Let's face it, I like to drink. Not everyday, not always blotto, but I do enjoy a nice, cold beer with friends now and then. Oddly enough, I almost never drink at home. I could equate this to 30+ years of being a working musician, and usually only drinking in public...or I could equate to more of a social experience. Either way, when I drink, it's usually in a bar (or pub).
Below is a list of some of my favorite bars/pubs that I've frequented over the years and why I like them. Maybe, if you too are a social drinker, you'll compile your own mental list of some of your fave watering holes. So, without further adieu and in no particular order:
Rascals (aka The Cage) - Dover, OH
Back when I still lived in Ohio, this was my regular nightspot. My girlfriend and I would be there just about every night. She'd shoot pool (and shark everyone in the room) while my buddy Jackson and I would knock back many a beverage and shoot the shit. Most of my friends hung out there too, so it was a natural gathering spot. Sometime before I'd moved to the area, I guess the place was called The Cage, so those of us of a certain age always called it that. As long as I've known the place, it's been called Rascal's Saloon.
I got to stop in there last year while in the area. It was nice to see that little had changed (aside from the prices and some of the faces). Within 5 minutes, it was just like old times...except Jackson wasn't there (I heard he quit drinking) and my ex girlfriend was nowhere around. But Pottsy and Burris were still there, as were a few other familiar old faces. It was nice.
Davis Tavern - Steubenville, OH
Ah, the Davis Tavern. The epitomal neighborhood bar. There is a neighborhood in Steubenville, OH called Pleasant Heights, and PH (as we called it) was home to this joint. Nothing fancy. Cheap drinks, fried food, a jukebox, a TV, and friends and neighbors all hanging out. I remember my friends Nick, Mark, Paul, and many others hanging out there many a night. It was nothing special...but the times I spent there with friends were. In recent visits to the Ville, I've seen that the Davis Tavern is no more. Nothing lasts forever....
Joe & Dixie's Cloverleaf - Dover, OH
Again, back to the Dover/New Philadelphia area. While I actually lived in New Philly, Dover was where I usually would hang out. Joe's, as my friends and I usually called it, was a small tavern. Most days, it was nothing special (except for the original fly...but that's another story for another time). In the late 80s, the owners started booking bands there. The band I was in at the time (The Swingin' Caddilacs) played there often. Dixie became like a surrogate aunt to us. Her husband Joe, while a bit cranky, was always good to us. My friend Ken Snyder and I spent many a night there trying to destroy our livers. Always a good time.
Fodi's Bar - Pittsburgh, PA
This is a really old bar, just about 2 blocks from my house. It's been there for about 90 years. My granddad, who died in 1957, used to drink there. Up until a few years ago, Rose was still tending bar. She remembered my granddad! This is one of those old school, old man bars that is now trying to survive in the 21st century. When I 1st started going there in the 90s, there was no jukebox, only the TV (usually on A&E or Court TV). There was a poker machine and a pachinko machine! That was it. Well lit, with a great old wooden backbar, this place had stayed the same for ages. The drink prices have always been low. They still are...but they have raised with the times. You can still buy a round of drinks for 4-5 people for $10 or less. It's just a little neighborhood bar. One of the younger Fodis, Vicky, is running the place now. She's dragged it kicking and screaming into the 21st century. The place has karaoke on Wednesdays and live entertainment a couple nights a week (usually solo or duo acoustic sets). I always love taking friends there that have never been there before. It's usually an eye opener for them. But, most times, I just like to go down there for a quiet beer or three, see what all's going on the neighborhood and chew the fat with whoever is around. It's a nice place...and I hope it always stays that way.
Mother's Junction - Kent, OH
When I was in college, Mother's was my 2nd home. They had reasonably priced drinks, yet avoided the nickel/dime/quarter drafts that many other college bars used to sell off their old kegs to students. What Mother's had better than any other joint was live music. Whether it be rockabilly, reggae (a house fave), ska, punk/new wave (hey, it was the 80s!), you could find it there...and it was usually better than anywhere else. Mother's had house drinks like the Futhermucker...never knew what was in it but I knew it could mess ya up! The only 2 downsides to the place were the stairs leading up to it (Mother's was upstairs from another bar, Ray's) and the bathroom...which is 2nd only, in my memory, to CBGB's in nastiness. If you had to go, you waited until you really had to go. It was that bad. I got to play there a few times in a few different bands. Lots of great memories there.
