It’s like I always say: “When the tattooed photographer plops down on the floor with a bowl of birdseed and starts to read his Thomas Hardy paperback, the hipster party is dead and it’s time to leave!” And that’s all I really need to say about last night.
Today is the Kentucky Derby. Having traveled to Louisville three times this past year, I’ve driven past that infamous locale on several occasions–especially while getting lost on the way to Tim Furnish’s house. I remember sitting in my car scratching my head trying to figure out his directions, when I glanced out the window and saying, “Oh, wow, look at that. Churchill Downs.” On an empty summer day it’s not nearly as intimidating as it appears on television. Nevertheless during Derby week everything changes. I’ll let Jeff Mueller of Rodan/June of 44/Shipping News fame explain to you as he did for me one night last summer at Tuman’s in Chicago:
JM: Jason [Noble] said one of the most intensely harsh things in any interview…The biggest bummer…Oh, God…But so poignant, and completely direct! The fifth question was, “Is there anything you want to talk about preceding the Kentucky Derby events that are about to ensue?” Because, in Louisville…
EL: It’s huge.
JM: It’s pretty much this weeklong massive party where everyone gets shlitzed. It’s just a drunkfest–and the local people bury their heads in the sand, it’s so insane. Uh…So he’s asked this question, very pointed–like, “Is there anything you want to add about the Kentucky Derby?” And Jason said, “Only that we’re at war and I would like everyone to remember that there’s people in Iraq that are dying.”
EL: wow
[laughter]
Meanwhile, my “lady on the scene” Brooke has been reporting to me via text messages what’s going on down in Louisville today. So far I’ve learned, “there’s A LOT going on,” I should’ve come to Louisville this weekend, and Brooke is not wearing a derby hat. Thanks, Brooke! I see a very long and profitable career in news-reporting for you in the future!
One final note: you should be a friend and download my friend Jack’s first podcast right here. He’s working very hard on this project, so I’ve offered whatever webspace and bandwidth he needs to get his show off the ground. I even contributed my vocal duties and some musical skronking to a future episode, so make sure you keep listening. Also check out his blog and his myspace profile. Whatever drugs he’s taking, it’s working–this podcast is trippy as hell.
