Saturday, October 31, 2009

It's Halloween That's Why: Thriller By



Despite a some rain and some powerful, it seems that the typhoon known as "Santi" has past. I guess that means that the party is still on for a lot of kids and some adults cause today is Halloween. As I have blogged yesterday, the kids will be out with their parents going door to door asking for treats from good neighbors who are happy enough to oblige them. Apart from all the ghoulish costumes, they are probably playing all the Halloween songs that would fit the occasion. One such song that I bet they'll be playing over and over again is "Thriller" by Micheal Jackson.

Man, when I was in high school, I thought I'd never hear the end of this song as my classmates would play and twirl themselves on the floor over it. It also spawned a lot of jokes, on both movie and television shows both here and abroad. Back then, whether it was Halloween or just another get together, people would play all the songs from the album, especially this one. A lot of my classmates would sport those tight fitting pants and square shoes that Jackson wore and dance the night away to pitcher of "zombie" or whatever favorite cocktail the bar had to offer. Come to think of it, how we were able to get into a bar and have some drinks sure surprises me now.

After Jackson's sudden demise, his records and other merchandise are once again in demand and are making a killing. His album "Thriller" is once again out there in tribute to his talent. Recently, there has been a competition for setting a world record for the most number of zombie dances to this song. I still don't who won on that score. Anyway, don't be surprise to hear this song over and over again tonight and if you ask yourself why, quite simply, cause it's Halloween.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Even Vampires Get The Blues: Love Song For A Vampire By Annie Lennox




Well tomorrow is Halloween and every will probably be donning their ghoulish costumes and accompanying their kids as they go from door to door looking for treats. Most probably there will zombies, Frankenstein's monsters, werewolfs and mummies and of course the most dashing of all, the vampire. Before, vampires were portrayed as simply blood-sucking creatures or the night who were slain by either Van Helsing of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, but these days, they are given more humanity and sometimes are portrayed as the good guys. Of all the mythical creatures of the night, none has captured our attention more than the vampire. The idea of giving a vampire more emotion and depth reminds me of the song "Love Song For A Vampire" by Annie Lennox.

This song was the soundtrack for the movie Dracula back in the 1990s. Though it followed the storyline, it gave it a little twist by giving the vampire a reason for wanting to be immortal was find his beloved. In the end, it was Nina who released him from his curse and ended his life. Though I wish they gave Jonathan Harker more depth but instead he became a prop. Worse was the fact that they made Van Helsing look like a lunatic mad scientist who was more deranged than the Count. Still it was a pretty good movie and they let Dracula show some of his sensitive side, while retaining the equalities which would keep us awake at night.

I only thing that I don't like with the vampire genre these days is they make them look too good while us ordinary people are made to look like paranoid dark ages lynch mob. Other movies and television shows portray often portray humans who are seduced by the mystery that they have and in some cases revel in knowing that they were able to "score" with the undead. Sometimes, they make it look like they're either flirting with the forbidden or acting like nerds who now have a big stick since their undead spouses watch over them. Oh well for me, I still like this song and I'm glad that it's getting more airtime. In the end, I guess even vampires get the blues.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Getting The Proper Grip On Things: Hold On Loosely By 38 Special




These last two years have been very emotional for me in terms of the "bond". The reason for this is that I watched helpless as that "bond" take one hell of a beating. It was heartbreaking seeing that which you so cherish stark to crack and grow weaker. I sometimes wonder if anyone else feels the same way and I don't how how to resolve this. Sometimes trying to get a grip on this situation reminds me of the song "Hold On Loosely" byi 38 Special.

I know this is a song about a girl some guy doesn't want to loose, but you can say that important relationships are pretty much the same thing. The problem is how to approach the situation. Try to look the other way, and the rift gets deeper and before you know it, everyone is gone. Try to be aggressive about it and everyone blows a gasket and nobody wins. Quite frankly, the last two years have been very sad ones for me. Although I have a lot to be thankful, it is eclipsed by the weakening of the "bond".

As the year ends, once again I feel sad and depressed. I don't know how things will get resolved but small part of me hopes that it does. I just hope the others realize it as well and come to their senses. What we had was something that no one or very few people had. To see that go bad and go to waste is sad indeed.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Political Correctness Killed Them: Where Have All The Cowboys Gone By Paula Cole



I remember a scene from the movie "Fight Club" where Brad Pitt and Edward Norton where having a conversation about their fathers and their plans for the futures. Everything was going on fine until the part about marriage and family where they couldn't bring themselves to answer that question. What struck me about that part was the fact that they wouldn't know because they were raised by their mothers and that they were a generation of men raised by women. When I think about that lack of a strong male model, I remember the song "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone" by Paula Cole.

One of the reasons why I don't watch movies anymore is because I don't see any male character worthy of being a role model. Many of them are either insecure, arrogant, clueless or complete jackasses. A lot of times, the females are stronger than the males and it seems that they have switched roles in some cases. Even worse, a lot of times, the male protagonists often has to get his ass kicked and has to fight under restraint if he does get a chance to fight. No wonder people long for the old actors who are long gone cause their characters wouldn't take this crap.

