Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!

Subject: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 10:50 AM

California here I come! I am scheduled to be at the Navy base of Port Hueneme for 2 weeks from 2/24/03 to 3/7/03.

I've never been west of Denver. Is there anything to do in LA or is it just another dead city? Can you arrange for a small earthquake while I'm there? I understand there is some body of water nearby. Is it good for swimming in? Is there a restaurant in the village?

And more importantly, is there any real music available? Any Mudcats in the area?

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 10:56 AM

Amos is a do-able drive south from LA in sunny San Diego. I recommend the trip. If not, get him up to your area if you can.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 11:00 AM

Soak up some sunshine while you're there!

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: artbrooks
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 01:24 PM

Driving? If so, need a place to stop in Albuquerque?

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 01:47 PM

Naemanson:

LA is anything but dead, but it is awfully smoggy and crowded; the freeways at rush hour move at about 3 mph average, and you really need a car to get around. Port Hueneme is a bit north of LA proper.

I don't get up there very often, but if you feel up to swinging down to San Diego over the weekend we could set up a sing along, and I'd be glad to offer a pad to crash.

PM me with your plans.

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 01:50 PM

Fort Worth is probably too far south, but we have a couple of spare beds here also, if you're driving.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 02:48 PM

I'm not driving. I have to fly. I'd love to drive it, long slow days exploring the West, nights in small dry towns, country western bars and dime store cowboys, cowboy poetry and songs. Fun!

But I guess I'll fly over it all and see what the left coast has to offer. I know there is a lot to do in LA. Even in Maine we've heard of LA. And it's a lot different from the LA her in Maine. Lewiston-Auburn sure can't hold a candle to the home of Hollywood.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 02:56 PM

Naemanson's going to Disneyland! L.A. is dirty and noisy and brash. But, like NYC, it never sleeps. Good for what ails you, love. Enjoy it! And don't underestimate the healing powers of sunshine. I am sure the local sailors will have a few suggestions for entertaining yourself. I would not miss an opportunity to give Amos a bearhug as only you can. Have fun...and come back. Even sunshine wears thin after a while.
Mary

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: open mike
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 03:11 PM

Brett, is this for some boot camp, basic training or something??
I think there is a radio station down that way: KPFK, and others
may offer up a list of events, concerts, singing gatherings, etc.
around that time...i am not in that part of the state, so do not
have any knowledge. Hope you have some time to explore, enjoy,
etc. Glad you are getting out and about.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: pattyClink
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 03:48 PM

You will be in a beachside town a good ways out from LA. To get to San Diego will require herculean driving efforts through an enormous metropolitan mess, so it better be worth it. It's not just a 'bop down there' thing.

Anybody in Santa Monica or Santa Barbara who can provide info? Those would be more do-able destinations and places with artsy things going on. If all else fails go to McCabes music shop in Santa Monica and start asking questions.

The water is cold as hell, the beaches range from rocky to okay. Drives up the coast can be spectacular, lots of cliffs and stuff. You might want to look into getting on a boat trip to the Channel Islands if you're into nature or whale-watching but it will suck up a full day.

Don't live in the area anymore so I can't offer ya any hospitality. AVOID LA FREEWAYS!!!

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 05:22 PM

If Brett can just get off that LA Freeway without getting killed or caught...

I have warm memories of my summer Peace Corps traning program at UCLA in the summer of 1965. Wonder if that sandal shop is still there. And the great Mexican food, and then there's the tar pits! Hey, Brett, you really need an intripid local gang to show you the sites.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, from the other Coast

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: mg
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 01:46 AM

you will find the train station there very nice..extremely nice..and right by a very very old Mexican market...if I were you I would take the train to San Diego and visit Amos..there are all sorts of mission towns..maybe not in the direction but who knows. And once y ou get to San Diego Mexico itself is a hop skip and a jump. mg

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 09:22 AM

Oh yeah, the train, I forgot-- cheap, short ride, nice train.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 09:41 AM

Bew glad to meet ya at the ole Santa Fe station overlooking beautiful San Diego Harbor. The weather's balmy and thebeaches are nice. As for "herculean efforts" it depends on what you're used to. It is about 1.5 hour's drive from downtown LA to San Diego, depending on the time of day. Once you get out of LA, the ride is pleasant enough.

