The Real Memphis Mike (don't settle for imitations)

Some would say that Western society is becoming increasingly more violent. Some will put the blame on violence in movies and on TV. They'll say that we have become numb to violent images. There have been numerous studies on this, all with different finding. BUT........ Let's say that this is the case. How about we try something different...an experiment if you will. Let's replace the violence with love, affection, and sex. What would happen? Would people become less violent and more loving? Would more people have sex? Sure, at first there would be cries of outrage...but that hasn't seemed to put an end to violence on TV or in movies. If anything, it's increased in frequency and intensity. So why not give it a shot? Come on Hollywood! Bring on the love, affection, and sex!!!!!!!!

The terrorists have won...and you can't deny it. Sure, many of you out there will argue the point, but the fact is, they won. I knew this back in late 2001, the first time I had to show my ID to enter a building. I was downtown, taking a client to a doctor's appointment. There were no government offices in the building. On the ground floor there were a few shops, and upstairs there were offices: doctors, accountants, a photographer, but no government offices. Still, as we entered the lobby, my client and I were stopped by security and asked for our identification just to enter the building. Of course, I had my driver's license with me...no problem there. My client, on the other hand, had no ID on him. Luckily, I had some paperwork on him and assumed responsibility for vouching for his identification. I remember being confused, irritated and downright angry to be asked for our "papers". I felt like I was in a bad World War 2 movie! "Papers please!", I...

Don't give up. You're allowed to be angry. Just be sure why. Something has to give. Bend, don't break. Learn to be more humble. Never lose your dignity. You are loved. Suicide is not an option. You still have more to lose. Try not to lose it all. You have faith. Use it. Fight for what's right...but choose your battles wisely. Show love, kindness and respect to others. Pride is a sin. Know the difference between 'want' and 'need'. Remember what Gram said about money. ;-) Don't stick any beans up your nose. There is humor in everything, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. Be responsible for yourself first. Think before you speak. Look before you leap. Eat healthily and responsibly. Getting drunk can be fun but it's never the answer unless someone asks what you're doing while you're doing it. Take your medicine when you're supposed to. Today may be bad. Tomorrow may be worse. The sun will still shine...som...

I am so tired of hearing how illegal immigrants get this and that handed to them. It makes me want to scream. First off, YES, illegal immigrants DO come to this country. Why? Simple: jobs. They can make more working here illegally (and being paid a pittance) than they can at home. They run some serious risks (because let's face it, being shot at is never fun). In the end, many are caught before they cross the border. Many more are caught while here. But there's one thing the Anti-Immigration folks forget to tell you: They're the ones that hire them. Face it, rich white folks are the majority of the employers of illegal immigrants. These are also the same people trying to bust unions and do away with the minimum wage and the 40 hour work week. Unions gave us those. Remember that. Now, as for these alleged handouts that the illegals get, let's take a serious look: "MYTH: The nation spends billions of dollars on welfare for undocumented immigrants. FACTS: ...

Well alrighty then! Today, there is supposed to be a "topless" march here in Pittsburgh. Sorry, I don't have all of the information but I'm sure a quick Google search will give you all you need to know. That said, why is it that most cultures are so damned afraid of nudity? Most people are born with nipples and genitalia. Personally, I have no real desire to see most of humanity's "bits and bobs" but if someone doesn't feel like getting dressed, I don't really have a problem with that either. I have a belief that most things that are considered taboo, are considered so because someone, way back in our collective ancestry, was afraid that someone might enjoy it. It's the whole concept of guilt. If you enjoy something, it can't be good for you. Hogmuffins! The more you tell people that they can't or shouldn't do something, the more likely it is that they want it. Case in point: boobs. If a woman wants to walk around topless, l...

My man Vinni @ Musician's Hotsheet posted his own personal Top 10 of guitarists. I like how he described it: "This is not a "who's better than who" list. It's a list of players who have influenced my playing and have been my personal inspiration to try harder, learn more and challenge myself as a player. It is in no particular order, other than the first one on the list, who is my personal Guitar God. -- [v]" While I don't personally think the term "God" fits any mere mortal, let alone a guitar picker, I too have my list of those who inspired me...and why. Unlike Vinni, I'll refrain from using a numbering system...really no need to even passively imply numeric status.   Danny Gatton: Sweet crap on a crunchy cracker! Gatton was amazing. Sure, he could play circles around pretty much anyone. Sure, guitarists the world over are still, 19 years after his suicide, trying to copy his licks. Sure, it's amazing that he played so wel...

I am, by nature, a happy person. I've lived with depression for over 40 years. I accepted that a long time ago. The meds they've tried to put me on scare the hell out of me. I refuse to take them. I've found my own natural ways to deal with it...and they work...so that ain't the problem. I've never had it easy...and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've always worked hard for everything in my life. I was taught to do that at an early age. If you want something bad enough, you'll work for it. It makes achieving that goal so much sweeter. So then, with all the hard work I've done...where the hell did things go so wrong? 9 years ago, I was on top of the world. I had a great job, was touring the world, and living the proverbial dream. Due to some unforeseen changes at my job, I opted to go self-employed. The money was better, the work was harder, and the only real downside was losing my benefits...you know, health care and paid time off. But ya kn...