iPod Essentials #59: "Money's Too Tight (To Mention)"--Simply Red

Ahhh, the mantra from the changing time in which we live. Aside from this fact, Mick Hucknall's vocals really sell this song. I've often wondered why Simply Red was never a popular band--they had great craft and great vocals. Perhaps they will be rediscovered.

Our Epic Lives

Yesterday I finished Ken Follett's wonderful WORLD WITHOUT END, at its hulking 1,000 pages. An epic tale of the Middle Ages, indeed. Though Follett isn't a master stylist, he tells a compelling story. I also like his strong female characters. WORLD, along with its Oprah Book Club counterpart, PILLARS OF THE EARTH, are hard to put down.

Shouldn't our lives be epic as well? Full of strength, triumph, adventure, experience, and romance? (Personally, I like my conflicts confined to the pages of my novels.) We're the heroes in our lives--during this difficult time, we seem to be forgetting that. We close ourselves off and watch in fear as yet another company gets a federal bailout or observe a family being evicted from their home. We aren't taking chances to secure our happiness and well-being. Heroes take risks. It may be the only way to save ourselves from the unknown.

iPod Essentials #58: 'Rainforest"--Paul Hardcastle

Since So Cal will be experiencing wind, rain, snow, and very cold temperatures for most of this week, it seems fitting that "Rainforest" will be an Essential. It's a New Age track, very danceable and upbeat, with synethesizers and other instrumentation reminiscent of sounds you would hear in a rainforest.

This song makes me happy. Gloomy weather does not.

iPod Essentials #57: "Broken Wings"--Mr. Mister

This Canadian pop band recorded this inspiring song back in the mid 80's. Even though it deals with coping after a breakup, it applies to all areas of life, from coping with the economic crisis to those poor people who lost their homes in last weekend's series of wildfires in southern California.

The song's message: nurse your wounds, then "learn to fly again."

That's all you can do to survive.

iPod Essentials #56: "Stand or Fall"--The Fixx

I've never understood why The Fixx wasn't more popular than it was. Great songs, solid musicians, cutting vocals. I feel they were one of the best rock/New Wave bands of the 80's.

"Stand or Fall" was one of the best songs of the 80's. The message is dark, like another one of its hits: "Red Skies." Both songs deal with war, or imposing war. Yet "Stand" offers a glimmer of hope, as long as we make the right choice by standing up to government or bureaucracy, making our voices heard: "State your peace tonight."

There's never anything wrong with that, given the world in which we live.

January 20, 2009. 12:01 PM

Barack Obama did it...he became the first African-American president of the United States. Moreover, he became a symbol of hope for the serious troubles this nation is facing.

He admits that "it won't be easy," the path ahead of him, but he will do his best, unlike our current president (actually, our vice president, as I believe George Bush is too stupid to think for himself.). The current administration, so focused on national security and two pointless wars, has turned its back on the needs of its own country. With no regulation of Wall Street and giant corporations, it's no surprise that we are now in The Great Recession.

What about health care? Every year I pay more for my health-insurance policy and receive less benefits.

Education? No Child Left Behind does not work--every year the crop of college students I teach possess less curiosity and strong learning skills than the students from the previous term.

Barack Obama, as we all do in the U.S, has a long path to walk. But we have to walk it. There's no other choice.

iPod Essentials #55: "Nemisis"--Shriekback

In honor of Halloween (though belated), you can hear this classic New Wave song playing on radios in the US. It's a goofy tune, lightweight goth. I'm not even sure if I understand the words, though it's a cool tune, one created to celebrate the dead and all things creepy.

Boo.

iPod Essentials #54: "Nights in White Satin"--The Moody Blues

Ahhhhh, strings and and soulful questioning...

A rock classic, this song combines Justin Hayward's longing to understand himself ("Just what you want to be, you will be in the end") with the lush music of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Simple yet profound.

Silenced

As a CSUN alumnus, I am following the story of Esha Momeni, a graduate student, who was abducted in Tehran, while interviewing Iranian women for her thesis. Momeni was asking these women about their lives. The Iranian government objected, and has let Momeni know it. Currently, she is being held in solitary confinement.

