Feelin' Good
Friday, March 7, 2025 →
Feelin’ Good Friday, #5
I am so glad what so many expected to happen is actually happening. I’ve only been to Manhattan a handful of times since Congestion Pricing has gone into effect, but it’s noticeable. There are fewer cars, and it really feels less dangerous.
Now, I know that it won’t seem that way to folks not familiar with the city because there are still a fuckton of cars in Midtown, but it’s noticeable to people who are there every day.
I’m not anti-car, but in cities? Come on! This country, overall, needs better public transportation, but when there’s a city with good public transportation, why do we have to mess it up with cars, cars, cars?
Friday, February 28, 2025 →
Feelin’ Good Friday, #4: Nazi Salutes Get Mandatory Jail Time. In Australia, but still. That makes me feel good.
I am aware of the contrast between Australia and the U.S., where Nazi salutes are apparently mandatory at CPAC. It is curious that the AP didn’t use a picture of Bannon making the Nazi salute when it is readily available.
Friday, February 21, 2025 →
Feelin’ Good Friday, #3: I love Iris Dement. I love her sound, her songwriting, everything. I still (still!) can’t get over how an early 20-something Iris wrote “Our Town.”
This version of Our Town is also great. I mean, Emmylou Harris. She makes me swoon so hard I almost pulled out my back.
Anyway, this isn’t about Iris. You see, Iris is married to Greg Brown (I’m not familiar with his music). Greg has a daughter named Pieta Brown. How in all that is sacred have I not listened to Pieta before? I hadn’t even heard of her, and I feel a mix of guilt (not the right word) and excitement (since there is so much music to really get to know).
After just 3 seconds of listening, I knew Pieta’s sound was one that would continue to click with me. Her sound is a mix of blues, country, and maybe jazz. I’m not an expert in any kind of music, but that’s what she sounds like to me. And she is clearly a fantastic singer-songwriter.
Her catalog on Apple Music only starts in 2007 with the Remember the Sun album, but it was the first song on that album (the three seconds I mentioned above) that made me know I found something special (to me).
So, Pieta, I’m sorry it took me your whole recording life to finally find you. I’m so glad I did.
Friday, February 14, 2025 →
Feelin’ Good Friday, #2: A two-gear, two-chain bike. It’s small inventions like this which have a huge impact on the lives of folks who have to make do with what they have.
If you are unfamiliar with Buffalo (I was), this overview explains the logic behind the original design (the first link above shows the most recent redesign, but the principle ideas remain). Really, watch the whole video. I wish more products were made this way.
Friday, February 7, 2025 →
Feelin’ Good Friday, #1: We’re making headway on some kinds of cancer!