America Through the Lens of David Jerome

David Jerome

iheartAmerica

An iPhone photographic tour of

the USA on her 250th birthday

Smack Books

Five Scoops of Bosco (out of five)

Reviewed by Allen Bacon, The Daily Bosco

One of the marks of a great photo centric "coffee table" book is when you can look through it multiple times and see something new, exciting,  and interesting every trip through.

Humorist, Author, Columnist, Photographer David Jerome has created that book. 

Jerome's second photographic (and seventh overall) book iheartAmerica An iPhone photographic tour of the USA on her 250th birthday was released the week of America's 250th Birthday. 

It's an absolute gem.

Jerome, who among other things, has written the popular newspaper column "Mr. Bucket List" where he experiences America first hand and writes about it has also documented with photos his many stops.  His wonderful photographic instincts are on par with his writing talent.  I declare a tie. 

To quote the prophet Rod Stewart, "Every picture tells a story, don't it?"

It's very hard to pick a favorite but Jerome's view from the stage at the Ryman Theater at the Grand Ole Opery (Nashville),  "Breaking Bad Santas" (Albuquerque),  "On Deck, Miller Park" (Milwaukee), "The Church of Fumigation" (Key West), "International UFO Museum" (Roswell),  "Night Cactus" (Scottsdale) is a snap shot of the wonderful blend of the humorous, quirky, and beautiful contained in the close to 150 photographs in this book.

The best thing you can do is experience America on your own. The next best thing is to flip through this book.

I dare you to look at this book just once.

Live Music: Jude Carter Delivers Strong Set

Jude Carter Live Performance

Night Owl Saturday Showcase

Five scoops of Bosco (Out of five)

Reviewed by Allen Bacon, The Daily Bosco

One week in front of the much anticipated release of his first album, "Running In Traffic" on July 31, Jude Carter delivered a wonderful set of eleven songs (ten originals and one cover) as part of the Night Owl Saturday Showcase.

It was a warm late July early evening so to the delight of the audience and because the vibe called for it, Carter made the last minute decision to go nearly unplugged.  Nine of the songs were accompanied by his acoustic guitar and the final two he performed on keyboards.

Carter has been establishing himself (to borrow a baseball term) as a five tool player.  He tells very interesting stories with his original lyrics,  accompanied by music that you love right from the first time you hear it.  This Showcase also demonstrated his talent as a singer and musician. In addition, he has a nice, fun, stage presence.

My personal favorites in this show were his originals "Back To You", "Sleeping In This Bed I Made", "'Beca at the Coffee Shop", and "All My Friends are on Drugs". Then half way through he surprised everybody with a wonderful acoustic take of Michael Jackson's PYT.

Can't wait to listen to his "Running In Traffic" album.  Due out this weekend on all the platforms.

Kalaveras Is Muy Bueno

Kalaveras 

Multiple Locations

5 Scoops of Bosco

Reviewed By Allen Bacon, The Daily Bosco

I have to admit, when I first passed the Mexican restaurant Kalaveras I was a little intimidated by the El Dia De Muerto imagery.  

As a wanna be Graphic Artist, I was intrigued, but scared at the same time.  I think it is because when I was growing up, when you saw an image of a skull on anything, that was usually not a good thing.

That slight fear quickly went away the minute I stepped into Kalaveras.  This is because you are immediately immersed in the festive vibrant colors, music, sights and sounds of celebration of the traditional El Dia De Muerto. 

That is all well and good, but would it pass the taste test?  

My wife and I have a very simple test when we eat at a Mexican Restaurant for the first time. We order a Molcajete and for dessert we order a flan with a coffee.

Don't let the fact that the folks at Kalaveras call their Molcajete a Parrillada and serve it on a flat cast iron skillet as opposed to a cast iron bowl throw you off.

Kalavera's take on the Parrillada (Molcajete) is a wonderful mix of marinated steak, chicken breast, shrimp, chorizo, quesso fresco, and Toreado Pepper seasoned to near perfection.

The flan we had for dessert was also very well done.  Great texture with caramel and strawberries, garnished with mint.  The coffee? Folgers Classic.

We can't wait to go back and try all the other wonderful food on the menu.