It was a lot calmer after those thunderstorms battled it out over our heads the other evening -- they knocked out a lot of people's electricity. We still have a thick low clouds and intermittent rain. I was supposed to videotape up at beautiful Bibler Gardens today, but we rescheduled. Medium-sized Ducklings were waddling around our back yard as I got ready for work this morning.

Sax Legend Maceo Parker at: Theater X-Net

Starring: Ida Rubinstein Belle Epoch Russian/Parisian beauty.
Read more about Ida in Sisters of Salome by Toni Bentley

Visit: Michael's Montana Web Archive
Theater, Art, Flash Gordon, Funky Music and MORE!
NEW! Spitfires of the Spaceways
Watch Dale Arden rescue Flash Gordon for a change!

Charity Alert: Keep that resolution as Summer approaches! Click on The Hunger Site every day.

Sitemeter Sez: Two more visitors from New York State; Vanves, Ile-de-France in Paris read my little blog entry about Rock 'n Roll being only ONE form of Pop music, as if that was ever real news;

Media Watch: He Walked by Night (1948) on TCM -- part of a series of black and white potboilers by journeyman director Anthony Mann. The best thing about this movie, and about it's only real claim to fame, is that it was beautifully photographed by John Alton, the great cinematographer and author of Painting With Light.
There are other things to like about this film, however -- it is chock-full of actors who had long careers on television, like Jack Webb, Richard Basehart, Whitt Bissel, and many others who were seen in big and small parts over the years. The cavernous, then-new Los Angeles storm drains were used to great effect -- I think some of those scenes were used as stock footage in other flicks for more than a decade.
I tend to agree with critics who like Mann's gritty westerns and film noir crime movies, but I can't say that his turgid spectacles like El Cid or Fall of the Roman Empire offered much more than extravagance -- the viewer learned almost nothing from them. Maybe it was the fault of the writers and producers, but they were more fantasy than history, and crushingly dull.


Academy Award-winning actress Sophia Loren in Fall of the Roman Empire, Anthony Mann's predecessor to Ridley Scott's Gladiator. Both films are modern takes on the depraved Nero-like Emperor Commodus (180 - 192 A.D.), son of Marcus Aureleus, who unfortunately for Rome was the last of it's "Five Good Emperors." (A very relative term.) By the time Diocletian and Constantine re-forged something of an Imperial entity a century later, the cultures of Europe and the Mediterranean had irreparably decayed. Classic Mediterranean beauty Ms. Loren, modelling in the roses at the right, is here to lighten things up.

Lightning was cracking the Big Sky apart last night! Several thunderstorms sailed over the Flathead Valley with spectacular cloud-to-cloud bolts that had to be over thirty miles long. At a couple of times the clouds were firing off were several flashes per second -- and all lit by a nearly full moon. The waterbirds didn't seem to mind the turmoil much -- they kept doing what they did in between the storms.

Sax Legend Maceo Parker at: Theater X-Net

Starring: Ida Rubinstein Belle Epoch Russian/Parisian beauty.
Read more about Ida in Sisters of Salome by Toni Bentley

Visit: Michael's Montana Web Archive
Theater, Art, Flash Gordon, Funky Music and MORE!
NEW! Spitfires of the Spaceways
Watch Dale Arden rescue Flash Gordon for a change!

Charity Alert: Keep that resolution as Summer approaches! Click on The Hunger Site every day.

Sitemeter Sez: Great Barrington, Massachusetts read a couple of pages about the Winold Reiss show at the Hockaday Museum of Art last year; (Along with my essay on the Quicksilver Messanger Service.) Durham, North Carolina was searching for P-Funk; Ohio, Nevada, and Ireland were blogging through.

