Today I finished reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I thought it was a really good story but also a sad story. The descriptions of the wounded earth following some catastrophic event are excellent. It is under a sky of ash that we follow a father and a son on "The Road". The journey is littered with death and there is very little that remains living. The father and the son aren't the only 2 living but they are among the minority. There is some hope in the book as there are still humans to carry the fire, though where they are carrying it to we are never told. Perhaps they are carrying it beyond the horizon into another world. Below is a passage from the book.
"Perhaps in the world's destruction it would be possible at last to see how it was made. Oceans, mountains. The ponderous counterspectacle of things ceasing to be. The sweeping waste, hydroptic and coldly secular. The silence."
I now wish I had read No Country For Old Men also by McCarthy before I had saw the movie. I am not sure if I would have understood it more or liked the ending better. Though after finishing reading The Road and wanting more at the end of that, I am sure No Country For Old Men (the book) ends leaving us wanting more. Though any good story leaves us wanting more.
Beyond The Horizon by Bob Dylan.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oZLDOEaeHiM
Enjoy what is left of the Fourth.
Somewhere there is a horizon still beautiful and still full of hope.
jr.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
"She's a brick and I'm drowing slowly...."
The Order Of Canada is the highest civilian honour within the Canadian systems of honours and it has been awarded to over 5,000 individuals. There are 3 tiers to the Order; Companion, Officer and Member. Companions of the Order are limited to 165 living members, excluding honorary members, non-Canadians. This year Henry Morgenthaler has been chosen as a Member of the Order of Canada. The 85 year old Morgenthaler is a polarizing figure, having survived a Holocaust concentration camp and coming to Canada to perform illegal abortions from 1968-1988. Though he was vindicated in 1988 when the Supreme Court Of Canada ruled Canada's Abortion laws broke Canada's human rights laws. From 1988 to present Canada has no criminal laws governing abortion. I don't agree with this, I think there should be certain guidelines as to at what stage a women can have an abortion. But I also feel it should be a women's right to have an abortion, should she require one, I would like this to occur as early as possible. This is why I, unlike some in Canada, have no problem with Morgenthaler receiving the Order of Canada. He fought for many years, served time in jail, so women would have this freedom. A life conceived, isn't a life, at least to me. Though I think once a fetus reaching 3 or 4 months, it is a life or the prospect of a life. Of course religious leaders have a different opinion, as they tend to. It is after all their right. Below is an article about a B.C. priest with his own controversial background who is renouncing his Order of Canada because Morgenthaler received the same honour. The Order of Canada recipients are chosen by an advisory council to the Governor General and has nothing to do with the current Canadian government. This has been quickly pointed out by the very Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, he is definitely not fond of this decision. Many feel that the Order of Canada should be used to promote unity and goodwill in Canada, which Morgenthaler's appointment doesn't. I feel it should be used to identify what is great about this country and the type of people it takes to make these great things possible. Many women would feel that having the option of an abortion should they conceive a child and not want it. Obviously many others would feel, it isn't and it is killing a child. This is obviously their right. Canada is a country that protects minorities, even to a fault. So it shouldn't be a surprise that if a minority of Canadians support abortions, that this should be their right and should be acknowledged. There are women who are comforted by the fact that they can chose to have an an abortion, should the necessity arise. What makes this even more comforting is that no one, not a priest, the Prime Minister or other politicians can do anything about it. This is her right. Kudos to Liberal leader Stephane Dion for praising Morgenthaler's crusade for a women's right to have an abortion.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080703/national/order_of_cda_priest
It is never easy for anyone involved, but choices have to be made and having more of them available to make is better than less.
"His girl took a week's worth of Valium and slept..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vLBwCwukQHc
Above is a clip of The Freshman by The Verve Pipe, it is a song about a girl who commits suicide from the regret following an abortion. As I said before, there are no easy answers and no easy decisions regarding abortion. Raising an unwanted child can be just as difficult, as can be giving it away to strangers.
The following is from Snow by Orhan Pamuk.
"There are two kinds of men," said Ka, in a didactic voice. "The first kind does not fall in love until he's seen how the girl eats a sandwich, how she combs her hair, what sort of nonsense she cares about, why she's angry at her father, and what sorts of stories people tell about her. The second type of man--and I am in this category--can fall in love with a woman only if he knows next to nothing about her."
I also am in that second category.
"Don't you love the life you killed, the priest is on the phone, your father hit the wall, your ma disowned you..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lkhXa1iN3nM
Above is a clip of the song Slide by Goo Goo Dolls, a song about a couple who are trying to choose between an abortion or getting married.
As I mentioned above I am reading Snow but on Monday I picked up The Road by Cormac McCarthy (winner of the Pulitzer prize) and it is occupying more of my reading time. It is a depressing story about a father and a son out on the road following what appears to be the end of civilization as we know it. The sun cannot be seen through a sky of gray ash and much has died or is dying. Another book about survivor like Life Of Pi was, there are interesting similarities between the two in the narrative. The following is from it.
