My friend, the racist

If you know me at all, you know that I can talk to just about anyone. It's a gift really. In my life, I've discussed Sartre with Hell's Angels, beer & fishing with a Royal, poetry with schizophrenics and music with the deaf. If I've learned nothing else, I've learned that everyone has an opinion...and 99.9978% of the time, that opinion is valid.

I have a dear friend who I've known for over 15 years. When he moved here to the US back in the mid 90s, I befriended him. Being a white guy from Africa, I found him to be intriguing. As I personally am not allowed to visit most of Africa (due to my work in the 80s with A.I.), I found hearing his firsthand accounts of growing up there fascinating. While I openly disagreed with many of his native culture's views on race, women, etc., I took it all in stride. I always threw in my 2 cents worth...and we began a great friendship.

Over time, he would roadie for my band and we would hang out a lot. My friend's seemingly bigoted outlooks definitely didn't sit well with many here in the states. He began to mellow on this, and as he was a very young man, I saw this as him growing up.

But there's an asshole in every bunch. Pittsburgh, or SW PA for that matter, has never been at a loss for racists. We've all known someone who could make Archie Bunker look like a liberal. Most folks grow out of it, some grow into it. I accept these folks for who they are. While I do not agree with their views, I won't consider them necessarily evil unless they act on these views. Having worked in behavior for a quarter century, I know that these are learned behaviors. No one is born a racist. That said, racism works both ways. I have had black folks tell me how much they hate white people...except me...I'm OK. LOL Basically, I think ALL people are good at heart.

Having said all of this, I hear from my friend, who now lives in Canada, from time to time. He's married now, with kids of his own, nice little suburban house, nice job, and everything he could really want in life. When I met his wife and kids a little over a year ago, I thought they were just peachy. His wife is a lot of fun and the kids are just great!

In the past few months, I've received some disturbing emails from my friend. It appears that he is back on the White Power kick...and this time, it's getting ugly. The blame, it appeared, started with hating Muslims. This seems an all-too-familiar bent with many in our culture, thanks to 9/11 and the media (mostly Fox News).

Then his vitriolic rants changed. It's all about how "niggers and mexicans" are ruining America. WTF???? My friend lives in Canada! Unless we've recently annexed the Great White North and I missed it, Canada still IS NOT the United States of America...so why does the thought of these people doing anything here bother him???? If gangs of Malaysian drag queens were terrorizing the streets of Winnipeg with their unique fashion sense, it really wouldn't bother ME!

As usual, I try to play it all down...but if you know me, you know that I all too easily will spout my own views on the world...which are based in my faith as a Christian. No, I'm not a Bible thumper. I don't really even like the Bible that much. Christ (who my faith is name for) probably wouldn't like it a whole lot either...but that is, admittedly, speculation on my part.

I see ALL people as just that; people. We all live different lives and sometimes our experiences intersect with others. It is those common experiences that we share with each other and develop various forms of relationships. Some folks are good most of the time, some folks are not. Not a one of us is perfect in anyway, shape or form.

I'll admit to not paying a lot of attention to the Martin/Zimmerman situation. Sad as it is, the media is making a bad situation worse. I do not trust the mass media for my information...they edit and spin everything in such a way as to sensationalize the story. This is done to get YOU the consumer to pay attention long enough to sell you a product. Oftentimes, that product is a mindset.

The media is corporate owned. Think for a minute who owns these corporations. Then think just what their agenda is. It's not just to sell you toilet paper or dish soap or a new appliance. Their agenda is control. The media has become too powerful. It has become Orwell's Big Brother. If you think I'm crazy, then think about this: Chances are, your employer is quietly monitoring your internet useage. If you have a Facebook page, I can bet that your employer is checking it out. Ask them...they'll usually tell you that they are.

Back to my friend. He has been sending me links to sites like this & this. I've looked at these sites (and their affiliated sites) and I have to tell you...this shit scares me! It's the 21st century and damn it if it doesn't sound like we as a people have regressed! And this is just the extreme right, white power types! In the case of Martin/Zimmerman, Spike Lee and others have posted what they THOUGHT was Zimmerman's address in an attempt to go after him. Whatever happened to due process? It seems that EVERYONE has gone insane! It's lynchmobs on both sides!

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND CALM DOWN FOLKS!

