iPod Essentials #102: "Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky)"--Bill Conti

So there's no boxing at the Winter Olympics, but this powerful film anthem conveys the spirit of every athlete, Olympians and Plain Joe. When we watch Rocky Balboa complete his run through the streets of Philadephia, we cheer him and value his drive and determination to train to try to beat Apollo Creed in the ring. Yes, Rocky loses, but he wins because he goes the distance and gives Creed a hell of a fight. Rocky learns that he is not a loser but a winner.

Regardless of the USA medal count over the next two weeks, all of our Olympians deserve this recognition. Most of them will never get rich from endorsements or win medals. They just compete for the love of their sports or because they thrive on training and pushing themselves to do their best.

Go USA!

Death by Anthem Blue Cross

Like millions of other Americans who can't afford or dislike their employer's health insurance policies, I must have an individual policy. The other day Anthem Blue Cross announced that as of March 1, my premium would increase by $101 a month. An outrageous fee, yes, but not as bad as some other subscribers.

An article in yesterday's edition of the LOS ANGELES TIMES announced that most of ABC's individual policyholders are facing a 30-39% increase in their monthly premiums. ABC blames it on "the rising cost of healthcare." Further, they mention in the letter I received that they will likely be raising premiums as they see fit. (Do I hear the AIG and GM angels singing in the background?)

Many, like myself, have switched to policies that have high deductibles and limited coverage. If I get seriously ill, I'm covered. If I remain healthy, I'm screwed. The philosophy of ABC is ironic and foolish. As a result of my high deductible, I won't visit my doctor unless I'm really sick, though I will continue to get yearly mammograms and gynecological exams because I don't want to die. (Gee, could it be that ABC really wants its individual policyholders to die off?)

The California Department of Insurance, which I contacted yesterday, plans to send me a form for more information. I fully intend to complain, and the DOI is launching an independent investigation. After all, ABC is trying to get away with murder.

iPod Essentials #101: 'Flood"--Jars of Clay

An appropriate song for a dreary rainy day, like today. This only mainstream hit from this Christian rock band deals with God, or a Higher Power, helping a troubled individual cope with life's trials. Also, another interpretation: God helping Noah steer his ark after 40 days and 40 nights of a flood. "Lift me up."

I Fought City Hall and Won

My seven-week battle with Pierce College to get my cancelled beginning ESL class reinstated for the Spring 2010 schedule ended this week. So far, there are 7 eager students enrolled, and I will be able to eat and pay bills this semester.

I stood up to the Board of Trustees and my department chair. Right now I am sure I am persona non grata around campus, but did these individuals have the best interest of my students and me in mind when English 82 was cancelled? The decision supposedly was based on budgetary concerns. This sends a terrible message to those who are non-native speakers: they don't matter.

Well, I've shown these misguided individuals that my students DO matter, that it is imperative for them to learn English so they can become productive, educated members of the San Fernando Valley.

You know the cliche. You can't fight City Hall. Yes, you can, if you put determination into your battle, and you choose it carefully. Actions, no matter how seemingly insignificant, bring reaction. It's the physics of survival.

iPod Essentials #100: "Promised You a Miracle"--Simple Minds

I think I'm one of the few people in America that doesn't really like Simple Minds's big hit, "Don't You Forget About Me," the theme of the BREAKFAST CLUB. It's an okay song. I prefer their less popular tunes, like this one from 1981. "Miracle" is a hopeful tune about love. Can't we all use some hope right now?

iPod Essentials #99: "Friday on My Mind"--The Easybeats

A 60's gem. Don't know much about the band, but the lead singer looks as though he's about 10 years old.

This is classic pop, light and danceable, like the first day of my weekend. Enjoy!

Choke on Your Stupidity, Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh

Shortly after the Haiti earthquake struck and devastated the island, the fools spoke.

Pat Robertston said that God caused the quake to strike because back in 1804, when the Haitians fought to claim their independence from the French, the Haitians made a pact with the devil. They also abandoned Christianity for devilish voodoo.

Rush Limbaugh put a political spin on the event: he claimed that President Obama showed bias for the people who shared his skin color. After all, he responded within one day to the Haitians but took three days to respond after the Underwear Bomber tried to blow up a plane on Christmas Day.

Where's the evidence for your claims? Some people don't like to think. These two men do not like to think. They never back up claims with evidence. The sad part is, many don't call them on this fact.

Bad things happen in the world. God doesn't cause them. Nature and, in the case of Haiti, poverty AND corruption cause them. This is the time to help, not appear on camera, smile, and say, "Neener-neener-neener."

iPod Essentials #98: "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"--The Hollies

This song from 1973 always aids me in comfort, and with the tragedy unfolding in Haiti, coupled with the ongoing economic crisis, most of us need this comfort.

"Brother" reminds us that we're not alone in our fears or our losses, that it's our responsibility to help others. I'll never forgive Clear Channel radio for trying to "discourage" stations from playing this song during the aftermath of 9/11 for fear of upsetting its listeners. The management in this company failed to understand this song's message. We are all keepers of one another, rich or poor, big or small.