"He walked out in the gray light and stood and he saw for a brief moment the absolute truth of the world. The cold relentless circling of the intestate earth. Darkness implacable. The blind dogs of the sun in their running. The crushing black vacuum of the universe. And somewhere two hunted animals trembling like groundfoxes in their cover. Borrowed time and borrowed world and borrowed eyes with which to sorrow it."
"All I ever wanted was to know that you were dreaming, (there's a heartbeat and it never really died)....."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3BTomqsanSM
Above is a clip of the song Sara written by Stevie Nicks and recorded as part of Fleetwood Mac. According to Don Henley of the Eagles, it is a song about an abortion Nicks had after becoming pregnant by him.
Today's poem is called Gaining Acceptance To Secret Societies. It was an overcast day today, then a butterfly appeared and I contrasted the two, along with sometime I had spent earlier around my young niece Becca.
Gaining Admittance To Secret Societies
An overcast afternoon
Was all I could see
Before a butterfly appeared
With its wings spread
Offering colours for my eyes
Their corners full of sleep
Night does not mean a thing
When you are not at peace
All it becomes is darkness
A reason for burning candles
Their wax dripping for hours
Until it is shortly after four
When a bird finally speaks
Announcing dawn is coming
Rising up from the ground
A chorus of song being sung
The conductor is always invisible
Much like regrets and secrets
Reasons for not sleeping or living
Children are lucky for a while
They are protected by everybody
Until their innocence is shattered
Whether by time or circumstance
An unfortunate rite of passage
The pathway between knowing and not
Knowledge is everything we need
Though it is not always best for us
There are things better left unknown
Faces behind masks in Masquerade balls
For a night they are somebody else
The Phantom, The King, The Beauty or The Queen
All they need is their invitation
Before their transformation is completed
Gaining admittance to secret societies
Has long been a challenge to conquer
Humanity is too segregated to ever be whole
Our tragedies are collective but individual
We write them through our eyes only
The butterfly does not get a say
Its colour might merit a mention
Should your scene be devoid of light.
07/03/08
The title lyrics of today's blog come from the song Brick by Ben Folds Five. The story is about a girlfriend of Ben's having an abortion during highschool.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tP8-1DIAY2o
Choices are never easy, which is why they are choices. We make them all the time or fail to make them, which is the same as making them.
john.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080703/national/order_of_cda_priest
It is never easy for anyone involved, but choices have to be made and having more of them available to make is better than less.
"His girl took a week's worth of Valium and slept..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vLBwCwukQHc
Above is a clip of The Freshman by The Verve Pipe, it is a song about a girl who commits suicide from the regret following an abortion. As I said before, there are no easy answers and no easy decisions regarding abortion. Raising an unwanted child can be just as difficult, as can be giving it away to strangers.
The following is from Snow by Orhan Pamuk.
"There are two kinds of men," said Ka, in a didactic voice. "The first kind does not fall in love until he's seen how the girl eats a sandwich, how she combs her hair, what sort of nonsense she cares about, why she's angry at her father, and what sorts of stories people tell about her. The second type of man--and I am in this category--can fall in love with a woman only if he knows next to nothing about her."
I also am in that second category.
"Don't you love the life you killed, the priest is on the phone, your father hit the wall, your ma disowned you..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lkhXa1iN3nM
Above is a clip of the song Slide by Goo Goo Dolls, a song about a couple who are trying to choose between an abortion or getting married.
As I mentioned above I am reading Snow but on Monday I picked up The Road by Cormac McCarthy (winner of the Pulitzer prize) and it is occupying more of my reading time. It is a depressing story about a father and a son out on the road following what appears to be the end of civilization as we know it. The sun cannot be seen through a sky of gray ash and much has died or is dying. Another book about survivor like Life Of Pi was, there are interesting similarities between the two in the narrative. The following is from it.
"He walked out in the gray light and stood and he saw for a brief moment the absolute truth of the world. The cold relentless circling of the intestate earth. Darkness implacable. The blind dogs of the sun in their running. The crushing black vacuum of the universe. And somewhere two hunted animals trembling like groundfoxes in their cover. Borrowed time and borrowed world and borrowed eyes with which to sorrow it."
"All I ever wanted was to know that you were dreaming, (there's a heartbeat and it never really died)....."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3BTomqsanSM
Above is a clip of the song Sara written by Stevie Nicks and recorded as part of Fleetwood Mac. According to Don Henley of the Eagles, it is a song about an abortion Nicks had after becoming pregnant by him.
Today's poem is called Gaining Acceptance To Secret Societies. It was an overcast day today, then a butterfly appeared and I contrasted the two, along with sometime I had spent earlier around my young niece Becca.
