I just had the pleasure, no - thrill, of watching a well-known band play live on early morning television. This group has been around for, maybe, two decades. Being a musician, I've always enjoyed the band's distinctive sound as well as the complex rhythms that are the band's signature. The lead singer, for which the band is named, has a most identifiable voice and, this morning, demonstrated why the band has had such staying power.
Watching the group strut their stuff, particularly the lead singer, I was once again struck by how many truly brilliant and talented performers and artists are slightly off center.
Which makes me wonder: Are these people brilliant because of their SOC traits or do their SOC traits enable and enhance their brilliance? Perhaps it is a delicate combination of both possibilities. Whatever the reason, passion, talent, brilliance, skill, and intensity combine into a powerful combination that delivers an unbeatable cocktail of electricity when performing.
The performance stages of the world are filled with individuals and groups with varying levels of skill and talent. To each his own in preference for musical style and genre, but for this old cat, stages are littered with subpar singers who sound more like injured felines stranded in tall trees. Today's performance proved that this particular band and lead singer have had staying power for one reason - talent. Undeniable talent and skill that is only enhanced by playing live. A litmus test that too many of today's singers cannot pass.
Ancora imparo
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Right In Front Of Us
Sometimes good stuff, places, products, and people are right in front of us, aren't they?
We don't have to drive long distances for the greatest shopping experiences. For a good shopping day we can often stay home, driving short distances. It just takes a companion who is familiar with different businesses and localities and can guide others to previously overlooked establishments.
Occasionally it takes outsiders who move into our neighborhoods and communities to show us what jewels and gems we have right in our own backyards. These newcomers fill their hours and days exploring and visiting parks, other recreational sites, restaurants, performing arts troupes that 'locals' often dismiss or overlook.
New faces in our lives not only guide us to appreciate what we have but those same new faces also bring fresh conversations, perspectives, and the possibility of friendships.
I've had the pleasure over the past months to find new people in my life that have added immeasurably to the quality of my life. I am a better person because of new faces who have introduced me to new places.
Ancora imparo
We don't have to drive long distances for the greatest shopping experiences. For a good shopping day we can often stay home, driving short distances. It just takes a companion who is familiar with different businesses and localities and can guide others to previously overlooked establishments.
Occasionally it takes outsiders who move into our neighborhoods and communities to show us what jewels and gems we have right in our own backyards. These newcomers fill their hours and days exploring and visiting parks, other recreational sites, restaurants, performing arts troupes that 'locals' often dismiss or overlook.
New faces in our lives not only guide us to appreciate what we have but those same new faces also bring fresh conversations, perspectives, and the possibility of friendships.
I've had the pleasure over the past months to find new people in my life that have added immeasurably to the quality of my life. I am a better person because of new faces who have introduced me to new places.
Ancora imparo
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The States of.........
Just as each of our fifty United States have their own personality and flavor, I've given some thought about fifty states of being we humans may find ourselves in from time to time. Granted, not all of these states of being are desirable, but they are real for the human condition of the world. Perhaps you will find a state or two (or three) that you will identify with. Some states would invite an infinite stay......others a brief stay, if any at all.
Please remember that no liberals or conservatives were harmed in the composition of this list......................
Consider the states of:
Confusion
Denial
Ecstasy
Bewilderment
Apoplexy
Astonishment
Wonderment
Mind
Mindlessness
Lawlessness
Poverty
Delusion
Corruption
War
Forgiveness
Matrimony
Consumption
Fascination
Cooperation
Determination
Degradation
Simplification
Elongation
Intrepidation
Transformation
Unification
Perplexity
Diversification
Consternation
Mortification
Retribution
Carelessness
Callousness
Corrosiveness
No Where
Somewhere
Homelessness
Improvement
Merriment
Loneliness
Futility
Productiveness
Atonement
Relaxation
Motherhood
Fatherhood
Sisterhood
Brotherhood
Consciousness
Unconsciousness
Suspended Animation
Now that I've finished my blog posting for this day, I'd better take myself to the state of productivity!
What state(s) will you find yourself in today?
Ancora imparo
Please remember that no liberals or conservatives were harmed in the composition of this list......................