Media Watch: I stayed up past my bedtime to watch A&E's presentation of Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman®. (It will play once more on Saturday, June 17 @ 1pm EDT.)
Superman has been part of our cultural landscape for all of my life, and this documentary traces the origins of the character back when my parents were children in the 30's. I'm glad they devoted a reasonable amount of time to the story of young Jerry Siegal and Joe Shuster's post-high school creation of what was to become a mass-media archetype. The film told how Superman went from being an unknown feature in an unknown medium (comic books) to being a newspaper comic strip, a marketing phenomenon, and a full-color cartoon star from Max Fleischer Studios in only three years. Bud Collier's radio show really entrenched Superman in popular consciousness, though -- that's where he changed in phone booths, and flew instead of jumped.
The film left out most of the details about Superman's extremely important position in the history of comic books in favor of TV and movies. They showed scenes from the two somewhat lame Kirk Allyn serials -- he was a bit thin and gawky for the role, and the spliced-in cartoon flying sequences are still embarassing today, but they were made before I was born, plus I never heard of them until after high school.
The film spends quality time with Noel Neill and Jack Larson, two of George Reeves' co-stars in the 50's TV series. They also treat Reeves with respect, and mention how successful he was in ex-comics editor Whitney Ellsworth's filmed adaptations of Superman -- he was even on I Love Lucy, America's most popular show! George Reeves' death is handled with tact, but it WAS a public-relations blow to the franchise. The name Mort Weisinger comes up in it's proper context -- he was the editor of a Superman universe that spanned six magazine titles, and tried everything -- a super-monkey, a super-horse, a super-dog, and a rainbow of colored Kryptonites to grieve the Man of Steel, besides features devoted to Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson, Superboy (the young Superman) and a Supergirl, who unfortunately for our hero was his first cousin. This was the Superman I knew as a child -- and some of it was good fun!
I became a fan of comic art in the late 60's -- Neal Adams' then-current version of Superman played a part in transforming the whole industry. Soon after, my friend Jack Kirby had some fun grafting his New Gods universe onto the Superman mythos when he was writer/artist/editor of Jimmy Olson for awhile -- Jack had previously defeated Weisinger in the marketplace with the Marvel Comics Group. Just like the film said, Superman struggled to find his place as the 70's progressed. I will mention the quality draftsmanship of Superman's artist Luis Garcia-Lopez during that period, just because someone should! The Christopher Reeve movies redefined Superman for the better, and even though producer Salkind's films got worse and worse, the character was a success again -- and proved it on TV with better-than-average shows like Lois & Clark and Smallville, not to mention the Fleischer-inspired animated cartoons for another generation of kids.
The film mentioned DC Comics' machinations in the pages of their Superman magazines -- including details of the Death & Life of Superman series -- but the character's owner, Warner Brothers, mainly made this documentary to promote the upcoming movie Superman Returns. Many of the guest interviews were interesting -- arch-enemy Stan Lee of Marvel Comics, and walking comic-book musician Gene Simmons of Kiss in particular. Let's hope the new flick does justice to Siegal & Shuster's remarkable creation.



Turtles, Ducklings, and Mama Duck on our log in Middle Foy's Lake,
June 12, 2006

The Big Sky is bright this morning. Our famous Going-To-The-Sun Road was all but clear last week, but guess what...? Weather waits for nobody's permission! Ducklings range in size from three to a handful to about six inches -- mixed groups of mothers, chicks, and drakes are paddling around the lake or feeding onshore.

Sax Legend Maceo Parker at: Theater X-Net

Starring: Ida Rubinstein Belle Epoch Russian/Parisian beauty.
Read more about Ida in Sisters of Salome by Toni Bentley

Visit: Michael's Montana Web Archive
Theater, Art, Flash Gordon, Funky Music and MORE!
NEW! Spitfires of the Spaceways
Watch Dale Arden rescue Flash Gordon for a change!

Charity Alert: Keep that resolution as Summer approaches! Click on The Hunger Site every day.

Sitemeter Sez: Natalia Kanounnikova's fan in Settimo, Italy -- up there in the Piedmont region, skated by; "make it funky" ... pbs was the subject of a search from Unknown, USA; Rogers, Arkansas came by looking for bodybuilder Mickey Hagarity and found him on a Something Weird video collection; Every Sunday a bunch of gawkers look for Tanya Memme, but it appears like Google is sending them to the right page at last. (Pssst -- she's in the May archives.)

