 click here for the first 2001 entry. musings archives: June-Dec 2005 entries. Jan-June 2005 entries. July-Dec 2004 entries. Jan-June 2004 entries. July-Dec 2003 entries. Jan-June 2003 entries. July-Dec 2002 entries. Jan-June 2002 entries. 2001 entries. Ah yes, another year about to draw to a close, and what a year it's been. The first year of the New Millenium (ok, don't quibble about semantics) has brought an incredible and irreversible change in the way we view our lives, and our world. But will this be a portent of things to come, or merely change for the sake of change. For life is not entirely linear, dear readers. Einstein proved that. Sort of. Far be it for me to waste time and energy drawing up useless lists of New Year's resolutions. The resolution will not be televised (which reminds me, Gil Scott-Heron's in prison in upstate New York). No, sometimes even illusions can be deceiving. Unless you have a good bartender. Speaking of, I have a crazy Frenchman pal who's favourite expression is "If you're good with your bartender, you're good." But then again, his ultimate goal is the love of a fine dog and a fifteen year-old girl that understands him. Well, he's French. Vive le difference. I've been sorting through my childrens' excess toys, clothes and books and am donating them to the bushfire victims. If you're anywhere near New South Wales, I'd ask that you do so as well. The info number is 1.800.227.228. I know the feeling - in 1982, I lost my home in Malibu canyon to a fire that took out about 80 other houses. It ain't fun. This will mark the third New Year's Eve in a row that I haven't been playing a gig. Shape of things to come, as I slip further into musical retirement? Hell, last year I was even in bed asleep well before midnight. Maybe I'm just getting old. Maybe I just need a reason to celebrate. Maybe I just need a martini. Or three. And what's the big fuss anyway? Just another calendar day, and half the world doesn't even follow our Western calendar in the first place. I'm treating myself to one hour's sleep-in, and then back to work. Okay, maybe two hours. Unless my phone rings. That is, if I remember to leave it switched on. In which case.... well, you get the drift. See y'all next year. December 23, 2001 Possibly the worst pun I've heard in ages: A three-legged dog walks into a saloon in the Old West. He slides up to the bar and announces: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw." Bet you're laughing.......... December 17, 2001 Still finding it hard to readjust to an antipoedean Christmas. Even the fake snowspray on the windows fades and melts under the hot Aussie summer sun. And it's not just the weather, either. The whole approach to Christmas cheer seems much more subdued, almost like a jacket one wears out of necessity, rather than conscious choice. But that's not Scrooge talking, just an observation. Vive le difference ( and pardon my French). I know there's still two more weeks left in the year, but I have no problem in naming my pick for single of the year: Train's "Drops Of Jupiter". Proof that the "Hey Jude" formula stills works, and it's also the best Black Crowes song they never wrote. By the way, it's Keith Richards' 59th birthday today. Dig out an old Stones album and blast it. December 9, 2001 "My barn having burned to the ground, I can now see the moon." - Taoist saying December 6, 2001 Nearly three months since the world stopped turning, and I have to wonder... outside of New York, are things really much different? Now that the initial shock has worn off, on the global front, the conflict in Afghanistan drones on in a manner that's eerily reminiscent of the Gulf War, while locally, more layoffs, mergers and corporate downsizing mean more families will be doing it tough this Christmas. This is a time when it is absolutely paramount to set aside petty grievances and selfish pursuits in favor of the Greater Good. Last year about this time, I was sitting in a bar in Nashville, talking to a friend. He was a songwriter, though he looked more like a biker who'd just escaped from a mental ward. Every year, on Christmas eve, he would drive his truck around to the various McDonalds, KFC's etc. at closing time, collect their about to be trashed leftover food and hand it out to the town's homeless. I asked him to call me, saying I'd join him as I had no family to spend the holiday with that year. He never called. Shortly after, I'd heard he'd died in a car accident. I hope someone takes up the torch. December 1, 2001 All things must pass, indeed. November 22, 2001 Happy Thanksgiving, y'all. November 19, 2001 There's not a lot that'll drag my butt out of bed at 4:30 in the morning, but the best meteor shower in 35 years is one of them. Pity about the cloud cover, though it made the show look like something out of Close Encounters. November 18, 2001 Do something. Something good. I'm donating 10% of my income to these folks for as long as I'm able to. November 13, 2001 This is always a day that brings mixed emotions. No, don't ask. November 9, 2001 The reassessment goes on. Trying to take the words posted on 4 Nov to heart (though I'm not so sure about that "Cinderella" line... guess it was written from a female perspective). As with so much of life, many things are easier said than actually accomplished. Nick Lowe wrote, "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding" - could amend that to include Trust and Honesty. The Yankees should've won the World Series, too. November 8, 2001 Congrats to Keith Urban on the Horizon Award. Fifteen years to win the new talent prize, huh? November 4, 2001 The following was sent to me by a dear friend. I've already forwarded it on to many folks, but decided to post it here. It's a little lengthy, but well worth the read: A time comes in your life A time comes in your life when you finally get it... When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks, and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears, and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening. You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that they are not Prince or Princess charming and you are not Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter), and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you; and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are ... and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself; and in the process a sense of newfound confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say, and that not everyone will always be there for you; and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own, and to take care of yourself; and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers ... and you begin to accept people as they are, and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties; and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness. You realize that much of the way you view yourself and the world around you is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all that you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, and how much you should weigh; what you should wear and where you should shop, and what you should drive; how and where you should live, and what you should do for a living; who you should sleep with, who you should marry, and what you should expect of a marriage; the importance of having and raising children, or what you owe your parents. You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with; and in the process you learn to go with your instincts. You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing; and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix. You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world ... and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, and the importance of setting boundaries, and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry, and that martyrs get burned at the stake. Then you learn about love- romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving, and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man or women on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love...and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms ... just to make you happy. And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely. And you look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10, and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up." You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK.... And that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want...and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect; and you won't settle for less. And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his/her touch ... and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect. And you learn that your body really is your temple, and you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn, that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve ... and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for, and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber Baron of all time. FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it, and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve; and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn that the universe isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state -- the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you, and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to building bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself; and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever, settle for less than your heart's desire. And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart and with the universe by your side you take a stand; you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can. Author Unknown October 31, 2001 All Hallow's Eve - does it mean anything anymore other than an excuse to indulge in rampant consumerism? Seems we're scared enough these days without needing a Hallmark holiday to remind us. Then again, they both start with the same four letters... October 14, 2001 Still with me? Good. September 29, 2001 Who came up with the idea to combine battered, deep-fried fish with battered, deep-fried potato chips? September 22, 2001 As a "glass is half-full" kinda person, I've been looking for the positive fallout from recent events. When I first moved back to Nashville, one thing that struck me about America (after being away for so many years) was how angry everybody seemed. There were tremendously solid racial, sociological and economic dividing lines, and frankly, it was ugly. But now, since the attacks, I'm sensing a unification, a true galvanizing of all residents, irregardless (sorry for using that word, Annie) of race, color or creed. Those who formerly faced off across their fences, concrete or cubicles were now helping each other to hoist flags and sing the National Anthem together. A truly wonderful thing, unfortunately it took such a tragedy to wake everybody up. Of course, this doesn't settle or solve anything. The FBI reportedly is warning about further potential activity involving Hollywood. Unless they're after Arnold Schwarzenegger. I'll be back. September 20, 2001 I've started my own underground movement. It's called "Random Acts Of Kindness" (pat. pending). It's very simple: Do something nice for someone. For no reason at all. Buy someone flowers. Help someone with a door. When somebody asks you if you have the time, actually tell them. Be good to each other. How hard can it be? September 14, 2001 I don't think there are words than can express how I feel about the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Just a sense of numbness... and a huge sense of loss. Thinks will never be quite the same on this planet again. September 7, 2001 So long, Ted. We'll miss ya. Guess these things do come in threes after all. August 30, 2001 Two air-related deaths in a week. Grammy-nominated R n B artist Alliyah and Aussie legend Shirley Strachan. These things usually come in threes, makes one wonder who might be next. Also makes one stop and think about how precious life is. So be good to each other out there, k? August 12, 2001 Just saw a Mercedes 280SL drive by, with custom number plates. What did the plates read, I hear you ask? "MY280SL". Now, what kind of an idiot buys an $80,000 car with the model emblazoned all over it in trimmed faux-gold plating... and then buys a custom number plate to display the model name again? My guess