Rushing back to my secret (wired) hideout to prepare for a presentation Monday on Steinbeck’s “Tortilla Flat”, I wrote in my head two short posts for “Plastic Alto.” But then, and only because I have known Matt Nathanson since he was in short pants, I listened to the final two minutes of a song to hear it back announced. It was “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. All I can say about Jason Mraz is that he was said to worship Stew when Stew was my client and was a nobody (which is redundant: aren’t all my clients nobodys?) and I wonder if he is related to jazz bassist George Mraz. The video about has five million plays while Matt’s biggest hit has a mere 3.5 million plays.

II.

Spoke for about 24 minutes and 16 seconds to Michael Stoll the executive director of the group that puts out San Francisco Public Press reader-supported ad-free newspaper. We spoke about the “diminution” of the fourth estate: Bagdikian, Chomsky, “Page One”, Project Censored, Jeff Adachi, Matt Gonzalez and David Eggers –he asked me about David Bergin, who I don’t know. Also: Anne Grimes of Stanford communications.

When I get a minute —

He said it is not Palo Alto but they made a video about Redwood City salt flats, climate best by government test:

I thought this video was informative if a little timid about calling a spade a spade or a backhoe a backhoe; there is considerable pressure by powerful entities to milk huge profits out of desirable bay front property, and lip service to doing so in a smart or environmental manner. I thought the photos by Ian Nemuda were excellent and the music by a cadre of what seem to be local or indie new age or classical composers. When I get a minute — and I was interrupted for at least an hour by a call, above – I look forward to reading San Francisco Public Press and coresponding with Mr. Stoll, as appropriate. (Now back to Monterey and “Tortilla Flat” — good thing Cargill didn’t get their grubby paws on it).

The vid:

III:

I spoke to jazz musician, educator and tall drink of water Dr. Dawn Norfleet for about two minutes and 20 seconds yesterday. She was driving. We are both too busy to resume the interview other than to say she has three big and differing gigs if you are in LA and need some jazz. I met Dr. Dawn at IAJE which tells you how long ago that was since IAJE is a defunct organization, hopefully replaced by something a little more defunctier. As I recall she is a Wellesley and Columbia grad – I recall meeting USC/Wellesley doubler Tierney Sutton in the same setting or sitting — and her plethora of current projects include educational outreach to children, the World Stage of LA, Andy Milne, friends of Michael Jackson and The Grammy’s – a whole plethora of good stuff. You go, girl! I mean, proceed, Doctor!

(I was going to ask her if people confuse her with Denny Zeitlin. Or Dr. Billy Taylor. Or who are your influences? How tall are you? Who does your hair? Monk or Mingus? That kind of thing. TBC)

Ok, back to “Tortilla Flat” which rumor says is soon to be a James Franco vehichle, as it bridges “Pineapple Express” with “Your Highness” (plus the Steinbeck angle fits in with his Ginsberg and his Hart Crane).

edit to add at 4:20 on a Friday which for me means walk the dog and hit the books, sorry, Charlie.