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 09:50 AM

Keep the advice coming, I can use all of it. How long would it take to get from LA to SD by train? I'd like to meet Amos but I only have one weekend to see either LA or SD.

open mike, it isn't boot camp but it is training. However there should be minimal homework and I should have plenty of time to see the sights and meet people. I doubt if I can find a flight case for my guitar before then so I may have to go without for two weeks.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 09:58 AM

A 90 minute drive is no big deal. That's what I have to do to get to the Press Room in New Hampshire. Of course, I don't have to deal with much traffic in February. Summer is a different story though.

The Maine Turnpike is being widened to 3 lanes. How many lanes are there on a California turnpike/highway?

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:03 AM

I like the Scripps Institute and its aquarium in La Jolla (basically the beachfront at San Diego). It has been many years, but there is a folksinging connection. Do they still play Sam Hinton's "Closing Time" song these days? He used to work at the place.

SRS

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 12:38 PM

Listings of music stuff happening in Southern CA is at

www.aliveandpicking.com

click on Calendar

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 12:52 PM

Brett:

The 405==>I-5 freeway that runs from LA down to San Diego is usually three or four lanes on each side. The freeway goes straight to an exit which is about 3/4 mile from my front door. So the only hurdle is the LA traffic, which is lighter, for example, early on Saturday morning, if you wanted to come down. But if you find something interesting in LA, feel free to make the best use of the time there-- my feelings won't be hurt, but you will be welcome if you decide to come. Open to your preferences, either way. As soon as you pass from LA and Orange County into San Diego county the air clears dramatically and there is some beautiful mileage which runs along the Pacific en route. Your training is in Ventura County which is a little north of LA, so add another 40 minutes, I would guess off hand.

Regards,

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 01:56 PM

I'm going to have to study a map. Maybe I'd better visit the local AAA office.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:48 PM

Naemanson:

You'll be a little farther from us - about 200 miles but, alas, we'll be off that weekend playing in schools in Northern California.

If you have time, visit McCabes Guitar Store at 3101 Pico in Santa Monica. Its about an hour south and if you drive along the coast the drive is lovely. They sell everything related to folk music and you can spend an entire afternoon drooling on the instruments. Also, they have concerts on weekends. Also, they have a great bulletin board from which you will be able to learn about everything folk music related in Southern California.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:59 PM

Ventura is a pretty little town, and if you head up the coast from there as far as someplace like Morro Bay it's a very nice drive. Lots of parks and beaches. I have a friend who runs several parks for Ventura County. People take motor homes to a few beaches right around town and actually "camp" for two weeks at a time, parked at the roadside. But it isn't all like that.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 05:53 PM

Amos-

Aren't there some nautical singers in your area, not to mention one of those incredible steel barks? I'm sure Naemanson would like to hear more about that, and if a music party could be pulled together.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, who wishes he could transport in

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Frankham
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 06:34 PM

Hi, Naemanson

Check out Ojai. Pretty little town north of LA.

Take a drive up Topanga Canyon Boulevard and drive up to Saddle Peak overlooking the ocean. Be sure you have the wheels to take the curves.

Trancas used to be a pretty beach. Out highway One (Pacific Coast Highway). Pretty close to where you'll be. Also Zuma Beach.

Check out McCabes and also Westwood Music. Radio station KPFK has the folk program...The Larmans (although don't know if they're still there).

Carpenteria Beach north of LA used to be pretty. It used to have some of the finest sand. It's been a long time since I was there. they might have trashed it.


One of the best guitar repairmen in the country, John Carruthers, used to be in West LA area.

Don't know about train but the Greyhound Bus takes a whlle. At least four hours. When the Daylight was running (train) you could do it in about two or so.

El Capitan is worth a trip to the beach north of Santa Barbara.
Goleta used to be a nice beach area outside Santa Barbara if Exxon hasn't ruined it.

La Jolla outside Diego is nice. Also, a trip inland through the Anza Barrego Desert to a little mountain town called Julian is fun.

Everything folk is buried out there in LA but you can find it.