Racisms, and any other "isms" are based on fear. Fear is the tool most used by politicians and the media to gain CONTROL over a group of people. Sadly, it appears to be working. One of the oldest military strategies has always been "divide and conquer". This is happening today in our own country and our own culture. Think about it. Right vs. Left. Conservative vs. Liberal. Rich vs. Poor. Black vs. White vs. Latino vs. Asian. People are being played like pawns. Word a story the right way, spin it, and you can gain control of a group of people's mindset. Then those folks do the rest of the job. They spin the yarn to their friends...and since one hears it from a friend or loved one, one tends to BELIEVE it.

We ALL need a reality check. Turn off your computer, your TV, your radio. Go outside. Go for a walk. Say HI to your neighbor. We're becoming a very, scary reality.

My friend did make an interesting point. Racism is an industry and as such, is doing very well for itself. Please take the time to boycott that particular industry. You don't have to love everyone (even though that would be nice) but at least try this: treat EVERYONE exactly how YOU would like to be treated...no matter WHAT the circumstance. Don't be reactionary. Take a deep breath. Count to ten. But most of all, THINK.

Regardless of my friend's current mindset, I do still love him. He is my friend. I know that if push came to shove, he would have my back and I would have his. I don't know just what has him scared enough to follow this particular twisted path he is on but hopefully, something will happen to bring him back around again. Maybe YOU will the change he needs to see.

Mad love to you all!

M

METZGER FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!

Being unemployed, I think the Presidency would be a fun job. Too bad it's only a temp gig...but it'd keep me occupied for a few years...My campaign slogan?

That's right! You COULD do WORSE!!!!!!!

So, you're probably wondering just where I stand on the issues. Glad you asked! Here's some starters:

Unemployment: This is a BIG issue! Too many companies outsource AMERICAN jobs overseas. That will end. If you can't hire American, you get taxed 99%. You will not be allowed to import or export ANYTHING. In short...you're finished. HIRE AMERICAN!

Gay Marriage: It's not an issue! If 2 consenting adults want to be miserable and get married...FINE! Let them get married. While we're on the subject of marriage, let's make DIVORCES harder to get! No more alimony. No more pre-nups. If you're foolish enough to think you want to spend the rest of your life with the same person, then you should stick to it! Period!

Healthcare: We're all gonna need it at sometime! Let's make it AFFORDABLE! This means a major review and overhaul of the health insurance industry, pharmaceutical companies, medical supply companies, etc. Have you ever looked at a hospital bill? The prices they charge are ridiculous! It would actually be CHEAPER to get a room at the Hilton, hire a private duty nurse and buy your meds at Wal-Mart! Yessirree folks...the system is broken and I can fix it!

Foreign Policy: Fix things at HOME first! It is NOT America's job to stick it's nose into everyone else's affairs. Israel...we love ya...but dammit...quit stirring up shit! You get the land you now have...no more. Unless you PAY fair market value. And since Palestine doesn't seem to be selling, get over it! If you are God's chosen, let him rain down some frogs and locusts until your unwanted neighbors leave. Since He isn't doing that...you'll just have to learn to make due. Plant a tree.

The Environment: If you make a mess, YOU better be able to clean it up! This means NOW! American cars are designed to be messy and stop running long before their foreign counterparts. They're also designed to use too much fuel. The auto industry gets 6 months to fix it or they go BYE BYE. We bailed your sorry asses out...and you still haven't done shit. Corporations, businesses large and small...if you make a mess, CLEAN IT THE FUCK UP!

Abortion: Again...NOT AN ISSUE! If the People want these laws changed, do it according to proper channels. As Roe v. Wade was in 1973, and it hasn't been overturned yet, it's not going to happen. Deal with it. If God has a problem with it, that's what Judgement Day is for.

Gas Prices: Top priority...bring the prices down. Offer the Arabs a set price for oil. We use a LOT of it. If we stop buying it, they're going to lose a LOT of money. Time to haggle folks! And while all of this is going on, it's time to develop CLEAN, renewable fuels. The time for talking about it is over. As my grandmother was fond of saying, SHIT OR GET OFF THE POT!

Education: Let's face it, the American education system is a joke. While we have some great teachers in this country, their hands are tied. More funding (and hey...bring back the bake sales!) is needed. This is OUR future we're talking about.

It is NOT the American government or States' job to tell us how to live (or die). If you want to wear a seatbelt or helmet, go for it! If you don't, be careful!

