When It's Cool To Be A Ghoul: Dead Man's Party By Oingo Boingo

As I punch out at the bungee clock and head home after a hard day's work, I see a lot of kids going to  different villages wearing various costumes.  They've got bags and buckets and are accompanied by their parents and nannies.  I smile as I see their excited faces as they venture forth to gather treats they can get from generous neighbors.  As you can guest, it's a Halloween where you can say it's a scary version of Christmas.  Thinking about the Halloween spirit reminds of Oingo Boingo's song "Dead Man's Party".

When I was a kid, I was never really into Halloween  as it was only practice among the posh neighborhoods where it was popular among foreign kids.  These days, everybody is into it, as they build their own costumes and do their own make-up to not only look the real thing but also impress their friends and families in this night where it's hip to be scary.  Though we're not participating this year, there's a part of me that hopes that kids will be coming home with a lot of goodies in their bags as they exchange their stories and trade their treats when the day is over.  I guess it's because I hate when someone gets left in an occasion where kids are suppose to have fun.  These having fun is what people need to have the most.

As for me, I'll be retiring early cause I'm really pooped from writing and captioning.  The next I'll be planning to go to the cemetery to pay my respects to my dad, uncle grandfather and grandmother.  As for those who going for some treats tonight, have fun but take care.  Also brush your teeth after eating all those sweets so as not to get any cavities.  It's that time of the year when it's cool to be ghoul so Happy Halloween.

Just Quie tA Man Coping: Silence Is Golden By The Tremeloes

Ever since I was a kid, I always kept things to myself.  Why I did that is because back then there was too much going on.  As I watch how things unfold, admitting or mention things would draw a lot of attention only it wasn't the attention that you'd hope for.  I'd be lucky if it all ended there but there were times when I wouldn't hear the end of it.  As a result, I rather kept it all to myself.  When it comes to just keeping and coping, it reminds me of the song "Silence Is Golden" by The Tremeloes".

I'm not one to make a fuss even if there were things that really bothered me and just had to be addressed.  Over the years, I've just learned to figure things out on my own.  Though, I haven't been very successful at it, I'd rather have that than some unwanted scrutiny.  Plus things were really crazy back then.  So I just go my quiet way and do what I could to deal with it.

These days, life just gets crazier.  What I thought was difficult to deal with then is nothing with what a lot of us are dealing now. Well whinning about it won't solve it.  I'd rather keep mum about it and hope to resolve as quietly as possible.  So long as the silence remains in the end, it's fine with me.      

When The Night's Your Friend: Waiting For The Night By Depeche Mode

Every time I thought the day would be good, I hear bad news that makes it all bad.  When that happens, I really feel a tightening in chest and I lose my appetite after hearing the news. The only thing that will bring me comfort is when night finally comes.  That way  I can get some shelter from the storm.  That's I'm listening to the song "Waiting For The Night" by Depeche Mode.

Once everything is said and done, I finally retire to my room.  I lay on my bed and try to get some sleep.  I makes sure I loosen up in the hopes that when I close my eyes everything goes away.  I let myself get lost in the drowsiness and take comfort as I drift into lala land.  I stay that way for a good eight to nine hours.  Just enough time to make sure that I am rested enough for the demands of the day.  

True everything is closed when the night comes.  All there is darkness and silence when it comes.  Still it offers shelter and solace when the day has not gone well. It brings closure to a really bad day.  Best of all as the night ends, a new day is born and with new hopes and new dreams.  In times like that, I can really say that the night can be one's friend.

Chill Out: Cool Ka Lang Pare By Maria Cafra

I remember in the movie "Kelly's Heroes"  Donald Sutherland told his subordinates to relax despite the deep mess that they were in.  His subordinate was still jumping up and down and complaining about their situation till it got to his nerves.  Finally Sutherland told him to stop with the negative vibes cause it would only make things worse.  I guess despite how bad things get, it's best to chill out and be cool.  That said, it reminds me of the song   'Cool Ka Lang Pare" by Maria Cafra. Life is getting harder and just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, it just did.  When you got so much to deal with, the last thing that you need is more crap raining on you.  it's enough to drive anyone crazy.  Still, that isn't the answer.  If you give in, it's all over so just chill and be cool. I know it's easier said than done.  Everyday I read news stories of people who go crazy because they broke under the pressure.  As much as I pity them, that's the road I'm taking.  Just be cool and keep on going till the black cloud disappears.  Stay cool and stay strong.

