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reviews for: listing #53408 - Sarasota, Florida House rental
- bedrooms 4
- pool yes
- type House
- baths 3
- hot tub yes
- community
- sleeps 8
- pets allowed no
rates (USD)
$1,050 - $1,350 /wk
$3,500 - $4,500 /mth
Awesome Family Vacation
Review submitted: June 25, 2012 Date of arrival: June 16, 2012
This house is very nice, we as well had 3 families including 6 adults and 4 children including an 8 month old. The house is set up perfectly for multiple families. It was great to have the ability to make dinners in, hang out back by the pool while the kids swam(the pool also has a child safety net/gate around it) and to be able to do our laundry as needed. There was even a high chair and a baby gate which came in handy when we wanted to hang out upstairs too. We had such a wonderful vacation and loved this vaction rental so much we are already disgusing doing it again. Wayne was very easy to work with and was great with correspondences and answering all our questions. We greatly recommend renting this house to anyone who is considering. Thank you for providing a wonderful family friendly house to rent, we look forward to hopefully renting it again!!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway
Owners response: Thank you for all the kind words. I am glad you had such a good time and look forward to having you next year. Pura Vida, Wayne
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 2 / 2
Our group fell in love with this house!
Review submitted: June 13, 2012 Date of arrival: May 14, 2012
There was 3 families(8 people)in our group and the house was perfect for us! The house is nicely decorated and has everything you need for a wonderful vacation! It's a great location and the house is clean and loaded with nice amenities. Our group didn't want to leave, we wanted to move in! The manager was very helpful and Wayne answered my questions/emails always very promptly. We will definitely come back again and use this property! Thank you!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway
Owners response: Thank you, I am so glad you all had a great time. I look forward to seeing you all again in the future. Pura Vida, Wayne
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 1 / 1
Very nice home!
Review submitted: April 14, 2011 Date of arrival: March 27, 2011
We had GREAT communication with the owner prior to, during, and after our arrival. We were driving over 15 hours so we wanted to make sure this home was a "home-away-from-home" and it sure was! We had 3 small families with young children, and there was plenty of room to spare and hide from each other when need be =)
Location was very convenient for our itinerary for the week. Short drive to the beach, shopping, food, aquarium, golf, parks, grocery stores, etc.! And a SUPER QUIET cul-de-sac neighborhood! We weren't sure if we would want beach-front, but this seemed better for the long stay and we were right! It took only about a day or so and we had already memorized how to get around w/out our GPS =)
Pool was a hit with all of our kids, ages 1-11. I think they swam every single day! The only thing negative about the pool was that all of the kids kept cutting their toes/feet on the bottom (somewhere). It must have been the short ledge of the pool, b/c the adults didn't have the same problem. So I would suggest putting swim shoes on your kiddos or having lots of band-aids ready! Hot tub took a while to figure out temperatures, but by the end of the trip I think we got it…the men seemed to enjoy relaxing in it while drinking a beer ;)
The washer & dryer are older, so it took longer to get our clothes done…but it got the job done and they were nicer than some I've seen before.
One of our kiddos broke a mirror, so we went and bought a replacement and I told the owner and he was very appreciative that we replaced it and told him.
Overall, amazing time! Beautiful place…would HIGHLY recommend to anyone!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers
Owners response: Thank you I am glad you had a good time. I will have the pool people look for the problem spot. Pura Vida
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 7 / 7
Great house, Great time
Review submitted: March 20, 2011 Date of arrival: February 20, 2011
We had a fantastic time in this house. The pool is beautiful with a water fall and being completely screened in allowed us to open the sliding glass doors and not worry about bugs and the kids had a blast learning to play pool upstairs. I would truely recommend this house to anyone that has a larger family and it is close to everything. Thank you again for making this a vacation we will always remember. Rob
Recommended for: families with young children
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 4 / 4
We loved this house!
Review submitted: March 15, 2011 Date of arrival: February 27, 2011
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Sarasota, and found this property clean and beautifully maintained. There was plenty of room for 2 families with kids, and we loved the pool and hot tub! I would recommend this house to anyone who is looking for a relaxing, convenient place to enjoy a week in the sun.
Recommended for: families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 5 / 5
Family Reunion
Review submitted: March 13, 2011 Date of arrival: August 3, 2010
We have rented the same property for the past 7 years. Due to our oversight, the house we normally rent was unavailable and we were forced to make other arrangements. This is how we came upon Wayne and his magnificent home.
Reunions can be very stressful but thanks to Wayne and his willingness to go over and beyond to accommodate our needs, our annual event went off flawlessly.
I use the term magnificent as that is exactly how the home is. We have never rented a vacation home that looks and feels so much like a home lived in by the owners. The mattresses were high end, house was clean, pool was a real treat and the proximity to the beach was simply an added bonus.
This was indeed a wonderful experience and I can comfortably say this is our new favorite Sarasota vacation home that we will be using for all reunions in the future.
Thank you Wayne and keep up the good work!
Recommended for: families with teenagers
Owners response: Our pleasure, we hope to see you guys next year. Pura Vida
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 1 / 1
A Family Reunion
Review submitted: March 13, 2011 Date of arrival: November 5, 2010
I live in Sarasota and needed to rent a house for a family reunion and I don't think I could have found a better house. The house is close about everything and there are lots of kids in the neighborhood. The pool is perfect with a large caged in area and there is also a brand new park with an amazing playground just up the street. We played pool all hours into the night and everyone said they had a great time. Thank you, I will recommentd this house to others.
Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 0 / 0
Poor customer service
Review submitted: February 12, 2011 Date of arrival: January 30, 2011
We reneted this property in February 2011, the owner was pleasant until disscussion insued about a missing towel. He charged us $25.00 for the towel, his inconvenience. He is realying heavily on people to manage his property for him with little ownership on his part. We arrived and the house was dirty, the concrete floors did not appear to be swept. There is a grill there although the owner says it's not his so he is not responsible for cleaning it, he leaves that up to the renter. There were long hairs in the cupboards of the bathroom and kitchen. We had problems with the pool which the owner acknowledge but he is now indicating that it was all our immagination. He did send one of his team there and they commented about the rowdy bunch before us, as to the condition of the property when we arrived. I would not recommend this property to a friend. I don't really care about the $25 but we didn't loose his towel. The pool and hot tub did not work for several days while we there, it didn't seem to heat up the first couple of days, then it lost water and ran all of the time. The master bedroom bed is very uncomfortable. The washer and dryer are old and ruined a pair of my sons shorts. I was going to write some positive stuff but after the email from the owner I have nothing positive to say, poor customer service.
Owners response: This review is based on someone that was unhappy because there was a missing towel that I am sure was misplaced by accident but I still have to replace it. They claimed the pool was not working correctly but I sent out a pool technician who found nothing wrong and they claimed again it was still not working so I sent him out again. They then said the pool was fine although the technician found nothing wrong and did nothing. The washer and dryer were bought new with the house in 2005 and the master bed is a pillow-top mattress with Egyptian cotton sheets. I spoke to this renter many times by e-mail and phone and would have been happy to send out the cleaning crew if the house was not cleaned correctly but it was never mentioned along with these other complaints until the missing towel charge came up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 1 / 2
Family vacation
Review submitted: February 8, 2011 Date of arrival: January 29, 2011
What a great house!
We had a house full of kids and couldn't have found a better place. This house has plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms and a very spacious living room and kitchen. Plus, it's within walking distance of the St. Armand's Circle and the beach.
Great house...great location!
Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car
Do you find this review helpful? Yes No
Helpful votes: 1 / 2
Reviews are the subjective opinions of VacationRentals.com travelers and not of VacationRentals.com, Inc.


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"I didn't want to go do this today trust me, but I'm here, it has to be done," says Mike Venable, Unicom Satellite technician and owner.
Venable trudges through inches of snow to install a satellite dish. "This is a 365 day a year job, it never stops."
Even in conditions like this he says people want his services. So despite the challenges, you can see him continuing with business as usual. "It kind of stinks working in it, but as long as it's not frigid, because the frigid weather just makes it impossible working with wires."
He says he's thankful it's not too cold, but the snow does put a damper on things. Usually this dish would go on the roof. The snow makes that an unsafe option, so he's doing a temporary installation, something he says he'll make up for later. "Now you have to spin your wheels and go back out on jobs to make sure you redo the job, so it kind of cuts into my profits."
He wasn't the only one braving the snow. Elkhart Public Utilities' crews say they still had work to do.
"Regardless of the cold weather, we have to get out in it and do the job," says Supervisor Jon Brown.
He says this crew was busy fixing a knocked over hydrant, a job that can't be postponed. "When a hydrant's hit we try to make sure we have fire protection so we're right out there making sure that the hydrant is maintained and back in service as soon as possible."
Brown says while most people try to stay in on snow days, they don't have a choice. "We're out in it every workday, we have to get out in it and do the job."
WSJV-TV FOX 2858096 County Road 7, SouthElkhart, IN 46517
Switchboard: 574.679.9758News Phone: 574.679.4545Station Fax: 574.294.1267Email: email@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Composite Resin Filling Costs
How much do composite resin fillings cost?
Dental insurance plans usually consider the replacing of metal fillings with composite resin fillings to improve your smile a cosmetic procedure. But in the cases of a cracked fillings or broken fillings, your dentist can submit the required forms to your insurance. Typically your dental insurance coverage may reimburse you for these types of dental fillings. While most dental insurance coverage will only cover a percentage, usually 50% to 80%, of these fillings.
As composite resin fillings are more time consuming they are more expensive than amalgam fillings. Although costs vary across the country and by dental office, the cost of typical metal filling ranges from approximately $75 to $145 per filling, whereas a composite resin fillings range from $150 to $200 for a single surface white composite filling.
