NEW! at R SPEEN

20 December 2024 - It was a rough week - I’m not goin’ into it. Finally, a short review of the 45 RPM single, Edward Bear “Last Song” / “Best Friend” - from 1972 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

16 December 2024 - Notebook Journals page - from Friday 5 June 1998 - still pretending I’m at the Lobster Festival in Portland Maine - complaining about Starbucks.

14 December 2024 - Soap review! Organik Botanik – Orange Blossom & Manuka Honey - on the Soap Exotica page.

13 December 2024 - Michael Franks “Skin Dive” from 1985 - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

12 December 2024 - Water review - on the Pie page - Waterloo – Spiced Apple.

10 December 2024 - Another Book Report - The New Adventures of the Mad Scientists’ Club by Bertrand R. Brinley (1968) - on the Books page.

9 December 2024 - On the Notebook Journals page - a visit to Denny’s - and more philosophizin’ - on Tuesday 2 June 1998 – a week later (from the last post).

7 December 2024 - Saturday soap review - Papoutsanis – Greek Pure Olive Oil Soap - on the Soap Exotica page!

6 December 2024 - Interesting record - on the Vinyl page - Toni Lee Scott “Vol. Lonely” - from 1964 - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

5 December 2024 - Book Report time! - Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (2021) - on the Books page.

2 December 2024 - Memoir Monday - still pretending I’m in Portland, Maine - and talking about smoking - Tuesday 26 May 1998 - on the Notebook Journals page.

29 November 2024 - On the Vinyl page - 45 RPM single - Jim Lowe “Green Door” / “Talkin’ to the Blues” - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

27 November 2024 - New Water review! Noon Whistle – Hop Water - on the Pie page.

26 November 2024 - On the Books page - new “book report” - Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk by Kathleen Hanna (2024).

25 November 2024 - On the Notebook Journals page - an entry from Friday 22 May 1998 - Guido’s Diner - a place I have no memory of - which is why we write in the old journal!

23 November 2024 - Enticing soap review - Weleda Shower Bar – Ylang Ylang + Iris - on the Soap Exotica page.

22 November 2024 - On the Vinyl page - Jalaleddin “Jalaleddin Presents Belly Dance Music” - from 1976 - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

21 November 2024 - New sparkling water review - Waterloo – Raspberry Nectarine - on the Pie page.

18 November 2024 - I’ve made the “executive decision” to start editing my old journals whenever I take the trouble to type them and post them in the MEMOIR section of this website. (I probably have edited them a little bit here and there in the past.) Kind of dumb to just now have this occur to me - or that it was important to reproduce them exactly like in the (often indecipherable) notebook - like that “undiluted expression” was important or something. Because why not edit them if I can easily make them better? And besides, I like editing! That said, I probably won’t edit much! Anyway, today, on the Notebook Journals page is an entry from 18 May 1998 – from Dream Notebook No. 1 - which required no editing - it’s just too weird to worry about. It sounds like a dream, or dreams. This dream DID have the distinction (which I’d totally forgotten about) of including the best fictional dream name I ever dreamed - which I’m going to steal to use somewhere - because it deserves more mileage. The name (in the dream, he’s an actor) is - Awful Pilgrim.

15 November 2024 - Album review - Thelonious Monk / Sonny Rollins (1956) - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

14 November 2024 - Book Report: Medallion Status by John Hodgman (2019) - on the Books page.

13 November 2024 - New Sparkling Water review - on the Pie page - Hoplark Sparkling Water – with Citra Hops.

11 November 2024 - Notebook Journals entry from Wednesday 6 May 1998 – Shaker’s - not finding it very funny, sorry.

10 November 2024 - Another “book report” - The Message in the Hollow Oak by Carolyn Keene, 1935 version - on the Books page.

9 November 2024 - New soap review - Cremo Exfoliating Body Bar – No. 2 – Sage & Citrus - on the Soap Exotica page.

8 November 2024 - On the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS - Frank Sinatra “In the Wee Small Hours (Part 4)” EP.

5 November 2024 - It’s National Doughnut Day, today! Why didn’t anyone tell me it was Election Day? You’d think there would have been something in the news, on social media, or at least an email reminder! (Well, it’s a good thing I was able to vote early. That’s a good invention.) I didn’t have a Doughnut Day Book Give-Away on IG, as is the custom, seeing how no one responded to the last two, only serving to make me feel like a bigger loser than even conceivably conceivable. If by chance, anyone missed any of our half-dozen doughnut holidays and free book offers - and happens to be reading this - pick any one of my four books (see MEDIA page) and let me know, and I’ll mail you one! In the meantime, here’s a new “book report” - Mystery in the Pirate Oak by Helen Fuller Orton - on the Books page.

4 November 2024 - Notebook Journals post from: 30 April 1998 – from Dream Notebook No. 1 - it was a dream - relayed here - unedited (which is obvious).

1 November 2024 - Happy November and Farraginous Friday - George Shearing “My Ship” - from 1975 - an excellent record - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

29 October 2024 - Book Report! Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck (1962) - on the Books page.

28 October 2024 - Another MEMOIR post - from Tuesday 28 April 1998 - Portland (Oregon or Maine?!?) - it’s a goofy one! See the Notebook Journals page.

26 October 2024 - New Sparkling Water review - 365 Whole Food Market – Ginger - on the Pie page!

25 October 2024 - On the Vinyl page - Michael Franks “Blue Pacific” - from 1990 - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

22 October 2024 - New “book report” - Henry Reed’s Journey by Keith Robertson (1963) - on the Books page.

21 October 2024 - Monday Memoir Notebook Journals post from Saturday 25 April 1998 – Hollywood Burger Bar.

20 October 2024 - Sunday Memo, on the MEMO page - this one with the exciting title: Sobriety Anniversary (XXXI).

19 October 2024 - New soap review - right now! Pears – Pure and Gentle Bathing Bar - on the Soap Exotica page.

18 October 2024 - A fine writeup of the 1968 LP by Skeeter Davis - “Why So Lonely?” - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

17 October 2024 - Review of Lagunitas Brewing Co. – Hoppy Refresher with Blood Orange - on the Pie page.

14 October 2024 - Notebook Journals post - from Sunday 19 April 1998 - under the MEMOIR tab. More adventures of the Lobster Bible - this is a goofy one.

11 October 2024 - Review of the 1958 single by The Platters - “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” / “No Matter What You Are” - on the Vinyl page - and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

8 October 2024 - Memoir post today (Tuesday) instead of yesterday - because I was sick. Still not feeling great. Anyway, I don’t think the readers are going to revolt, once they realize that this is a DREAM memoir post - from 12 April 1998 – from Dream Notebook No. 1 - and it’s a pretty good one - or a couple, really, from the basement room I rented on Beech Street, in Portland - 12 April 1998.

6 October 2024 - Check out the MEMO page for today’s Sunday Memo - titled: Packers. That would be the Green Bay Packers, the football team. The game on TV, today, figured in heavily on my excessive musings - so check it out. Or not.

5 October 2024 - Soap review! Crabtree & Evelyn – Gardeners - on the Soap Exotica page.

4 October 2024 - Maybe it is the less-than-brutally-hot weather, but I kind of got excessive with this album review - Jackie DeShannon “Laurel Canyon” - from 1968 - but at least I think I kept it under 1000 words - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

1 October 2024 - Happy October! Just 30 days to decide “what to go as!” Won’t be long now before pumpkin spiced lattes will be available! And already, a yearly, seasonal challenge is upon me: How do I resist Candy Corn—which is my biggest temptation (of things I’ve sworn off). How about a Book Report? See the Books page for: Something to Do with Paying Attention by David Foster Wallace (2011).

30 September 2024 - On the Notebook Journals page - a post from Saturday 11 April 1998 - including an installment of The Lobster Bible.

29 September 2024 - New Memo - titled: Migraine - on the Memo page.

27 September 2024 - A goofy take, I suppose, on a serious record - The Monkees “Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.” - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

26 September 2024 - You might visit the Pie page for the latest sparkling, flavored water review - Bubly – Mango.

24 September 2024 - Latest “Book Report” - Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska - by Warren Zanes (2023) - on the Books page.

23 September 2024 - New Home Page photo (were people getting tired of that sad clown, or what?) - the scene shown here is within the vicinity of where I’m planning to move, soon, if I can pull it off! (I mean, same general location, I’m not moving to the swamp!). If anyone can NAME THE PLACE, you win the GRAND PRIZE (to be specified later) and might even be invited to visit!! ALSO, today, it being Memoir Monday, please check out the latest Notebook Journals entry (on the page by that name) - from Saturday 4 April 1998 - it’s an amusing one!

22 September 2024 - Happy Autumn Equinox! New “Memo” on the Memo page!

20 September 2024 - Happy Friday! - record review on the Vinyl page - José Melis – “José Melis Plays His TV Favorites” (from 1961) - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

19 September 2024 - after a long silence on the MEMO page (more on that later) - here’s a new entry, titled: Last Chance at the Open Mic. Enjoy!

17 September 2024 - Riddler by Henry A. Bamman and Robert J. Whitehead (1967) - is not Batman related, unfortunately, or fortunately, as the case may be - book report - see the Books page - under the LISTS tab.

16 September 2024 - “Memoir Monday” - the “Months Old Tradition” - continues on the Notebook Journals page - with a short post from Friday 3 April 1998 - that’s actually kind of interesting.

14 September 2024 - New soap review - Auromère Ayurvedic Soap – Lavender-Neem - on the Soap Exotica page.

13 September 2024 - “Spending some time” in the “North Woods” with the “Time Machine” - the 1980 album - The Frank Vlasis Trio & Friends (“Tom Halker’s Red Mill presents…”) - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

12 September 2024 - How does some Pear Pie sound? Delicious, to me, yet, I’ve never seen any. You can, however, go to the PIE page and read about Jelly Belly – Juicy Pear — a fine sparking water.

10 September 2024 - Lastest “Book Report” - Silent Partner by Jinny McDonnell (1972) - which is A Kim Aldrich Mystery - on the Books page.

9 September 2024 - The Notebook Journals page - under the MEMOIR tab - continues with what I called The Lobster Bible - from Thursday 26 March 1998.

6 September 2024 - One of my favorite records ever came up via the magic 8-ball choosing system! Steely Dan “Countdown to Ecstasy” - from 1973 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS. And I managed to keep it under a thousand words!

5 September 2024 - New sparkling water review - on the Pie page - Waterloo – Ginger Citrus Twist.

3 September 2024 - Book report! On the Books page - All Fours by Miranda July (2024).

2 September 2024 - Happy Labor Day! It’s also, Memoir Monday - on the Notebook Journals page, please find the entry: Tuesday 24 March 1998 — The Lobster Bible - which is the second entry from that date - because it was the beginning me attempting a fictional diary - for better or worse!