Theater/Theatre: The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Calendar:
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus in a Spiegel tent in NYC -- This September the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus will be presenting shows throughout the month under the Big Top. Come down to the South Street Seaport in Manhattan and experience a grand spectacle featuring the Bindlestiff's amazing blend of Cirkus, Sideshow, and Vaudeville in a memorable circus setting, a Spiegel Tent.
(What the Hell is THAT? Ahhh -- from http://www.spiegeltent.net : A European Mirror Tent - the ultimate cabaret and music salon'.
Spiegeltents are hand-hewn pavilions used as traveling dance halls, bars and entertainment salons since they were created in the early 20th century. There are only a hand-full of these unique and legendary ‘tents of mirrors’ left in the world today. Built of wood, mirrors, canvas, leaded glass and detailed in velvet and brocade, each has its own personality and style.
The most beautiful of the last remaining Belgian Spiegeltents, The Famous Spiegeltent, was built in 1920 by master craftsmen Oscar Mols Dom and Loius Goor. This Grande Dame has spent her lifetime at the bequest of festivals and fairgrounds throughout Europe and beyond, playing host to the world’s greatest cabaret artists, musicians and circus burlesque performers.
Since Marlene Dietrich sang ‘Falling In love Again’ on The Famous Spiegeltent stage in the 1930’s, its magic mirrors have reflected thousands of images of artists, audiences and exotic gatherings.
The Famous Spiegeltent is the very essence of a festival club, ‘kabaret salon’ and intimate concert hall. Like every old theatre, her ghosts travel with her, woven into ballooning velvet canopies, circular teak dance floor and stained, cut-glass windows. Her intimate booths, ornate bar and beveled mirror columns hold a million secrets while her glorious Art Nouveau chandelier, or trapeze rig, swings overhead...)

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and Magic Hat Summer Variety Tour Schedule and Details:
Wednesday June 14 Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial 719 Catharine Street, Philadelphia PA Showtime: 8PM Admission: $20 $15 for members and those in circus costume/ clown makeup Bindlestiff will also be offering Cirkus skill workshops. Info: http://www.fleisher.org
Saturday 6/17 and Sunday 6/18 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Manchester TN Preservation Hall Tent Contact: http://www.bonnaroo.com/2006/
Monday, June 19 and Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Dark Horse Theater, 4610 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37209 Show time: 7 pm Admission: $15 / $10 for clowns in make-up Info: 615-297-7113 / darkhorsetheater.com
Wednesday June 21 Future of Tradition, 129 Roberts Street, Asheville NC Show time: 9pm Admission: $15 Featuring a Costume Contest! Dress in your Festive Finest Info: 828-232-2980 www.futureoftradition.com/index.html
Thursday, June 22, Friday June 23, and Saturday, June 24, 2006 The Garage, 110 West 7th Street, Winston-Salem, NC Show time: June 22 at 8 pm. June 23 and 24 at 10 pm. Admission: $12 advance / $15 at door / $10 for clowns in make-up Info: 336-777-1127 / www.the-garage.ws
Sunday, June 25, 2006 The Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC Show time: 9 pm Admission: Tix $15 day of show, $12 in advance or with costume. Also featuring a costume contest. Info: www.visulite.com / 704-358-9200
Monday, 26 June, 2006 King's Barcade, 424 S McDowell Street Raleigh, NC Show time: 10 pm Admission: $10 Featuring a costume contest. Dress in your finest Cirkus costumes. Info: 919-831-1005
June 28 2006 The Flying Anvil, 219 W Lewis Street Greensboro NC Show time: 9pm Admission: $15/ $10 for costumes ( plus $3 membership fee) Info: 336-275-7526
Thursday, June 29, 2006
The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA Show time: 7:30 pm Admission: $19.50 Tickets: Ticketmaster.com or to charge call (202)397-SEAT Info: 703-549-7500
Friday, June 30, 2006, Saturday July 1, and Sunday July 2 Spiegel Palais, Summerscape 2006 at Bard College's Fisher Center, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY Show times: 6/30 at 8:30 pm; 7/1 at 1 pm; 7/1 at 3:30 pm; 7/2 at 3:30 pm; 7/2 at 8:30 pm Info: 845-758-7900
Thursday, July 6, 2006
Iron Horse Music Hall; 20 Center Street, Northampton, MA Show time: 7 pm Admission: $18 door, $15 advance, $10 for costumes/ clowns Info: 413-584-0610
Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8, 2006
Basilica, 110 South Front Street, Hudson NY Show time: Friday at 9 pm, Saturday at 10 pm, Saturday All Ages Matinee at 4 pm Admission for Friday and Saturday Night: Ticket $20, $15 for students with ID (18 and up)
ALSO Saturday Matinee All Ages Family Show will be presented July 8 at 4 Tickets $10 or $25 for families.
Monday, July 10, 2006 Cumston Hall, Theater at Monmouth, Main Street, Monmouth, ME Show time: 7:30 pm Admission: $20 / $18
Info: 207-933-2952 www.theateratmonmouth.org
Thursday, July 13, 2006 Chameleon Club, 223 North Water St., Lancaster, PA Show time: 8 pm Admission: $10 / $8 for clowns in make up Info: 717 314 5683 / chameleonclub.net
July 14, 2006 123 Pleasant Street, 123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown, WV Show time: 10 pm Admission: $15/ $10 for clown makeup or circus costumes Info: 304-292-0800 http://www.123pleasantstreet.com
Saturday, July 15, 2006 Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore MD Show time: 8 pm Admission: $16 / $13 CA members and students Info: 410 476 1651 / www.creativealliance.org
Sunday, July 16, 2006 Sycamore Rouge, 21 West Old Street, Petersburg, VA Show time: 7 pm Admission: $15 / $10 clowns in make-up
Info: 804-957-5707 / www.sycamorerouge.org