The Lighthouse - Cardiff, Wales
You may think it odd that I'm adding this place to my list of faves, as I was only ever there once. But it was memorable for a number of reasons. This was the first "pub" I was ever in. Traditional pubs, or public houses, in the UK are different from American bars. They tend to be smaller, homier, and more comfortable. These are the places the locals frequent. Another major difference was that the beer choices are far more limited. While in the US, most bars like to have as large a selection as possible, most pubs in the UK (at least back in the day) rarely had more than 2-3 choices...usually made by the same (usually local or regional) brewery. The Lighthouse was no exception. They had 2 beers on tap: Bass and Master Brew. Having never heard of Master Brew, I opted for a pint of Bass. The barman informed me that the keg was being changed so it'd be a short wait. Being a typically impatient Yank, I threw caution to the wind and ordered a Master Brew. To this day I'm thankful that I did! This lager was wonderful! My friends 2Tone and Baldy took me there and we had a blast! I drank pint after pint of this wonderful stuff...only to never find it anywhere else! This is one of the charms of the small local pub. Master Brew, it seems, is made by a very small local brewery and is only served within a small radius. Excellent brew if you can find it!
The Huntsman - Leicester, UK
Again, the small, local pub...British style. In 2004/early 2005, I found myself involved with a gorgeous British gal. Airfare was cheap (usually $200-400 round trip)so we often hopped back and forth across the pond. The Huntsman was/is a small neighborhood pub near where she was living at the time. She loathed the place. I loved it. It was dirty (probably hadn't been Hoovered since Thatcher was in office), dank, smoky, and my kinda place! It was filled with characters! The regulars loved to harass me about being a Yank (and blame me for "our Mr.Bush" and his foibles). I gave as good as I got and was accepted by the folks there. My main reason, however, for frequenting the place was the beer. They had Ansell's Mild on tap. This stuff was like drinking liquid velvet! And it had a kick too! A few pints and my head would be feeling fuzzy. This is one of the things Americans never seem to understand about beer. If it must be served ice cold, it's probably because it tastes like crap and has no body. British beers, contrary to popular belief, are rarely served "warm". While not served as cold as American beers, it shows off the flavor and body of the brew. American beers tend to be watery. British beers tend to have body. It's like comparing a can of Campbell's chicken soup to a steak. I don't know about you....but I'd rather have the steak.
The Decade -Pittsburgh, PA
Long live the memory of the Decade...the home of Rock and Roll. Anyone who was anyone played there at one time or other...self included. The list of famous names that performed in this relatively small, overpriced, city college bar would astound those who have never been there. As a semi-regular patron (and performer), it was nothing unusual to be standing next to Danny DeVito or Randy Quaid at the bar. I got to hang out with Jack Nicholson there. But the main reason everyone went there was for the music. There were cheaper bars for sure...but the quality of the live entertainment in this joint was, and still is, unmatched. Almost any night of the week, you could walk in and hear a great band of almost any genre. Whether you enjoyed punk, blues, R&B, country, rockabilly, folk, whatever....if the band was good, they played at The Decade...at least once. I was there every Sunday for blues. Mondays or Tuesdays were usually punk rock. The rest of the week, all you had to do was look on the calender to see who was playing. I saw great acts on their way up (Horton Heat) and on their way down (The Romantics). I took the guys from Los Lobos there after a show at Graffiti and David Hidalgo wound up sitting in with the band. Always a great night there...regardless of who was playing. Lots of friends and contemporaries were always there. To many, it was a second home. When Dom closed the doors of the place, we all knew it was the end of an era. Many places have tried to fill those shoes...but found it impossible.
The Royal Oak - Cardiff, Wales
Back to Cymru. I frequented this joint a few times during my travels. Once to perform and the rest just because I liked the place! While I'm unsure of it's total history, the place seems to have been around for ages. It has a long standing tradition as a boxing bar. Boxing is king in this joint...and the generations of boxing memorabilia that line the walls proves it. I had a number of great conversations about my American faves (like Ali, Tyson and Foreman) while the barman and locals would try to educate me on their local, regional, and national heroes. And...the bar served Brains. Not the organ in your skull....the beer. Brains lager, Brains bitter (better than Guinness in my opinion) and Brains SA (legend has it that the SA stands for Skull Attack. It doesn't mix well...with oxygen). What a lovely, tasty, full-bodied brew!
The Blue Moon - Pittsburgh, PA
If you've heard that the Blue Moon is a gay bar....you've heard correct! The nice thing about the Moon is that no one there cares if you are or are not gay. They joint prides itself on being an "everyone bar". A friend first took me there almost a dozen years ago. I got to meet the owners, manager and staff and found them all to be great folks. Over the years, I've done a lot of web work for the place, so I found myself spending more and more time there. I've made a number of great friends through the place and I'll be the 1st to defend any one of them or the bar itself. The Moon is where my best friend and I go for our regular Tuesday Night Out. The bar has a Cheers-like atmosphere...everyone knows everyone. Among the regulars are gay and straight alike. Just people out for a drink...who don't want drama, pretension, or bullshit. Some come for the drinks specials, some for the poker machines, and some come for the drag shows. These have become especially popular due to a local winning on Ru Paul's Drag Race. While I personally don't think much of this person, his appearance on the show, as well as his ensuing notoriety, have been a boon to the Moon's business...so all is good in the hood. The Blue Moon is right smack in the heart of the Lawrenceville section of the city. There are other bars in the area and surprisingly little drama. Sure...it has it's moments...but what inner-city bar doesn't? The prices are reasonable, the beer is cold and....you can still smoke there! The Moon is probably best know for it Iced Teas (the alcoholic beverage...not the brewed stuff). You get bang for your buck there. And, if you just happen to be looking to meet someone 'friendly', you could do worse than the Moon. It's a great place filled with great people.