Last Moments: Whiter Shade Of Pale By Procol Harum

Next week we will be observing All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day.  On those days, people will be flocking to the local cemeteries to visit the graves of their loved ones.  Though there are a lot of distractions like food stands and singing, the most important thing to do is remember the times that you had with your loved ones who departed this world.  It makes me wonder what how it will end when my time comes.  Keeping that in mind, I'm listening to the song "Whiter Shade Of Pale" by Procol Harum.

Ever since my grandfather's death, I came to hate funerals and hated it even more when my father passed away two years ago.  Still, it's a sad fact that death is an eventuality that we all have to face.  Keeping that in mind, I'm to wonder if I'll be able to get together before the time comes.    Will I have done all that I wanted to do and will everyone be happy?    Those that I wonder about the most when the time comes.

When I look down at the graves of my relatives, I often wonder if I'll ever get it right.  The times have been unkind and every year presents a problem harder than the first.  Still, things won't unless you change them.  Hopefully, I'll be able to do that when the time comes.  That way I'd have no regrets in the last moment.

Up And Down, Round And Round And Back Again: Age By Jim Croce

Just sitting in my room savoring whatever time I have for myself.  The downside of doing that is that is when all the memories start flashing into head again.  The good that makes me feel warm followed by the bad that I deeply regret and if I had the opportunity I'd do it all over again.  The only time that I have for myself is at the office and I spend the time trying to beat deadlines from 8 to 5.  Right now I am reflecting on the up and down cycle that goes back to square one as I lisen to Jim Croce's song "Age".

This song reminds me of the ups and downs of my life and the sad fact that I wind up back at where I started.  Why is it when things are just getting better something happens and everything just gets shot to pieces.The bad is that it happened twice in my life and during what was supposed to be the best years of my life. It wasn't easy keeping it together when everything was against you.  Still you keep trying till things get back to normal.

Well here I am back where I started again.  Trying to remember what I have done wrong and what I have learned from it.  I just hope I get it right this time around.  I just want to get my life in order and stand on my own and most important of all have some peace of mind.  That's why I'm very careful as I go about things day after day.  Age hasn't been kind to me and I'm just feeling my way through as time goes by.

Right Now I'm Chillin: Breezin By George Benson

Just got home after a hard day's work.  I finished taking a shower after eating my dinner and right now I'm my best to loosen up after tense all week long.  Actually I've been tense ever since this new black cloud has been plaguing us.  So tonight I thought I'd chill out by listening to a song that would put my soul at ease while I blog.  That's why I'll be playing "Breezin" by George Benson for this post.

I've been thinking too much and worrying too much lately and yet I can't do anything about it. Right now I'm playing the song on my laptop with my earphones on my ears. I click on the play button and close my eyes and begin to listen.    I let my mind drift with the song in the hopes of taking to a better place or at the very least, fill me with some happy thoughts.  Just want to chill out for a while to chase the blues away.

Sure I know this is just temporary relief.  It won't take long till the black cloud's crap starts to pour on us again.  For now all I ask is this moment of peace.  I don't get that much anymore and I treasure all that I can get.      I do believe that this will all work out eventually.  Right now I'm just chillin the night away.

When What Was Once Hot Is Not: Gathering Dust By Modern English

Lately when I take a walk around the neighborhood, I notice that a lot of neighbors are holding garage sales.  Their reasons for doing so is because either they the money or they are just making space for new stuff. No matter what the reasons, its a great way to do than to get rid of the old and make a profit while doing it.  Still, when I look at how old some of the stuff their sell are, sometimes it saddens me that they have been retired and were now gathering dust because they are no longer in style or in use.  When I think about things that were once cool but are now gathering dust, it reminds me of the song "Gathering Dust" by Modern English.

As I was going over some of the things for sale, I remember how popular some of these items were.  Some were selling old VHS and VCRs while I saw clothes that were all the rage when I was a teenager.  Back then, when we had these things, it was considered the must-haves as everybody wanted them.  If you had them you were cool and everybody would go to your place to watch a movie on the VHS or play Pac Man or Space Invaders.  Those were the days.