Why We Need Nick and Nora Charles

On New Year's Eve/Day, I watched all six of THE THIN MAN movies on TCM. William Powell and Myrna Loy went together like a violin and a Strauss waltz. Nick Charles was the wry, booze-loving former detective. Nora was his rich wife. Nick was the brains of the cases; Nora was the brains of their relationship.

Nick and Nora give those who are single hope in finding their perfect matches. They speak in their own rhythms, work together as a team. Isn't that what a relationship means?

iPod Essentials #97: "Jailhouse Rock"--Elvis Presley

Today would have been Elvis's 75th birthday. It seems like yesterday when I was sitting in my mom's bedroom, when the announcement of his passing came on the TV. We just looked at each other.

Elvis may be gone, but his music and films and legend lives on. How can you not dance when you hear this tune? Almost makes me want to be incarcerated.

iPod Essentials #96: "Natural High"--Bloodstone

A dreamy, sexy song from 1973, complete with a falsetto and slow groove. If I were to dance with someone while this song was playing, I'd marry him.

Resolve or Why Auld Lane Syne Makes Me Sad

It's that time of year again. Bring out the streamers, paper hats, champagne, the one you'll kiss at midnight. And then, you'll hear that sad song.

With its horns and plaintive tone, "Auld Lane Syne" saddens me; it signals the passage of another year in which nothing spectacular happened other than struggles and failures. True, I finished my novel, but I thought I'd have an agent by now. I'm trapped in a job I'd like to stop doing because of its instability and stressful politics. I regained the ten pounds I'd lost. I constantly worry about money. Life doesn't seem enjoyable right now. What's the point in celebrating 2010? Chances are it will be the same as 2009.

Resolve, that's what. I'm tired of feeling like a failure, watching my friends succeed while I'm left behind, struggling and stagnating. I work hard, but I need to exhaust myself. Nothing comes easily for people; there's no fairy godmother to grant wishes. Maybe next year hearing those horns won't make me cringe.

iPod Essentials #96: "Sign Your Name"--Terence Trent D'Arby

So pleased when I heard this mid-80's gem midway through UP IN THE AIR yesterday. Slow, sexy--whatever happened to this guy? He had a great voice. His songs had interesting rhythms. And wow, did I mention how sexy this song is?

Self-Reflections up in the AMC

Yesterday I saw the wonderful UP IN THE AIR. I don't want to admit this, but I share a lot in common with Ryan Bingham, the character George Clooney plays in the film.

"Well, so who the fuck am I?" These are the first words we hear in this film. Lately, I've been wondering the same question. I'd like to write full-time, am stuck in a dead-end, unstable part-time teaching gig, would like to see more money in my bank account, and thought I would have found a compatible life traveler by now. Both Ryan and I are suffering midlife crises and are trying to claw our way out of them. Without giving away the storyline, let's just say that Ryan's pursuit isn't as successful as it could have been. Right now I feel like I'm drowning in stress.

Ryan and I are survivors, though. Life throws us curve balls, and we've learned to cope when they smack us in the arm. One of these days, we'll get perfect pitches. We know how to swing at the right time and not strike out. When our time comes.

iPod Essentials #95: "In the Year 2525"--Zeager and Evans

A one-hit wonder for this duo in the late 60's. The future. Machines. "If man is still alive."

Right now I fear the end is near. Most people are unhappy, broke, unhealthy. There doesn't seem a way out of this well we've all fallen into.

Hope in the Darkened Classroom

On Tuesday afternoon, I received a phone call from the department secretary at Pierce College, informing me that my English 82 class for the spring semester would be cancelled. Apparently, the Board of Trustees feels that it's unimportant for non-natives to learn how to speak English. And they don't feel I need to make a living.

I'll never forget the following day when I told students that their next-level class would be cancelled. The looks of anger and confusion in their eyes--I wish these foolish trustees could have seen them.

"Why?" asked one of my students.

"Because you're not important to them," I said. "Since a lot of the people on the Board have never been in a classroom, they don't feel it's necessary for you to learn English."

After several more minutes of discussion, we took a break. Many students immediately started calling the District Office to complain. They were told to write letters to the Board. They asked me how to do that, so for the next hour, I taught them how to write business letters. All but three in the class did just that.

I told them how proud I was of them, taking initiative and not letting our next class go without a battle. On Monday, I will collect their letters, copy them, and mail them to all eight trustees.

Yesterday I sent my eight letters to the trustees. The first of many--Iwill not let my class go without a fight, for my sake as well as my students' sake.

iPod Essentials #93: "68 Guns"--The Alarm

Though she was a devout Christian, my friend Peggy had great taste in music. She loved Alternative. While she attended Biola University, she and another friend became exchange students in London. Peggy worked as a waitress and got to be good friends with the members of The Alarm. I'll never forget the groupie glee in her eyes while she was telling me about waiting on them.

