Every once in a while, I come across something online that brings memories flooding back. I’m talking about the ones you can feel, taste and smell, as well as see and hear. The memories that immediately transport you (well, me) back to – in this case, the ’70s, when I listened to The Carpenters Singles album over and over again on the neighbor’s 8-track.

Came across this sample of Karen Carpenter’s voice track from Superstar with only a rudimentary rhythm track. Hearing her sing this sad ballad before all the fancy mix and overlays are put in really brings home what a lovely voice she had (with arguably a better low range than her brother). Enjoy!

Alas, ’twas not to be. California Chrome did not achieve the first Triple Crown win since 1978. People throughout Northern California, and underdog rooters everywhere, were pulling for the three-year-old colt, who had made such a spectacular showing at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

Two of California Chrome’s owners, Perry and Denise Martin, live in Yuba City, California. The town turned out in force for a major celebration of the good fortune of one of their own. The party took a subdued turn when California Chrome finished tied for fourth in the Belmont Stakes, but the accomplishment of winning the Derby and Preakness remains.

Could I say the full story of California Chrome is yet to be written?

Went to the zoo tonight, but didn’t see any animals. Well, I did see a couple of ducks fly in to the flamingo pond.

We were there for a special event, and DID get to see a lot of smiling human faces. Kids say and do the darndest things, and do so with utter commitment and confidence. While I don’t like to see adults acting childish, we could probably improve our lot in life by being more child-like. Kids know how to have fun. Do you?

So you’ve got people camping in the bushes and trees adjacent to the pump station and the railroad tracks. Probably not the best place for a camp-out.

What’s to be done?

I’m not advocating this position, but in one recent roadside copse, the answer was – clear cut. Take out all the trees and bushes. Open the area up to view from both the roadway and the train tracks.

Note that I say “call and response,” not “cause and effect,” since there are undoubtedly many other reasons for getting rid of foliage that are completely unrelated to dislodging homeless campers. But are they good reasons? Can we find a balance that allows a safe place for the homeless to hang out without denuding the right-of-way?