Nowadays, it's a whole new ball game as new gadgets from Iphones to Ipads are popping up and the games are so sophisticated that you can play them with other people online.  I bet these once cool items were already gathering dust and will be lucky if anyone buys them.  Still they take me back to the days when I was young and they were the rage.  Kinda makes me sad at the realization that if their time has gone then so has mine.  Well was hot long is now not and so I hope someone buys them  cause it does my hear good to see someone recognize their value.

Not Happy With These Changes: Changes By David Bowie

Man times are rough.  The recent developments that have caused my anxiety has now gotten worse.  It has gotten so bad that when I go home, I feel that a bomb will be dropped thus sinking my spirits again.  I don't know how long this will last but right it's a real pain and a change that I can do without.  That's the reason why I'm using the song "Changes" by David Bowie.

I know that a few years ago, I blogged about rolling with the changes.  It's not that I change my mind about that but sometimes changes(especially the bad ones) can just appear out of nowhere and really turn your world upside down.  It gets worse when they come at once that it can overpower you.  Your patience and your wits will be put to the test as you try resolve it.  One thing's for sure and that's going to be anything but easy.

As for the changes and bombs that are being dropped here, it's clear that something has to be done. Time's gold and we need to do something quick.  I just hope that we be able to resolve this before the holiday season.  I would not want to spend it with a lot of problems that would spill out to everyone. These are changes that I definitely can do without.

Remembering My Teaching Days: To Sir With Love By Lulu

I remember when I watched a classic film called "To Sir With Love".  It starred Sydney Potier as a black school teacher who taught at an English school in the early 1960's.  During the course of the film, he struggled to get accepted by the white students eventually winning them over and inspiring them to do good things with their lives.  I remember a few week ago, we celebrated "Teacher's Day" which recognizes the contributions teachers have given us through the years.  That's why I am using the movie soundtrack that was sung by Lulu.

For some reason, I remember the days I became a teacher.  I can tell you it wasn't easy as I tried to gain acceptance from the students as well stand my ground when classes started. There were students who helped and those who challenged me.  Some were brash while others were shy.  Despite the way they always turned me upside down, I did come to accept them for who they were and in some degree we were able to find some common ground.  It was a crazy time but they made it worth it.

I'm not going to say that I was a good teacher as I later switched back to government service.  Still, not a day goes by when I don't think of those zany kids who now grown up and some even have families of their own.  Just got a text from one of them asking me how I'm doing.  I'll be texting  him later telling him I'm getting by.   It was great time that I will always carry with me for as long as I live.

Anxious And Anxiety: Last In Line By Dio

A lot of people often tell me that I always look anxious or that I have too much on my mind.  I guess it's because everything I go through always takes a toll on me.  I guess it started when I was in school  because I could never relax especially when it was exams week where I always waited anxiously for the results if I pass or fail. Since then that anxious feeling has always been with me ever since.  When I get anxious for waiting about the results, it reminds of Dio's song "Last In Line".

Sometimes it's not just test results that get me anxious.  It could be a development that I don't want to go through or something that might affect my well-being. It could also be changes that I am unprepared for or something so uncertain that I don't know when it will end.  Either way it's a lousy feeling.  It gets even worse when you're the last or first to know.  

These last 12 years have been full of anxiety and uncertainty.  Just when you think things are going good, they start to unravel leaving  you so anxious that you have no peace of mind.  With no peace of mind, it sure is hard to face the day every time you wake up.  I just hope that things would be resolved soon.  There's been too much of these two that I'm beginning to think that life is playing a cruel joke on me and it's not funny anymore.

Why I Started Blogging: Reflections Of My Life By The Marmalade

Being a sentimental person, I often dwell on the past as well as the things that I have experienced in my life.  Other times there things that I felt that left a deep impression on me or people who impressed me so much that I can't forget them.  With all those things locked up inside me, I wanted to put them in writing and that was how I started blogging, Once I started, I just couldn't stop because everything that I write there is a reflection of who I am as well how I feel day after day.  When it comes to summing up all that I blogged thus far, the song "Reflections Of My Life" by The Marmalade comes to mind.