So wonder whatever happened to characters that John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson, Bruce Lee and all the other great icons that they use to play? Political correctness killed them, that's what! Today's characters often have to make accomodations or worse give ground or get beat up because today's mode of thinking have outlawed the real heroes would call things the way they see it without the b@#$#% keeping them tied up! The characters of today just don't appeal to me because they are either too naive or just plain jerks! I fear if this will keep up, there will be no more great heroes to look up to.


Paula Cole - Where have all the cowboys gone
Vezi mai multe video din Muzica

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

You Only Care About Yourself: Party All The Time By Eddie Murphy




As I was still reeling from that big disappointment, the last thing I need was more bad news. Whenever the phone rings in the office and the house starts to call, I get a chill in my spine. When the phone rang and I was told something bad happened again, my heart sank. It seemed that the ungrateful lummox and his harlot informant were at it again. Man that guy doesn't learn and this latest escapade has gotten me on the edge again. When I remember how insulted I was when people told me that I only cared for myself, I remember the song "Party All The Time" by Eddie Murphy.

I had to admit there was a time when I was on a roll and every weekend was a blast as I chilled out either by myself or with my friends. Out of the blue, some lummox criticized me for caring only about myself and not doing my part around here. Lo and Behold, when the tables turned, he was worse than me and he was doing stuff without even asking permission. So when he brought that mattie herring #%$%$ here, my parents threw that witch out and he almost did something HE was going to REGRET.

Man, I may have had too much of a good time to some people, but in reality they were simple activities that anyone would need after a hard week and I did on my own. These days, I try to keep things stable here as best as I can and the last thing that I need is a free-loading GLUTTON who thinks everyday is a party centered around him. I don't party anymore but I don't want to be a kill-joy. Be that as it may, if you want to do something, do with your resources and if you want to party all the time, then GET OUT!!!! In the end, you're the one who only cares about yourself!!!!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Another Song About Starting Over: Back Where You Started By The Kinks





I feel really pissed today. I'm so upset about it that I can't even bring myself to mention it. It's just that it involves something that I was rooting for all month and it fell apart. The only thing that I will mention is that after that debacle, it's definitely back to the drawing boards. As much as I knew to expect the unexpected, I still wish it didn't happen. Right now the song "Back Where You Started" by the Kinks is ringing inside my head.

Whenever you reach the top, the biggest enemy that you can have is complacency, when you finally get there, it becomes a battle to stay there. That means it's your turn to be the open target for all the hungry guys out there. When that happens, it doesn't matter if the guy comes from an injury or a string of losses so long as he wants what you want. If you let your guard down or worse, underestimate him, you could or will loose what you have gained. When that happens, it's a pretty long fall and you have to go back to the drawing boards.

Although I'm very disappointed right now, I still am rooting for that guy. This is where we will see if he is made of real stuff. Crap like this happens and it is a test whether or not he will rise above it. I hope he does because I don't want to see him go down the road to obscurity. It's a long road, but if you want to get it back, you have to do it all over again.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Tired Of Secondhands: Hand-Me-Down World By The Guess Who




As much as I am not a materialistic guy, there are times when I wish I had some extra cash in my pocket. I know I'm not alone when that thought enters my head. These days, things are so hard, people just settle for hand-me-downs when you short on the dough. As much as it helps, there comes a time when you're of hand-me-downs and want to get one of your very own. Every time I feel this way, I listen to the song "Hand-Me-Down World" by The Guess Who.

It's not that I'm greedy or materialistic and it's not that I'm picky either, infact, I'm a very pragmatic person who puts needs before wants. I realize the current situation leaves a lot of people with no options but to cut back on a lot of things. Be that as it may, there are times when a person would want to live a little, especially after working hard day in and day out. It's not just about being hip or being materialistic that people want something new because you get something brand new, it also shows your capabilities of being able to stand on your own two feet. The hard part about second hands is that it is old, used, out of style, might not be in good condition and most importantly, it is not something you can really call your own because it came from someone else.

Well with the way things are, we just have to cope with these situations or find a way to make things better. How to do that is up to us to find a way. Until then, we just have to make due with what we can. Hopefully, things will turn around and I know that it's sounds monotonous, but I hope what I am planning will bear fruit. Till then, I guess I'll just have to toughen it out.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Real Badass Song About Whipping Evil: The Devil Went Down To Georgia By The Charlie Daniels Band





Once in a while you really hear a song that catches your attention no matter what genre it is. This is especially true if it's a badass song about rising up to the challenge and kicking the crap out of the bad guy who came in and invaded your space. Songs like that really get the adrenalin pumping that all your fears leave your body when some throws the gauntlet at you. It gets better when you take up the gauntlet and give the jerk a sound beating. That's the feeling I get when I hear the song "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" by The Charlie Daniels Band.