If you get to McCabes, look up Dave Zeitlin. He teaches musical instruments there and is a great guy. He will know what's going on.

Frank

Frank

Frank

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Steve-o
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 07:56 PM

Yep, we got plenty folk in our little town. You will be nearest to Oxnard, a nice beach town with miles of wide, sunny beach for you to walk. There are probably pubs/clubs with music there, but I don't know them. Ventura is north of there 10 minutes or so, and is not a pretty town, but probably has even more music places, because it's big. You're about a 45-min. drive from the "greater LA metropolitan area", and don't believe anything these people have been saying about driving in the area. The freeways are great, well-signed, etc.....just don't get on them at 8 am and 5 pm. and you'll be OK. And BTW, Amos (like all San Diegans) is living in the past regarding the dreaded smog- we might have had 5 smoggy days total all last summer! Anyway, if you get on a train and go to San Diego to join Amos, this is all moot. If, however, you want to "stay local" and have access to a car, here's some of what you could look into: 2/28, Marcia Ball @ Blue Cafe in Long Beach; 2/28, Michael McGinnis @ Coffee Gallery in Altadena (my little town); 2/28, Martin Simpson @ McCabe's in Santa Monica; 3/1, Martin Simpson Guitar Workshop @ McCabe's; 3/2, Open Mic @ McCabe's; 3/4, Lucy Kaplansky @ Ojai Valley Women's Club in Ojai; 3/6, Booker T. Jones, Robert Cray, and Charlie Musselwhite @ UCLA in Westwood. You can find internet sites that will put you in contact with all these places. I hope you have a great visit here- I was in Mystic two years ago, and yes, Connecticut ain't even a little bit like So. Cal.!

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 09:00 PM

Hey- you're alive!! We went to LA for some concerts in December and survived. Fred's daughter Harmony works as a production assistant on the show "Alias" so we got to schmooze with the stars!

It was not as scary as I thought it would be , although we tended to drive at off peak times. Breathing was difficult- the air is terrible. My favorite place was the Huntington Botanical Gardens- amazing collection of acres of exotic plants. Venice Beach was pretty funky (Though the strangest thing we encountered was a well-built black guy in a loin cloth with two cobras playing the banjo... the cobras were rubber. *yawn* No the cobras were not playing the banjo- might have been more interesting if they were
Have fun
So-- will we see you for the Middle Earth Party this Sunday?

Don't forget to tell me what you plan to bring

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 10:09 PM

Steve-o--I walked around in a small downtown area that was very nice in Ventura. I don't buy things on those walks, so wasn't troubled by the high tourist prices, but the peoplewatching was good on a small scale. Don't know about the rest of the town.

Brett, you'll have to choose one route and do just one or two things along it or you'll drive yourself nuts! Good luck! Personally, I think you should go for the visit down in San Diego and let Amos do all the work of taking you around. Maybe a little trip to Tijuana?

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 10:32 PM

Charlie --

We have a reallly fine Maritime Museum, including the renowned "Star of India", born Euterpe, a gigantic iron-hulled barquentine (I think) with towering masts and yards. She still sails on occasion out from San Diego bHarbor and looks like the most beautiful lady. There are several other fine old ships around her as well, including a recently acquired customs cutter. I haven't been down there in quite a while but it is one of the loveliest parts of our waterfront. As to Shanty Singers, I am embarassed to say I dinna know what we have, really.

Brett -- it'sbeginnning to look like you shold stay an extra year just to catch all these fine places in this neck o' the woods!

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Alice
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 10:56 PM

I used to have to go to sportswear and souvenir gift trade shows every year in Long Beach and LA, in San Diego and San Francisco.... stayed on the Queen Mary a few times. My favorite California city is San Diego! What a gorgeous place. Definitely go to San Diego. Maybe you can make it to a gathering in Balboa Park....
There is a search list of sessions at www.thesession.org that might yield music spots.

Alice

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:30 PM

Forget San Diego, you want go there, like you want a dose of the clap.

The REAL beauty of California is its CENTRAL and NORTHERN coast. San Diego is a dry, dull hickville full of spiks. Go North young man, Go North!

