Small Things Stupid Packages

Road Trip 2007: Go Ahead, Go Back To Rockville

For the last 12 weeks, I've been taking Bongo to an acupuncturist, and it's really helped her. She has some pretty serious arthritis in her back and a nasty case of hip dysplasia. When we started, Bongo was in a bad, bad way- she was having trouble simply getting around, and I feared the worst, the worst being that she just wasn't having fun anymore.

After 6 weeks of acupuncture, the old Bongo began to re-emerge; obstinate, willful, offended by the most slightly perceived slights. Around 9 weeks, she was a new dog- still obnoxious and contary, but willing to humor me in matters like playing our old games, if only briefly. In short, the Bongo had returned to her eyes. For this, I will always be grateful to Dr. Nancy Scanlan at Sherman Oaks Veterinary Clinic.

So then Bongo and I went on this road trip. 3 weeks without acupuncture didn't seem like the best idea, so I did a little research. Turns out, about 35 miles north of Terre Haute, in Rockville, there's a vet who practices acupuncture! I make an appointment, drive north with an old, mouthy dog in the backseat and soon enough there I am at West Central Veterinary Services.

Dr. Julie Anderson is a woman who knows Australian Cattle Dogs. She has 5 of them, and she and her assistant, Karla, treated Bongo like the Little Princess she is. I was so impressed with there kindness of spirit towards both me and my dog, who they must surely assumed they would never see again. Karla sat on the floor and held a bowl of water for Bongo and fed her liver treats. Dr. Julie spent more time with us than I would have expected, and showed such a pure love for my dog that I will never forget it. If you are ever in the area, and you need attention for your pet, don't hesitate to call them. If they have a website, I can't find it, but you can reach them at: (765) 569-3210. They're at 1472 S US 41 in Rockville.

You may recall a little group called R.E.M. Mssrs. Berry Buck Mills Stipe had some choice words about a town called Rockville. I'm going to ask that when you listen to this song, substitute "Do" for "Don't". For the animals.

(Don't Go Back To) Rockville (Live)

Road Trip 2007: Like Pilate I Have A Dog

Over the years, I have driven cross country so many times I have lost count. For the last eleven years, my co-pilot has been Bongo, my 15 and a half year old Australian Cattle Dog. She is extremely smart, sweet, obnoxious, bratty and has a magical charisma. I have never seen people react to a dog as they do to Bongo. I could live to be 1000 years old and never have another like her.

Last April, Bongo was poisoned by tainted pet treats. I had been giving her the treats for a couple of weeks and she became extremely ill. She was diagnosed with kidney failure, and her vet told me she had a few days to live. The next day, the treats were recalled by the F.D.A. Once she stopped eating the treats and getting I.V. fluids every day (which I still give her), she recovered and today she is a happy, healthy old dog. Bongo and I took a road trip last May; at the time, it looked like her last. I called it "Bongo's Farewell Tour", a fitting tribute to a Rock Star-like dog.

Today, we are in Terre Haute, Indiana, visiting my parents for Thanksgiving. We started out on the road last Friday, and finished the 2100 mile drive on Monday. I love road trips, partly because I love spending the time with Bongo, and partly because I love the experience of seeing the country while blasting my ipod.

I have rules for road trips; actually more like traditions. There are certain things that are mandatory listening on this leg of the trip.

• When driving west to east, Johnny Cash's American Recordings must be played at least once. It needs to be started just before the sun rises. While I'm not a religious man, I have to say it was a profound experience to hear "Why Me Lord" as the sun peeked over the horizon.
• Bob Dylan And The Band's The Basement Tapes must be played first thing in the morning, direction optional, preferably on the third day of the road trip, optimally just before dawn.
• When driving through Springfield, Missouri, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin must be played.
• Within 100 miles of the Terre Haute, Kings Of Leon's Youth And Young Manhood must be played in it's entirety. I'm not sure why.
• Within 50 miles of Terre Haute, Born To Run must be played. You must try to sing along with the entire album, even though you are hoarse by Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.

One thing that can absolutely not be done is to play Green Day's Jesus Of Suburbia while driving through the Eisenhower Tunnel (about 60 miles west of Denver). Bongo will give you holy hell for this, for reasons clear only to her.

This week I'll be paying tribute to the musical legacy of Terre Haute. This will be difficult, as there is no musical legacy to Terre Haute.

Why Me Lord- Johnny Cash

Odds And Ends- Bob Dylan And The Band

House Fire- Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Red Morning Light- Kings Of Leon

John Cash Has Done His Time: The Glastonbury Festival, 6/24/1994

Hip Hop has blown my mind

John Cash has done his time

When you and I were in the weeds drinkin' wine

- Ike Reilly, Hip Hop Thighs #17

   In 1994, Johnny Cash was at the beginning of his late career resurgence. U2 had squarely placed the mark of the hipster on his forehead when they recorded 'The Wanderer" (from "Zooropa") with him; the song was an astute blend of the political and spiritual concerns of both Cash and U2:

I went drifting
Through the capitals of tin
Where men can't walk
Or freely talk
And sons turn their fathers in
I stopped outside a church house
Where the citizens like to sit
They say they want the kingdom
But they don't want God in it

"The Wanderer" perfectly framed what was to be the final, truimphant chapter in Johnny Cash's career. And yet, on June 24th, 1994, as he sat backstage at the Glastonbury Festival, he was nervous and sweating. He was apprehensive about the prospect of appearing before 50,000 young festival goers. Although he had recently released "American Recordings" to critical praise, this was another matter. The man who had appeared so at ease playing at San Quentin and Folsom Prison was now facing a different crowd, and he is about to realize how beloved he had become to a generation of new fans.

That's why I love this recording. It's the sound of an artist, late in life, being embraced by a new audience. And just LISTEN to them; they are a cheering whistling, whooping dream crowd for any performer. Cash is clearly touched by the reception he is given, and now that he is gone, I can't listen to this show without tears coming to my eyes. Listen after "Sunday Morning Coming Down" to Johnny's voice when he says "I never expected this reception," and listen to the audience  reaction. Listen to Johnny Cash's confidence rise as he realizes how beloved he is. This is one of my all time favorite recordings.

I also want tip my hat to Ben over at A Deeper Shade Of Soul, who's posted some excellent stuff from Johnny's 12/8/1994 Austin show.

Folsom Prison Blues

Get Rhythm

Sunday Morning Coming Down

Ring Of Fire

Guess Things Happen That Way

Delias Gone

The Beast In Me

Let The Train Blow The Whistle

Bird On A Wire

Big River

Jackson

Orange Blossom Special

A Boy Named Sue