It tells the story about the devil came to Georgia to challenger a fiddler named Johnny to duel of music. If Johnny won, the devil would give him a fiddle made of gold, but if he loses, the devil gets his soul. As the duel begins, the devil played a mean number that would have made any challenger tremble. Johnny, however, was not afraid and when he played he blew the devil away. Admitting defeat, the devil laid down that golden fiddle to Johnny feet and that's what I call a good ending.

They don't make songs like these anymore about simple people rising up to the challenge and kicking the crap out of the bad guy. These days, they make songs where villain is the victim and it's the victim's fault which makes for very twisted logic. I guess that's why I long for the old days when bad guys were really bad and the good guys stood to them and won. Songs like that are now becoming a dying breed. These days we are willing to let bad people have their way and corrupt values that would have made the world better. I wish there were more songs like these to remind people that evil is evil and that ARE GOOD PEOPLE out there are not afraid and will overcome it if they were challenged by it.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Sometimes Being Square Isn't So Bad: Hip To Be Square By Huey Lewis And The News




It is a common stereotype that when people who don't share the same interest as you are immediately tagged as "square". This is especially true when you are young and peer pressure often segregated people into different groups. Usually those who broke the rules and always got away were the "cool people" while those who were just simple people who followed the rules were the "square dudes". Usually the latter was dubbed as being a heel to the group or simply no fun to be with. I realize however that being with square people isn't so bad and if you get to know them better, they're a good bunch to get along with while the so-called cool dudes would burn out or sell out. Every time I hear the song "Hip To Be Square" I remember that lesson.

I know this song is about enjoying the simple pleasures after having one's fill of the fast life. My problem with a lot of people like that is that they usually sell the fast lifestyle to others and when they say it's hip to be square, the guys they brainwash are ones left in the middle of the road. I've met some square people in my life time and they weren't so bad. In fact, a lot of them bailed me out when I had no one to turn to. Another thing I noticed is that these people stick to what they believe in and it has withstood the test of time. I guess being square isn't so bad after all.

Well I do agree that there comes a time when the fast times come to an end as we grow older and we start to settle down. Just be careful not to sell a bunch of crap ideas to that you would later abandon. If in the end, the simple pleasures are the ones that truly count, I would rather enjoy them now because they just can't be beat. I myself am at that point where I've had my fill and would rather just stick to a routine that I can enjoy with the "square folks". Atleast they stay true to themselves. I guess being square isn't so bad especially if it's who you really are.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

For Those Who Think Time Passed Them By: What About Me? By Moving Pictures




They say that things don't just happen and you can't just wish for them to come true. It takes time and a lot of effort for things to come true. The sad part about it is that when you try to make things happen, a lot of crap gets thrown your way which sets you back to square one. When that happens, it could sure get frustrating and you want to get mad as you wonder when your time will come or if your dreams will come true. The song "What About Me?" by moving pictures pretty much sums up that feeling of despair when things when feels cast aside or when opportunity passes them by.

I have to admit there are times when I fight the urge to ask this question. As I have mentioned before, a lot of things that I wanted in life didn't happen and when you're at that point when time is passing you by sure hurts. The reason why it hurts is because each lost dream represents a chance at a better life and when that falls apart, you feel like a fool because of all the time and effort you put into it. Although you can recover from it, it sure hurts knowing that you have to start over again after all that time spent. It even hurts more when you think that this is it; this is my ticket out of this situation that I'm in.

Though it hurts a lot, the only answer is to be patient and try again while you still can. See where you went wrong and correct those errors to make things right. Sometimes, you have to fight your way through the pain and think things through in order to succeed. If there's still time, things can still be turned around. I know it gets a little frustrating when you think you'll never get your time to shine but it's never handed to you and you got to make it happen if you want it to happen.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Dreaming And Making It Real: Dream Time By Daryl Hall





As I have often mentioned, one of the reasons why I'm in the situation that I'm in is because a lot of things that I wanted to do didn't come true. It was a hard way to learn the difference between dreaming and reality. When things that happen, you find yourself stuck in a situation that you don't want to be in. For a lot of people who are in that predicament, the only place that they can run to is deep within their mind. When people have the tendency to do that, I think of the song "Dream Time" by Daryl Hall.

When I hear this song, it helps explain the reason why I don't want to wake in the morning. In my previous entries, I often talk about being in a dream where everything was to my liking. It was a picture perfect world until it suddenly fades away and I find myself scrambling out the door to meet the daily grind. There are a lot of unsatisfied people these days who tried hard but fell short of their dreams. Living on dream time is all they have to go to when it gets too much for them.

