Sometimes you have to wear the stretchy pants...

Mexican wrestler bobblehead has the shakes
like Parkinsons for toys
Collect them all:
Cancer Boy Bobblehead
Heart Attack Dense Bobblehead
Transgendered Barbie Bobblehead
The possibilities abound, and shake a bit too
For a good shake, read Stanley Elkin's The Magic Kingdom.

"Abandoned by his wife and devastated by the death of his twelve-year old son, Eddy Bale becomes obsessed with the plight of terminally ill children and develops a plan to provide a "last hurrah" dream vacation for seven children who will never grow-up. Eddy and his four dysfunctional chaperones journey to the entertainment capital of America—Disney World. Once they arrive, a series of absurdities characteristic of an Elkin novel—including a freak snowstorm and a run-in with a vengeful Mickey Mouse—transform Eddy's idealistic wish into a fantastic nightmare." http://www.centerforbookculture.org/dalkey/backlist/elkin.html#magickingdom

Since the blurb above does no justice for the novel, we present the NY Times hyphenated dictum:

"As always, Mr. Elkin plays the crazy music of his prose—takes off at the hint of a theme on his soaring funky riffs and jazzy blue notes. Not only among Elkin's best works of fiction, but a comedy that cuts so many ways that it leaves us bleeding with laughter."—Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, New York Times

It is Sunday, and I'm in a weird Sunday kind of mood. Drove the family to the airport for their Sun vacation get-away at 4:30 (OUCH) took the dogs with me to minimize the noise for the rest of the sleeping household, returned about 5:30 and we all went back to bed. Thought it was 11:00 so I woke feeling refreshed, only to discover it was really 9:00. Now I feel the lack of sleep. Read the newspaper, scanning for jobs, and the inevitable collapse of our local hockey nightmare. Still waiting for the call from unnamed rock group to "seal' the deal for the first of two big benefits for Mr. Hard.

Some people give without asking. Right away. No questions asked. Special shout out to the Pointed Sticks, Frank Frink, Swank, Dark Blue World, Sandy Scofield, John Korsrud, Clare Love, etc. Others, you call and immediately its What can I do, of course, I'm in.

And still others...what are they thinking...I don't know because they aren't talking. I'm getting the Silent treatment. Doctor, there's a radius clause in my contract (that sounds like something you should get checked out). I hear its bad for him but did I tell you about my aunt who had a dog with wheels for legs.....the list goes on.

Hey Les, it's all just bizness, don't cha know. Well, excuse me, but there is a prince of guy who would give any one of you Schmohawks the button down shirt off his back. And he is lying on his back in a hospital in Bellevue with a parade of friends bringing him a picnic because he deserves a parade. So do something.

I'm talking one night....a few hours....and we have the opportunity of raising what some of us earn in a year for a guy that has no health insurance, the SOB's responsible have no insurance, and ....and.....Calm down, Les. It's only Chinatown.

It's all going to work out. We'll have the shows. We'll have the picnic. We'll even have a parade, for chrissakes. I'll be the one out in front. You'll know its me because I'm the one giving my head a shake.

Put your feet(s) up

This weekend we are hosting a housefull of relatives, combined with the usual dogs, which is why I am recommending putting your feet up and reading a good book.

I am reading Our Ecstatic Days by Steve Erickson at the moment. Normally I have a few books on the go. Other books in the rotation include Your Brain on Music, and the new Eckhart Tolle.

I am waiting on the confirmation (fingers crossed) of a major rock act to headline the first of two benefits for Scotty Hard I am trying to organize.

Hopefully we will hear soon, but no sense worrying. I have a backup plan in mind, as well. And a backup to that. Once again, no sense in worrying. Like the girl says, "And how's that working for you?"

I've found through my own personal research, and the countless advice of countless experts, that worrying doesn't accomplish much more than adding stress. It doesn't solve the issue, or further along the progress. It is not strategic thinking; it is non-strategic thinking. So put your feet(s) up. Relax. Read a good book, (or blog!) Take a walk. Pray for Scotty's recovery. Pray for your own recovery if applicable. Enjoy a glass of Pepperwood old vine Zinfandel -very nice.

Listen to NPR. Write a poem. Learn French. Go for a workout. Eat lunch. Just don't worry.

There are much better ways to use time wisely or unwisely.

The Devils in my Heart

"The Only Devils in this World are those running around inside our own hearts, and that is where all our battles should be fought." -Mahatma Ghandi

Three weeks after having my heart attack, I was waiting in a small closet sized room in St. Paul's hospital wearing one of those hospital gowns that leave you feeling cold and vulnerable from the draft coming in the back of the gown. I was waiting for someone to tell me what happened next.