is, it's an ex-Volvo driver who came into some extra cash. July 26, 2001 Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that the neo-legendary El Nino/La Nina effect appears to be working? The Northern hemisphere seems to be dryer and hotter these past couple of years, while (or, whilst as they would say) in the Antipodes, it's rainier than ever. For God's sake, I'm talking about the damn weather. Someone shoot me, please. July 21, 2001 Here's a fun game, appropriate when you're waiting for that cake to rise, or taking that boring drive out the western freeway, or sitting by the phone becuase the person you called two hours ago said, "I'll call you back in five..." Not that anything like that ever happens in my life, of course. No, this is a familiar lil exercise to all us deep thinkers, and maybe even to some in the nosebleed section of humanity. Whatch do is, pick a time in your past, some event that you clearly remember where you wished you had done/said something entirely different. Now, imagine having done/said that different thing. Would your life today be any different? Significantly? Really? I think about timelines a lot. Maybe too much. I'm always drawn to things like Star Trek episodes where a changed past event completely alters their present. Chaos theory. Life is kinda precarious that way. I have this vision of dying and finding out that God is really Fred MacMurray in the Flubber films, who has invented something really cool but has no idea how to control it. Or maybe I just need to watch more XFL. July 18, 2001 People. Stuff. Wine. Clouds. Sushi. Kids. Trains. Cardboard. Women. Office supplies. Parks. Water. Old, funky computers. Phones. Dogs. Courtney, Madonna and Britney. Parking. did I say sushi? Oh, and women. This week's amusement: Spin doctoring, Long Island style. Check this. This gal and Gemma Bush oughta hang out. Unless, of course, they already do... July 11,2001 I'll get around to adding more to this. Really. I'm just busy at the moment. And ain't that good? June 18, 2001 It never ceases to amaze me how, in this day of corporate media giants buying and consolidating nearly all of the major record companies, and the escalating tales of woe from baby bands who "almost made it", how so many struggling artists still view the rancid carrots dangling from the tarnished poles of that cast of under-achievers known as "the A&R department" as something of a brass ring worthy of pursuit. Even though Steve Albini's widely-circulated article has had more holes shot in its math than an average episode of The Sopranos, it is nonetheless a relatively accurate portrayal of an all-too common scenario - for the ones who didn't "almost make it", which is about 93% of the market. And now, midstream through Courtney Love (with Jim Barber)'s suit against Universal, the tortured artist effect is truly being demonstrated to have two distinct faces (and I'm not talking digital and analog, either). As in the Sony vs. George Michael action a decade ago, where Michael's case fell apart when the judge began questioning young George on the advances and perks provided by the evil label, the Widow Cobain will undoubtedly have a difficult time explaining how the hand that has fed her is not feeding her. Oh, make no mistake. I'm most assuredly on her side. I just don't see how she'll pull this one off without a hell of a lot of support from her, well, her peers (for want of a better term). The upshot of it all? I'm not sure there will be one. As the latest wave of manufactured prefab pop acts inspire their prepubescent audience into believing that they too, will be the lucky ones and, with the blessing of their legally responsible parents, will sign their future away for that one-in-three-hundred-million chance to be the next Britney or Justin Timberlake. And, if history proves to be cyclical yet again, the only ones who will actually profit will be their record companies, the fast-food chains who sponsor their tours and of course, their lawyers. I have a young artist friend that calls this attitude "cynical". But no matter hard much you believe in Santa Claus, one day you have to come to terms with the fact that some poor schmuck has to actually pay for those presents. And for those who dream of pop stardom, one day, it will be their turn. June 10, 2001 Reflecting on my very first "band". I was about 9 or 10. The kid across the street had a drum kit and a cousin who played guitar. I was still learning guitar, but was pretty proficient at keyboards (for that age, anyway), so it was decided that, like The Doors, I'd play the bass lines on the keys as well. No surprise that the first song on the list was "Hello I Love You". We had three rehearsals - myself and the drummer that is. "When's your cousin coming?" "Next week". Shortly afterwards, I saw the drummer down the road playing basketball. "My cousin quit," he officially informed me, "and I quit." I never even met his cousin. So endeth my first "band". For some reason, it reminded me of the time I saw Rod Stewart on a documentary telling how Ronnie Wood sent Rod a telegram about 1983 to inform Rod that he was quitting the Faces to join the Rolling Stones full time. Woody actually joined the Stones in '74, but as is his way, took a few years to get around to actually giving notice. June 7, 2001 This marks the beginning of what may eventually be either a valuable resource and insight into the working (as the case may be) mind of this particular human being, or a complete waste of cyberspace (depending on my webhosts' uptime). I'll add to this on occasion, that occasion being whenever I damn well feel like it. Knowing myself (and as I've known myself pretty much all my life, I feel I'm somewhat qualified - and I'm not referring to the biblical sense), I'm sure that I'll contribute in rapid-fire bursts for a short time, then there'll be something of a gap between missives. Don't complain to the management if you get bored, real life is supposed to be boring. Unless you're Courtney Love, Prince, or Richard Branson, in which case life is anything but boring. I've decided to avoid the ever-growing blogging circuit and keep this confined to my wee lil webspace. Just in case you ask. |
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