Living in a dream can soothe you every now and then. Nevertheless, when reality calls, it's time to get up. As sweet a dream as it was, it's those who meet the harsh realities of life head on who are the strong ones. They are even stronger when they beat the odds and make their dreams come true. Dreaming is one thing; making it a reality is something better.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Pretty Much What I'm Feeling: Suite Judy Blue Eyes By Crosby, Stills, Nash And Young




You know we all have our highs and lows every now and then. Right now, I am getting case of the "lows" and for some reason this always happens whenever an idea comes into my head and I get all inspired to put it in motion. Then out of the blue, something comes up and whatever flame that gets lit gets snuffed out by dirty water by the gallons. It is for this reason that I carry a lot of emotional baggage inside me. If want to goes in my mind, try listening to the song "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

I can really identify with a lot of the lyrics of this song especially they mention about not being fun anymore as well as about fear and laughter. As I've mentioned countless times, fun time's over around these parts and a good day is when you can simply chill with no noise about the weather, money or whatever topic that tends to raise voices as well as tempers. A long time ago, I was having the time of my life and things were moving, then I was accused of just thinking of myself so I took up the burden and found myself alone with a cow telling me "Now you know how I felt" now that I have to take care of things here. Worst of all, I'm trying to fight the urge to not to loose it as things that could have been really cut my heart apart every time I see the things that could've made me happy whether I go out or watch television or read a newspaper. When gets to that I really remember the part of this song about how it hurts inside.

So once again, I've fallen into another one of those "black moods" and with the things are around here, it's easy to do that. if I was superhero, I'd probably be a lightning rod. Just when you think things quite down, things happen that sullens your mood. As for what I am working on, well I'm still figuring it out. I won't give up though, because if I succeed, it'll make make life a little bearable and provide some shelter from the hail of critiques of so-called "wise guys" who take people apart when they're down any chance that they can get. I hope to God this works, cause there are few options left. All work and no play can make anybody dull.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

That Melancholic Feeling When One Says Goodbye: Paglisan By Color It Red

Well in two weeks time, October will be over then it's November and before you know it, its December and another year ends. Whenever a year is about to end, I get that melancholic feeling again and I start looking back at all that's happened. I think a lot about all that's happening and the people who I seldom or don't get to see anymore. That melancholic feeling gets heighten every time 24K starts playing on the airwaves. One such song that embodies that feeling of melancholic goodbyes is "Paglisan" by Color It Red.

In one of my old entries, I blogged about not being able to say goodbye to those I wanted to say it to during my high school graduation way back when. No that I'm getting older, I often wonder how everybody's doing. A lot of times when it's time to for people to go their separate ways, I tend to avoid such situations. I know it's immature but I hate when my emotions get the best of me during such occasions. Seeing people go and not knowing when or if you'll see them again really hits me and when I find myself in that situation it's like seeing a giant door slowly closing with a load click, signaling the time for you or that party to go.

Well life goes on and so do we. It's unpleasant but things like that happen. Well, not a day goes by that I don't think about them. Wherever they are, I wish them well. Maybe one day, we'll all see each other again. When that happens, I know the good times will come alive again.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

To Jump Or Not To Jump: All Along The Watch Tower By Jimi Hendrix




I remember when I read the "Killing Joke" by Alan Miller, I remember the last part when Batman took the Joker in and the Joker told a joke about two inmates in an insane assylum wanted break out of that place. Both conspired to escape by jump across the other building and the first guy jumped off easily. The second, refused to jump even as his partner told him not to worry because he's the flashlight, making easy for him to see where he'd be jumping. In the end, Joker said that the second inmate told his friend that if I had jumped, you turn off the light just when I make it half-way through. As I finish reading the comic book, I wondered which of the two I would be classified under, especially now that I feel the pressure of the situation that I'm in. Thinking about situation reminds me of the song "All Along The Watch Tower" by Jimi Hendrix.

When you make a lot of mistakes in your life, the consquences of those mistakes are really going to eat away at any chance of happiness in your future. Mistakes are like macabre bricks that seal you in your own private prison. When it gets too much, the question is are you going to let yourself be boxed in or are you going to find a way out. It's in situations like this that reveals who the stronger person is: The one who just lets himself be imprisoned or the one who finds a way out of this hell hole. I want to be the latter.

I know it's easier said than done, especially now due to the reasons that I have previously blogged about. I don't want to be whiner who cries and goes into a tantrum just to solve a problem. Even if I'm having a hard time, I want to find the solution to the problem. I know it's not easy, but I won't give up till this bears fruit. I guess better not be afraid and jump across the building with all my might. As for finding a solution to my problem, I remember what Bart Simpson said to Homer when they were trapped on a runaway monorail: "Think Harder Homer"!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Are You Sure You're Happy: If It Makes You Happy By Sheryl Crow




You can tell if a person is happy with his life if everything that he or she wants is there. Living the life that you want to live can sure fill you with joy. However, there are those who aren't so blessed and are lucky to make the most of what life throws their way. Sadly, there also those who end their lives due to the hopelessly of the situation that they find themselves in. Sheryl Crow's song "If It Makes You Happy" reminds of the people who fall in the second and third category.

For you young people out there, if there is anything you want do or be when you grow up, make sure you stand by it. These days a lot of people are not living the life that the want. As much as they've resigned themselves to this situation, deep inside they probably wonder a lot of the things that could have been if fate had not given them such luck. Others who could not accept what life has dealt them simply crashed and burned which is tragic. Trying to live the life that you want is getting harder and harder these days.