Hook up with Joe Offer - when you're up-state.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:37 PM

You should catch Musslewhite at UCLA. The man is legend and not long for this earth. Go early to walk the beautiful the campus, you will recognize location after location from films and television.

San Diego and Tijuanna have a lot in common - dirty, filled with hookers, arogant Navy scabs, sort of a third world place with inflated prices; its not worth the extra 360 miles you will log.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Mudlark
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 01:02 AM

It you decide to take Guest's advice and go north (and except for the huge draw of Amos, I'd have to agree) you'd be welcome to stay with me. I'm a straight shot up either Hwy 1 or 101, about 2 hrs. N. of Hueneme. I'm in Paso Robles, 30 mi n. of a great college town with lots of good music, San Luis Obispo. The beach (and it is a far more interesting beach than S. Cal, and at the southern end of fab. Hwy 1 Big Sur area) is about 45 min. away. PM me if you are interested and I'll try to get a rundown of who all will be in the area that might be of interest. I'd be glad to take you about. A word of caution re train, if time is of the essence. You can take the train right to San Diego, or right to Paso Robles, for that matter...but they are notorious for not being on time. The bus is not as much fun but a lot more reliable. On the other hand, if you can take a 2 hr wait, train runs along beautiful coast until turning inland N. of Santa Barbara (another GREAT town for wandering around in...Train station right at the beach at the foot of State Street, THE street...and there is a jitney that will take you up into town for 50 cents. It, too is a college town so lots of good music, lots of good food! and a great farmer's market with live music. And the old-fashioned hotel right next to the S.B. train station, while simple, is surprisingly inexpensive.) Let me know if I can help.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 01:19 AM

Your delicacy of wit is only second to the fineness of your vocabulary, Guest -- followed as a distant third by your morals and your discriminating perception.

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 03:10 AM

I'll miss you, Brett. I'm going to be in southern Cal 2/14 to 18 to visit my daughter...who lives in Ojai. I lived in San Luis Obispo for a short time in 1990...very pretty town, but I was a little uncomfortable living so close to a nuclear power plant (Diablo Canyon) that is built right on top of a fault line.

Check out the FolkScene website, they have a pretty good folk music calendar.

I'll be taking my daughter to Universal Studios again...but you probably aren't interested in 8-year-old-type activities!

Have a great trip.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 03:13 AM

Sorry, that should be FolkScene. Should have used Max's preview. That site, by the way, is one of those that works better on Internet Explorer...Microsoft taking over the world.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: open mike
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 04:43 AM

i agree the trip east of san diego to the quaint little mountain town of Julian is a winner! That is really the only place down south in CAL I have been. the anza Borrego Desert is pretty amazing too-east of there.
there is an awesome zoo in san diego i think, and if you are into contra dances at all there will be some of those in the L.A. / santan baraba/
san diego area no doubt...Santa Barbara has a dance hall with spring-
board floors where the contra dances were held at one time any way...
amazing special effects when hundred or 2 dnacers hit the floor simultaneously...it sends you air born...

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 10:22 AM

Hmm, do I detect some regional differences of opinion here? I can see I have my work cut out for me. I will have to do some research. The maritime museum strikes me as a good bet but Amos admits that the music prospects aren't too good. I checked into what is happening in the local area at aliveandpicking.com and that looks good. Mudlark has made a nice offer too. My oh my. What to do, what to do?

Julia I will be at the Middle Earth party. At this time I am planning on seed cake and maybe a stew. I'll give you a call later tonight.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 02:07 PM

Brett:

I didn't say they weren't too good, just that I haven't kept up with them. Genie knows some of the regular events around here as she comes into town fairly often, and we do get together in the park and do impromptu hoots for several hours every now and then -- I'd be happy to lend you a guitar if you needed one.

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 09:14 AM

Refresh!

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:48 AM

Refresh!

