Luis Leon argues that the cannabis experience is spiritual. His article appears in Frequencies, a new online encyclopedia of spirituality, curated by Professor Kathryn Lofton and Professor John Lardas Modern.

Read the article.

My Favorite Things--John Coltrane

Jazz is pretty rare on this blog. But there is no denying the magic of this performance. Merry Christmas, from KTWS, Walrus radio.

Complete Beatles Christmas Messages

The annual Beatles fan club message, 1963-1970.

Christmas Eve Political Rant

I am quite direct in my criticism of the conservative element in America, but I usually don't get as direct and personal as I will here. No, I save that for stuff that really gets my goat, and these days, I will admit that I have a lot of political goat to get.


At issue is the official White House Christmas card, which Sarah Palin disparaged in no uncertain terms. This well meaning Yahoo comment put me over the edge:


"You are correct... we have degenerated to nothing more than a bunch of cry babies who have no manners (and I mean EVERYONE) cheap shots from both sides. It is sad, there is no integrity anymore."


I disagree with this comment. Cheap shots from both sides? What cheap shots from Obama is she referring to? Presidents are rather good at avoiding them, at least once they are elected. To his credit, as far as I can remember, President George W. Bush also refrained from cheap shots on a personal level. Let the person who posted this comment show the cheap shots, or be quiet. Her fuzzy rhetoric is meaningless and does not contribute to understanding of what is happening, at all. The real truth is that ultra-conservatives (even her friends wouldn't call her a moderate, so that's telling us something) like Palin will stoop to any political stunt to discredit a President who in good faith--you may strongly disagree with his ideas and policies, but still, to the best of his convictions--is trying his best. As if a low-life like Palin is in any position to lecture anyone else. Palin is despicable, and that is no cheap shot. 


I don't mind bearing the expense of a direct hit.

The image above is Obama's Christmas card 2011, which, as Sarah Palin correctly points out, contains no Christmas tree! The nerve! Outrageously non-Christmasy, isn't it? "It's odd," Palin said, wondering why the President's Christmas card highlights his dog instead of traditions like "family, faith and freedom."

The image above is George W. Bush's card from 2005, with his two dogs in the foreground. I could show the Christmas cards of other Republican Presidents, which also have no Christmas tree, and no discernible expression of "family, faith, and freedom." But you can see for yourself.


Speaking only of her public relations modus operandi and her comments about her political opponents--not her politics, mind you--I would like to know...just going by her statement about Obama's Christmas card, why does Palin not deserve the following appellation...


C WORD.  


??? You tell me why Palin does not represent the most despicable impulse in our national life. Ironically, even more sad is that some people would certify that "family, faith, and freedom" are values that need to be illumined by the guiding light of Wasilla. I am fairly certain that even Richard Nixon would disapprove of her antics.


For some strange reason, I have a feeling that Palin would be fine with that. 

John Lennon _ Happy Christmas (War Is Over)

The Walrus Speaks sends this Christmas message:

We're all family, and we all have value. And that's all we need to know about family values.

Merry Christmas!

Crucified Skeleton Santa

It's not likely that regulars to The Walrus Speaks would be offended by this image, so here it is. Crucified skeleton Santas need love, too. But I think Santa is very unhappy about an incident in an American mall, where a thousand people lined up to buy Air Jordan basketball shoes. Because of pushing and shoving, law enforcement arrived on the scene and used pepper spray on these fools.

It is probable that most of the recipients of these shoes do not even play basketball. So why do they wear such expensive shoes? Poor Santa has been crucified by materialistic values.

Rilo Kiley - Christmas Cake

The cold war is on between you and me...

Happy Crimble!

From Wikipedia: 


"Crimble or Krimble is a slang term for Christmas coined by The Beatles as part of their 1964 Christmas record issued via the Beatles Fan Club. It is believed to have been coined by John Lennon given his penchant for wordplay. The term has come into general use among Liverpudlians, though use has spread to the wider world."


Yeah.

Happy Festivus! A Holiday for the Rest of Us!

In the comments, tell us how your loved ones have disappointed you this year.

Cannabis Morning In America?