Only for asking questions.

Momeni has no political motives. Although seemingly naive, she just wants to create an excellent graduate thesis, as most grad students do.

What does the Iranian government hope to gain by Momeni's inprisonment? Are they trying to send a message that they are a country of no questions, no answers, or else? Are they hoping that the U.S. will attempt to break her out of prison by force, so they can launch WWIII?

No, I think they're hoping Momeni go away quietly, like so many other women in Iran.

iPod Essentials #53: "Reach Out (I'll Be There)"--Four Tops

Levi Stubbs, the great singer of this group, passed away yesterday, so it's only fitting that he and the rest of the members get this spot on the list. Smokey Robinson said it best when he mentioned that no one could sing like Levi.

"Reach Out" is my favorite song of the Tops because of the intensity of Mr. Stubbs' vocals. You can feel his heart breaking as he sings to his lost love, all with a great danceable beat.

Sing away, Tops, wherever you are.

The Great Recession

It used to annoy me when my grandmother would occasionally mention the hardship she and her large family endured during The Great Depression: skipping meals, walking everywhere, going without. "It's over, Grandma," I'd say. "It won't happen again."

I was wrong.

Granted, this economic crisis that the U.S. and other countries are facing isn't considered a depression (not yet, anyway). It's left so many families fearful for the future. Who can afford to buy a home nowadays, or get good health insurance? So much for the new TV I wanted to buy around Christmas. Money is an endangered species.

It enfuriates me that corporate greed and lax governmental policies opened the door for this Great Recession. Those execs who are off partying or buying sportscars with money they never should have earned is wrong. Hopefully, they will pay the piper very soon. They should learn what the rest of us are going through: worrying when the mail arrives in the afternoon, seeing big bills, fearing for the future.

Overwhelmed

I feel overwhelmed in working on the last draft (what I hope to be the Submission Draft) of my newest novel. I need to cut and take out meaningless things. It doesn't help that my first-person narrator/protagonist is also a chatterbox.

What does an already overworked and stressed-out writer to do?

One thing at a time. As Anne Lamott says in her great guide on writing, BIRD BY BIRD, "One thing at a time, son. One thing at a time."

iPod Essentials #52: "Music to Watch Girls Go by"--Al Hirt

In light of the sky falling economically, I long for a simpler time, don't you? This short but catchy trumpet tune does just that.

Even though I was a tyke in the late 60's, this song reminds me of two things: THE DATING GAME and Wrigley's T-Berry gum.

What I would give for both right now...

iPod Essentials #51: "Rock the Casbah"--The Clash

Has this been a long election, or what? Nevertheless, it's crucial, one of the most important elections I've ever been a part of during my voting years.

I fear that if we vote for McCain/Palin, we may find ourselves with not just oceans, but oceans with oil rigs. The Arctic will be peppered with rigs...and no more wildlife. All the while, oil gets more expensive. Oil is a corrupt business worldwide. We have to save ourselves and our land from it.

Vote Obama/Biden.

Check out this political tune with the catchy beat.

iPod Essentials #50: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking for"--U2

U2's THE JOSHUA TREE is a spiritual rock album, one of my favorites. This song shows how one's quest for spiritual fulfillment or a sense of being is never satisfied.

Lately, I've been questioning my spiritual sense. I'm tired of feeling second best in my careers, especially after the latest job interview in which I was very close to landing a rare and coveted full-time teaching position. I went through three interviews and a teaching demo. I know I'm a good teacher and a valuable asset to my campus community, but alas, I still wasn't good enough to be hired.

Does God, or the force of spirit, want to keep us feeling second best? I really resent those whose doors in life automatically open without hard work. Why are the doors still shut after so much hard work?

Maybe U2 can answer that question in another song.

iPod Essentials #49: 'Gonna Fly Now"--Bill Conti

In honor of the Olympics (Go, USA!), I have chosen this inspiring song for this Essential. It always urges me to press on in the face of love lost, flubbed job interview, or manuscript rejection. The tightness of the horns reminds me of Rocky Balboa, second-rate boxer and seeming has-been, sprinting along the streets of Philadelphia. Athlete or not, we can all overcome our setbacks and disappointments to better ourselves.

