Dreamin'

The scent of cherry blossoms and damp earth says, "yes!"

I'll keep my head up for when it will actually air as well.

Thanks, Kalle. The show will be broadcast on Friday, April 8th. link

I wonder what Neil was up to during the supermoon?

Thanks for everything Jack & Meg. Your 10 year anniversary show changed my life!

Now, that was a Canadian tour!

Judy, I was hoping you would weigh in. The studies you cited are fascinating and I want to read the second one in depth. Thank you.

The "empty vessel" idea is helpful for understanding someone who may be on a pathway to violence (and how to intervene). I'm no expert, just trying to wrap my head around these senseless tragedies, like everyone else.

It's disappointing to see mental illness used as an explanation for violent behaviour. This is a myth!

The psychology of violence is complex, but social dynamics often do play a roll. This tragic event appears to be somewhat unique in that it was both an assassination attempt and a mass shooting. Unfortunately, there will likely be copycats (as we have seen in school settings) in the months and years ahead.

Peace.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us, Mel. I've been thinking about Nat all week.

I am very good at gift-giving.

Seriously, kick-ass!

In my family, we pick names out of a hat, for a group of about 30 of us (uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.). So each year, I'm really only giving and getting one gift.

Such a sensible approach. My family used to do this, but at some point (for unknown reasons) we switched to stocking stuffers. Now I have to shop for a bunch of little gifts (which people probably don't want or need) and end up getting lots of stuff that I don't want or need. Sigh. My new post-Xmas tradition is cleaning out my closets and preparing a big box of new and used items to donate to charity.

made a donation to planned parenthood LA this week.

Thanks for the bump, Ms Y. Your post inspired me to make a donation to the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health in Nat's memory.

I think the last classic "wow" NY record was sleeps with angels. It took me a long time to "get" that record, but now I listen to the first side on my vinyl copy all the time. It is a spooky, strange, and haunting record.

RIP David Briggs.

An interesting article about suicide.

The Forgotten Patients

And it's a good thing, too!

Much more useful than calculas.

I guess that's ultimately the sentiment I wish to express: thank you, friends.

I'll never listen to that song again without thinking of the fun we had and all the people I have to thank for it. I feel truly blessed to know each and every one of you.

For me, the highlight of any show is a moment when things threaten to go off the rails or something unexpected and spontaneous happens. From the comedy of Zelda the pug to the Neil Young cover (that all Canadian children learn in school), the entire evening was all kinds of awesome. And did I mention there were tiny fruit pies on a stick? And mini chocolate Guinness cakes that you could eat with a spoon (moaning with pleasure between bites)? Only Chicago could hold so much love and joy.

xo

The Swell Season are good people:

Top marks for suicide postvention/prevention! This will save lives.

There's no right or wrong way to feel about something like this. Anger, compassion, disgust... it's all valid. I'm really glad you weren't there that day, Maudie.

Please indulge my little PSA by clicking on the link and help stop a suicide.

From Neil Young's Facebook page:

“Le Noise” is complete. It is a solo record. Playbacks are happening now. Release date is September 28th. It will be available in Vinyl, CD and I-Tunes in the first edition, followed by Blu-Ray, and an APP for I-Phone and I-Pad a month or so later. The app will be free. It gives you an interactive album cover. Forgive my use of the word “album”. I am old school. Peace ny4

I have no expectations. (It's safer that way.)

Wow, that's one hell of a setlist! Thanks to the mystery caller who left the Simple Twist of Fate msg on my phone. (Hmm, Portland area code... mystery solved!)

Yeah, this probably would have gone over a lot better in our group.

Indeed! Such a tease.

Very sad news. Was fortunate to see him play with Neil a couple years ago.

Saw This Movie is Broken last night. Major Canadiana love.

If you're a BSS/Bruce McDonald/Don McKellar fan, it's worth your time.

Happy Canada Day!

Neil Peart: Hockey Theme

The Sweater

Canadian rock legends named Neil: proceed with caution. They are weird cats.

LIES!

gogo has a great meeting Neil Young story that we've told here many times.

I think he has changed somewhat over the last few years. Maybe I just got somewhat of a bad view of him from reading to much into some things he has written over the years.

Or maybe not. He has his flaws, for sure. Perhaps he's more comfortable revealing them in his writing (with some distance and control) vs. up close and personal.

I would not want to meet Neil Young, either (as much as I love him).