Next: Fillings - the good and the bad
- Introduction to dental fillings section
- Fillings for your teeth - an overview
- When are dental fillings called for?
- Procedure description: Dental fillings
- Types of tooth fillings - amalgam and resin
- How much do cavity fillings cost?
- Things to consider - Advantages and disadvantages
- Before and after photos - dental fillings
- Personal stories from people who have had their teeth filled
- Discuss fillings and cavities on the cosmetic dentistry message board
A guide to fillings for your teeth after tooth decay.


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With so much snow remaining up north, Grace and I on Saturday decided to continue our tour of snow sports schools within a reasonable distance of north central Connecticut.
Grace is my 5-year-old daughter who has had three different lessons in three different places so far and has already progressed to the point where she is comfortably riding the chairlift and is becoming adept as controlling her speed and making multiple consecutive turns on each run.
It was definitely time to head to Vermont and Okemo Mountain Resort.
Okemo lies in Ludlow, Vt., a classic skiing and snowboarding village that lies between Springfield and Rutland - exits 6 and 7 on Interstate 91 - about two hours and 20 minutes away. It's in the southern part of central Vermont, if that makes sense, far enough north to get the big-mountain feel, but close enough to rank just two out of 10 on the ''Are we there yet?'' scale.
Okemo has always had a family-friendly reputation, but over the years, as it has continued to expand its amenities. It has become one of the premier destinations for residents of north central Connecticut.
Case in point: I met a husband and wife whose 5-year-old son was in the same Snow Stars class as Grace. They are both publishing consultants for the medical industry and said they are growing weary of high New Jersey taxes and are currently researching communities in north central Connecticut, specifically mentioning Vernon.
They said visited Okemo for February vacation and liked it so much, they bought a quarter-share at the Jackson Gore development. They were overjoyed that their drive time would be cut in half if they made the move.
Jackson Gore was where Grace and I found ourselves on Saturday. It is the newest of four major areas and the newest of three primary lodging hubs at the resort.
Grace practiced the usual turning and speed control with a set of drills made fun by pleasant staff members. But one drill I was particularly impressed with was practicing how to get up on your own after a spill, a key element once a child progresses to the green summit runs.
But that's Okemo - covering all the bases.
The Jackson Gore learning area is a testament to that. WIth three primary learning areas, three Magic Carpet lifts and a high-speed chair that goes halfway up the mountain, it has something for every ability. The summit runs allow parents to witness the kids from a reasonable distance.
The ski and snow sports facilities are spacious and offer young people everything. The boots, skis, boards and helmets in the rental inventory are the newest stuff available.
To break up the day, young skiers and riders can play in the "Bigloo," a large snow fort at the Jackson Gore base area.
Psst … when Grace was in her morning session, I did several black runs at Jackson Gore, at solitude, the main mountain and even the glades at South Face.
Condition-wise, it's an epic spring season that's not over.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the final Snow Business regular column of the season, but you may see one pop up on Patch during the warmer weather months, especially if we have a cool new snow sports product to review. Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this column this season, please let us know. Leave a comment or email editor Chris Dehnel at email@example.com.
Stop No. 4 - Okemo
Our tour of snow sports schools leads to Okemo and the complete package in Vermont.
With so much snow remaining up north, Grace and I on Saturday decided to continue our tour of snow sports schools within a reasonable distance of north central Connecticut.


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Chronic Pain Specialist Orangeburg SC
Orangeburg, SC
Orangeburg, SC
Medical School: Mi State Univ, Coll Of Osteo Med, East Lansing Mi 48824
Graduation Year: 1987
Orangeburg, SC
Neurology, Alzheimer's Specialist
Charleston, SC
Neurological Surgery
Medical School: Albany Med Coll, Albany Ny 12208
Graduation Year: 1987
Orangeburg, SC
Medical School: Univ Of Tichreen, Fac Of Med, Lattakia, Syria (Univ Latakia)
Graduation Year: 1993
Orangeburg, SC
Medical School: Des Moines Univ, Coll Osteo Med & Surg, Des Moines Ia 50312
Graduation Year: 1988
Orangeburg, SC
Neurology, Alzheimer's Specialist
Rock Hill, SC
Advanced Pain Relief Center
Neurology, Chiropractic
Insurance Plans Accepted: We accept all insurance plans.
Medicare Accepted: Yes
Workmens Comp Accepted: Yes
Accepts Uninsured Patients: Yes
Emergency Care: Yes
Doctor Information
Primary Hospital: Piedmont
Residency Training: Life College
Medical School: Life College, 1990
Additional Information
Member Organizations: SCCA Board of Directors, Sherman College Board of Regents
Awards: Commendation SC House of Representatives
Languages Spoken: English,Spanish
Columbia, SC
No Pain, All Gain
By Matthew Solan
For seven months, Elizabeth Wagner felt constantly on guard. In conversation, she only half listened; the other half of her attention focused fiercely on the intense pain that shot from her hip down to her heel and back up again. When she slept, her body shook itself awake whenever she rolled into a position that triggered the pain. She worked standing up because she could only sit for 20 minutes before the aches would become unbearable. "I could never get a free moment to relax," says Wagner, 32, a nurse in San Diego. "After the accident, I always waited for the pain to arrive. The pain was in control of me."
A car accident damaged the nerves in Wagner's lower back and pelvis and left her with sciatica—a set of symptoms that included sharp, stabbing pain in the low back and fatigue and numbness in one leg. Unlike the acute pain you feel when you burn a finger, break an arm, or sprain an ankle, chronic pain like Wagner's doesn't subside and can linger longer than six months—sometimes for years. The pain can strike your nerves, joints, or muscles and feels like a dull, nagging ache, a steady throb, a sharp jab, or any and all of the above.
Like the 76 million other Americans who suffer from chronic pain annually, Wagner could find no simple cure for her anguish. Her doctors prescribed pain medications, of course, but the pills only provided short-term relief and left her feeling drugged and unlike herself.
Because doctors don't fully understand chronic pain, they often choose to fight the symptom rather than examine its underlying causes. And with so few alternatives presented to them, many people assume they have to live with their suffering. But that's not the takeaway message. "Pain is your body's way of telling you what it needs," says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of Pain Free 1-2-3 (McGraw Hill, 2006). "Think of it like your car's dashboard. When a light flashes—whether it's the oil, the fuel gauge, or an engine light—it's a signal your car requires attention. Chronic pain works the same way. It's your body's way of saying it needs help."
So how do you help your body? Attack the pain from different angles, and give your body everything it needs to put up the good fight. This means you need to soothe inflammation, boost energy, increase strength and movement, and support and comfort your body as needed. Here's a four-step plan to do it right.
Get enough sleep. Easier said than done sometimes, but your body needs a full night of quality shut-eye to fight pain. "Sleep creates growth hormones in your body that stimulate tissue repair and allow you to recover from chronic pain," says Teitelbaum. "If you don't get enough sleep, between eight or nine hours, you don't give your body the chance to heal." In fact a recent study found that patients with chronic pain who were sleep deprived for two days reported more widespread pain and showed a slower repair cycle than their more rested counterparts.
If your p...
Author: Matthew Solan
Copyright 1999-2009 Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living/Alternative Medicine/InnoVisi...


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Real news. Real funny.
Real news. Real funny.
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Ruth Caroline Jesgarz, 80, of Altamont, died at 11:15 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at her home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altamont, with Rev. Dr. James F. Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont, and for one hour prior to service time at the church. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, A.L.I.S., Altamont, Trinity Lutheran School, Stewardson, St. John's Lutheran Church, Wheaton, or Trinity Lutheran School, St. George, Utah. Online condolences may be expressed at www.giesekingfh.com.
Ruth was born Thursday, May 25, 1933, in Montrose to George and Martha (Salzman) Blievernicht. She married Karl Heinz Jesgarz on Aug. 14, 1955, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wheeler. He preceded her in death in 2011. She was a graduate of Valparaiso University and taught at Bible Grove, then retired after many years of teaching at Altamont Lutheran Interparish School.
She is survived by her sons, Frederick (Janet) Jesgarz of Washington, Utah and Peter (Sherri) Jesgarz of Shelbyville; daughter, Mary (Diego) Ferrer of Wheaton; brother, John (Irene) Blievernicht of Dieterich; sister, Mary Bushur of Greenwood, Ind.; and 11 Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Sign the guestbook at www.effinghamdailynews.com.


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The needle ain't skip, the record jerk cuz y'all be rumping too hard!
Now that my flu is good and gone, I am back on the booze and wanting to talk a little about my only addiction other than caffeine: Sour Ale.
This stuff is the nectar of the gods for anyone who craves sour flavors and likes beer. I'm going to keep this relatively brief today for a lack of time, but I have been hunting down sours all over Western Washington since my buddy got me hooked, and I've been trying all the varieties that I can find in bottles and on tap.
My favorite that I've tried so far, is Supplication by Russian River Brewing in CA.
This beer is not for wussies nor casual fans of sour. And in the same way that I'm thrilled to usually be the only one digging on the black jelly beans, I am somewhat pleased if a friend can't finish their glass because I will swoop in with a smile and take it off their hands.
New Belgium makes a sour brown ale called La Folie, which is also pretty dang good and possibly more distributed in the Midwest.
I've been able to get my growler filled with the La Folie for $20; whereas a 12.6-oz bottle of Supplication runs me $13 at the only nearby QFC that I've found supplying it. At that price, I may as well be addicted to crack.
Anyone else hot for sour?


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Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010 08:43 AM
New York Rep. Charles Rangel has shot back at President Barack Obama's recent comment that he "end his career with dignity."
Speaking at a candidate's forum Monday night in New York City, Rangel said the president hasn't "been around long enough to determine what my dignity is."
The 80-year-old congressman said it was more likely he would protect Obama's dignity over the next two years.
