The Kitchen Boy

I don't know particularly why, but the story of the fall of the Romanov family in 1918 during the Bolshevik revolution has fascinated me for years. The life and death of the last Russian Tsar, Nikolas II, is one of the most compelling period in history in at least the last thousand years. Hollywood could not come up with a more memorable and terrifying script.

Numerous legends and conspiracies surround the deaths of the Tsar and his family. All that is known is how brutal and horrendous the events occurred at the hands of the Bolsheviks. However, when the bodies were finally uncovered close to seventy-five years later, two of the children's' bodies were missing. So the questions and conspiracy theories arose: did the children survive, were there witnesses besides the executioners themselves?

Questions about the where-abouts of the Romanov children led to the writing of this historical-fiction about the last days of the Romanov family. In Tsaritsa Alexandra's diary, she notes that the day before the family was executed, their trusted kitchen boy was sent away for good for unknown reasons. And it is the account of this kitchen boy's last days with the Romanovs that author Robert Alexander bases his novel on.

Through the eyes of the kitchen boy, Leonka, we learn of the factual bonds between the members of the Romanov family. One can't help but develop a strong sympathy for their plight, no matter how self-inflicted it was. You especially feel for the children, especially because of their faith and innocence.

I cannot divulge to much about the book besides what is already known in reference books. What I can say is that Robert Alexander masterfully brings the reader into the lives of the Romanovs, allowing us to (in a fictional way) get to know a family that was secluded and helps us to develop a relationship with them.

This is a book I recommend for anyone.

Sigur Ros

Please indulge me this strange obsession I have with Scandinavian musical artists. I say this in the wake of my last blog being on the Sounds from Sweden. Other Scandi-flavors I enjoy also include Mew, Tiger Baby, and Millencolin. However, I just wanted to say something regarding my favorite band from Iceland: Sigur Ros (Icelandic for "victory rose").

I've been listening to Sigur Ros for years. I was not an instant convert. Their music is the literal translation of "an aquired taste". For one, all the songs are in Icelandic. The language is totally foreign to my ears. It's not as familiar a sound as french, spanish, or german. Then there is the eerie falseto that their lead singer Jonsi Birgisson often uses. Something you really need to hear to understand what I'm talking about.

After getting past my musical taste comfort zone, I realized that the music that they create literally takes you somewhere. If music could paint a picture, they would probably resemble a Bierstadt. For example, their song "Hoppipola" feels like clean summer rain on the shore of a mountain lake. I'm sure if I could understand what they were saying, I would feel differently. Oh well.

A good introduction to their work is a concert that Current TV filmed last year at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, linked here.

Sigur Ros has really helped to me to appreciate artistry in music. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years you'll be a fan too.

Crossing the Rubicon

Yes, my favorite musical guilty pleasure, the Sounds, is out with their new album "Crossing the Rubicon". Now I can fill my warped brain with new swedish pop hooks and synth beats.

"Crossing the Rubicon" is a stark departure from their previous two albums "Living in America" (2002) and "Dying to Say This to You" (2006). The two albums prior to "Rubicon" can be described as: catchy, naughty, arrogant, bold, addictive, perverse, profaine, snarky, cheeky, fun, and (again) addictive. Although I won't let my daughters listen to a few of their songs, the Sounds style of play is always a pick-me-up. However, the Sounds seem to have grown out of their never-let-the-party-end attitude with this new album. If "Living in America" was the build up to the party, "Dying to Say This to You" was the riot at the disco, now "Rubicon" is the drive home with the windows down with your friend's head on your shoulder.

It seems that once a band has reached a level of notoriety, they tend to become nostalgic and reflective of their career and what has brought them thus far. The Bouncing Souls have made a name for themselves in this manner. The Sounds fall into this schtick with "Rubicon". Like I said, its not as brash as their previous two albums, but they maintain their pop sensibility. Strong singles from the album include "No One Sleeps When I'm Awake", "My Lover", "4 Songs and a Fight", and "Midnight Sun". They get a little too reminescent with "Home Is Where Your Heart Is" and "Underground" which are a bit kitsch.

All in all, the album is a decent effort. I do miss the "finger in the air" attitude that was evident on the last two albums. Its a good pop CD. And finally suitable for my daughters to listen to.

My New Toy!

This is my new toy (thanks to Amber) that takes me on my way to total musical DIY shangri-la. I can create a nearly infinite number of different phrases. It like being a one man Depeche Mode. Here is the manufacturer's website with demo.

Before and After

The yard in our new home had been neglected for some time before we bought it. Neither Amber or I wanted to clean it up. Who knows what kind of poisonous creatures lurked underneath the brush? So we hired some landscapers do to it for us. All they did was weed and trim. It made a world of difference.

Papago Park- Tempe, AZ

Road to Phoenix- Route 66

Last week we said our good-byes and watched the movers pack our junk in a big semi bound for our new home in Phoenix, AZ (Gilbert actually). Then early Monday morning we set off on a three day adventure with two cars and a GPS to guide the way. Starting in Ohio, we traveled through Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and then Arizona. Much of the trip was spent on the historical route 66, although much of it is now I-40.

Our first over-night stop was in Springfield, MO. The hotel clerk told us check was at noon, but offered to let us stay longer because a mighty storm front was coming. Nope, we had a schedule to keep, so in the morning we were headed to Oklahoma. The moment we hit OK, we saw a dense dark wall of rain with cars literally disappearing into it. There were no tornadoes, but the intensity of the rain/wind/lightning really freaked out the girls. All I could see were the taillights a slow moving semi that I was hugging maybe 12 feet away. This continued for about 30min until it started to let up. Then it was clear skies the rest of the way to AZ.

We stopped at a Cherokee "trading post" in OK, although I didn't see any Cherokee's, but we saw 2 buffaloes! Then we stopped in Amarillo, TX for the night and had dinner at the "Big Texan", a route 66 attraction. They have their world famous 72 oz. steak. I wasn't brave enough to go for it. No way, did I want that sitting in my gut the next day. We did find it funny that the waiters/waitresses were required to say forced "howdys" and "y'alls".

The next day took us to AZ. However, not before we took a long stretch of route 66 through New Mexico. In an area called "the Narrows", I saw my first natural arch. Then in AZ, on highway 60, we unexpectedly ran into the Salt River Canyon. It was alarmingly breath taking. I can't believe that the Grand Canyon is supposed to be bigger and more beautiful than the Salt River Canyon. I look forward to going one day.

So we arrived safely in Phoenix. I start my new job next week and the girls have started school already. Its a new adventure for us. Hope its a positive one.

Buffaloes in Oklahoma

Outside the "Big Texan" restaurant in Amarillo, TX. Everything is bigger in TX. Especially the kitsch.

Heart attack on a platter. The 72 oz. steak.

Natural arch on route 66 in New Mexico

Salt River Canyon, AZ