Monday, July 30, 2012

One For The Guitarists

I've been playing guitar for a loooooooong time. Almost 35 years. A lot of folks will tell you I'm pretty good. I still think my best playing was when I was 15.  But if there's one thing I have learned, it's that a lot of guitar players sell themselves short. They tend to rely too heavily on effects.

Now I'm not putting down the stomp boxes. I own a couple of them (although I rarely use them). It's fun to make some weird noises with them...and sometimes, it's nice to enhance your sound with them. That said, too many pickers hide behind them. A distortion pedal hides a multitude of sins. Throw in a delay, a wah pedal, a chorus, and a few dozen other effects, and your actual playing, your real skill, is hidden behind a wall of noise.

QUIT SELLING YOURSELF SHORT!

OK, we all wish we could play like Danny Gatton or Joe Pass. They were geniuses. Sadly, a lot of younger guitarists out there probably have no idea who these cats were. So, if you're a guitar player or you know a guitar player (especially a young player) please show them these videos.

These are some of the best of the best. Very little effects, if any, are being used. I'm not say that these are the guys you HAVE to listen to...but you probably should. There are countless other GREAT guitarists out there. I just picked these cats off the top of my head...because they are all so damned good, they will hopefully inspire you to find your own sound...without the effects. Then, should you choose to use effects, you're going to sound even BETTER!

Remember: the guitar has 6 strings. You have 10 fingers. You have the advantage!

Enjoy!

M

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Reality Sinking In

If you know me, then you know I lost my job January 1 due to county-wide funding cuts.  I had a choice to either transfer to a different site in November or stick it out until the end with my clients, many of whom needed assistance in securing alternate housing.

Well, I chose to stick it out with my clients. It seemed like the right thing to do. I figured a position within the agency would open up sooner or later or I'd just find another job.  This turned out to not be the case.

I had some money stashed away, so I figured I'd be set for a while. I also was expecting a decent tax return, so I figured it would all work out.

Well, the car needed a lot of work, so that got put on the back burner until the income tax return came in. Then the IRS decided to take my tax return and give it to my student loans. Then I got hit with a couple of surprise bills. We all know the story. Life is good at throwing curve balls.

Every day, I looked for jobs. I sent resumes, filled out applications, set up a profile on Monster.com, all the usual stuff. Alas, the county-wide funding cuts hit everyone in my field. I tried for an old job of mine (my personal fave job of all time!) but when I sent my resume through their website, it never got to my former plant manager, so she had to give the job to someone else. Just my luck.

The days to turned to weeks and months...and still nothing. Without a car, it limited what I could/couldn't do for freelance gigs. It also limited my ability to go out and book music gigs (which in the past was always my fall back income). 

Here it is July...and I'm still out of work. Boo hoo, I know. Reality has finally kicked in. Money, which was already tight, is about to get even tighter. I've exhausted my UC and the state is screwing around with my EUC paperwork. I'm still job hunting. I've had a few good interviews...but still nothing.

So, I need money...and I have to do the one thing I've always dreaded. I have to sell off some of my guitars. Just reading what I typed fills me with dread. The economy is bad, so I know I probably won't get what they're worth...but ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right? A man's gotta eat! I got bills to pay, like it or not.

OK, I'm not looking for sympathy here. That and $1.50 might get me a cup of coffee. If you're reading this, maybe you know someone doing some hiring...or on the look out for a nice guitar at a reasonable price. Either way, it'd be a help.

These are the 1st ones going up for sale:

 
 1959 Harmony H1214


 
 Washburn 12 string

 1961 Hilo Soprano Uke

 
and most regrettably, my Republic WB Triolian resophonic


This is a sad time for me. I'm not a materialistic person...but my guitars are such a big part of my life...always have been. I know I'll get over it...these are just objects...and they can (and will) be replaced. It just sucks having to do this.

I never thought that at my age, I'd have to resort to this. Sheesh........

OK, enough of my whining.  It's time for me to look on the bright side. I feel good. My health seems pretty good. A lot of people love and care about me. AND I have these to sell...which is more than many in my situation. So no sniveling here. I gotta do this.

Fingers crossed that I'll have a new job SOON!

Thanks for taking the time to read this.



Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Dark Side Rises

This is one of those times that I'm somewhat embarrassed of America. People killed just because they chose to go to see a movie. If that isn't bad enough, in typical American fashion, we overreact after the fact.

Yes, the shootings are a tragedy. A local as well as national tragedy. My heart breaks for the victims and their families. It's something that no one should ever have to go through. While not in any way condoning the actions of James Eagan Holmes, I have to question the failings of our society that led this young man to his actions. For a person to be this obviously disturbed (he allegedly had this in the works for 2 months!) for such a long time, how did no one notice? How did he slip through the cracks? His actions are due to our society's failure to pay attention to each other. I'm not suggesting that we spy on each other (we have things like the Patriot Act for that). I'm saying that we need to take notice of each other more. Say HI to your neighbor. Be a part of your community. If you see someone in trouble, take a moment to ask if you can help. If it's something beyond your control, take the time to seek help for the person. Sure, it may take some of your time...but most Americans waste most of their time anyway. Really...if you're willing to stand in line to pay $4 for a cup of coffee...you have time to spare.