As I've said before, if you really want to make your dreams come true, be ready to fight for it. It's at this point where you have to take your own counsel and ignore the snide remarks of those around you. It may sound selfish but your happiness is at stake and if you let all those negative vibes get to you, be ready to see your dreams crumble to dust. If you want to make others happy, you have to be happy first and to do fight hard for what you really want no matter how silly people think these dreams are. Only then can you really know what happiness is.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

When The Glory Days Are You Have Left: Last Of The Singing Cowboys By Marshall Tucker Band




I know it's monotonous but when 24K rolls along, the past comes alive and the glory days are remembered when there was always something cool happening everyday and you each moment to the fullest. Back then, everything was a blast and the gang was always there whenever you look back. However, the past is past and if old glory days are all you have left, man, that's sad. Song "Last Of The Singing Cowboys" by The Marshal Tucker Band.

This is one of those rare songs that only 24K plays. It tells the tale of an old cowboy who was also a washed-up celebrity way back when. As the narrator entered the bar, the cowboy told him stories of the gold old days and even sang for him. I wouldn't be surprised if if his face lit as the tale unfolded. Later on when he was shown to the door, the narrator found out that he was blind and he, the bartender and the waitress were the only audience of his performance. I guess he was lost in the past trying relive his glory days to whoever would listen.

A lot of times, I've seen people who fell on hard times after living the good life. Some are still happy even if those days are gone while others cling to to the good times cause that's all they have left. Sometimes a good listener and a good drink is all that they ask. That's the way only past comes alive again for these people. Reliving the past is good but he also live for today and try to move on. What's done is done so we better concentrate on the here and now if we want the good times to keep rolling.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Another Rare Song That Needs More Air Time: The Sound Of Your Voice By 38 Special




A lot of times when I listen to 99.5 rt's 24K Week End program, my ears are glued to the radio for 48 hours straight. My cellphone is loaded so that I can text in my request or if the DJ is willing, I'd give him a call and ask for the songs that I would like to hear. I'd wait patiently for my songs to come up and once it's played, everything is all right. Still, I think that Rt's 24 K program has not reached it's full potential. There are still a lot of old classics from the past that need to be played that the program still hasn't aired yet while others were played for a short time and were never played again. One such song that should be played more often is 38 Special's "The Sound Of Your Voice".

I have to thank DJ Alan Ranch because he was one of the few DJs who took the effort to look for this song and played it a couple of times. I liked this song because the band was back with that old Southern Rock song which they are still famous for. Like a lot of 24 K classics, I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it back in the early 90's. Lately I tried asking the DJs of 24K to play this song but sadly they either don't know about or it's not on their database. Whenever I hear that, I sometimes think being low tech isn't so bad because they would go to the vault and find these great songs that should still be played on the radio.

Once again I call on the younger generation to preserve whatever songs in their time that they deemed is priceless. Time changes and before you know it everything is different and the music you grew up with will suddenly fade away. That's why I always give 24K DJs a challenge every week because there are a lot of songs that need to be heard. I also hope that they bring out hits from the 60's and 70's because the old guard use to play songs from those periods, making the program very eclectic by catering to different generations who grew up on RT. I hope they this song as well as other great hits because no other station but RT is capable of doing this.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Trying Hard To Make It There: Meet Me Half Way By Kenny Loggins



I remember when I was a kid, I watched this t.v. movie called "The Red Fern" where a kid wanted to have a pair of hunting dogs but his family couldn't afford it. His grandfather advised him if you really want something you have to move to get. It was something like if you meet God half-way, the greater the chances of it coming true. So the kid worked his butt off to earn the money and when he did, he had to go through all sorts of obstacles just to get them. After all the hard work and all the risks, he was able finally get those dogs that he so wanted and he did by making it happen against the odds. When I think about doing all that you can to make things happen, I think about the song "Meet Me Half Way" by Kenny Loggins.

The song was taken from the movie "Over The Top" and was more focus with father-and-son relations rather than working on making things happen. Still, for me this song makes me think about how much do I want to make things happen. Seeing dreams fade to nothingness was a hard lesson for me to learn. If you really want things to you have to move. It's good to to talk to the Big Guy about what you want to do, but it is better if you starting working on things that you can do to speed up the process.

I guess when things do happen, it means that the Big Guy was working through you. Since you did all that you can do on your end, He probably did his part and the world started to turn. Despite all the hard luck that I have been having, I still believe that if you do all you can, you can make it and if the Big Guy sees it, then he'll meet you half way there or better yet all the way there. Though I still have a lot to learn and do, I won't give till I make either half way or all the way.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Despite All My Rage, I Am Still Just A Rat In A Cage: Bullets With Butterfly Wings By The Smashing Pumpkins



As I have said before, one of the things that I like about 90's music is that a lot of the songs that were played during that time were all about the inner frustrations and anger that people felt. It was time where people really expressed what they felt and a lot of times it was dark. Heck, with the way things are, I'm not surprise if people harbor a lot of frustration with all the crap that's being tossed their way. The problem is their limitations often prevent them from doing something about it and those who try end up crashing and burning. When that feeling anger and helplessness gets to me, song "Bullets With Butterfly Wings" by The Smashing Pumpkins sums up the situation that a lot of us are in.