If you've noticed, all of these joints have one thing in common. Good memories. That's what makes a place special. It's not the amount of money spent on decorating the place, or how loud the sound system is, or how many varieties of beer they sell. No, it's the people that frequent the place that make it special. If a customer is treated well and has an enjoyable experience, they're likely to come back. If they keep having good time after good time, they're likely to become a regular....and memories will be made there. If you noticed, none of these are "corporate" type joints. Not a flashy joint among them. A bit of neon, a place to sit and have a drink with friends, and maybe something to munch on...be it pretzels, chips, or a sammich. That's really all the decor any bar needs. Just fill the place with good people and cold beer, and you have the recipe for a good time.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
When My Worlds Collide
I'm the sort of person who tends to compartmentalize things in my life. It's weird...but it works for me.
Case in point, today. I was doing a show with my band, Memphis Mike & The Legendary Tremblers, today and decided to merge a couple of my personal worlds...at least a couple of my musical worlds. Allow me to explain...
In this band, we play loud, usually fast, boogie-kinda rock and roll. Some call it rockabilly (we don't), some call it country rock, some call it blues, some call it surf. Like Sam Phillips, we just call it "rock & roll" maaaaaaan. Sure, I like to incorporate blues, country, jazz, surf, rockabilly, punk, etc. into my playing. It's called having my own style. When I do solo shows, it's usually just me and a resophonic guitar, playing a lot of side guitar, and attempting to play 'down home kinda delta blues'. I rarely, if ever, play slide on electric. But today was different.
I've been in a different mindset lately about music. I've got the band, plus I've been doing solo shows, plus I've joined another band on bass. I've been writing (and rewriting) a fair bit...so my mind has been all over the place. As I was getting ready to leave for the show today, that little voice in my head (the reasonable voice...not the one that sounds like Mrs. Bates...HAHAHA Joke Son!!!) told me to take my slide with me.
As I waited for my bass player to swing by, I grabbed my writing guitar (my old Gibson ES 120T), tuned it in a G tuning and started playing some of my solo acoustic stuff...trying to decide whether or not to play some today at the show.
We got to Jay's earlier than usual, so we had to a chance to actually warm up a bit. The voice in my head told me "play some slide". I detuned my 1960 Gibson 175 down to an open D and started playing with the old "Mystery Train" riff. It was sounding good. The rhythm section, as usual, picked right up on it. They started out simply then got more into the groove. We did a couple verses of the song and a solo or two. I liked it!
During one of the sets (we played 4 sets today...so it was either the 1st or 2nd set), I opted to do this song for the (admittedly sparse) crowd. This joint, Jay's, is more of a sports bar/restaurant kinda place. Not exactly known for rock and roll. The few folks there, were there to see us...not sit inside and watch the game.
The crowd dug it. They seemed a bit taken aback that we played this song, this way. In fact, we did a 2 song medley, "Mystery Train" & "Big Boss Man"...sort of my own nod to back when I used to occasionally play bass for Sleepy LaBeef. (If you've ever seen Sleepy LIVE, you know he's the king of medleys)
Most importantly, it felt GOOD to play this electrically. The 175 was not the ideal guitar for it...but it sounded pretty good from where I was standing. I may have to look around for some clunky old electric to start playing slide on. This could become another part of the ever-growing show. We tried a version of "My Babe", the old Little Walter song (written by Willie Dixon, who wrote almost EVERY blues song) later on in the 3rd or 4th set. It went over OK...but the rhythm section was neither ready for it, nor do I think they felt it. We'll have to work on that one.
Anyhoo, it was fun to stretch out and do something different. I try to do this a lot in different areas of my life...but music, I've always compartmentalized. It just may be time to get uber weird! HAHA!
OK...I'm done rambling...for now. Got some business stuff to deal with. A musician's work is never done.....
Case in point, today. I was doing a show with my band, Memphis Mike & The Legendary Tremblers, today and decided to merge a couple of my personal worlds...at least a couple of my musical worlds. Allow me to explain...
In this band, we play loud, usually fast, boogie-kinda rock and roll. Some call it rockabilly (we don't), some call it country rock, some call it blues, some call it surf. Like Sam Phillips, we just call it "rock & roll" maaaaaaan. Sure, I like to incorporate blues, country, jazz, surf, rockabilly, punk, etc. into my playing. It's called having my own style. When I do solo shows, it's usually just me and a resophonic guitar, playing a lot of side guitar, and attempting to play 'down home kinda delta blues'. I rarely, if ever, play slide on electric. But today was different.