Any other ideas of where to go and what to see? Consider I've never been west of the Rockies and only know the area from TV and the movies.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Steve-o
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 01:03 PM

Pretty much any kind of "touring/sightseeing" is going to require a car, as you know So.Cal. is huge and spread out. Drive down the Ventura Freeway (101) and take Malibu Canyon Rd. through the hills to Malibu. Cruise Pacific Coast Highway up or down- see Malibu colony (town), Santa Monica pier, Point Dume beach, etc. Have an absolutely great fish dinner at "Duke's", complete with strolling Hawaiian musicians with 8-string ukes. Drive inland from Oxnard through Ojai and Carpinteria on a smaller highway to see just a taste of California's fruit and vegetable growing fields. Go all the way in on the 101 Frwy. to Hollywood- cruise Sunset Blvd. and Hollywood Blvd., checking the typical tourist stops like Grauman's Chinese Theater, etc. Go down La Brea Ave. and have a hot dog at the legendary "Pink's Hot Dogs". If you want a serious meal, find "Off Vine", located in the back yard of the Cinerama Dome theater. Go down to Wilshire Blvd. and find the LA County Museum of Art, where they currently have a fantastic exhibit of John Singer Sargent paintings. Also on Wilshire is the Peterson museum with lots of classic cars and motorcycles, if you're a car nut like me. If you go west on Sunset Blvd. beyond the town of Hollywood you'll see all the fancy shmancy Beverly Hills homes, pass by UCLA, travel through Pacific Palisades, and end up on PCH in Santa Monica. Traveling all the way up PCH back to Port Hueneme could be a fun drive, too. There's lots more here, I've just got to go back to work now. You'll have a good time.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: GUEST,wdyat24
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:19 PM

Brett,

checkout Richard Shindell when you're past the Great Divide.

wdyat24

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Mudlark
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 09:31 PM

I've got an extra guitar too, if that helps! Too bad you can't come a few days early...Martin Simpson will be in concert 2/21, not 15 miles from me.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: leprechaun
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 10:40 PM

I heard they have a contest, with prizes awarded for anybody who can correctly pronounce "Port Hueneme."

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 11:10 PM

..which was named after a race of horse-people in Gulliver's Travels :>)

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 10:08 AM

I just refer to it as Port Who-Needs-Me. It is a Navy training center and the butt of a number of jokes. We generally see bright eyed young ensigns coming out of there full of book learning and eager to take on the world. We have to disabuse them of the notion that the folks in the books actually know what they are doing.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 10:09 AM

By the by, thanks for the offers of guitars. We will see what happens. And thanks for the suggestions on things to do.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 07:30 AM

Hey Brett, I went back to the store where you got your jeans and bought two of those Christmas red nightshirts. Did you notice anything "unusual" about them? The clerk was a bit amused at my purchase. The smallest size was a 5X - wonderful for snuggling. And I thought that's what the "Wish for something big" logo meant...until I put one on last night. Santa is sitting on a huge bell, the kind nuns used to use to call kids in from recess. The bell handle is between his knees, huge, red, and phallic. At least I got them on sale. Half off and half off again. They couldn't give these things away. Next time warn me. Memo to self: "Do not wear this on the next Girl Scout sleepover."

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 08:37 AM

Mary, that is the same store where I bought my shirt with "OBJECTS IN THIS SHIRT ARE LARGER THAN THEY APPEAR" on it. I have often wondered what they meant by making the word "object" plural when it is clearly a man's shirt. Everyone who sees the shirt is endlessly amused by it. I generally wear it as an undershirt.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 10:32 AM

Brett --

So when is this trip? Love to see ya down this way if you can swing it!! PM me if you like, I'm easy.


...but not cheap! :>)


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 10:44 AM

I leave here on Sunday, 2/23/03, and start my class on 2/24. I will have the weekend, 3/1-3/2, to myself. I doubt if I'll make any connections in the class as they will all be young Navy officers and will not understand anything outside of the popular and mass induced.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 05:37 PM

Brett,
How are you getting to the airport? If you want to spend Saturday PM at my place and fly out of Portland, you are welcome. If you want o park your truck at my place instead of leaving it at the airport, that is also an option. Let me know.
SINS

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 08:32 PM

Thanks Mary. I might take you up on that aoofer. I don't know when my flight leaves yet but I will call you when I get a better idea on that.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 08:34 PM

aoofer = offer

I'm using Charley's MAC and it has black keys and the glare from the screen reflects on the keys. Difficult to use.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Feb 03 - 10:31 AM

It least Brett logs in and out properly! His head was probably still spinning after our friendly extended family of spades.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 16 Feb 03 - 10:40 AM

An extended family of spades? We might be related -- I used to be a rake, and I think there are a couple of hoes in my family tree.

