World Poetry Day (A Tribute)

March 21st is World Poetry Day. Or it was, depending on when you read this. The following is my tribute.

SECTION ONE: TWO LIGHT POEMS

This first poem is one I learned as a child.

“Little Birdie”

Little birdie in the sky,
Why’d you do that in my eye?
Little birdie in the sky,
Gee, I’m glad that cows don’t fly.

-My Dad taught me that years ago. It was probably an old schoolyard or summer camp poem. I’m sure he didn’t write it. He taught it to me though, and I remembered it. Explains a lot, methinks.

This next poem I wrote one day while talking about poetry with my kids, it is simply titled:

“Poems”

Poems are wonderful,
Poems are good,
Not all poems rhyme,
But I really think they ought to.

SECTION TWO: RE-WRITING THE CLASSICS

In this section, I will try give my interpretations of well known poems by rewriting them, based not on their structure, or famous lines, or even my opinions of the poems or their authors. I will endeavor to create all new works based on the existing titles. Here we go.

“Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening”

Wow, it’s cold. And there’s lots of snow.
Why do I stay here? I don’t know.
Why stay and watch the snowy sky
When home is waiting, warm and dry?
Of one thing there can be no doubt,
This is stupid. I’m getting out!

“Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer’s Day?“

Nah.

“The Road Not Taken”

The road not taken
Is usually avoided
By people who know
How horror movies start.

“I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud”

I wandered lonely as a cloud,
Me, without a care in the world.
Then people started filling me
with ideas, and numbers and
opinions and orders and their own
expectations and rules and and
they just kept filling and filling
until I had no room for more
but they just kept loading me up
and I just took it and took it
’til I finally exploded!
I just spewed it all back out man,
all the information and the
numbers and the secrets I just
puked it back out into the sky
where anyone can look at it
if they speak in ones and zeroes.

“From Mother To Son”

Dear Son,
I am at Aunt Patty’s.
Dinner is in the fridge.
Be back late.
Feed the dog, and
clean up your room, willya?
Mom

“O Captain! My Captain!”

O Captain! My Captain!
The wars have begun!
We’re under attack
By crazed Romulans!
Supplies are low,
And support is scant,
Spock’s trying to help
But he sure as Vul-can’t
Stop the fighting like you could
So come to the bridge now
Please Cap, if you would.

O Captain! My Captain!
Out on the holodeck,
There’s a green, nasty alien,
(Looks a little like Shrek)
He’s out of control,
His sanity’s gone
This guy makes me wish
We were dealing with Kaaaaaahhhhhnnnnn!
He says he seeks vengeance-
He’s demanding your life!
Says it’s something to do
With you and his…wife?

O Captain! My Captain!
Five more crew are dead!
Those guys with the shirts
That were colored in red.
I can’t take anymore!
This world’s way too scary,
What with Tribbles and Borgs-
I blame you, Roddenberry!
Now we’re biding our time
‘Til the Klingons come nuke us.
O why o why didn’t I sign on with Lucas?

Okay, that’s the end. Be sure to read the real poems for some actual culture, it will do you some good. Google ’em. Anyway, thanks for reading, and indulging my silliness. See you next week!

A Musical Update

I thought I’d give you a quick update as to the state of my musical situation as it stands now. Many of you know that I have been in a few bands before, usually singing and/or playing bass, and mostly with my brother Derek. We have played everything from alternative country music to punk rock and whatever it is that lies in between. He was also instrumental (no pun intended…okay, maybe a little) in helping me complete a rock record I put out several years back that was “too pop for punk and too punk for pop” which means that people liked it but had no idea what to do with it.

Anyway, things kind of slowed down a little after that as I walked away from music for a little bit. Then, just as we were starting to talk about maybe doing something else together, the pandemic hit. So I have done pretty much nothing musically since.

Well, almost.

Last Summer I saw a documentary called “Strung Together” which was about the Cigar Box Guitar movement that has sprung up over the last few years. For whatever reason, this had completely slipped by my radar and I was mostly unaware of this sub culture of music and musicians. I mean, I have seen people playing some old-timey resonator guitars, but I had no clue about the depth of the movement.

