Monday, August 31, 2009

Never Take The Sacrifices Of Heroes Lightly: Daylight Again By Crosby, Stills And Nash



Tomorrow we celebrate National Heroes' Day and during this time we remember the sacrifices made by our country's heroes against oppression and tyranny. Of course, as an added bonus, it's also a non-working holiday and I am not surprised if a lot of people had already packed and had gone out of town for the weekend. Sure since there's no work, then we all should enjoy ourselves while there's still time. Nevertheless, we must not forget those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom that we have today as they fought so hard and many perished to make a good future for us. When I think of those who died fighting to give us a bright future, the song "Daylight Again" by Crosby, Stills and Nash starts playing in my mind.

When daylight breaks, it reminds us that a new day as dawn and with it, new beginnings and opportunities. Unlike us, however, those who fought and died for our freedom never saw the day break as they perished in the dark. Many of these fallen heroes gave up comfort, luxury and even family to fight the good fight at the expense of their lives. They died so because of the greater good that need to be won. It is only fitting that we pay our respects to what they have fought for which produced the fruits that we enjoy today.

It's so sad that many of today's young take this for granted. Many of them don't understand the significance of what these heroes gave up which they are wasting away now. Many are more fascinated with gadgets and reality shows which I find repulsive as it promotes the worst of human behavior. They don't even know many of these heroes, what they fought for and why they died. Worst still, they scoff at the sacrifices that they have made and call it a waste of time. What these heroes and martyr accomplish was anything but and we should preserve what they given us before the darkness comes and we all fall into chaos.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Stop Coming Around Here: Don't Come Around Here No More By Tom Petty



You know when you burn bridges, don't ever try to cross them again. People who usually to this stupidity are the ones who on impulse, usually do something stupid and cruel and just forget about it like it was nothing. It makes tempers rise when fools such as these think they're still welcome after all that they did. If I had my way, these guys should have an anvil dropped in their thick skulls if they're going to waltz in here as if bygones are bygones. If you want to leave with a scene, don't come back and with that in mind, I think of Tom Petty's song "Don't Come Around Here No More".

When you leave in an a@#*!hole fashion, there should be no coming back. Grand standing only gets done with deeds that back up that fat lip. When people are generous and put up with all your crap, the least that you can do is help them to, especially when times are tough and they're not that strong anymore. But some jerks out there just loaf around and make things harder than it already is and they have the gall to motormouth at gatherings with a lot of hot air and empty scams. They always think that there's someone there to pick after them and they don't give a @$%%!

It's funny that the guys who preach the loudest don't practice what they preach. No, when the tables are turned, all that preaching gets tossed out the window and they whine like kids in a tantrum. When I see that I don't whether to laugh, weep or get mad. If you're going to be part of the problem, don't bother opening your mouth and vomit out all that crap worth of nothing and just go. One more thing: Don show your face here no more, life is better that way.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Keep On Trying Till I Drop: Until I Fall Away By The Gin Blossoms




As I've said recently, one of the lessons that I've learned is that somethings you have to do yourself because even you do get help, in the end its your task that you yourself have to accomplish. I have to admit I'm having some difficulty trying to accomplish this task that I have set before me. I guess the risks of such a move is giving me cause to hesitate because of what is at stake. Nevertheless, I know that if I don't try, then nothing will change and I might as well chain myself to that oar and shut my mouth. Try, Try until I die is what my nanny use to say to me and just like the song " Until I Fall Away" by the Gin Blossoms, I aim to do just that.

With all the wasted time and opportunities that went down the drain, my biggest fear is that nothing good will happen and I will be stuck at a dead end in my life. Yet I have read articles and seen peoplem those who have succeed, now what I need to do is to push myself to make the change. They've already told me what to do, but one thing that they said is not be afraid of making a mistake. Well, if they can do it, so can I.

Great things always start with the first step and although I am careful, I shouldn't equate it with hesitation. They already told me to experiment with all the tools at my disposal and use them to the fullest. Right now, I'm going over all the options and making sure that I understand all that has to be done to make the changes. I want to do this by myself not only to learn something new but also to be more independent. I may not catch on as fast as others but I'll keep on trying until I fall away.

Friday, August 28, 2009

I Remember: Do You Remember By Phil Collins




Well tomorrow is the start of the weekend and that means it's 24K again! Once again for the next 48 hours, I turn on my MP3 player and listen to the hits which bring back the memories of the good times of the past. Listening to this program is almost like a ritual for me and I do all that I can to keep my ears glued to the program as the songs fill the airwaves. Apart from the music, the memories both good and bad memories flash through my mind like slide show that I never tire of watching. Hearing the song "Do You Remember" by Phil Collins show puts me in that mode.

It gets better when there all the chores are done and I'm at my room and the MP3 player is on full blast as the memories become clearer and the feelings I had from each experiences come alive as I look back at the past. As I look back, I sometimes wonder how everyone else is doing since it's been a while since we heard from each other. That question plus all those memories really gets to me when my favorite songs start play as I feel the urge to go back to past. 24K always does that yet I keep coming back for more every weekend.