As I stated earlier, America is overreacting as usual. Theaters are banning patrons from coming to viewings in costume. While I personally find the notion of dressing up as a movie character a tad odd, there are obviously many who find it fun. And good for them! But now, due to an isolated incident, that's now a NO NO. Land of the Free...as long as you don't have any FUN.

It's sad that many movie goers are actually frightened of going to the movies. I saw a young man interviewed on the news who worried that it could be part of a larger plot. It's sad that Americans, or anyone out there, would feel that way.

Many NRA types out there are currently espousing the notion of vigilante justice: "If there were more God-fearing people armed with guns in that theater, that gunman would've been shot down before he had a chance to do more damage!" REALLY? That is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard!  So your Average Joe or Jane Public, if they'd had a gun, would have marksman skills enough to pick off a single person, in black riot gear, in a darkened theater filled with tear gas and hysterical people? I don't think so!

 More gun owners is not the answer. Being an active part of society IS! Had someone paid enough attention to Holmes, someone would have noticed that he wasn't quite right. Had someone extended him a helping hand before all of this, before he started planning it, none of this would have happened.

An old high school friend, Sherri Perine Jackson, came up with an excellent idea. While the producers of The Dark Knight rises are in no way responsible for this tragedy, it would be a nice gesture if they took a portion of the profits of the film and donated it to the families of the victims. It could be spend for funeral costs, counselling, a memorial, an outreach program...any number of positive gestures. Like I said, while not responsible, it would be a kind and positive gesture.

Dear reader, please don't be reactionary. Unfortunately, in this day and age, tragedies like this are far too commonplace. Overreacting after the fact is not the answer. Tighter security is not necessarily the answer (unless you LIKE the idea of pat downs before entering any public place...I can see that happening. Once upon a time, the thought of going through a metal detector to enter an office building was unheard of...). If you want things to change for the better, YOU have to make it happen. No government agency can or will do it for you. No left or right wing group will do it for you. YOU have to make it happen. Take a chance and take the time to be a positive force in your community. If you see someone who needs help, HELP! You'll feel better and so will they. Sometimes, all a person needs is to know that someone else gives damn.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Just Rambling...

A really nice thing happened to me last week. I was walking down my hill and passed a boy of about 8-10 years of age, pushing his bike up the hill. Out of the blue, he stops and says to me, "I hope you have a REALLY nice day!". This kinda stopped me in my tracks. Most kids nowadays are, as most of us know, little assholes. This kid wasn't. He was genuine. I thanked him and hoped that he too had a good day and enjoyed riding his bike, and we went our separate ways.

OK, so this probably wasn't as monumental as you thought it would be...but sometimes it's the little things, the smallest gestures, that make life good. Mind you, this happened almost a week ago...and I'm still smiling from it. I hope that kid knows how contagious his happiness is. I hope YOU catch it too!

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So, I was looking on Facebook (aka Big Brother) and saw where a neighbor had posted about "woodland critters". Seems she was up at her camp and had left the shed door open overnight. A possum got in and a wren started building a nest. This reminded me of something an old, old man taught me once. He told me that we are just guests here. The human species is more of a parasite than a host. We destroy more than we build. But when we leave things alone...even if for only a day, nature takes over again and works her magic to make things right. Given time, the smallest of weeds will tear down the greatest walls built by man.

The old man in question was one of Dean Martin's school teachers. He lived not far from the house I grew up in. Most days, as I walked down his street, I'd see him out in his garden. He'd always wave or say hello, and being raised with manners and respect for my elders, I always returned the gesture. He seemed a lonely old guy. He had to be in his late 90s, at least! It seemed that most of his family and friends were gone. He was always friendly. Over the course of my teenage years, I had a number of brief talks with the old guy, and he always had some bit of wisdom to impart. I hope he realized that I tried to remember all of it. Like I said, he used to be a school teacher and was apparently a very wise man.

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Friends come in all shapes and sizes. I was reminded this yet again this past weekend, as my friend Nichi came for a visit...all the way from Allentown, PA. That's a 4 or so hour drive folks! She wanted to hangout, learn some guitar stuff, and of course...sample some of Pittsburgh's cuisine. (we know how to eat around these here hills!)