Just before seven in the morning I arrived and had been given an injection of a radioactive dye. This is so they could determine the extent of damage to my heart from the heart attack. I was told to go out to eat a small meal, and come back in about an hour or so.

After my return, I lay down on a table, while a great white machine hovered over my head. My body was transported back and forth under the machine, while it performed its medical magic like a shaman holding his hands over my body chanting and waving a smoking brush.

My next stop was waiting in a closet sized room prior to undergoing the actual stress test, which involves being hooked up with tiny electrodes and many wires attached on your chest. You are then asked to run on a treadmill, until your heartrate reaches what the technicians deem to be a satisfactory result.

Two nurses, a male nurse from South Asia, and a female nurse from Germany, bartered over who would do the honors of shaving my chest hairs to attach the electrodes. The female nurse won the bet. She entered the curtained room and asked me to drop my robe, so that she may shave parts of my chest.

Using a disposable Bic, she dry shaved a few patches and attached the sticky pads of the monitors. I told her that I was a bit nervous about taking the test since I had my heart attack only about three weeks prior.

She said, "You should not worry. This is why you had the heart attack. You have to learn to let go, and go with the flow. I can see you are too young to have had this heart attack. What you have had is a little temper tantrum in your heart. Now you must learn to not worry, to relax, and just go with the flow."

It is amazing how messages are sent to us, and surely, I was receiving one at that moment.

There were devils running round my heart, jumping up and down, having little life threatening temper tantrums, acting like the nihilistic spoiled inner child they were. Anything just to get a little attention. Except this time, the teenage wasteland, the punkrock deathwish had gone too far.

She ushered me out of the closet into the exercise room, and I began the treadmill test for another cardiac nurse. About 5 minutes into the exercise, I started to feel faint.

When asked if I wanted to stop the test, I said yes. What happened next I would not wish on my worst enemy.

Because I had not been able to physically finish the test, I was injected with a drug to artificially induce my heart to reach certain rates. Who doesn't love being injected with unknown drugs?

I'm joking, but at that moment, I did not have much of a choice. The thought that I could say no did not enter my lexicon.

What happened next was worse than having a heart attack, at least for me. I felt tightness in my chest,and the sensation of someone kicking me hard again and again in the stomach. At the same time, my head felt like it was about to explode. It was a Jack Bauer moment, and all I had in the way of relief was the ticking clock. Just three minutes and we will give you the antidote.

I was groaning and swearing and there was no going with the flow here. Just one minute and we will give you antidote. AAAAAAAH! JUST TWENTY SECONDS AND WE WILL GIVE YOU THE ANTIDOTE. IT WILL REACT VERY FAST, AND YOU WILL BE BACK TO NORMAL.

Except after the 20 seconds, I didn't feel normal. So then she said, you can take a break now. Go and have yourself a coffee, and I guarantee you will feel better.

Well, I had that coffee, and I followed it with a decidedly non-cardiac breakfast of chorizo sausage and eggs. I definitely went with that flow.

Ten days later I was given the good news by my cardiologist that I was lucky, as the tests showed that my heart had good flow, and I had suffered no significant damage from the acute myocardial infarction I had experienced in Atlanta.

The devils in my heart were not running my world that day. And the way to keep them from running, was to follow the advice of that small Germanic nurse, who told me to let go, and go with the flow.

Originally posted Sept 25 2007.

In the six months since I wrote this, I made a few changes. To the post, and in my life. My body has never been in such good shape and fitness in all my life. I do push ups and sit ups and work out 3-4 times a week. I am back working, and most importantly though, I am back playing. Not music yet. But soon. My love of writing has returned, and beauty of family and friends has helped to remind me daily of the possibilities.

If the Globe is warming, why am I freezing my ass?

Out for a spring walk in the frozen north, a buggy full of boy. The sky is heroic, the shadows intrigue. What is the shelf life on a boy these days?

After my recall scare last year, I can fully attest to my products integrity. Made for comfort and speed.

I have five blogs on the go at present, three dogs and wife and child and a brother in law to boot.

But I'm learning to relax and go with the flow. Flipping the channels the other night my daughter and I came across that doctor show with Billy Ray Cyrus and some lady was continually interrupting, talking over the action with a blow by blow description of what it was that was going on. Turns out it was the Vision channel. Now both my daughter and I though the Vision Channel was an end of the dial Christian end of the world channel; turns out that its a channel for the blind.

The voice over tells them what they are watching, as the dialogues reveal the story. Just that day I had lunch with an old friend who teaches music to the deaf. Did you hear me? Music for the deaf. It is a transformative world we live in. There have been many changes in the past years; while the media feeds us a steady diet of fear and frolic, with a dash of toxic Brittany, life slowly changes before our eyes. Only there is no voiceover telling us what is going on.