A lot of times, we all find ourselves in really bad situations where the odds are against us that it gets so frustrating. You want to get mad and blame somebody but that you know that won't help. Those who are naive and foolish think they can stand up to the man, only to wind up getting the living crap get beaten out of them. When that happens, it painful way of putting you in your place as well as a grim reminder that being sassy only gets you a butt-kicking. That really stinks.

I guess that's the reason why you need to do a lot of things to make sure that something gets done about it. Solutions don't come easily and you have to arm yourself with knowledge and a lot of resources if things are going to change. Also, there is a need to get everyone on board which signifies to get things really moving cause the more people get behind something, the bigger the chance that something will move and take action on the problem. I know there are a lot of angry people out there who feel powerless, but if they can make a change if they do hard and do it right. Right now, I am all that I can to make some changes in my life because I don't want to be just an angry rat in a cage.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Still Searching: Searching By Santana




With the "ber" months now setting in, the year is once again coming to a close. And once again, I'm getting that desperate feeling that gets to me at this time for a year. The reasons for this is because the things I've been working on hasn't produced any results and at this point of my life, things are still "disorganized". That's why when I'm asked about those "settle down" questions", I really get stumped. The bottom line is there are still a lot of things that I want to do and things that I need to have "closure" before that happens, hence the reasons behind my restlessness. Santana's song "Searching" pretty much sums up the current state of my situation as well as my mindset.

That's the problem when you've made a lot of wrong decisions in your life. It's like an obstacle course where you're still stuck at one level while the rest are moving on. Other times, it's like you missed out on a lot of great things that other people were able to experience and though your chance has already expired, you still want to have that experience. It's worst when your dreams and ambitions don't come true and find yourself in a situation that you really don't want to be in. Things like that leave the soul longing and some think about what could have been while others won't accept it and continue to search for that thing that will make them complete. I'm trying to be latter as I still am searching.

Searching for those "missing pieces" and attending pressing matters can sometimes be one one tough juggling act to do. As much as I want to get that sense of satisfaction, there are other things that need to get done. Miraculously, I still attend to things that are important right now which means I still have my head on my shoulders and not on my butt. Still I hope that I will be able to find the things that I have been searching for a long time now. Until that time comes, I'll keep on searching.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Once They're Gone: Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses By U2



Recently, I blogged about what treating people right. It's obviously important because these people are the ones who support you through good times and bad. They do without asking for anything in return for the obvious reason that they care about you and for them to treated for granted this way is downright mean. Don't be surprised if one day, they're not there anymore and only then will you realize just how important they are. That's the lesson I remember when the song "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" by
U2.

Good people who go out on a limb for you are now a dying breed. They do it because they want to but that doesn't mean that we should treat them like crap and wear them out. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who do that and before they know it, they're gone. Whether they kicked the bucket, got seriously ill or just plain got up and left, either way, you're left there all alone. And when the pressure starts mounting, that's when you realized what you have lost.

You don't have to given them a medal for everything that they do. Nevertheless, show that you appreciate all the things that they have done for you, especially when they have expended themselves in the process. Giving them a little space is also important cause just like machines, people need a break and some maintenance to keep performing right. People like these don't come around everyday and even if they are replaceable, you better be ready to search long and hard before you find another like them. So please treat them right or you'll nobody there to help out when the going gets tough cause the tough people got going.

Friday, October 9, 2009

"Feel Good Song"/Learning To Enjoy The Simple L ife Together: Taken In By Mike And The Mechanicsife




Whether you are an average working class Joe or a famous celebrity, there times when you have the need to get away from it all. Even if we're staying at the most rocking city on earth, there are times when a simple quiet place can be the remedy that we need. It doesn't matter if what your social status is; what matters is that it gives you some quality time and appreciate the simple things in life. It gets better when you're in the company of good people who make you feel at home which is exactly what we all want when things go crazy. When I think about that feeling of being at home and enjoying it with other people regardless of who they are, I listen to the song "Taken In" by Mike And The Mechanics.

This is one of my favorite "feel good" songs because that's exactly how I felt the first time I heard it. It's like walking into your idea of a cozy house after a long hard day is the feeling I get when I hear this song. The video is cool as well as it features the band jamming in the house only to find a family still occupying it. Alls well, ends well, the family lets them stay and they the place together in a cozy family-style vacation which is pretty cool in my book. No stress and all smiles in a cool location is something everyone would like their vacation to be.

The thing I like best about the video of this song is when they were having fun at a barbecue while swimming at the lake. It may not be glamorous, but for me, that's the next best thing to paradise. Going to a place to relax, sharing it with other people and having fun in the process, who can ask for anything more? I wish there more songs like this. In the bleak and tough world we live in today, hearing these kind of tunes is the next best thing to being their and I hope I get go there one day.