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Feb 03 - 12:17 PM

You have to watch out for Charley's family. They are hustlers when it comes to cards. His young niece is a great spades player and mean as hell when it comes to that game. Fortunately age and skill always overcomes youth and treachery. Her mother and I sounded whupped up on her and Charley's wife.

Last night the niece tried reverse psychology on me to get me to sit down for a few hands of cards. I laughed at that. Imagine a kid trying reverse psychology on a parent!

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 17 Feb 03 - 11:33 PM

Ignore Steve-O and the car bit.

Los Angeles has a top-rate transit system - unknown by most of those with automobiles.

The Metro, green, red, blue and yellow lines can get you into the vicinity of most metropolitan areas, and the buses can get you the rest of the way. It is a grand town, and a lot safer than San Diego.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

(although S.D. because of its boringly small size is easier to navigate by public transit.)

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Feb 03 - 02:29 PM

Gargoyle, a small size is more attractive to me than large. I looked at a map and noticed that you could fit all of Portland, Maine, into one small corner of Los Angeles.

I don't know what to do. There is so much to see and do.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Mudlark
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 02:54 AM

I think you are right to be concerned about scope. 2 days is not a lot of time, even if you give up sleeping. Maybe better to concentrate on someplace close by, like Santa Barbara: small town easy to get around in, lots of good restaurants, lots of good music, lots of good places to just hang out and people watch (Paseo Nuevo and El Paseo), lots of free buffets during Happy Hour (save your $$ to spend on music) and a good wide beach for strolling. And it's less than an hour away from Port H. so lots of local people to get info from on what's happening. If you go, stop by the tourist office for good map of town w/all highlights (on Cabrillo, which fronts the beach, about 4 blks S of State St, main drag.) It's easy, in California, to spend all your time driving!

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 10:41 AM

So, who lives closest to Port Hueneme? I'd like to meet at least one Mudcatter while I'm traveling.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 10:46 AM

Don't write off the Navy boys just yet, Brett. Our two enjoy the blues, and one likes to jam. Maybe you can compose and teach a shanty in honor of the event you are attending. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Feb 03 - 02:15 PM

Well, we know that Brett left Richmond, Maine, last Sunday. Anyone hear if he's reached the LA area? Given the weather, I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up in North Dakota; I can just see him disembarking from the plane in his Roll & Go T-shirt.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Feb 03 - 05:05 PM

He had my number in case he got stuck at Portland Jetport. Planes did take off yesterday so I imagine he is on his way...to where????

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Feb 03 - 05:09 PM

North Dakota, South Dakota, Churchill on Hudson Bay, Sydney in Australia? Who knows where in the world our Naemanson has gone?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 03 - 10:34 PM

Maybe when his arms get tired he'll find an Internet café somewhere and report back.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 24 Feb 03 - 11:36 PM

We drove by Port Hueneme Naval Base a few hours ago and we didn't see him.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Feb 03 - 08:26 AM

Maybe we should post some clues to help verify sightings. Let's see. Brett's got a powerful voice, which if he really kicked out all the jams could be heard from San Diego to Big Sur, and probably halfway to Hawaii. Super tankers would shift course after hearing a verse of "Sally Free and Easy", whales would form protective circle around their young, the national security color alert would change to flurescent orange...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Feb 03 - 03:27 PM

I'm here! Arrived at 3:30 AM on 2/24/03. Getting out of Portland was a bear and two hours late so all my connecting flights were missed. I wound up in Los Angeles where I rented a car to get to Port Hueneme. My luggage followed a day later. I spent my first day in class fighting to stay awake. I had 4 hours sleep in the previous 30 hours. By the end of the day I was dead on my feet but didn't dare sleep because I wanted to adjust to the time difference.

It's cold here, 52 F this morning and it rained buckets last night. I had to go out in it to pick up my luggage. And I saw some snow! Way off in the mountains there is a lot of white stuff. I am NOT going to visit it.

The scenery is here, wish you were beautiful...

(Always want to write that on a postcard.)