A House ethics panel has accused the 20-term Democrat from Harlem of ethics violation charges. Rangel has vowed to fight the charges and is refusing to resign. He says he is focusing on his re-election.
Obama said three weeks ago that he was sure Rangel wanted to "be able to end his career with dignity" and said he hoped it would happen.
© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Friday, 04 Jan 2013 13:06 PM
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Tuesday, 17 Jul 2012 18:11 PM
. . .
Friday, 13 Jul 2012 12:27 PM
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Interesting that Britain has figured this out so quickly. Was Obama interested...
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Style Map
Daily Dispatches From The Global Scene
Indie rock ladies have always had a bit of a girl crush on Jenny Lewis, she of the auburn bangs and a seemingly endless procession of sailor rompers, tap pants, and sixties frocks. More than a few Coachella-goers this weekend will be channeling that vintage Cali vibe in pieces from Geronimo, a new line launched by Lewis' longtime stylist Jenny Reyes. Reyes is obsessed with vintage and the tales that come with thrifted pieces, and her own line comes with an equally interesting back story. The 27-year-old designer met Lewis and her band, Rilo Kiley, after sneaking into 21+ shows at L.A.'s Spaceland back in the day. She eventually packed up her sewing machine, her art history degree, and the pattern-making skills she learned from her grandmother and headed out on the road with the band. She crisscrossed the country reworking vintage items that they found at thrift stores and making original pieces for concerts and photo shoots. Last summer she took a break from the tour bus life to hone her skills with Rodarte. "I learned about the work that goes into creating a collection, and I was inspired to work just as hard," Reyes said. For her own line, Reyes channeled Malibu poster-girl Gidget and playful fifties beachwear, sourcing vintage fabrics from L.A. vendors. The spring line of high-waisted shorts, rompers, and swimsuits is available online and at Echo Park's Le Bohemian Chic, and a little birdie told us that Ms. Lewis herself might sport a piece or two for her big Coachella gig.
i love her hat
What a cute little swimsuit. Very 1940s inspired. The swimsuit reminds me of Esther Williams or Betty Grable. Cute, Cute and more cute!
Soooooo cute!
Nice swimsuits…


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A father who let his six-year-old daughter ride in the front seat of their car has been warned by police he may face prosecution for putting her in danger.
The little girl was sat on her mother's lap with the seat belt across her throat because the back seat of the car was filled with items being taken to their new home.
The car was stopped in Martyrs Avenue, Crawley, on March 6 by a roads policing unit officer on a motorbike who was concerned for the safety of the child.
The driver was lectured by the officer about the danger to the child and issued with a notice warning him that the report into the incident will be considered before a decision is made about what action should be taken against him.
Sergeant Carl Knapp said: "There is no excuse for not wearing a seat belt safely.
"Seat belts save lives and reduce the injuries that people can suffer if they are involved in an accident.
"It is every adult driver's responsibility to ensure every child in their vehicle is wearing a seat belt. If they don't they are not only breaking the law, they are putting the lives of their children or grandchildren at risk."
The incident happened during a week-long crackdown on seat belt offences across the county.
During the week-long operation 194 people were found in cars being driven either without seat belts or wearing them unsafely, including two children.
Drivers are responsible for ensuring that children they are carrying in their vehicles are wearing seat belts and the adults receive the punishment.
Each of the offenders is now being assessed to determine if they should be handed a £100 fine or offered the chance to complete a road safety awareness course.
If they complete the course, which costs £36 to do, they do not have to pay the fine. If they do not complete the course and do not pay the fine they will be taken to court and could be fined up to £500.
The courses are only offered to those who have not been caught failing to wear a seat belt before.
The campaign was run alongside a TISPOL Europe-wide campaign and in conjunction with Sussex Safer Roads Partnership.
Since 1993 it has been illegal not to wear a seat belt in a car without a valid excuse.
If you see someone driving antisocially report it at www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.
If you see dangerous driving call 999.


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We recently funded Blinkfire Analytics using our FG Angels Syndicate. The CEO and founder, Steve Olechowski, was co-founder / COO of FeedBurner, which Google acquired in 2007. I was an investor and on the board of FeedBurner, which is how I got to know Steve.
If you don't know the FeedBurner story, there were four FeedBurner founders – Dick Costolo (now CEO of Twitter), Eric Lunt (now CTO of BrightTag and until recently a board member at Gnip, which Twitter just acquired), Matt Shobe (now at AngelList), and Steve.
In addition to bootstrapping his new company forever (since he's a multi-time successful entrepreneur), Steve could easily raise an angel round any time he wanted to. So, we were psyched he was willing to do an FG Angels Syndicate with us.
Steve had some unsolicited comments for me, AngelList, and angels as a result of the process. I asked him if I could post them – he said yes. Following is a thoughtful set of reasons AngelList is so powerful, along with some constructive feedback for us to consider.
1) Some of your backers are really good citizens. When it was oversubscribed they kept their syndicate commitment, but offered a much bigger investment outside the syndicate. When 50% of the money didn't close, they went back and put it back into the syndicate.
2) You have a bunch of "shadow backers" who seem to follow your investments, and then try to go direct to invest to avoid paying your carry.
3) There are some backers that request an awful lot of due diligence for a $1000 investment. If they are that worried about losing $1000, perhaps AngelList isn't the right place for them to be investing.
For us, the benefits of the syndicate are:
1) Access to capital we wouldn't have otherwise been able to raise on angel list, and offline
2) Keeping the number of entries on our cap table relatively small
3) Though #2, we still have the transparency of knowing who the "LPs" are, and can mine them for help if needed
For the investors, the clear benefits are:
1) Access to deal flow they wouldn't otherwise get
2) Ability to diversify their funds without a huge minimum ticket
3) Piggybacking on an investment thesis without having to do the research
The only negatives so far are the days of uncertainty where do you don't know how much is going to get filled and if you need to generate more demand or turn people away on a daily basis.
I'll be speaking at an Impact Angel Group event on February 12th. With a few other angel investors, I'll be talking to other angel investors, along with prospective angel investors, about the role of impact investing the community, as well as in our own portfolios.
Among other things, we'll discuss our angel investment strategies and openly share things like the percentage of our wealth that we allocate to angel and impact investing. We'll also talk about how we balance our impact, risk, and financial goals. Finally, I'll also discuss our experience with FG Angels and AngelList, along with the angel investment strategy I've used over the past 20 years.
I deeply believe that one of the best ways to accelerate a startup community is through more seed investing in new startups from local angel investors. We've seen a great increase in the number of angel investors in the Boulder and Denver area over the past seven years. Hopefully that trend will continue, as more people who have some wealth allocate a portion of it to making early stage investments in new, high risk, high potential startups.
While First Western Trust Bank (a local Boulder/Denver bank Amy and I work closely with and admire) is one of the sponsors, there is an additional cost to the event. If this was aimed at entrepreneurs, this wouldn't be ok with me, but since it's aimed at angel investors, I'm fine with it. In addition, the cost is really the cost of a normal lunch after the $30 discount to Feld Thoughts readers. None of the money goes to me – it's just to cover the cost of the event.
The details are below.
When: February 12, 2014 from 11:30am to 1:30pm
Where: The St. Julien in Downtown Boulder
Cost: $75 – Sign up by 1/27 and use the promo code "FELDTHOUGHTS" for a $30 discount. (Ticket sales go toward covering the cost of the event.)
Registration: Sign up
If you are an angel investor, or a potential angel investor and this interests you, I'll see you there.
When the JOBS Act was finalized, one of the rule changes that had a lot of fanfare around it was the increase in the number of shareholders a private company could have. Prior to the JOBS Act, it was 500, after which point the company had to register and report to the SEC just like it was a public company (even if it hadn't gone public.) This was a major issue for many fast growing companies that either went through strange contortions not to have 500 investors, or filed with the SEC to get no-action letters. There were plenty of nuances around this rule and I was in the middle of several situations that structured around it legally. Each time it was a lot of overhead for the company in question, none of which added anything to the system except fees to the lawyers.
Lifting the number of investors to 2000 seemed to make sense. In the situations I was involved in it would have immediately solved the specific problem. So that's good.
But ever since we started working with AngelList on FG Angels, we've been wrestling with something called we've been referring to as the 99 Investor Problem. We structure our investment in companies via an LLC that has all the individual FG Angels syndicate members in it. This simplifies life for the company as they only end up with 1 investor – the FG Angels syndicate LCC – rather than a bunch of individual investors. At this point we have 217 backers in our syndicate, so with us each company would end up having 218 separate investors if we didn't use the LLC.
If everyone was on the cap table, the company would have to chase down 218 signatures for everything. Instead, using our approach, they have effectively two investors – our FG Angels syndicate (one investor) and Foundry Group (another investor). Two signatures. Much easier. We handle the Foundry Group signature. AngelList handles the syndicate signature.
Except it doesn't work that way. The SEC limits an LLC to having 99 investors. So we can only have 99 of the 217 syndicate members participate. Now, there's a nuance that excludes "qualified purchasers" (QPs) – individuals with $5M in assets and firms with $25M in assets – from the 99 investor count. Overall our QPs + the top 99 investors in our syndicate represent $321,000 based on committed amounts to FG Angels. If you include the balance of the 237 members, we end up at a syndicate of $439,000. The company then gets our commitment of $50,000 on top of that.
As a result of this 99 investor limitation, we have two disappointing problems. First, we have over 100 investors who would like to invest in our syndicate with us who get excluded because of the 99 investor rule. Next, there is $118,000 per investment that we'd like to include in each syndicate that the companies we are investing in won't get. Bad for the companies and bad for the investor.
We've spent lots of time over the past 60 days trying to solve the 99 investor problem. At this point, we've run into a dead end. We've tried multiple LLCs – that doesn't work as they end up getting viewed as a single entity. We've tried other structures – that doesn't work. We're certainly open to ideas at this point.