I've been in a different mindset lately about music. I've got the band, plus I've been doing solo shows, plus I've joined another band on bass. I've been writing (and rewriting) a fair bit...so my mind has been all over the place. As I was getting ready to leave for the show today, that little voice in my head (the reasonable voice...not the one that sounds like Mrs. Bates...HAHAHA Joke Son!!!) told me to take my slide with me.
As I waited for my bass player to swing by, I grabbed my writing guitar (my old Gibson ES 120T), tuned it in a G tuning and started playing some of my solo acoustic stuff...trying to decide whether or not to play some today at the show.
We got to Jay's earlier than usual, so we had to a chance to actually warm up a bit. The voice in my head told me "play some slide". I detuned my 1960 Gibson 175 down to an open D and started playing with the old "Mystery Train" riff. It was sounding good. The rhythm section, as usual, picked right up on it. They started out simply then got more into the groove. We did a couple verses of the song and a solo or two. I liked it!
During one of the sets (we played 4 sets today...so it was either the 1st or 2nd set), I opted to do this song for the (admittedly sparse) crowd. This joint, Jay's, is more of a sports bar/restaurant kinda place. Not exactly known for rock and roll. The few folks there, were there to see us...not sit inside and watch the game.
The crowd dug it. They seemed a bit taken aback that we played this song, this way. In fact, we did a 2 song medley, "Mystery Train" & "Big Boss Man"...sort of my own nod to back when I used to occasionally play bass for Sleepy LaBeef. (If you've ever seen Sleepy LIVE, you know he's the king of medleys)
Most importantly, it felt GOOD to play this electrically. The 175 was not the ideal guitar for it...but it sounded pretty good from where I was standing. I may have to look around for some clunky old electric to start playing slide on. This could become another part of the ever-growing show. We tried a version of "My Babe", the old Little Walter song (written by Willie Dixon, who wrote almost EVERY blues song) later on in the 3rd or 4th set. It went over OK...but the rhythm section was neither ready for it, nor do I think they felt it. We'll have to work on that one.
Anyhoo, it was fun to stretch out and do something different. I try to do this a lot in different areas of my life...but music, I've always compartmentalized. It just may be time to get uber weird! HAHA!
OK...I'm done rambling...for now. Got some business stuff to deal with. A musician's work is never done.....
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The End of the World
I used to write. A lot. I always loved my creative writing classes. I'd usually have my assignments finished before the class was over. I wrote short stories, plays, lyrics, poems. Sometimes I'd just write gibberish, just because I could.
My high school teachers and college professors always loved my writing, or so they said. My dad always figured I'd grow up to be an English professor. (I have yet to grow up, so that is still an option)
I eventually turned my writing in two directions: music and journalism. I've been writing songs since I was 12. If I was really good at it, you'd probably be familiar with more of my work! My journalistic writing...there's another story. I started out writing for underground mags and papers like Bull Dada and NOW. When I was 15, I was published in Rolling Stone (under a pen name). I think I made a whopping $155 for that one! (Big money to a kid in the early 80s)
I eventually took a break from journalism to focus more on music. I think we all know how that turned out! Not too bad. No major, global successes but I've enjoyed a fair bit of small-time notoriety. The critics love me. For those unfamiliar, that's usually the kiss of death for sales.
I returned to freelance writing about 10 years ago. For a few years, I was writing a regular column for an Australian magazine called Big Beat of the 50s (published by the Australian Rock & Roll Appreciation Society). I've written all sorts of writing assignments since then...including a rousing bit of copy for a trade school. It takes some level of skill to make a dry, technical course sound exciting. It was a challenge though...and actually a fun one.
I've never really stopped writing. I write for my own pleasure. Most of the time, I'll just scribble down a line or three in an old note book and forget about it. Sometimes, I find them and give them a read. On occasions, I can still knock out a good one.
Today, while nursing a mild hangover, I had the seeds of a poem growing in my head. As the day progressed, it grew and grew until I had to finally write it down. It's a dark, morose and mildly macabre little tale...akin to the dark, brooding stuff I often wrote in high school.
So, without further adieu, I tip my hat to Messrs. Matheson, Price, Heston, Waits, and Smith, and present you, dear reader, with my latest bit O weirdness:
"Alone At The End of the World"
All alone at the end of the world
with nowhere left to go
There's nothing left for me to eat
but this old dead pile of crows.
Walking down the street
I passed an old Dodge up on blocks
the work remains unfinished
so I guess I'll have to walk.
The grapes have all gone sour
and just wasted on the vine
the bottles remain empty
like a cheap whore's Valentine.
No more ruminations
from the self-centered Rumi Nation.
There's no one left to listen to
each person's agitations.