I find inspiration for my posts depending on what I feel or what I reflect on.  Other times, it could be about something happened during the day.  A lot of times, it's a personal form of therapy to help put my feelings into perspective.  One thing's for sure, it's all here in my blog.  Apart from that, it gives the opportunity to add rare songs as great hit songs that I enjoyed listening to when I was a kid to help set the mood for whatever post that  I will blog for the day. 

Well there are other things that I've trying to attain with my blog which were not as successful but still trying to figure it out and hopefully get it right.  Till, then I'm happy putting my thoughts on this blog.  Whether they are about experiences, opinions, or my take on certain things, they are all reflections of my life.  I hope that I keep on blogging till the day I die. I guess if there's anything that would make me immortal it would be this blog but that's not the reason for it as I stated earlier, I just want to keep my memories and songs alive and that's why I blog.  

Cursed Rains: Still Rainin By Johnny Lang

These last three days sure have been a bummer.  Just when you thought that it won't rain, it does.  Whether you go to work or go home, it can sure ruin your day.  It's not just the rain in the weather but also the constant shower of problems that keep pummeling people day by day.Whenever either or both kinds of rains starts to pour, the song "Still Rainin" by Johnny Lang comes to mind.

The difference between the two rains is simple.  The first really deals with the elements while other deals with the crap that happens in life.  The former gets you soaking wet while the other leaves your blood pressure rising.  One thing that they both have in common is that they're real downers.  When the two strikes at once, it can be a real downer.

It's really sucks when the real thing and the metaphor hit you at the same time.  Just when things can't get any worse, the just got worse.  Well that's life I guess.  Just tough it out and wait for the sun to shine.  Hopefully it'll chase those cursed rains away..

That's One Line That I'd Like To Be Connected To: Operator

Well I just ended a long and very frustrating day on my least favorite day of the week.  Having to wait on people who take their frigging time after doing a lot of things and then going home late is a real downer.  Still on the way home, there's a church across the street and since I always end my day with a prayer, I sat down and prayed for a few minutes.  Just any other day I hope that what I pray for reaches the Man.  .That hope that it would reach Him reminds me of the song "Operator" by Manhattan Transfer.

These days I have to admit my faith's been rocked a lot.  Still, I remember what it was like to lose it and it did not do me any good.  Still, the times and recent developments have not been kind and have filled me with  a lot of disappointment and doubt.  Yet I still cling to whatever hope I have because I don't want to give in to despair.  That's why even if I'm tired or angry, I try hard to pray so that the Man may know how I feel.

Well I don't if my prayers ever rich Him. Still, I keep on going.  Like I said before, the world doesn't wait for you and there things that need to be done.  Well till then I'll my best to keep the faith.  Maybe one day He may hear my request and finally answer it with an answer that's good to hear. not a bitter that I've been swallowing for a long time.

Secret Agent Mystique : Secret Agent Man By Johnny Rivers

I wouldn't be surprised if one of the fantasies we and even girls would want to be is a secret agent. This was fueled the James Bond films and other spy-themed movies.  To look so cool and to go places would really catch any young boy's fancy.  Still being an agent in the movies and the films are really two different things.  When it comes to the appeal as well as the real deal of what an agent is, the song "Secret Agent Man" by Johnny Rivers comes to mind.

Why do we think that being a secret agent is so cool?  Well from what we see in the movies, there gadgets like the hidden weapons from your watch to your car.  Then the exciting and exotic places that you get to go and the money to spend along with it.  Then there's cool suits and most the gorgeous babes who'd love to swoon over a man of mystery.  Plus you learn who to beat the bad guys and save the world in the process which is why we dream of becoming one.

Still, in reality, being an agent is like going down to the abyss.  You infiltrate and blend in with the enemy to the point that people believe that you are the enemy.  There are also the  all the deceit and lies upon lies that can really confuse both your enemies and even your friends (that is if they really are your friends).  You can never be sure of anything and sometimes even your friends can the cause of your demise if you're careless.  The worst part is the war never ends unlike in the movies and those responsible will forever be in the shadows so be careful cause it's not all that it's made up to be..

The Tough Englishman In New York: The Equalizer Theme By Stewart Copeland

Once again, I am taking time off, from my regular 24K tunes to remember one of my favorite television shows.  It was about retired British Intelligence Agent who hired his skills to people in need. It starred the late Edward Woodward who gained fame in such films as "Breaker Morant" and "The Wicker Man", but for me he will always be the hard-hitting defender-of-the-weak former secret agent Robert Mc Call in the cult classic television show "The Equalizer".  The theme alone made an impression on me that written former Police drummer Stewart Copeland.