So stop for a moment. Breathe. Clear your throat, cough up the hairball, and step right up. Its the greatest show on earth, or the only show we got. So love the one you're with MORE or learn to love a stranger until they are no longer a stranger, but a friend. Transform and you can extend your shelf life.

Things have changed...

A worried man with a worried mind

No one in front of me and nothing behind

There's a woman on my lap and she's drinking champagne

Got white skin, got assassin's eyes

I'm looking up into the sapphire tinted skies

I'm well dressed, waiting on the last train

Standing on the gallows with my head in a noose

Any minute now I'm expecting all hell to break loose

Chorus

People are crazy and times are strange

I'm locked in tight, I'm out of range

I used to care, but things have changed

This place ain't doing me any good

I'm in the wrong town, I should be in Hollywood

Just for a second there I thought I saw something move

Gonna take dancing lessons do the jitterbug rag

Ain't no shortcuts, gonna dress in drag

Only a fool in here would think he's got anything to prove

Lot of water under the bridge, Lot of other stuff too

Don't get up gentlemen, I'm only passing through

People are crazy and times are strange

I'm locked in tight I'm out of range

I used to care but things have changed.

I've been walking forty miles of bad road

If the bible is right, the world will explode

I've been trying to get as far away from myself as I can

Some things are too hot to touch

The human mind can only stand so much

You can't win with a losing hand

Feel like falling in love with the first woman I meet

Putting her in a wheel barrow and wheeling her down the street

People are crazy and times are strange

I'm locked in tight I'm out of range

I used to care but things have changed.

I hurt easy, I just don't show it

You can hurt someone and not even know it

The next sixty seconds could be like an eternity

Gonna get low down, gonna fly high

All the truth in the world adds up to one big lie

I'm in love with a woman who don't even appeal to me

Mr. Jinx and Miss Lucy, they jumped in the lake

I'm not that eager to make a mistake

People are crazy and times are strange

I'm locked in tight, I'm out of range

I used to care, but things have changed

Bob Dylan Copyright © 1999 Special Rider Music

Happy Easter Mom

My beautiful mother is 87, and she is happy in her new home in Atlanta, where my sister and family live. It was a difficult decision moving her there, as she was not really sure it was where she wanted to be. But in our hearts we all knew it was right. And just like all the moves we made growing up, it has blossomed, just like beautiful flowers in spring.

She told me she loves her "new home". That means alot. She is spending the day with my sisters family, which also means alot, as she can visit with a bustling family with kids and grandkids (and for her great grandkids), and of course a dog.

I'm not sure she is so fond of dogs, (outwardly), but they love her. So I'm thinking that somewhere in her is a dog lover that never allowed herself to be a dog lover.

That may come in time. After all, she's only 87, and has a bit of living to do.

www.workhardprayhardscottyhard.com

We now return to our regular programming. Sort of. For over a month now, condensedmilt.blogspot.com has been dedicated to Scotty Hard. It will continue to send shout outs and messages of love for the man. But I have also set up a dedicated blog for Scott that is www.workhardprayhardscottyhard.com

Today I talk about blood brothers for life. Go there and read it.
All my best to my best.

Send Your Cards and Letters

Hi Dennis,

I think Scott really appreciates getting mail--he mentioned it today. If anyone wants to write, just address it to Scott Harding c/o Bellevue Hospital, 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Right now he's in room 6W-46B.

Love,
Xtina

Keep those cards and emails coming. I appreciate the feedback. Scott does too. Send him your words of love.

Happy Easter.
Dennis

A Message of Love from NYC

To Friends Of Scotty Hard

Scott continues his journey through the different floors and care units of the Bellevue Hospital system. New teams of doctors and care givers come and go as Scott moves through different phases of recovery. The Trauma Center sawbone guys are gone now for the most part. As you all know two weeks ago Scott was on his way to the rehab phase on the 6th floor. With the spinal reconstructive surgery begginning to heal, therapists even got Scott sitting up twice in a chair for brief periods. Although an enormous effort, Scott was excited and heartened to finally get out of the sack for the first time since the crash of February 16. Unfortunately, with new surroundings and new exposure to increased floor traffic, Scott contracted a nasty case of pneumonia by weeks end. This setback caused the doctors to bring Scott back up to the Trauma Center ward on the 10th floor last Friday afternoon where he could be closely monitored during treatment. After a rough 5 days of antibiotics and other medicines, by Tuesday this week Scott had regained enough lost ground and strength to leave the Trauma Center once more, this time to the 16th floor rehab center, where he continues his recovery for the time being.