31 August 2024 - Another Hotel Bar Soap review - on the Soap Exotica page - this time it’s from the Utah Motel Motor Park – Salt Lake City. Enjoy!

30 August 2024 - I honestly intended to write a short, one-paragraph review this week - of the 1969 Tommy Roe “Jam Up Jelly Tight” / “Moontalk” 45 - but then things got out of hand! Read about it (for free) on the Vinyl page - or at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

28 August 2024 - On the Pie page, just were it’s always been - the next, exciting, water review - Richard’s – Sparkling Rainwater.

27 August 2024 - Time for a book report! (Long title) Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace by David Lipsky (2010) - on the Books page.

26 August 2024 - A shorter memoir post from Tuesday 24 March 1998 - on the Notebook Journals page.

23 August 2024 - Song by song review of the LP - Dory Previn “Mary C. Brown and the Hollywood Sign” - from 1972 - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

22 August 2024 - New “book report” - The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene (1930) - on the Books page.

20 August 2024 - Latest “dessert” - Lagunitas Brewing Co – Hoppy Refresher with Berry + Lemon - on the Pie page.

19 August 2024 - Monday’s MEMOIR post - the Notebook Journals page - from Portland - Wednesday 18 March 1998 - interesting, I’m describing a place called the Sandwich Experience - which I don’t remember at all. I sound really depressed - so I’m hoping I figure things out soon!

17 August 2024 - For those of you impressed by numbers, today marks Soap Review No. 200! - on the Soap Exotica page - the honorary cake belonging to - Institut Karité Paris – Almond & Honey Perfume Shea Soap.

16 August 2024 - Short (1000 word) Farraginous Friday - Dan Hill “Longer Fuse” (1977) - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 August 2024 - Got caught in the rain! Vibrant August day. Time for the latest “book report” - Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein (2023) - on the Books page.

14 August 2024 - Another sparkling water review - Bubly – Lemon Sorbet - on the Pie page.

12 August 2024 - On the Notebook Journals page - an entry from Saturday 14 March 1998 – Hollywood Burger Bar - very little about the Burger Bar and a lot of my ideas - a little embarrasing to read now - but amusing, at least to me.

9 August 2024 - Farraginous Friday record - Barry White “Beware!” - on the Vinyl page AND at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

6 August 2024 - Good Sparkling Water review - Polar – Orange Vanilla - on the Pie page.

5 August 2024 - Once again the Notebook Journals page - entry from Wednesday 4 March 1998 - at Holman’s for breakfast - complaining about popular culture - though at this point, I’d rather hear about Holman’s.

3 August 2024 - Last-est Soap Review - on the Soap Exotica page - Alquimia Holistica – Horchata! A good one!

2 August 2024 - Record-talk - on the Vinyl page - Keith Jarrett “Mysteries” - from 1976 - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

1 August 2024 - Happy August! New “Book Report” on the Books page - Norwood by Charles Portis (1966).

30 July 2024 - Sparkling water review - Bubly – Blueberry Pomegranate - on the Pie page.

29 July 2024 - On the Notebook Journals page - under the MEMOIR tab - a journal entry from Tuesday 3 March 1998 - breakfast at the Sandy Hut!

26 July 2024 - It’s good to take a week off once a year, even from something as effortless as this website! And guess what, no one noticed! But now it’s Farraginous Friday once again, so visit DJ FARRAGINOUS for a review of the 45 RPM single, Bob Beckham “Your Sweet Love” / “Just as Much as Ever” - or visit the Vinyl page.

16 July 2024 - Visit the Pie page for the latest sparkling water review - Simple Truth Organic – Pineapple Seltzer.

15 July 2024 - Another Memoir Monday - entry from Friday 27 February 1998 - on Notebook Journals page - kind of being hard on myself - but with an inspiring aside. Time to read: apx. one minute.

13 July 2024 - Nice, new soap review - Pacha Soap Co. – Jasmine Gardenia - on the Soap Exotica page.

12 July 2024 - Happy Farraginous Friday and review of Paul Smith Trio “This One Cooks!” from 1981 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

11 July 2024 - On the Books page (“book report”) - Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett (1929).

9 July 2024 - Another hopwater review - on the Pie page - this one is - Hoplark Sparkling HopTea – the Mile-High-Biscus One.

8 July 2024 - Under the MEMOIR tab, on the Notebook Journals page - the next entry from - Tuesday 17 February 1998 - reminding me about how much I used to like the Portland International Film Festival.

By the way, talking about these notebook journals (one small example why they are interesting to me) - I just happened to be reading about the novel, Infinite Jest - wondering when that came out, actually. February 1, 1996 - I didn’t even hear about it until years and years later! But it was fun to look back and see what I wrote in my notebook on that date - and it seems that my pen ran out! And then I had a weird, otherworldly epidemic of ink pen failures, all one after another, on that day! Take that any way you want to!

5 July 2024 - Peters & Lee “We Can Make It” - an album from 1973 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

4 July 2024 - Next sparkling water review now available to read - it’s on the Pie page - the water is - Nixie – Peach Black Tea!

1 July 2024 - July already - even though I kind of feel like it’s: Thursday 12 February 1998 - which is the date of the next entry on the Notebook Journals page (under the MEMOIR tab) - which is a typed version of an actual notebook entry from back then.

30 June 2024 - Latest “Book Report” - There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib (2024) - on the Books page.

29 June 2024 - New Sparkling Water review - this time it’s La Croix – Pure - on the Pie page.

28 June 2024 - I managed to keep this review of Laura Nyro “The First Songs…” (aka, “More Than a New Discovery”) under 1000 words. Ha. On the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

25 June 2024 - Go to the Pie page to check out the latest sparkling water review - or in this case, sparkling Earl Grey tea flavored with hops - called: Hoptonic – Sparkling Earl Grey Black Tea. This one includes a mystery! The funny thing is, I checked my notes (well, a spreadsheet with over 200 sparkling water entries) to see when I obtained this - it was exactly a year ago today! (A gift from Sara and Mark - thanks!) I then sampled it and wrote this review in August of last year. I’ve since had 10 months to solve the mystey (see the review) - but instead of solving anything, I just forgot about it (until now). I think I’ll just let this mystery reign!

24 June 2024 - On the Notebook Journals page, the next entry (of whatever it was I was trying to do back in 1998). The date is: Wednesday 11 February 1998. It’s a little embarrassing - but there you go. It also includes what is actually a useful Timeline of major events in my life for a ten year period - leading up to 1998. Of course, I should have ended with this entry: “1985 - Austrian rock singer Falco records Rock Me Amadeus.” But I’m not going back and making edits… or adding jokes I failed to come up with back at the time. Plus, you have to remember the Salieri Version (12-inch extended dance version) - to get that joke.

23 June 2024 - A brief and insufficient review of Preston Sturges’ Hail the Conquering Hero (1944) - on the (Ella Raines) Movie page. Better yet, if you haven’t seen this movie, find it steaming somewhere (it’s possible) and watch it - it’s a crazy movie.

22 June 2024 - On the Soap Exotica page - a review of - Royal Pine Toilet Soap – Hotel Bar Soap!

21 June 2024 - Short review for a change - The Detergents “Leader of the Laundromat” / “Ulcers” - a 1964 novelty 45 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

18 June 2024 - What’s new on the Pie page? (That’s where dessert writing goes - desserts being, lately, sparkling water.) Today - a review of La Croix – Lemon.

17 June 2024 - On the Notebook Journals page - an entry from Monday 9 February 1998 - about the “Mauve Decade” writing project that I kept trying to make someting of - and kept failing at. My observations are kind of funny, kind of sad - also a bit pathetic, touching, and boring. Ha!

15 June 2024 - New soap review - Good Soap – Cherry Blossom - on the Soap Exotica page.

14 June 2024 - On the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS - a multi-artist jazz record that I did my best titling as - Europa Jazz – Dollar Brand / Bill Evans Trio / Charles Lloyd Quartet / Michael White Quartet.

13 June 2024 - Book Report - excellent kids’ book - Sky Castle by Arthur Northup (1932) - see the Books page.

12 June 2024 - Trying to catch up with the sparkling water and hop water reviews - which can be found on the Pie page, under the LUNCH tab - because they just keep coming! And even though I’m nearly a year behind with these reviews - here’s one that I found only earlier today - haven’t even finished the first can yet! - Surly Brewing Co. – Axe Man Sparkling Hop Water.

10 June 2024 - Today’s Notebook Journals entry is from: 24 January 1998 – from Dream Notebook No. 1 - which means, if I was following the rules, it’s a dream - on the Notebook Journals page.

9 June 2024 - Sparkling water, or, I should say, hopwater review - Hoplark – (Limited Edition) w/ Lemondrop Hops - on the Pie page.

8 June 2024 - Book Report Time - Traveling Sprinkler by Nicholson Baker (2013) - on the Books page.

7 June 2024 - After a rough week, it’s finally Farraginous Friday - so here’s a review of Mark Eitzel’s 2017 LP, “Hey Mr Ferryman” - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGIONOUS.

3 June 2024 - On the Notebook Journals page - a journal entry from: Thursday, 25 December 1997 – Portland, OR - which was a partial script voiceover for my epic video, Seafood. From this brief, two paragraph entry, you can see why Seafood was the cinematic phenomenon that reverberates even today in the greater arts community if not the global consciousness. Reminds me, as well, that I spent a Christmas at the old, Multnomah Hotel, which was awesome.

1 June 2024 - New soap review! Lirio Dermatológico – Purifica tu piel - on the Soap Exotica page.

31 May 2024 - Last Farraginous Friday in May - Sandy Posey “featuring I Take It Back” from 1967 - excellent record - and one of my more entertaining reviews (to write, at least) lately, so don’t miss this one! On the Vinyl page, and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

30 May 2024 - Next Ella Raines movie - Phantom Lady (1944) - and an interesting (to me) take on it - read about it on the Movies page (or, rather, temporarily, the Ella Raines Movies page).

28 May 2024 - It must be “Book Report” time - so go to the the Books page for: The Golden Spur by Dawn Powell (1962).

27 May 2024 - A “Sunday Project” entry from Sunday, 30 November 1997 – Holman’s, Portland, OR - on the Notebook Journals page. It’s about Holman’s, in Portland, and coincidently, I was working on a chapter of my new novel, this morning, that is set at a bar that’s based on Holman’s. Sometimes the timing works out! (Not that it needs too!) I started writing journal entries called Sunday Project as far back as the late Eighties - always written at a diner or family restaurant over breakfast on a Sunday morning. I still do these, occasionally, but the way things are going, lately, I won’t be able to afford to much longer!

24 May 2024 - A 7-inch 45 - Walter Huston “September Song” / “Lost in the Stars” - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

22 May 2024 - Finally, back the Ella Raines movies! I’m trying to watch and write about all of her feature films (at least the ones I can find). This next one - Cry ‘Havoc’ (1943) - is a war movie - but unusual in that the cast is almost exclusively women. On the Movie page.