The first time I saw the trailer for the show, I was impressed and when I watched the first episode where he defended a woman from a stalker and a couple from some crooks, I was hooked.  The way he put the fear of God into the bad guys kept me coming back for more since the action was really exciting at the time.  The use of the ballistic knife against Adam Ant of all people as well as all the shoot-out and fight scenes were top-rate at the time.  Most of all, I liked the fact that in the end, the hostages are freed; the damsels have been saved and the bad guys really paid for their crimes.

Sadly, his health couldn't keep up with the demands of the show and eventually it ended around 1989.  I still have fond memories of that show.  Not only was it action-packed but also taught important lessons in life about out of trouble; mending relationships and how redemption is possible.  I was saddened to hear about Woodward's death in 2009.  I miss him and the show and thank for playing the defender of the week and the tough Englishman in New York.

I'd Like To Ride A Train Like That: Peace Train By Cat Stevens

Well another chaotic period has just passed.  To make things worse, I get a ton of work which I have to do in break-neck speed. Not a very good way to start the week wouldn't you think? Right now,  I wish there a ride that I can get into where I can some peace and comfort.  With that wish in mind, I am listening to Cat Steven's song "Peace Train".

I don't really know why every time my the UFC is on, things get really crazy around here that I feel I'm not suppose to have fun.  Anyway going back to this song, it'd be really neat to board such a train.  With the stress that I'm feeling, I'd empty my pockets and give whatever money I have to get a ticket.  I'd get away a bit and hopefully they'd live up to their word and that's to get some inner peace. I don't care where I'm going so long as I feel cool during the journey.

I don't know if it is me or is reality really biting everybody in the butt?  Sadly, such a train is myth and if it was real, only the big-timers.  Well once this song ends, it's back to grind again.  Still, if I'd like to get on such a train just to chase the blues away.  It's worse the ride.

If You Feel Like It Do It: Do Your Thing By Isaac Hayes

Ever had those moments when you want to just do something.  This is especially true when the environment you're in provides a lot of inspiration.  Once inspired, it hard to hold back.  If you really feel like it then do it.  I got this from listening to the song "Do Your Thing" by Isaac Hayes.

Why is it that that there are people out there who are happy, successful or both?  Because they follow their hearts and their dreams. They know that it's what they want  and do what they can to attain it.  They don't let anything bring them down. No matter who many times the criticisms or the naysayers try to dissuade them, it won't work.  It is something that they will do because it's what drives them.

I have to admit that I'm far cry from these kinds of people.  Still, seeing them achieve you much makes me believe that anything is possible.  They're the reason why I keep on trying no matter how many times I come up empty. They followed their passion and some have achieved their dreams late in life. They did so because they did their thing and if they can do it, we all can too.

To Find What's Real For Me: The Real Thing By Bobby Caldwell

You know that life is working out for you when everything is flowing smoothly or going according to plan.  There's little or now stress and you need not think to much about so many things.  In short, you're fulfilled you've what you're looking for and want nothing more.  These days that happens to either the fortunate or the smart ones.  When comes to finally finding the real, the song "The Real Thing" by Bobby Caldwell comes to mind.

Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky.  Some of us either made the wrong choices or took the wrong course of action.  As a result, we wander this world taking what we can.  We're lucky if we can settle for anything we can.  Still, it leaves a hole inside us and even if we still keep up with the world it has now grown cold and lonely.

Not being able to find that what which is real and important to you is the saddest thing that can happen to a person.  It gets even worse when we're at the twilight of our lives because by then it's too late.  As for me, I'm still trying to find the real thing.  I'm getting but forcing it won't make it happen.  Hopefully one day if God permits, I'll find no matter how long it takes.

When Problems Get Too Much To Bear: Driven To Tears By The Police

When you're plagued by too many problems, the last thing that you need let alone want is more crap.  Unfortunately, the world doesn't work that day.  No matter how hard things already are, expect more of the same.  It's a cruel world getting more cruel.  The way things are, it can drive a person to tears. That said, I'm choosing the song "Driven To Tears" by The Police for this post.