Well, everything is set for the weekend. I've loaded my cellphone to text my request to the DJ. I have charged my MP3 player to ensure I get to listen to the program even when I'm on the move. I just hope the DJs brought out all the rarest of the rare and the best of the best of the past. No radio program has a more extensive collection than 24k and it is the only one that plays these rare gems. They are truly worth their weight in gold.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Don't Rely On Others Too Much: Wonderwall By Oasis



I guess this entry is a sort of a self-reminder for me. Compared to my brothers, I was a slow learner. Whenever, I see them breeze through learning a certain skill or ability, it took a lot longer to learn it. I wasn't as a quick learner when I was in school and had to be tutored most of the time. One bad habit that a person can get whenever he or she has some to teach him or her is that reliance on the teacher tends to grow and the ability to learn on one's own diminishes. That was one lesson that I learned the hard way. When I hear the song "Wonderwall" by Oasis, that feeling of dependence on others creeps up on me and I try hard to shake it.

I'm not saying that this what this song is all about. It's just that whenever I hear the part of saying, one harsh lesson comes to mind: say yourself cause no one will do it for you. It took me a while to learn that lesson. Life is brutal out there and you shouldn't rely on others to bail you out all the time. Even if you get all the help in the world, in the end it, you are still the one who has to face up to it and deal with it.

Right now, I've spoken to a people who know and read a lot of articles about something that I am working on but having a lot of difficulty. With all that I have gathered, it's now up to me to move. I am a little hesitant, but I don't want my fears to rule over me. Whether I did right or wrong, what is important is that I did my best and I did it by myself.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Don't Want To Come Down Anymore: Come Down By Bush




As I have mentioned time and time again, one of my biggest fears is to repeat the same mistake that caused me to tumble down. Not a day goes by when I don't think of the last bad period that I went through. I tried so hard to climb to the top, only to see everything that I worked hard fall apart. Right now, I'm doing all that I can not to repeat the same mistake that got me to the lowest point of my life. Not wanting to experience that ordeal again reminds me of the song "Come Down" by Bush.

This was one of my favorite 90's band, partly because this song came out during one of my bad periods where things just went to a standstill. After a while, things started moving and I was back on the saddle again. Life was good and I thought things would stay that way. Then it happened again and it was longer and more painful than before. Though I made it through that ordeal, whenever I remember all that happened, I really don't want to go through that again.

Right now, I've regained some of the things that I've lost and it took me a long hard time to get them back. I never blamed anyone but myself and the shame of that ordeal haunts me from time to time. That's the reason why I am so careful about all the actions that I undertake and think things through. I want to keep on moving forward do more not only for myself but also for all those I care for. The one thing that I don't want to happen at this point is to come down from this cloud.


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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Need To Face Up: Live To Tell By Madonna




None of us are perfect and many times in our lives, we sometimes make mistakes. Some of those mistakes can sometimes be too much to bear due, especially when innocent people are hurt. Due to fear. many of us have difficulty confessing, let alone facing up to the consequences of our actions. Nevertheless, mistakes like that can never be concealed or forgotten and if we don't do anything about it, it will haunt us for the rest of our lives. That's one lesson that I've learned from the song "Live To Tell" by Madonna.

This song is a soundtrack from the movie "At Close Range" starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken. If there's anything that I've learned from this song is when you do something wrong, correct as soon as possible. I'm no saint, but I've learned that even the smallest mistakes can have disastrous results in the long run. Running and hiding it, won't help either. When you hide it or run from it, it'll catch up with you in the end. And when it does, don't be surprise if your world starts crumbling down.

The sooner you resolve things the better. Just remember not to do it again. People don't forget when you do something terribly wrong. Even when you have made amends, they will never let you forget it. You'll just have to live and learn from it. Better that than have it eat you up inside and out.

Monday, August 24, 2009

More To It Than Money: You Move Me By Rick Ashley



The thing I remember most about the 80's mentality was this "get rich quick" mindset where everyone at the time had their minds set on hitting it big at the shortest possible time. A lot of people did all that they could to achieve this goal, going as far as running with the Joneses even if they can't run that far. While some succeed and some don't, the competition to get to the top was indeed cut-throat were nothing else mattered but getting what one wanted. Sometimes one would wonder if it was all worth it. When I think about those crazy times and that kind of mentality, I remember the song "You Move Me" by Rick Ashley.

This song was a soundtrack from the movie "Cocktails" starring Tom Cruise as bartender who had ambitions to make it big by ingraining himself with people in high society. He starts to question that goal when falls hard for a girl he met at the Carribean and chases after her. In the end, he realizes what's really important in life and settles down with a small bar that he opens with the help of his uncle. The moral of the story is that there more important things to life than just money. I guess that's why I never bought into that way of thinking.

These days, people are trying to make to the top not because they want to be in the "in-crowd" but because they do what they can to stay afloat. With the economic downturn still pretty much affecting the economy, staying to simple routines isn't enough to survive during these tough times. They say things are starting turn around and recovery is just around the corner. I'll believe that when I see it. Be that as it may, I still don't by the "getting rich quick" mentality because there's more to it than meets the eye and there are more important things than just money(even if I myself am financially desperate at the moment).