In the mean time, until we solve this, AngelList is making the following changes to their Syndicates product.
- Qualified Purchasers: AngelList will include all Qualified Purchasers (individuals with $5M in assets and firms with $25M in assets) in each syndicated deal as they are exempt from the SEC's 99-investor limit. We will soon email your backers to determine if they are Qualified Purchasers (QPs) and we will update your syndicate management interface to indicate the QPs.
- Top 99 Backers: The next time you syndicate a deal, we will include all QPs and the top 99 non-QPs by commitment amount. You can override this default to include specific backers who are not in the top 99. The top 99 backers will change dynamically as backers adjust their backing amounts.
- Funds: We are working on new funds products to allow additional investors who are not in your top 99 backers or QPs to participate in your syndicated deals.
- Notifying Backers: Finally, we will notify your backers of the SEC's 99-investor restriction this week and give them the opportunity to change their backing amounts.
We are bummed about this because part of our goal is to build a very large angel network as a result of the FG Angels activity. The 99 investor rule directly undermines this, and limits the amount of investment and support for the companies we are investing in. It's another example of the challenges of the JOBS Act and another discovery on our part of the "miss" between the goal of the new law and the implementation.
One of the most annoying things about being an angel investor is filling out the same Accredited Investor Questionnaire over and over again. I've made about 200 angel investments and over 50 VC fund investments at this point since 1994 and I've filled out some version of this form at least 250 times.
A few weeks ago Fred Wilson made an open request for A Web Service For Qualified and Accredited Investors. He was referring to the form that used to be required under what is called "501″ that now goes by the friendly name 506(b). I doubt he has yet to fill out a form for 506(c), which is the new requirement for "general solicitation" under the JOBS Act. At least I hope he hasn't, because there are a whole host of new and exciting issues with companies that use 506(c).
It's incredibly annoying to fill out the same paperwork over and over again for each investment. So Fred's request was timely and likely something on a lot of people's minds – or at least mine.
And the gang at AngelList. They totally nailed it by releasing the AngelList Accreditation Report. It's exactly what Fred wants and is another great example of how far ahead of the curve AngelList is. If you have no idea what AngelList is trying to accomplish overall, read the great article from this week's BusinessWeek titled AngelList, the Social Network for Startups.
We've been working really closely with AngelList lately on our FG Angels initiative. We've completed one investment, have a second that should close this week, and a third that we are about to launch. We are settling into a tempo of about two a month and hope to be at four a month by Q2. We've had to do a lot of work – with AngelList – to get the documentation, legals, and workflow correct and appropriate for a fund like ours. But we feel like we are almost there.
The AngelList gang continues to be a joy to work with. And things like the AngelList Accreditation Report show that they've got a deep understanding of what is needed to truly democratize angel and seed investing.
We had a fascinating week trying to get everything figured out on our FG Angels initiative with AngelList. Our syndicate, which we are going to max out at $450,000, is currently right at $300,000 after one week. We are humbled by all the support and interest.
Geir Freysson, founder of Five Hundred Plus, did a super cool visualization of some of the top syndicates and how the participants in the syndicate relate to each other.
We've chosen our first deal to do. But we aren't ready to pull the trigger yet – probably early next week. We've spent the last few days wrestling with some legal / compliance issues. The AngelList gang has been AWESOME to work with. We aren't surprised that we are having to figure this stuff out – we knew the new JOBS Act rules, 506 compliance, and the ambiguity around a bunch of stuff would be problematic. Yeah – the problems are obscure ones generated by our government, and there are moments where it seems like the SEC simply doesn't want any of this to actually work. But that's part of the fun of it.
I continue to be mildly amused and amazed by the prognostications from the sidelines from a variety of folks (angels, angel groups, VCs, and entrepreneurs). Some of the strong opinions are based on virtually no data, or misinformation, or a complete lack of perspective. And others are based on a lack of understanding of dynamic systems. Either way, when asked, I continue to tell people our mantra – the best way to learn about stuff like this is to participate.
So – if you want to participate with us and learn a bunch in the process, join our syndicate.


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Bone The Fish - Most Recent Comments!
Who said you can't coin your own term? What is "Boning the Fish"? It's a moment. A defining moment when you know that your favorite TV Show, Celebrity, Movie Series or Music Group has reached its peak. That instant you know from now on...it's all downhill. Some call it a climax of sorts. We call it "Boning the fish". From that moment on things will simply never be the same.
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Recent Comments
Men Without Hats - Music Groups
So if you go to a Men Without Hats concert, do they just do a 90 minute version of Safety Dance? -- Submitted By: (Friedrich_Feuerstein) on August 27, 2014, 5:05 pm
Mariah Carey - Music Groups
hate to say it, but her music career's pretty much over..what Glitter didn't do to it, her last album did.. With a title like 'I am Mariah, the elusive Chanteuse' can't say i'm too surprised. Even Glitter managed to sell at least 100k copies -- Submitted By: (stryker73) on July 15, 2014, 5:34 pm
Ramones, The - Music Groups
RIP Tommy..the last surviving original member. I still find it odd that the other 3 died in such a short time span. Their music was different and at the same time groundbreaking, and it would have been great to get one more album out of them before their passing -- Submitted By: (stryker73) on July 15, 2014, 5:12 pm
Live - Music Groups
Their video for "I Alone" is completely idiotic, with the drummer (without drums) awkwardly roaming around the set as the rest of the band perform the song. One of the worst videos from that time period. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on June 13, 2014, 6:44 pm
Gin Blossoms - Music Groups
The Gin Blossoms were already pretty bland, but Doug Hopkins firing and eventual suicide left this band without any spark of real songwriting angst. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on June 13, 2014, 6:36 pm
Crash Test Dummies - Music Groups
Horrible 90's band that sang "Mmm mmm mmm". Enough said -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on June 13, 2014, 6:30 pm
Barenaked Ladies - Music Groups
Annoying "funny" band that gets on your nerves real quick -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on June 12, 2014, 8:05 pm
Pink - Music Groups
Pink? Should be Stink! -- Submitted By: (jimdcarter) on June 5, 2014, 10:03 pm
Starland Vocal Band - Music Groups
Not only did they win a Grammy, but they actually got a TV variety show out of the success of "Afternoon" as well. Thankfully it didn't last long. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on June 1, 2014, 6:57 pm
Doobie Brothers, The - Music Groups
I meant to say why would the guys from What's Happening not like the doobies. I just realized I had one too many negative words in that sentence. Anyway, a lot of their songs were influenced by Motown. Another great rock band not in the rock hall. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on May 6, 2014, 11:25 pm
Alice Cooper - Music Groups
who can forget 'Hey Stoopid' -- Submitted By: (stryker73) on March 25, 2014, 1:24 pm
Alice Cooper - Music Groups
Every decade, Alice Cooper adapts to it. So, of course it's just a mixed bag on how you prefer the music of Alice Cooper. In the 80s, yeah he had the wild hair going, the New Wave, Radio-Friendly thing. Then early 2000s, he got dark with Brutal Planet and Dragontown. These days, he's kinda mixing it up but eventually. Least that was the kindof exposure of his music I got. But either way, he was awesome. -- Submitted By: () on March 23, 2014, 1:16 am
Dio - Music Groups
It seemed that the Black Sabbath band preferred Dio over Ozzy. Ozzy strewn off on his own, fucked himself up from previous alcohol and drug usage so he's now just been a mumbling wreck. Ozzy's solo works may have been good in the early 80s but he has really declined in shape and performance severely. Dio has retained his form despite his age, he loves the music. Really one of the forefronts of metal music as we know it. It's just really sad that he had so much planned like more new albums, that this death took him away from it. Never forgotten... -- Submitted By: (Infyrin) on March 14, 2014, 4:11 pm
Ministry - Music Groups
I stand by my prior comments- the "SIRE" era 87-92 was the time this band was shining, then you realize it was sort of lightning in a bottle, and the fillet has been boning for over 22 years now. Sizzle Sizzle -- Submitted By: (Chubby Rain) on February 14, 2014, 6:35 am
Ministry - Music Groups
Contrary to the bio of this band. Al Jourgensen decided to release two more albums from this band. One of which, Relapse, was the last album to feature guitarist Mike Scaccia (RIP). Then claimed that was his final album with Ministry. Then released From Beer to Eternity last year and again claimed that was the last time. Seriously, quit jerking people's chains. I think Ministry shouldn't go on anymore after last year, in fact, I wished they'd stop at Relapse. It was a tolerable album compared to From Beer to Eternity. Way to leave on a low note. -- Submitted By: (Infyrin) on February 5, 2014, 10:19 pm
Mudvayne - Music Groups
L.D 50 was okay. I just think that their later albums, they tried too hard to match what L.D 50 did. The one pill of an album I have a hard time swallowing is Lost and Found. What the hell kind of phase were they in then? I liked a couple songs from it but I just didn't grasp it. The New Game was just...ugh. I can barely sit through a song from that album. In fact, I kinda forget some of the songs that came from that album. Also, they dived into the political topic a little too late. Leave that stuff to Ministry. -- Submitted By: (Infyrin) on February 5, 2014, 10:14 pm
Jewel - Music Groups
All I can say is...can't stand her! -- Submitted By: (RockinReed) on January 28, 2014, 11:41 pm
Captain and Tennille - Music Groups
That just proves two things. One, that has been celebs will do *anything* to get back in the news these days and two, this whole youth culture/ED drug thing has gone too far when 70something people think they can just pick back up where they left off on the singles scene. -- Submitted By: () on January 28, 2014, 6:21 pm