20 May 2024 - Memoir Monday on the Notebook Journals page - 17 November 1997 – from Dream Notebook No. 1 - a relatively short but very weird dream!

19 May 2024 - Yet another “book report” - No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy (2005) - on the Books page.

18 May 2024 - New (very old) Soap review - Starlite Motel – Palmolive – Hotel Bar Soap - on the Soap Exoitca page.

17 May 2024 - Arthur Lyman “Love for Sale!” 1963 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

16 May 2024 - Another Book Report - Mystery at Shadow Pond by Mary C. Jane (1958) - on the Books page.

13 May 2024 - On the Notebook Journals page - I believe this is the last of my “Fuel Tour” journal/diary - an entry from Saturday, 15 November 1997 - though I’m pretty sure there were more adventures in Seattle. Might not have documented them. Oh, well. Hopefully in the future (meaning the past, but at a time ongoing from these efforts) - I improve my journal writing a little bit. Though, I’ll probably always be somewhat unhappy with it. I can only hope there are little gems, here and there.

12 May 2024 - Check out the Steely Dan page for a review of the song, “Medical Science” - a bonus track from Walter Becker’s 1994 album, 11 Tracks of Whack.

11 May 2024 - “Book Report” time - The Divorce by César Aira (2010) - on the Books page.

10 May 2024 - Farraginous Friday review - Silver Convention “Get Up and Boogie (That’s Right)” / “Son of a Gun” - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

7 May 2024 - Next sparkling water review - Nixie – Lime Ginger - on the Pie page!

6 May 2024 - Next Noteook Journals entry - a continuaton of the Fuel Tour (written later, I guess, back home - Friday 14 November 1997 – Portland, OR).

4 May 2024 - New soap review - Dr. Bronner’s – All-One Eucalyptus – Pure-Castile Bar Soap - on the Soap Exotica page.

3 May 2024 - I’d love to say with the warmer weather comes warm weather music - but it’s still the random counter picking the next entry on DJ FARRAGINOUS and the Vinyl page - and today it’s: José Miguel Class “Trofeos Otorgados A José Miguel Class – El Gallito De Manati”

30 April 2024 - Rather long Sparkling Water review today - that’s because it’s everyone’s favorite - La Croix – Pamplemousse - and it brought up a lot of mental adventures! On the Pie page (under the LUNCH tab).

29 April 2024 - Memoir Monday - next Notebook Journals entry - from: Sunday, 9 November 1997 – Holman’s, Portland, OR - one of many over the years designated as “Sunday Project” - writing in a notebook at a diner on Sunday morning. Or, in this case, Holman’s, a dive bar. A little alarming - it sounds like I ordered the White Knuckler’s Slippery Slope Special.

28 April 2024 - A long awaited, exciting dispatch from our correspondent, Kenneth Oates - under the MEMO tab. And the latest book report - on The Botany of Desire, by Michael Pollan - on the Books page, under the LISTS tab.

27 April 2024 - Another “Hotel Bar Soap” review - this one: Tanglewood Motel – Cashmere Bouquet - on the Soap Exotica page.

26 April 2024 - The Electric Prunes “Mass in F Minor” - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

24 April 2024 - Latest coffee shop review - Alderaan Coffee - on the Coffee page!

23 April 2024 - Go to the Books page - latest “Book Report” - Rupert Piper and the Dear, Dear Birds by Ethelyn M. Parkinson, from 1976.

22 April 2024 - A very short Notebook Journals entry from: Thursday, 6 November 1997 – Portland, OR - a classic example of how little can be often said to satisfy a journal entry. But that’s the way it goes - or went - it’s not easy for me not to fall into long-windedness, these days. This was nearing the end of the Fuel Tour - but not the very end. It took me a few weeks, back in Portland, to get around to writing about it.

20 April 2024 - Latest soap review - Halló Iceland – Volcanic Ash - on the Soap Exotica page.

19 April 2024 - Rough week, but as Sinatra sings in Johnny Mercer’s “Dream” - “Things are never as bad as they seem, so dream, dream, dream…” and I really have found that you can both escape and solve problems (or maybe just put things in perspective) in dreams. So why not usher in the weekend with a record ending with that song, on an album titled: “Nice ‘n’ Easy” - from 1960 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 April 2024 - Another Memoir Monday - a very short Notebook Journals entry titled: Monday, 3 November 1997 – Portland, OR - which describes traveling into San Francisco, by train. I remember it like it was yesterday.

13 April 2024 - It’s “Book Report” time - The Anthologist by Nicholson Baker - from 2009 - on the Books page.

12 April 2024 - Another 45 RPM single review - on the Vinyl page - The Jam “Going Underground” / “The Dreams of Children” - from 1980 - it’s also at: DJ FARRAGINOUS.

8 April 2024 - Next Notebook Journals entry - from Thursday, 23 October 1997 - pretty eventful (if too briefly described) episode! I was sure livin’ the life back then!

7 April 2024 - I apologize for the oddness of my post, today - latest Steely Dan song appreciation - this time it’s: “I Got the News” from Aja (1977) - on the Steely Dan page - I’m suffering from a rather substantial fever and am a little out of it - but still, I wanted to persist.

6 April 2024 - New (old, old) soap review! Sayman Vegetable Wonder Soap – Guest Size - on the Soap Exotica page.

5 April 2024 - On the Vinyl page - Paul Horn “Dream Machine” (from 1978) - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

4 April 2024 - Stop by the Pie page - under the LUNCH tab, above - to find the latest water review - this one, hop water, is - Fair State Co-Op – Hop Water – Citra & Galaxy Hops.

3 April 2024 - A new Coffee Shop review - 330 Eats - on the Coffee page!

2 April 2024 - Another “book report” - on the Books page - this time it’s Fairy Tale by Stephen King, from 2022.

1 April 2024 - I’ve no truck with April Fools Day pranksterism - so here’s the usual Monday Memoir post - from Saturday, 18 October 1997 - on the Notebook Journals page.

29 March 2024 - On the Vinyl page - Carly Simon “Hotcakes” - from 1974 - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

27 March 2024 - It’s “Book Report” time - Footprints Under the Window by Franklin W. Dixon (1933) - on the Books page.

25 March 2024 - Another entry from my notebook from Wednesday, 15 October 1997 - on the Notebook Journals page. How did I get from there, when I didn’t say much, to being so wordy, now. I suppose I was just tired back then.

23 March 2024 - New soap review! Nubian Heritage – Raw Shea Butter - on the Soap Exotica page.

22 March 2024 - Happy first snowy Farraginous Friday of spring - on the Vinyl page, a country and western 45 - Ray Pillow “The Waitress” / “She Knows What Love Can Do” from 1973 - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

21 March 2024 - This used to be my favorite two days of TV sports watching (first two days of “March Madness”) back when all the games were covered as best as possible by one, broadcast network - so they’d finish one game and take you to the exciting conclusion of another. Now, since 3/4 of the games are on cable TV (as is the final four and finals), what people who can’t afford cable TV get is a watered-down, half-assed, pathetic, pale fart of the former “madness.” Oh, well, at least I don’t have to endure as many commercials.

While on the negativity theme, here’s (finally) a new Sparkling Water review - Klarbrunn – Citrus Blend - and it’s… not one of my favorites. But like I said, I’m still a fan of the Klarbrunn waters, in general. At least, I hope, this review is amusing. Find it (where else but) on the Pie page (under the LUNCH tab).

20 March 2024 - Cafe review - Grace Place Coffee - on the Coffee page!

19 March 2024 - Latest “Book Report” - Books page - The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin (2023).

18 March 2024 - Another very short MEMOIR entry - the Notebook Journals page - from Sunday, 12 October 1997 - continuing on the Fuel Tour. It sounds like I was getting a little burned out. Ha!

15 March 2024 - On the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS - a review of the LP, Vern Gosdin “Never My Love” - from 1978.

11 March 2024 - More Journals from my Notebook from Friday, 10 October 1997, Providence, RI - on the Fuel Tour - under the MEMOIR tab.

9 March 2024 - New soap review! Alchimia – Bourbon - on the Soap Exotica page.

8 March 2024 - Terry Gibbs “Vibes on Velvet” - from 1956 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

7 March 2024 - New “book report” - The Case of the Ticklish Tooth by Scott Corbett - a kids book from 1971 - on the Books page.

5 March 2024 - FINALLY, a new sparkling water review - this time it’s La Croix – Razz-Cranberry - find it on the Pie page (as always).

4 March 2024 - Memoir Monday - still on the Fuel Tour - a short one from Thursday, 9 October 1997 - on the Notebook Journals page.

3 March 2024 - Book report on the Books page - Erasure by Percival Everett (2001).

1 March 2024 - Happy March 1st! Which happens to fall on Farraginous Friday - thus, a short review of Stan Kenton & His Orchestra “7.5 on the Richter Scale” (1973) - on the Vinyl page - as well as at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

29 February 2024 - For some odd reason, a bonus Farraginous February day - Gino Vannelli “The Gist of the Gemini” - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

28 February 2024 - We’ve got a double-header today, folks—first, a new cafe review - Vendetta Coffee Bar - on the Coffee page. And another record - Canyon Spells “Now That We’re Gone” - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

27 February 2024 - Final few days of Farraginous February - see the Vinyl page for the 1988 Brenda Russell LP, “Get Here” - or check it out on DJ FARRAGINOUS.

26 February 2024 - Under the MEMOIR tab - a Notebook Journals entry from Wednesday, 8 October 1997 - on the Fuel Tour.

25 February 2024 - Another review of another 4-song EP - this time - Frank Sinatra “The Voice” EP - from 1955. Read about it on the Vinyl page - or at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

24 February 2024 - A legitimate “memo” on the MEMO page!

23 February 2024 - An extensive write-up of the 7-inch Iron Oxide “Bass Response EP” - from 2005 - on the Vinyl page - and also, at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

22 February 2024 - Farraginous February continues at DJ FARRAGINOUS - and on the Vinyl page - with Kim Carnes “Mistaken Identity” - from 1981.

20 February 2024 - Book Report! Ruth Fielding on Cliff Island by Alice B. Emerson - from 1915! on the Books page.

19 February 2024 - It's Memoir Monday - see the Notebook Journals page - to continue the Fuel Tour diary - Monday, 6 October 1997 – Washington DC.

18 February 2024 - On the Vinyl page - Mickey Newbury “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” from 1978 - as well as at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

17 February 2024 - Soap review on the Soap Exotica page - Mysore Sandal Soap.

16 February 2024 - It’s Farraginous Friday, and half-way through Farraginous February - so here’s a review of a 1970 Hilltop Sammi Smith re-issue, “Help Me Make It Through the Night” - a lot to consider - taking nuttiness to a new level (the review, not the record) (the record is great) - so, you won’t want to miss this one, fans! On the Vinyl page, and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS - where you can also use the “search” function to read about other Sammi Smith records, reviewed so far - so, why not? It don’t cost nothin’.