Problems can be like a leak in the dike.  Once the wall is breached, it's hard to catch the water as it fills the place to the point of drowning.  It's like fighting multiple attackers at once and getting bruised in the process. You'd want to cry "Time Out" but it doesn't work that way.  it's either you keep up or you just fall and stay where you lay.

For me, I've taken a lot of lumps and I'm still trying to cope with all things that life throws at me.  I'm not a smart man but I'll be darned if I'm going to let this bring me down.  I'm tired of being pushed back into a wall by life's bad jokes.  No matter what I won't be driven to tears and no matter what it takes I will get past all this.  Other people have done so and so will I.

If Only There Was Such A Place Where Love Makes Everything Right: Sweet Love By The Commodores

With the year about to end, once again I am plagued by another big problem.  It's has given me no peace since I heard it and has made sick with worry ever since.  Man and I thought things would be better this year.  Right now I'm turning on my stereo and listening to a 24K song to soothe my nerves.  A good song to listen to right now is "Sweet Love" by The Commodores.

Love isn't just about romance but also about feeling good and spreading that good feeling around.  As I listen, I get taken to world where everything is cool where people are happy and making others happy.  The love is flowing and there's nothing to worry about cause you'e  good people and you feel the love that they have for you.  In short, everything's all right because the love is right there.  Slowly but surely, the smile comes back to my face and I feel a little relax thanks to this song.

Sadly, reality is a different story.  Still, that doesn't mean that the love isn't there.  Things are just a little hectic and priorities need to be addressed.  Still, never doubt that the love isn't there.  Sometimes you have to be the first to share it.  That said, it would be cool if such a place existed where love makes everything right, that would be cool.

Trying To Stay On The Straight And Narrow: Stay Clean By Motorhead

We all know that no one's perfect and there times that we make a lot of mistakes.  Sometimes those mistakes can be so devastating that you really find yourself in the pits of Hades.  Still if you're determined enough, you will climb out of there no matter how long or how hard it takes.  Just remember to learn from the mistake and keep out of trouble.  When it comes to keeping out of trouble, it reminds me of the song "Stay Clean" by Motorhead.

Yeah well when it comes to making mistakes, I sure made a lot of them which is why I am where I am now.  The worst part of it is that lightning struck me twice and that wasn't good.  Just when I though I climbed out of the pit, something happens and I'm at the bottom of the barrel.  What's worse is that this take took me a lot longer to get out.  Apart from that it took away what could have the best period of my life.  

Though times are hard and uncertain, at least my life has dignity again.  Still I have lot to fix if I am to find real happiness and contentment.  That's the reason why  I keep my nose clean and my head clear cause I' don't, I might get another taste of falling down and I'm sick of it.  A chance at salvation should not be wasted which is why I am staying on the straight and narrow.  Hopefully, I'll get things right at the end.

Still Reminiscing About The Good Old Days: Old Days By Chicago

As I've said before, 24K Weekends (formerly 24K Friday) is the day when time stands still.  My ears are plugged on the radio as I wait for my requested tunes to play on air.  It's not just about hearing music that people have long since forgotten but also remembering the good times that happened when they were still on the air. It takes me back to those days as if they are happening right now.  A good to remember the old days is the song "Old Days" by Chicago.

When the music plays, it all comes back to life.  The times when you're laughing with your friends about the jokes and stories that they tell.  Going around the mall to watch a movie or play a few coin-operated games till you had no money.  Best of all was on the weekends where you either went to your friends house for a few brews and partied till the sun came up.  Back then, you thought those days would never end.

Today as I've always blogged is a different story.  Bills to pay and deadlines to catch are things that occupy my mind everyday of the week.  True, today we have the internet, smartphones, Ipods, Ipads and a host of other gadgets.  Still, I would give all away to go back in time just to relive the good times that I had with people who I care for.  Though there's no such thing as a time machine.  The old tunes are good enough to bring the old days back to life.

Optimism Even During Difficulty: Tough All Over By John Cafferty

The great about the 80's sounds was that even if the song was about how things were, the tun of the music was upbeat.  I guess it was because it was their was of keeping their chin up and moving on even when things have not gone well. Apart from that, it was great era and everyone was happy that even the sad songs were cheerful.  It was just a great to grow for a lot of us.  Another song that had that kind of contrast was "Tough All Over" by John Cafferty.