Captain and Tennille - Music Groups
Waiting until you're both in your 70's to get divorced? Really??? -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on January 27, 2014, 3:45 pm
Def Leppard - Music Groups
Initially, when this band started, it was a true rock band with great songs. Then they turned into a party band combination of Van Halen and Guns 'n Roses, but not as enjoyable as either. The songs all started being about "rock" and getting "loud" and this and that, which got annoying and irritating. All that said, I give the drummer mad props for how talented he is with one arm. -- Submitted By: (kingbk) on December 23, 2013, 5:52 pm
John Denver - Music Groups
I was first introduced to John as a kid through his many crossovers with The Muppets. When I was in my teen and early twenties, I started to hate him. I thought he was a wuss, singing about trees and mountains. He had those DUIs during a lull in his career and I recall making some tasteless jokes when he died. Now that I'm older, I can appreciate his work a lot more. What's wrong with singing about mountains and trees? Nothing. I'd certainly prefer that to the plethora of songs about having sex, wanting to have sex, or busting caps in people's asses. -- Submitted By: (Travoltron) on December 14, 2013, 12:09 pm
Steely Dan - Music Groups
Never boned. They are one of the very few bands that became better as they went along. Gaucho wasn't that good though. Aja is the best of the bunch. Donald Fagan's solo work is fabulous. -- Submitted By: () on December 10, 2013, 8:23 pm
R. Kelly - Music Groups
He used to write inspirational songs. Now he's writing nothing but sexual explicit songs. The album cover for his latest album shows him playing a topless woman like a cello. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on November 21, 2013, 6:50 pm
Van Halen - Music Groups
Here's another vote for 1984. Keyboards and synths, huh...what were they thinking? They stood out nicely from the keyboard/synth crowd that actually started during the previous decade. Great band up until then. Further boned down the road with "Right Now," and so forth. -- Submitted By: () on November 19, 2013, 9:35 pm
Metallica - Music Groups
Let us not forget the awesome album they did... with Lou Reed about a year ago. Just more epic failure- here it is for free to listen to the trainwreck on youtube for a few minutes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z0GkrYAT78 -- Submitted By: (Chubby Rain) on November 17, 2013, 12:31 pm
Police - Music Groups
DSSCTM '86 was an unnecessary remake that was nothing more than a lethargic, synth-heavy cover version that could've been featured on any Sting album (or trendy car commercial). Was Stewart Copeland even involved (unless he programmed the drum machines)? -- Submitted By: (montauk6) on November 11, 2013, 10:24 am
Stevie Wonder - Music Groups
Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants: This was the peak of Stevie's experimentalism but, except for maybe 2 hits off the entire LP, it and the movie it was a soundtrack for were pretty much ignored and criminally underrated. After that, he pretty much stuck to standard (though, nonetheless superior) R&B. -- Submitted By: (montauk6) on November 11, 2013, 10:11 am
Good Charlotte - Music Groups
I am not the biggest fan of this band, but I will say at least they did not try too hard for their image. They had a few songs which were decent and enjoyable, and are all round a passable band. No classic but I cannot say they really boned anywhere. -- Submitted By: (johnnydough) on November 5, 2013, 7:02 am
Adele - Music Groups
she chews her gum like a cow! -- Submitted By: (thedude19766) on October 31, 2013, 8:08 pm
Metallica - Music Groups
Should be one hell of a pop rock show! LoL. Popallica bones harder each passing year. -- Submitted By: (Jp) on October 25, 2013, 10:45 am
Metallica - Music Groups
Saw they want to tour with Green Day and U2 Now- how metal of them. -- Submitted By: (Chubby Rain) on October 21, 2013, 6:23 pm
Backstreet Boys - Music Groups
They should stay gone. We're no longer in the boy band phase. I wouldn't even call them a boy band, more like a boy group. I don't miss them and it's not like they're helping the craptation of music out today. -- Submitted By: (Infyrin) on October 8, 2013, 5:16 am
Pantera - Music Groups
I think if that if there wasn't harsh bad blood between Vinnie/Dimebag and Phil, I would've liked to think Dimebag would probably still have been around us today. Granted I'm not saying that the formation of Damageplan was a bad thing, because Damageplan was good and would've been nice to see more material from them. Soon as Dimebag died, that was it, the band was gone as fast as it was formed. Can't believe it'll be 10 years next year since Dimebag has died. R.I.P. -- Submitted By: (Infyrin) on October 8, 2013, 5:13 am
Baha Men - Music Groups
"Who The Let The Dogs Out" hasn't aged very well, and many people can see why. The song is annoying and it's appeal lasted just an hour after it was made. -- Submitted By: (Infyrin) on October 8, 2013, 5:08 am
Diddy - Music Groups
More or less. Without Biggie, he's a nobody. -- Submitted By: (PYLrulz) on October 6, 2013, 1:02 am
Diddy - Music Groups
I never understood his appeal to the rap community. Seemed to me, he rode the the coattails of Biggy Smalls. I could be wrong about that, as I really could care less about rap. -- Submitted By: (Jp) on October 4, 2013, 7:07 pm
Marilyn Manson - Music Groups
I think his music dropped when he reached the "Eat Me, Drink Me" album. First thought that came to my mind on the first track was "Since when did he start caring about writing anything about Vampires?" Then he was tossed into the Emo music category from then on after that album came and went. Since then, it's an image hard to shake off. He just became irrelevant afterwards. -- Submitted By: () on September 29, 2013, 4:14 am
Sinead O'Conner - Music Groups
PYLrulz, Good point. The picture rip DID seem a rather childish and petulant act that took away from being able to focus on her actual talent. Sad to say, I actually think she DOES have a good voice [despite her needlessly screeching like a banshee on too many occasions] but, regardless of her not being in the public glare so much, she SURE needs to find her peace. -- Submitted By: (Pelirojo) on September 28, 2013, 12:16 pm
Sinead O'Conner - Music Groups
Maybe or maybe not. Nowadays I do not think that would cause such a fuss, but 20 years ago a whole lot less could be done on television without being controversial. She has had quite a career away from the mainstream and still does have a good voice - she always has been a pretty petulant woman. -- Submitted By: (johnnydough) on September 22, 2013, 10:52 pm
Sinead O'Conner - Music Groups
If you parade yourself around as a musician, yet the only thing you really are known for is ripping a picture of the Pope, are you really successful to begin with?!? -- Submitted By: (PYLrulz) on September 22, 2013, 5:35 pm
Billy Joel - Music Groups
Always partially boned in my book. He's a great musician who still plays to sold-out crowds (especially when Elton John is involved, good luck getting tickets!) but he's had a few things: everything post 1993 has been a flop, the fallout from "Only the Good Die Young" (a song banned at a couple of Catholic colleges) and his failed marriage to Christie Brinkley (the two are somehow now on decent terms). -- Submitted By: (Northeastern292) on September 21, 2013, 11:56 pm
Sinead O'Conner - Music Groups
Always seemed like she was famous for her antics rather than for her music. Plus she wasn't the most enlightened person either, I remember reading an interview of hers in Rolling Stone around 1992 and being turned off as to how ignorant she was. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on September 20, 2013, 7:26 pm
Evanescence - Music Groups
I think the reason so many people have flocked to this band is because of one individual. Amy Lee, nothing personal against her, gains the attention. The rest of the band are just the minority. It's just one of those kinds of groups. -- Submitted By: (Infyrin) on August 22, 2013, 12:38 am
Insane Clown Posse - Music Groups
I never liked this group from the start. And I especially never liked the fans that ever found anything "worthy" in them. The fans are about as bad as the Slipknot fans. Where instead of "Maggots" for Slipknot. We instead get "Juggalos" for ICP. I think Slipknot sucks also but that's a different discussion. Their fans have got to be one of the most delusional of them all. Who make ICP practically their religion. To describe one of these sperm-duds who've surprisingly made it into the gene pool. I recall a video a long time back, where a ICP fan's baby, had passed away. So, before the burial took place. They dressed the child up in ICP-gear, placed it in a ICP-like coffin and prayed for the child's spirit to be one in the made-up spirit world of Shangri-La. Which is a ICP-made up place. That isn't even the beginning. That same fan was upset not only because of the baby's death. But also because she was mostly upset because she had missed an ICP concert OVER this baby's death. That's sickening. Idiot's irresponsibility aside, that is how bad a typical ICP fan is like. Take a white trash individual from a trailer park, someone too inept or inadequate to further themselves in the world, dress him/her in goth-like clothing, slap some clown make up on, let said music guide you instead of your own free will and you've got yourselves a "Juggalo". -- Submitted By: (Infyrin) on August 21, 2013, 1:35 am
Kidz Bop - Music Groups
"Harlem Shake?" really? How is it even possible to sing it? There is a lot of disposable pop songs these days, and there is nothing more disposable than Kidz Bop singing these disposable pop songs. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on August 10, 2013, 11:40 am
Nicki Minaj - Music Groups
I know a lot of people bash Stupid Hoe (and they should), but personally, I think her song "Beez in Da Trap" is a lot worse, to the point where it's one of the few songs that I can't finish. At least with Ke$ha, it was pretty obvious that she was just trolling the music industry. With Nicki Minaj, I'm not too sure. -- Submitted By: (cartooner) on August 9, 2013, 4:13 pm
Monkees, The - Music Groups