Consider the states of:
Confusion
Denial
Ecstasy
Bewilderment
Apoplexy
Astonishment
Wonderment
Mind
Mindlessness
Lawlessness
Poverty
Delusion
Corruption
War
Forgiveness
Matrimony
Consumption
Fascination
Cooperation
Determination
Degradation
Simplification
Elongation
Intrepidation
Transformation
Unification
Perplexity
Diversification
Consternation
Mortification
Retribution
Carelessness
Callousness
Corrosiveness
No Where
Somewhere
Homelessness
Improvement
Merriment
Loneliness
Futility
Productiveness
Atonement
Relaxation
Motherhood
Fatherhood
Sisterhood
Brotherhood
Consciousness
Unconsciousness
Suspended Animation
Now that I've finished my blog posting for this day, I'd better take myself to the state of productivity!
What state(s) will you find yourself in today?
Ancora imparo
Monday, June 1, 2009
Graduates
I love this time of year. High school seniors are eagerly awaiting the outward sign of the progression of time (thirteen years, in most cases) that acknowledges the achievement of a major milestone; i.e. their high school diploma.
The last semester, for most high school seniors, is one mile-marker after another. Ordering caps and gowns and all the accompanying graduation 'schtuff' that parents' pocketbooks can afford; the spring prom, honors nights, last concerts, sports dinners, senior trips, bus trips into cities to attend Broadway shows, Baccalaureate.....if their schools allow the ceremony, the actual graduation ceremony, graduation open houses, getting in touch with future college roommates, buying all the gear necessary to adequately 'equip' the typical college dorm room, saying goodbye to friends and classmates as everyone goes their separate ways into the next phase of their lives, saying the final goodbye to family as the graduate becomes a college or university student. The list is long and the list differs for each graduate.
Some graduates will choose to enter the military and serve their country, others will remain at home and attend the excellent and underrated junior college system, others will enter the work force immediately upon graduation, a few will marry, and others will travel. Life-changing and life-altering decisions will be made - some with a great deal of forethought and other decisions will be made under duress.
The common thread binding all graduates together is that their 'whiteboard', if you will, gets to be wiped clean and, for that one moment in time, all graduates get to chose what will be written for them and about them. The opportunity is fleeting, so the choice of text, font, color, and word selection is vitally important.
To all the graduates that may read this, know that you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance right now, right this very minute. Take time making your choices, trust your instincts, chose your friends carefully, keep your 'frenemies' at arm's length, try to remember that your parents may have helpful input and insights, and please, don't text while driving. There is a natural order in this world that purports that young people should live to ripe, old ages, and that older people should die first.
Stick to the plan.
Ancora imparo
The last semester, for most high school seniors, is one mile-marker after another. Ordering caps and gowns and all the accompanying graduation 'schtuff' that parents' pocketbooks can afford; the spring prom, honors nights, last concerts, sports dinners, senior trips, bus trips into cities to attend Broadway shows, Baccalaureate.....if their schools allow the ceremony, the actual graduation ceremony, graduation open houses, getting in touch with future college roommates, buying all the gear necessary to adequately 'equip' the typical college dorm room, saying goodbye to friends and classmates as everyone goes their separate ways into the next phase of their lives, saying the final goodbye to family as the graduate becomes a college or university student. The list is long and the list differs for each graduate.
Some graduates will choose to enter the military and serve their country, others will remain at home and attend the excellent and underrated junior college system, others will enter the work force immediately upon graduation, a few will marry, and others will travel. Life-changing and life-altering decisions will be made - some with a great deal of forethought and other decisions will be made under duress.
The common thread binding all graduates together is that their 'whiteboard', if you will, gets to be wiped clean and, for that one moment in time, all graduates get to chose what will be written for them and about them. The opportunity is fleeting, so the choice of text, font, color, and word selection is vitally important.
To all the graduates that may read this, know that you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance right now, right this very minute. Take time making your choices, trust your instincts, chose your friends carefully, keep your 'frenemies' at arm's length, try to remember that your parents may have helpful input and insights, and please, don't text while driving. There is a natural order in this world that purports that young people should live to ripe, old ages, and that older people should die first.
Stick to the plan.
Ancora imparo
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Opportunity
Random thoughts regarding 'opportunity'.
Have you ever wondered why opportunity knocks for some and bypasses others?
Opportunity is often fleeting, something that must be seized when it presents itself, or its next appearance may be connected to the sighting of a comet.
Does opportunity 'knock' on one's door, or does one's door have to be open for opportunity to enter?
Do people become successful because opportunity finds them or because they seek out opportunity?
Are some people unsuccessful because opportunity never visited or because they ignored opportunity?
What is success? Is it not defined differently for each of us?
Do we define success or does it define us?
I think I'll take this opportunity to sign off and ponder opportunity further. Perhaps you'll do the same. If nothing else, take the opportunity to simply ponder.