The country is slowly going green. The lightest green indicates states where medical marijuana is legal. The darker green indicates decriminalized marijuana, and the darkest green indicates both legal medical and decriminalized status. When most or all of the states are green, politicians in Washington will be forced to overturn the Federal ban. I'm 55. I hope I live to see it.

Wild Flag--Romance

Awesome performance by Carrie Brownstein's fantastic new band White Flag.

Beatles - All I Want For Christmas

This one is also from 1963.

When Jerry Met Ricky

The comedy underworld interests me to no end.

Beatles Christmas 1963

This is the first Beatles fan club Christmas recording. I would have joined the club, but didn't know how.

Norah Jones--Long Way Home

Norah's singing me to sleep on an obscenely late night.

Animals - When I Was Young

I'm playing all of the Animals' greatest hits for the Station Agent.

Phineas and Ferb--There's a Platypus Controlling Me

Is there a "platypus" controlling you?

Saturday Night Live Does Tebow And Jesus

Tebowmania continues here at The Walrus Speaks.

Ani DiFranco - My IQ

Don't patronize this woman.

Pearl Jam--State of Love and Trust

Between their first and second albums, Pearl Jam contributed two brilliant jems to the soundtrack of a second-rate romcom called Singles. These songs would never appear on a proper PJ studio album, which is kind of cool. They're special. 

Elliott Smith--Stupidity Tries

This is a fine, rare glimpse of rockin' Elliott. because so much of his material was laid back acoustic stuff, people don't realize what a rockin' guitar player he was.

Kimya Dawson--Parade

a million people realize there's better things to do
than wasting their whole lives being accessible to you
like throwing off their clothes and marching down the avenue
singing "i'm in new york city, don't i look so pretty? hey!"

Larger Than Life Beatles - Sie Liebt Dich

All the Beatles knew a little German, having rocked the Hamburg red light district for years. Paul knew a little more. This looks like footage from Germany after they became the biggest show business legend--among a few other things--in all history. It looks like some of these people knew they were witnessing history, no surprise there.

The Beatles were even larger than themselves.

Zooey Sings The Beach Boys

Station Agent, you gotta see this.

Happy Birthday, Bill!

Today is the day that Bill Hicks would have turned 50. Here's the time he went for the righteous indignation dollar. That's a big dollar.

Elliott Smith--Waltz #2 (XO)

"I'm never gonna to know you now, but I'm gonna love you anyhow..."

Who Wrote The Bible?

I can't resist posting something Hitchens would enjoy. What kills me is that in my opinion, who wrote the Bible is not as important as following the Bible's recommendations to live a decent life...but for some other people it is more important that you BELIEVE everything it says, and what is more, you BELIEVE everything that people who BELIEVE everything it says SAY about it, including who wrote it.

So for these people, believing and saying are more important than how you live. I believe Hitchens could not have said it better.

Christopher Hitchens 1949-2011

As an indefatigable cheerleader for atheism, Christopher Hitchens was the bane of religious believers everywhere. Now, I am a religious believer. Granted, I am a religious believer with mountains--not a pinch--of salt, and I am not unmindful that religion sometimes really does divide people. Nevertheless, I affirm the power of religion for good. So why post an obituary of Hitchens?

Well, some of my best friends are atheists, or are flirting with atheism. Sometimes they call themselves agnostic. Another thing is that I identify with Hinduism, which makes room for doubts about the existence of God--it's all about how you behave, not what you believe.

Hitchens' religion was based on getting people to not believe in God. What is belief? What is God? Although I "believe in God", there was something about Hitchens that I found amusing. This led me to believe that, perhaps, God also found Hitchens amusing. At any rate, Hitchens deserves a decent send-off because, as his friends would aver, he was a decent human being. As a Hindu, that is enough for me.

I can't say I liked his latter day politics. Here is the New York Times obituary.

Obama, Call Off U.S. Attorneys Against Cannabis!

Quite often I get messages from the Marijuana Policy Project, an outfit dedicated to changing draconian government cannabis policy in the U.S. Here's what they sent me.

Dear Hector,

What is it going to take to get the President to end the war on medical marijuana patients? It's a simple answer:

You.

Fortunately, you have some powerful people on your side.