Listen up, Peggy. This one's for you, a song about holding steadfast to love and life.

Funerals, Death, and Other Memories

Yesterday I attended the memorial service of Peggy Haeussler Wolf (no relation). I first met Peggy in Kindergarten many years ago. In fact, she was one of the first to befriend the crying new kid at Horizon Hills Elementary. We went through elementary school, junior high, and high school together. Occasionally, we'd see each other in the neighborhood and catch up on each other's lives.

But as the years passed, we each got caught up in work and living our own lives. She became heavily involved in Christianity; I did not. When I joined Facebook a few months ago, out of nostalgia for some childhood companions, I friended Peggy and was horrified to learn that she had been battling neuroendocrine cancer for 3.5 years. In 2006, a grapefruit-sized tumor was removed from her chest. The prognosis was terminal.

If you want a tale of inspiration and grace under pressure--regardless of your faith or nonfaith-- check out Peggy's blog on Blogspot: Peggy's Victory Blog. As she lay dying about ten days ago, she asked her brother Joe to take over the blog duties. He's doing a wonderful job.

Sure, Peggy got mad at cancer. She had her weak moments, as we all do. But she accepted the hand she was dealt and did a tremendous job in preparing her family and friends for what was to follow. She used the last 3.5 years of her life to enlighten and bond and educate.

I only hope that when my time comes that I will be as strong and loyal as she. I guess this is one reason why people conduct memorial services: to inspire us to truly live our lives, to better them, to open ourselves, to be brave.

iPod Essentials #92: "Hawaii Five-0"--The Ventures

This selection is my rebellion against Christmas music playing TOO EARLY in malls and on TV shows. Bah humbug!

Let's go to Honolulu. Let's meet a chisel-jawed Steve McGarrett, head of the elite Hawaii Five-O criminal investigative unit. McGarrett always got his man, even his nemesis Wo Fat. True, he never had a social life or learned how to surf, but every day he could take in the surfside beauty of his surroundings.

Stay out of the mall. Go to Hawaii. This short tune flies you there.

Our Cheating Hearts

On Monday, I will discipline two students in my beginning ESL class for cheating on their midterms. Misspelled word for misspelled word, their answers match.

I'm sadistic when dealing with students who cheat. I leave them shaking and scared and sometimes crying. These two will receive zeros and firm warnings that I will turn them over to Academic Affairs for expulsion, if they do it again in the future. These losers have no business being educated, if they are going to take the easy way out. An education is a privledge, one that must be respected.

Why do students cheat? Laziness, fear of failing, some say. The problem goes deeper than that, though. It's our whole culture. We want everything and we want it now, especially with this spoiled generation I'm teaching, with its short attention spans and lack of common sense. Hard work sounds like a disease to these people. Once these misguided students grow up and find jobs and start families, they will realize that life is always a struggle, that nothing comes easily.

Not a passing grade in my class, it doesn't.

iPod Essentials #91: "Running up That Hill"--Kate Bush

Exquisite pop perfection from the voice of an angel. This song has everything: mood, rhythm, timely lyrics. The song can be interpreted in many ways: the singer who "makes a deal with God" in order for her to succeed in life, or get the man of her dreams..."If I only could with no problems."

In these troubled times, we are all struggling to survive and get what we want. Often, I've tried to make deals with God, but God doesn't always answer or respond in a positive way. One household problem becomes three. The man of my dreams disappears or finds someone else to love. Life is never easy, and Kate Bush reminds us of this in her unique way.

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.

iPod Essentials #84: "I'm Only Sleeping"--The Beatles

Revolver marked a turn in the Beatles music. The band began to experiment with ethnic instrumentation and complex melodies. This track is no exception. It features a sitar and John lamenting about being busy, when he only wants to sleep, daydream, or mentally chill.

Fire: It's an Early Morning Wake-up Call

When the phone rang at 5:36 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, I immediately thought, Who died? No deaths other than the school day at Moorpark College. The Ventura County College District's Emergency Alert System was in full swing on my landline and cell phone.

The Guiberson Fire was burning hills way above the campus, so officials thought it best not to take chances. Can't blame them. Evacuating a campus of 11,000 students and about 1,500 staff and faculty would be a difficult task.

My department chair, in fact, never even got notified by the Emergency Alert System. She drove all the way to campus from Newbury Park and had to turn around again.

Since I don't teach at Moorpark on Wednesday, it was business as usual for me at Pierce College. Because of the calm winds, I knew the fire would never reach the campus, unlike the frightening situation back in 2003. The Simi Hills Fire stopped across the street from campus. Very close. For the rest of that fall semester, the smoky smell always reeked the air.

Regardless, fire is common around Southern California. We learn to live with it. At least no home or lives have not been lost this time, but many citrus and avocado orchards have. Not good for several local farmers.

Oddly, neither my students nor I received messages that the campus would reopen on Thursday. That bothered us. Apparently, that news wasn't worth a wake-up call.

