The Way We Were

Basic truths about society:

• Nice lasts as long as they get their way
• Impatient and impulsive
• Lack of respect and courtesy
• Self-centered, ego-maniacal
• Narrow minded

The facade of nice is present only to get one's own way. Do not be fooled by the smile or immediate courtesy you're shown. Driving on the road is a prime example of the impatience and lack of courtesty we see from a lot of people. Impulsive behavior seems to stem from a combination of always getting what one wants and the need to compete with everyone else. Respect and courtesy are similar and if you're lacking in one, you're failing both. At that time, self-centered, ego-driven behavior dominates the personality. And as far as narrow mindedness goes, general lack of education and respect is at fault.

I don't think society wants to improve its behavior because it doesn't feel there's anything wrong. Today, people aren't shocked or outraged, they don't take a stance, and nor do they seem to really care. People drudge along, day to day, seemingly unaware of reality. Other than anger, society rarely shows emotion.

Caturday

A cute little kitten wandered into the library today. It purred, talked, and ate half a can of tuna I gave it. Luckily, an employee took the kitty home with them, and on to a no-kill animal shelter. Such a sweet cat deserves a warm, loving home.

Economic Structure

I am not bright when it comes to politics; that is, I don't understand a lot of the so-called in's and out's that supposedly make up our Democracy. However, anyone can see the game that's being played with the public and know why our economic crisis is as bad as it is. There is no real, practical reason why gas is over $4 a gallon. Blame it on the war? Not hardly. Sounds like another round of propaganda to me. With gas so high, of course, it causes a domino effect making so many other goods and services higher in cost.

Florida is suffering a terrible unemployment rate. All Florida branches of gov't are under a hiring freeze due to budget cuts. The housing market is so bad, and in order for people to get a so-called tax break, the vote earlier this year caused a huge tsunami of problems for state gov't. Any service such as Parks and Rec., libraries, etc. have taken huge cut backs because our funding (from taxes) won't be there.

It's sad...but as long as people accept a mortage they eventually won't be able to afford and money is continuously printed without regard. Sounds like a great chance to cause another 1929 all over again.

Jim Morrison

Originally dressed in leather pants, white poet's shirt, boots, and indian belts...Jim was a shaman of music. His poetic words mixed with the hypnotic rhythm of music created the trademake of the Doors. What he offered his audience was an experience, connecting spirituality and song together. As their music progressed from 1967 to 1971, Jim was the changling. His style, lyrics, and attitude moved with each album and personal influence. Yes, he did acid, smoked, drank, and had his share of women, but such is the life of a rock star. Some sprinkle his name with the word "legend." One thing is for sure, there will never be another Jim Morrison or a band like the Doors.

It was their music which really changed my life for I was and still am amazed at their quality and dynamics. I began to look deeper into music, really studying the ones which needed that attention, and feeling it inside. With much honesty, I can say I am stuck in the past. For the most part, I only listen to older music. As time continues on, we move further away from these creations.

Gram Parsons

The Grievous Angel is the underappreciated founder of country rock. His accomplishments were the first bricks to be laid which created a giant fortress of sound. Countless artists owe their thanks to this pioneer. Though he strived to be a star, Gram never puposely became an innovator. His blend of country roots, folk beginnings, and rock influence just felt right to him. All of his songs were from the heart, unforunately an accurate reflection of the pain and torment he suffered inside. The professional career of Gram never took off to any great heights. As far as records sales are concerned, he didn't profit and only once in his life did he see a royalty check for his work. However, artists walking the path Gram helped create were highly successful. Gram in all accounts was before his time. His music came when hippies didn't listen to country, and the country scene hated long hairs - there was no blend.

It's hard to say that if Gram were to have lived through the 70's what life would have brought him. Would he have found commercial fame? His music is simply beautiful and brings tears to your eyes. The sadness is only heightened knowing the truth in his music and how it led to his downfall in 1973. Gram lived life in a world where drugs, booze, and women were all around. Musicians and other celebrities evenually caved in. He was not the only young person to fall due to excessive abuse. One was being rude if they turned down a tab or joint. In his family lineage, substance abuse was an escape. With all the troubles in Gram's life, and being the sensitive person he was, he fell inward with drugs and booze.

When we listen to the music, hear the words, the voices of the dead, we make them into prayer. We forgive the lives of those we love, as we are not close enough to them to judge. The connection we have is the LP or CD we tune into.

Music Scene 1964 - 1973

From the arrival of the Beatles in 1964 to the death of Gram Parsons in 1973, a decade of sound haunts the musical horizon. There was a genuine birth of creativity which exploded in a huge mushroom cloud, spreading far and wide, and over time simply faded away. Though it is true this collection of work still dominates our air waves, the spirit that carried this movement has journeyed elsewhere. So many great talents were introduced to us and then almost as suddenly, drifted back into the Heavens. I look at the losses of Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, Blind Al Wilson, and Gram Parsons as tragic because they lived and died by the beast that made them. John Lennon's life would grotesquely be taken in 1980. Countless more joined this list.

As each year passes, we step further away from those times. It becomes history, American fame be it righteous and bloody, like the Battle of Bunker Hill. To us, their royalty is divine. I assume some call them gods only because we're touched in the spiritual sense. By singing and listening to their hymns, we are recreating the prayer. We bless those who've been so good to us, who've made us happy, and created an illusionary world for us to get lost in. Music itself is a religious experience. It's one of the oldest forms of human tradition, a enabler of stories and ideas to be passed from one generation to another. Music is in our soul.

If those who've long since passed had not been music stars, would they still be alive and nameless? And does their soul find ease in knowing how many people love them? Deep inside, I am saddened by the loss. For some, you hear the anguish from within when you listen close, and here in this medium, they've opened their soul in a heartfelt release. They laid their troubles on the table, exposing themselves, and indeed cutting further into a preexisting wound.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!