For those who don’t know, a cigar box guitar is just what it sounds like, a musical instrument, usually a three or four string “guitar”, made by using a cigar box as the resonator/body of the guitar, and a broomstick or wooden slat as the neck. This is the standard set up, but pretty much anything can be used as long as it gets a good sound! These instruments date back to at least the Civil War, but were more popular in the 1920’s and 30’s with hobos riding the rails, farm workers, and pretty much anybody hit hard by the depression and in need of a musical outlet. Countless blues musicians have started their careers by playing on a cbg, or its cousin, the one stringed diddley bow (which is, of course, where Bo Diddley got his stage name), an instrument that evolved from West African instruments.

I became fascinated with this world of instruments and the people who played them, and wanted to try it myself. Now, I’m not really a blues guy at heart, though there are many blues artists I respect and come in and out of my regular listening rotation. Still, the idea of playing home made instruments not found at your local chain music store intrigued me. After some research, I learned that many country and folk artists had also used similar instruments, and that musical style seemed to be more suited to my tastes and abilities.

So I figured I should start small. After researching the blues based diddley bow, I found its country cousin, the canjo. Again, this is exactly what it sounds like. A canjo has one string, on a diatonic scale fretboard with a can as a resonator. That’s it. I got hold of one and found it not only easy to play but also a lot of fun. It may seem like a joke of an instrument, but you can do a lot with it. I am a fan of the canjo. Or as the kids say, I stan the canjo.

I’m a stanjo.

I played this thing for months on end, and it wasn’t even a high quality instrument (yes, there are good and bad ones, like anything else). I have since added a few other instruments to my collection. I have a cbg version of a canjo, which I guess would be a “woodjo”, but that just sounds weird. I also have a three string cheap from-a-kit cbg that is pretty much made for slide work and nothing else. So far I have not “really” built any instruments though I would like to try one day. I’m not very mechanically inclined, so that’s a little overwhelming but is sure to happen sooner or later. There are a few more things I’d like to add to the collection such as a hobo fiddle, and a two string canjo, among others.

The question though, is “What the heck am I dong here?” Really, what in the world do I expect to accomplish with all this, other than goofing around on some cool though unconventional instruments. The answer is, “I’m not sure. But I’m up to something.” That something is still being fleshed out. Will I be able to write some new songs to play with these instruments? Will I be resurrecting a bunch of half forgotten old-timey songs and playing them in my own way? Maybe both? What form will this take? Will I find some like minded individuals and form a band? Will it just be me and a stomp box, or maybe some pre recorded tracks? Will I put music out on the interwebs, or just play loudly in the park, annoying passers by? I dunno, but I am excited to find out.

Wherever this takes me I’m sure I’ll drag my brother into it in one capacity or another. Bear in mind that I am nowhere near ready to officially present anything yet. It’s going to be quite some time, but it you follow my socials, I may throw out something, just for fun.

Like the drifters, wanderers, and rail riders of the past that live in so many songs, I am standing in front of an open road and I’m ready to see where it leads, even if it’s a dead end. I hope, when the time comes, that you will come with me. Until then, see you right here for more MonDAVEs.

A Few Thoughts About “The Batman”

Over the weekend, I saw the mew film “The Batman.” Usually I see super hero type movies with my daughter, but she’s a Marvel girl and wasn’t along for the ride this time. Sorry, Tessa fans, but my review will be solo this time. She’ll be back soon enough, I’m sure.

Speaking of Marvel, yes, I am a Marvel movie guy. While I had hopes for the DCEU, it has mostly been a failure, though I have enjoyed some of their movies, and most of them have had at least a few good points. “The Batman” however, doesn’t seem to be connected to the larger universe and, to the best of my knowledge, will be a stand alone movie trilogy so we should be all right there.