If Reo Speedwagon's "Summer Out Of Season" was upbeat even after getting dumped, this song was about hard times yet the tune was so uplifting,  You can tell that once you hear it.  Despite the fact that it tells about the tough times, you feel a slight ray of hope that things will be better.  Even if it tells it as it is, you don't feel despair when you hear it.  Instead, you feel pretty good and that's the mark of a good song.

Nowaday, I don't even know who's on top let alone what's hot and what's not.  Quite frankly, I don't care cause I'm sticking with the classics.  These were songs you can listen to all day long and feel good when the chips are down.  Well right now things are still a little chaotic around here but I am still determined to find a way.  With songs like this to, I can always get by.  That's because they give me optimism during the difficult times.

What Freedom Means: Freedom By Chaka Khan

I remember one of the funniest films that I watched back in high school was Moscow On The Hudson which stars Robin Williams as a Russian Musician who defects to the United States.  Though he had a hard time adjusting to the U.S. and he had a hard time pursuing the American Dream, he came to love living the U.S.  The best part of the movie was when he met other immigrants who helped remind him why they sacrificed a lot to go to America. The reason why was freedom.  Apart from the movie, I also like the sound track that was sung by Chaka Khan called "Freedom".

Though the film was funny, it did point out the struggles that people living under Communist rule.  The constant threat of nuclear war and lack of basic goods as well the constant harassment of Communist agents have often pushed those living in that part of the world to try all means possible to escape to the West just to have a better life.  Some dug holes, while others hid crates on ships and some even flew balloons just to escape.  They were willing to die just to escape that kind of oppression.  That's just how desperate they were to get just a taste of freedom.

Today, Russia itself is now a democracy and the former U.S.S.R. has broken into separate countries.  Business is thriving though the shadow of totalitarian rule still hovers over the country.  What did the film taught us apart from making us laugh?  That freedom and the pursuit of a better life was something people were willing to die for back then and though it was a distant memory that people take for granted now, for us it was a matter of life and death.  Freedom is the most important right that everyone should defend because if that is lost, then all is lost.

When The Classics Get Ruined:What They've Done To My Song By Melanie Safka

When a song is good I can listen to it all day,  That's why I keep my ears glued to 99.5 rt's 24K Weekend program cause they're so good that I can't get enough of them.  Same thing goes when I watch a great movie or television show or series.  However, whenever a great song gets used a commercial or remade and a movie is redone only to become a poor imitation, well that gets to my nerves.  When songs and movies are ruined due to these kinds of actions, the song "What They've Done To My Song" by Melanie Safka comes to mind.

When song is remade by another artist, for some reason I get warning bells.  Some remakes by contemporary artists make me want to shut off the radio or tempt me to smash it with a bat.  It gets worse when it's used in a commercial because it takes away the substance from a very good song,  When I hear that a movie is going to be remade, I am not impressed.  It either gets glossed over with so much violence or repackaged to be "politically correct" and for me that's an insult to the original.

The originals were classics because they came up with good things that people at the time were not able to conceptualize.  It also hit  a certain message to its viewers and despite the restrictions and lack of resources, they came up with something poignant.  Just because we have better technology or more financial resources, we think we can do better? Not! Leave the classics alone because they're originals that deserved to stay untouched.

Everything Sure Is Unstable: Shakey Ground By The Temptations

ust when you thought things were bad, they just got worse.  Things are just tough all over, what you thought would always be there suddenly disappears in a blink of an eye.  Just when you thought you found something that you can build on, it all just falls apart.  Just goes to show that things sure can be unstable. When I think about how unstable things are, the song "Shakey Ground" by The Temptations comes to mind.

Back when times were good, you thought it would last forever.  Sadly, when it's over reality can really give you a hard slap in the face.  Back then, it was easy to come with a back up plan when things go awry.  These days you have to have a back up plan for every back up plan.  You can't be sure of anything anymore.

So what do we do?  I guess we keep on going even if the ground crumbles from underneath our feet.  It's when we give up then it's really over.  The ground maybe shaky but don't let shake you up.  There's stable ground out there so just keep that head up and keep on going.