Gassing up while asleep at the wheel

by Ted Holteen

I’m not a scientist. Nor am I an economist, engineer or even an informed observer. But with gas costing nearly as much as milk nowadays, even I could see that it was only a matter of time before someone got to thinking that maybe there’s another way. A cheaper way, if you will. And who would be more motivated to find a cheaper way to do anything than a bunch of hippies? Setting aside my ignorance of the scientific and mechanical world as well as my complete lack of confidence in the ambition of today’s hippie, surely you will share my surprise upon hearing that such a project is well underway.

The Oil & Water Project is an undertaking by a group headed by Seth Warren and Tyler Bradt, described as “two brotherly kayakers with a passion for sustainable lifestyle choices.” I won’t have as much fun with that bio as I’d like, as I can only assume that both of these global trekkers can probably kick my ass, and discretion being the better part of valor, I will instead kiss theirs. Seth and Tyler are on the first leg of a tour of Earth in a totally tricked-out RV-looking thing that runs on Biodiesel, but with a twist. It seems they can jam anything from kale to squirrels in it, and it’s got an oil press in it that converts it to jet fuel or something. I told you I don’t understand things. But The O+WP people do, and they’ll be making their only Colorado stop in town TODAY, Thurs., Aug. 17, on a leg of a journey that started in Alaska and will end somewhere in South America. And that’s only the first two continents. They’ll have a full demonstration of their super truck, which looks like a cross between a London double-decker bus, a fire truck and a Vanagon, in the parking lot of Pedal the Peaks at 5 p.m. TODAY. Then they’ve got a movie/slide show bit at the Abbey starting at 7 p.m., where the idea is for people to learn about how easy the whole alternative fuels conversion could be if only armed mobs engaged in eco-terrorism against the oil companies.

Boycotts are good, too.

Also TODAY, Fort Lewis College continues its “critically-acclaimed” summer play deal, kind of. (I can’t help but wonder if I’m one of those acclaimers. I sort of remember writing something nice. How exciting.) The final play in the series is an adaptation of Louis L’Amour’s short story “Merrano of the Dry Country,” reworked for the stage by the late author’s son, Beau L’Amour and directed by FLC’s own Kathryn Moller. Beau has done this successfully several times with his dad’s manuscripts, and Kathryn’s really good at directing stuff. The actual performance is next Thursday, but Beau will be at the Strater Hotel today (I think) at 4:30 p.m. for a public preview and some free food. For my part, I intend to persuade Beau to forge his father’s signature on the 50 or so L’Amour titles in the Ted’s Books inventory, which I then hope to have on eBay by Friday afternoon. I really think he’ll be there, as I heard him on the radio earlier this week and

I think he’s in town for a while. But don’t hold me responsible if he’s not. Research isn’t my “thing.”

Several weeks ago readers were cautioned on this page that with the A-list talent coming to the Community Concert Hall, expediency would be needed to secure tickets to see it all. Two big shows in two days this weekend complicated matters, and it was the second show that sold out quickly. So many of you procrastinators won’t see Kris Kristofferson on Sunday night. But all is not lost, as a few seats remain (as of Tuesday) for Western Swing legends Asleep at the Wheel on Friday night. Being legends, it should go without saying that they’re aces in their field, and have been for over 30 years. Interestingly, the band has had more than 80 different members over the years, maintaining a steady roster of about ten musicians on stage for playtime. Think Bar-D Wranglers, only more of them, no Cy, and more dancing. Also no brisket and baked beans. Do expect plenty of actual Wranglers, the pants, among the concertgoers. They must be good for dancin’.

I don’t know what the future may hold, but Frank Trio will soon be a thing of the past. The bulk of the band is leaving town soon to fulfill long-deferred prison sentences. Catch their final Summit performance on Friday night. Whether it’s their final show or not I can’t tell, nor will I guess after the Freewill Recovery 8-month farewell tour fiasco, but it is their last show at the Summit and a fond goodbye is in order. And for no reason other than that he’s good, make a point of stopping by the Cyprus Café on a Thursday night this month and check out the great Tom McCluskey on the piano. In addition to being a Grammy-award winning pianist, Tom knows a lot about the music and is a fascinating individual. The souvlaki’s great too.

The Know & Win Show is back on the air. Win something or show just how stupid you can be - egholteen@hotmail.com. You heard it here first; Broncos go 7-9. •