Sunday, August 23, 2009

A Whole Lot Of Adrenalin: Rock N Roll By Led Zeppelin




I remember during the late 70's when from out of the blue, my brothers suddenly started to pump up the volume in terms of music. Suddenly, the whole house was alive with a lot of really heavy rock songs with the volume really turned on at the highest level. Whether it was local or international, the house would come alive with loud songs coming from his room. One such band that he listened to was regarded as the greatest heavy metal band of all time. That band is none other than Led Zeppelin and my all time favorite song from that band is "Rock N Roll".

I remember when my grandfather bought my brother a drum set. He use to play away all day and played a lot of songs from this band. Even though I was in Grade II, I really started to like this band and whenever I listened to it, it really fills me up with adrenalin and though we weren't into any vices at the time, once the song starts playing, our heads start banging. Goes to show how crazy life was back then. I guess this is what sets us apart from other people outside the family and why a chosen few become our friends.

Even with the disco craze spreading at the time, this song still played in the house. When jazz filled the air, we still squeezed in some of the old rock songs. Today, I am surprised that a lot of young people are listening to this group. That makes me glad because it shows much they appreciate great music. I guess this band's song will live forever. You can't keep good music down.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Live And Learn: You'll Live By Alanis Morrisette




Whenever I think about that team-building seminar that my department had last year, I remember one of things that I strive to live by that I opened during that period. That was trying to learn from my mistakes because the one thing that I don't want to is keep making the same mistakes over and over again. If I keep doing that, then I'll never grow as a person and it's the one thing I don't want to happen no that there's too much at stake. I've wasted a lot of time and a lot of opportunities to keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again. I want to learn from the past and move forward to put it behind me just like the song "You Learn" by Alanis Morrissette.

Getting over a mistake or a failed attempt can really get to a person. When that happens happens, it can either make or break you. I guess I still count myself lucky that I haven't thrown the towel yet given the number of failed attempts and mistakes that I've made through out the years. Still, it's time to take a stand if I truly want to move on cause time and opportunity will wait for no one. They say that a long journey starts with one step which I am going to make that step cause I dont want to be stuck here alone.

These days I try to listen and learn from people who know how to get things done. Other times, I try to read up certain topics that will help answer my questions. One thing for sure I've got move if I want to make things to happen. Even all the help in the world, nothing will transpire if you yourself won't face up to the task at hand. I still feel a little nervous, but I slap myself to get back to my senses and set my priorities straight. If, no, WHEN I make it happen, only then I can say that I finally learned something which what I want to achieve right now.

Friday, August 21, 2009

A World Of Our Own: Barrytown By Steely Dan




You can't stop change because it's part of life. I try to be a practical person by accepting changes in my life and move on. But deep inside, a part of me wishes that some things were still the same. At times like these, I remember the big house we lived in for almost 30 years where we had no one but ourselves in our own world and the many things that that we did back there. A lot of great gimicks where true friends were invited and the party never seemed to end. Thinking about that old place, the great times and how growing up there shaped all of us all makes me want to listen to the song "Barrytown" by Steely Dan.

Man, next to the guy who posted "Opposites Do Attract" by Allsports Band, I would like to shake the hand of the man who posted this song on Youtube. Anyway like the song, although I know that times must change, there are times when I wish things were like they use to be. Although Barrytown was a town located near Bard College in New York, for me it was our old house where we lived our own lives which caused us to stand apart from others. The way we acted and talked and conducted ourselves always made us stand out from others and people often told us that. Hearing comments like made me feel that we were a breed apart.

Well, times have changed, though not for the better. Lately, I've been wishing that I was back at my "Barrytown" again where we lived in our own private Idaho. But the past is past and as times changed, we have to move on. Still that "Barrytown" will always live inside me. Like what Melegorm said when he posted on this song in Youtube, "All us Dan fans are spiritual residents of Barrytown".

Thursday, August 20, 2009

When Your Acts Catch Up With You/Don't Care Anymore: I Don't Want To Know By Reo Speedwagon



Every time I think about all the mistakes that I've made through the years, it really fills me with guilt. These I try not to make mistakes because I'm getting older and I don't want to cause anyone any grief. However, there are some idiots out there who keep doing the same thing over and over again. I sometimes wonder how they can get off so easily. As much as I don't want want to hold a grudge, such boorish behavior really irks me and I know that when you don't learn, your acts would one day catch up with you. When it gets to the point where you don't care and had enough of the crocodile tears, let the punishment fit the crime just like the song "I Don't Want To Know" by REO Speedwagon.

A lot of people out there do what they want to do and have the gall to preach to others about being selfish. Sometimes I think they do all that preaching to suit their ends. Usually, it's these self-centered idiots who make life miserable for everyone else. What makes it so unfair and drives me nuts is the fact that other people are the ones bearing the burden for these oafs who much and live it up to the max. Well live it up a___hole! When it comes to meet the man, the man I hope you're ready.

