Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Opus 40 Upkeep News





One of our projects this summer is rebuilding the wall around the steps down to the pool. Herewith a few photos:

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Artie Traum

Memories of a good friend and great musician.

Artie and I were discussing something -- a concert, I guess -- I don't remember any of the details. I asked him about some equipment -- some very basic sound equipment, as I remember. He didn't have it.

"I really don't keep a lot of equipment," he said. "You've heard of gentleman farmers? They have the land, and they dress in tweeds and caps and walking shoes, but they really don't keep a lot of farm equipment around. Well, I think of myself as a gentleman musician."

I didn't react right away, and Artie said apologetically, "I thought it was funny."

"That's not it," I said. "It's too good. I'm not reacting quickly because I'm digesting it. The truth is, I suppose I'm trying to think of some way I can steal it and use it myself."

But I never did -- I haven't used that line or a variant of it again until today. And today, it's in tribute to my friend, a great musician and a true gentleman.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Jon Richards

No more Jon Richards cartoons here, because he has his own website now, with (he's still building it) links to archives of his cartoons and movie reviews.

www.jonrichardsplace.com