Adding Widgets

Adding widgets to one's website or blog should not be impossible. The instructions seem easy, as they too often do. But do the writers of the instructions physically test out their directions? I think not.

Technology should be reliable and simple. After all, it's how we all communicate nowadays. In a way, it's sad that we have to rely on widgets to get recognition for blogs and websites.

Thanks for all my FB friends for confirming that I am the author of THE FREQUENT HOWLER. Wishing you all working widgets.

Silence

I have five query letters out to search for a new agent, yet I have heard nothing from the agents themselves. Granted, it's harder now more than ever to find a quality agent because so many are not taking on new clients due to the weak economy and publishing perils. Writers must persist to realize their dreams and goals.

This silence, however, is deafening.

iPod Essentials #83: "Photograph"--Ringo Starr

Okay, it's not a Beatles song, but I don't like any of Ringo's Beatles tunes. This is the only song of his I like, in fact. It fits his limited vocal range, and his voice fits the song: "Every time I see your face, it reminds me of the places we used to go." Lost love though told in an upbeat way.

iPod Essentials #82: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"--The Beatles

I know--The Beatles aren't on iTunes yet. Even so, in honor of the Beatles Rock Band game, these next four selections will be dedicated to the Fab Four.

First comes my pick from George Harrison. This lovely but sad ballad was written toward the end of the Beatles' reign. It's complex yet simple. Full of contradictions like Harrison himself. Great guitarwork toward the end of the song; it almost sounds as though the guitar is actually weeping.

Agent Anguish

Yesterday in my e-mail account, I received something I feared: a rejection from my #1 choice for a new literary agent. The killer was that she really liked my manuscript, liked the dialogue and characters. She loved the premise and the writing. "You have a wonderful imagination," she wrote in my rejection. She just wasn't passionate about the work to take me on as a client.

This is the second letter from an agent that has told me something similiar. If my manuscript is so wonderful, why can't I find an agent who is as enthusiastic as me? Why aren't agents passionate about the tale involving my young protagonist? Terribly frustrating. I've put two years into seven drafts of this novel. By far, it's my best work. But being an agent is a subjective thing.

I have to buck up and believe that there will be my perfect agent match. WRITER'S DIGEST says that there are 1,300 literary agents in the U.S. One of them has to be right for me. Until then, the e-query process will continue.

iPod Essentials #81: "Moments of Love"--Art of Noise

Another ahhhh selection. I'm glad the Weather Channel is playing part of this New Wave song during its Local on the 8's segement. Slow and sexy, this instrumental deals with love and its sensuality. It reminds us all to chill, act slowly, and love the act of love.

It's a shame that in-band bickering lead to its demise. Art of Noise was one of the first bands to use a Fairlight, and its sounds were certainly unique back in the mid 80's.

iPod Essentials #80: "Love Comes Quickly"--Pet Shop Boys

Ahhh, my favorite song of this band, a dark, moody ballad dedicated to the surprise of finding love and to do so while being yourself. Every time I listen to XM/Sirius's First Wave as of late, this song pops up. Will I find love without trying? Maybe.

This song has it all: hypnotic beat, positive message, unique delivery.

Starbucked Vegas

Yesterday my hairdresser's assistant told me that children and their families were ruining Sin City. Based on my recent visit a few days ago, I'd have to agree with her.

Corporations own Vegas now--Mirage MGM, Harrahs. Most everything on the Strip is neon, chain store. Even slots machines have gone high tech. It's terrible not to feel coins falling into your hands when you hit 777 on a slot. Don't get me wrong, The Strip is still fun but I don't want to be reminded of home. (Bally's, this means you, with that ridiculous news ticker underneath your hotel sign.)

Vegas should retain some of its old history, like the Flamingo and the Tropicana. Imagine the scene: you could see Sinatra and his Rat Pack walking through the now-deceased Aladdin to get a steak. Cigarette smoke billowing through casinos. Elvis, alive and well, in the lounge. Men wear suits, and women wear cocktail dresses and heels. Vegas equaled heat and class.

If there is a Starbucks in every hotel, I might as well stay home.

Gumbo Fun

A big shout out to Bill Fitzhugh (author of THE ORGAN GRINDERS, PEST CONTROL, and other mysteries and Sirius Deep Tracks DJ) along with his lovely wife for the fabulous gumbo party they hosted at their wonderful Woodland Hills home last Saturday night for members of the So Cal chapter of Mystery Writers of America. There were about 50 people feasting on tasty seafood or chicken and sausage gumbo in the backyard. A great time was had by all! I will be returning next year!

Here's to cajun cuisine and its spicy tales...

iPod Essentials #79: "Suspicious Minds"--Elvis Presley

I'm heading to Vegas for a few days tomorrow, so it's only fitting that I honor THE KING. Although I like most Elvis tunes, this one, by far, is my favorite. It's rock, intense, and shows Elvis as a true performer (Watch the Elvis concert footage from 1970, and you'll see what I mean.).