Anyway, on to the review. Much has been said about its dark, gritty tone and violence, which is fair and accurate. It’s quite dark and quite violent. It’s also surprisingly swear-y. There were rumors early on that this was to be an R rated movie but somebody came to their senses. After all, there are toys to sell, though I wouldn’t necessarily advise anyone under 11 or 12 seeing this movie without parental accompaniment. I found it to be less of a superhero movie though, and more of a crime/detective movie (and a very good one at that) so in this case the hard PG-13 does make some sense.

Sure, Batman has all his gadgets, and the Batcave, and Alfred, and all that we have come to expect of him through the years of movie treatments. In more recent years, much of the focus has been on Batman’s tortured soul, but the origins of the character focused heavily on his detective work when catching the bad guys as well. While this has been a constant in the comics, the movies have all seemed to focus more on the dark, brooding hero than the mind of the man. This movie takes steps towards fixing that and it is a welcome change.

The cast is mostly excellent. Zoe Kravitz is a terrific Catwoman, and Paul Dano’s Riddler gives us a grounded, slightly sympathetic, and unique take on a character that, for me, is all too often ignored for a certain clown prince of crime, and when he does appear, isn’t taken as seriously as he should be. This movie fixes that, too. Andy Serkis is an interesting choice for Alfred, making him seem like more grizzled a man who has been through it with the Wayne family. Peter Sarsgaard, John Turturro, and Jeffrey Wright all turn in note perfect performances as well. Also, HOLY CRAP, THAT’S COLIN FERREL AS PENGUIN? I HAD NO IDEA!!!

Which brings us to Robert Pattinson as The Batman. I must say that I have seen very little of his work (though he was excellent in the artsy drama/fantasy/horror film “The Lighthouse”) so I didn’t know what to expect from him in this role. I think he was really good while in costume, but I’m not sure about his portrayal of Bruce Wayne. It seems like he just didn’t have a sense of how to play the character without the cowl, and chose to go with the dark, brooding, angsty portrayal that is, frankly, becoming cliché. Also, something about his take just read as petulance to me. Perhaps this was a choice made so that we can see growth in his character throughout the inevitable sequels to come, which is an idea I would be on board with.

One of the more enjoyable parts of this movie for me was the way director Matt Reeves was able to pull together elements of multiple film styles into a cohesive whole. We have the obvious super hero genre mixed with a gritty crime drama, noir, and even a tip of the hat to the Saw franchise, mixed with a touch of “V For Vendetta”. Any one of those elements could have gone wrong and brought the whole movie down, but it worked really well.

The other thing that struck me was the parallels to what is actually going on in our society, not only through political corruption but also in the fringe groups that have begun to spring up throughout the country. I actually wondered for a moment if I was in the theater with anyone from one of those groups. If so, did they see themselves in the film, and did they feel they were accurately portrayed? Did they see those particular characters as misunderstood heroes or as villains? I like when a movie makes me think about, and question the world around me, while still entertaining me.

Clearly, I really enjoyed this film, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its flaws. Apart from Pattinson’s “Emo Batman” I have already discussed, there were a few things that didn’t quite sit well. For example, on at least one occasion, the audience was a step ahead of Batman and Jim Gordon in figuring out what Riddler’s next step would be. Perhaps this was by design, but it bugged me a little. There were also a few times when Batman’s vehicles seemed to appear out of nowhere. The Batmobile, cool as it is, was just sitting there waiting to be used in one scene, when Batman had come to the location another way. How did it get there? Also, toward the end he snuck up on Selina Kyle, then took off on his pre-parked Bat cycle right behind them, which meant he would have had to drive it there. Yet she didn’t hear it? Really?

Also, note to all super hero movies (Marvel included): enough with the multiple endings already. This thing wrapped up like three times before it was over. One ending is enough. I don’t mind the occasional fake out, but it’s getting old. Do better.

So to wrap it all up, apart from some small complaints I recommend “The Batman” not only to comic book and super hero fans, but to fans of crime dramas or detective stories as well. I give this one 4.5 Daves.

What’s In A (Band)Name?