15 February 2024 - Review of the single - The Fireflies “I Can’t Say Goodbye” / “What Did I Do Wrong” - from 1959 - on the Vinyl page, and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

14 February 2024 - ON THE MEMO page, another check-in from our “paid” un-foreign correspondent, while holed up in Northampton, alone, with a broken car and a snowstorm. You almost can’t blame him for titling his post: Ask Me If I Care That It’s Valentine’s Day.

13 February 2024 - Book report! Bunny by Mona Awad - on the Books page.

12 February 2024 - Fuel Tour diary continues - Saturday, 4 October 1997 – En Route - on the Notebook Journals page.

11 February 2024 - Short review of Elvis Costello and The Attractions “Live at Hollywood High” - a 3 song, seven-inch promo from 1978 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

9 February 2024 - Happy Farraginous Friday! Bobby Radcliff “Early in the Morning” - from 1985 - on the Vinyl page - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

8 February 2024 - New book (report) - A Man Named Doll by Jonathan Ames - on the Books page!

7 February 2024 - Cafe review here - Colectivo Coffee – US Bank Café - find it on the Coffee page.

6 February 2024 - Farraginous February continues with - Philiac “This Appalling Ocean” - from 2015 - on the Vinyl page - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

5 February 2024 - A pretty good travelogue Notebook Journals entry from - Thursday, 2 October 1997 – Raleigh, NC - documenting the Fuel Film Tour. Under the MEMOIR tab.

4 February 2024 - For Farraginous February - see the Vinyl page for the 1964 45 RPM single from The Wildcats - “What Are We Gonna Do in ’64?” / “3625 Groovy Street” - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

3 February 2024 - The latest soap review - Carlsbad Caverns – Hotel Bar Soap - on the Soap Exotica page.

2 February 2024 - Once again it’s Farraginous February - not just a pointless challenge, but a celebration - of listening to affordable vinyl records and trying to write something coherent! The original idea was that I’d post a short review each day of the month. Well, it’s not gonna happen again this year - but it is a good exercise to try to get back to writing shorter posts. As usual, I use a random system to pick what to write about (out of my vast collection). Today, it happens to be one of my most obsessed about records of recent years (it’s from 1970, but it took me 50 years to hear it) - John Phillips “John Phillips (John, The Wolfking of L.A.)” - as usual, on the Vinyl page - as well as at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

31 January 2024 - No Wednesday cafe review today, sorry! I intended to go the the Starbucks near my house (East Pointe) and they were tearing out the insides! I don’t love Starbucks, and I know there’s tons of them, but that’s the fourth or fifth one, within my walking radius that has closed in the last few years! Like I said before, right now might be a good time to open a cafe in the downtown Milwaukee area. Hopefully I’ll have a new coffee visit up next week. What IS here today is a new “Book Report” - about the 2017 novel Less by Andrew Sean Greer. It’s on the Books page.

29 January 2024 - A long journal entry from - Tuesday, 30 September 1997 - on the Notebook Journals page. Another entry from a cross-country train trip - good for writing in the notebook - for me - at least back in 1997.

28 January 2024 - Time for a new Sparkling Water review - today it’s - Waterloo – Cherry Limeade - find it on the Pie page!

26 January 2024 - Last Farraginous Friday of the month - Dorothy Donegan “at the Embers” - from 1957 - on the Vinyl page - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

25 January 2024 - New “book report” - Liberation Day - by George Saunders - from 2022 - on the Books page.

24 January 2024 - Check out the MEMO page for the latest travelogue update from correspondent Kenneth Oates, reporting from Northampton, MA.

23 January 2024 - Memo to Self: Fix things in that sidebar —>>> (Elsewhere on this website, please find)… soon!

22 January 2024 - A Notebook Journals entry from Monday, 29 September 1997 - it’s another one from a long train trip - all about the “Smoking Lounge” - for Memoir Monday.

20 January 2024 - Fresh soap review - Florinda – Sapone Vegetale – Lime - on the Soap Exotica page!

19 January 2024 - Totally overly self-indulgent review of Mott the Hoople “The Hoople” (from 1974) - on the Vinyl page - and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

17 January - Visit the Coffee page for this Wednesday’s coffee shop review - Blooming Lotus Bakery!

16 January 2024 - Every year I check to see if Steven Soderbergh is still keeping track what he’s seen and read—movies, TV, books, plays—and then posts last year’s list (on his website, called Extension 765) around the beginning of the next year. Every year I mean to keep a list like that—and don’t. But it cheers me up that he keeps doing it—and it’s always interesting to check out. Here’s a link to Soderblog: Seen, Read 2023.

15 January 2024 - It’s Memoir Monday - and back to Notebook Journals - under the MEMOIR tab. This entry is from Sunday, 28 September 1997 - and it’s written ON THE TRAIN in Montana - at the beginning of a cross country trip - and there’s a lot about relationships, time, writing, and travel (though, nothing about time travel). Still, a pretty good one.

14 January 2024 - On the MEMO page - the first installment from our new travel correspondent, Kenneth Oates. We’ll forgive him for this one. He was stuck in a cheap motel, trying to watch… Well, you can read about it. Perhaps we should welcome him with a couple of presents. A Packers jersey. A red pencil. Welcome aboard, Kenneth!

13 January 2024 - On Soap Review Saturday, please find an assessment of - Old Spice – Sport – Barra de Jabón - on the Soap Exotica page (under the LISTS tab).

12 January 2024 - Happy Farraginous Friday! New review on the Vinyl page - Tommy Roe “We Can Make Music” (from 1970) - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS - and it looks like posts are showing up there, once again, on that site - so if you can stand the video ads, it’s worth checking out. It’s eminently searchable (there is a “search” box function) so you can have fun and spend hours there!

Also, please note, due to the inclement weather today, RSPEEN.COM is closed. Why do you need to close a website, you ask, because of snow? Just be safe, take care, and leave those kinds of questions up to the experts.

10 January 2024 - No Cafe Review this Wednesday because I didn’t make it to a cafe last week. Downtown Milwaukee needs some new coffee shops! I know… there are a lot of them… and some fine ones… and I haven’t written about them all… but, still, several have closed in the last few years, and you can’t have too many coffee shops! A particularly good spot is the old Coffee Bean location on Water Street—I think it might be available. You could even call it the Coffee Bean (there’s a good sign, up). Because that’s a great name for a coffee shop. The other thing, more coffee shops need to stay open later. I get up early, and no longer drink coffee late, but I still think that.

What IS here, today, instead, is a new post on the MEMO page (hasn’t been one for a while). And it contains some exciting news!

8 January 2024 - Two Memoir posts- from the summer of 1997 - both written at the Thai Deli, in Portland - on the Notebook Journals page. Both entries sound like I’m freaking out a bit - I should have concentrated on the delicious Thai food!

6 January 2024 - First “Book Report” of the year - Secret Sea by Robb White (1947) - on the Books page. The start of my 2024 goal to read and write about 52 books! Not as any part of those official “challenges” (which are just a way to get your email address and try to sell you things), and not to try to impress anyone (I read a lot of children's books, after all), but just for fun and as an incentive. I made a rule—I have to finish and write about a book before I can buy a new book. Also, because I’m a big geek!

5 January 2024 - For Farraginious Friday - a review of Skeeter Davis “Skeeter Sings Standards” from 1965 - on the Vinyl page. It seems that the text is still not showing up on DJ FARRAGINOUS - at least on my computer - though it shows up on my phone - so that’s weird - so I’ll include a link (above). If anyone can figure out THAT oddity, I’ll make you the honorary IT specialist of rspeen.com!

3 January 2024 - Wednesday coffee shop review - Roast Coffee Company - on the Coffee page.

1 January 2024 - Always exciting to post the first post of the new year. It’s “Memoir Monday” as well - so there’s a new notebook entry on the Notebook Journals page, under the MEMOIR tab. It’s journal entry from 17 July 1997 – The Hurst - “The Hurst” being my secret name for the Laurelthirst Public House - in Portland, Oregon - that I used to frequent in the 1990s.

31 December 2023 - On the Books page, a short “book report” of: Lee, Myself & I: Inside the Very Special World of Lee Hazlewood by Wyndham Wallace. Happy New Year!

30 December 2023 - What is likely the last sparkling water review of the year - Polar – Tart Cherry Limeade - on the Pie page.

29 December 2023 - 100 Proof (Aged in Soul) “Somebody’s Been Sleeping in My Bed” - that’s an album from 1970 - a review of it is on the Vinyl page. (Unfortunately, it seems like the DJ Farraginous site doesn’t work anymore - I was getting sick of the ads there anyway. No ads on the Vinyl page - so check it out!)

28 December 2023 - On the Books page (under the LISTS tab) - the latest “Book Report” - Masters of Atlantis by Charles Portis - a hilarious novel from 1985.

27 December 2023 - It’s Wednesday - coffee shop review - Fiddleheads Coffee – BMO Tower - on the Coffee page.

26 December 2023 - At last, another sparkling water review - Klarbrunn – Raspberry - as usual, on the Pie page.

25 December 2023 - Happy Christmas and Merry Memoir Monday! A Notebook Journals entry from 16 July 1997 – Portland, Oregon - from a place called the New Crystal Cafe. Under the MEMOIR tab.

24 December 2023 - Short “Book Report” for you - While the Clock Ticked by Franklin W. Dixon - a Hardy Boys Mystery, from 1932.

23 December 2023 - New soap review - Auromère Ayurvedic Soap – Sandal-Turmeric - on the Soap Exotica page.

22 December 2023 - Record review - Pink Floyd “Animals” - from 1977 - on the Vinyl page. It’s supposed to be on DJ Farraginous, as well, but when I looked at that sight - no words show up! (Odd for a WORDpress blog). Anyway, hopefully that gets ironed out. If and when, I’ll update here!

21 December 2023 - Happy Solstice and first day of Winter! Under the Podcast tab - new Randy Russell Podcast! Guest host Dan Dickover and Randy talk about—among other things—happiness, what makes a good life, legacy, art, religion, death, shopping, and sock monkeys!

20 December 2023 - Wednesday coffee shop review - Canary Coffee Bar - on the Coffee page!

18 December 2023 - It’s Memoir Monday - 2 new entries - on the Notebook Journals page - from a trip to Salem, Oregon. There is a longer one, and then a short entry from the next morning (free breakfast at Denny’s?!) These entries are from May and June 1997 - and the previous one was from July 1996 - apparently I write very little in my notebook for nearly a year! Unless there was some notebook that I lost. Maybe it was just a rough time for notebook journal writing!

17 December 2023 - Visit the Steely Dan page for some thoughts on the song, “The Night Belongs to Mona” - from Donald Fagen’s 2006 LP, Morph the Cat.