Some people think that there's no such thing as the next life and think they're beyond such karma. That's the problem with letting jerks like these get away with it so easily. It doesn't have go to the other side for your stupids acts to catch up with you. When someone else starts to do same thing to you, better not cry foul. You reap what you sow and when you start complaining about, save your breath because I don't want to know!!!

When Your Acts Catch Up With You/Don't Care Anymore: I Don't Want To Know By Reo Speedwagon

Every time I think about all the mistakes that I've made through the years, it really fills me with guilt. These I try not to make mistakes because I'm getting older and I don't want to cause anyone any grief. However, there are some idiots out there who keep doing the same thing over and over again. I sometimes wonder how they can get off so easily. As much as I don't want want to hold a grudge, such boorish behavior really irks me and I know that when you don't learn, your acts would one day catch up with you. When it gets to the point where you don't care and had enough of the crocodile tears, let the punishment fit the crime just like the song "I Don't Want To Know" by REO Speedwagon.

A lot of people out there do what they want to do and have the gall to preach to others about being selfish. Sometimes I think they do all that preaching to suit their ends. Usually, it's these self-centered idiots who make life miserable for everyone else. What makes it so unfair and drives me nuts is the fact that other people are the ones bearing the burden for these oafs who much and live it up to the max. Well live it up a___hole! When it comes to meet the man, the man I hope you're ready.

Some people think that there's no such thing as the next life and think they're beyond such karma. That's the problem with letting jerks like these get away with it so easily. It doesn't have go to the other side for your stupids acts to catch up with you. When someone else starts to do same thing to you, better not cry foul. You reap what you sow and when you start complaining about, save your breath because I don't want to know!!!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Election Fever: Everybody Wants To Rule The World By Tears For Fears



The year hasn't ended yet and already a lot of politicians are now in tv commercials promoting their image as for force of change. The hard times are making people and potential candidates very impatient as the election period draws near. The question is are they for real or they just hyping things up to appeal to naive voters. I wonder if these guys really know what they are getting into and if they can handle it as they claim they can. With the election fever starting to heat up, the song "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" by Tears For Fears comes to mind.

You know when you get older and you keep falling for the same advertising pitch, there must be something wrong with you. I'll admit the current administration is going from bad to worse, but I'm not very confident about the opposition. Back during last days of Martial Law to the beginings of the EDSA Revolution, you knew who the good guys and the bad guys were. Nowadays, you don't know if the candidate is really the genuine article or just another corrupt dictator in the making or worse a puppet for the party to manipulate. Although you the guidelines in choosing the right candidate, in reality you can never be sure, especially when the old guard are still firmly in place.

I hope I'm wrong but being a president in this country is like a shining knight finally drawing Excalibur only find himself corrupted by the swords power. After that, all the promises go down the drain. Just like looking over the fine print of a contract, you have to be careful of you vote for. It's no longer the most virtuous that people pick but the least objectionable and that's after close and careful scrutiny. We can only hope we made the right vote.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Always Going Uphill: Up The Creek By Cheap Trick

Man, it always seems like my back is up the wall. Everytime I want to try something new, I feel like all these obstacles start appearing out of nowhere like pop-up ads from a bad website. Then, nothing in life is easy and when all this craps starts to appear, that's when you know just how much you really want it. Well, I guess I'm in for a test as to how much I want it. Thinking of the odds and the difficulties to get where I'm going reminds me of the song "Up The Creek" by Cheap Trick.

This was the soundtrack from the movie of the same name. Right now, I want to use this as a self-motivating song. My luck hasn't always been very good and a lot of times many good dreams seem slip out of my grasp. As times goes by, opportunities are becoming harder to find. The worst part about is that there so many hurdles and very little if no tools to help you.

It's getting to that point where you've got nowhere to run and no one to turn to. Be that as it may, I feel like a test has been put before me and this is one test that I want so badly to succeed in. I'm doing all that I can to make sure that this time things would go differently. I know that nothing in life comes easy, but then again that shouldn't stop you. I maybe up the creek without a paddle but I sure won't let it drown me.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Lost In Translation: Good Intentions By Toad The Wet Sprocket




As I have said before, one of my biggest fears in life is being misunderstood by other people. What's worse than that is when they misinterpret my actions as something that might turn someone off. The last thing that I want is to have people hate me or fear me out of a gesture which I made. Getting alienated from that sure does hurt. When good gesture gets misunderstood for something else, I remember Toad The Wet Sprocket's song "Good Intentions".

This happened once before in college and that really left me with mixed feelings of rejection and confusion. It was a hard, hard lesson in relationships because I really liked that person and to have my actions interpreted that way sure hurt a lot. It was the first time that I realize the difference between what I felt and how to translate that into action. The intention got lost in translation due to bungling actions resulting in big fumble which added another notch in rejection. I guess that's the reason why I really plan what I want to say or do before taking any action.