Churches should pay taxes. Starting with the Catholics...who have an obscene amount of money! And...the Catholics gave us Rick Santorum. We the People would like to give him back.

The Media: If you're going to play journalistic games, you go away. As Sgt. Joe Friday was fond of saying, "Just the facts". We don't care for your spins. We have our own opinions, we don't need yours.

Food prices: WTF IS GOING ON HERE?????? All food prices are to be cut in half...at least! $2 for a loaf of bread? Are you KIDDING me??????? And understand this Monsanto...you're done. Finished. If you won't go away on your own, I'll declare open season on Monsanto employees. The hunters of this country will have a field day!

Greed is bad. If you work hard and make a lot of money...good for you! You should be proud! But you also have a moral obligation to help those less fortunate. Don't be a dick. Do the right thing.

And while on the subject of greed...politicians...here it comes! Your salaries will be cut in half. No more voting yourselves pay raises. No more Congressional insider trading. And guess what...SERIOUS TERM LIMITS!!! No More Career Politicians!

The Deficit: This is a mess. From surplus to trillions in the hole in 12 years. This is not an easy fix. But it IS fixable. Here are a few ways to start plugging the dike:

Legalize marijuana...face it, it's no worse than booze, easily available, and it could be a boon to our economy.

End Congressional pensions. I've been harping about this for years! Might as well flush our money down the crapper.

End these Ridiculous Wars! Wars used to be profitable. They no longer are. Get over it. We go in, apologize, help clean up, and then get the fuck out. Then we look at military spending. Let's face it, these cats have ripped us off incredibly in the past...who's to say they're not doing it now? Anyone remember the $600 hammers?
Any other questions? Just ask!!!!!!

Yes. I inhaled...and snorted...and popped.

Yes. I've had sex with lots of people. And enjoyed it. And plan to continue to do so!

Yes. I have a police record.

Just remember...YOU COULD DO WORSE! (And chances are...you probably will)

Man's Best Friend

R.I.P. Frank



My friends Karla & Duo had to say good-bye to their dog Frank today. I can tell you that as dogs go, Frank was a king. A gentle giant. Frank was a massive mastiff with a heart as big as his bowling ball head. His time had come and he was ready.

Karla, Duo & Lovie, I'm sure, are feeling the loss of his four-legged love. Remember friends, part of love is eventually saying good-bye. You will meet again.

Man's best friend
waits patiently
never uttering a word.
Man's best friend
knows true love
is never absurd.
This friend understands
and shares in your pain
this friend knows
fun will come again.
A pat, and a rub
and a bowl full of food
is the only reward needed
for being good.
To run and jump
and hunt and smell
hardwired behaviors
we all know so well.
But how did this friend
this four legged beast
come to be family
and share in our feast?
Through time we have walked
your side by mine
with kings and queens
and paupers divine.
Good-bye dear friend
your time has come
your memory rests easy
with each rising sun.

Tis the night before Mikemas....

Yeppers kiddoes! It's that time of year again!

Will the jolly aging fat man with the white beard visit YOUR house this year? Better put out those plates of donuts and beer...JUST IN CASE!!!!!!!!!!

And while you're waiting for the magic of Mikesmas...here's everyone's fave Mikemas classic...TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE MIKESMAS!

"Twas the night before Mikesmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even the cats;
The beercans were flung on the floor without care,
In hopes that a french maid soon would be there;
The cats were nestled all snug in the couch,
While each had visions of fricassied mouse;
some bimbo in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
were each taking turns giving the other the clap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen rain
Gave the lustre of Yuengling to objects near the drain,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a 94 Olds, and eight tiny cold beers,
With a little old driver, cute as a tyke,
I knew in a moment it must be Memphis Mike.
More rapid than eagles his curses they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called out crude names;
"Now listen here Fucker! now listen Y'ALL! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
To some crappy dive bar
The site of the ball!
And then I heard tinkling, up on the roof
Someone was pissing, some little goof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney Memphis Mike came with a bound.
He was dressed all in black, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of beers he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a ciggie he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And drank all the beers; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his Olds, to my bimbo gave a whistle,
And away they flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
"Happy Mikesmas to all, and to all a good-night."

late night drunken pre-birthday ramblings...

I'm not usually one to drink and write...but hey...sometimes one just has to go with the flow.