15 December 2023 - Farraginous Friday and another seven inch single - The Cowboys “Supermarket” / “Teenage Life” - from 1980 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

14 December 2023 - New sparkling water (or in this case, hop tea) review - Hoplark Sparkling HopTea – the Green Tea One - on the Pie page.

13 December 2023 - Wednesday coffee shop review - The Pfister Hotel – Lobby - on the Coffee page.

11 December 2023 - For Memoir Monday, a notebook entry from Wednesday, 17 July 1996 (which contains the shocking statement that I had quit drinking coffee! I certainly don’t remember that!) - on the Notebook Journals page.

9 December 2023 - New soap review - Alquimia Holistica – Greens - winner of the 2023 Soap Exotica Soap of the Year Award - on the Soap Exotica page!

8 December 2023 - Old 45 RPM single review - Johnny Cash “A Boy Named Sue” / “San Quentin” - bought when I was nine - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

7 December 2023 - New sparkling water review - La Croix – Black Razzberry - find it on the Pie page, under the LUNCH tab!

6 December 2023 - Wednesday coffee shop review - recently opened - Grace Coffee Co. - on the Coffee page.

5 December 2023 - New “Book Report” - The Mill Creek Irregulars: Special Detectives by August Derleth (1959) - on the Books page.

4 December 2023 - For Memoir Monday, I posted three entries today (they’re short) from late January 1996 - on the Notebook Journals page (under the MEMOIR tab).

1 December 2023 - Record review - Spanky & Our Gang “Anything You Choose b/w Without Rhyme or Reason” - from 1969 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

27 November 2023 - Welcome to “Memoir Monday” - a new day designation (that I’ll do my best to follow) - every Monday an old notebook post on one (or maybe more than one) of the pages under the MEMOIR tab. Today it’s the Notebook Journal page - and an entry from Friday, 26 January 1996. That’s the thing I wrote in my notebook on that day, in 1996. It’s kind of crazy to look at the past in this way, if you think about it, right?

ALSO, I changed the cover photo to remind you that my new novel, Sad as the Day I was Born is now available. You can find ordering information (paperback and eBook) at the book’s page, under the MEDIA tab. It might seem crazy to listen to me, but I’D highly recommend it - perhaps it would make a good birthday present for those born near the holidays! —Randy Russell

26 November 2023 - Latest on the Books page - How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy (2020) - also, added a lot of books to the Reading List.

25 November 2023 - New soap review - OC Men – Bay Rum - on the Soap Exotica page.

24 November 2023 - Happy Farraginous Friday - see the Vinyl page for this 1972 multi-artist compilation LP - Freddie Hart / Sammi Smith / Jerry Reed “Just Us Three” - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

21 November 2023 - New sparkling water review - Waterloo – Tropical Fruit - on the Pie page.

17 November 2023 - On the Vinyl page - Laura Nyro “Christmas and the Beads of Sweat” - as well as at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 November 2023 - It’s time for another Wednesday coffee shop review - Rochambo Coffee & Tea House - on the Coffee page.

11 November 2023 - Soap review Saturday - Mountain Path – Scented Soap - on the Soap Exotica page.

10 November 2023 - Another Farraginous Friday - the 1968 Tommy Roe single, “Dizzy” / “The You I Need” - on the Vinyl page - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

9 November 2023 - More activity on the Pie page - another sparkling hop water review - this time, it’s the calming Hoplark – Sparkling HopTea – The Calm One – made with Chamomile.

8 November 2023 - The Wednesday coffee shop review - Benji’s Deli, in Shorewood. On the Coffee page.

7 November 2023 - Book Report time - and continuing to re-read Clowes - Caricature by Daniel Clowes (1998) - on the Books page.

3 November 2023 - Lambert, Hendricks and Ross “The Way-Out Voices of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross” - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

1 November 2023 - Latest cafe review - Interval – Bay View - on the Coffee page.

29 October 2023 - On the Steely Dan page - a short article about the Donald Fagen song, “Trans-Island Skyway” - from Kamakiriad (1993).

27 October 2023 - On the Vinyl page - Minnie Riperton’s 1974 LP, Perfect Angel - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

26 October 2023 - Another “book report” - The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor (2023) - on the Books page.

25 October 2023 - New cafe review on the Coffee page - Grind – UWM Golda Meir Library.

23 October 2023 - Sparking water review - AHA – Blackberry + Lemon - on the Pie page.

20 October 2023 - New one on the Vinyl page - Hap Palmer “Movin’” (from 1973) - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

19 October 2023 - On the Pie page - Alani – Orange - latest sparkling water review - sorry this one’s a bit of a bummer.

18 October 2023 - Back to the Coffee Shop reviews - on the Coffee page - this week it’s: Anodyne Bay View Café & Pizza.

17 October 2023 - Latest on the Books page - The Dog of the South by Charles Portis (1979).

14 October 2023 - Soap review! Institut Karité Paris – Lavender Perfume Shea Soap - at Soap Exotica.

13 October 2023 - On the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS - the 1969 LP by Spirit - “Clear.”

12 October 2023 - A new hop water review - Hoplark Sparkling Water – with Sabro Hops - on the Pie page.

10 October 2023 - Brady Street Pharmacy: Stories and Sketches by Tea Krulos - on the Books page.

6 October 2023 - On the Vinyl page - a 1967 single from Milwaukee - Barbara Christian “Not Like You Boy” / “I Worry” - also on DJ FARRAGINOUS.

4 October 2023 - Fresh (do I always say that?) Sparkling Water review - on the Pie page - it’s Polar – Ruby Red Grapefruit.

3 October 2023 - I made the executive decision to change the Movies page (under the LISTS tab) to the Ella Raines Movies page - for a new project - I’m going to try to track down, watch, and write about all of the Ella Raines movies - and there are far too few - mostly from the 1940s - so it’s a do-able project - but also, some of them are hard to find! First one, today, is a war movie from 1943 called Corvette K-225, also starring Randolph Scott.

2 October 2023 - On the Books page - Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer - from this year.

1 October 2023 - Happy October! After years of working on it (off and on, of course), SAD AS THE DAY I WAS BORN is out! Paperback is $18, and eBook is roughly the price of a pumpkin spice latte. Thank you to everyone who is reading it! If you’re looking for a copy online, check the following links: BookBaby Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, thriftbooks, Bookshop.org, kobo, booktopia, Apple Books, and more! For more information, email me! (Use email address on Contacts page.)

30 September 2023 - New soap review! HOPIFICIO – White Musk - at Soap Exotica (under the LISTS tab).

Also, the new novel, Sad as the Day I was Born, by Randy Russell, is officially available (as of yesterday)! You can find a page for it, including links for ordering it, under the MEDIA tab.

29 September 2023 - The Rachel Sweet record “Fool Around” - from 1978, 1979 - on the Vinyl page, and DJ FARRAGINOUS.

26 September 2023 - Latest sparking water review - AHA – Peach + Honey - on the Pie page.

23 September 2023 - On the Books page - Music Is History by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson - from 2021.

22 September 2023 - for Farraginous Friday - The Clash “Gates of the West” / “Groovy Times” - a single from 1979 - on the Vinyl page, and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

21 September 2023 - a review of Hoplark Sparkling HopTea – the Citra Bomb One - on the Pie page.

19 September 2023 - On the Books page - Patience by Daniel Clowes (2016) - the latest in my effort to re-read all the Clowes before the new one comes out. Dedicated readers of this website who also have good memories (a group whose number probably lies in the low “no ones”), may recall that I wrote about this book years ago, around when it came out. I made a point not to read my old review - but it’s there, for anyone who wants to scroll back, compare the two, and make fun of me.

17 September 2023 - Check out the new book page for SAD AS THE DAY I WAS BORN - a novel by Randy Russell (under the MEDIA tab). The book comes out on September 29, 2023 - you can pre-order from links on the book page.

16 September 2023 - New soap review! Palmolive Naturals – Suavidad Exfoliante – Con Coco Y Algodón - on the Soap Exotica page.

15 September 2023 - Either check out the Vinyl page - or DJ FARRAGINOUS - for 1000 excessive words on the 1972 Randy California LP, Kapt. Kopter and the (Fabulous) Twirly Birds.

12 September 2023 - Today’s “book report” - August Blue by Deborah Levy, from 2023 - on the Books page.

10 September 2023 - A new sparking water review - on the Pie page - this time it’s Klarbrunn Sparkling Water – Lemon.

8 September 2023 - A 1980 retrospective double album - The Patsy Cline Story - as today happens to be the anniversary of her birth - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

5 September 2023 - Sorry, but it’s still summer! New sparkling water review - Polar – Raspberry Pink Lemonade - on the Pie page.

4 September 2023 - I didn’t realize that yesterday was the anniversary of Walter Becker’s death (I have mixed feelings about noting the dates of, i.e. celebrating, anniversaries of death) when I decided to do a review (as always, picked by random system) of a Walter Becker song. I saw, later, some tributes to him on social media. Anyway, I am glad it was a song I really liked!

Today, check out the Books page for a paragraph on The Death-Ray by Daniel Clowes - from 2004.

3 September 2023 - A meditation on the song “Door Number Two” from Walter Becker’s 2008 album, Circus Money - on the Steely Dan page.

1 September 2023 - Just returned from an off-line vacation in the “North Woods” where I was at least able to record my thoughts on one of the odd LPs that turned up in the remote cabin - Gerd Zacher - Mauricio Kagel / Juan Allende-Blin / György Ligeti – “Phantasie Für Orgel Mit Obbligati” / “Sonorités” / “Volumina” and “Étude Nr.1 (‘Harmonies’)” - from 1968. Read about it on the Vinyl page, or at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

25 August 2023 - The George Shearing Quintet and Orchestra “White Satin” review on the Vinyl page under the LISTS tab, and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

24 August 2023 - The latest sparking water review - Bubly – Blackberry - on the Pie page.

23 August 2023 - If you’re suffering under the “heat dome” this evening, you might want to cool off by reading one of my mundane, complaining notebook entries from - Thursday, 25 January 1996 - on the Notebook Journals page!

22 August 2023 - New “Book Report” (Books page) - Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, from 1977.

21 August 2023 - New installment of Notebook Journals - it’s very short. I really knew how to keep it brief, back in 1996! I wonder what happened? I mean to my talent for brevity? Maybe I was just tired.

19 August 2023 - About time for a new soap review! Duke Cannon Supply Co. – Accomplishment is Our Secret Weapon! - on the Soap Exotica page.

18 August 2023 - Pay no attention to the “back to school” ads or the aisles of Halloween junk already in the drug stores—no! We’re just now in the HEART of summer—and here’s a great summer record! Skeeter Davis “Singin’ in the Summer Sun” (from 1966) - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 August 2023 - A series book from 1962 - Peggy Finds the Theater by Virginia Hughes - on the Books page.