Nichi, for those who have never seen her, could easily be mistaken for a supermodel. Tall, well built, pretty as a picture, and just all around good looking, she caught the eye of just about everyone we passed walking down the street. Being a smart ass, when asked a couple of times who she was, I answered, "My daughter" or "My sister". This is especially funny as Nichi is African American (OK...technically Jamaican/Trinidadian). Yep. I caused some looks of my own with those answers. That said, Nichi and I had a blast visiting. Can't wait to do it again!

OK...enough of my rambling. Just felt like getting those things out of my head. I hope YOU have a really nice day too! And kid...wherever you are, I hope YOU have a GREAT day!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Identity

Fads. Trends. Popularity. Says WHO????

Corporations want to rob YOU of your identity. The corporations want to tell YOU what to like...what's "popular"...they want you to think that if YOU dress like/listen to/watch/eat/drink/consume their latest offering, that you too will be popular and beautiful.

Horseshit.

My dear departed mum always said to me "Be an individual"...and she may be the only person I've ever really listened to.

That atrocious outfit that you're wearing...that cost much more than it's worth and was probably stitched together by a child in a sweat shop...why did you buy it? What about it made you think "I should own/wear this"? How about the crap you watch on TV (and yes, it is crap. ALL of it. EVEN Big Bang Theory...which I do enjoy) and the so-called music you listen to. Take a minute and look at how cookie cutter it all is. Mass-manufactured by a corporation for your consumption. We're all becoming a globally homogeneous race of lemmings.

Individuality is a vanishing trait. Don't think for a minute that it's not. Take a good long look in the mirror...just how unique are you? What have you created? What have you done that's different? Oh sure, many of you think that you're rebels...standing out from the norm with your tattoos, piercings and political statements. OK then...look at your friends. Are you starting to see the similarities? Are you starting to finally see your own uniform?  Fashion, fads, trends...whatever you want to call it...it's all bullshit designed to keep you in line. Don't upset the applecart! Your corporate overlords wouldn't like that...and if you step out of line, you will be laughed at, ridiculed, tormented...bullied!

Bring it on.

Look around you. How many chain stores/restaurants/coffee shops do you see? All the same, no matter where you go. All designed for your comfort and consumption...and to keep you in line. You should avoid these places like the plague. If you want a cup of coffee...make one...or go to a small Mom & Pop shop. It'll probably be cheaper and taste better. McDonalds? Hell no. If I want a donut, I doubt I'll go to Dunkin Donuts! I'd rather find a bakery. Owned by real people. People who know that their existence depends on how much love and passion they put into their donuts.

If it costs more, it must be better...right? That's what the corporate world wants you to think...and you believe it. The latest blockbuster movie cost $200million to make...so it must be better than an indie film right? The latest musical issue from Madonna, which took years and cost a fortune must be better than some little band you've never heard of, right? Or did it just take all of that time and money because she lacks talent and it took that much longer to collect enough songs and then make it appear listenable. But hey...you can listen to whatever you like. Just remember who's selling it to you.

Republican, Democrat...or even Libertarian. All jokes. All bought and paid for by their own corporate overlords. Wave your flag (probably Made In China) and stomp your soapbox. This side is right, that side is wrong. You all deny the common truth that none of you want to hear. You're ALL wrong.  Their special interest is bad...but your special interest isn't? A rose by any other name my darlings.  What's good for ONE should be good for ALL. If you don't want it, don't use it.  Governments exist because you asked for it. We all keep voting for the same wolves in sheep's clothing, time after time. It's all nothing more than a popularity contest...and remember, who decides what's popular? Not you or me.

Do I sound paranoid? I'm not. I see life pretty clearly. Always have. I live pretty comfortably. I'm about function over style...always have been. If clothes are comfy (and clean!), I wear them. I don't care what Mr. or Mrs. Jones thinks. I've never had trouble getting laid. I listen to what I enjoy, read what I enjoy, watch what I enjoy. If I can't find it, I create it. If I can't create it, I find someone who can teach me how. Sure, I occasionally have to deal with the corporate process. It's so ingrained in our society, only a true hermit can live without it. But I keep it to a minimum. I think you should give it a try. You might enjoy it.

Until then, press your uniform, polish up your badge (or piercing, or tattoo), and goosestep along in your wingtips/flip flops/Dr. Marten's boots/sneakers/etc. Believe what the corporations tell you to believe. You may actually think the news is real. Or is it just what the corporations want you to believe?  Bitter pills are the hardest to swallow.

One last question. Why are there all of these cell phone shops? Who are you going to call? You're already in touch with the world constantly. That's the beauty of technology, isn't it? Or is it a double-edged sword? Maybe, just maybe, your every step is being followed. Hell, no maybes about it. If you own a computer or cell phone, it is. The proverbial Big Brother is watching you, and you ask him to hold your camera while you pose for the picture. You're paying him to babysit you. And...he's taking notes like an evil Santa...finding out who's naughty and who's nice...and then he lets you know just where to find your kink. Another satisfied customer.

We are not alone....and probably never will be again.  ;-)