Tonight has been odd. Not bad...just odd. It was a close friend's 48th birthday. He's 2 years and 4 days older than me. It's been a bit of a running joke for the past 20+ years.

Anyhoo, his band was doing a show tonight and some of us old farts went out to help him celebrate. Sadly, not as many of the old farts as there should've been. So many people seem trapped in their own worlds. They want/expect everyone to drop everything to celebrate THEIR big to-do...but they don't show at other's.

If you've followed this blog, or know me at all, you know who the young'un is. As usual, she was great about me having a night out with the guys. We both knew it would be finished relatively early (most of my friends can't quite handle the late nights like I still can) so we met up around 12:30. We met with some friends for a drink and came on home. She went upstairs to leave me to my pre-birthday madness. (she's a smart cookie!)

So, I've been farting around on the internet and listening to The Cars. I've always loved The Cars...but damn...tonight they sound dated as hell! Worse yet, I've been watching some old live videos on YouTube....and damn....did they ever think to TUNE? (thinking back to the one time I saw them live in 84...no they didn't. Tuning wasn't a high priority)

But tonight...weirdness. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm getting old(er). Some friends asked when my next show is. I had to remind them that I don't do many shows anymore. I just don't enjoy it. I had a number of friends comment on my new single/video. Everyone seems to dig it...but these are my friends...of course they'll say that.

I'll admit, I got a decent buzz tonight. Nothing like the old days. No staggering. No numbness. No drinking until I'm ready to puke. None of that. Just a pleasant little buzz. Now here I am listening to The Cars, who I haven't really listened to in probably 25 years. WTF? (Damn...Elliot Easton is REALLY out of tune!)

A sense of melancholy has come over me tonight. This is unusual. Maybe it's because my birthday is coming up in a few days. I've always been proud that I've already accomplished my biggest dreams...but now what?

I'm almost 46, unemployed...and bored to death. Maybe its the unemployment and being bored. Maybe it's me trying to figure out new goals. I really have nothing to "want" for. My house is paid for. My car is paid for (although in need of some work). Maybe I'm just subconsciously replaying my life. Maybe I'm thinking "what now?".

When we were teens, my friend Jimmy and I knew every song by The Cars (and The Ramones, and The Beatles) by heart. We played them all the time. We'd sit in his basement with our guitars and play the hell out these songs. Funny...we're both better known for playing 'rockabilly' now. Go figure. I couldn't tell you the last time I tried to learn someone else's songs. Sure, I've done it a few times while backing someone...but it wasn't difficult...or even a matter of wanting to...it was work. My job. And not a part of my job I've ever relished. Rehashing someone else's past. Hell, I don't usually even like rehashing my own past!

I told someone, tonight, just what I thought of them. I guess I was trying to be complimentary...but in retrospect I fear it came across as creepy. I've never known how to tell someone what I think...unless I do it in a smart ass way. Note to self: work on this.

Damn...this ramble is going on longer than I thought it would!

When the young'un and I were having a drink with friends, my friends told me how much they love me...despite my abrasive personality. Yep...I can be abrasive (in case you didn't already know this). I guess it's one of my defense mechanisms. It keeps people at a safe distance. I don't WANT to be standoffish...it just comes out that way.

Damn...I haven't heard this song in 30 years! I'd forgotten all about it!

I'm OK with aging. I don't always like it...but I know it's inevitable. My friend and I were discussing our respective heart conditions. Two old men talking about their ailments! LOL God...have we come to that point??? Luckily, we're both pretty damned hearty and healthy. We'll probably outlive all of you!

So then, why am I so melancholy? Is it the alcohol? Or is it the reality of my age kicking in? I'm going to be 46. Fuck that sounds old. 45 never sounded or felt old...but damn...something about "46". No sir...I don't like it.

Candy-O...I need you.

Listening to The Cars, I think back...is this who I was back then? And am I the man I thought I would become? I've lived my dreams. Now what? Seriously...NOW WHAT? Have I become a dinosaur? I think back 20 years...there were some musicians I knew then that were about my age now...and I couldn't understand WHY they were still trying to gig.

At my age now, I know they were doing it for two reasons: they loved it...and probably couldn't afford NOT to. Musicians make shit for money. Look at the "stars"...how many can you think of that file for bankruptcy? It's common in our business. No damned security. Maybe that's part of my melancholy.

Moving In Stereo? Fuck that. I've always preferred MONO.