(As has been stated before, this blog is intended as a light read, and a reprieve from all the craziness and darkness in the world around us. This is not to imply that I have no opinions or take current cultural issues lightly. I’d just like to give you a breather for a moment. With that in mind please enjoy the following bit of fluff before you go back to the real world.)

Every band needs a name. Most bands just wind up with a name that fits their particular genre or image, but very few get really good names. Some try too hard, some don’t try hard enough. the goal is to have an awesome band name, the hope is that it doesn’t suck.

I’ve been in a few bands myself, and the naming (and often re-naming) of a band is part of the fun. How many times has someone uttered a phrase in conversation and you think “that would be a great band name” but then you forget it an instant later? Happens to me a lot. Still, it’s always fun to think about.

Since I have been sharing lots of music with my kids lately, the topic of band names has come up a few times. With that in mind, I’d like to share a quick list of my favorite band names. Perhaps you’ll agree. Perhaps not.

Please note that these are not names I made up, but actual band names. I have avoided anything too “adult” here, and have shied away from the gross names that many metal/punk bands come up with. As much fun as bad taste can be, it’s not exactly clever. Also be aware that just because a band’s name is listed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I am a fan of their music.

So without further ado, and in no particular order, here’s Dave’s list of favorite band names.

The Who
The Flaming Lips
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Queens Of The Stone Age
Two Cow Garage
Foxy Shazam
The Dandy Warhols
10,000 Maniacs
Dropkick Murphys
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The The
Camper Van Beethoven
The Clash
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Southern Culture On The Skids
The Band
Drive-By Truckers
Talking Heads
Traveling Wilburys
Motorhead
The Supremes
Guided By Voices
The Old 97’s
King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard
Led Zeppelin
The Replacements

and a special honorable mention to
The Rock-A-Fire Explosion
and, of course,

DR. TEETH AND THE ELECTRIC MAYHEM! (Best name ever!)

There are, of course, many others but these are the ones I think are really cool. Today.

Back next week with more stuff. Until then, stay safe, stay sane, and try to spread a little light and love this week. The world needs it.

Not Exactly An Update

I’ve been doing a little thinking lately about creative stuff. Most of my creativity has been limited to writing this blog every week, which I enjoy, but I want to do more.

In the past I have not only written a blog but I have written for performance, too, both for stand up comedy and music. As much as I miss comedy, I wouldn’t go back to it now. Not necessarily due to the current social environment, but the time and commitment level involved would take me away from the family too much. Also, this blog is often an excuse for silliness on my part so that serves as an outlet.

As far as music goes, let’s face it, an unknown middle aged guy has few options as far as original material goes, but I am working on a new approach which I hope to be able to share by year’s end. My goal is to be at least as awesome as The Shaggs. More information soon…ish. Maybe.

Ooh, also, on the music front, I have been talking with my brother about a possible music based podcast. I have been a guest on his podcast before, and it’s gone pretty well. We need to actually sit down and hammer out the details but it’s something we both are keen to do. So that might be coming up too. If you’re curious you can check out his podcast by clicking the link below.

https://emptychecking.podbean.com

Anyway, that brings me back to the blog. I like having the freedom to write about whatever I want, but I have been thinking of perhaps focusing in a little more. It seems as though the posts that generate the most interest (and traffic) are the ones about movies. So I’m thinking that maybe I should do a movie blog?

But then, what shape would that take? Do I just refocus this current blog (“Movie MonDAVEs”?) or should I start a new one? Should I focus on one particular type of movie? Should I stick to family friendly fare? People seem to like it when my daughter Tessa shows up, should she be a constant? That would be “Daddy-Daughter Movie MonDAVEs” which is a mouthful.

Then again, maybe the whole thing would be better as a You Tube channel. Of course, then I’m getting into more time and money commitments again. Is live streaming it on Twitch easier? I don’t know.

So, as you can see, the wheels are turnin’. This might wind up being a big year. Clearly nothing is set in stone yet as all of this could still fall apart, but there are some fun possibilities. Stay tuned for updates when and if they appear. See you next week.