Gaining Admittance To Secret Societies
An overcast afternoon
Was all I could see
Before a butterfly appeared
With its wings spread
Offering colours for my eyes
Their corners full of sleep
Night does not mean a thing
When you are not at peace
All it becomes is darkness
A reason for burning candles
Their wax dripping for hours
Until it is shortly after four
When a bird finally speaks
Announcing dawn is coming
Rising up from the ground
A chorus of song being sung
The conductor is always invisible
Much like regrets and secrets
Reasons for not sleeping or living
Children are lucky for a while
They are protected by everybody
Until their innocence is shattered
Whether by time or circumstance
An unfortunate rite of passage
The pathway between knowing and not
Knowledge is everything we need
Though it is not always best for us
There are things better left unknown
Faces behind masks in Masquerade balls
For a night they are somebody else
The Phantom, The King, The Beauty or The Queen
All they need is their invitation
Before their transformation is completed
Gaining admittance to secret societies
Has long been a challenge to conquer
Humanity is too segregated to ever be whole
Our tragedies are collective but individual
We write them through our eyes only
The butterfly does not get a say
Its colour might merit a mention
Should your scene be devoid of light.
07/03/08
The title lyrics of today's blog come from the song Brick by Ben Folds Five. The story is about a girlfriend of Ben's having an abortion during highschool.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tP8-1DIAY2o
Choices are never easy, which is why they are choices. We make them all the time or fail to make them, which is the same as making them.
john.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
"We used to say that come the day, we'd all be making songs or finding better words, these ideas never lasted long..."
Apparently I live in one of the happiest countries in the world. Though not the happiest country, that honour belongs to Denmark. Canad is ranked the eighth happiest country in the world. I find these lists infinitely fascinating and surely measuring happiness is a complex matter. I am not overly happy, does this put me in the minority of Canadians, does this make me a bubbling personality compared to someone living in Zimbabwe. Obviously I have more to be happy about than someone living in a country like Zimbabwe which is being oppressed by its leader. The top 10 are below, for me, the only surprise is Guatemala. I would have had no problem guessing most of the list.
1. Denmark
2. Switzerland
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. Finland
6. Australia
7. Sweden
8. Canada
9. Guatemala
10. Luxembourg
"I have been built up and trusted, broke down and busted, but they'll get theirs and we will get ours......"
Counting Crows have been touring Europe, playing festivals and concert gigs everywhere from South Africa to France. On June 28 they played the Concert At The Sea festival in Holland. They closed the show in front of over 50,000 people and at the end of their set they were joined on stage by Dutch band Blof. The two bands played for about 45 minutes, jamming and rocking to some of Adam Duritz's favourite songs. The first song clip below is of the song The Ballad Of El Goodo, originally done by Big Star. Part of Counting Crows brilliance is their ability to take other bands songs and make them into their own. They have done this with Big Yellow Taxi, Friend Of The Devil and countless others that they perform live. Also their ability to improvise on stage, rearrange and alter their own songs adds to their appeal. At least to me, because I don't want to hear the songs exactly like they are on Cd's, I have heard them thousands of times, perhaps the casual fan hasn't but it is still musical brilliance.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rBJR3CRnZdI
"I left my baby on the side of the highway, she just couldn't see things my way..."
The next clip is a cover of the song Someday (I Will Treat You Right) originally done by Sparklehorse.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FPerQh4zN2k&feature=user
"Take the way home that leads back to Sullivan Street, where all the bodies hang on the air, if she remembers, she hides it whenever we meet...."
The next clip is an extended version of Sullivan Street by Counting Crows with help from Blof.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8mfkUjSWzpw&feature=user
"Take a holiday in Spain, leave my wings behind me....."
The next clips is of Holiday In Spain, with Pascal singing it in Dutch and Adam singing it in English. Of course, Adam fucked up his own song, he can't make it through a show without messing up his own lyrics, it is so brilliant. Don't miss the end of the clip with a sing a long of The Mamas and Papas California Dreaming.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iSqj9z-LaMM&feature=user
"If you take me back, back to your place, I'll try not to bother you, I promise..."
Today I watched the movie Hancock, I thought it was pretty good. I like Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman, so it was a good cast for me. There is a good twist in the middle of the movie which makes it much more interesting, I was wondering where they were going with the movie but this helped, a lot. Also in the middle of the movie, faintly in the background, was the great Two by Ryan Adams and The Cardinals. So there is a clip of that song below and a link to information about Hancock.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YRuY49nXgA8
"Maria came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hand, she said she'd like to meet a boy who looks like Elvis...(it isn't me...)..."
Also from The Concert At The Seat is the clip below of a 10+ minute version of Round Here.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=J7euoggaaz4
I have been falling behind in my passages from the books I am reading. So below is one from Snow by Orhan Pamuk.
"If God does not exist, that means heaven does not exist either. And that means the world's poor, those millions who live in poverty and oppression, will never go to heaven. And if that is so, then how do you explain all the suffering of the poor? What are we here for, and why do we put up with so much unhappiness, if it's all for nothing?"
