Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Hawthorne street fair


Two shows at the Hawthorne street fair. 
Lots and lots of nice friends. 
We did sets between the Great Penny's puppets shows. She was killing it with those crowds, she is and amazing performer. The second show wasn't as big but they were all on point. We still did the show on 10. Big thanks to my son for taking these pics. I liked that he got to hear how nice folks are to us all day. I'm also glad our company photographer works for snow cones.








Saturday, August 20, 2016

After joy comes sorrow.


 On our way home after a gig in North Portland, we swung by Hawthorne street. Yesterday it was the scene of a terrible accident. A teenager was crossing the road. A car stopped for her. A young person driving the car behind that car stupidly decided to swerve around the waiting vehicle and struck the child dead right in front of her horrified mother. I happened to be nearby shortly after it happened. and it's safe to say that ruined my happy mood. Iv'e seen a lot of people dead on the road and it's always hard. Today, as we returned to the scene we found two groups. The Pissed off Portland style gathering who made a colorful island in the middle of the street, and the kids from the deceased kid's school choir. We pulled along side but our Portland friends invited onto slowdown island. While there we were happy to see our pals but very bummed about why we were there. The news was there, the cops and lots of random folks. Lots of cars honked support or yelled "Get outta the road!" The protesters were thanking folks for slowing down and occasionally griping them out "Get off your phone!"

One of the organizers told me that the school kids on the sidewalk didn't like that the protest was going on. They wanted to sing a song so the protesters respectfully moved to the opposite side of the road. Olive and I made balloon flowers for the kids and soon Olive was sobbing together in the arms of someone she doesn't know about another person she never knew and will never know. We stayed as long as we could but then our timer went off. We aren't done working by a longshot. 

Gotta go make fliers and deliver them. Tough day in S.E. and the usual surreal sensation of seeing profound joy and happiness (at our gig, they had ponies) then awful public grief. I feel just as bad for the kid who was driving. That one mistake will be a haunting for life. Glad this day is almost done.








Wednesday, August 17, 2016

adult clothes





Sweet dreams are made of cheeze





Just downloaded this music to play off my bike.

Copywritten music isn't so good for our "commuting videos" so I try to "can" our own. I made this racket after being inspired by a trip to a cheese factory.

One that was situated way, way out in the Oregon. Stinkyton I think it was called.










Curating music specifically to be heard during the time it takes a tall bike to pass is critical for a tall bike clown. Short punchy sounds set the mood. ups the wow factor, gives folks time to get the cameras ready but it's more importantly a safety device. I can see folks in a 20' radius turn and know where I am in traffic, it's also how we stay together without looking over our shoulders.

Saturday, August 06, 2016

I love when some caveman ignorantly brings a community together.

Just now, a pretty girl on the sidewalk attracted the attention of a man in a convertible. He was talking at her as she walked. He was apparently fishing for low self esteem. "Hey! Hey! You got great legs, anyone ever tell you that?" She just looked forward with a stern expression. "Hey, I could eat them like biscuits." Now he went from objectifying straight to wanting to consume her. They got to the bus stop and he says "What is your name?" Then everyone on the bus bench erupted shouting at him "Go!, Leave her alone! EffOff" I just yelled the word "Douchbag" over and over like an alarm (it was fun). He hit the gas and took off down the street sounding like the longest dumbest fart. Then the girl smiled at us and went on her way. We looked at each other nodding congratulations like we just saved the Titanic.

hold the line.

Hey Portland (and Minneapolis) Trump is coming to town. I been hearing rumblin's and murmers about the people's response. Folks are understandably angry. Trump wants to be leader of the U.S. but already he has insulted our 4th largest trade partner, alienated and angered our allies, threatened the environment and given voice to low info citizens to vote against their own best interests. His words are over and over proven unfounded and deceitful but tragically, childish cons work brilliantly when your followers want your lies to be true. Trump divides our people, makes us an embarrassment to the rest of the world and can't wait to tank our economy. He is also the best running mate Clinton ever had. Without the Trump she would really have to own her own actions. This is all from facts i have off the top of my head. It's clear he is a bad guy. People in informed places know what to do when guys like this come to town. Unite, inform the masses, raise hell without breaking our own city. Portland and Minneapolis are really good at that. Regretfully my instincts tell me that everyone should hold back. It's far too soon to take to the streets in earnest. Political protests and demonstrations are one of the most powerful rights we have. It's the checks and balances, the best part of democracy. Plenty of folks will line the roads as he comes holding signs, getting the message on the tv and letting them know what's up. I suggest most of us hold back. Wait for the outcome of the election. No matter what, you will have 4 years at least for them to make a file about you, don't blow your cover on this guy, he is probably not intended to actually be elected. I'm going to save the world from home on Trump day. I want to concentrate on teaching folks how to spot propaganda and other tricks that create such negative groupthink. Just a suggestion from a guy who has been there for almost 2 decades. When it's yellow, leave it mellow, when it's brown, flush it down. ~DtheC