Two weeks ago, Governors Christine Gregoire (D-WA) and Lincoln Chafee (I-RI) petitioned the federal government to reclassify marijuana as a drug with legitimate medical value. The 99-page petition, loaded with references to scientific studies, laid to rest any legitimate claim that marijuana is not a medicine.

But President Obama continues to allow members of his administration to bully and intimidate medical marijuana providers and state and local officials who support them. He needs to know that the public wants him to respect state medical marijuana laws once and for all. That is why we are part of a coalition urging Americans to make today a medical marijuana day of action.

We have made it as easy as possible for you to make your voice heard. In less than two minutes, you can send a pre-written email to the White House. If you like, you can even modify the email.

Change in this country does not come easy. And it does not come when we are silent. Please visit our site and speak out today!

I sent our President a message supporting the MPP's noble efforts.

You can send the President the same message.

Steve Martin and a Banjo

The master.

Kimbra--Settle Down

I was on YouTube and one thing led to another... next thing I know--Kimbra! I don't know who this is, but I intend to find out.

Neil Diamond--Solitary Man

Before he became unintentionally hilarious, Neil Diamond had a little gravitas. He spent a great deal of it on cheesy horn-lines, but gravitas nonetheless. 

American Kids Prefer Herb, Ditch Booze

A recent article says that marijuana use is on the rise with American youth, while drinking is declining. This is good news, because anyone with experience with both alcohol and marijuana knows which drug is more dangerous. Let's be absolutely clear--would you rather share the road with people who have been drinking, or with people who have been smoking? If you honestly don't know the answer to this question, do some research. While marijuana may slightly slow a driver's reaction time, smokers can compensate by being extra attentive, whereas drinkers cannot be extra attentive no matter how hard they try. Now if you are one of these chronic drinkers who is absolutely pickled and can drive legally drunk with no bad effects, I'm not referring to you. Just saying.

Read the article, which tries to link illegal marijuana use with legal marijuana use, with, ostensibly, the purpose of deprecating medical marijuana. Can you really trust anything the Drug Czar says? Or, at least, the Drug Czar's purpose for saying it?

One more point in this rant, please. What is the most viable way to persuade kids not to use artificial marijuana, which really is harmful? Legalize the real thing. 

I'm Hector Diego, and I approve of this message.

First Aid Kit--Emmylou

Here's another from the treasure trove that is KCRW's YouTube page. 

Gotye--Somebody That I Used To Know

Don't let the two minutes of mumbling fool you, this dude can sing. 

Bob Dylan - Ballad Of A Thin Man

When I discovered Dylan in 1969, it was a life changing event.

The Mountain Goats--Going to Georgia

From January 2010, live at NPR's studio.

Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven

This song is one of the most famous, ever. It has become a cliche. That is all the more reason for us to post it, so that a youngster who has not heard it can know what the cliche is all about. Arguably not Led Zeppelin's greatest work, it was nevertheless their biggest hit.

Ann Coulter

I'll say.

To Russia With Love

People are now protesting the phony election of Putin. The Russian bear is awake! We hear you, comrades. Best wishes from The Walrus Speaks, U.S.

Pink Floyd - Money

The Mitt at Bain Capitalism.

Rilo Kiley - Close Call

That's no way to get rich.

Rick Perry Vs. The Christmas Grinch

Perry claims that because of people like Obama and his "war on religion", children can't pray in school, or openly celebrate Christmas. Well, as far as I can see, everyone except Jews, Muslims, and Jehovah's Witnesses are openly celebrating Christmas in America, and some of the aforementioned are too. And plenty of atheists as well. As for praying in school, who was it that said that as long as there are examinations in school, there will be prayers?

What the conservatives are fulminating about--not openly, but still fulminating--is that teachers no longer lead prayers. What they really want, but know they can't openly say, is that schools should go back to a standard that has been declared illegal. They want American schools to openly acknowledge Christianity everyday, in all of its functions.

But public schools represent the federal, state, and local governments of our nation, and our Constitution forbids government's involvement in religion. So for all of their ranting about the Constitution, they don't really respect it, do they?

Yes or no, Rick Perry?

Karma--Once

This song has now landed in court. Here's how.

John Lennon - Working Class Hero

Let's continue celebrating the life of John Lennon, who was assassinated 30 years ago last Tuesday. The Station Agent and I consider Lennon to be one of the most important figures of the 20th century.