Thursday, October 8, 2009

What More Do You Have To Do: What Does It Takes By Honeymoon Suite


I remember a mini-series called "Murder Ordained" about a minister who got convicted of killing his wife and hatched a plan to kill his mistress'husband. One scene that I'll never forget was when he shouted out in frustration about how many times must he prove himself to God. Although he was in the wrong there, I can relate with that scene because a lot of times, we do all that we can just to satisfy others and it's still not enough. To add insult to injury, we are always the ones who take the fall and get hurt physically and emotionally in the process, yet all that matters to those who we do this for is that we can deliver and they still want more from us. When you start to wonder what more do you have to do, I think of the song "What Does It Take" by Honeymoon Suite. This usually happens in one-sided situations which I truly despise. A lot of times, people do all that they can just to appeased the cravings of their friends, relatives or spouses. A lot of times, these people often push themselves to the limit and often put themselves in harm's way. Yet, the people who they do this for don't seem to care and sometimes scoff at their efforts even when these people are doing the best that they can. It's sickening because these people don't deserve being treated this way and those who put them in this situation should be ashamed of themselves. It's obvious that life is hard and short. Because of that, we should never take the kindness and generosity of others for granted. A lot of times this people lay it on the line just to prove themselves or satisfy the difficult demands of others. I hope people realize that pressuring good people like this won't do any good. One day, they might just get up and get out.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

There Goes Another One: Another One Bites The Dust By Queen


Ever had those times when you have an idea which you think will solve your predicament? When the idea comes to mind, you work hard to see that it comes true. Then the awful reality starts to dawn as you exert all your effort on it, things start to go wrong for some reason and things start to turn against you. You do all that you can but to no avail and that idea or opportunity gets lost and becomes another casualty of good ideas down the drain. Everytime that happens, I think of the song "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen. Over the years, I've seen a lot of ideas go down the tubes. You plan carefully and try as hard as you can but it just didn't work. When that happens, you do all that you can to figure out what went wrong. You do that because you don't want to point fingers and play the blame game. It's hard but you have no choice but to wrack your brain and try to figure it out so you won't make the same mistake twice. In the end, you have to accept the fact that it wasn't feasible. As hard as it is to take, you have to go back to the drawing board and come up with something new. Sometimes it takes more than one solution or you better be ready with alternatives if you want really want to get it done right. As for that idea, well the best you can do is learn from it. In the end, it's just another idea that bit the dust.
Queen 'Another one bites the dust' music video

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

When Memories Get The Best Of You: Cry By The Sundays






Whenever the weekend rolls and 24K is in the air, the past always comes alive for me. Like I blogged a lot of times, images of yesterday appear before me and start playing like a wide screen movie. The good, the bad and the ugly flash through my mind as each song from the past makes me remember the days of my youth. Even when I'm in the middle of doing something, my trusty mp3 player's fully charged so I don't miss a thing. The thing is when it all collides, it can really get the best of me and it could sure get emotional. That's the feeling I get when I hear the song "Cry" by The Sundays. Remembering the good times you shared with friends as well as the bad times when people you cared for passed away sure can your eyes water. Finally achieving a goal to falling short of expectation can sure spring a leak as well. Whether good times or bad times, they happen during your time and that's what makes it so valuable to you. It varies from person to person, but one thing's for sure and those times were a part of your life. That's it means a lot to you just as it means a lot to me. Sometimes when I see a face from the past, time stops and the music starts playing inside my mind. When we have our say and wave goodbye, deep inside you wish that there was more time to catch and talk some more. When that happens, I often gaze at the sky and wonder how they all are. I guess that's the real reason why I don't attend reunions. The emotion just gets to me and I might just cry.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Something Inside You: In Your Soul By Corey Hart


I remember during my last year in St. Cyr, a friend told me that you can't run away from something that's inside you. I was struck that someone in Grade VI would say something so deep. I guess he was right because there are a lot of things that I missed out in my life. As a result, I've spent a large part of my life searching for the things that would complete me. When I hear the song "It's In Your Soul" by Corey Hart, I always get into that soul-searching mood. This, along with "It Aint Enough For You" always stops me in my tracks. It always stirs unanswered questions inside me. The "would'ves", "could'ves" and "should'ves" questions start to rise from the grave and haunt me once this song plays. After that, I find myself restless and start looking out the window, searching for those things that I lost. In the end, there is only one place where I have to look and that's inside me.Right now, I'm still searching at time I should be well settled. I try hard to suppress feelings of desperation since I am no longer young and my time is past. Still I don't want to lose hope so I keep on going till some closure comes about from all this. Better late than never is what they and that is what I am going to do. I hope one day I find the key so that I can unlock the things inside of me and find some peace in doing so.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