Nothing left to do
and nowhere left to go.
Nothing left to drink
but this bottle of Old Crow.
At the downtown intersection
of 4th and Market Streets
I lay down in the middle of the road
knocked out from the heat.
I finally stopped my screaming
a couple days ago.
There's no one left to hear it
that's how the story goes.
I broke out all the windows
of every store in town.
I had no other reason
except I liked the sound.
Ashes ashes all fall down
no one left to fill the urns.
I set fire to my father's house
just to watch it burn.
No memories left in this old world
except those that are my own.
The world has ended quietly
and I'm left here all alone.
Gosh, I hope you weren't expecting something GOOD! Like I said, these days I write for my own pleasure. If you enjoyed this, THANKS! If you didn't, thanks anyway for taking the time to read it.
OK...I'll shut up now. Sorta kinda....
My high school teachers and college professors always loved my writing, or so they said. My dad always figured I'd grow up to be an English professor. (I have yet to grow up, so that is still an option)
I eventually turned my writing in two directions: music and journalism. I've been writing songs since I was 12. If I was really good at it, you'd probably be familiar with more of my work! My journalistic writing...there's another story. I started out writing for underground mags and papers like Bull Dada and NOW. When I was 15, I was published in Rolling Stone (under a pen name). I think I made a whopping $155 for that one! (Big money to a kid in the early 80s)
I eventually took a break from journalism to focus more on music. I think we all know how that turned out! Not too bad. No major, global successes but I've enjoyed a fair bit of small-time notoriety. The critics love me. For those unfamiliar, that's usually the kiss of death for sales.
I returned to freelance writing about 10 years ago. For a few years, I was writing a regular column for an Australian magazine called Big Beat of the 50s (published by the Australian Rock & Roll Appreciation Society). I've written all sorts of writing assignments since then...including a rousing bit of copy for a trade school. It takes some level of skill to make a dry, technical course sound exciting. It was a challenge though...and actually a fun one.
I've never really stopped writing. I write for my own pleasure. Most of the time, I'll just scribble down a line or three in an old note book and forget about it. Sometimes, I find them and give them a read. On occasions, I can still knock out a good one.
Today, while nursing a mild hangover, I had the seeds of a poem growing in my head. As the day progressed, it grew and grew until I had to finally write it down. It's a dark, morose and mildly macabre little tale...akin to the dark, brooding stuff I often wrote in high school.
So, without further adieu, I tip my hat to Messrs. Matheson, Price, Heston, Waits, and Smith, and present you, dear reader, with my latest bit O weirdness:
"Alone At The End of the World"
All alone at the end of the world
with nowhere left to go
There's nothing left for me to eat
but this old dead pile of crows.
Walking down the street
I passed an old Dodge up on blocks
the work remains unfinished
so I guess I'll have to walk.
The grapes have all gone sour
and just wasted on the vine
the bottles remain empty
like a cheap whore's Valentine.
No more ruminations
from the self-centered Rumi Nation.
There's no one left to listen to
each person's agitations.
Nothing left to do
and nowhere left to go.
Nothing left to drink
but this bottle of Old Crow.
At the downtown intersection
of 4th and Market Streets
I lay down in the middle of the road
knocked out from the heat.
I finally stopped my screaming
a couple days ago.
There's no one left to hear it
that's how the story goes.
I broke out all the windows
of every store in town.
I had no other reason
except I liked the sound.
Ashes ashes all fall down
no one left to fill the urns.
I set fire to my father's house
just to watch it burn.
No memories left in this old world
except those that are my own.
The world has ended quietly
and I'm left here all alone.
Gosh, I hope you weren't expecting something GOOD! Like I said, these days I write for my own pleasure. If you enjoyed this, THANKS! If you didn't, thanks anyway for taking the time to read it.
OK...I'll shut up now. Sorta kinda....
Monday, September 10, 2012
11
11 years. Has it really been that long?
I can still hear your voice. I can hear your laugh. I can hear you calling me Micha. I can hear you arguing with me. I can hear you breathe. But you're still gone. And I still miss you and I still love you.
We knew that "we" couldn't be. We knew that we had to go our own ways...but we always stayed in each other's life. Until that day. I remember trying time after time to call...but the phone lines were down. I have never been so scared.
I large part of me died with you. A large part of the world died with you. I was sure I'd never be happy again. But...I am.
I know you watch over me. I'm pretty sure you had something to do with her coming into my life. I don't see how else it could have happened. She's young, beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful, caring, talented...everything you know I need in my life. She's good for me. I try to be good for her...but I'm still a mess.
The legal mess wages on. There are days when I think it will go on forever. I'm over it. I'm trying to get my life together again. I'm cancer free. My ticker is still damaged...and will be forever. I try to be happy. I have lots of reasons to be happy. I'm pretty sure your hand has guided mine in many instances.