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus PO Box 1917 New York, NY 10009
1-877-BINDLES http://www.bindlestiff.org



Fire-breathing Ringmistress Philomena -- The story goes: She and Mr. Pennygaff met while working at a New York restaurant, and began their relationship blowing fire in the alley behind the kitchen.

MORE rainy late-Spring weather under the dark old Big Sky. Eastern Kingbirds are fluttering around the fields by Little Foy's Lake. I spotted two families of Canadian Geese on my way to work today in Firehouse Pond, and took some photos on the way back. (Posted 6/13/06)

Sax Legend Maceo Parker at: Theater X-Net

Starring: Ida Rubinstein Belle Epoch Russian/Parisian beauty.
Read more about Ida in Sisters of Salome by Toni Bentley

Visit: Michael's Montana Web Archive
Theater, Art, Flash Gordon, Funky Music and MORE!
NEW! Spitfires of the Spaceways
Watch Dale Arden rescue Flash Gordon for a change!

Charity Alert: Keep that resolution as Summer approaches! Click on The Hunger Site every day.

In The Community: Sunday at the Hockaday Museum of Art again! We had some visitors from rural Alberta who LOVED what they saw, and some North Dakota travellers who were pleasantly surprised at the quality of our museum. I also had to catalog and condition some signed Thomas Hart Benton books we have on display. I played Ken Burns' PBS documentary in the background.

Sitemaster Sez: New Jersy was looking for sideshows and found the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus in the archives. Someone else was looking for current Rolling Stones backup singer Blondie Chaplin, and found my essay about the Beach Boys -- Chaplin sang the lead on one of my very favorite records by that group Sail On, Sail On, Sailor!

Media Watch: Who wants to see any more of THIS? Pathological liar John Stossell whoring one of his stupid books on CSPAN. The man who coined the term "Junk Science" is it's leading practitioner. Leslie (Wolf) Blitzer interviewing an obviously scared and powerless Iraqi minister, as if either of them knew how to pour piss out of a boot by reading the directions on the heel.
There's always NPR -- St. Paul Sunday is spontanious and different. Their news programs often try to inform us, but they are bound by many of the suppressive paradigms that cripple other mass media.



Canadian Geese and their Goslings on Firehouse Pond