When Things Are Bleak: Black By Pearl Jam



No matter how energized and optimistic people are, there are times when we feel down. When s____t happens, it can really take us by surprise and before you know it, everything is ruined. When that happens, everything just stops and nothing matters. Anything bright, colorful and happy suddenly turns dark and eerie due to that development. When things fall apart and the mood's is one of being pissed off, I remember the song "Black" by Pearl Jam. Ironically black is one of my favorite colors, along with blue, gray, white and red. Most of the time, though, it is associated with moods of depression, anger, frustration and grief or all the negative emotions that we feel during tough times. When things that you desperately want to come true, crumble to dust, you could literally feel your hear slip out of your chest and splatter all over the floor. After that, nothing else matters anymore. You don't know nothing or no one and only time will tell when you snap out of it. I've had a lot of black episodes myself and each really cut like a knife inside me. Sometimes I wonder if anyone knew or even cared that I felt that way during the very painful episodes of my life. All I could do was just take the pain and weather the storm and when I think about it, I am thankful that I'm still here and so are the rest of the people that I care for. Dark times happen because it's part of life and we have to be strong when it does. It'll take time but later on the light will come and shine over those black episodes, giving us chance to start again. 

Saturday, October 3, 2009

The Start Of A Very Bad Time And The People Who Were There: Bad Sneakers By Steely Dan


I know that I'm begining to be monotonous about my entries regarding the bad experiences that I've had in my life, but whenever the memories of those times creep on me, I feel the need to blog about since blogging has also been a form of therapy to dissipate those negative vibes. Though I have learned to live with it, there are times when it still stings. One bad memory for me was back in on the eve of the new decade where things fell apart. The song "Bad Sneakers" by Steely Dan reminds of that bad time and the people who were part of it. I won't mention names but the number of people in the song is the same as those who were involved at the time when the ax fell. It was bad time which I won't elaborate and there was no one to turn to. To make things worse, I did the best that I could but it wasn't good enough and I slowly felt like an outsider looking in. Then the day came and everything fell apart and the bad cycle started again and that was the worst periods that I have ever gone through. As I have mentioned in my entries time and time again, I am still recovering from that terrible time. I'm still trying to get together and move on which is very difficult to do. I really thought that I would go crazy that time and it still stirs bitter emotions in me when I remember it. I can relate to the part of the song regarding the ditch which for me is the bad time in my life which I was lucky to survive. I just hope it doesn't happen again.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Nice Remake/Confidence Song: Respect Yourself By The Staple Singers Remade By Bruce Willis


Whenever we see people who are brash and cocky, our first impression is that these people are arrogant who don't know what they're doing. Yet whatever they lack in knowledge, experience or skill, they make up for in their guts. This is shown in their willingness to face the unknown without hesitation or fear. These people are the type who will face anything or everything because they believe in themselves, thus respect themselves. When I see such people who have that much confidence in themselves, I remember the song "Respect Yourself", originally done by The Staple Singers and was later used by Bruce Willis. I heard this song at the time when things weren't going right for me in college. I have to admit it helped bring me back to my feet. I realize that when things go wrong and you find yourself down, just wait for that second wind and believe in what you can do and just do it. You respect yourself when you make the most of what you got inside you. People who do this are able to beat the odds no matter who much is stacked against them and that's the type of person we all want to be. Though I have a hard time figuring things out, I don't want to wallow in self-pity. I want to resolve things on my own with as little help as possible. It's not because I'm cocky but I want to be more self-reliant and make the most of what I can do. When you do more on your own, you become more productive and more respected. That's the best way one can respect one's self.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

What Happened?!!!: We Built This City On Rock And Roll By Starship


When I started partying out with my brothers, it was at that point in life that we started to go against the flow and listened either blues, folk, metal and the classic psychedelic sounds of the 60's and 70's. Bands like The Who, Big Brother And The Holding Co., Jimmy Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane were what we listened to when we'e already "trippin". Sadly, at this point in my life, I learned was the lesson "Things Change" was all about. Some of these great bands radically changed their image and worse their music to reach out to the audience at the time. One such band who did so was Jefferson Airplane who became Jefferson Starship then Starship and the song "We Built This City On Rock And Roll" left me scratching my head and asking "What Happened!!!?" I remember when they changed' their name from Airplane to Starship, I thought was to go along with dawn of the techno-boom that the 80's was often associated with. There first album who songs were very 80's style still retained their rock edge. One day, I watching a music video program and it announced that Jefferson Starship has a new hit single which got me excited. That excitement turned to a big DISAPPOINTMENT when I heard the song and saw the video. This wasn't the band that I remember listening to that had solid psychedelic rock sound but the run-of-the-mill pop group whom kids would dance as the song played. My jaw dropped as the song and video played out and I left the room with downed spirits. After a few years, the band faded away again and I hate to say it, I think was for the best. I would rather just listen to the sound that they had from the 60's to 1984 which all cool. I know they were trying to reach a new audience but that was not the band that I was listening to and grew to like. It was like they sold out and I bet there were some hardcore fans who were not pleased as well. Since then, I've been wary of great music icons coming out with new hits after years of retirement because it may not sound the same. I don't want to get all excited again only to once again ask the question "What Happened?!!!!"