So it's 4:30am. The young'un is upstairs sleeping and Day-Z, the cat, is giving me her usual "what are you doing NOW human?" look. I often think Day-Z may be the smartest critter in this house. It sure as hell ain't me.

OK...if you were expecting a resolution to this ramble...sorry...there ain't one. This is just me 'thinking out loud' for the world to read. Like I give a damn. For me, it's cathartic. Or maybe...just maybe...it's me showing you who I really am.

Goodnight.

Semantics & Racism

A close friend sent me this video via email with the message "They wrote white pride, not white power. Please keep this going."

Semantics...really?

Let's get down to reality here. The black kid in the video stated that the words "White Power" were used. They were not. The white kid who was behind it, chose to inflame the situation by wearing a shirt with a confederate flag on it...considered by NORTHERNERS to be a sign of racism. (In my time spent in the south, I've seen black AND whites fly the stars and bars...they know the reality of it's background)

Needless to say, if you know me at all, you just KNOW I had a response to this...and here it is, verbatim:

"Good Lord.....

OK, you know I have to speak my mind on this. First off, "White Pride"
"Black Pride" "Yellow Pride" "Plaid Pride" is ALL stupid. Hear me?
It's ALL stupid.

We're all on this planet together. We have differing beliefs.
Differing background. Differing "cultures". As an American, the
country with NO culture of it's own...I can tell you, I'm always
interested in seeing a unique "culture".

That said, in this day & age, with much thanks to the Internet...we've
ALL become a bunch of fucking crybabies!

I grew up with REAL racial tensions. I've had the words "WHITE NIGGER"
painted on my house because I have close black friends. I don't see
"race". I see "people"...and guess what, I know assholes of ALL races.

I know white people that sicken me. I know black people that sicken
me. I know Asians, Latinos, SPI's, etc...that sicken me. I also know
people of ALL races that I love, adore and respect.

What a simple world it would be IF we could classify by race, creed,
religious background, etc. Fortunately, at least for those of us who
use our brains, we can't.

Who's to blame here? The media. Remember this, at all times: the media
is corporate-owned INFOTAINMENT. It's NOT news. It is designed to
inflame opinions, not present facts. Why? To get you to watch....so
they can sell advertising time to CORPORATIONS that want to sell YOU
(the viewer) their wares.
Sadly, many fall for it.

I live in the USA. Once, the greatest country in the world. It didn't
matter WHO you were...you had the CHOICE to attempt to become "great"
(as so identified by your peers). Success should be determined by the
individual, not the masses.

Watching this video, I have to say this: sure...the white kid behind
the chalk messages was within his rights to do so. But...with those
rights comes consequences. Some will agree, some will disagree, some
will just not care. As for the young black man...GROW A PAIR! If a
message written in chalk is going to make you wet your pants, you
young man, are NOT a man. A MAN would ignore it and go about his
business of being the best MAN he can be...despite of the opinions of
others!

At what point did we become such a bunch of crybabies???? Growing up
in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, I saw REAL change in the way that the races
in this country mixed with each other. Sadly, in the past 10-15 years,
I've watched THE MEDIA do everything in it's power to disrupt and
change all of this. I'm sorry folks...but I just think that is
PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!

To think that by virtue of being born one color or another makes ONE
RACE better than ANOTHER RACE is just MORONIC! Those that cling to
those ideas are just that...MORONS! WAKE UP PEOPLE!

It doesn't matter what color you are...or what religion you...if any.
It doesn't matter where you live or where you grew up. What DOES
matter is how you adapt to YOUR surroundings.

If you grew up in an urban, single race neighborhood and CHOOSE to
live in a suburban neighborhood of a different race, YOU must
adapt...not the neighborhood. If you are a Christian or Jew who choose
to live among Muslims, YOU must adapt to that culture. No one says you
have to CONVERT...but you must adapt.

WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO.

Do NOT look for excuses. Do NOT make excuses. If YOU are not mature
enough to make such decisions, stay in your comfort zone. IF you
choose to step outside of your comfort zone, expect things outside of
what you already know. Embrace those challenges. They WILL make you a
better person.

Once upon a time, my best friend (who happens to be black) and I were
stopped by police and roughed up. Why? Because a black kid and a white
kid were hanging out. Period. That is the world I grew up in. And that
was 30 years ago. I would like to think that the world has changed for
the better...obviously it has not.