"Her kindness bangs a gong, it moves me along..."
Below is Anna Begins from June 30 in Paris.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YMxgt_cTibI
I have decided to rededicate myself to trying to write something everyday, no matter quality or substance. The poem below was inspired by the last clip, the song Meet On The Ledge, originally done by Fairpoint Convention but it is Adam's passion when singing it that inspires me. The title of the poem is Meet At The Edge, not exactly stolen but it isn't the title that matters, it is what is between the beginning and the ending that does. The clip is below the poem.
Meet At The Edge
There will be a day in the future
After all our hearts have been broken
By humanity’s cruelty and its greed
When we will be able to say sorry
For everything done or not done
We will all meet at the edge
Where this land ends and silence begins
This will be our final goodbye
All our memories will become golden
There will be no more regrets or wishes
Everything has turned completely pure
A reminder of our innocence and potential
Lost friends are found like treasures
They will stay with us throughout time
Everything we need lives in our bubble
An infinite number passing through each other
No petty conflicts or broken hearts
Have we all not suffered enough
Through lonely nights and boring days
Without a conversation to give our thoughts
Opinions forming but dying in their birth
We have all stood before the edge
Believing life actually ends beyond it
None of us know or could ever know
This is why we will all meet at the edge
Numbers without definition or comprehension
Their relevance equals one and everyone
Until we realize what we mean to each other
There will be no chance for us to mean anything
Eventually a feeling of peace and understanding
Comes over everyone of us and we know
Everything we are meant to know about life
Nothing more and nothing less than its truths
Everyone will remain unique but equality rules
Of course this utopia does not exist on earth
The hope is and has to be that it does elsewhere
Only there can we really call each other humans.
07/02/08
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZlqRQV8_clA
Happiness is something we all yearn for and will all hopefully find. There are times in our lives when we might become unhappy because of another person's happiness. This is simply human nature but if we are good people than it shouldn't last. We should find happiness in their happiness, as they would in our happiness. Even if they are a lost friend, a broken love or a complete stranger. There is a place for everyone to be happy, though it might not be with the person you would like it to be. It is only when you find your own happiness that you can see how wrong it was of you to wish them anything but happiness. There might be a mountain, an ocean or a continent between you, literally or figuratively. People are in our lives for reasons, be it a long time or a short time, it is time, to be valued and respected. When its time has passed, it should be sadly mourned but ultimately happily remembered. Only when we realize that nothing is forever, nothing is for certain, can we be a better person. It is never too late to smile for someone, even if they are no longer a friend.
It is raining now, as it tends to do here in the early summer. Right now it looks like a steady mist which is a pleasant change from our usual pouring storms. The right kind of rain is completely peaceful, its falling reminds us how precious the sun is. A good rain is necessary to wash everything clean, giving us a new window to see and appreciate life through.
john.
1. Denmark
2. Switzerland
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. Finland
6. Australia
7. Sweden
8. Canada
9. Guatemala
10. Luxembourg
"I have been built up and trusted, broke down and busted, but they'll get theirs and we will get ours......"
Counting Crows have been touring Europe, playing festivals and concert gigs everywhere from South Africa to France. On June 28 they played the Concert At The Sea festival in Holland. They closed the show in front of over 50,000 people and at the end of their set they were joined on stage by Dutch band Blof. The two bands played for about 45 minutes, jamming and rocking to some of Adam Duritz's favourite songs. The first song clip below is of the song The Ballad Of El Goodo, originally done by Big Star. Part of Counting Crows brilliance is their ability to take other bands songs and make them into their own. They have done this with Big Yellow Taxi, Friend Of The Devil and countless others that they perform live. Also their ability to improvise on stage, rearrange and alter their own songs adds to their appeal. At least to me, because I don't want to hear the songs exactly like they are on Cd's, I have heard them thousands of times, perhaps the casual fan hasn't but it is still musical brilliance.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rBJR3CRnZdI
"I left my baby on the side of the highway, she just couldn't see things my way..."
The next clip is a cover of the song Someday (I Will Treat You Right) originally done by Sparklehorse.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FPerQh4zN2k&feature=user
"Take the way home that leads back to Sullivan Street, where all the bodies hang on the air, if she remembers, she hides it whenever we meet...."
The next clip is an extended version of Sullivan Street by Counting Crows with help from Blof.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8mfkUjSWzpw&feature=user
"Take a holiday in Spain, leave my wings behind me....."
The next clips is of Holiday In Spain, with Pascal singing it in Dutch and Adam singing it in English. Of course, Adam fucked up his own song, he can't make it through a show without messing up his own lyrics, it is so brilliant. Don't miss the end of the clip with a sing a long of The Mamas and Papas California Dreaming.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iSqj9z-LaMM&feature=user
"If you take me back, back to your place, I'll try not to bother you, I promise..."
