OUTSIDERS

Lolita: Well then, I better go pick some flowers. I’d actually do anything to get away from sitting at this computer. In fact, I’ll just call in my little interesting tidbits on my iPhone. Rita: You don’t have an iPhone. Lolita: Okay, I was really planning on just using a Dixie cup on a string while I sit out in the yard. Rita: I know just being outside is a real pleasure. Lolita: While I’m out there, I’ll ask every musician that walks by, what the favorite thing you’ve done outside so far this year. Rita: Excellent. Make sure you turn the volume up on your Dixie cup. LINDA VIENS (Angeline): My favorite thing I did outside this year so far was meditating under the full moon on a volcanic rock cliff high above the Caribbean Sea in Tulum, Mexico. *** MATT J (the Bynars): I went outside with my Captain Kirk uniform on, screamed “KHAAAAAN!” and went back inside to watch more Star Trek. *** TIM DINNEEN (Singuya): There’s something to be said for standing around outside with a frosty cold adult beverage in your hand while a succulent rack of ribs sizzle and pop next to a couple of burgers on the BBQ. You just can’t beat drinkin’ and grillin’. *** KAREN DeBIASSE (Girl On Top): Being outdoors in the woods or at the beach is a great way to relax and be one with nature. We bought a gorgeous black German shepherd named Bonzo a few years back, so every time he comes with us on our adventures it is my favorite thing to do outside. *** CHUCK U. ROSINA (WMBR/ WMFO): Winter in New England. You can’t make it go away, so we embraced it. My wife and I, and another couple, spent three days snow-shoeing in the backcountry of the White Mountains. We came upon frozen waterfalls, ice-covered lakes, serene and peaceful. Often we four were the only humans around, communing with nature. *** DARRON BURKE (Makeshift Studio): I rebuilt a vintage wooden Rogers snare drum and used bamboo that grows in our yard for the job. I shaped a piece and glued it in, voila! *** MICHELLE PAULHUS (Andrea Gillis Band): Spending the day on a deserted island in the Caribbean. The only inhabitant was a fat and very happy housecat. Doesn’t get any better. *** DAVID AVERY (Powderfinger Promotions): I did a lot of snowshoeing in the woods this winter. And then there was snowball baseball—a game that can be either harmless or deadly, but is rarely in the middle due to some people’s ability to make some horrendously fierce ice balls. Yes, bring on the “ball” jokes. *** MR. CURT (Mr. Curt Ensemble): It was mid-January, 7:00 am, one of those absolutely freezing days (say about three degrees!), and I was sitting in my school bus waiting for some children to arrive. The windows were completely frosted though the heat was on. I grabbed my pen and notebook and jotted down my impressions, which became my newest song, “File Under Winter.” Add some music to your day! *** GENE JOHNSTON (Dead Friends): I took my dirt bike out last week and the experience was soooo vindicating. Is it me or was this winter effin painful and long? I think it altered my brain. Firing my motocross bike up and hearing that bumblebee on steroids tone echo through the woods of Oxford, MA soothed my soul in ways I can’t even explain. The smell of pine, tons of mud, sand, trees blurring by and a beaver. Hellz Yea! *** CORIN ASHLEY (the Pills): I’m getting pretty fruity in my old age and really into staring at trees lately. My three year old and I have been taking big hikes in the woods with our bulldog and we agree that trees are just really cool. I’ve just been having a lot of pleasant early childhood associations flooding back, staring at the branches until everything goes all cosmic on us. *** SHADY (the Crushing Low/ the Noise): As much as I complain about it, heading out for a really long walk with Mrs. Shady and our pooch has been the best thing so far this year outside, now we just need to get to the beach. *** PETER MOORE (Count Zero/ Peter Moore): I was in Nevada in March. One morning we got up early and drove an hour outside of Vegas to the Valley of Fire. There’s a (far less vibrant) video example of how cool this is on petermooreworld.com where I apparently confuse the words “rocks” with “rain” and my real last name with Gabriel. And earnestness with Velveeta. *** NICOLE TAMMARO (Nicole Tammaro Photography): My favorite thing I did outside this year... so far... was rippin’ into some ass who thinks it’s okay to park his car on my private way in Somerville and walk to his work. I have not seen that car back... yet. *** CHRIS PEARSON (Ekranoplan): In February, I went skiing for the first time in almost 17 years in Stowe, Vermont. I thought I’d be all wobbly on the slopes, but it came right back to me. Vigorous alpine sports are great for chasing the winter blahs away! *** ANDERSON MAR (Dark Sky Productions/ the Paul Green School of Rock): Pedestrian-yelling. It’s considered a bonafide sport in places like Rhode Island. I’m continually amused at how many joggers will look down when you yell, “Your socks are untied!” out a car window. Lolita: Sounds like you, Anderson, and Nicole would have fun yelling at people together. We prefer that you start bringing them flowers.