As always, his spirit and good humor abound no matter what. He has a good appetite, but with the injury having so many challenges, he's also trying to abide as closely as he can by the doctors wishes to be careful with his intake. The staff in general has become much more strict in monitoring all his intake, even down to the mil of water. To this end he had to take the unusually harsh measure of instructing his friends to stop bringing too much fruit and other foods since the Jamaican nurse told him "You cannaht have de place lookin' like a mahketplayce mon". Scotty does what he's told!

In the meantime, the incredible and bewildering swell of support for Scott's situation continues. The Concert For Scotty Hard at the Highline Ballroom on Wednesday night was an unprecedented success. Organized by Liz Penta and Peter Costello, there is and will be no end to the gratitude I feel towards their effort and skill. They built some house, and the people came. Amazing. Sold out, jammed, full of love and powerful music, with a 2 hour lineup around the block waiting for people to exit so more could come in. In 20 years of living in New York City, I've never witnessed a more exciting phenomenon then the coming together of the musicians community and their friends, family, industry colleagues, and the ever-essential fans to help a fellow music maker in trouble, the kind of trouble every one of us risks everyday by living and operating without a safety net of affordable health care. The jazz avante garde community especially. One of the strangely beautiful things is that, like a deepest musical wish come true, it's all somehow happening completely outside the box, commercial free, no front page pictures of bitter tears of pain, frustration and despair. Pain breeding beauty. Musician or not, each in his or her own way seems to be finding the inspiration to make a difference by re-connecting with their passion for their own work. The question begs "why isn't life more like this all the time?" The answer is, because of this concert, the reasons behind it, I think it is.

For those of you unable to be at this concert, don't worry, everyone there knew that the place was jammed full of love way beyond what the walls could hold. This event was well documented both audio and visual, and will be shared with everyone when the work is done.

There's a long way to go, but it's a good road.

Leif.

Message from Xtina

hi dennis,

I was just with Scotty and helped move him back to the rehab unit on the 6th floor! He's really happy. Even got the same room (and it's a lot nicer than that other one with 4 beds) so things are looking up. Looks like we're back on track!

Best,

Christina Campanella

Hard Tips from Cyber Buds

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/49358-friends-host-benefit-for-injured-producer-scotty-hard

John Medeski, Billy Martin, John Scofield, DJ Logic, DJ Olive, Sexmob, Antibalas, Marco Benevento, Vijay Iyer, Eric Krasno + Unite in Benefit for the Scotty Hard Trust
Posted: 2008-03-05

A very cool blog by a guy named Hyphen (-)
http://siebethissen.blogspot.com/2008/03/scotty-hard-benefit-mixtape.html

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=17449


DOWNTOWN NYC JAZZ LUMINARIES OFFER HEARTFELT PERFORMANCES IN BENEFIT FOR FELLOW MUSICIAN AND PRODUCER SCOTT HARDING AT HIGHLINE BALLROOM NYC ON MARCH 19, 2008
JOHN MEDESKI, BILLY MARTIN, JOHN SCOFIELD, DJ LOGIC, DJ OLIVE, SEXMOB, ANTIBALAS, MARCO BENEVENTO, VIJAY IYER, ERIC KRASNO and more UNITE TO HELP RAISE MEDICAL FUNDS FOR BELOVED RECORD PRODUCER
NEW YORK, NY - March 5, 2008 - For Immediate Release - Downtown NYC luminaries unite for one astonishing benefit concert at the Highline Ballroom in New York City on Wednesday, March 19 , 2008 , coming to the aid of beloved record producer Scott Harding and the Scotty Hard Trust.
At 3am on Friday, February 15, music producer Scott Harding was a victim of a car crash in which he was a passenger of a car service, returning home from a late night mixing session. The cab he was riding in was broadsided by a stolen car; the impact crushed Harding's T5 vertebrae, leaving him partially paralyzed. Scott Harding's condition is serious and like many dedicated musicians he is without health insurance and is facing very large medical and legal fees.
The short term need to raise cash in order to handle Scott Harding's affairs is very real. His friends and the dedicated musical community that Scott has long been a part of quickly united, offering performances in the form of a benefit concert for The Scotty Hard Trust, a special account that has been set up by friends of Harding which helps to handle Scott's short-term financial needs through private monetary donations.
The confirmed lineup for the Scott Harding benefit concert includes: John Medeski, Billy Martin, John Scofield, DJ Logic, DJ Olive, Bill Laswell, Eric Krasno, Neal Evans, Marco Benevento, Joe Russo, Antibalas, Sex Mob, John Ellis, Michael Blake, Vijay Iyer, Tommy Hamilton, Kevin Kendrick, and many more.
Vancouver native and longtime New Yorker Scott Harding has a long and flourishing career as a producer and engineer in the hip-hop and jazz genres. His list of production credits includes the Grammy award winning Chris Rock CD Never Scared and an impressive artist list that includes: Charlie Hunter, Tricky, Crooklyn Dub, Dubadelic, Bailter Space, DJ Logic, Badar Ali Khan, Sex Mob, Medeski Martin & Wood, Material, Soul Crib, Michael Blake, Chris Brown, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Wu-Tang Clan, Vernon Reid, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, PM Dawn, De La Soul, Boogie Down Productions, Brand New Heavies, Prince Paul, Biz Markie, Chubb Rock, Teo Macero , to name but a few.
A BENEFIT FOR SCOTT HARDINGWEDNESDAY MARCH 19, 2008 @ Highline Ballroom, NYC431 w. 16th Street NY NY 10011$35 GA / $50 VIP BALCONY / $65 VIP FLOORDoors open at 8pm / Concert at 9pm
VIP Tickets include reserved seating and an after show VIP meet & greet with the performing musicians.
For ticket information please visit: highlineballroom.com 100% of the concert proceeds will be going to The Scotty Hard Trust.
Personal donations can be made directly to the Scotty Hard Trust, payable to “The Scotty Hard Trust" and sent c/o Heesok Chang, 970 Kent Ave #401, Brooklyn NY 11205
Visit website Medeski, Martin & Wood at All About Jazz.
Posted by: Allegro Media