What you think and what you do can be two different things if you aren't careful. When you try to get to know somebody, make sure that you find out what it is that they do and don't like. Be sure to know the difference between showing your determination from forcing yourself on that person because if you do the later, then you lose the game. Also try to figure what it is that you do want to do because it is only by doing so that you realize if it's really worth it. Just remember to express your intentions well cause it might get lost in translation.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Think Again: Another Thing Coming By Judas Priest



You know there's a lot of people out there who believe in that old phrase "Forgive And Forget" and let bygones be bygones. Unfortunately, there's a of people out there who take advantage of that kind of generosity. Once they're forgiven, there they go again just like Homer Simpson who is once again free to be an a___hole after the end of the episode. When people do something cruel no matter how righteous or justified the reasons behind it, I just can't let it slide. These days when crap happens, it really gets burned into my memory because if these jerks do it again, it proves we were too kind to just pardon these fools so easily. When it comes to remembering these stupid escapades caused by stupid behavior and habits, I remember the song "Another Thing Coming" by Judas Priest.

This was one of my favorite metal bands when I was in high school and I have to admit to this day I still like leather jackets. Anyway, going back to this entry, as I have mentioned before, I think there's too much sympathy for the devil and this is true when a person doesn't learn from what they have done. When people still do there bad habits, it really irks me because if they keep on doing it, then here we go again. Wham and Blam and all that s___t which could have been avoided if they really laid this down more and made the offender realize that this shouldn't go on. Until the offender kicks the habit, history will most likely repeat itself.

You can forgive but never forget. Now I know why some criminals are given a scarlet letter either by hanging the letter on them or branding it on their bodies. This is to remind them of their offense and although in today's society it may too extreme, atleast these fools won't forget. That's why right now I am on my guard and although I am keeping the peace, I still not happy about this. Only time will tell if this won't happen again and if they think I've forgotten about it, think again.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Every Teens First Obsession: Overdrive By The Eraserheads




When a kid turns 16, toy cars are now longer his interest. By this time, he wants the real thing and to ride it as well. I guess this is the sign that they are getting older as they want more freedom to go where they want to go on their own. The problem is that they want it so bad, they wind crashing the car and the parents are the ones who pay the damages. When I remember the obsession that teens have with driving, I remember the song "Overdrive" by the Eraserheads.

As kids grow older, they want to try more things and want to be more independent. Being able to drive on your own is one of the biggest achievements that a kid could do because at young age, he or she is now able to go where he or she wants to go and meet people without or less constraints now their parents or drivers need not give them a time limit on their gimicks. The only question is are these youngsters responsible enough to leave and come back with the car and themselves in one piece. As they go on their adventure, their parents are probably pacing the house the whole as they wait for their return.

I'm no expert at car safety or driving maintenance, but I do know that when you're given the privilege to drive and take the car, always be alert and responsible. Remember to do the following:Keep your promise of coming back at the appointed time; Make sure the car is in good shape; Don't overspeed on the highway; Know where you're going and don't drive under the influence. Break any one of these or other precautions on driving and you might find yourself commuting for a long time. What's worse is if you wind up in the hospital or the morgue and no one wants that. I know you've heard this before but with more freedom, there should be more responsibility.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Always Keep A Promise: Promises, Promises By Naked Eyes



I use to remember when I was a kid, I was told that if I just play along, they promised something for me. Even when I kept my word, there times when that "promise" didn't come true and even though I was a kid, it really pissed me off. I guess the reason for that is because when someone promises something to you and doesn't fulfill it, feelings of betrayal, being used and being lied all boil up inside of you all at once. It really stinks when you're left wanting when a promise turns out empty. That's the feeling I get when I hear Naked Eyes'song "Promises, Promises".

I do things because I want to and as much as possible, I want to come through for people who count on me. I guess that's why I don't want to make a promise that I can't keep. I know how it feels when people promise you the universe and you're left with squat. That's people riot in the streets and society goes in flames. It's from empty promises from people we trusted and put our faith in which can really break one's heart.

When a person makes a promise to deliver, it's not just the goods that's on the line here but the person's reputation as well. A vow to fulfill an obligation can make or break you and your relationship with others. I guess that's when I make a promise, it's one I'm sure to accomplish. It's because I gave my word and if my word isn't good, then no one will trust me.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Getting The Lead Out: When The Going Gets Tough




If there's anything I learned from asking advice or assistance from people, it's simply that there comes a time when you have to do things on your own. Sure we all need some help when things are tough all over. However, it's different when you start taking matters in your hands. Not only does it shows that you faced up to your problem, but you were also able to conquer the tough trials that were set upon. When a person does that, he can really kick butt. When you finally kicked the tough times out, I think the song "When The Going Gets Tough" by Billy Ocean.

Although I'm not a fan of this singer, I have to admit it has cool message for people who feel overwhelmed by so many obstacles. I guess that message is to not let anything stop you from accomplishing your goal. A lot of times we tend to hesitate when we see the reality of the situation we are faced with when we start the road towards our dreams. I guess if your smart and enough and determined, nothing will stop you from achieving it. With that kind of combination, you can do anything.