The Andes Are Tall

Hola! I have returned from my much-needed , ten-day trip to Peru. Once I adjusted to the high altitude and tempered my breathing problems, I marveled in the sheer majesty and beauty of this remarkable country. With their engineering genius, the Incas

iPod Essentials #48: "It's My Life"--Talk Talk

This is one of my favorite songs of the 80's. It's got a great synthsized beat and a terrific video to boot. It indicates that we all are masters of our lives, whether we're discussing love or career. "It's my life. Don't you forget."

Time to Vacate

Only temporarily, folks...I'm leaving for ten days to Peru. In these troubled times, it may seem foolish to some that I am spending a couple thousand dollars to get out of the USA for awhile. But consider the alternatives...stress, worry, anger. Not good emotions. I'm looking forward to NOT KNOWING the news of the day, to come back to my regular life and appreciate it more.

My favorite vacations teach me something or give me new experiences. That's what I'm hoping for. The citizens of this country would be far less stressed and sick if, as in Europe, they were given mandatory vacations. All the Europeans I've ever traveled with have little of the workaholic nature of Americans. It's refreshing and healthy.

Adios...

iPod Essentials #47: "Thunder Road"--Bruce Springsteen

Tim Russert loved Bruce Springsteen. Yesterday viewers of MEET THE PRESS saw a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Russert as only The Boss could sing it. "Thunder Road," along with the other songs on BORN TO RUN, talk of desperation and strength amid a working-class existance.

Hopefully, wherever Tim Russert is now he's on another kind of road, one that is peaceful.

Big Tim & Me

Like so many other Americans, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Tim Russert, the astute and congenial host of MEET THE PRESS. I used to watch this show every Sunday morning. While I read my Sunday edition of the LOS ANGELES TIMES, I would listen to him ask intelligent questions to politicians and political figures.

What I admired most about Mr. Russert is that he would not take politicians' attempts to talk around answers or to evade questions. He appreciated directness. Unfortunately, few political journalists have the courage to ask questions. Mr. Russert never sought to placate his audience or his guests, the way true journalists should.

My Sunday mornings will never be the same.

iPod Essentials #46: "A Beautiful Morning"--The Rascals

This song has such a sleepy, lazy day feel to it, especially when you are off for a week, like I am right now. It encourages the listeners to go outside and live and pay attention to surroundings. We sure don't do that enough, do we? We're too busy. Lazy days--we don't have enough of them.

Editing

These are a few tips on editing your work. I'm finding that too many students and authors don't pay enough attention to this valuable process. Often, they also can't be bothered to proofread, either.

1. Every word you write must account for something in each sentence. Don't use fillers, like "you know" or "due to the fact that."

2. Choose your words carefully. There's a big difference between "John walks," "John strides," and "John meanders."

3. Commas--the most misunderstood punctuation mark. Do not use them like periods--to end sentences. That is not their job. Their job is to indicate a temporary pause to the reader so that the reader can catch a mental breath before continuing to read.

4. If you don't have one, invest in a good grammar handbook. My fave is Lynn Aaron's LB BRIEF. It's affordable and concise.

Keep writing, but please take the time to edit and proofread your work.

iPod Essentials #45: "Heat of the Moment"--Asia

A classic pop-rock tune about a bad relationship (Aren't most of them?) based on physical attraction "that rose from circumstance." Looks alone could not keep this couple together.



Asia was a spin-off of Yes and ELP. They had a few hits of pleasurable pop-rock

Heat

I like the summer, but I hate the heat. I feel like doing nothing but staying indoors and either reading a book or watching a DVD. Heat might be nature's way of making us relax and take it easy. Every year we get busier and busier. I have stacks of books and DVD's that need reading and watching, but the stacks don't get smaller until the temps go well into the 90's. Drink and lemonade and read a book today.

iPod Essentials #44: "The Way I Want to Touch You"--The Captain & Tennille

Okay, it's cheesy and 70's. But since my birthday was Thusday, May 8, along with singer Toni Tennille, this seems like a logical selection. This was their best song, simple.

