Well, I'm The Kind Of Guy

who'll never settle down...

This Dion & the Belmonts song popped into my head as I read the latest National Geographic. The issue delved into explorers and man's wanderlust. Two items fascinated me.

One was about a Polynesian, Tupaia, who assisted Captain Cook on his first voyage of the South Pacific. Tupaia navigated the Endeavour to several islands with out referring to a map or instruments. As he did this, officers and sailors would ask him to point the away back to Tahiti. Each time the islander would point in the correct direction without use of a compass or sextant.

I smile thinking of the Royal Navy bristling with the 18th century's newest, technological navigational advances, befuddled by this half-naked savage's mastery of the vast Pacific. His understanding of  ocean currents, wind, weather and the stars showed ingenuity and intelligence. Nothing amuses me more that the comeuppance of the arrogant.

The other addressed our insatiable curiosity into what lies over the horizon. Our closest ancestor, the Neanderthal, spent 100,000 years (give or take a millennia) in Europe and central Asia. Yet in 50,000 years, homo sapiens had migrated to every part of the planet. Why?

As scientists probe deeper into the human genome, interesting hypotheses arise. A DNA variant, DRD4-7R is thought to stimulate our wanderlust. Those with this strand are never satisfied with the here. They desire the over there. The truly fascinating thing is this strand can also trigger ADHD. Possibly, that annoying kid bouncing off the walls could be our next star galaxy explorer.

As with everything, one detail cannot explain our actions. Despite our desire for simple solutions and penchant for short sound bites to explain complex problems,  most answers are complicated and fleeting. The more we delve into life's mysteries, the more convoluted our problem solving becomes. Something to think about indeed.


I'm thinking about a new tattoo of "...Rosie on my chest. Cause I'm the wanderer..." As ever BB

"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien

Soothing the Savage Beast

This post's title comes from one of the most common misquotes: "Music has charm that soothes the savage beast" Most often attributed to Shakespeare, the words actually come from William Congreve's 18th century play, "The Mourning Bride."

We all have savage beasts inside of us. Suppress it as we may, our psyches possess an atavistic, untamed ferocity. If music is the key to tame said beasts, then over the next two weeks Fells Point has the cure you need.

Yes, this is unabashed self-promotion!
Saturday, January 12, Without a Net performs at Leadbetters Tavern from 2pm to 4:30pm.  I will sing, play guitar and tantalize you with tall tales and trivial tidbits,  Big Ed will offer his tasteful guitar accompaniment and Kristin will provide percussion, vocals and her colorful fashion sense.

I want to take time to thank them both. Ed delivers an excellent guitar lead. My "stream of consciousness" set list and musical ADHD can make playing with me a difficult task. Ed's acumen provides me a simpatico support that amazes each time. As for Kristin, I would not be doing this if not for her - enough said. My deepest gratitude to you both.

I hope you can make it down  Saturday afternoon. Our sets at Leadbetters have a relaxed, living-room ambience that makes for a truly pleasurable experience.

To quote those cheesy TV commercials, BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

The following Saturday, January 19 from 4pm until close, it's the Jam to Memphis at the Cat's Eye Pub. Nothin' But Trouble will perform along with several mystery guests. There will be a cover charge to help pay for the band's trip to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge. Hot, new Nothin' But Trouble t-shirts will be for sale. Be one of the first kids on your block to have one!

The Jam to Memphis is one of the hottest shows to hit Fells Point. Come support the band and enjoy this "One Time Only" event.

So mark your calendars and beat your feet to Fells Point over the next two weekends. Your savage beast won't know what hit him/her. As ever - BB

"Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul."  Plato - I didn't realize Mickey Mouse's dog was so deep.