12 August 2023 - A very brief entry in the “Notebook Journals” “Memoir” page from Wednesday Night, 3 January 1996 - the most depressing one yet! What was going on back then, early 1996? Well, I could try to put it all together—there are short days and lots of cold rain. Money problems. But everything else was good. I wish I had a time machine—I’d go back and say, “Cheer up!” Was I seeing my therapist, “Guru Dave” yet? This is likely before I started taking thyroid replacement medication, daily, which kind of changed my life, so maybe there’s that.

11 August 2023 - The Farraginous Friday magic counter finally landed on “Nite Creatures” - the 2020 LP from Joe Wong - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

10 August 2023 - The Pie page under the LUNCH tab is where you’ll find a review of Agua de Piedra – Natural Mineral Water - delicious mineral water from Mexico.

9. August 2023 - On the Books page - Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami (2017) .

7 August 2023 - The next entry of Notebook Journals - from 2 January 1996 - under the MEMOIR tab - it’s a little depressing, frankly.

5 August 2023 - One of the unforeseen effects of the pandemic was that I had no enthusiasm for re-typing old journals and entering them in the MEMOIR section of this website. I may try to get back to that now. I started by changing the MEMOIR page, Notebook Journals, which used to be a link to an old blog where I was typing my journals from the late Nineties. I have now changed this to a similar format as the other Memoir pages, and I’m going to start over with Notebook Journals, entering one notebook entry at a time. There are a LOT of them, so this could take me years and years. Hopefully there’s some interesting stuff there!

4 August 2023 - A double-sided 45, featuring: Swingin’ Medallions “Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love)” / Sir Douglas Quintet “Mendocino” - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

3 August 2023 - Sparking water review - on the Pie page - Simple Truth Organic – Mango Grapefruit Seltzer.

1 August 2023 - Latest “book report” - Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino (2022) - on the Books page.

30 July 2023 - New entry on the Steely Dan page - this time it's “Parker’s Band”—first song, side two of Pretzel Logic (1974).

29 July 2023 - Time for another soap review! Good Earth – Cedar & Citrus Soap Bar - on the Soap Exotica page.

28 July 2023 - On the Vinyl page - Michael McDonald “That Was Then, The Early Recordings of Michael McDonald” a compilation LP from 1982 - and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

25 July 2023 - If you are curious about what my currently favorite sparkling water is, head over to the Pie page (as in, my version of dessert) and read my review of Hoplark Sparkling Water – Mosaic Hops.

24 July 2023 - The latest “Book Report” - Mister Wonderful by Daniel Clowes (2011) - on the Books page.

21 July 2023 - The Alice Cooper album “Muscle of Love” - from 1973 - long, long write-up about this one - with lots of digressions! On the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

17 July 2023 - New activity on the Pie page - a review of: Richard’s Rainwater – Still.

16 July 2023 - It’s time for a somewhat extensive Steely Dan song article - “Time Out of Mind”—second song, side two of Gaucho (1980) - on the Steely Dan page.

14 July 2023 - The 1961 LP, Norrie Paramor’s Orchestra “Amor, Amor!” - on the Vinyl page, and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

12 July 2023 - Check out a fresh “book report” - on the Books page - this time, The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis, from 1983.

8 July 2023 - Another soap review - Castelbel Porto – Exfoliating Soap – Poppy Seeds - on the Soap Exotica page.

7 July 2023 - A review of the 1979 single from the Pagans - “Dead End America” / “Little Black Egg” - on the Vinyl page - and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

5 July 2023 - New “Book Report” - Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel - on the Books page.

3 July 2023 - Review of La Croix – Tangerine sparking water - on the Pie page.

2 July 2023 - New Steely Dan song article on the Steely Dan page - “Any World (That I’m Welcome To)”—fourth song, side two of Katy Lied (1975).

30 June 2023 - Last Farraginous Friday of June already - this time it’s the 1972 LP, Billy Preston “Music Is My Life” - on the Vinyl page, and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

28 June 2023 - The Complete Eightball – 1-18 by Daniel Clowes (2022) - Book Report (I’m calling my “reviews” “Book Reports” now - on the Books page, under the LISTS tab.

27 June 2023 - Another water review already - S.Pellegrino – Sparkling Natural Mineral Water -on the Pie page.

24 June 2023 - Yay… new soap review - Crabtree & Evelyn – LaSource - on the Soap Exotica page.

23 June 2023 - Jefferson Airplane “Crown of Creation” - on the Vinyl page, and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

21 June 2023 - Coffee shop review - another hotel coffee - Kimpton Journeyman Hotel - on the Coffee page.

20 June 2023 - A new sparking water review has surfaced - right were you’d expect to find it, on the Pie page. It’s another sparking hop water review, actually - I guess I’m kind of obsessed with that stuff - this time it’s Sierra Nevada – Hop Splash.

18 June 2023 - After way too long, a new Steely Dan review—this time it’s the song, “The Last Mall” from the 2003 album, Everything Must Go. On the Steely Dan page.

16 June 2023 - New review on the Vinyl page - a hit single from 1972, Gallery “Nice to Be with You” / “Ginger Haired Man” - and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 June 2023 - Latest book review, on the Books page - The Mystery Hunters at the Haunted Lodge by Capwell Wyckoff, from 1934.

14 June 2023 - New cafe review! The Pfister Hotel – Starbucks - on the Coffee page.

11 June 2023 - The latest sparking water review (this one not sparkling) - Acqua Panna – Natural Spring Water - on the Pie page. Also, added some books to the Reading List.

10 June 2023 - Finally, a new soap review! Nature’s Blend – Seaweed & Tea Tree Soap - on the Soap Exotica page.

9 June 2023 - New review on the Vinyl page - Skeeter Davis “Skeeter Sings Dolly” - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

8 June 2023 - new book review - Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh - on the Books page.

2 June 2023 - It’s Friday, so new review on the Vinyl page - an odd one - Thomas Electronic Organ – “Demonstration Record” - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

31 May 2023 - New cafe review - Colectivo Coffee – Lakefront - on the Coffee page.

30 May 2023 - New book review - Dr. No by Percival Everett, from 2022 - on the Books page.

26 May 2023 - I had to change the Christmas-themed cover photo out before Memorial Day—though, still, snow is in the forecast. New photo is “The Mean Streak” - Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio - sadly turned into scrap in 2016 (though, the last time I rode it, it messed up my back, so I’m not sure how sad I am). Also, it’s Friday again, which means a new record review! And it’s an exciting day because the random magic eightball counter fell on Steely Dan. This time it’s “The Royal Scam” - from 1976 - on the Vinyl page, and also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

23 May 2023 - New sparking water review - Alani – Piña Colada - on the Pie page.

20 May 2023 - Book review - Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron by Daniel Clowes - on the Books page. Also, a new soap review - One With Nature - Lilac - Dead Sea Mineral Soap - at Soap Exotica.

19 May 2023 - Friday record review - George Shearing “New Look!” - on the Vinyl page - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

17 May 2023 - New coffee shop review! Sip & Purr Cat Café - on the Coffee page.

14 May 2023 - Book review, on the Books page - An Episode in the Life of a Landscape Painter by César Aira.

13 May 2023 - new soap review! Commonwealth Soap Co. – Honey Almond - on the Soap Exotica page.

12 May 2023 - Record review Friday once again - Randy Pie “Highway Driver” - from 1974 - on the Vinyl page, and, as usual, at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

11 May 2023 - New book review - Me and White Supremacy, by Layla F. Saad - on the Books page. Also, new Sparking Water review - on the PIE page - Hoplark Sparkling HopTea – the Really Hoppy One.

8 May 2023 - Another short book review - The Mystery of Morgan Castle - on the Books page.

5 May 2023 - May 5th already, and the Flower Moon - just got back from vacation. (“Vacation.”) Record review, 45 single - Royce Hall Lucky 4 “One More Glass of Wine” / “That’s My Life” from 1967 - on the Vinyl page, and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

30 April 2023 - New (long overdue) very short “blog” entry, called “Birthday Cake” on the MEMO page! Also, a book review - Wilson, by Daniel Clowes - on the Books page.

28 April 2023 - Album review - Frank Sinatra “Come Fly with Me” - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

26 April 2023 - Coffee shop review - Stone Creek – Factory Café - on the Coffee page!

25 April 2023 - Book review - Today I am a Ham by Ethelyn M. Parkinson (1968) - on the Books page. Also, attempting to redefine the Movies page! Both of those pages are under the LISTS tab.

22 April 2023 - New soap review on Soap Exotica page - Hamam – Neem – Tulsi & Aloe Vera.

21 April 2023 - Review of the Three Dog Night single, “An Old Fashioned Love Song” / “Jam” from 1971 - on the Vinyl page, and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

19 April 2023 - Mid-week coffee shop review - Full of Beans Cafe - on the Coffee page. Also, on the Movies page: Oceans 10: The Titanic (2023).

14 April 2023 - Friday record review - Julie London “Julie Is Her Name” (1955) - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

9 April 2023 - Book review! Ghost World by Daniel Clowes - on the Books page.

7 April 2023 - Friday 45 RPM single review - Bobby Rydell “We Got Love” / “I Dig Girls” - on the Vinyl page, and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

6 April 2023 - Check out the Pie page (under the LUNCH tab) for a review of Good & Gather Sparkling Water – Pomegranate Dragon Fruit.

5 April 2023 - Wednesday coffee shop review - North Shore Boulangerie - on the Coffee page.

1 April 2023 - Soap review - Tahitian Volcanic Black Sand – Aloe + Clover Exfoliating Scrub Bar - on the Soap Exotica page.

31 March 2023 - a review of the John Sebastian LP “The Four of Us” (1971) - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

29 March 2023 - New coffee shop review - Sweet Joy Brazilian Café - on the Coffee page.

28 March 2023 - New book review - The Philosophy of Modern Song by Bob Dylan - on the Books page.

25 March 2023 - Time for a sparkling water review - La Croix – Lime - on the Pie page!

24 March 2023 - Record review - Ahmad Jamal “Sun Set” - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

23 March 2023 - The latest coffee shop review - Starbucks – Hilton Milwaukee City Center - on the Coffee page.

21 March 2023 - New book review - The Literary Conference by César Aira - on the Books page.

18 March 2023 - New soap review! Seafoam Lavender – Artisanal Lavender Soap - on the Soap Exotica page.

17 March 2023 - Short bit on the record, Bent Fabric “Alley Cat” - from 1962 -on the Vinyl page, and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 March 2023 - Wednesday weekly coffee shop review - Fiddleheads Coffee – Shorewood - on the Coffee page.

14 March 2023 - New book review - it’s an autobiography by the ghostwriter of the original texts of many of the early (and best) Hardy Boys series book - Ghost of The Hardy Boys by Leslie McFarlane - on the Books page.

