Point of View of a Proud American

I'm proud to be an American. I love my country and at different points in my life have had to prove that love and pride. No, not as an armed member of the military but as just a man, and I had to use my wits and a few times, my fists. I've been singled out in other countries, whether it be in a bar, waiting for a train, or standing in the checkout line buying groceries; I am an American!

I've listened patiently while people in these other countries take their hatred of the USA out on me. I then respond either with carefully thought out words or perhaps a single finger gesture (hey, I have bad days too!). America is #1...to us. It seems all countries have their nationalistic tendencies and none are waving banners that read "WE'RE #2!"

Why do they hate us? Basicially, its not a jealousy issue. Its basically because we're a nation of crybabies...and no one likes a crybaby. Look at the latest mess: we somehow managed to pass some watered down version of health care reform. Sure, its a start...but why do I get the feeling that the insurance companies were behind it all? I hear that insurance company stocks rose sharply yesterday (3/22/10). Hmmmmmm.

Rather than celebrate a victory or admit a defeat, we are all still crying about it. Some of us are thinking "we didn't get our way" and others are thinking "we didn't get enough of our way" while more still are just parroting slogans they've heard on TV or read somewhere. In short, we're all still whining...and really, who likes that?

Sure, the whole mess will get dragged to the Supreme Court...at which point, it will no longer matter. Our country's reputation as a mass of greedy, arrogant assholes will be further cemented in the eyes of the world. But who cares what they think, right? We saved their asses in WW2 didn't we? We bailed them out didn't we? Obviously, we've forgotten that like it or not, we're all on this planet together. What we do effects others and vice versa.

The world used to look up to the US. Now the world looks down on the US. And yet I am proud to be an American. I love my country.

Don't celebrate this as a victory just yet folks. We're still on the fast track to becoming a 3rd World Nation. We have little to bring to the table anymore. We don't manufacture anything...aside from bad media and hate. We hate ourselves so much and place such a high value on greed and possessions that we've lost sight of what's right & wrong. We have lost the respect of the world and we have lost our own self-respect. We deride each other over differences of beliefs. Sure, that's our right...but is it right? United we stand, divided we fall.
We now worry that we may have to pay more in taxes to fund this health care refrom. I, personally, would rather pay a small amount out of pocket over time than to get hit with a $100k hospital bill (which I have before). We like to think that we're a healthy country...but we're not. We're obese. We drink too much. We eat crappy processed food...and lots of it. We think that because we've grown fat as a nation, that we're doing well. We're not. Yet I'm proud to be an American. I love my big fat country.

America: the land of the free. Free to hate each other. Free to kill ourselves with fat-laden, carcinogenic fast food. Free to drink ourselves into oblivion. Free to fix the problems we face and Free to ignore the problems. Free to spew lies posed as truths.

I have a few questions and maybe YOU dear reader can answer them:

• When did we learn to hate each other so much that we value only our own individual beliefs?
• When did we stop caring about each other?
• When did the almighty buck become our raison d'etre?
• When did we stop being America?

I am proud to be an American. I love my country. I always have and I always will. I just wish it was a better place for all of us.

STILL Sober! (2 months, 9 days and counting...) :-)

Yes folks. I'm still sober. A lot of people seem to forget this. I haven't. While it was relatively easy to give up booze for me, I'd like to take a minute to explain just why I did it.

Do I think I'm an alcoholic? In short, no. That said, problems were starting to arise. I attribute some of them to just getting older but some may be rooted a bit deeper. My cousin nearly drank himself to death not long after my heart attack. That scared me.

Basically, I just no longer saw the use of drinking. I no longer enjoy the company of drunks. (snobby SOB ain't I? lol) Hear me out, I can't nor will I ever condemn anyone for having a drink...Lord knows I drank enough! LOL But after 30 years in the music biz, 30 years of playing in bars, nightclubs, afterhours joints, etc...I grew tired of it. I've never 'craved' alcohol. I've never felt dependent upon it. Sure, I had my pre-show ritual (2 beers) for years...but I've done quite a few shows stone cold sober too. In fact, my playing is BETTER when I'm sober...as long as the band is tight and the crowd is loose!