I've been out of work all year. I wonder if you had something to do with that too. Maybe it's your way of telling me it's time to do something else. I just wish I could talk to you. You were so good with advice. You were more disciplined than I'll ever be. Damn...I miss you.
I'm playing music more. I'm sure your hand guided that. I'm playing bass again too. It feels good. I'm hoping to start touring with a few different acts. We'll see what time brings.
I was finally able to keep my promise to my grandmother and Aunt Ann. I got my dad and sister talking. Dad finally got to meet his granddaughters. It meant so much to them. And to me. I get weepy just thinking about it. You know me...Mr. Waterworks.
One of my nieces just got engaged. Her fiance...I met him a couple of years ago. He came to visit with Nancy and the girls. He seems like a good kid. He's a firefighter. Noble. I think they'll make a good home together. I wish the girls could have known their auntie. I think they'd love you.
It still hurts. The pain never goes away. I have become accustomed to it though...it's become a part of me. I laugh a lot more these days. I've accepted it. Kind of hard not to, eh? I still pull your photo out now and then...although, to see your face, all I have to do is close my eyes. I know you're still there.
I love her you know. As usual, I think I suck at showing it...but I try. And try. It's funny, there are moments when she reminds me of you. You two couldn't be more different...but maybe, those moments when she reminds me of you...maybe that's you working through her. I don't know. I'm getting weirder. Maybe it's just me getting old. Damn, I have a lot of gray hair now. I'll always remember you pointing out my first gray hairs. And I'm still sure YOU caused them! HAHA!
Oh my little petitsa na poby. I feel lost a lot of the time. I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels. I don't think I'm done here. I just don't know how to make it happen anymore. I feel lost.
Oh well. It's another year gone by. The world has gone crazy. There is so much hate today. I'm almost glad you don't have to see it. I worry about what's going to happen to this country and the world. I think things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
I hope you're at peace. Just know that I will always love you. But, I must be among the living and I'm lucky, she loves me and I love her. I probably don't deserve her. I'm just happy she puts up with my grumpy old ass.
I'll see you where I always do. In my dreams. If you can, give me a nudge. Push me a bit. You know how I get when I'm like this. You were always able to get my ass moving when nothing else could.
I'll see you soon.
Namaste my love.
M
I can still hear your voice. I can hear your laugh. I can hear you calling me Micha. I can hear you arguing with me. I can hear you breathe. But you're still gone. And I still miss you and I still love you.
We knew that "we" couldn't be. We knew that we had to go our own ways...but we always stayed in each other's life. Until that day. I remember trying time after time to call...but the phone lines were down. I have never been so scared.
I large part of me died with you. A large part of the world died with you. I was sure I'd never be happy again. But...I am.
I know you watch over me. I'm pretty sure you had something to do with her coming into my life. I don't see how else it could have happened. She's young, beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful, caring, talented...everything you know I need in my life. She's good for me. I try to be good for her...but I'm still a mess.
The legal mess wages on. There are days when I think it will go on forever. I'm over it. I'm trying to get my life together again. I'm cancer free. My ticker is still damaged...and will be forever. I try to be happy. I have lots of reasons to be happy. I'm pretty sure your hand has guided mine in many instances.
I've been out of work all year. I wonder if you had something to do with that too. Maybe it's your way of telling me it's time to do something else. I just wish I could talk to you. You were so good with advice. You were more disciplined than I'll ever be. Damn...I miss you.
I'm playing music more. I'm sure your hand guided that. I'm playing bass again too. It feels good. I'm hoping to start touring with a few different acts. We'll see what time brings.
I was finally able to keep my promise to my grandmother and Aunt Ann. I got my dad and sister talking. Dad finally got to meet his granddaughters. It meant so much to them. And to me. I get weepy just thinking about it. You know me...Mr. Waterworks.
One of my nieces just got engaged. Her fiance...I met him a couple of years ago. He came to visit with Nancy and the girls. He seems like a good kid. He's a firefighter. Noble. I think they'll make a good home together. I wish the girls could have known their auntie. I think they'd love you.
It still hurts. The pain never goes away. I have become accustomed to it though...it's become a part of me. I laugh a lot more these days. I've accepted it. Kind of hard not to, eh? I still pull your photo out now and then...although, to see your face, all I have to do is close my eyes. I know you're still there.
I love her you know. As usual, I think I suck at showing it...but I try. And try. It's funny, there are moments when she reminds me of you. You two couldn't be more different...but maybe, those moments when she reminds me of you...maybe that's you working through her. I don't know. I'm getting weirder. Maybe it's just me getting old. Damn, I have a lot of gray hair now. I'll always remember you pointing out my first gray hairs. And I'm still sure YOU caused them! HAHA!
Oh my little petitsa na poby. I feel lost a lot of the time. I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels. I don't think I'm done here. I just don't know how to make it happen anymore. I feel lost.