I have to admit there are times when I feel so overwhelmed with the goals I want to achieve. Right now I'm doing all I can to make sure that they come true. I have to admit sometimes I stall when an obstacle gets in front me. I just of what Gen. Jorge Patton said which was "Never Take Counsel Of Your Fears". That's good advice and I'm taking it.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Looking Out For Myself: Looking Out For Number 1 By Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO)




Before UFC 101, I remember reading an interview of B.J. Penn about pleasing people. He quoted Bill Cosby as saying something about pleasing people is the road to failure. Some people would think of that as something selfish, but in reality happy people and successful people are the ones who first were able to focus on themselves as to what they want and pressing on until they achieve what they wanted. Sometimes if you keep giving in to other people, you wind up going nowhere. I guess that's what Bachman Turner Overdrive was trying to stay in their song "Looking Out For Number 1"

It's not that people are selfish, it's just that there comes a time where you have to decide to do something for yourself. You have find your own path and your own interest if you want to be happy in life. Even in religion class, I remember our teacher telling us that you have to know yourself, then others and finally God. Finding one's self enables one to find his or her purpose in the world. Once they do that they can do anything. It's only when you are capable of handling yourself when you can start taking care of others.

People who often give in to what other people say are often the ones who are miserable. The comes a time when a person should be given the right to pursue his or her own happiness. Otherwise, they will always be incomplete and worse they will miserable due to the fac that the life they are living is a lie. Those are the saddest people on this earth. I guess that's the reason why I agree with the Dauphin when he said that self-love is not so great a sin as self-neglect.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Still Getting By: I'll Get By By Eddie Money



As I've said before, a lot of times, I'm lucky that I'm still after all the storms I've weathered through. A lot of dreams and hopes sure went down the drain. Everytime that happens, I world starts crumbling down like deck of cards in a windstorm. Thankfully though, I'm still and still soldiering on. As always, I try to cope with loss and do the best that I can. With that in mind, I remember Eddie Money's song "I'll Get By".

I know I was reserving this song for next February, but then again, for me it's not limited to broken romance. There are a lot of ways to break a person's heart apart from getting dump. When there are things that you wanted to or be just didn't happen can really bring you down. This is especially true when something you worked so hard to save didn't make it and there's a lot at stake. It's like time stopped and nothing else mattered as you become oblivious to everything else like some shell-shocked soldier not caring if he gets hit or blown away.

Right now, I just want to win at something as I try rebuild my life with what's left. I guess so far life hasn't so cruel because in the middle of it all there are still things and people who I care about that are still here. I'm still here which means there are still chances to do something worth while. I know there's something out there that will take the funks out of my life. Till then I'll get by.






Eddie Money - I'll Get By
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Monday, August 10, 2009

So Far I Don't See It: Change Of Heart By Cindy Lauper



For this entry, it's going to a difficult one for me because I don't want to come off as a high and mighty self-righteous lout. The reason for this is because as I have said before, I'm still cleaning my own mess and I feel I don't have the right to criticize others. Still when offenders are unrepentant, it's something that you just can't ignore. The problem with forgiving people is they don't forgive themselves and when that happens they're going to do it again. Thinking about this issue made me remember Cindy Lauper's song "Change Of Heart".

From what I gather, someone got pardoned for their stupid outburst and yesterday the gang was all here. Someone here pleaded with me to talk to the oaf to patch things up. Right now, I am keeping my distance and the least that I am doing keeping out of the jerk's way out of respect for the people here and to keep the peace. The reason why I'm not giving in to this request is because last night I observed the jerk and once again he's back to his old habits of hogging and sloppy routine. Now I hear they'll be here every weekend and I guess we have to bear with this which is something I am not happy with.

Forgiveness is a virtue, but lately it is an abused virtue to the point that people give too much sympathy for the devil. I guess that's why I veer more towards the right lately. If you want forgiveness, you better first correct bad habits that piss people off to earn it. The fact that so many people get off easy is starting to get to me. If you want redemption, you have to show that you're worth it and quite frankly, I still don't see any changes.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Real Risky Business: Smuggler's Blues By Glenn Frey



One thing that made the 80's hit show Miami Vice so popular was the fact that many of the show's guest were really big celebrities who were not only actors but also music artists and even athletes who were stars in their own right. Apart from that, they also played a lot of hit songs that were popular back then which added to the shows appeal. One of my favorite episodes from the show was when Glenn Frey of the Eagles was a guest on the show and one of his songs was played there. It was one of my favorite songs back then. That song was the "Smuggler's Blues".

The song summarizes the drug trade during that time in a nutshell. Big money but full of dangerous risks and one mistake can cause you your life. There was a lot of money in drugs but a lot of lives get lost because of it. Because there was a lot of money in it, people often delve into and some get rich whiles others wind up dead. In the middle are the addicts who throw away their lives for more causing more problems for people to deal with. No matter how many druglords get caught and jailed, another rises to the top and the battle never ends.

I'm no angel but I'm no longer attracted to the gangster image because in reality these people criminals who do damage to others with their wicked trade. They start off as some street robin hoods but in the end all they're true colors unfold. What's worse is when they rip others off , thinking they can get away with it, only to wind up behind bars or in jail in the end. That's a lie I don't believe anymore. Crime don't pay and if you commit crime, you're the one who winds up paying so stop romanticize it.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Partying Hard In The Year Of Transition: Tin Man By America



1982 was a very strange year for me. I guess this was because it was my last year in St. Cyr Academy and first time in my life I felt that there was this "transition phase" inside me that I haven't felt before. When I say "transition", it was feeling that the time has come to move on. It was also the time where I started partying hard with my brothers with the brews and the herbs. One of the bands that I frequently listened to during this period was America and one of my favorite songs from that group was calleed "Tin Man".