Today I watched the movie Hancock, I thought it was pretty good. I like Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman, so it was a good cast for me. There is a good twist in the middle of the movie which makes it much more interesting, I was wondering where they were going with the movie but this helped, a lot. Also in the middle of the movie, faintly in the background, was the great Two by Ryan Adams and The Cardinals. So there is a clip of that song below and a link to information about Hancock.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YRuY49nXgA8
"Maria came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hand, she said she'd like to meet a boy who looks like Elvis...(it isn't me...)..."
Also from The Concert At The Seat is the clip below of a 10+ minute version of Round Here.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=J7euoggaaz4
I have been falling behind in my passages from the books I am reading. So below is one from Snow by Orhan Pamuk.
"If God does not exist, that means heaven does not exist either. And that means the world's poor, those millions who live in poverty and oppression, will never go to heaven. And if that is so, then how do you explain all the suffering of the poor? What are we here for, and why do we put up with so much unhappiness, if it's all for nothing?"
"Her kindness bangs a gong, it moves me along..."
Below is Anna Begins from June 30 in Paris.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YMxgt_cTibI
I have decided to rededicate myself to trying to write something everyday, no matter quality or substance. The poem below was inspired by the last clip, the song Meet On The Ledge, originally done by Fairpoint Convention but it is Adam's passion when singing it that inspires me. The title of the poem is Meet At The Edge, not exactly stolen but it isn't the title that matters, it is what is between the beginning and the ending that does. The clip is below the poem.
Meet At The Edge
There will be a day in the future
After all our hearts have been broken
By humanity’s cruelty and its greed
When we will be able to say sorry
For everything done or not done
We will all meet at the edge
Where this land ends and silence begins
This will be our final goodbye
All our memories will become golden
There will be no more regrets or wishes
Everything has turned completely pure
A reminder of our innocence and potential
Lost friends are found like treasures
They will stay with us throughout time
Everything we need lives in our bubble
An infinite number passing through each other
No petty conflicts or broken hearts
Have we all not suffered enough
Through lonely nights and boring days
Without a conversation to give our thoughts
Opinions forming but dying in their birth
We have all stood before the edge
Believing life actually ends beyond it
None of us know or could ever know
This is why we will all meet at the edge
Numbers without definition or comprehension
Their relevance equals one and everyone
Until we realize what we mean to each other
There will be no chance for us to mean anything
Eventually a feeling of peace and understanding
Comes over everyone of us and we know
Everything we are meant to know about life
Nothing more and nothing less than its truths
Everyone will remain unique but equality rules
Of course this utopia does not exist on earth
The hope is and has to be that it does elsewhere
Only there can we really call each other humans.
07/02/08
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZlqRQV8_clA
Happiness is something we all yearn for and will all hopefully find. There are times in our lives when we might become unhappy because of another person's happiness. This is simply human nature but if we are good people than it shouldn't last. We should find happiness in their happiness, as they would in our happiness. Even if they are a lost friend, a broken love or a complete stranger. There is a place for everyone to be happy, though it might not be with the person you would like it to be. It is only when you find your own happiness that you can see how wrong it was of you to wish them anything but happiness. There might be a mountain, an ocean or a continent between you, literally or figuratively. People are in our lives for reasons, be it a long time or a short time, it is time, to be valued and respected. When its time has passed, it should be sadly mourned but ultimately happily remembered. Only when we realize that nothing is forever, nothing is for certain, can we be a better person. It is never too late to smile for someone, even if they are no longer a friend.
It is raining now, as it tends to do here in the early summer. Right now it looks like a steady mist which is a pleasant change from our usual pouring storms. The right kind of rain is completely peaceful, its falling reminds us how precious the sun is. A good rain is necessary to wash everything clean, giving us a new window to see and appreciate life through.
john.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
"I watched all of the same parades as they passed on the days that you wish you'd stayed..."
Happy Canada Day.
