some things about pleasure and memory

There is far more seratonin in your intestines than there is in your brain (about 70% of the body's). That is why we feel emotions so strongly in our guts (i.e. butterflies in your stomach).

The part of the brain that forms a memory is not the same part of the brain used to recall that memory. Since a "new" part of the brain is formed to remember, memories are never true to their originality. So all miscommunications aside, no one remembers the absolute truth.

Adrenaline is not the main chemical in the body that causes the feeling of a "rush". It isn't epenephrine either. I'd tell you what it is, but I can't remember.

truthful talk

Thom Yorke on the abuse of songs. Notice the E entertainment logo at the end of the clip. That robbed me of purely experiencing this video.

track listing

should be a fall 2007 release. I'm tying loose ends.

Ben de la Garza Bassett
"Listening to Ghosts"

1. Not my Problem
2. A Billion Tragic
3. Running on Water
4. Illegitimate Question
5. 13 Ways
6. Kick the Habit
7. Before Bermuda Froze Over
8. Second Instinct
9. Your World, My Axis
10. The Red Tide
11. Mellow Heart

some old cats who've still got it

I went to the Syracuse jazz fest last night to see Toots Thielmans and Dave Brubeck (they were separate acts). They are both in their late 80s and playing beautiful, soulful and deeply inspiring music.
Brubeck cut an interesting figure, and I sat at his back, about 50 feet removed from the stage. The old man would lay his hands on his lap in an easy and experienced manner, while the rest of his outfit played wildly energetic music. His hands would stay poised there before jumping in to the tune with an enviable melodic line. His triumphant rhythm style celebrated every song.
Toots, for those who do not know, was probably the first jazz harmonica player. He's also my favorite. His set was comprised of mostly ballads and tunes suited to French movie scores (one of which actually was a score for one). very lyrical and hypnotic sound.
It was a great night.

mic check

So I hosted my first ever open mic last night and, aaaah, success. Hands clapping indiscriminately for people of all skill levels and from all walks of life. Blessed encouragement, the foundation of all creativity.

The weather was breezy with a dash of inner warmth. An open mic outdoors was definitely a great idea and one that I'll be pursuing again in the near future (probably July).

bipolar confusion

nothing makes you more frantic than confusion.



and nothings settles better than acceptance.

It'll be on tv, but I'll probably miss it

I haven't watched tv in about a year. The cancellation of my favorite show, Carnivale, turned into a personal protest, which turned into a genuine distaste for television.
Nonetheless, I will be appearing on WCNY tv on July 31st. Aside from a short showcasing of my music, I'll be talking about mental health (both my own and in general). more details to come.