iPod Essentials #104: "A Girl Like You"--Edwyn Collins

The only good thing to come out of the movie EMPIRE RECORDS. This classy pop tune has everything: intelligent lyrics, synthesizers, and a vibraphone..."know that I'm talkin' metaphorically...Too many chorus singers...And now you come along."

With such a killer pop song, you'd think that Edwyn Collins would have had hit after hit. No, this was it.

March Madness

Why so much infidelity in the news today? Why can't certain successful men save it for their wives--and only their wives?

Perhaps I'm too much of an idealist--probably one of the reasons why true love has eluded me over the years--but I don't understand people who cheat on their spouses, either men or women. If the cheater is unhappy in the relationship, perhaps it's time to talk to the cheated. Be honest. Sometimes the couple can save the relationship; sometimes they can't.

Too many people enter lightly into relationships. This is one of the primary reasons why California has a less than stellar successful marriage rate for first marriages.

I've been cheated on. It's a pain that lingers and truly jeopardizes my trust in any relationship. I'm not one to lie down and give up, though. Like many others, Sandra Bullock, Elin Woods, and the like will wipe away the tears, stand up, and craft their lives better than they were before the end of their relationships. They will be strengthened and hopefully will realize that they don't need the cheaters. The cheaters will be alone in their own time. And they should be left alone.

iPod Essentials #103: "Flood"--Jars of Clay

Yes, a Christian rock song, but it's a good one from a good band. How to keep faith in a flood of world and personal events. Timely. Inspirational.

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.