Just to let everyone know, I saw them in concert when they came to my town last month and they ROCKED! Not only did they flawlessly perform their standards but it was good seeing Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork being given more chances to shine individually and collectively than in the past. Oh and while Peter Tork showed his incredible talent re playing a very wide variety of instruments [even simultaneously], I think his singing has definitely IMPROVED from the days of the show. Yeah, all of them are on the far side of 65 but the energy and enthusiasm they showed for their work and the audience was unbounded and I like that all of them truly seem to appreciate this chance to connect with the audience and they gave proper due to the historic venue where they played. I also like that they seemed to have put aside whatever past conflicts they may have had and have re- bonded as brothers. Speaking of family, Mike's son Christian and Micky's sister Coco were a good help to them and definitely worth seeing perform with their more famous kin [and Christian Nesmith and his talented companion Circe Link have some excellent works on You Tube, etc. worth seeking out]. If anyone on the West Coast who is a fan has the chance to see them, I urge you to see if any tickets are still available before the tour ends by the end of the month. In any case, it was good seeing them all healthy and happy again even if they were missing their most famous bandmate Davy Jones. Yes, they did a good tribute to him and it didn't overwhelm the rest of the show. The only downside to this was that they showed more of "Head" than I would have liked [IMO, Davy's song 'Daddy's Song' was the only truly entertaining part of that mess]. If any fan reading this on the West Coast has the chance to see them, I urge you to seek out tickets before the tour ends by the end of August [and there seem to be no plans for overseas tours at this time]. -- Submitted By: (Pelirojo) on August 8, 2013, 10:33 am
Kidz Bop - Music Groups
Kidz Bop boned day 1, but I think they've reached a new low with their cover of "Harlem Shake." -- Submitted By: (cartooner) on August 7, 2013, 7:46 pm
Kidz Bop - Music Groups
Corny sanitized versions of songs kids shouldn't be listening to anyway. -- Submitted By: (sonicreducer12) on August 6, 2013, 6:35 pm
Barenaked Ladies - Music Groups
The band never boned, they still have some great songs in them. If anything, Steven Page boned and got caught inhaling cocaine, forgetting the words to songs, and walking out of the band. -- Submitted By: (sonicreducer12) on August 6, 2013, 6:21 pm
Ritchie Valens - Music Groups
Whilst their deaths were tragic, if that had not happened, who would've really remembered them, except for Buddy Holly who was already an accomplished singer and songwriter. The Big Bopper ("J. P." Richardson) would've been just another forgettable act from the doo-wop era, but that tragedy immortalized him. Valens probably would be remembered if he kept making records -- Submitted By: (stryker73) on July 17, 2013, 4:16 pm
Kid Rock - Music Groups
I really hate that All Summer Long song, no relation to the Beachboys song of the same title. It is one of those songs you can only bear to hear once, like the typical novelty song(eg. Because I Got High). I had to change the station when it came on a second time. Not to mention, it ruined the songs "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Werewolves of London" for me. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on July 16, 2013, 7:08 pm
Kid Rock - Music Groups
Not a fan, never have been. Tries to be the jack-of-all-trades with his music, but instead falls flat in any of them. Comes off dirty, uneducated and red neckish with his faux rebel act. "All Summer Long" is one of the worst songs I've ever heard, and not just because it rhymes "things" with "things" or mashes together two classics in "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Werewolves of London" and desecrates them... wait, yes, that's exactly why I hate that song. Day one for me. -- Submitted By: (kingbk) on July 16, 2013, 1:46 am
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Music Groups
The real LS died in the 70s with the plane crash. The current LS continues to tour, but is NOT the classic Skynyrd. -- Submitted By: (kingbk) on July 16, 2013, 1:30 am
Nicki Minaj - Music Groups
Back in the day, I was a fan of hers...she was actually a solid rapper (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w56UQK7QpBw). In fact, in the first year or so of her being with Lil Wayne's crew, she maintained her solidity. The album was where it all went downhill. "Dear old Nicki, please call back." -- Submitted By: (Burmy) on July 7, 2013, 1:20 pm
Ke$ha - Music Groups
I find her songs tolerable at best. Her highest point was being the less-sucky performer on that Pitbull "Take On Me" ripoff, while her lowest point... Well, she started off pretty low to be honest, and didn't raise too high. I actually like her as a person though: a perfect SAT, wonderful skin and looks and she makes the music to have fun - that's admirable, even if the music itself isn't enjoyable. -- Submitted By: (MrMallard) on July 3, 2013, 10:56 am
David Bowie - Music Groups
I think there is a point where he did bone, but he recovered around the mid 90's in his alternative phase. The success of Let's Dance led to some half-baked "commercial" records which were tolerable at best - even today David Bowie himself regrets sticking to that sort of sound for so long. However, I really liked his alternative 90's phase with Outside and Earthling, and all albums after were actually really good (jury's still out on The Next Day, however). There's definitely a point where he just burnt out completely, but there's no doubt that he recovered along the line. -- Submitted By: (MrMallard) on July 3, 2013, 3:59 am
Ritchie Valens - Music Groups
I wonder if he would have been as well known today had he not died alongside Buddy Holly. Nevertheless, despite his brevity, he was quite influential on Chicano music, including Los Lobos who did the soundtrack to La Bamba. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on June 28, 2013, 6:31 pm
Ritchie Valens - Music Groups
Ritchie Valens certainly had some great; timeless songs. I still listen to his music along with alot of others from that era. It just seems like there was more passion and soul behind the music. -- Submitted By: (Jp) on June 27, 2013, 10:16 pm
Cars, The - Music Groups
Probably around 1985-86, a lot of the songs they were putting out at that time (Heartbeat City, You are the Girl) just seemed subpar. Actually, Ric Ocasik's solo "Emotion in Motion" and Benjamin Orr's "Stay the Night" were much better songs, maybe they were holding back their better material for the solo outtings. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on June 17, 2013, 7:03 pm
Hanson - Music Groups
Mmmhops? Oh...my...God. -- Submitted By: (Robert) on June 12, 2013, 8:11 pm
Nicki Minaj - Music Groups
Stupid Hoe has one good thing going for it: the super-sped up version. It is stupid in sort of a manically funny way (though that is my odd sense of humour): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYAxzG1utcw -- Submitted By: (johnnydough) on June 10, 2013, 9:12 pm
Hanson - Music Groups
They now have their own beer. It's called, wait for it, Mmm Hops. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on June 8, 2013, 10:33 pm
Stone Temple Pilots - Music Groups
And from what I have heard, he's throwing a HUGE bitchfit about the whole deal, saying the band can't use the STP name with him kicked out -- Submitted By: (PYLrulz) on June 8, 2013, 6:54 pm
ZZ Top - Music Groups
One word of this BTF: TUSH! -- Submitted By: (ommy) on June 7, 2013, 11:38 pm
Nicki Minaj - Music Groups
@kingbk: I think she looks more like a Bratz doll. -- Submitted By: (cartooner) on June 7, 2013, 12:04 am
Temple of the Dog - Music Groups
Never boned. The band members were wise enough to stick to this being a one off LP project, despite the commercial success of the album. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on June 5, 2013, 7:52 pm
Stone Temple Pilots - Music Groups
Looks like Scott Weiland got bounced from the band again. This time the others are keeping the STP name and replacing Scott with another singer, guess they learned from the "Talk Show" fiasco. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on June 5, 2013, 7:45 pm
Rolling Stones, The - Music Groups
The 1980's. Tattoo You was the last "classic" Stones album, and it was largely made up of outtakes from their 70's LP's. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on June 5, 2013, 7:39 pm
Billy Joel - Music Groups
I like all his stuff up until the Bridge album. Even the relatively obscure album Streetlife Serenade is full of great songs. His talents as a musician shines through on the instrumental "Rootbeer Rag." "We Didn't Start The Fire" is the only song of his that I can't stand. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on May 29, 2013, 11:17 pm
Billy Joel - Music Groups
While one can say Billy Joel's music never Boned The Fish or Jumped The Shark, Billy did when he divorced Christie Brinkley and put out his last album of new vocal songs in 1993 with The River Of Dreams. 20 years later Joel has no interest in returning to music and to playing concerts as much as he did in the 70s through the early 00s and a tour he took in 2005. He is now focused on living his life off his royalties. His drinking also got worse for a period to where he crashed his car into a wall and went off to rehab. Then his marriage to his wife Katie Lee ended. He gave up writing new songs and working on melodies. About all he managed to do was a album of classical works and some compilations or a live album and that sort of thing. Elton John has said Billy is lazy now. Then Elton claimed Billy stopped touring with him because he wasn't in the mood. To which Joel said there was a misunderstanding on tour dates. Joel does claim to the New York Times that he writes classical music still and stuff that he likes. But no more rock and pop tunes. He plum got burned out with pop music. So for that he jumped the shark/ boned the fish when he divorced Christie, and rolled out his last album. It all came at the same time followed by him marrying a woman 20 to 30 years younger who later left him as well. -- Submitted By: (AlanVallazza) on May 26, 2013, 12:31 pm
Tool - Music Groups
Boned after Aenima. Tool was great on Opiate, bad on Undertow (except for Sober, the album was boring as hell,) mind blowing on Aenima and back to boring as hell after that. I didn't buy a CD of theirs after getting Lateralus because the energy that made them famous was badly diminished. Post Aenima, they just wern't the same band anymore. Haven't listened to them very much since except when they make radio. Opiate and Aenima are shining gems in the musical world. Those two albums and the song Sober off Undertow are what I think of when I think of Tool. Random story that relates: My brother went to a bluegrass show and the band covered Charlie Daniel's: Devil went down to Georgia. When it got to the part where "a band of demons joined in, and it sounded something like this," the band said "it sounded a little something like Tool" and played and excerpt from 'Sober' for the Devil's band's part. -- Submitted By: (ExTVLover) on May 9, 2013, 10:45 pm
Ke$ha - Music Groups
A voice and strains to hit high notes and a pockmarked complexion that heavy makeup can't conceal. And what's with the dollar sign? -- Submitted By: (Asham1046) on May 8, 2013, 8:42 pm
Rolling Stones, The - Music Groups
The Rolling Stones boned the fish back in the 70's when Keith Richards died. Yes, he's still with the group. That's only because nobody has had the heart to tell him he died. Mick still intends to have the talk with Keith. "Keef, man, you died of an OD in 1974." -- Submitted By: (fcabanski) on May 3, 2013, 4:17 am
