Remembering Ickus

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Eudo-DesyeuxGreetings from Ickushouse.

Thank you for your visit.

I am honored to introduce myself as the new Director of Ickushouse, our esteemed institution founded in 1999.  I am humbled to offer, as eulogy, a few words about our cherished founder, the late Ickus (1999-2012) whose memory shall continue to inspire and inform Ickushouse’s mission and programming.

Remembering Ickus

As the staff of Ickushouse will fondly remember, Ickus was not one to sacrifice life’s pleasures, simple or exquisite. First and foremost he enjoyed the plenty of a well-prepared table. Though a gourmand, Ickus did not eschew more humble and traditional offerings, enjoying all culinary delights from poisson vapeur au citron and roast duck, to artisanal pizza and shortbread cookies, to cafeteria pot roast. Of course his favorite dish (as we know from free verse dated February 2010) was the center-cut pork loin seared to bleu with sea salt (always served by the head I.H. chef on special occasions).

Ickus at work

Ickus at home working on one of many special projects

In his prime Mr. Ickus was a man about town, frequenting restaurants al fresco, local shops, and private parties where, earlier as an adolescent, the young Ickus was oftimes mistaken for a small dog. Ickus’ film debut came with the 2005 feature-length documentary Viva les Amis, first screened at Austin’s own Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, at national film festivals, and later on TV.

Ickus would soon after retire from the public eye to spend time at the compound, where he could usually be found in one of his preferred spots: musing by the fire in his wicker or contemplating the wildlife in the Ickushouse gardens from his favorite window spot. It is there that Ickus allowed the fruits of Ickushouse to fully ripen before setting “pen to paper.”

– Eudo Oliphant Maxime Desyeux

The New Ickushouse

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After the sad passing of Ickushouse founder, Ickus, we have been engaged in the long process of locating and preparing a suitably magnificent successor. We have found him, and after his final “procedure” he will be ready to introduce himself and lead the new Ickushouse.

Ickushouse will continue to offer the quality content you’ve come to expect and trust.

We are looking forward to seeing you again at Ickushouse!

– the Ickushouse Staff

Trichobezoars

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Ickus had a vague, yet disturbing enough, morningmare today about hairballs, technically known as trichobezoars.

Never having cohabited with a poor creature plagued by this chronic ailment, Ickus had never seen such thing until he found a rather graphic image online. (For the benefit of Ickus’ smooth friends who are unfamiliar with trichobezoars, Ickus has posted the image at right.)

Apparently the victim may expel these either by regurgitation or defecation, weekly or bi-weekly on average. They are a serious health hazard if lodged in the small intestine. (If you suspect you or someone in your family has a trichobezoar that cannot pass, please seek medical attention.)

Ickus concludes that a significant amount of hair must be ingested to produce a specimen such as the one pictured and that our long-haired brothers and sisters in springtime are most susceptible (especially those whose assistants perform inadequate grooming). Even childhood wool-licking did not produce in Ickus such an effect.

If you are hairless (or nearly hairless) be grateful, and be kind to those whom you suspect might suffer this indignity. And if tempted to raise this subject with them, please use discretion.

Ickus would like to hear from readers who are experienced with trichobezoars. Specifically, Ickus is interested in answers, not found online, to the following questions:

  • Do hairball barfs feel like regular barfs?
  • Technically, at what point does a poop with hair in it become a pooped hairball?
  • Are hairballs a waste product?
  • Could hairballs be repurposed industrially?
  • Can one perform divination by hairball?

In Memoriam: Buddy, “The Most Interesting Man in the World”

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Famously fearless and unflappable throughout his long life, Buddy succumbed to kidney disease on Monday, May 3, 2010, at his home in Wimberley, Texas. He was about 19.

Buddy (a.k.a. “Sweet Boy,” “Cholo”) was of humble origin, born in Chula Vista, CA, a notoriously foul neighborhood of San Diego. His innate charm and elegance, however, eventually won him a peaceful Hill Country sanctuary where he enjoyed contemplative and cozy living during his regal years.

He grew up with Spanish as his mother tongue and was known to easily seduce with his soft, lyrical whisper. Buddy preferred to lead a simple life, always taking food in moderation and most enjoying plentiful sunshine, long naps, and intimate face-to-face purring.  Before his illness became too debilitating, his attention to personal grooming was meticulous; his pristine golden eyes and, especially, his luscious, gleaming ebony coat were enviable.

Buddy, once called “The Most Interesting Man in the World,” is survived by his beloveds Cynthia and Jack, both of Wimberley.

May he rest in peace, this gallant spirit.

before Day, friday

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Muh-muh gave me a tiny song bird
she took right from a strange mouth.
She was blue, bright, bright blue, but wilted.
When she turned bloody brown and big
like a pig and split open
I took her liver with my beak.
It seemed too little, about the size of mine.

I texted my boss I couldn’t come in
(this was part of the dream)
then I barfed into Night.
(this wasn’t).

Ickus dream