BTW, Kurt Russell was robbed for an Emmy for his portrayal of Elvis in the miniseries back in the early 80's (not sure about the exact year). His reenactment of "Suspicious Minds" still sends goosebumps down my arms.

Remembering John Hughes

Who hasn't watched a John Hughes film? I've seen most of them (FERRIS BUEHLER, my fave). Hughes's films epitomize teenage angst in dramatic and entertaining ways. You feel for Molly Ringwald's character in SIXTEEN CANDLES when her parents forget her Sweet Sixteen because they are too busy controlling their older daughter's wedding plans. You get a lump in your throat when you hear the characters of Anthony Michael Hall and Emilio Estevez discussing their troubled family lives and self-doubt in THE BREAKFAST CLUB. You want to ride on a float and twist with Ferris Buehler.

Never patronizing, John Hughes's films respect teenagers. This explains the popularity of his films during the mid 80's.

He left us far too soon. Thankfully, his films are still with us and future generations.

iPod Essentials #78: "The Ghost in You"--Psychedelic Furs

Since I'm not a "Pretty in Pink" fan (the song, not the movie), I'm going to chose this selection for this week's Essential. This song is Synthopop New Romantic to the max: "Ain't it just like rain/And love is only heaven away." It's inspiring and hopeful, something we all could use during these troubled times, as I mentioned during last week's blog.

Ipod Essentials #76: "Wouldn't It Be Nice"--The Beach Boys

It wouldn't be a summer without this quintessential band, would it? The Beach Boys, in their prime, created simple tunes with complex melodies. Lyrics were about cars, summer, surfing, and of course, love.

This song about longing makes me long for happier times, when I wasn't worried about job security or finances (Yesterday's routine trip to the mechanic turned into an expensive day.) The lazy days of summer are now rare events.

Will we ever get these days back again? Or will our technologically busy-busy-worry times keep us feeling this void?

iPod Essentials #76: "Smiling Faces Sometimes"--The Undisputed Truth

Ahhh, backstabbing. Just like the politicians in this once-prosperous state of California, like Arnold. While he was running for office during the disasterous governor recall, he promised never to cut anything in education.

What have he and his smiling legislators done?

The truth is, politicians are a joke. They stand in front of podiums, smiling mouths spouting campaign promises they have no intention of keeping, as they keep one arm behind their backs, fingers crossed.

What's Wrong With California, Part 2

So, California has finally passed a 'budget." It appalled me that Ahnold, along with chief legislative officials, had the nerve to announce the budget agreement, with smiles pasted on their doublespeaking mouths.

There's nothing to smile about. Education will be hard hit, with K-12 and community colleges, being faced with a $4.3 billion cut.

It's become clear that politicians want to keep the future stupid and either under or unemployed. Educated people ask tough questions. Educated people can think critically and with more farsight that these so-called leaders.

As my late grandfather would say, "Vote the bums out."

What's Wrong With California?

As a native Californian, I have seen the decline of this once glorious state, and it scares me.

California used to have good schools, good jobs, good government. Among the 50 states, it carried prestige.

So what the hell has happened?

Too much ineffective government. Take for example, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who spent two weeks in South Africa while law enforcement and city council members were figuring out how to pull off "The Funeral of the Century"--the Michael Jackson affair. L.A. is millions of dollars in debt due to the severe budget crisis. It's only fitting that AEG or the Jackson family pay for the service. No, said Villaraigosa. During a news conference, he said that the death of Michael Jackson was a "special circumstance" and the city would pay for the police and pricy affair.

Gee, when most of us die, Mr. Mayor, will we get services at the Staples Center, too?

California is in this financial mess because of frivolous spending and senseless political posturing. Our governor acts his way through the job, and the legislature representatives need to grow up and work together. The waste doesn't come from schools or health services; it comes from the closed doors inside that big white building in Sacramento. Do politicians need perks like "state cars" and "necessary travel?" If they have to budget like the rest of us do, they would soon learn that actions, not words and tantrums, are needed right now. Maybe then they would learn to do their jobs.

iPod Essentials #75: "Philadelphia Freedom"--Elton John

Ahhhh, the Summer of '75. Lazy days, Hide and Seek, Cul-De-Sac Tennis, and this song.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote this catchy tune to honor Billie Jean King, the terrific tennis player who beat Bobby Riggs in a Battle of the Sexes. If women can be free, why not our country as well? I remember hearing this song on July 4 and feeling excited about my future.

iPod Essentials #74: "Am I the Same Girl"--Swing out Sister

This catchy tune is a remake of the late 60's tune by Barbara Akin, but before that it was the great instrumental, "Soulful Strut" Young-Holt Unlimited, also featured on my iPod and will be discussed on a later Essentials blog. Yes, it is featured on the MARTHA STEWART SHOW.

Swing out Sister is one of those bands that should have become more popular than it did. It was British, sophisti-pop. Two guys and a gorgeous girl, Corinne Drewery, who could also sing.

This song has a positive message about change and affirmation: "Yes, I am. Yes, I am."