Slayer - Music Groups
R.I.P. Jeff Hanneman. -- Submitted By: (cartooner) on May 2, 2013, 8:31 pm
Marilyn Manson - Music Groups
Ok as an artist, probably helped his popularity (or at least notability) and place in the spotlight with all the false stuff people said about him that he would or could do. -- Submitted By: (PYLrulz) on April 28, 2013, 1:12 am
Elton John - Music Groups
JoeBagODonuts mailed it. Every LGBT activist should take notes from him. If they acted more like him, and less tying to shove their beliefs down our throats, people WILL be much more tolerant of homosexuality and such. The guy has even befriended Eminem, and we see how much homophobia is in some of his songs. -- Submitted By: (PYLrulz) on April 26, 2013, 10:23 am
Elton John - Music Groups
I like how he breaks stupid boycotts and will perform anywhere, even in politically incorrect locations like Arizona and Israel. He says it's not about a state's politics, it's about the fans. -- Submitted By: (Travoltron) on April 24, 2013, 6:27 pm
Michael Franks - Music Groups
There is NO QUESTION about it. Michael Franks is the male version of SADE. Period. He has the voice. He has the band; He has the STYLE. Anyone who questions this should go to grooveshark, search, find and listen to his songs one after the other. -- Submitted By: (cleverfun3000) on April 22, 2013, 8:50 pm
Elton John - Music Groups
There is simply no questioning Elton John talent and skill. It's simply above reproach. However, when you talk about the very best of Elton John, you are talking about his first dozen or so albums. Today's version of whatever it is he's become is a mere shell of his former self. Any true Elton John fan knows that what we see today is Reginald Dwight doing a piss-poor imitation of Elton John. His voice is poor, he misses the inflection cues in his songs and most annoying of all is that each and every time he sings a moderately high note, high eyebrow glaringly raises as if it were desperately trying to reach his receding hairline. My hope is that he hangs up his piano keys and produces someone who is much, much younger but has the same natural, effortless talent that he had in the 70's and 80's. . . . -- Submitted By: (cleverfun3000) on April 22, 2013, 8:41 pm
Pantera - Music Groups
I'm not suggesting that it was a boning moment but I think Reinventing The Steel was beneath Pantera's talent level. Just my opinion though. -- Submitted By: (Jp) on March 29, 2013, 4:21 pm
Eagles - Music Groups
The Hotel California album is in my opinion quite timeless. Its themes are still relevant today. I like all of their albums, but On The Border is my personal favourite. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on March 28, 2013, 12:07 pm
Lil Wayne - Music Groups
I have a feeling that his recent seizures are merely a publicity stunt to sell his latest album. Does anyone want to even listen to it? I sure don't. Listening to somebody curse and rap about graphic sex is not my idea of entertainment. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on March 25, 2013, 5:15 pm
Sugar Ray - Music Groups
Sugar Ray is one of those bands that I used to like, but nowadays like Coldplay and Maroon 5, I can't stand them anymore. -- Submitted By: (JayD) on March 25, 2013, 4:53 pm
Sugar Ray - Music Groups
Crap! That is all. -- Submitted By: (Jp) on March 24, 2013, 10:37 pm
Waylon Jennings - Music Groups
Jennings along with Cash, are among the few country singer that I don't mind listening to. -- Submitted By: (Jp) on February 26, 2013, 5:39 pm
Adele - Music Groups
She's just overrated. And she still hasn't forgiven her dad for screwing up in her early years? -- Submitted By: (Northeastern292) on February 11, 2013, 11:38 am
Culture Club - Music Groups
Culture Club is awesome....when you're pot-high! -- Submitted By: (JoseTwitterFan) on February 7, 2013, 6:41 pm
Alice Cooper - Music Groups
Probably when most of his hits became soft rock ballads: Only Women Bleed, You and Me, I Never Cry, How You Gonna See Me Now, and so on -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on February 6, 2013, 4:51 pm
Blondie - Music Groups
BTF'ed with Heart Of Glass... Disco mania..? -- Submitted By: (richieyo2000) on February 4, 2013, 4:34 pm
Billy Idol - Music Groups
Billy Idol rocked hard punk in the late 1970's with Generation X. My opinion is the BTF'ed when they changed the name to GenX and released the power poppy top 40 hit "Dancing With Myself". I did enjoy Idol's solo pop-rock music from 1982-1984. After Rebel Yell, the skeleton was exposed... -- Submitted By: (richieyo2000) on February 4, 2013, 4:33 pm
Osmonds, The - Music Groups
Annoying from the "git-go"... As far back as The Seven Little Foys (early 60s) -- Submitted By: (richieyo2000) on February 4, 2013, 4:25 pm
Nicki Minaj - Music Groups
She'll probably claim that it shows how racist YouTube is -- Submitted By: (PYLrulz) on January 29, 2013, 1:24 pm
U2 - Music Groups
Musically U2 boned in the late 90's with the Pop LP. It's an ok piece of music, but they haven't been innovative ever since. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on January 28, 2013, 8:30 pm
Runaways, The - Music Groups
The Runaways are an example of a group that's proclaimed as an influential band, yet nobody listened or even knew of them when they were around. I grew up in the 1970's and was pretty aware of popular music, and I never heard of them until after Joan Jett's and Lita Ford's solo success in the 80's. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on January 28, 2013, 8:12 pm
Nicki Minaj - Music Groups
She's truly awful and looks like a clown. -- Submitted By: (kingbk) on January 28, 2013, 6:23 pm
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Music Groups
OH COME ON! A thumbs down for the "Ding Fries Are Done" comment? It was a JOKE!! I own the CD and I know/knew good and well the track I referred to is called "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)". Pretty good CD, BTW, if you like Christmas music. -- Submitted By: (Friedrich_Feuerstein) on January 25, 2013, 12:33 pm
Nicki Minaj - Music Groups
Fun fact: The music video for "Stupid Hoe" has more dislikes than likes on Youtube. -- Submitted By: (cartooner) on January 25, 2013, 1:18 am
Jonas Brothers - Music Groups
When Disney Channel pulled the plug a year early on their show, it was a pretty good indication that their popularity was waning fast. -- Submitted By: (John63btf) on January 22, 2013, 6:29 pm
Jonas Brothers - Music Groups
Like I said... Where have they been on the music radar now?!? Yeah, maybe they might make like Hanson, and reappear years down the road, but thank you for your moment in the spotlight, Disney should soon have your replacements ready to go. -- Submitted By: (PYLrulz) on January 19, 2013, 11:31 pm


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MADISON COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - A man behind bars for a deadly hit and run in Ridgeland faces more charges Wednesday.
36-year-old Clinton Mayes appeared in court where DUI felony causing death and leaving the scene of accident with injuries or death was added to his felony hit and run charge.
Total bond on the two new charges was set at 275 thousand dollars.
He is being held at the Madison County Detention Center.
Last Friday, police said Maurice Murphy was riding his bicycle home from work when he was hit from behind on Highway 51 near Rice Road.
Murphy was pronounced dead at the scene.
©2010 WLBT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hershey Company has unveiled its new corporate logo.?More >>
Hershey Company has unveiled its new corporate logo.?More >>


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Destination XL Group plans to open its first store in Manhattan this June and promises the city's big and tall men an upscale experience at its store on 699 Sixth Avenue.
Shoppers still love Apple products, as evidenced by record unit sales for the iPhone and iPad.
Hhgregg is offering online ordering with in-store pickup for Apple products, including iPhone, iPad and iPod models and Apple TV devices.
Target is taking a page from Apple and remodeling its electronics department to echo the minimalist format seen in Apple and even Best Buy stores, according to a report in the StarTribune.
Apple has announced that Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry, will be joining the company as SVP of retail and online stores — a newly created position — and as a member of its executive team. Ahrendts will report to CEO Tim Cook.
RadioShack unveiled a store remodeled to its new high-touch format, in Manhattan, with an additional Big Apple location set to open on Oct. 12. The format incorporates interactive areas designed to help shoppers improve their technology profile. The chain premiered the design in July, on Manhattan's Upper West Side.
Hudson's Bay Company has reached a deal to buy Saks Inc. The Canadian retail conglomerate, which operates Lord & Taylor in the United States and Hudson Bay in Canada, will purchase Saks and its 41 stores for a total of about $2.9 billion. Purchase price includes $16 per share of Saks as well as the assumption of Saks' debt.
A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step and RadioShack's quest to makes its 4,300 U.S. stores relevant again began this week with the opening of a new prototype and a re-imagined corporate logo.
Golfsmith International plans to open its first specialty golf store on New York City's Fifth Avenue. By positioning its interactive store in the heart of the Big Apple, Golfsmith will reach both New York area golfers as well as tourists visiting the city from around the world.
Apple has tapped Foster + Partners to refresh its store design, according to a report by Marketing.
In a surprise announcement on Tuesday, Apple Inc. said its retail senior VP John Browett abruptly left the company on Monday.
Apple Monday named a replacement for former retail head Ron Johnson, who left the company last year to become CEO of JCPenney.
Sears Holdings has begun the staged roll out of Apple iPads and Apple iPod Touch devices, starting with nearly 450 stores nationwide. The move is designed enhance the relationship between customers and associates while improving the overall in-store shopping experience, Sears said.
Apple on Sunday rolled out dedicated iPad stations in its stores nationwide.
The iPad is an amazing product that offers a wonderful user experience, which is why everyone wants one. It also doesn't hurt that retailers of all types have become quite aggressive in their promotional efforts on behalf of Apple, since the popular device makes a meaningful contribution to sales in addition to providing those retailers who feature the device with some of that Apple "it" factor.
Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Inc., has taken a medical leave of absence, Apple announced Monday.
Sam's Club is the latest retailer to offer popular Apple products including the iPad and...
Walmart said Tuesday it is discounting an array of toys, fromMan to Barbie, well ahead...
