How far can you run with something this ridiculous?

C, E-flat and G go into a bar. The bartender says, "Sorry, we don't serve minors," and E-flat leaves. C and G have an open fifth between them and after a few drinks, G is out flat. F comes in and tries to augment the situation, but is not sharp enough. D comes into the bar and heads straight for the bathroom saying, "Excuse me, I'll just be a second."

A comes into the bar, but the bartender is not convinced that this relative of C is not a minor and sends him out. Then the bartender notices a B-flat hiding at the end of the bar and shouts, "Get out now. You're the seventh minor I've found in this bar tonight."

Next night, E-flat, not easily deflated, comes into the bar in a 3-piece suit with nicely shined shoes. The bartender (who used to have a nice corporate job until his company downsized) says: "You're looking pretty sharp tonight. Come on in. This could be a major development." And in fact, E-flat takes off his suit and everything else and stands there au naturel. Eventually, C, who had passed out under the bar the night before, begins to sober up and realizes in horror that he's under a rest.

So, C goes to trial, is convicted of contributing to the diminution of a minor and sentenced to 10 years of DS without Coda at an up scale correctional facility. The conviction is overturned on appeal, however, and C is found innocent of any wrongdoing, even accidental, and that all accusations to the contrary are bassless.

The bartender decides, however, that since he's only had tenor so patrons, the soprano out in the bathroom and everything has become alto much treble, he needs a rest and closes the bar.

Week in Paradise

False dawn seeps in over little Walden Pond. It is quiet now. It will be hours before the peanut competition begins. Blue Jays vs. Squirrels, with the Blue Jays holding a slight edge, but for now they are sleeping and dreaming their little creature dreams.
It's a reflective time and a chance for Ralph and I to drink up the peace and tranquility before the journey home. The week has gone by much too fast, and we're not looking forward to the smog down south, but our hearts are torn between two worlds. I miss my Susan and Ralph misses Buddy the Cat , so perhaps it is time to go.
It was a week of tranquil chaos if such a thing exists. So much to do and so little time to get it done.
Kudos to Bob and Helen for opening hearts and home to a bunch of aging Hippies, Again. For them it's always been about the musician and the music. You have to wonder if it would have turned out the same without their over the top nurturing. Shout out to Dave for rising to the occasion and delivering his best sound and recording. Thanks to Floyd and Joy for the House Concert and the use of the beautiful studio and extraordinary piano. Ralph was a happy camper. Stand by for the Ralph's Barr CD, soon to come. Bob, Harmonius Combustion, Michael Ray,Ralph, Steve,Cat, John thanks for the great music. A nod to Mothers Beach on theYuba River, for reviving our hot dusty bones.
Thanks to Daisy and the kitties for keeping it all in perspective.
For all who couldn't make it, well.....maybe next time!
We are going too miss everyone and can't wait 'till the 2009 Paradox Reunion.....PEACE Gary

news from the ranch

Wow! what a fun week we had.

On Sunday our daughter Virginia came, and on Wednesday Steve Noonan and Michaelray arrived in Michaelray's roady van, traveling around doing gigs, here being one of them. Thursday Gary and Ralph came.

The gig in Rough and Ready was so much fun. Not a whole lot of people, but those there were a great audience. It's an old school house, really a cute place.

Dave Hall did the sound, great job as usual. Bob, Ralph, Harmonious Combustion, Cat Girton, Michaelray, Steve all performed. Other Paradoxers in the audience included Rob and Steve Scaff.

Next night, Ralph, Michael Ray and Steve did a house concert at Floyd and Joy's house. Some of you may remember them from last year's reunion. That was really fun I'm told. I didn't go, but Bob and Ginny did.

Monday we all, including Dave and Tara Hall, piled into 2 cars and had lunch in the town of Washington at a old hotel that has a deck overlooking the Yuba River, awesome place! Then we spent the rest of the day IN the Yuba River, what a ball! We all turned into little kids again, splishin and a splashin'.

The very most wonderful music we ever heard, however, came from our very own deck. What a wonderful group of guests we had.

Gary is a wonderful cook by the way. Neither Gary or Ralph ever sleep! We would all go to bed, and when we got up in the morning there would always be donuts or rolls or something magically appearing. We just had way too much fun!

OK, I rickrolled you. So sue me.

Here's a column from a friend of mine, and one of my favorite writers, Jon Carroll, of the SF Chronicle. You never know what he's going to go on about, whether it's his kids, the government, philosophy, music, his grandkids.... Sometimes I'll finish the column and have no idea what it was about, but it was a fun read.

Here he goes on about old friends of ours and music I like. This one's titled "Gritty Great Bird". If you're reading this after 8/6, you'll have to click on the title in the archives column on the right.

Without further ado, my friend Jon Carroll (applause)

http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/carroll/

Every once and a while...

... a piece of music is released that is truly iconic. That recalls those halcyon days when music mattered, and when the world was ours to change, and before the kids changed it back with whatever it is that they listen to now. Jungle music. I mean, it's all just noise. I mean, where did the melodies go?

Return with me now to the 80s, when music was still music. An era of superb sequencing and amazing hair care products, and when the idiot in the White House may have been a moron, but at least he was...... Well, a moron.

I love this band. It just killed me when they broke up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AdFA6WWJ7E&feature=related