From Martin Medeski and Wood website:

http://mmw.net/

A Benefit for the Scotty Hard Trust Music producer and engineer Scott Harding was recently partly paralyzed in a hit and run car accident in Brooklyn, NY. Not only was Scott the victim of a horrendous crime, without any health insurance he is facing some very large bills.Friends of Scotty Hard, including John Medeski and Billy Martin, will be hosting a benefit concert on March 19th at the Highline Ballroom in NYC starting at 9PM. Tickets are $35 for General Admission, $50 VIP Balcony, and $65 VIP Floor. VIP tickets include reserved seating and an after show meet & greet with many of the musicians. 100% of proceeds will be going to the Scotty Hard Trust. Click HERE to purchase tickets.Featured Artists: John Scofield, John Medeski, Billy Martin, Bill Laswell, Vernon Reid, Eric Krasno, Neal Evans, Marco Benevento, Joe Russo, Antibalas, Sex Mob, DJ Olive, DJ Logic, John Ellis, Michael Blake, Vijay Iyer, Tommy Hamilton, Kevin Kendrick, Melvin Gibbs, Leif Arntzen, and more. For more info please click HERE

From Steven Bernstein of SEXMOB:

http://www.stevenbernstein.net/sexmobmain/

Updates and downgrades

Scott has been moved to the 16th floor of the hospital, an observation ward, which is a downgrade from the ICU, where he had been the past few days.The congestion in his chest (due to the early onset of pneumonia) seems to be receding in response to the antibiotics. He's doing much better than 2-3 days ago when he had a fever. His temperature is at or near normal and he's in good spirits. We expect him back on the 6th floor to take up his rehab in the next few days.

Canadians who want to donate can send their cheques ( yes, that's how we spell it) in Canadian funds. Every bit helps.

The preferred method of donation is by check. Checks should be made out to Scotty Hard Trust

Mail checks to:

Scotty Hard Trust Fund

Heesok Chang

970 Kent Ave. #401

Brooklyn, NY 11205

1987 Scott and Mark in Toronto

Mr. Endless Discretion and the Dooger in Hogtown in the late Eighties. The Final Mission of Rhythm and final lineup was Scott, myself, Sgt. Dad himself (Warren Hunter), Ross Hales, and Mark Douglas (The Dooger) on keyboards.

We recorded Heavy Metal Beehive and The Crank at Bazile Studios (Barney Bentall) hanging with longtime Barney guitarist Colin Nairne, as he regaled us with tales of shooting fish in Florida.

Scott produced the sessions, and soon after left for NYC and his budding hip-hop recording career. There he met up with other expatriate Canadians like Bob Coulter, Michael Blake, and Leif Arntzen. Later Heesok Chang took a professorship at Vassars, and brother Brian also stayed for awhile in the shadow of the Twin Towers, until he found gainful employ in the so-called Velvet Prison-his words, not mine.

Our young boyish Boy in Brooklyn metamorphed into the man we now know as Scotty Hard. Doesn't look so hard in this photo, does he? Well, to those who know and love him, the only hard part is his resolve to make his way, carving the roast that is NYC thick like they do at Lugers.