To those of you COWARDS, MORONS and IDIOTS who CHOOSE to hold on to
such antiquated ideas...YOU SUCK. YOU are the problem, NOT the
solution.

Yes, there are idiots and evil people out there. Don't be one of them."

I have MAJOR, personal issues with racism. I have a great-niece who is of mixed races. Anyone who EVER thinks they will cause that child any grief, KNOW THIS: That child means the world to me. I will personally FUCK UP YOUR WORLD if you think you will damage her life in any way.

I have many, many close friends of all colors, religions, etc. I have been intimately involved with people of many different races and backgrounds. There are two types of people in this world: Good and Bad. That said, how each of us is perceived will vary according to the person viewing us.

It is up to each of us to simply be the best person we can be. As my dear auntie Ann used to say, "We do right because it IS right". If you have to debate it, it ain't right. Period.

Grow up people. You can be part of the problem or part of the solution. And remember...actions speak louder than words.

P.S.

To the television station in Baltimore that ran this originally...YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES! You did everything possible to make this a race issue rather than show it for what it is; a bunch of college morons whining. I hope the FCC scraps your license! I think anyone reading this should DEMAND it. One can contact the FCC at:

http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

The Feel-Good Brigade Strikes Again!

Are you doing your part to help with the current "outrage/rise to action involving as little work as possible in order to make you feel better about yourself" cause?

People are starting to sicken me...again.

Case in point, a school program in Westerville, OH having their 1st Annual Day of Rememberance to fight bullying via their "Spread The Word To End The Word" campaign. The word in question? "Retarded".

I've spent the past 25 years working in the MH/MR field. I have worked with adults as well as kids...and let me tell you, the 'special needs' bunch can bully with the best! In fact, if you want to hear the word "retarded", spend some time with people who live with retardation (or developmental delays or whatever this year's feel-good term is). These folks bandy the word back and forth bullying each other like a Klansman uses the word "nigger".

Just to make it clear, I don't like either word. But...they are just words. At what point did we, as a people, become so damned thin-skinned that words hurt us? I remember my dear mum telling me the old addage "Sticks & stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me". I'm sure we've all heard that. I grew up believing that...and as a fat kid who stammered and had trouble with the letter "R", I held on to that belief.

I was teased and bullied as much, if not more, than most. I was even called names by the teachers! My 6th grade science teacher (a total educational moron) who went on to become the local high school's beloved and most-winning football coach would regularly call me "butterball". Rarely a day went by that I didn't catch hell about my weight or speech. I survived though. With much work on my part (and that of my speech therapist, Mrs. DiAngelo...thank you! thank you!) I learned to control my stammer and my R's became clearer. It didn't happen overnight. It took me 7-8 years of hard work!When I started high school, I started walking more...and working out. OK, I did speed too...but I lost a LOT of weight! I would walk everywhere! 4 miles to school. 4 miles back. If I wanted to go hang out at the mall with my friends, I usually walked.

I never let bullies get the best of me. While I've never enjoyed fighting, I learned to throw a punch that would (and many times did) land a bully on his ass. My dad taught me never to start a fight but if at all possible, to end one. These are the same parents who taught me that respect is something to be EARNED. Sadly, most people today, kids especially, feel that they are ENTITLED to respect. Guess again...no one is.

If you work hard, you will earn respect. People aren't going to run up to you, throw their hands in the air and scream how much they respect you. They probably won't hold a parade in your honor either. Respect is usually silent...and it might be mistaken for apathy. You may feel taken for granted. If that's the case...work harder.

Back to this school in Ohio. Good for them. I'm sure they feel that they are doing something good and worthwhile...but are they? They sound more like whiners to me. Sure, they threw a party, had some posters and t-shirts printed up, made some speeches, called in the local news...and everyone felt better about themselves for taking part. And shame on those who didn't. But what have they really done?

Sure, they've made everyone (who attended or saw it on the news/internet) aware that (gasp!) there are bullies in the schools. "Normal" kids joke and call each other "retarded". Sometimes they might even say it to be mean. But...the word isn't the problem. The parents are the base of the problem. Teach your kids well at home and you won't see much of this. Teach your kids to not tolerate other kids acting like assholes. Teach your kids to respect themselves as well as others. Teach kids to stand up for themselves. This zero tolerance bullshit is just that...bullshit. Every incident has it's own unique set of circumstances. Research those and you'll likely find the real problem.