When I was in the sixth grade, I idolized Ms. Tennille, even down to the haircut...Scary!

Line Editing (It Feels Good to be Home)

After preparing for a fruitless full-time interview, I have come home to line edit my latest manuscript. I needed to take some time off from working on my latest; I needed to review my work with fresh eyes. I've realized how much I've missed being a writer and visiting with my characters.

So I didn't get the full-time teaching gig I wanted. That's okay. I still have my writing.

iPod Essentials #43: "Venus"--The Shocking Blue

Let's go way back to 1970. This was one of the first singles I received as a kid. I played it for hours on my small phonograph in my bedroom, bouncing up and down on my bed until one of my parents reprimanded me.

Years later, this song still has passion and a strong beat. Even though I like Bananarama, I can't stand their cover of it. The synthesizers and girly harmonies dilute the "woman power" theme.

Taking Pictures

As I progress in my photography skills, the more I am valuing the relaxing quality of taking pictures. I usually take a small camera (a Canon Powershot S60) on hikes with me since you will never know what you might encounter (a female mule deer last Saturday). My main camera is a Rebel XTI.

The more pictures I take, the better artist I am becoming. I can now take pictures of my dogs without their looking like blobs. I know not to dead center most of my subjects. In five years, I would like to go pro. Until then, I highly recommend the online photography classes at http://www.betterphoto.com/. You will get your money's worth!

Rosetta Stone

To enhance my opportunities for better-paying teaching jobs, I am working on studying my Spanish with the Rosetta Stone series of DVDs. Also, when I travel abroad, I like to speak the language at hand. It's only polite and respectful of the country's culture. These Rosetta Stone products certainly simplify the process of learning a new foreign language, even though I come to Spanish with four years of high school study and one year of college study.

I was going to minor in Spanish at CSUN until I had a Cuban instructor for my Spanish 204 class. I couldn't understand her. She made simple verb tenses complicated. After that semester, with my first C in Spanish, I decided not to minor in the subject. Foolish mistake. Learning language is good for the mind, soul, and job.

iPod Essentials #42: "I Scare Myself"--Thomas Dolby

An often unplayed song on the radio. I had never heard it until I was listening to Fred on XM. I couldn't believe it was Thomas Dolby. (I'm not fond of "She Blinded Me With Science.")

Yes, the lyrics are simplistic, but its music is soft and gorgeous, almost like the piano bar during cocktail hour. If only love were so simple...

The Price of our Craft

Being a professional writer is very expensive. Most authors get no financial support to promote their books, so they must do it on their own.

Right now I'm staring at my fourth-draft, completed manuscript of my newest mystery. I would really like some feedback from my editor in San Diego, but unfortunately, it's $1,600. I can't afford that, not with taxes, health insurance, car insurance, and my upcoming trip to Peru in July.

The craft you love versus financial necessitites--the choice is too painful sometimes. I will get my manuscript to my editor...sometime this year.

iPod Essentials #41: "Photograph"--Def Lepard

Ahhhh, the year of 1983. I was in college, staying busy with classes, dreaming of a relaxing summer and a good tan, and along came this song.

It's commerical rock at it's best. This song is so catchy, you will find yourself thinking about it long after you hear in on the radio.

And while you're at the beach, working on that tan.

iPod Essentials #40: "Magic Man"--Heart

The title of this song is my nickname for my eleven-year-old husky, Magic. It fits him. In his early years, Magic was a handful (well, he still can be one at times). Even so, Magic can magically sense my moods and is a very loyal dog. Every night he sits next to me on the couch. I would be very lonely without him and Georgy, my other dog.

Next time I blog, I will discuss my dogs in more depth and even provide a picture.

iPod Essentials #39: "Magic Man"--Heart

The song title is my nickname for my dog Magic. He's an eleven-year-old Siberian Husky. He's actually eleven going on three. He has so much energy, except on those days when his arthritis bothers him.

Even though he was a rescue dog and didn't know me during his puppyhood, he magically senses my feelings. When I'm sad, he is right there to comfort me. When I'm happy, he wants to play and play.

A magic man, he is.