10 March 2023 - On the Vinyl page - new review - X media – Various Artists Flexi Disc (Rocco Loco / Serious / 12 Year Olds / D. Bush) - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

9 March 2023 - A new sparkling water review - Lagunitas Brewing Co. – Hoppy Refresher – Sparkling Hop Water - on the Pie page.

8 March 2023 - Wednesday coffee shop review - Andiamo Coffee & Tea - on the Coffee page.

3 March 2023 - Back to normal, after many record reviews during “Farraginous February” - back to one (hopefully) a week - today it’s Carole King “Fantasy” from 1973 - on the Vinyl page - and at DJ FARRAGINOUS

1 March 2023 - Coffee shop review - Discourse Coffee – Downtown (MSOE campus) - on the Coffee page.

28 February 2023 - Last day of Farraginous February - another year! Here’s an oddball approach to Martin Denny’s 1961 LP, “Romantica” - on the Vinyl page, and at DJ FARRAGINOUS, as well.

27 February 2023 - Today’s record is David LaFlamme “White Bird” (1976) - on the Vinyl page and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

26 February 2023 - On the Vinyl page - 45 single by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard — “Pancho and Lefty” / “Opportunity to Cry” — from 1982. Also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

25 February 2023 - We’ve been getting tons of outraged letters, emails, and FAXs about the Sparkling Water reviews being on the PIE page - which our editors are in the process of respectfully answering (even though we’re tempted to just write back: “Get a life!”) —but this weeks review couldn’t be in a more appropriate sub-heading (than Pie) - because it's La Croix – Key Lime - a water engineered to not just taste like Key Limes, but Key Lime Pie!

24 February 2023 - Record review - The Peppermint Rainbow “Will You Be Staying After Sunday” - from 1969 - on the Vinyl page, and at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

23 February 2023 - Movie soundtrack record for Marcel Dzama’s “Une Danse Des Bouffons” - from 2014 - on the Vinyl page, as well as at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

22 February 2023 - Latest coffee shop review - on the Coffee page - this time it’s: Supernova Coffee & Doughnuts!

21 February 2023 - New episode of The Randy Russell Podcast! Episode 19 - Darkness Retreat - with guest host Monica Bennett - on the Podcast page.

21 February 2023 - New book review on the Books page - the Hardy Boy book, The Short-Wave Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon, from 1945.

20 February 2023 - On the Vinyl page - a 45 from 1953 - The Gaylords “Spinning a Web” / “Ramona” also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

18 February 2023 - We’re back with another soap review - this time it’s shampoo! Trader Joe’s – Peppermint & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar - on the Soap Exotica page.

17 February 2023 - Farraginous Friday in the middle Farraginous February record review - Lionel Hampton “Golden Vibes” - on the Vinyl page, as well as at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

16 February 2023 - An the Vinyl page - John Wesley Ryles “Shine On Me” - as well as on DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 February 2023 - New coffee shop review - Stone Creek Coffee – Downer Ave Café and Kitchen - on the Coffee page.

13 February 2023 - Donna Summer “MacArthur Park” / “Once Upon a Time” a 1978 45, on the Vinyl page — also on DJ FARRAGINOUS.

12 February 2023 - On the Pie page, a review of Fiuggi – Sparking Natural Spring Water.

10 February 2023 - Frank Sinatra “September of My Years” from 1965, on the Vinyl page - and DJ FARRAGINOUS.

9 February 2023 - New review on the Books page - Jazz 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Jazz by John Szwed. Also, on the Vinyl page - a 45, Bob Kames “Dance Little Bird” / “I’ll Never Get Married Again” - as well as at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

8 February 2023 - Wednesday Coffee Shop review - this week - Likewise - on the Coffee page.

5 February 2023 - James O’Gwynn 45 - “One Bar Stool at a Time” / “Scene of My Latest Sin” - on the Vinyl page, and DJ FARRAGINOUS.

3 February 2023 - More Farraginous - Friday AND February - with a 1966 Jazz organ record - Don Patterson “Satisfaction!” - on the Vinyl page as well as at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

2 February 2023 - Farraginous February continues with MAD Magazine presents (featuring “SMYLE”) – “Makin’ Out” - on the Vinyl page at at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

1 February 2023 - New coffee shop review - Valentine - Third Ward - on the Coffee page. Also, it’s the beginning of Farraginous February! Which doesn’t mean there’s a record review every day—it just seems like it! We start out with a fitting farraginous LP - Dr Pepper “A Slice of Lemon” - a weird, various artists promo from 1966 - you can read about it on the Vinyl page, as well as at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

31 January 2023 - A lot of you have been asking, “Why, exactly, are the sparkling water reviews on the PIE page? What’s up with that?” Or, similar, in so many words. The answer is simple. I have had a page for dessert for a long time (it’s under the LUNCH tab, with other food related pages). I love dessert—if you scroll down long enough, you’ll see older articles about rice pudding, dessert in general, and ice cream. The photo there is of doughnuts, which I think are the most funny dessert. And the dessert I think of as the ultimate of all desserts is PIE. Thus the name of the page. Unfortunately, since I had to stop eating wheat in 1992, I’ve gone a lot of years having to avoid a lot of dessert. And then I quit eating sugar two or three years ago, and so that eliminates just about everything else, About all that’s left for me is sparkling water—yet I enjoy that almost as much as I enjoy coffee in the morning. And, so, I’ve been having fun trying to sample THEM ALL. Today’s sparking water review is one flavored to resemble one of the oddest confections out there—so, this is a particularly fun one! Alani – Cotton Candy.

28 January 2023 - The fortnightly soap review is here - Lush – Figs and Leaves - on the Soap Exotica page.

27 January 2023 - A thousand words (a little wordy, when I’m trying be less wordy, but I had to) on the 1969 Scott Walker LP, “Scott 3” - read it on the new Vinyl page - or at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

26 January 2023 - Check out the Pie page for the latest sparking water review - Polar – Cranberry Lime.

25 January 2023 - Coffee shop review - Interval - on the Coffee page.

24 January 2023 - A review of the 2022 book, The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman - on the Books page.

20 January 2023 - New review on the new Vinyl page (under the LISTS tab) - the 1955 Jackie Gleason LP, “Lonesome Echo” - which you can also check out at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

18 January 2023 - Coffee shop review - Wantable Café - on the Coffee page.

17 January 2023 - Fresh sparking water review - Perrier – Carbonated Mineral Water - it’s on the Pie page.

15 January 2023 - Book review - on the Books page - No One Left to Come Looking for You - by Sam Lipsyte, from 2022.

14 January 2023 - New soap review - Good Earth – Lemon Verbena Patchouli Soap Bar - on the Soap Exotica page.

13 January 2023 - Record review - Wilson Pickett “The Sound of Wilson Pickett” - on the new Vinyl page (under the LISTS tab) - also at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

11 January 2023 - Coffee shop review on the Coffee page - Starbucks, on Downer Ave., in Milwaukee.

10 January 2023 - and just like that, another Sparkling Water review - this one is La Croix – Beach Plum - and it’s on the Pie page, which is where desserts used to be (this is now my version of dessert).

9 January 2023 - A change for 2023: I’ve replaced the Songs page with the VINYL page, where I’m posting record reviews that are also on my long-running blog, DJ Farraginous. Partly because they require an extra step to view that blog, now—though it is still possible (and also searchable). Plus, the old reviews aren’t here. But, until further notice, the new ones will be in both places.

One of the things I look forward to every year is when Steven Soderbergh posts, on his website, his entire list of the movies and TV he watched and the books and plays he read, from the previous year. It’s always pretty fascinating, though I’m always jealous that he watches and reads so much more than I do. Also, you know, while making movies, and so forth. You can check it out here: SEEN, READ 2022.

8 January 2023 - Finally, a new review on the Steely Dan page (which is under the LISTS tab) - the Walter Becker song, “Cringemaker” - from his 1994 solo LP, 11 Tracks of Whack.

6 January 2023 - It’s not everyday (or Farraginous Friday) when you’ll read a review about the LP - Rockin’ R’s “Live at the Rusty Rail” - a live record from 1972 - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

4 January 2023 - New cafe review - Colectivo Coffee – Bay View - on the Coffee page.

3 January 2023 - New sparking water review - Ferrarelle – Sparking Natural Mineral Water - on the Pie page (under the LUNCH tab).

31 December 2022 - Last soap review of the year - Duke Cannon Supply Co. – Bay Rum - on the Soap Exotica page. Also, some additions to the Reading List - for the new year!

30 December 2022 - New book review - The Hardy Boys mystery, The Melted Coins - on the Books page. Also, a record review - Jeff Chandler “Sincerely Yours” - and that’s at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

28 December 2022 - Coffee shop review - Discourse Coffee – Museum Café (in the Milwaukee Art Museum) - under the LUNCH tab, find the Coffee page.

27 December 2022 - New sparkling water review - Topo-Chico – Twist of Lime - curiously enough on the PIE page, under the LUNCH tab.

24 December 2022 - New on the new Listz-O-Mania! page (under the LISTS tab) - a countdown of my favorite 100 pop albums! (Please note the word “favorite” —admittedly narrow in range, and maybe typical for an old, white guy from the Midwest —heavy on the early ’70s —when I was an impressionable teenager, had a good stereo, and put pretty much all my spare cash into LP’s.) (Still, it’s not easy to make these lists—try it! But a lot of fun, too.)

23 December 2022 - Quick review of the 45 by Melanie “Brand New Key” / “Some Say (I Got Devil)” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

21 December 2022 - Happy Winter Solstice! At long last, a new movie review—actually a double-feature—on the Movies page, under the LISTS tab: Lunch Break (Sharon Lockhart) and BNSF (James Benning) – showing at the Milwaukee Art Museum, only until the end of the year. If that isn’t exciting enough, starting what might hopefully be weekly coffee shop reviews - this first one, Fairgrounds Coffee, in Milwaukee - on the Coffee page, under the LUNCH tab.

18 December 2022 - New book review on the Books page - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

17 December 2022 - It’s soap-time again - review of OKAY Pure Naturals – African Black Soap - on the Soap Exotica page.

16 December 2022 - Neil Diamond “Hot August Night II” (1987) - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 December 2022 - La Croix – LimonCello is the latest sparking water to be reviewed - on the Pie page.

9 December 2022 - Happy DJ FARRAGINOUS Friday - this link will take you to the review of the Lou Miami and the Kozmetix single, “Fascist Lover” / “To Sir with Love” from 1982!

7 December 2022 - A review of the sparkling water, Polar – Ginger Lime Mule, on the Pie page. (Under LUNCH tab.)

3 December 2022 - New soap review - Rae Dunn – Favorite Teacher – Citrus Summit - on the Soap Exotica page.

2 December 2022 - Review of James Last “Russland Zwischen Tag und Nacht” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS. Enjoy!

1 December 2022 - Review of the book, The Mad Scientists’ Club, by Bertrand R. Brinley (1965) - on the Books page.

28 November 2022 - Look no further than the Pie page (under the LUNCH tab) for a review of Topo-Chico – Mineral Water.

27 November 2022 - First list on the new Listz-O-Mania! page (under the LISTS tab!) - a revised ranking of James Bond movies.