Anyway, I'll be flying out of here on Saturday March 8. Back to the snow and cold. I think I may go to San Diego after all this weekend. Amos, you have room on your floor?

TTFN

Brett

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Feb 03 - 03:49 PM

That's the way, by jingo! When there's a way, Brett has the will to transport. Now work study hardly, our beamish boy!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble et al

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Feb 03 - 11:55 AM

I have figured out a plan for the weekend. I will go to Santa Barbara this afternoon and then up to Ojai. Tomorrow I am going to look at the Mojave Desert and the Sequoia trees. Never seen either and always wanted to. Sunday is still up in the air.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 28 Feb 03 - 12:12 PM

Brett:

We're having a sing along in the park on Sunday, noon to 3:00. Come on down!

You can drive back up the same day, or the next morning, as you prefer, and we've got floor space. Does that suit?

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 03 - 12:28 PM

You're not going to see sequoia trees in the Mojave Desert. You'll see Joshua trees there (they look like a very large Yucca). Or are you headed into the desert then up to the Sierras to the sequoias?

map of Southern California

Joshua Tree National Monument Map (a PDF file)

Federal land in California.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP Map

Yosemite NP Map

(All of these maps came from here).
SRS

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 28 Feb 03 - 12:45 PM

Ain't that Sage Girl the KINDEST kitten!! Lookit there all that work she did just for you, Brett!!

Thanks, SRS!

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 03 - 03:17 PM

Amos,

He could have spent half a day just tracking down maps--now all he needs to do is track down a printer. We don't want our Mudcatter lost in the desert somewhere!

SRS

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Feb 03 - 05:20 PM

Keep our big boy busy!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Feb 03 - 05:36 PM

I am planning to go to Mojave and then try to drive through a portion of Sequoia. I will leave here very early and see what I can fit into the day. I don't have a good feel for distance in this country and may not be able to make all of my goals. But it's only a matter of a few inches on my map so I might. [Grin]

Thanks for the maps, Stilly. I printed a couple and will use them well.

The sing in the park sounds good. I need directions or at least the name of the park. I have to be back and in my class on Monday morning so I cannot spend the night. I will try to find a computer later on or tomorrow to get the directions. I will PM you with a phone number so you can leave me directions. I don't think I'll find another computer between then and now.

I'm off for the FOlk Mote and then to Ojai. See you all later!

Brett

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 06:49 PM

Well, I went to San Diego yesterday and met with Amos, Genie, and a few others in Balboa park. We sat and played music for three hours while the rest of the world strooled by. It was lovely. I have a slight sunburn but I will survive.

Thanks to Amos for the invitation and thanks to the rest of the crew for welcoming me and listening to what I had to offer.

By the way, the traffic going home was AWFUL. Don't most of those people have someplace they are supposed to be on a Sunday night?

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 07:15 PM

Strooling? Is that when you meander by, wishing you were part of the group, and the saliva trickles down into the guitar case instead of cash???

Don't get too comfy Brett. we need you back here. When do you arrive? In time for the shanty sing?

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 12:59 AM

Brett,

I avoid LA whenever possible on cross-country trips; when I do have to drive through, I try for really odd hours, like at 2 in the morning.

It sounds like a wonderful visit in San Diego. Noxema will make the sunburn feel better. I hope this trip has done your heart some good, as well as adding a little vitamin D to your system and tan to your epidermis.

SRS

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 01:04 AM

WallyHood Los Engeles California... oh yeah brother

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Genie
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 04:06 AM

Charley, you were right about Brett's voice. He wowed passersby for yards around the park when he lit into "Sally Free And Easy!"

Glad you decided to take the southern route, Brett.

Genie

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: X
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 11:02 AM

You made my banjo vibrate when you sang...that's a good thing. Thanks for joining us.

Hugh

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 03:29 PM

Yeah, Stilly, I am feeling better and it's not Memorex. (Is it real or is it Memorex?) I managed to leave my feel-better drugs sitting on the kitchen table and the insurance company wouldn't let me refill them here. I couldn't afford to pay for them up front. I've been over a week without them. It's amazing what a change of location can do for a person.

Sins, there were a few I was strooling over but I stayed in my seat.

