Raven Jake Dawes

The Time Before History and the Rotti-Bear

Jane was over at the Natural History Museum to check out the new hall of mammals exhibit, and that put me in mind of one of our favorite books by Colin Tudge (as unlikely as it sounds, we're huge fans) So here's a clip from "The Time Before History," and a big shout out to Arctodus simus, which he recons resembled a giant rottweiler, except it was almost twice the size of a grizzly and might have hunted in packs.

LA County Fair Coming Up Sept 3 - Oct 2, 2011

In keeping with my resolution to try to promote some events before they actually happen, LA County Fair's coming up. Now I've got to admit, I haven't really been over the moon about the fair for a while, so we'll see how this one goes. I like the animals and the more "country" aspects - the 4H kids etc. Don't much care for the "as seen on tv" product demonstrations, shows featuring the bands of the '70s, and spin-til-you-barf carnival rides. Now I know for a fact that Los Angeles County still has some agricultural soul left, but can we still hold a decent fair? I'm ready to be impressed, LA...

Penguins in August

Don't penguins just make you feel a little cooler? I met this guy at the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park last week. They've been closed for nearly 10 years and have spent about $500 million on remodeling. Unfortunately, on the day we visited everyone in San Francisco was there with everyone they knew, so it was more like going to a rock concert where you can't see the stage than a trip to the museum. Next time, I'll wait for a rainy day in January and then I'll make my move.

That said, August ain't quite so hot with a penguin around. The penguin tank is at the end of the African hall, and these are South African penguins.

I think this is Pierre, the oldest penguin in captivity (he's in his late '20s). He has a blue armband, but this photo doesn't show it. In 2004, at 21 years old, he lost all of his feathers and needed a wetsuit to get him over his unfortunate molt issue. Fortunately, he's made a full recovery. His wetsuit and the tale of his comeback are also on display. Think baby booties are cute? Got nothin' on a penguin wetsuit.  

The Academy is also doing some other interesting work with hatching eggs and tracking wild penguins etc, which bears looking into and apparently, they also offer sleep with the penguins parties, which sounds a lot like the mafia euphemism "sleep with the fishes." And here's a penguin cam and more information.

Bat Boy at the Alex Theater

Here's one I hope they repeat. Now you might not know this, but I've been a big fan of the Bat Boy ever since the Weekly World News discovered him in a deep cave or coal mine or somethin' in the early '90s. So of course I was delighted when Laurence O’Keefe, Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming worked up a musical based on his adventures. I defy anyone to not tear up a little bit during "A Home for You." I practically have to get Jane a towel every time that number comes up.

So far we've seen it performed at La Canada High School (the best), Glendale Community College, and now by the Musical Theater Guild at the historic Alex Theater in Glendale. This was a special "musical in a weekend" sorts of things where the actors have a very limited amount of time for rehearsal, and the "set" is basically a few chairs.

It was fantastic. 

Unfortunately, it was a one-off event on June 13, but I hope they add it to next year's season - one of my favorite musicals sung by some very, very talented people. Great tunes, great message.

The entire cast was wonderful so I can't pick out a favorite, but I'll keep watching Scott Harlan and Kevin Symons was outstanding in what can be a thankless role - the evil veterinarian, Dr. Parker. Boo! All the principals were well chosen and brought something fresh to the performance. And truly, a mountain's no place to raise cows.

Ron Taylor, Maggie, Clem		Dina Bennett
Shelley Parker		Melissa Lyons Caldretti
Meredith Parker		Cynthia Ferrer
Rick Taylor, Lorraine, Mr. Dillon		Chris Warren Gilbert
Mrs. Taylor, Roy, Reverend Billy Hightower, Institute Man		Scott Harlan
Sheriff Reynolds		Roy Leake, Jr.
Ruthie Taylor, Ned		Shauna Markey
Daisy, Bud, Pan, Doctor		Erik McEwen
Dr. Thomas Parker		Kevin Symons
Bat Boy		Jeffrey Christopher Todd

 

Raven Jake's UFO

Now another thing about aliens - why do they have to be all sneaky? This particular spacecraft followed the van for about 20 minutes before I was able to take evasive action. If them aliens thought I didn't notice, they were dead wrong. I was on to 'em from the start. So shout out to my extraterrestrial fans - you don't have to stalk, fellas. Just write a comment and state yer case. Always happy to hear from ya.

A more scientific explanation for this particular UFO is that it is a Cumulus cloud of the Pileus persuasion. According to the weather experts at the University of Illinois,

Fair weather cumulus have the appearance of floating cotton and have a lifetime of 5-40 minutes. Known for their flat bases and distinct outlines, fair weather cumulus exhibit only slight vertical growth, with the cloud tops designating the limit of the rising air. Given suitable conditions, however, harmless fair weather cumulus can later develop into towering cumulonimbus clouds associated with powerful thunderstorms.

Fair weather cumulus are fueled by buoyant bubbles of air, or thermals, that rise upward from the earth's surface. As they rise, the water vapor within cools and condenses forming cloud droplets. Young fair weather cumulus have sharply defined edges and bases while the edges of older clouds appear more ragged, an artifact of cloud erosion. Evaporation along the cloud edges cools the surrounding air, making it heavier and producing sinking motion (or subsidence) outside the cloud.

So check out the cloud identifier chart whenever you have a question about alien spacecraft. We don't want to have any interplanetary misunderstandings to arise from a mis-identified Orographic.

Tom Yum Kai ต้มยำ

Just got back from NorCal  - doin' a drumming event with Fakir Musafar and havin' some adventures. More on that later. First, time for lunch. Haven't been to Marnee Thai on Irving Street since the '90s. Pleased to say it's still there, and it's still the best Thai food in San Francisco, although if you disagree I'm open to "convincing." Case in point, spicy chicken soup aka tom yum kai. Delicious. Great for a chilly evening after hangin' out at the Academy of Sciences all day. People of Thailand, thanks for all the great grub. And if you happen to be in the vicinity of Golden Gate Park, head down 19th for some fantastic Thai food.