What does bother me is how everyone seems to equate me with beer/booze. I'm guessing that means that they are fondly equating me with 'good times'. Well folks, the best I can tell you is I'm still fun. I'm still me. I just no longer drink alcohol. Don't be afraid to drink around me...just please don't offer me a drink. If you ask me "why" I quit, I'll tell you...but it probably won't be the most fun bar room conversation you'll ever have! LOL

I quit for my own reasons and I'm happily sober. I don't have to worry about hangovers, DUIs, or wondering where all that money went! I've not joined AA...just not for me. I think AA/NA are wonderful for those who can benefit from them. Like I said, I'm not an alcoholic, I'm just a former drunk. And I plan to keep it that way!

Lastly, I'd like to thank someone for giving me the courage to quit. As she's a modest kinda gal, I'll just call her Miss Rule62. She knows who she is. I only wish that she could see herself through my eyes just once. I think she's an incredibly talented, intelligent, strong, kind, caring soul. She's even funny...but she told me once not to tell her that as she might believe it! LOL So, to Miss Rule62...Thank You! :-)

DON'T BE STUPID!: An Open Letter To The Younger Generations

I was conversing with a friend of 20 or so years this eve & she I both commented on how difficult its becoming to have a serious talk with people in their 20s (or younger). If I've learned nothing else in my nearly 44 years on this chunk O dirt, I've learned to listen to my elders and their experiences and to bare them in mind when making my own decisions. I've learned to temper my impulses with some good old fashioned common sense. I attribute much of the success that I've enjoyed to the words of those who came before me. I listened to every word. Sure, I often went my own way but not without remembering the words of my elders. I've also learned that many of my failures could have been averted had I followed the advice of these same elders.

So, to all the 20-somethings out there who think they know it all, know what they're doing and have it all planned and figured out...GOOD FOR YOU! I hope that your vast knowledge lasts your entire life and that all the big plans you have come to fruition. Those of us who are older know better. We know that life throws curve balls and that you have to work hard for all the truly good things in life. There are no real short cuts. Learn to be happy with who you are and the things you have in life. Learn to plan ahead. Most importantly, keep on LEARNING.

My mind has been on your generation all week. A good friend, who is in her 20s, is planning to have her face chopped up by a plastic surgeon. She claims to be happy and well adjusted. Just so you know, she's a very attractive young lady. She has a very pretty face, nice body, good smile, no scars, blemishes, etc...but for some reason she feels that she "needs" to have her face altered. As her surgeon of choice put it, she doesn't need much "work". In short, she doesn't need any work...at least not on the outside. Her surgeon, I feel, should have his license revoked for even considering doing any work on her. Sure, I hear ya...it's HER decision...but what happens if something goes wrong? An infection, a surgical accident, etc...or more likely, what happens as she gets older and realizes it was all a mistake. Will she be comforted by the knowledge that it was her choice?

No, I think she needs to spend more time working on who she is inside. I've known her for years and the main reason that we're friends is that she has always been surprisingly mature and wise for her years. This decision of hers to have her face chopped up just truly disturbs me. Is this generation of hers so insecure that they feel that they have to meet some unattainable standard set forth by the media? Is this the 21st century version of 'keeping up with the Joneses'?

Obviously, she's making enough money to be able to afford to pay a private surgeon. She claims to love her job. So why this "need" of hers to alter her looks and risk the potential harm of (any) surgery? She claims that my questioning her motives has upset her...to which I will not apologize. Sometimes a friend has to say things you don't want to hear...but thats one of the things that a real friend is for. Will a new face really make her happy? Those of us of a certain age know better. Sure...if she was disfigured and plastic surgery could give her a more normal life...but that isn't the case. As I stated before, she's very attractive. I know many women who would kill for her looks. Her reasoning is because she "needs" to do this and it will make her happier...I'm sorry, I just think that's fucked up.