25 November 2022 - A review of the 1974 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young album, “So Far” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

24 November 2022 - Happy Thanksgiving! New cover page (above). Also, there’s a NEW PAGE - under the LISTS tab - it’s called: Listz-O-Mania! - and it will be the home of random, unrelated LISTS. Coming soon, an updated ranking of James Bond movies. Also coming soon, a list of my favorite pop music albums, in order. And finally, also, today — a review of The Mountain Valley – Sparkling Water - on the PIE page.

20 November 2022 - Another sparkling water review on the PIE page - this time it’s: La Croix - Coconut.

19 November 2022 - New soap review - Hunter & Grey “Smashed Pumpkin” - on the Soap Exotica page.

18 November 2022 - Review of Laura Nyro “Eli and the Thirteenth Confession” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

17 November 2022 - See the Books page for a short review of the 2021 novel Jacket Weather by Mike DeCapite.

12 November 2022 - On the Pie page, new Sparkling Water review - this time: Liquid Death – Sparkling Water.

11 November 2022 - Today’s DJ FARRAGINOUS destination is/was the 1959 45 RPM single by The Champs “Too Much Tequila” / “Twenty Thousand Leagues” - all in under 300 words!

7 November 2022 - New book review - Bob Dylan’s Chronicles – Volume One - on the Books page.

6 November 2022 - Sparkling water review - Mineragua – Sparkling Water - on the Pie page, under the LUNCH tab.

5 November 2022 - it’s National Doughnut Day, today (okay, one of several) and, so, on the MEMO page, there’s a little bit about The Doughnuts (a novel by Randy Russell—see: the MEDIA tab, as well). Also, a new soap review - Pacha Soap Co. – Farmhouse Cider - on the Soap Exotica page.

4 November 2022 - Review of The Mamas & The Papas “People Like Us” at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

31 October 2022 - Merry Halloween - and here are a couple of kinda Halloween posts - a review of the Judy Bolton mystery, The Mysterious Half Cat - on the Books page - and an old Scholastic Records “Haunted House” record - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

28 October 2022 - Yet ANOTHER sparkling water review - Jelly Belly – French Vanilla - (on the PIE page, as usual) - and also, a record review - Frank Sinatra “The Voice” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

26 October 2022 - Another sparkling water review on the PIE page - this time it’s: La Croix – Guava São Paulo.

23 October 2022 - Sparkling water review - of: Fever-Tree – Premium Club Soda - and that on the Pie page.

22 October 2022 - New soap review right now - Herbacil – Sulfur Natural Soap - on the Soap Exotica page.

21 October 2022 - After a week off, here comes a massive (well, kind of too long and odd) record review - Fuzzhead “El Saturn” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

19 October 2022 - A new Sparking Water review - Jelly Belly – Orange Sherbet… and I’ll remind you that you can find that under the LUNCH tab - on the Pie page (because it’s my idea, anymore, of dessert!)

8 October 2022 - Soap review - LüSa Organics – Time Travel Soap - at Soap Exotica!

7 October 2022 - DJ FARRAGINOUS twi-nite double-header! Hasbro Mercury Space Flight 45 (which came with the GI Joe space capsule) AND Teena Marie “Lady T” - from 1980.

6 October 2022 - Another sparkling water review - the seasonal, always delightful - Waterloo – Summer Berry.

2 October 2022 - Fresh sparking water review - La Croix – Hi-Biscus! - on the “Pie” page - under the LUNCH tab.

1 October 2022 - New soap review! Soap-n-Scent – Eucalyptus - on the Soap Exotica page.

30 September 2022 - Book review - The Man Who Fell to Earth, by Walter Tevis - on the Books page. Also, to celebrate 40 Cups of Coffee Day - TODAY! - a brief review of Ella Mae Morse’s 1953 single, “40 Cups of Coffee” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

23 September 2022 - Finally, a listen to the 1968 LP “The Beat Goes On” by Vanilla Fudge - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

22 September 2022 - Happy Autumn Equinox! Also, today is the official release date of Love, Lies, Bleeding - which is a collection of stories by Randy Russell. For more information, see the Love Lies Bleeding page, under the MEDIA tab.

21 September 2022 - New Sparkling Water review - AHA - Blueberry + Pomegranate. Also, an addendum to the Polar Black Cherry review. Find this all on the Pie page, under the LUNCH tab.

20 September 2022 - Book review - Rupert Piper and Megan, the Valuable Girl by Ethelyn M. Parkinson - on the Books page.

17 September 2022 - Finally, Soap Top Ten Number 1 – Chami Soap – Laurel Soap - on the Soap Exotica page - under the LISTS tab.

16 September 2022 - Review of the 1961 George Shearing Quintet LP, Mood Latino - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 September 2022 - The Soap Top Ten is winding down - Number 2 – Chandrika – Ayurvedic Soap - at Soap Exotica.

14 September 2022 - Another sparkling water review - which can be found on the PIE page (for desserts) under the LUNCH tab - this time it’s Bubly – Strawberry.

12 September 2022 - Number 3 in the Soap Top Ten countdown – Eggwhite Soap – Eiwit Zeep – with Chamomile Flowers - read more on the Soap Exotica page.

10 September 2022 - The Soap Top Ten countdown continues with Number 4 – Pacha Soap Co. – Pines & Needles - on the Soap Exotica page.

9 September 2022 - Only on DJ FARRAGINOUS - the 1958 single - Ambrose (Part Five) / Ooh, What a Lover! - by Linda Laurie.

7 September 2022 - Review of The Secret History, by Donna Tartt - on the Books page.

6 September 2022 - New Sparkling Water review - Waterloo – Pineapple - on the Pie page, under the LUNCH tab.

3 September 2022 - Next soap in the Soap Top Ten countdown - Number 5 – Caswell-Massey – Newport - at Soap Exotica.

2 September 2022 - 1300 words barely scratches the surface of the 1977 Steely Dan album, Aja - but still, I apologize for my lack of brevity. Not on the Steely Dan page, but at: DJ FARRAGINOUS.

30 August 2022 - Sparkling water review - Polar Seltzer – Black Cherry - on the Pie page, under the LUNCH tab.

29 August 2022 - Soap Exotica Top Ten Countdown continues with Number 6 – Cloud Nine Soap Co. – Blossom Leaf + Bud.

27 August 2022 - The Soap Top Ten continues with: Number 7 – Barr-Co. Soap Shop – Willow - on the Soap Exotica page.

26 August 2022 - New Sparkling Water review - Gerolsteiner – Sparkling Mineral Water - on the PIE page (under the LUNCH tab). Also, the Rosemary Clooney single, “Hey There” / “This Ole House” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

24 August 2022 - Number 8 in the Top Ten soap countdown: Pacha Soap Co. – Super Shrooms Bar Soap - on the Soap Exotica page.

23 August 2022 - On the Soap Exotica page - the next - #9 - in the Soap Top Ten countdown - LovLab Natural Beauty - Sea Glass / Ocean Shores.

22 August 2022 - New page for Love, Lies, Bleeding - stories by Randy Russell - under the MEDIA tab, The official release date for the book is one month off - September 22, 2022 - but some advance copies are available now - see the page for details!

21 August 2022 - Counting down my Top Ten favorite soaps - on the Soap Exotica page - beginning with #10 - Nomarks - Oil Control Soap. (Number 9 down through 1, coming soon!) Also, a review of the re-write of the Hardy Boys, What Happened at Midnight, from 1967 - on the Books page.

19 August 2022 - Fresh review of Los Hermanos Castro 1969 LP, “Los Espectaculares Hnos. Castro” at DJ FARRAGINOUS. Also, on the MEMO page, a bit about the upcoming book, Love, Lies, Bleeding, by Randy Russell.

17 August 2022 - A new sparkling water review - La Croix – Pastèque. Also, I added a little to the Waterloo Grape review - just because, being the boss here, I could - thought of something else to say. You can find these reviews on the PIE page, which is under the LUNCH tab.

12 August 2022 - Review of Crabby Appleton’s 1970 album, “Crabby Appleton” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

11 August 2022 - A review of Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (1993) - on the Books page. Also, updated Reading list.

9 August 2022 - In honor of National Rice Pudding Day, today, I decided to revive the “Dessert” page (which is called “PIE” - and is under the “LUNCH” tab) - by starting an ongoing series of reviews of the only kind of “dessert” I can “eat” - Sparkling Water. Or maybe water in general, though I’ll probably focus on naturally flavored sparkling water. The crucial thing: No Sugar.

6 August 2022 - New cover page photo for SUMMER - since today feels like the first day of summer to me. Last week was the first day I bought bubbly water, and today was the first day i wore shorts. Also, I’m freaking out because it’s 5 days before the Sturgeon Full Moon. Despite the “back to school” nonsense, today is definitely the FIRST DAY OF SUMMER. Coming soon: New stuff on the “Dessert Page.” More book reviews and record reviews. Release date for new book of short stories (by Randy Russell) - coming soon! Also, TODAY: New soap review: Duke Cannon Supply Co. – Big Ass Beer Soap – Fresh Squeezed IPA - on the Soap Exotica page.

5 August 2022 - A 7 inch single from 1981 - The Naked Skinnies “All My Life” / “This is the Beautiful Night” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

4 August 2022 - Review of the novel, White Noise by Don DeLillo (1985) - on the Books page.

31 July 2022 - A short article inspired by the song, “Florida Room” from Donald Fagen’s 1993 record, Kamakiriad - on the Steely Dan page.

29 July 2022 - This week I listened to my Carly Simon “Anticipation” LP, from 1971, and it inspired some odd thoughts, which can be read at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

24 July 2022 - Short review of the kids’ book The Mystery Man, by Scott Corbett - on the Books page.

23 July 2022 - Soap Review Saturday - La Florentina – Pomegranate - at Soap Exotica (under he LISTS tab).

22 July 2022 - Listening to a 45 from The Esquires - “Get on Up” / “Listen to Me” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

15 July 2022 - It seems I exceeded my 500 world limit for record reviews (and then some), but my excuse is, she’s my favorite singer - Skeeter Davis - and the 1967 record is: What Does It Take (To Keep a Man Like You Satisfied) - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

13 July 2022 - Review of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami - on the Books page.

10 July 2022 - Book review - Mystery of the Hidden Book by Helen Fuller Orton (1953) - on the Books page.

9 July 2022 - New soap review - Dr. Tusk – Siberian Cedarwood - on the Soap Exotica page.

8 July 2022 - Fascinated with Grace Slick’s 1973 record, “Manhole” - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.

1 July 2022 - 500 words about the 1910 Fruitgum Co. 45, “Indian Giver” / “Pow Wow” from 1969 - at DJ FARRAGINOUS.