Oh well. It's another year gone by. The world has gone crazy. There is so much hate today. I'm almost glad you don't have to see it. I worry about what's going to happen to this country and the world. I think things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
I hope you're at peace. Just know that I will always love you. But, I must be among the living and I'm lucky, she loves me and I love her. I probably don't deserve her. I'm just happy she puts up with my grumpy old ass.
I'll see you where I always do. In my dreams. If you can, give me a nudge. Push me a bit. You know how I get when I'm like this. You were always able to get my ass moving when nothing else could.
I'll see you soon.
Namaste my love.
M
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Coke or Pepsi?
Coke or Pepsi...does it have to be a choice between the two?
I rarely drink colas. In fact, I've never been a huge fan of cola (unless there's bourbon mixed in there). But seriously though...why is it a choice between these two? I think it says a lot about our country's mindset. Either/or.
I used to spend a lot of time down south. One of my favorite things about the southern lexicon was their habit of referring to ALL soft drinks as "Coke". You'd be sitting in a restaurant or diner and the waitress would ask if you'd like a Coke...then she'd ask you what kind you wanted. Always cracked me up. My ex girlfriend, born and raised in Tennessee, would always refer to my (then) beloved Mt. Dew as "yellow Coke". (It's actually a bit more green....but I digress)
I used to live on Mt. Dew. Since my heart attack 5 years ago, I've gone caffeine-free. I prefer orange soda now. Orange Crush is always in my fridge. Fanta's orange soda is pretty good too. Once in a while, I like a grape soda. Or a nice cold root beer (sarsaparilla when/if I can find it!). So why all of the ballyhoo over Coke and/or Pepsi?
Simple. They're the 2 biggies. 2 large corporations who want your money. Somehow in the past 30 years, soda, colas in particular, have become a dietary staple. When I was a kid, a soda was a treat. What happened?
I'll tell you what happened. These corporations decided that they weren't making enough money with their global sales. They decided, FOR YOU, that you should drink more soda. Rather than rely on each person's individual tastes, they started an aggressive, never-ending campaign for your money. Remember New Coke? It was a genius strategy. The New Coke tasted flat and bland. But once Coca Cola released Classic Coke, it sold like gangbusters! There was Pepsi Lite (I think that's what it was called). It was Pepsi with a lemony flavor. And Crystal Pepsi. Cherry Coke. Cherry Pepsi. Vanilla Coke. When I was a kid, I remember getting chocolate Cokes at restaurants & diners. Now that was a treat! The war for your money was on! And we all bought it and we all drank it.
Back in the day, I was a Mt. Dew fan. Horridly sweet, with loads of caffeine. And...owned by Pepsi. Coke has it's version too...Mellow Yellow. Does anyone remember Royal Crown Cola...RC? I haven't seen that in a while. As far as colas go, I actually liked that one! I liked Jolt too...do they even still make that stuff?
Thirty years ago, hardly anyone would have a soda in the morning. It was just too sweet...too fizzy. Maybe with lunch...but not 1st thing in the morning. Well, thanks to corporate product placement in movies and TV, its now not unusual for someone to get their morning caffeine fix from a Coke or Pepsi rather than a cup of coffee or tea. And let's be honest, shall we...none of it is exactly good for you. And yes, while there are "diet" soft drinks, they're every bit as bad for you....possibly worse.
When I was in high school, we had a little snack concession...run by the marching band I think...in our school cafeteria. I never ate lunch at school, but would often have an afternoon study hall there. I'd grab a Mt. Dew and a Slim Jim most days. The Mt. Dew was neither in a bottle nor a can. It was a fountain drink....and usually watered down. 10 years later, it was commonplace to see Coke and/or Pepsi vending machines in schools. That disturbed me. These corporations had taken on the same mindset as hillbillies training bloodhounds or looking for wives. Get `em young! I don't think I ever saw an RC Cola machine in a school.
Regardless of you preference....Coke, Pepsi, Mt. Dew, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, etc...they're probably owned by one of these 2 major corporations. Chances are, your day just isn't complete without something these corporations has deemed a vital part of your daily intake...and at great cost to you. The cost is not only your money but your health. There's some truly bad crap in these drinks! Even my Orange Crush! I won't go into the chemistry of it all...but we all know it's not good for us. Don't we?
If you're wondering why you can't shed that weight, or why your child is obese and is developing high blood pressure at age 9, think about what you're eating and drinking. The corporations have taken over our lives to the point where we all blindly sit back and ingest the crap...and pay them for the privilege. Doesn't really make sense when you think about.
For a list of Coca Cola's products, look here: COKE LIST
For a list of Pepsi Cola's products, look here: PEPSI LIST
So which will it be for you, dear reader? Coke or Pepsi? Or will you just say No Thanks and go have a glass of tap water. Or maybe squeeze your own juice. The corporations don't want you to do any of that! They want to serve you...at a price. They'll give you convenience in a bottle or a can. No pesky filling up a glass or having to take all that time to squeeze an orange. It's all ready for you. Just open it up and take a drink. There you go...nice and sweet....and fizzy too! Feels good going down your throat...doesn't it? Keep on drinking. You're a slave to it now. All you have to do now is choose....Coke or Pepsi.