Ancora imparo
Have you ever wondered why opportunity knocks for some and bypasses others?
Opportunity is often fleeting, something that must be seized when it presents itself, or its next appearance may be connected to the sighting of a comet.
Does opportunity 'knock' on one's door, or does one's door have to be open for opportunity to enter?
Do people become successful because opportunity finds them or because they seek out opportunity?
Are some people unsuccessful because opportunity never visited or because they ignored opportunity?
What is success? Is it not defined differently for each of us?
Do we define success or does it define us?
I think I'll take this opportunity to sign off and ponder opportunity further. Perhaps you'll do the same. If nothing else, take the opportunity to simply ponder.
Ancora imparo
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Granny's Excitement
Oh, TLV is coming today!
My preparations have been focused and fun, but I am not done. Having a short visitor brings a new level of excitement to our humble abode that is not normally present. Having only tall visitors is great but the short type bring out the best in my SO and me.
We have a birthday cake and ice cream, toys, children's books, and special foods and we haven't even begun to get out things for TLV!
Later today you will find me on the floor, reading books, or conversing as only a three-year old can converse. There will be a big smile on my face and I'll laugh more than usual. The presence of a little head under your chin does that to grannies and gramps.
The feeling of euphoria has begun. Let it never end!
Ancora imparo
My preparations have been focused and fun, but I am not done. Having a short visitor brings a new level of excitement to our humble abode that is not normally present. Having only tall visitors is great but the short type bring out the best in my SO and me.
We have a birthday cake and ice cream, toys, children's books, and special foods and we haven't even begun to get out things for TLV!
Later today you will find me on the floor, reading books, or conversing as only a three-year old can converse. There will be a big smile on my face and I'll laugh more than usual. The presence of a little head under your chin does that to grannies and gramps.
The feeling of euphoria has begun. Let it never end!
Ancora imparo
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tourists Shocked
Tourists visiting Washington D.C.'s famed attraction, The National Mall, were shocked today to find that, in a clandestine overnight transformation, it has been converted to the nation's largest auto mall. Shoppers in the market for a new car can find only GM and Chrysler brands. Missing are any of the Ford lines, forcing those looking for a new Mustang to find a local dealer in their area.
Executive press releases included sound bytes from national ad campains (intentional misspelling) that will be released on Monday, June 1 and will feature the brightest and the best from each political party: Nancy Pelosi, Newt Gingrich, Harry Reid, Rush Limbaugh, Hillary Clinton, and Dick Cheney. Details on which party headliners would promote which automaker were not revealed, although Fiat is rumored to be rejecting all of the six political superstars. Little success for car sales is expected as Pelosi is quoted as saying she hasn't been informed and Newt Gingrich says she was. Dick Cheney is expected to enter the verbal fray later today after a hunting trip with Hillary Clinton. Roland Burris has been contacted about a cameo appearance but is quoted as saying he has had no discussions regarding this matter. Meanwhile North Korea is indicating that they have a solution to the U.S. auto maker woes. Obama has been filmed rattling his sword, but it is ultimately assumed that he will ignore North Korea's offer.
Meanwhile, U.S. car shoppers looking for car bargains have plenty of choices at former GM and Chrylser dealer lots across the country as these dealers look for ways to reduce their inventories of new cars that were gifted to them by Detroit.
Ancora imparo
Executive press releases included sound bytes from national ad campains (intentional misspelling) that will be released on Monday, June 1 and will feature the brightest and the best from each political party: Nancy Pelosi, Newt Gingrich, Harry Reid, Rush Limbaugh, Hillary Clinton, and Dick Cheney. Details on which party headliners would promote which automaker were not revealed, although Fiat is rumored to be rejecting all of the six political superstars. Little success for car sales is expected as Pelosi is quoted as saying she hasn't been informed and Newt Gingrich says she was. Dick Cheney is expected to enter the verbal fray later today after a hunting trip with Hillary Clinton. Roland Burris has been contacted about a cameo appearance but is quoted as saying he has had no discussions regarding this matter. Meanwhile North Korea is indicating that they have a solution to the U.S. auto maker woes. Obama has been filmed rattling his sword, but it is ultimately assumed that he will ignore North Korea's offer.
Meanwhile, U.S. car shoppers looking for car bargains have plenty of choices at former GM and Chrylser dealer lots across the country as these dealers look for ways to reduce their inventories of new cars that were gifted to them by Detroit.
Ancora imparo
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