Elvis And Daughter - In The Ghetto

Presley's voice is not polished like her Dad's. However, she doesn't try to do what she cannot do, and she can more than carry a tune. Not a bad voice at all.

Benatar And Presley - Heart Breaker

A nice duet.

John Lennon, 31 Years Gone

The Vancouver Sun caught up with Yoko who said, "John was about making the world a better place. He sang 'Gimme Some Truth,' so when I see all the activism out there today, I feel like we will turn the corner soon."



My friend Russ posted this clip on his Facebook page in commemoration of Lennon's murder 31 years ago.



And here's one of my favorite Lennon songs, though it was on a Beatles album--"The Ballad of John and Yoko."

Nice Guy George Harrison

Rene Sevin of Kings of Jupiter didn't recognize Harrison as the famous musician that he was. But she did recognize his beautiful soul.

Herman Dune--When The Water Gets Cold and Freezes on the Lake

"Right now I need to stay home and I don't need your company
Right now I need to be alone and I need you to stay away from me
I love the smell of your hair and the blue of your eyes
But you're far too complicated and you tell a lot of lies
I'll see what's right and what's wrong, I'll see what's true and what's fake
When the water gets cold and freezes on the lake."

Gossip--Heavy Cross

This band was recently recommended by my friend and podcast co-host Jason Edwards. Pretty great stuff. Their cover of George Michael's "Careless Whispers" is phenomenal. 

Guns N Roses--Sweet Child of Mine

The latest round of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been announced.  Topping the list are three bands--Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Beastie Boys and Guns N Roses--that had a very heavy influence on my tastes as a teenager and were among my favorite bands in the late 80's and deep into the 90's. While my affection for each of these bands has faded over the years for a multitude of reasons, each is a fantastic choice for induction and each have songs that I still enjoy periodically.

This is the video that gave me my first look at Guns N Roses.

Merlin's Magic - In The Morning Light

Great meditation music.

Animals - Sky Pilot

The Sky Pilot was a military chaplain for US and British troops during the Vietnam war.

Guess Who--These Eyes

This song got into my head over the years through osmosis. It's one of those ubiquitous songs that plays endlessly in grocery stores and on easy listening radio stations. My friend and I spontaneously started singing this together on skype last night for no reason at all. Silly, fun times.



"These eyes, oh are cryin'!" Take it, Dr. Diego!

Dido--Honestly Ok

From London, 2004.

The Twilight Singers--On the Corner

This band comes recommended by my friend Jason, so I'm trying them out.  Not bad at all, no? 

Ted Leo--One Polaroid a Day

Ted Leo is my favorite type of guitar god--one that need not shred, but can and will when the time is right.

Adele--Someone Like You

Love it when a young performer steps up to a huge platform and delivers a brilliant performance.

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down--Feet Asleep

Thao and the kids country out this rendition of "Feet Asleep" at SXSW.



For more Thao, check out my blog where she's the Saturday Play.

Animals - San Franciscan Nights

I'm going to make sure that the Station Agent has heard every big Animals song. There were lots of them.

Phantom Planet--California

Fun fact: This live performance on Mr. Letterman's program was from the relatively early days of Phantom Planet when actor Jason Schwartzman was still their drummer.

Neil Young - Heart Of Gold

Nobody--but nobody--beats Neil Young. Damn this is good.

The Beatles At The Cavern

This is supposed to be the first video of the Beatles in existence. Liverpool, 1962.

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound--I Am Trying To Break Your Heart

Just heard actor Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm) recommend this band on the latest episode of Doug Benson's podcast, Doug Loves Movies. Here's their cover of Wilco's "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart."

Ganesha Meditation

Lord Ganesha is the god of doors and beginnings. And that's everywhere, all the time.

She And Him - Sweet Darlin'

Zooey is alright.

Rilo Kiley--Capturing Moods

Circa 2003. Listen for one of the greatest Jenny Lewis screams during the breakdown.

Moody Blues - Eyes Of A Child

Let's grow up and become like children.

Enigma - Invisible Love

Beautiful.

Tantric Sexuality

Don't worry Mom and Dad. It's only music.

Reiki Music

Relax, dudes and dudettes. Don't worry, be happy.