I rarely drink colas. In fact, I've never been a huge fan of cola (unless there's bourbon mixed in there). But seriously though...why is it a choice between these two? I think it says a lot about our country's mindset. Either/or.
I used to spend a lot of time down south. One of my favorite things about the southern lexicon was their habit of referring to ALL soft drinks as "Coke". You'd be sitting in a restaurant or diner and the waitress would ask if you'd like a Coke...then she'd ask you what kind you wanted. Always cracked me up. My ex girlfriend, born and raised in Tennessee, would always refer to my (then) beloved Mt. Dew as "yellow Coke". (It's actually a bit more green....but I digress)
I used to live on Mt. Dew. Since my heart attack 5 years ago, I've gone caffeine-free. I prefer orange soda now. Orange Crush is always in my fridge. Fanta's orange soda is pretty good too. Once in a while, I like a grape soda. Or a nice cold root beer (sarsaparilla when/if I can find it!). So why all of the ballyhoo over Coke and/or Pepsi?
Simple. They're the 2 biggies. 2 large corporations who want your money. Somehow in the past 30 years, soda, colas in particular, have become a dietary staple. When I was a kid, a soda was a treat. What happened?
I'll tell you what happened. These corporations decided that they weren't making enough money with their global sales. They decided, FOR YOU, that you should drink more soda. Rather than rely on each person's individual tastes, they started an aggressive, never-ending campaign for your money. Remember New Coke? It was a genius strategy. The New Coke tasted flat and bland. But once Coca Cola released Classic Coke, it sold like gangbusters! There was Pepsi Lite (I think that's what it was called). It was Pepsi with a lemony flavor. And Crystal Pepsi. Cherry Coke. Cherry Pepsi. Vanilla Coke. When I was a kid, I remember getting chocolate Cokes at restaurants & diners. Now that was a treat! The war for your money was on! And we all bought it and we all drank it.
Back in the day, I was a Mt. Dew fan. Horridly sweet, with loads of caffeine. And...owned by Pepsi. Coke has it's version too...Mellow Yellow. Does anyone remember Royal Crown Cola...RC? I haven't seen that in a while. As far as colas go, I actually liked that one! I liked Jolt too...do they even still make that stuff?
Thirty years ago, hardly anyone would have a soda in the morning. It was just too sweet...too fizzy. Maybe with lunch...but not 1st thing in the morning. Well, thanks to corporate product placement in movies and TV, its now not unusual for someone to get their morning caffeine fix from a Coke or Pepsi rather than a cup of coffee or tea. And let's be honest, shall we...none of it is exactly good for you. And yes, while there are "diet" soft drinks, they're every bit as bad for you....possibly worse.
When I was in high school, we had a little snack concession...run by the marching band I think...in our school cafeteria. I never ate lunch at school, but would often have an afternoon study hall there. I'd grab a Mt. Dew and a Slim Jim most days. The Mt. Dew was neither in a bottle nor a can. It was a fountain drink....and usually watered down. 10 years later, it was commonplace to see Coke and/or Pepsi vending machines in schools. That disturbed me. These corporations had taken on the same mindset as hillbillies training bloodhounds or looking for wives. Get `em young! I don't think I ever saw an RC Cola machine in a school.
Regardless of you preference....Coke, Pepsi, Mt. Dew, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, etc...they're probably owned by one of these 2 major corporations. Chances are, your day just isn't complete without something these corporations has deemed a vital part of your daily intake...and at great cost to you. The cost is not only your money but your health. There's some truly bad crap in these drinks! Even my Orange Crush! I won't go into the chemistry of it all...but we all know it's not good for us. Don't we?
If you're wondering why you can't shed that weight, or why your child is obese and is developing high blood pressure at age 9, think about what you're eating and drinking. The corporations have taken over our lives to the point where we all blindly sit back and ingest the crap...and pay them for the privilege. Doesn't really make sense when you think about.
For a list of Coca Cola's products, look here: COKE LIST
For a list of Pepsi Cola's products, look here: PEPSI LIST
So which will it be for you, dear reader? Coke or Pepsi? Or will you just say No Thanks and go have a glass of tap water. Or maybe squeeze your own juice. The corporations don't want you to do any of that! They want to serve you...at a price. They'll give you convenience in a bottle or a can. No pesky filling up a glass or having to take all that time to squeeze an orange. It's all ready for you. Just open it up and take a drink. There you go...nice and sweet....and fizzy too! Feels good going down your throat...doesn't it? Keep on drinking. You're a slave to it now. All you have to do now is choose....Coke or Pepsi.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)