Bang, Bang

For the second time in a week, there's been another workplace shooting. It won't be the last one, either. Because of the economy and employment stagnation, times are tough.

And the weak won't be tough. Instead of dealing with their situations and getting help, they decide to gun down the innocent to get even.

Apparently, the shrink who shot so many people at Ft. Hood in Texas yesterday had been under a government watch for six months. Six months--why wasn't he barred from the premises, or better yet, placed into a psych ward or a prison? Thirteen soldiers would be alive, if the government had acted.

The coward who shot four people and killed one in Orlando, Florida, today was evaluated awhile back in a psych ward and attacked a nurse. He was released, and look what happened.

What can be done about people like these? Probably nothing. But we have to be alert and pay attention to others. Change in behavior? Hateful postings on websites? Telling people goodbye? These are warning signs. No one just snaps. The rubber band is stretched beforehand.

iPod Essentials #90: "Wouldn't It Be Good"--Nik Kershaw

Ahhhh, quintessential ear candy. A 1983 pop classic about wishing for someone else's life: "Wouldn't it be good to be on your side. The grass is always greener over there."

Do I wish I were someone else? I did when I was younger. Certain people never seemed to work for anything: they had cute figures, plenty of friends and boyfriends, school success. If they yawned, good opportunities fell into their mouths.

I never had it so easy. I've had to work for everything.

Still timely during these troubled times, Kershaw's one-hit wonder strikes a chord in us to buck up and perservere.

I Want to Scream: Why We Need to Take Mental Health Days

So I'm not really injured or sick, but mentally I am. I called into one of my schools, making this claim. It's early November. I'm dealing with too many papers from too many students. My troublemaking student in my ESL class is nearing a suspension. I'm stressed out. Money is tight. The house is messy. My SUV needs a fuel pump (recall). And my pepper trees need pruning once again. Above all else, I'm getting little work done on my newest novel. Since I live to write, and not teach, this is really bothering me.

I have 48 hours of sick leave, and I've just used up 5 of it today.

I can finish critiquing persuasive essays, tend to a few chores. Most importantly, I can work on the new novel, which is struggling right now, as my first drafts do.

If I can't best serve myself right now, then how can I deal with others? It's like a mental staycation, these days. I will return to work dedicated and energetic once again.

Hence, the day off. I only do this once a year, if that. I've got nothing left for students today, but I will get it back,

iPod Essentials #89: "The Unforgettable Fire"--U2

I was thrilled when U2 played this song during its stint at the Rose Bowl on Sunday night. (Check out the entire concert on You Tube!)

The song, like the entire album, is haunting. A lost love never dies, does it?

Soupy Sales: RIP, Mr. Pie

With sadness, I learned that the great comedian Soupy Sales passed away yesterday. He was 83. During the 60's, he had his own TV show, THE SOUPY SALES SHOW. I even had a Soupy Sales ring.

Taking over 20,000 pies in his face, Soupy Sales always had fun. His gags were wordplays and slight. He never used insults or profanity to get people to laugh.

Wherever Mr. Sales is right now, may he be getting pies thrown at him. Can't you hear him laughing right now?

iPod Essentials #88: "Tuesday Afternoon"--The Moody Blues

Though I don't like to see my favorite songs appear in TV ads, this rendition of the Moody Blues' classic works. I can't recall the sponsor, but the ad features a father and his young daughter admiring a deep sea aquarium on a lazy Tuesday afternoon.

The Moody Blues were among the first bands to use a full orchestra (The London Philharmonic) to add depth to its songs on DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. It worked. The songs took on lives of their own, like lazy afternoons.

iPod Essentials #87: "Up up and Away"--The 5th Dimension

This selection is dedicated to Balloon Boy and the probable hoax that captivated the nation yesterday. (If you go on a Reality TV once, you'll do it again.)

The 5th Dimension crafted lyrical soul-pop tunes. This song tells of a lifting love or a balloon ride, depending on your interpretation. The vocal force was Marilyn McCoo whose range and clear enunciation of songs was impressive.

This song makes me long to take a balloon ride somewhere. When I get to Kenya someday, I will take that ride across the Serenghetti, all the while thinking of this song.

Costco: The Second Coming of the Donner Party

Four times a year, I sigh and brace myself for the ten-minute trip to Costco, where I spend an hour stuffing a cart with purchases and cursing the place for being so busy.

The tension begins upon arrival. How many accidents have occured in the parking lot on Lindero Canyon and Russell Ranch Roads? Some drivers don't see the arrows marking direction in the lot. Driving is a free-for-all.

The madness continues into the building, where half of Thousand Oaks congregates at a given time. Like myself, they are searching for good deals. Today, while pushing a shopping cart filled with canned goods, fish, milk, laundry detergent, and a dog bed, I nearly collided with six people.

Once I paid for my purchases and made my way to my trusty Subaru, I relaxed. The pilgrimage concluded, and I didn't have to resort to cannabalism to survive. At least, not unitl February.

iPod Essentials #86: "It's a Mug's Game"--Soft Cell

Ahhh, a frat boy funfest. This song from my college days has everything: profanity, STD's, hangovers. It's the tale of a young British loser, perfect for a Friday night. It's a great song to listen to so we can forget your problems, something we need to do from time to time.

Defending Polanski?

I don't understand many of these people in Hollywood who choose to support a man who raped a thirteen-year-old girl in 1978. (Yes, Virginia, she was raped. Read the transcripts on THE SMOKING GUN. And Whoopi, there's no such thing as 'rape-rape.') They also rally behind this man who fled to France before he could be punished for his crime. Don't they believe that laws apply to all people. To paraphrase a line from CHINATOWN: It's Hollywood, Jake.

Ironically, Polanski's ego proved to be his downfall. In Switzerland to accept an award, he was apprehended by law enforcement. Even so, it shouldn't have taken thirty-one years for his arrest.

He scared us with ROSEMARY'S BABY, humanized us with THE PIANIST, and entertained us with CHINATOWN. Roman Polanski is a brilliant director, granted. However, if you strip away his profession and acclaim, he is just a man who must do the time for the crime he committed.

iPod Essentials #85: "Let It Be"--The Beatles

The song never fails to comfort me during "times of trouble." Let's face it, most of us are troubled right now due to money, job insecurity, or loneliness. The U.S. has serious problems, which fails to reassure us that things will be okay in the end.

Paul McCartney gives us a lesson about faith in this gentle song: "Whisper words of wisdom/Let it be." Maybe if we pray a lot or take comfort in scripture, we find the strength to allow these difficult challenges to resolve themselves or to end.