These "feel good" types make me want to puke. Believe it or not, EVERYONE has problems of some sort. Some may be more visible than others. While the grass may look greener on the other side, I can pretty much guarantee you that it's an optical illusion. These "feel good" types are the same ones who think EVERYONE deserves a trophy...just for showing up! What a crock of shit! That attitude belittles the hard work by those who want to excell at something. What that attitude tells us is that "if you do the bare minimum, you're just as good as the person who busted their ass to do something". I don't know about you but I think that's also a crock of shit.

Why should we be made to feel bad because someone didn't even try? Because that person then feels bad? Screw that! IF they feel bad, maybe they'll try harder next time. Maybe they'll put forth an effort! Maybe...just maybe...they'll learn something from it.

Losing never feels as good as winning...but if you do your best, you should be proud. Being bullied never feels good either...but in my case, it made me work that much harder at taking care of myself. Communication is a must in this world. I was incapable of clear communication as a child. The sight of me waddling down the hall at school, wearing whatever God-awful attire I chose (lots of fights with mom about my clothes! lol) also made me a target. The kids that bullied me always got theirs in the long run. They found out the hard way that the little fat kid who talked funny could be meaner than a pit bull. As I got older, I always stood up for anyone being bullied. I still do. But bullies are, unfortunately, a natural occurrence. They will always exist...and kids will always say mean, hurtful things to one another. Why? Because sometimes parents fail to teach them. Worse, some parents don't even try.

If you read this and feel uncomfortable...too bad. Maybe it'll make you think about how you treat people. It's up to YOU to feel good about yourself.

New CD???

First off, to everyone who has checked out the new video, THANK YOU!!!!!
From the feedback we've been getting from you, it appears ya like it!

You may have guessed, the band is heading in a slightly different direction. I've always loved raw, primitive blues stuff and have been incorporating more and more of into my writing the past couple of years. The biggest problem was figuring out how to arrange these songs for the band. Well...I decided NOT TO! I decided to make the band fit the music...and did so on this single. I'm not sure how we'd ever play "Bye Bye" live...I'd need at least 3 guitarists to even attempt to cover the sonic ground in that song.

A number of you have asked just WHEN the new CD is coming out. Well, here's the kicker: at this time, I have no plans to release a CD of this material. Yeah, I've toyed with the idea for almost two years now...but with the music sales market where it is, it would seem to be a waste of money to do so. At this point in time, we're concentrating more on single releases for the download market. Basically, if you're able to read this blog...you can download a song. It appears that it will also be more cost effective all the way round to do so.

I don't tour anymore. There are times I'd like to go back to touring...and other times that I'm glad I don't. It had come to the point where physical product wasn't selling on the road...everyone ordered CDs online. And then everyone started asking if we had songs on iTunes, etc.

The last 2 years I've watched these markets closely. I have a number of friends who work in executive levels at major and indie labels, and they've all shared the same information with me: CDs just ain't selling. Case in point, a close friend (who shall remain nameless) and is always a large concert draw (for his particular demographic) has had major label releases over the past few years. His last sold less than 700 physical copies over two quarters. It was, by the way, one of the best albums of his career. That said, the digital download sales have been impressive enough to warrant a renewal of his contract.

So, for the time being, we're going to stick with the digital download market. IF, and that's only IF there's a call for physical CDs (translating to minimum 2000 units), we'll release a physical CD. But...always a but...being a music fan/geek myself...I know too well the joy of owning that new release, holding it in your hands, checking out the artwork and liner notes, etc...while listening to the album. Therefore, I think it's safe to say that at some point I will release a limited pressing of 12" vinyl releases (once we have enough quality songs recorded for said release).

I wish you all could hear the way this stuff sounds in the studio. Nothing like thousands of dollars worth of high tech audio gear to allow you to hear all the warmth and every nuance of the song. For this particular type of music, I think a nice slab of high quality vinyl would sound far superior to a CD. That's just my opinion.

OK, back to business. The new single "Bye Bye" will be officially released for the digital download market on March 10, 2012. It should be available at all of the usual sites: iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, etc. If you like it, please buy it. Until then, you can always hear it for FREE by watching the video. (click photo to watch the video...if you're so inclinced to)




Thanks again for all of your kind words and your support of my music.

-Memphis Mike