Hard in his resolve to recover from this horrible setback. And we remain hard in our support and prayers and good thoughts.

Happy Birthday Mom

My Mom turned 87 today. Here she is with my beautiful sister Barbara.

We spent the past few days getting her moved to Atlanta, where my other beautiful sister will be there to brighten my mother's day on a day to day basis.

Meanwhile, in Bellevue, the Boy from Brooklyn is slowly getting to the point where they can start the rehab.

There will be much for him to learn, as he must train his body to work from the waist up, while still caring for the parts of his body that can no longer move. He is not alone, as his friends continue to visit him, and stay with him, and cheer him on, and send money to help him, because he will need great amounts of money living in the land of free and the brave. When you don't have health insurance, like 47 million other Americans, one can wonder what part is free?

Care-free? Universal Healthcare-free? There is no doubting the bravery of those who choose to live there, to make their lives and dreams come true. It's time for America to get beyond red states and blue states, and speak up for all those who may be in the same situation as Scotty Hard, and not be as fortunate to have as many friends and loved ones there for him.

We can change the world in our sleep. Just think what we can do when we're awake.

Penelope and Scott

This pic was taken around Thanksgiving 2006, when I was down in New York visiting and living at Scott's. We are at a bar in Brooklyn where some friends of his are playing-it's very loud and we are, of course, drinking scotch.As usual he was a wonderful host and always makes me feel loved and appreciated whenever I'm with him. We went to numerous bars, parties and to his friend's fab thanksgiving dinner in Park Slope. I got him to come up to the Met to see a great show on Barcelona with my crazy Czech pal Franta. Scott always has cracks about everything but he is very engaged and serious when it comes to art. I cannot remember the precise comments, but his super intuitive response to the art (rare for a guy) was insightful to say the least and funny. I think of him every day and am crossing my fingers and praying that the outcome of the surgery will be successful as will the rehabilitation. I love Scott to death and hope all his friends and even foe contribute to the Scotty Hard fund to help pay for him to get better.

lots of love

Penelope

A link to the Scotty Hard Trust with links for donating via paypal to the special needs trust has been set up to benefit Scotty in the coming months/years.

Please visit this site and donate whatever you can. This is important. Please spread the word by forwarding this message to whoever you think would be able to help a little bit.

http://www.scottyhardtrust.com

Also, anyone wishing to donate an item to the Ebay charity auction we are setting up right now should email: scottyhardtrust@gmail.com

We will get back to you with a simple submission form.to view the auctions, and bid high on some great items that will be up soon:

http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=scottyhardtrust-2008

Please at least donate at the scotty site. Credit cards are accepted!

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom

I know a gentleman should never reveal a ladies age, but you should kick up your heels at turning 87, and raising 7 children.

I love you and hope you grow to love your new home.

Pretty nice gams, eh?

And my older brothers look pretty good in this pic too.

Hey Jude

Surprise!!!

We have followed YOU Scotty Hard for years, from "mom's eye view"

Now through much different circumstances,
how blessed I am Scotty Hard to view you, and yes get
triumphantly connected with you...
in such a vicarious way ,
through your friends.


Oh Scott, what friends that you have! ! !
WOW !

Inspite of it all,
What enduring love you have.
WOW again.
You will pass over the bumps in your road.

God Bless you,
(grab these little messages, They will be sweet notes
only when you need them)

Take care of inside you Scott

Love

Aunt Jude
(mom's cousin)

Looking for Good Help

Early photo of the Jazzmanian Devils at the long gone Montgomery Cafe with Kay the waitress. Joe Average used to work there and made the best hamburgers. I would stop there in the middle of the day just to get one.

Friends are volunteering for the first of what will probably be many Scotty Hard benefits. When I have confirmation of the bands, the room, and the dates, I will let you know.

I am asking all friends and readers of this blog to send me your stories of Scotty Hard, how you met or why he is so important in your life. I will put them up. If you have pictures of you and him, send those as well. email is whiterockstar@shaw.ca

It's Enough to Make You...

Talked to Kay-Gee-Lee 2nite,and he said it's enough to make you almost jealous when you think of all the love that Scotty has inspired in his friends. It is truly amazing. I know what he means. Its enough to make me tear up sometimes. Mind you, I cry at commercials, and don't even mention The Notebook. Why is it this guy inspires so much in so many? #1 He's likable enough, even lovable. #2 He's fun and funny. #3 He's talented

#4 He played in both Rhythm Mission and the Jazzmanian Devils #5 He made the big move to NYC, and stayed there #6 He has hosted so many Canadians in NY that Bloomberg is going to ask to change the name to the Big Maple #7 His rolodex is only exceeded by his generosity and charm #8 He takes my calls at godknowswhat hours, and he's usually still up and partying #9 In Marketing, they call him a Connector, on Mod Squad they would call him Link #10 He doesn't need bogus top ten lists for too many friends to mention to simply say, "It was the least I could do".