My knee is really a bother. I could enjoy my trip a lot more without the pain but c'est la vie.

I was feeling a little out of place with all those wonderful musicians in the park but they made me welcome and I soon was feeling at home. A word of warning to any who want to go to San Diego. Amos is recruiting people to move there. He may have a fear of travel or cold or something but he was pushing hard for me to move to that town.

And judging from the weather news I'm getting from Maine I just might take him up on it.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 04:42 PM

After this winter, I might consider San Diego myself. More snow tomorrow. Never thought I would be looking forward to spring and summer.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 05:23 PM

Now Brett, be fair -- I am only recruiting highly qualified people. They have to be Big-Hearted Beings and Fair of Voice (may substitute highly sensitive sense of humor, or both) and they have to be suffering from winter. We get enough of them, we can drive the sourpusses back to wherever they came from!


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 08:18 PM

Sounds like San Diego was worth the trip, Brett. Don't suppose you had time to visit their tall ship. Well, good people like Genie (where DO you reside?) and Amos are well worth a trip in themselves.

Say, when are you folks coming to MAINE? We'll organize a mini-festival for you, just in your honor. We do advize the summer months so the shock isn't too great.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 09:21 PM

Thanks, Charley!! I'd jes' love to return to my childhood stomping grounds some spring -- we had a "summah playuss" off of Boothbay Hahbah, down from Bath and Wiscassett, and I spent my summerheaded childhood sailing, barefooting along beaches, chasing teenage girls and generally have a wonderful ne'e'r-do-well time of it!

Seriously, it would be a FINE thing to do with some time. Right now I have to get out from under college tuition and room and board bills for three more years. Then maybe I'll have some breathing space, sooner if I can launch the book., So I am keeping you and the rest of the gang up theah in mind!!

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 08:24 AM

Amos-

The family farm is still located on Robinhood Cove, which opens onto the Sassonoa River which as you may recall flows between the Kenebec River and the Sheepscot River (well, rivers do strange things in Maine). Takes me about 20 minutes to make Boothbay in my 1958 Boston Whaler, when the engine runs. Longer when it doesn't but that's another story.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, currently living up the Kennebec River at Richmond

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 09:58 AM

LOL, Charley!! Soonuh oah latuh, Oi'll be theah!

A

Subject: East Coast Mudcatters meet West Coast Mudcatters
From: Genie
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 04:09 PM

Me, too, Charley, one of these "yeahs." I'm amassing Frequent Flyer miles and can use some of them when I line up the right excuse for flying to the East Coast. (Of course, I have to find the TIME for the trip, too!

I really do live in Portland W., Charley, but I'm a regular visitor to San Diego.

You really should come down here (to SD) and jam in Balboa Park one of these days. We Portland (West) - ers really enjoyed your visit to our fair city last year.

Genie

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 09:03 PM

Yeah Charley, but watch out for Banjoest. He's a hell of a banjo player. Your only consolation is that he plays a resonator banjo and seems to have mostly a bluegrass style, except when he plays in another style. I guess you better come down and hear him for yourself. Then there's Bear with his tiny bass. It's a real bass but it's about the size of a cello. And Bart plays a mean guitar. And Paul's fiddle can't be beat. And Genie sings those wonderful Hank Williams ballads. And ...

Do I have to come home?

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 09:09 PM

Charley, would you go up and hit "Run Program" on my thermostat when you get home from Portsmouth on Saturday? I left it set at 60 degrees but it would be nice to come home to a warm apartment.

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Amos
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 09:40 PM

It's kinda like coming up from 120 feet -- you want a nice gradual decompression. Or maybe in this case, a recompression!

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 09:21 AM

Not to worry, Naemanson. I'll turn your thermostat up to ninty so you won't go into shock. Of course you'll have to successfully make your way over the parking lot skating rink and up the glacier that's cascading down the front steps to re-enter the building.

Saturday does appear to be fine weather in Portland-East, 40 degrees and sunny, although probably darker by the time your plane drops in.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson Going to Los Angeles!
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 02:31 PM

The forecast for tonight is... dark, following by gradual lightening by dawn.

Thanks, Charley. See you on Sunday. Will you be doing parent errands or will you be home?