I haven't been to enough countries outside of this one, to call it the greatest country in the world. Besides, what does the greatest mean. It can be completely subjectively. I know in Canada I am safe, nearly 100% of the time. I know in Canada I can be fed, nearly 100% of the time. I know in Canada I am home. In the end, home, or the sense of it, is all that matters. You can fly around the world, indulge in countless cultures but in the end, it is this home that will bring you back. Even if it is an illusion, all countries are illusions, Canada is an illusion. We aren't what others think we are, we aren't even what we think we are, what we are is still in motion. The vastness of this country is little more than words on a map to most of the world. It is until you spread out your own wings and fly across this country, when you realize how large it is. How diverse its nature is, how diverse its people are and how it doesn't stop at its borders. Canada is a state of mind, it is politeness, it is correctness, it is being human and apologizing for making human mistakes. It is 141 years of almost complete peace within our borders, unmatched through most of the world. Unfortunately one day war might find its way across the borders of Canada. There is too much that is precious here, not to be wanted by the rest of the world. The natural resources, oil and water, the land and the soil. In other worlds, Canada will be at the heart of the world's interest, when it inevitable becomes more populate than it should be. There will be no way to stop the army's of countries who will want what we have. This doesn't mean that we can't fight or will not fight. Everyday until the inevitable happens, we should be fighting for this country. We should be leading the world, in the matters of the environment, which because of our current Conservative government we aren't. We should be leading the world, in matters of human rights, which we are seemingly falling behind in. I am not about to play politics but Canada needs new leadership. Our current government has been barely sustaining Canada's image and potential. We all have failed, it starts with our choices and holding the government to its promises. There have been too many scandals, too many cover ups and frankly too much behaviour that isn't Canadian. This world needs a Canada that will lead by example and will become a bigger player on the international stage than it currently is. We have too much to offer and too much to lose, should we remain silent.
Coutdown Tuesday below.
The top 100 songs out of 1292. There are 22 clips below, to check out, should you be interested.
New music released this week from Amos Lee, which should eventually find its way into the countdown.
Enjoy the rest of Canada Day, even if you aren't Canadian.
john.
Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (4)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=h2lfD2XpnvM
2. Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (Apparently I missed this song last week, 2 weeks ago it was #14)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dhmH_itX59A
3. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (2)
4. The Bends by Radiohead (3)
5. Creep by Radiohead (5)
6. Say It Me Now by Glen Hansard (6)
7. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (7)
8. The One I Love by David Gray (10)
9. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (1)
10. Waiting by City and Colour (8)
11. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by C.C.R. (9)
12. One by U2 (11)
13. Wonderwall by Oasis (13)
14. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Fighters (15)
15. Always by Neverending White Lights (14)
16. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (12)
17. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (18)
18. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (19)
19. Love Hurts by Incubus (22)
20. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (24)
21. Cowboys by Counting Crows (16)
22. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (17)
23. When You Were Young by The Killers (21)
24. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (20)
25. Falling Slowly by The Frames (23)
26. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (25)
27. Oceanside by The Decemberists (35)
28. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (26)
29. Society by Eddie Vedder (27)
30. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (34)
31. NYC by Interpol (33)
32. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (28)
33. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (29)
34. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (30)
35. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (41)
36. The Con by Tegan and Sara (40)
37. Everything by Michael Buble (31)
38. My List by The Killers (32)
39. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World (48)
40. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature by The Guess Who (49)
41. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (52)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JJUYhLGxxwM
42. A Long December by Counting Crows (38)
43. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (37)
44. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (56)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fEheWHVgffM
45. Michelle by The Beatles (36)
46. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (55)
47. Some Surprise by The Cake Sale (Lisa Hannigan + Gary Lightbody) (54)
48. The Hardest Part by Coldplay (53)
49. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (44)
50. If You're Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart (50)
51. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (63)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8yrNLLw92F0
52. You're Always Going Too Soon by Matthew Jay (47)
53. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (39)
54. Lemon Parade by Tonic (64)
55. You Are My Face by Wilco (42)
56. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (43)
57. 1492 by Counting Crows (58)
58. Impossible Germany by Wilco (45)
59. Please Be Patient With Me by Wilco (67)
60. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison (66)
61. You Don't Know How It Feels by Tom Petty (72)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0d-INlhhZ6c
62. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (46)
63. Mind Games by John Lennon (78)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8dHUfy_YBps
64. The Water by Feist (82)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=l3QbMDSmcbA
65. Your Song by Elton John (51)
66. O Valencia by The Decemberists (93)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vlb197LmwSw
67. Catapult (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (69)
68. Let It Be by The Beatles (85)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=67J_66hdN-I
69. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (57)
70. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (60)
71. Los Angeles by Counting Crows (89)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=67J_66hdN-I
72. Miller's Angels by Counting Crows (90)
73. Sleep Don't Weep by Damien Rice (59)
74. Lying Eyes by The Eagles (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uXSf46Fmtek
75. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (81)
76. Anna Molly by Incubus (61)
77. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (95)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xABZLAWYGAg
78. Naked As We Came by Iron and Wine (80)
79. You're Beautiful (Acoustic) by James Blunt (62)
80. Million Faces by Paolo Nutini (76)
81. Off He Goes by Pearl Jam (75)
82. Alright by Pilot Speed (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GWqajaj0nwg
83. Elevator Love Letter by Stars (74)
84. Sing by Travis (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=G1f2M5G9KG8
85. Montebello Park by The Trews (65)
86. What Light by Wilco (71)
87. Club Thing by Yoav (68)
88. Daylight Fading by Counting Crows (70)
89. Ashes Of American Flags by Wilco (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bP9E3_-fd0c
90. One Horse Town by The Thrills (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u8Pi72q8DwY
91. The Blues by Switchfoot (73)
92. These Girls by Ryan Adams (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=X-Y-NSVuW0U
93. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PlQrkxpptgc
94. My Rights Versus Yours by The New Pornographers (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fI_XA-cLVww
95. Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Neil Young (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ndEqu50MHdE
96. The River by Live (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2V5uB1d1rmM
97. Ramble On by Led Zeppelin (100)
98. Love Stoned by Justin Timberlake (98)
99. Kathleen by Josh Ritter (77)
100. Nuclear Daydream by Joseph Arthur (97)
I haven't been to enough countries outside of this one, to call it the greatest country in the world. Besides, what does the greatest mean. It can be completely subjectively. I know in Canada I am safe, nearly 100% of the time. I know in Canada I can be fed, nearly 100% of the time. I know in Canada I am home. In the end, home, or the sense of it, is all that matters. You can fly around the world, indulge in countless cultures but in the end, it is this home that will bring you back. Even if it is an illusion, all countries are illusions, Canada is an illusion. We aren't what others think we are, we aren't even what we think we are, what we are is still in motion. The vastness of this country is little more than words on a map to most of the world. It is until you spread out your own wings and fly across this country, when you realize how large it is. How diverse its nature is, how diverse its people are and how it doesn't stop at its borders. Canada is a state of mind, it is politeness, it is correctness, it is being human and apologizing for making human mistakes. It is 141 years of almost complete peace within our borders, unmatched through most of the world. Unfortunately one day war might find its way across the borders of Canada. There is too much that is precious here, not to be wanted by the rest of the world. The natural resources, oil and water, the land and the soil. In other worlds, Canada will be at the heart of the world's interest, when it inevitable becomes more populate than it should be. There will be no way to stop the army's of countries who will want what we have. This doesn't mean that we can't fight or will not fight. Everyday until the inevitable happens, we should be fighting for this country. We should be leading the world, in the matters of the environment, which because of our current Conservative government we aren't. We should be leading the world, in matters of human rights, which we are seemingly falling behind in. I am not about to play politics but Canada needs new leadership. Our current government has been barely sustaining Canada's image and potential. We all have failed, it starts with our choices and holding the government to its promises. There have been too many scandals, too many cover ups and frankly too much behaviour that isn't Canadian. This world needs a Canada that will lead by example and will become a bigger player on the international stage than it currently is. We have too much to offer and too much to lose, should we remain silent.
Coutdown Tuesday below.
The top 100 songs out of 1292. There are 22 clips below, to check out, should you be interested.
New music released this week from Amos Lee, which should eventually find its way into the countdown.
Enjoy the rest of Canada Day, even if you aren't Canadian.
john.
Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (4)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=h2lfD2XpnvM
2. Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (Apparently I missed this song last week, 2 weeks ago it was #14)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dhmH_itX59A
3. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (2)
4. The Bends by Radiohead (3)
5. Creep by Radiohead (5)
6. Say It Me Now by Glen Hansard (6)
7. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (7)
8. The One I Love by David Gray (10)
9. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (1)
10. Waiting by City and Colour (8)
11. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by C.C.R. (9)
12. One by U2 (11)
13. Wonderwall by Oasis (13)
14. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Fighters (15)
15. Always by Neverending White Lights (14)
16. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (12)
17. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (18)
18. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (19)
19. Love Hurts by Incubus (22)
20. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (24)
21. Cowboys by Counting Crows (16)
22. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (17)
23. When You Were Young by The Killers (21)
24. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (20)
25. Falling Slowly by The Frames (23)
26. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (25)
27. Oceanside by The Decemberists (35)
28. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (26)
29. Society by Eddie Vedder (27)
30. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (34)
31. NYC by Interpol (33)
32. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (28)
33. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (29)
34. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (30)
35. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (41)
36. The Con by Tegan and Sara (40)
37. Everything by Michael Buble (31)
38. My List by The Killers (32)
39. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World (48)
40. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature by The Guess Who (49)
41. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (52)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JJUYhLGxxwM
42. A Long December by Counting Crows (38)
43. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (37)
44. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (56)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fEheWHVgffM
45. Michelle by The Beatles (36)
46. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (55)
47. Some Surprise by The Cake Sale (Lisa Hannigan + Gary Lightbody) (54)
48. The Hardest Part by Coldplay (53)
49. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (44)