Stop and look it over...

iPod Essentials #73: "Don't Talk to Me About Love"--Altered Images

Ahhh, how terrible life without You Tube would be. No videos, no memories. "Don't Talk" is a bubbly 80's pop song, perfect for this July 4. Altered Images was a Scottish New Wave band. I believe they have broken up. Clare Grogan was the great lead singer. Even though her voice was thin, it's perfect for this tune about love gone wrong.

iPod Essentials #72: "I Am Love"--Jackson 5

For this week's Essential, I'm going to pick a great Jackson 5 song that was never popular for some strange reason: "I Am Love." Michael sings background on this, Jermaine does. The song begins, slow, sexy, mellow, and then turns into wild disco by the end. It's a surprising song because of the disco. Maybe it was too different for Jackson fans. Hopefully, it will be rediscovered.

Icons

On Thursday, part of my childhood and early adult years died, along with the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

So CHARLIE'S ANGELS was a T&A show, but to this twelve year old, they were strong, sexy, and independent. I proudly wore a pink CHARLIE'S ANGELS t-shirt until the decal wore off. With beauty and wit, Farrah Fawcett as Jill Munroe always got her man, just by simply pointing a gun at him and telling him, "Freeze, turkey!"

Farrah Fawcett made mistakes, as we all do since we were are human. Yet she fought her battle with that horrible disease cancer in public, not to glorify herself, but to shed realistic light onto it. There's nothing glamourous about it. In her death, perhaps she will save lives.

Michael Jackson--I used to watch the JACKSON 5 cartoon on Saturday mornings. Michael was a cool kid, full of adventure and song. The THRILLER CD--who didn't own it? Watching MJ dance and sing. A few Jackson and Michael Jackson songs are on my iPod; videos on You Tube now make me sad, especially "I'll Be There." How could someone so brilliantly meant for pop music self-destructed in the ways he did? He was human, and all humans have their breaking points. MJ, it seems, had too many and a few demons always in his mind.

Mourn our icons today. Remember that they always human, neither perfect nor infallible.

iPod Essentials #71: "Hot Fun in the Summertime"--Sly & the Family Stone

In honor of BURN NOTICE, which I am becoming addicted to, this tune is a wonderful companion piece. The TV show offers so many scenes of lovely, tropical, sexy Miami--how can you not think of summertime.

The Sly Stone tune is also sexy and a bit bluesy. Perfect for Michael Weston's latest predicament.

The CCWC

The first Calfornia Crime Writers Conference was held at the Pasadena Hilton last weekend. This conference was a joint production with Mystery Writers of America, So Cal chapter and Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles. Those who participated launched a fabulous conference, FULL of practical information on writing mysteries and selling them. The agents and authors, such as Laurie King and Robert Crais, were approachable and helpful. (Also, they were fun to sit in the bar with!)

Because of everyone's effort, I am so proud to be affiliated with both organizations. And hey, my new finished mystery is currently with one agent who attended!

Writing, by nature, is a private affair, but attending conferences is so important to developing craft and marketing work. I can't wait for the 2011 CCWC!

iPod Essentials #71: "The Show Must Go on"--Three Dog Night

What a summertime classic from a classic pop band. The song reminds me a a roller coaster because of it's circusy, big top opening. It's a love song about a couple facing some challenges in their relationship: "on a high wire...High Wire." But they overcome their conflicts and get back to being in the circus of their existance.

Okay, this song was released in 1974, a far simpler time than today. However, the message remains the same: love and work can conquer the world.

Entitlement

Why do people believe they are entitled to a better grade, better service, a Super Sized meal? All because they feel they work hard, pay money, and in some cases I've encountered during travels abroad, are Americans.

Since I just finished grades at one school, I'm hearing the familiar strains of "I've worked hard. I deserve an A or a B." In academia, it doesn't go that way. Too many students want good grades without effort, just like they got in high school. In short, they are spoiled, thanks to Mom, Dad, and Teachers A through G. Newsflash: the real world seldom goes your way, Students, especially when you don't work hard or improve your skills or have others work for you. The sooner you understand this fact, the better student and person you will become.

This new generation I'm teaching is so full of entitlement issues it scares me. California is very screwed up right now due to budget cuts, fiscal mismanagement, and an incompetent government. What will happen to this state and this country if the generation feels they are entitled to coast along in their lives?

iPod Essentials #70: "Space Oddity"--David Bowie

Whenever I'm troubled, the first song on my iPod or on my Bose system at home or in the SUV on the road is "Space Oddity." I've been listening to it a lot this week. (My week: money troubles, didn't get hired at the same ______ community college that turned me down for a job last year, even though I was a finalist--go figure that one, and the new sudden growth on the face of my beloved dog, Magic.)

"Space Oddity" was a very unique song for 1969 telling the tale of Major Tom, a figure through much of Bowie's early works. Is Major Tom an astronaut, drug addict, or soldier? That remains to be seen. A depressing song, it reminds me that the universe creates problems that no one will ever understand.

iPod Essentials #69: "The Boys of Summer"--Don Henley

Ahhh, summer is arriving in a few weeks, so I always this of this song of innocence lost. Henley's voice and lyrics sell this song. The video is in black and white and is effective in conveying this "loss." iTunes and Henley should think about selling it; I'd buy it for the memories of a simpler time.