I remember I use to listen to this inside the music of our old house with the aircon on full blast and we all shared a lot of laughs back then. It was the time when we really started doing things together. For the first in my life, I was really partying with my brothers and we were all having a good time together. At the same time, there was this melancholic feeling that I had because the time came to move on. I felt closing a chapter of my life and starting a new one. The memory of that transition was bittersweet in a sense that I felt happy and sad at the same time.

Later on, I realize that life is like that when you explore new horizons and leave old hunting grounds behind. It's not like a bridge that once you cross, you can always go back. As I have said before, these days all of us are preoccupied with more important issues in everyday life. Partying is now done on certain occasions and with the way things are, we might be partying even less. Still those good times will always be with me. Thanks to 24K, they always come alive with each song like blast from the past.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Popular Television Show And It's Soundtrack: Believe Or Not By Joey Scarbury




Back in 1981, one of my favorite television shows was The Greatest American Hero about a teacher who was given a costume by aliens that gave him different superpowers. The only problem was that he lost the manual on how to use the suit and as a result, he has no choice but to learn the suit's capabilities by himself which leads to a lot of comedic situations. Even though the show aired late on Sunday, we were willing to stay up just to watch it. Apart from the show, it had a nice theme song called "Believe It Or Not" by Joey Scarbury.


What made me laugh about the show was everytime he tried to fly, he was going zigzag in the air with a frightened look on his and the only for him to land was to crash somewhere. Everytime he discovered a new power, you can bet something funny would happen. What I like about the show's song was it had positive in it which not only makes you feel good but makes you believe that you can do it. These days, you don't know if people sing or whining with broken english or blurting our their lyrics. All they sing about is everybody is wrong and I am right which is why I stick to my 24K favorites.

These days, the shows are more edgier and adult-themed with characters getting away with it. Some say that the old programs are too naive or too boring. Despite all the restrictions back then, they were still able to come up with something good compared to some of today's shows that celebrate society's breakdowns, leaving to turn off the tv and read a book instead. These days I'm very picky about what I watch either in the tube or on the big screen. Nothing catches my fancy anymore. They don't have the moral stuff like the old shows of the past as well good songs like this that belong in 24K.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Reminds Me of My Batch's Carefree Ways: Give It Up By KC And The Sunshine Band




When I look at the kids during the 90's, the one thing that I admit I'm jealous of about that generation is that they had a lot of heavy music during their time. What differentiates them from my batch is the fact the great rock bands had equal airplay with mainstream pop. Back in my day, all I could hear was either pop, new wave or hip hop. Most of the tunes that I listened to was relegated to the underground. What can I say, but like I blogged before everybody was carefree back then and so were the songs. One such song that was popular during my freshman year was "Give It Up" by KC and The Sunshine Band.

Man, in my first year in highschool, a lot of kids were dancing to this tune. Apart from that, all the pastel colors in clothes and accessories really lit up the place and there was no avoiding it. Not to mention those "dance" moves which were really not my cup of tea. I really felt like a square peg to the round hole back then. If there was a term that really described me back then, it was "outsider".

Man, kids in the 90's were fortunate to have their form of rock have equal footing with mainstream pop. In my time, it was hard to listen to the music that I liked and find people who listened it as well. I guess some people find themselves at the wrong place and the wrong time. Still there were good times and I was to find some people who shared my music and my vices. It wasn't all bad and thanks to those precious few, my youth had some good moments worth remembering.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Rare Song/Seeing Through The Lies: Lying By Peter Frampton



One of the things that I'm happy about is that my collection of songs on my 24K blog is growing because all of them remind of the good old days. Still, there some songs that I wish 24K would still play and I can't believe that they still can't find some of them. These songs deserve to be on 24K because they were great tunes and RT played on air. I hope that they find them so people can hear them and appreciate them the way I do. One such song that I haven't heard them play is "Lying" by Peter Frampton.

For a song about lying song is pretty upbeat. It's one of those songs that the television show Cheaters can use because a lot of cheating spouses there lie on that show. There are times when lies can fool people for a while. But later on, people will notice something's going on, especially when there's a change in behavior and pattern and when they find out what's going, no explanation will save you. No matter how much you justify yourself, in the end it's your fault and you have to face the consequences of your actions Still, this is a pretty cool song and more importantly, Frampton was able to adapt to the 80's while still retaining his style of music.

There are still a lot of songs that 24K hasn't played yet and I hope they find them soon. People shouldn't miss out on such good music which is hard to find these days. The DJs should dig deep into their inventory and not always rely on what's on the computer. They should find more of the great oldies and RT had a lot of them. I do hope they find this song soon. It was cool then and it's still cool now.