Its enough to make you do just about whatever you can do. Why? Because that would be the least you could do. Its late and you know what I say: You can change the world in your sleep; just think what you can do when you're awake.

Send more money, pictures, prayers and love....there is never enough.

Westcoast Shout Out!!

March 19 NYC at the Highline Ballroom will be the scene of The Scotty Hard Concert,

March 19th
Highline Ballroom
461 West 16th Street
New York
Confirmed artists:
John Scofield
John Medeski
Billy Martin
Bill Laswell
Eric Krasno
Neal Evans
Marco Benevento
Joe Russo
Antibalas
Sex Mob
DJ Logic
John Ellis
Michael Blake
Vijay Iyer
Tommy Hamilton
Kevin Kendrick
The date is March 19, you can see further details on the venue web site http://www.highlineballroom.com/bio.php?id=427. 100% of the gross box office receipts will go to the trust. Tickets are on sale now. We're doing this event entirely non-comp, tickets can be purchased through the outlet specified on the site. I don't have your complete email list, so please forward.

Westcoast Shout Out~!!! Can we amass as big a bill of talent to raise money for Scotty Hard? I think we can. All bands who have an interest in this please email me at whiterockstar@shaw.ca

We have some very high profile bands who have already said they will be there.

How about you?

To Friends of Scotty Hard

To Friends of Scotty Hard
After a long delay in ICU since the car crash to allow Scott to regain enough strength, Scott underwent key reconstructive spine surgery on Monday March 3rd. We've all been anxiously anticipating and hoping for completion of this essential operation as soon as possible, nobody more so than Scott, and he was greatly relieved it was finally at hand. The operation started at 11 am, and ended at 7 pm. The operation was long, complicated, and performed by a team of 3 neurosurgeons, plus attending staff at Bellevue Hospital. In conversations with the doctors immediately following the operation, we were told that the operation to rebuild Scott's fractured T4 and T6 vertebrae, and shattered T5 vertebrae went well, with no unexpected complications. They were able to rebuild the T5 vertebrae position using a metal cage system into which they packed remaining bone fragments, and fuse this "new vertebrae" to 2 remaining vertebrae above and below with a system of metal rods and screws. This will take time for the bones to "accept and take hold" of the metal. Once Scott heals from this surgery, this will allow him to be able to sit upright in a chair with greater stability to begin the next phase of his recovery. He will remain in the ICU for approximately "5 to 10 days or more" depending on his progress.
We were able to be with Scott in the OR recovery room at different times for very short periods, and although heavily sedated he's doing ok. The nurses on that floor have been echoing the comments of the folks on the Trauma floor "Scott's so nice to us!" No big surprise there. In spite of all this, Scott is still...absolutely Scott.
Now he's been moved back down to the IU unit on the 10th floor, and is resettling into his new room. He continues to be carefully monitored by the nursing staff, as well as round the clock watching by his pals and Scott's brother Mike. Scott's other brother Brian arrives today to be the 5th musketeer.
Visting is allowed in Scott's new room, but please be advised that fitful sleep remains the number 1 challenge affecting Scott's comfort, so keep visits short and low decible (5 minutes or so, unless otherwise asked). Food, bulky items, or any flowers are strictly forbidden on this floor. As the rooms have extremely limited shelf and drawer space, pictures, cards and drawings to post on the walls seem to be the most cheering things to bring.
In the meantime, the Highline Concert is rollin' along on sched, ETA for March 19th...get your tickets now, because it is selling out fast. http://www.highlineballroom.com/.
Thanks for your support
Leif Arntzen

If any of you are not familiar with Leif, check out his website, as he is an extremely talented singer/songwriter and jazz trumpet player. Scott worked with him on some recent recordings. I'm not sure if they are available yet, but they are fantastic when you have the chance to hear them.

http://www.leifarntzen.com/home.html

From Michael Blake:

I saw Scotty yesterday from a distance in the recovery room. He was resting. The nurse staff was changing shift and i couldn't go to his bedside. Now he is stable and recovering in ICU.
I will be on the musicians show tonight on WKCR (6-9pm EST) and will plug the Highline event throughout the program.
Hope and thoughts for Scotty...
Michael

Who Loves Ya Baby?

Scotty loves ya. Guess who called me tonight? Mike Hard from the hospital. Scotty wanted to talk to me.

He wanted to thank me for the love and energy coming his way, and tell all his friends just how much he appreciated it.