NEW YORK - Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Costco, Lowe's and the Apple Store ranked tops with consumers in a survey by the global strategy firm OC&C Strategy Consultants.


text:
Chemistry of Tears
By Peter Carey
Paperback (other formats)
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Guardian review
the guardian Fri 06 April 2012
Catherine Gehrig is a middle-aged horologist working in "the Georgian halls" of the Swinburne Museum, London SW1. For the last 13 years she has been in love with her married colleague, Matthew Tindall, and when he dies suddenly (on 21 April 2010 the book is full of precisions) she is distraught. Out of charity and to avoid scandal, her boss Eric Croft moves her to the museum annexe in Olympia and gives her a recent acquisition to assemble: a complex mechanical toy that she first thinks might be a monkey, then decides is a duck. (Actually, it's a swan: the transformation of ugliness into beauty is one of many presiding themes.) Croft's hope is that Catherine will be led towards recovery by "the huge peace of mechanical things". In fact she is first irritated, then distracted and eventually bewitched by a story that has some peculiar parallels with her own, and some corrective deviations from it.
This story, which is told in sections that alternate with Catherine's own, involves Henry Brandling, scion of a wealthy 19th-century railway family, husband of sourpuss Hermione and father of sickly Percy. When Percy falls ill, and all the usual Victorian therapies have failed, Henry becomes convinced that a foreign and mechanical entertainment might heal him. "When my little fellow saw the design of M Vaucanson's ingenious duck," he says, "a great shout huzza went up from him. It was a tonic to see the colour in his cheeks, the life brimming in his eyes where I observed the 'magnetic agitation' which is a highly elevated form of curiosity or desire."
In order to turn these designs into the real thing, Henry travels to the Black Forest south of Karlsruhe, where watch-makers have a reputation for exceptional brilliance (it's the original home of the cuckoo-clock). Here he encounters assorted servants, manufacturers, schemers and dealers, before landing in Furtwangen with Frau Helga, M Artaud the silversmith and collector of fairy stories, the mechanical genius Herr Sumper, and "his golden shadow", the equally ingenious but injured boy, Carl.
While the cogs and pistons of this little society threaten to destroy Henry, rather than help him discover a means of curing his child, Catherine begins to assemble his story and the toy it centres around. It is now that parallels between the two narratives begin to emerge. Sumper, it transpires, is "a most eccentric bully" who is determined to create for Henry "something far superior" to his original desire. Croft, though less obviously manipulative, arranges for Catherine to be helped in her labours by the glamorous young Courtauld girl Amanda Snyde (Carey has always liked tell-tale Dickensian names), who is in fact a sort of spy. Her boyfriend is dead lover Matthew's elder son, and her grandfather is a friend of Croft's and so able to pass back secrets that emerge during the reassembly of the swan.
Carey manages these time-shifts and other complications with the same easy-seeming mastery that he shows in all his novels. But here the fluency seems especially apt, because it is always devoted to the service of machines that themselves depend on being cunningly assembled and delightful. In other words, there is an immaculate fit of means with themes although (and because) these themes turn out not simply to concern the beauty of science, but the ways in which science and humans interact and overlap.
We begin to see this all the more clearly as the story rises towards its climax, in which Sumper reveals to Henry that during his previous work-life he has been involved with a certain Sir Albert Cruickshank, a brilliant and underfunded London scientist-cum-engineer (who sounds more than a little like Charles Babbage). Carey is too subtle a writer to spell out precise meanings through this passage of bravura writing, but his intentions are clear enough. While designing the wooden patterns from which Cruickshank's greatest invention will be cast (his Mysterium Tremendum), Sumper gains an understanding of high science that is truly visionary.
Specifically, it is a vision of how to discover order in a random universe something that runs the risk of seeming crackpot, or being proved unworkable, and yet preserves a kind of nobility. "It soon became clear to me," Henry says, "that what [Sumper] so excitably described as 'deep order' was a True Believer's attempt to give meaning to a mess children's toys, oriental figurines, turned brass implements, fragments of marble and a huge library of books in front of almost every one of which was placed some curiosity or object, each of which beckoned one's attention." This is the lesson Catherine has to learn more than a century later. Henry pursues a beautiful invention to heal his boy; she reassembles the swan as a means of balancing her grief. In both activities, bounds are set around parts of humanity that are not mechanistic (call them "souls" a word that appears on the final page of the novel). Yet it turns out that the most tremendous of all Mysterium Tremendums is the body, which operates according to specific laws ("the chemistry of tears"), and which suffers no loss of beauty, or wisdom or even marvellousness in the process.
Carey has tackled some of these ideas before (the most obvious precursor to the construction of machines in this book is the transportation of the church in Oscar and Lucinda). But here everything has been designed, tooled, oiled and fitted together with greater economy and an equal panache. Does this mean the book ends too neatly? No. Even as it settles its main concerns, it floats new ideas (was golden boy Carl the young Karl Benz?), and emphasises latent themes (the greater love between parents and children; the endless human capacity for misunderstanding).
Furthermore, its idea of order remains compellingly unstable. It is one thing to devise, like Cruickshank, a machine that accurately maps the sea-bed, so that ships don't run aground and people don't drown. It is another to devise a plan that encompasses all the moods and vagaries of humanity. In their different ways, both Henry and Catherine prove this. They know the rage for order is at once completely sensible and somewhat lunatic. Their broken hearts tell them this.
Andrew Motion's Silver: Return to Treasure Island is published by Jonathan Cape.
Observer review
the observer Fri 30 March 2012
Clock-making and novel-writing are in spite of a shared need for craftsmanship rather different activities, requiring nigh-on incompatible skills. The clockmaker deals in absolute precision, working to a design that must forgo all extraneous elements; the novelist can't afford to be so pernickety, but must always venture into the unknown, and create the impression of untrammelled life.
It might be thought hubristic for an author to draw attention to this contrast, but in his 13th novel (his 12th for adult readers), Peter Carey does exactly that. About halfway through The Chemistry of Tears, Henry Blanding, a Victorian gent with an interest in clockwork devices who has travelled to the Black Forest, the birthplace of the cuckoo clock, to have a giant mechanical bird (it starts as a duck and ends up a swan) constructed as a "magical amusement" for his dying son encounters a "collector of fairy tales" in the mould of the brothers Grimm, a man in whom he senses an appreciation of misery and cruelty, a tendency to see "the possibility of violence" in everything around him. The collector's presence in the narrative is conspicuous because so tangential to the plot, and it doesn't take a very donnish turn of mind to view him as a representative literary sensibility, a kind of stand-in for the novelist himself. Another difference between the writer and the clockmaker is that the writer must, as Graham Greene once put it, have a "splinter of ice in the heart", while the clockmaker can go to his trade as a refuge from difficult emotions.
Henry's narrative alternates with that of Catherine Gehrig, a horologist at the Swinburne museum in London, who has been charged with reassembling the mechanical bird a century later. These two strands of the novel are linked not only by the construction (or reconstruction) of the clockwork animal, but by their narrators' grief: Henry's son may, he fears, have died before he has a chance to present him with his gift, while Catherine is suffering after the sudden loss of her lover and colleague Matthew Tindall, a married man and father, whom she is thus forced to mourn in secret.
Carey's exceptional storytelling talents are all on prominent display here. Catherine's and Henry's voices are lustily generated and expertly distinguished from one another; contemporary London and 19th-century Germany are conveyed in lightly distributed yet powerfully evocative physical detail; both narratives are invigorated throughout by a thrilling verbal energy, and an almost unfailing knack for alighting on the mot juste (the "quarrelling" of birds at dawn, the "pulp and fibre" of the human brain). These are precisely the qualities that have always characterised Carey's novels, and which have twice made him an eminently deserving winner of the Booker prize. His perennial themes the tension between telling a story and telling the truth; the conflicted nature of postcolonial national identity are distinctively modern concerns, which are nicely accommodated by his trademark brand of funky, roughly vocal, charmingly deranged picaresque.
But while The Chemistry of Tears pays lip service to those themes, the main questions it poses are of a larger, more traditional, and less abstract variety and these are less easily absorbed into the novel's form. Carey draws an explicit comparison between the clockwork automata that so fascinate Catherine and Henry and the characters themselves. Human beings are also engines, he reminds us, "intricate chemical machines" so what accounts for our non-mechanistic attributes, our capacity for love and cruelty, rage and grief? How is it that man-made machines can be pieced back together a hundred years after they have last seen the light of day, as Catherine reassembles Henry's automaton, when he himself is lost to the passage of time? As Henry puts it in the novel's starkest passage, "What happens when we die?"
The kind of novel Carey writes a kind in which character is intimately related to plot is perhaps not the ideal scaffold on which to hang such grand and unanswerable questions about the soul. In Catherine's sections (perhaps because she does less adventuring than Henry), a dissonance between form and content is particularly apparent. Her grief is always described fleetingly and retrospectively "I ran a bath I cried. I shampooed and conditioned and cried again" without much variation, and without any attempt to inhabit the immediacy of her pain. This is a style well suited to picaresque, a mode that requires profusion of incident above depth of character, but it won't do for a novel that hopes to say something meaningful about human emotion. Catherine always seems to cry on cue; the more she does it, the less we're liable to believe in her grief. For all its brilliance, The Chemistry of Tears is a novel that speaks to the intellect rather than the heart it is a complex and expertly crafted piece of machinery, but not an altogether convincing representation of life.


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Cloudscape Biography
Cloudscape rose (in 2001) from the ashes of the locally known band "Doctor Weird" who appeared at "Sweden Rock Festival" back in 2000 and played several support gigs to well known bands on the swedish metal scene. They released three studio albums so far. "Cloudscape" is a also pop band from Greece...
Cloudscape Metal Albums
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Seventh Wonder , Darkwater , Suspyre , Mind's Eye , Tomorrow's Eve , ,
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