Last Weekend's Conference

I was in Pasadena, CA, last weekend for an ESL-teaching conference. It was much better than the one I attended in Sacramento last year. That conference dealt with too much political theater. I like sessions that tell me what works in the classroom, why it works, and how to do it. I got a lot of that, indeed.

I also won in the raffle--four things, including a DVD set of MRS. DOUBTFIRE and a DVD teaching tool for it in the classroom and a nice book on grammar from Cambridge UP. It's good to be a winner.

A good conference motivates its participants, and when I returned to the classroom on Monday, I felt tired but energized to teach my beginning ESL class about the past tense.

iPod Essentials #68: "Digging Your Scene"--The Blow Monkeys

Another 80's gem from a one-hit wonder. The pop song is catchy and brings back many memories of the semester between my last year in college and before I returned to school for my master's degree. I felt a void, but a hopeful one. And hope is something we all need during these troubled times.

My New Laptop

First, I will never call laptops "notebooks." It's a silly name for them. Laptop, the term stays.

I spent some of my tax refund on a new laptop since my old one was starting to act strangly, freezing and corrupting files.

It's a nice Dell Inspiron 1545, complete with webcam, Photoshop, Premiere Elements, and lots of memory. Yesterday I had wireless service installed at my house, and boy, I should have done it years ago. I can take my laptop all over the house and still have Internet service. Instead of my computer chair, I can sit on the couch and surf or e-mail as much as I want.

Ahhh, technology. Now, if I could get a computer that cleans houses...

iPod Essentials #67: "The Ghost in You"--Psychedelic Furs

Yes, I'm still on an 80's kick. The times were simpler than they are now. I maintain that this song deals with gaining personal strength, something we all need. Richard Butler's vocals haunt the song and give it depth to its synthesized beat.

I remember hearing this tune for the first time while doing an aerobics videos. It got me through the challenging workout; I visualized myself in the future, feeling strong and confident.

"Ashes to Ashes"--BBC America's Great New Show

If you are a crime drama and nostalgia fan, you have to be watching this show! It features a modern-day female British detective who is shot and transported back to July 1981. As she struggles to stay alive and return to her life and her daughter, she works cases and fights an attraction to her sexist chief-inspector boss. Alex is a tough but strong and sympathetic character.

And if you're an 80's nostalgia buff, like I am, then you will love the attitude, fashions, and music featured throughout the show. The music operates as a Greek chorus and works very well. In fact, I've downloaded a few forgetten gems to my iPod.

P.S. There's an endearing creepy clown. Nice homage to the great Bowie video of the same name.

iPod Essentials #66: "Ashes to Ashes"--David Bowie

In honor of the great BBC America show of the same name. (Love that clown!)

One thing about early Bowie music (pre-1982, before he went commercial), it was spacey and out there and experimental. He sung freely about confusion, alienation, and to some, drug use. Check out You Tube for the some of his great videos.

In Praise of Jon Stewart

Hopefully, you saw Stewart emerge as a serious journalist on Thursday night's episode of THE DAILY SHOW. He aggressively pursued Jim Cramer of CNBC fame for not doing enough to draw attention to the financial crisis in this country, for not being alert enough to catch it before it erupted into a nonstop lava flow of loss.

Too many people don't take Stewart seriously because his show is on Comedy Central. It's a shame. Even though we laugh as he pokes fun of current events, he makes his audience aware that the world has dire problems we must be deal with.

iPod Essentials #65: 'Money for Nothing"--Dire Straits

So Octomom and brood are getting a new house in La Habra, paid for by Grandpa. How can Grandpa afford this $559K house? Through his countless media appearances, worrying about the mental state of his daughter. Mind you, he and his wife are $23,000 behind in their current mortgage.

The whole thing disgusts me. "Money for nothing."

True, Mark Knopler of Dire Straits wrote this catchy pop song as a bit of irony. Most musicians work hard for their financial survival. But what have the Sulemans ever done other than pimp out their family problems on DR. PHIL for a buck?

As the middle class becomes extinct in this country, it's hard not to become bitter toward people like them. "Money for nothing."

In Praise of Hulu.com

In case you didn't know, Hulu.com airs repeats of new and not-so-new TV shows. I even watched two episodes of my belated favorite soap, ANOTHER WORLD. Commercials are brief and unintrusive. I just hope Hulu remains free and online for years to come.

iPod Essentials #64: "Up-up and Away"--The 5th Dimension

Ahhhhh, a breath of late 60's air. When the world wasn't as busy and complex and troubled as it is now. Pleasing pop perfection with its intricate harmonies and instrumentals.

I'd like to take a balloon ride over the African plain in Kenya. That's on my bucket list. Imagine what you could see a few hundred feet in the air.