Imagine this. A guy flat on his back, a day after a 6 hour surgery calls me, to ask me how I'm doing, to tell me how much he appreciates my love and friendship. Words cannot express. Webster's dictionary definition: Best Friend: Scotty Hard.

We are raising our glasses to you

O Scotty we raise our glasses to you

and trust you are recovering after the marathon 6+ hours surgery.

We hope the pins and cages and rods that will support your backbone will fuse with the bones and you will sit up and say," How the hell does a guy get a decent drink in this joint?"

We love you buddy.

Keep Rockin' in the Free World

My munchkin many moons ago.....Love this one. I know I'm Mr. Posty tonight. I can't express the emotion I feel for the Metropolitan slugger.

Maybe the Schmoozer could say it better.

Maybe we should all buy a round of drinks for the band, and not forget to buy one for ourselves while we're at it.

My Dad and Me

I love you Dad. We all miss you.

It takes a real man to wear a ladies apron

and a paper hat from a Christmas cracker.

My, are these Canadians colourful?

BSG forever....

Scotty Hard 1991 on top of the world

Here stands the Boy from Brooklyn on the observation deck of the World Trade Center ( remember that?) looking down on the beauty that is NYC. He is young and full of promise and wearing a Mets cap (of course).

Special kudos for the shirt, which is a Scotty Hard trademark- the shirts, that is.

Thanks to the incredibly talented Mr. Craig Northey for this breathtaking shot, and for being in the same band as Steven Drake for so many years. Kidding. Mr. Drake is also very talented. As is Mr. Elliot. One day they will tell the world about Warren Zevon and the Odds. Until then, we are left with this reminder of our Boy in Brooklyn. Way to go Scotty, you had a rough day with the surgery, but you got through it. Friends all over the world are pulling for you. Be strong.

Wait a minute, Jean. I'll strike a match.

Meter still on and gas running.....

Surgery today was over 6 hours. I will wait until I get double confirmation until I post . Scott needs our love and prayers; please give what you can give. Be creative.

I hear banks have lots of money.

King Blood

King Blood

King Blood and protocol
Says everything’s political
And everyone will be affected
But it’s nothing personal

The way we live our life
We are affected
The way we live our life
We are infected

You can feel it in the artery
Or hung up in the gallery
If you want immortality
Save your skin and sanity
In time, you’ll lose your loyalty
To Church and God and Royalty
Become obsessed with purity
A false sense of security
King Blood, it lives inside of me


And tracks and trains
And blood in veins
And tracks and trains
And blood in veins

King Blood is King
King Blood is King for all to see
King Blood is King
King Blood is King
King Blood it lives inside of me.

There is a man who rides the train
Who doesn’t claim to know it all
There is a man who rides the train
Who doesn’t claim to know it all

But tracks and trains
And blood in veins
And tracks and trains
And blood in veins

King Blood is King
King Blood is King for all to see
King Blood is King
King Blood is King
King Blood it lives inside of me.

dense milt 1987 Rhythm Mission
Available on Zulu records

Twenty one years ago I wrote this with The Artist Formerly known as Scott Harding, Warren Hunter and Ross Hales. Mark Douglas played keyboards in this particular edition of Rhythm Mission. We recorded this song at Barney Bentall's Bazile Studios. The song was never given a proper release by Rhythm Mission, but Zulu Records put it out on their compilation double cd of Vancouver music Last Call.
What does or did it mean? At the time, the devastation of AIDS was becoming more prevalent. My aunt was one of the first victims, having had a blood transfusion during open heart surgery in San Francisco. She did not fit the stereotype of the day, which still colors the treatment and politics of the disease. In the end, blood is blood, and bones are bones. And we can blithely read the morning tabloid or giveaway on the train and watch the world go by and never get involved.
Or one day, usually due to some personal tragedy, we are pulled into confronting the life and death questions like what does it all really mean.

"And everyone will be affected. But it's nothing personal".

Well, this time, it is personal.

I'm not afraid to say, I love the Maggot of Bellevue, the guitar hero, my regards to Broadway Sol Goodman, Scotty Hard. Hell, I guess, I'm Scotty's little softie. But I'm standing by and like a good Anglican, getting down on my knees, then up, then sitting, then cue the goddamm folk liturgy. Serious, all my best on Miracle Monday. My prayers and the many prayers of far too many to recount once again are with you. Be Strong, Be Hard, Be the best Scotty Hard you can be.

That is not enough

From the brilliant Maira Kalman's book "The Principles of Uncertainty". "We eat pizza at Totonno's. Hot dogs at Nathan's. That is not enough."

BSG and I ate this in reverse; the hot dogs that pop and cheese