"Right now, America is in a state of upheaval. Poverty is demoralizing. You can't expect people to have the virtue of purity when they are poor. But we've got this guy out there now who is redefining...what a politician is, so we'll have to see how things play out. Am I hopeful? Yes, I'm hopeful that things might change. Some things are going to have to."
- Bob Dylan



Well "Happy New Year" first of all. Here's hoping this report finds all of you out there hail & hearty. It is a time for new beginnings and changes.

And speaking of trying new things....Recently some good friends of mine treated me to a three-day course in something called The Landmark Forum. This cutting edge program is sort of an accelerated learning experience. It challenges your conventional perspectives and decision-making patterns. It is also pretty heavy. For three 12-hour days you sit in a big room with 100 other people and deal with concepts like language, integrity, and possibilities. Just like anything else in life, you can wade through the shallow stuff and go as deep as you want. I discovered quite a bit. If you are curious check out www.LandmarkForum.com

Manatees Fun Fact: Did you know that Mighty Manatees producer David Ivory (www.ivoryproductions.com) is releasing a "Live At Puck" compilation CD to benefit the charity organization Philabundance (www.philabundance.org)? It's true! The CD will feature two live tracks by The Mighty Manatees as well as performances by many of the other artists who have taken part in David's Thursday night songwriter series at Puck in Doylestown, PA.

New Rooms Dept.:
We just played our first show at Hotel Fiesole www.hotelfiesole.net in Skippack, PA. This place is very nice. Big dance floor, great decor, and no-smoking. Well be back there on Sat., Feb. 28. Sweet!

We will debut at The Solaris Grille (formerly The Swiss Chalet) on Fri., Jan. 23. It is located on Rt. 73 in Center Square, PA. Showtime is 8:30. This is an acoustic duo show. Guest musicians are welcome.

Manatees Fun Fact: Did you know that Uncle Ronkle (our in-house engineer) has capabilities to stream live shows on-line? It's true! Now we can web-cast any live show we want! In real time! Wow! Imagine the possibilities. www.asc01.com

That's all of the news for now.
Be cool my babies.
LOVE,
Ranger Will

Odetta
1930-2008