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

If Anything It Help Get Me In The Mood For A Workout: Gambler By Madonna




I must repeat I have never been a fan of Madonna, though I admit her song "Cherish" was kinda cheerful. In contrast, a lot of my batchmates went crazy over her and some tried to imitate her tacky wardrobe. Still, she is one of the few artists in the 80's to still make records to date. That being said, she will always be apart of RT and 24K. One song that does "catches" my attention is the song "Gambler".

The song was part of the soundtrack from the movie "Vision Quest" which was released in 1985. I was a junior in high school and during that time it was the last year of the Marcos Dictatorship. Going back to this song, the only reason why it "caught" my attention was the music video. Back then, I was obsessed with getting in shape. I put a lot of hours weights and martialarts. When I saw the video and the song, if anything, it always helped get me in the mood for a workout as I would do anything to get solid back then.

Well, times have changed and my metabolism isn't what it used to be. Apart from that, my injuries are catching up with me and I couldn't handle the workout routine that I used to do back then. Still, I do find the time to exercise twice a week or better yet three times a week because I need to get fit now more than ever. So far I have never missed a workout and I hope I don't. I just wish I was as strong and fit as I was back then.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Always On A Budget: Low Budget By The Kinks


Yesterday, I blogged about how important money is in society that without, everything comes to a stop. With the current state of the economy, a lot of people have had to make a lot of drastic changes just to make ends meet. Companies are now closing and a lot of good people are getting laid off. It really isn't fair to those who have worked so hard only to have their legs cut from beneath them. With all the cutbacks people have to make today, it reminds me of the song "Low Budget" by The Kinks.

A lot of people on Youtube agree that this song is so relevant today with all the economic decline that we see all around us. Heck, even before the meltdown, the situation around here was already bad. First the gas, then the water as well as the price of all basic commodities where going up faster than a space shuttle headed for the moon. If the people say that our country hasn't been affected by the global economic crisis, that's because we were already having our own crisis already. If the economic has hit, we wouldn't notice it because we already have our hands full with local economic woes.

These days, people are struggling to cope up with the hard times. We have no choice but we do what we can and bad part is that the market is flooded with cheap and dangerous products that people buy because they can't afford anything else. Be that as it may, people still find ways to ride these difficult times out. They do so because they want something better in life and they will do all that they can to make it so. I hope things shape up a bit because I'm tired of living in a low budget land.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

How Money Affects The World: Big Money By Rush



A long time ago, our country was one of the most prosperous economies in Southeast Asia. These days it's a whole different story as people are already struggling with the economic problems locally now need to deal with added problems brought about by the global economic crisis. Everybody's feeling the burn and have to find ways to ride the present hardships. Looking at all that is going on both here and abroad, one thing that is obvious the effect that when there's no money, everything comes to a halt. I guess I can now understand what the song "Big Money' by Rush finally means.

Whoever said that money makes the world go round, is right in a sense that it fuels economic activity. With it, business grow which leads to prosperity resulting to higher standards of living. Unfortunately, there those who took on more than they can handle and worse, there were the scam artist who used people's saving for their own selfish interest which led to an economic collapse all over the world. Now companies are closing and a lot of people are losing their jobs while fresh graduates find very little opportunity for work and the domino effect goes on. Even though it's obvious that this has happened, a part of me still can't believe it because if only those corporate bosses were more responsible with the people's income, this would not have happened.

Those the news say that there are signs that the economy is improving, I still haven't felt it and a lot of people feel the same way. I hope that when the economy finally gets back on track, people would learn from this very bad experience. I'm not a very materialistic person but I hope to see the day when everyone can afford their own house, car with having a big hole in their savings. I also wish that one day, people would earn enough that they can live on their salaries even if it is minimum wage. I still believe in the capitalist system because it shows what people can do with a good idea and a lot of hard work. I just wish people would be more responsible with our savings when that happens because in this world, it's all about the money we need to show it inorder to make it through the day.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Another Song That Should Be On 24K: Sons Of The Pioneers By April Wine



Everytime 99.5RT's 24K program fills the airwaves, I keep my ears glued to it from moment I wake up to the moment that I doze off. As I have said time and time again, it's because only at that time do I hear the songs that I grew up with and no station except RT has these great classic which are more valuable due to the fact that many were exclusively played there. Only 24K keeps these songs alive and when they get played, you just want to drop everything and just listen to the music all day long. Still there are some songs that should be included in RT's playlist. Another song that I want RT to add is "Sons Of The Pioneers" by April Wine.

This is another of those great songs that seemed to be lost as the decade ended. I remember seeing this on Channel 13's music video show and the first time I listened to it, I was hooked. It was the a had all the elements of an 80's rock song and in environment prone to new wave and pop, this was like breath of fresh air. Rock songs were a rare commodity back then and a good rock song was great find.

As I have said time and time again: Never take your favorite songs for granted. You'll never know when you're going to hear them again. As the years go by, you wouldn't notice that they don't play them anymore. One day on a rare occasion, you hear it on the radio, the effect just hits you like a portal opening to the past and you feel yourself overwhelmed by emotion. Just remember, keep those songs alive and share them with everyone else because they worth than gold.