My friend is living the good life. Good job with good pay, a nice apartment in a vibrant, exciting city. She is asked on many dates but doesn't have one special guy...but at her age, she should just enjoy it. I think she's too young to seriously consider marriage. Time she has. I pray that her future time isn't spent regretting an impulsive mistake. If she was my daughter, I'd have the same worries. She's a good gal...but this "choice" to chop her face up just boggles my mind.

But she's a grown woman...in her mid 20s, well educated...more than capable of making her own decisions. The only thing she's lacking is, unfortunately, the most important: experience. In many of the things she does, it seems like she's trying to rush rush rush. I fear that our highly-evolved, technologically advanced society has created a generation of people who are overly impulsive...incapable of waiting & thinking things through. It's become a disposable, fast-food world. The only problem is that people aren't disposable. My biggest worry for her is...what if this doesn't bring her the happiness she thinks it will? What then? Another surgery? At what point does a person realize that only they themselves are capable of creating their own happiness? I pray for her. I pray that she snaps out of this before the doctor's first cut.

So, to you younger folks out there...let this be a lesson. Everything that you do, no matter how small it may seem to you, does indeed effect other people. There are people out there who care about you and only want true happiness for you. That happiness does not come in the form of a bottle, a pill, a nose-job, chin-lift, tummy tuck, tattoo, piercing, etc. In short...don't be stupid. Your elders, of which I am one, love and care about you.

"They're my SUPER POWERS Boss!"

Tomorrow afternoon, I'll be going to the funeral home to pay my last respects to a former client; a most interesting guy, to be sure! I was lucky enough to know and work with this man for over a dozen years. He could be moody, a bully, a sweetheart, a clown...in short, he was a regular guy. He had his good and bad days just like everyone else. He also happened to have Downs Syndrome. His name was David.

David was just a few years older than me and our birthdays were just weeks apart, so that gave us some similar points of reference. He had an infectious laugh and his own unique sense of humor and style. For a large man, he loved to dance! He would literally spin himself in time with the music and few people have ever enjoyed music quite the way he did.

David's appetites in life were voracious. He loved food, he loved his friends and most of all, he loved his Super Powers. His "super powers" were large markers that he would occasionally talk to. While this may sound odd to most people, I understood it. These "super powers" helped David cope with the world, they boosted his self-confidence, and they were his solace when he was frightened. Most of us have a crutch of some sort...maybe its cigarettes, or drinking, or maybe its a certain someone in our life. David was lucky; his crutch was replaceable. Whether an over sized Sharpie or a bingo dauber, he had his "super powers"...and they worked magic!

David had a lifelong struggle with weight. Simply put, the man loved food! At one point, he was working really hard to get his weight under control. He often admired my black leather biker jacket, and I promised him that should he get his weight under 200 pounds, I would give it to him. He succeeded and I gave him the jacket. He rarely wore it as he felt it was too stiff and heavy but a deals a deal. So far as I know, he had that jacket until his last days.

David lived only a few blocks from me and I often saw him in the neighborhood. He enjoyed walking to the corner convenience store (usually to get soda or snacks) and many in the area knew him by name. While not a terribly loquacious man, David would always give a wave or when he saw me a "Hi Boss!". He almost always had his "super powers" with him. Once I ran into him while he was out walking and I asked if he had them with him. He gave me the most incredulous look and explained, as if I was simple, that his "super powers" kept him safe. I guess we can add talisman and good luck charm to their magic powers!

David will most definitely be missed. He will be missed by his friends, family, co-workers and his residential and vocational staff, past and present. He could always bring a smile to my face and I'm sure that I'm not alone in this.

In times like these, I wish I had my own set of Super Powers boss! Rest In Peace my friend.

How the US can save over $62 million per year!

It's time for more of my whacky numbers...numbers that you might not have given much thought to.

The average member of the US House of Representatives & Senate "earns" an annual salary of $174,00. The Majority and Minority leaders "earn" $193,00. The Speaker of the House "earns" $223,500. Add up these numbers.