What's Wrong With California?

Simply put, Ahnold S. and too many of our political leaders in this state. Beginning this year, the Golden State will be taxed to death: state income tax, vehicle licensing fee, sales tax. All because of incompetence, excessive borrowing, and poor leadership. Sometimes I wonder why I even vote. Things won't change. I hope someone will prove me wrong one day.

iPod Essentials #63: "Take Five"--Dave Brubeck Group

Ahhh, the horn of relaxation. In these fearful and stressful times, we often forget to take care of ourselves, to take time to decompress. This classic jazz song reminds us to do just that.

Pimpin' out the Octies

In a continuation of last week's blog, Nadya Suleman, the mother of the octuplets, has decided to give media interviews. She's even hired a publicist and possibly will write a book based on her experience. According to the LOS ANGELES TIMES, documents show that Suleman was depressed and in physical pain when she first began her breeding mission. I hope no one will want to read about her experiences.

Will Pampers give her free diapers for five years? Will Gerber donate a lifetime supply of baby food? Will TLC offer her her own reality TV show? Her irresponsibility and irrational mental state should not be rewarded.

Suleman claims she will be able to afford to care for her brood of fourteen once she completes her education. She plans to become a therapist (ironically). Is she aware that becoming a therapist in California takes an extensive internship, along with passing a difficult exam? With fourteen kids, how can she study for her classes or pay for them?

Oh, that's right...Mom and Dad can help out.

Better yet, she can wait by the phone for it to ring.

iPod Essentials #62: "Cry"--Godley & Creme

Not a popular song back in the day (the 80's), but the video is innovative. It shows people crying, and then one sobbing person morphs into the next, all in glorious black and white. I believe Demi Moore was one of the celebrities featured, though Average Joes were also weeping. The video really makes the song.

iPod Essentials #62: "Land of 1000 Dances"--Wilson Picket

What a dance song. It never fails to get me ponying around the house while I clean it. Because of its fast tempo, it is likely a hard song to sing, but Picket did it beautifully. The world needs more great tunes that honor dancing.

Too Much Baby Love?

I might be in the minority, but the woman in Bellflower, CA, who recently gave birth to octuplets, really has no place on the good news scale. She already has six other children. Her mother claims this woman only sought fertility treatments because she wanted "just one more." She "loves being a mom."

This woman should enfuriate us all. Is she stable? She already has six kids. Why does she feel the need for the seventh? She's divorced and is allegedly a grad student. How in the hell is she going to support fourteen children? Her parents are likely in their sixties. Will she be leaching off them until they die? No, she'll likely try to milk that already-broke state of California for governmental assistance. She'll depend on the kindness of strangers and volunteers for help.

The world already has nearly seven trillion people, according to The World Population's website. We don't need anymore! Overpopulation is contributing to global warming, overbuilding, disease, and starvation.

If she wanted children, this woman could have adopted a few children, as long as she held a decent job. Why did she choose to create yet more lives?

The fertility clinic that allowed her to have this procedure should also be held accountable for this travesty. If this were a woman, with a well-paying job, who wanted to be a mom, just once, then that's one thing. This woman is a human hamster who really needs psychological help quickly before this happens again.

iPod Essentials #62-: "You Haven't Done Nothin'"--Stevie Wonder

In honor of our new president comes this selection, one of my faves from Stevie Wonder. It's got biting lyrics and a great grrove. Allegedly, Wonder wrote this about Nixon and the whole Watergate fiasco, how nothing had changed for the better in this country. Unfortunately, the same can be said for #43 (May we never hear from him again!).

So far, I'm impressed by Obama's work ethic. He's rolled up his sleeves and started working. He'll do somethin'.

iPod Essentials #61: "Route 66"--Nat King Cole

For anyone who's ever traveled part of this historic highway (CA and AZ, for me), you will find a soft spot for this jazzy tune, which chronicles a drive along it. Besides, it's Nat King Cole.

Route 66, though barren in spots, has such a fascinating culture. Life is basic along the highway. Stores contain kitch, but also the bare necessities, like bottled water or Advil. People are friendly, despite the heat and dry desert.

Well worth a side trip. You can listen to Nat King Cole tell you about it.

iPod Essentials #60: "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"--Elton John

A classic pop tune, though a bit melodramatics in parts. We all have the ability to matter to someone, whether it be through an act of kindness or the emotion of love. Just step outside of our minds and our troubles, and you will see how true this is.

Commit to Ourselves

Happy New Year! (Or will it be the same as last year?)

In 2oo9, I vow to finish my newest novel and find an agent (I'm a third of the way through the last draft.). I vow to take my Weight Watchers membership more seriously and lose that annoying 20 pounds. I also vow to improve my finances and hopefully find a better-paying teaching job.

Every year starts with comments such as these, but at the end of the year, these comments have not become reality. Why? Because we lose sight of ourselves and what we need. We resort into habits and becoming so busy that we don't make time for ourselves.

May 2009 be a better year for us, this country, and the world.

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...