Then there are pensions:

Members of Congress are eligible for a pension at age 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. They are eligible for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after completing 25 years of service. The amount of the pension depends on years of service and the average of the highest three years of salary. By law, the starting amount of a member’s retirement annuity may not exceed 80 percent of his or her final salary. As of October 1, 2000, the average annual pension for members of Congress who have retired is between $52,464, and $46,932.

I haven't been able to ascertain the exact number of pensions are being drawn or the exact figures...but suffice to say, it's a large amount of OUR money.

In MY opinion, these folks are using US to live a lifestyle that most of US will never be able to afford. And WE are paying for it!

Do YOU think that these career politicians are worth this much? Do YOU think it's time for some serious political reform? Term limits? Salary reforms? If so, take a few minutes and contact YOUR representatives! Tell them that YOU DEMAND CHANGE!!!!!!

Or, you can sit back and watch OUR money go to waste. Once again, I'm just putting this info out there for you, my friends, to ponder....

Metzgerisms to Live By: A Positive Approach to Life in the 21st Century

Nothing really new here...but sometimes we all need a reminder.

• One is only insignificent if one refuses to live the life they have been given.
• Change is as constant as time.
• One must be willing to make change.
• One must be willing to be effected by change.
• If life isn't going the way you want it to, change it.
• Hate your job? Go find a new one.
• If your environment disagrees with you, move.
• Let no one rule you but yourself and your own judgement.
• Don't accept second place.
• If you fail, assess the failure and fix what needs fixed.
• It's better to try and fail than to not even bother.
• The smallest stone can cause a ripple.
• A microscopic germ can wipe out a nation.
• Drops of water can erode a mountain.
• Smiles, like yawns, are contagious.
• Known when enough is enough.
• Stand up for something.
• Treat your enemies well. You created them.
• Do right because it IS right.
• There is humor to all things. Find it.

More to come.....

It's been 1 month!!!!!!

I quit drinking alcohol 1 month ago and ya know what, I feel great! Sobriety seems to suit me well. Now a lot of you are probably wondering why I quit drinking. To answer those queries, no, I don't believe I have any kind of drinking problem. I don't crave alcohol. I don't think that it in any way really got in my way in life. Simply put, I just figured it was time. I was tired of losing a day recovering after a night out. Even if I only had a few beers, the next day I'd usually feel worn out, so it was no longer worth it. Also, I noticed that alcohol would intensify my emotions a good deal. The last 2 times I went out drinking, I almost hit people...not good. On NYE, some little dirtbag was trying to mooch cigs off of me...something that most days doesn't phase me...but for some reason, this guy just set me off and I was ready to brain him! As I prefer to be in complete control of my temper at all times, I knew I had to stop.

I've noticed a few things with my new-found sobriety:

I have a helluva lot more energy! And money too! I'd usually drop $40 everytime I went out...so that money is going for new toys now!

Alcohol smells. I never really noticed how bad it smelled until recently. While it doesn't bother me to be around people who are drinking, the smell bothers me a bit.

Drunks are funny...in small doses. After about 10 minutes, they just become irritating.

I no longer worry when I see a cop behind me! In fact, I hope I get pulled over some night just so I can say "Sorry officer but I don't drink. I'll be more than happy to take a breathalizer test!"

I'd also like to add that one of my dearest friends has also recently quit drinking and using drugs. I know this has to be a really hard time for her but she's also one of the strongest people I know. We're supporting each other with love and friendship. She's also joined AA/NA and I know that she's going to do just fine! I'm VERY proud of her! She's taken control of her life and is even planning to go back to school! It was funny, the 2 of us went to our usual bar the other day and the bartender almost fell over when he heard that BOTH of us quit drinking. It was nice to just hang out for a little bit in a familiar environment and NOT be working on getting drunk. I think it might be safe to say that we enjoy each other's company even more now!

Lastly, I'd like to thank a few people for inspiring this move. These people showed me, in one way or another, that I really WANT to be sober! So to the following, a great big THANK YOU!

Jenny A.
Genevieve S.
Marina D.
Mo-Z

Doing my 1st sober show on 2/6 @ Howlers....I'll let y'all know how it goes.