50. If You're Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart (50)
51. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (63)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8yrNLLw92F0
52. You're Always Going Too Soon by Matthew Jay (47)
53. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (39)
54. Lemon Parade by Tonic (64)
55. You Are My Face by Wilco (42)
56. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (43)
57. 1492 by Counting Crows (58)
58. Impossible Germany by Wilco (45)
59. Please Be Patient With Me by Wilco (67)
60. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison (66)
61. You Don't Know How It Feels by Tom Petty (72)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0d-INlhhZ6c
62. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (46)
63. Mind Games by John Lennon (78)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8dHUfy_YBps
64. The Water by Feist (82)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=l3QbMDSmcbA
65. Your Song by Elton John (51)
66. O Valencia by The Decemberists (93)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vlb197LmwSw
67. Catapult (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (69)
68. Let It Be by The Beatles (85)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=67J_66hdN-I
69. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (57)
70. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (60)
71. Los Angeles by Counting Crows (89)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=67J_66hdN-I
72. Miller's Angels by Counting Crows (90)
73. Sleep Don't Weep by Damien Rice (59)
74. Lying Eyes by The Eagles (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uXSf46Fmtek
75. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (81)
76. Anna Molly by Incubus (61)
77. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (95)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xABZLAWYGAg
78. Naked As We Came by Iron and Wine (80)
79. You're Beautiful (Acoustic) by James Blunt (62)
80. Million Faces by Paolo Nutini (76)
81. Off He Goes by Pearl Jam (75)
82. Alright by Pilot Speed (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GWqajaj0nwg
83. Elevator Love Letter by Stars (74)
84. Sing by Travis (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=G1f2M5G9KG8
85. Montebello Park by The Trews (65)
86. What Light by Wilco (71)
87. Club Thing by Yoav (68)
88. Daylight Fading by Counting Crows (70)
89. Ashes Of American Flags by Wilco (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bP9E3_-fd0c
90. One Horse Town by The Thrills (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u8Pi72q8DwY
91. The Blues by Switchfoot (73)
92. These Girls by Ryan Adams (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=X-Y-NSVuW0U
93. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PlQrkxpptgc
94. My Rights Versus Yours by The New Pornographers (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fI_XA-cLVww
95. Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Neil Young (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ndEqu50MHdE
96. The River by Live (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2V5uB1d1rmM
97. Ramble On by Led Zeppelin (100)
98. Love Stoned by Justin Timberlake (98)
99. Kathleen by Josh Ritter (77)
100. Nuclear Daydream by Joseph Arthur (97)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
"Like a soldier standing long under fire any change comes as a relief..."
With every baseball season there is a chance to see history made or at the very least to see something rare. I think this is what makes the game beautiful along with its plethora of statistics. Last night the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim without getting a hit. This is only the fifth time since 1900 that a team has accomplished this. The Dodgers scored their run after a runner reached on an error, stole second base went to third base on an errand throw and scored on a sacrifice fly. The game is technically not a no-hitter because the Dodgers only had to bat in 8 innings since they were the home team. Right now there are 30 teams in Major League Baseball, with each team playing 162 regular season games, meaning there are 4860 regular season games a year. It would be nice to know how many games where played over the last 100 years but I am not that bored, still the odds of this happening again are extremely low. I might see it again before I die, or not. Staying with baseball, the Jays have won 2 in a row, after winning 1-0 today. A.J. Burnett was dominate stricking out 11 in 7 innings. Watching the game was how I spent my afternoon, along with the occasional flipping to see the soccer score, I can't really get into soccer. Though I did see where Spain the underdog won, beating Germany 1-0. Though I am sure the 1-0 baseball was more exciting than the 1-0 soccer game, even with the Euro Cup on the line.
"Nothing is as beautiful as when she believes in me..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xs4AdufqvFk
Last night I watched a movie called An American Crime. It is based on the real life story of Slyvia Likens who was tortured and killed by Gertrude Baniszewski while she was staying with her family. The torture was inflicted by Gertrude, her children and neighbourhood children. Ellen Page plays Slyvia and is very strong in this role. The depth of roles she plays for such a young actor is impressive. There is a link to information about the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0802948/
I think we all spend too much time online but it is the nature of life these days. Below is a link to a story outlining the top online dating tips. I am not fond of dating in general, let alone online relationships that take the personal connection aspect out of the equation.
http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/family-relationships/articles/dating/rogers-chatelaine/sex-6_online_dating_tips
I suppose that is enough for a Sunday night. I need to shave and I think I ate too much spaghetti. Food is so good though.
Today's clips and lyrics are from Ben Harper including When She Believes and Diamonds On The Inside, its clip is below.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fEheWHVgffM
john.
"Nothing is as beautiful as when she believes in me..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xs4AdufqvFk
Last night I watched a movie called An American Crime. It is based on the real life story of Slyvia Likens who was tortured and killed by Gertrude Baniszewski while she was staying with her family. The torture was inflicted by Gertrude, her children and neighbourhood children. Ellen Page plays Slyvia and is very strong in this role. The depth of roles she plays for such a young actor is impressive. There is a link to information about the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0802948/
I think we all spend too much time online but it is the nature of life these days. Below is a link to a story outlining the top online dating tips. I am not fond of dating in general, let alone online relationships that take the personal connection aspect out of the equation.
http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/family-relationships/articles/dating/rogers-chatelaine/sex-6_online_dating_tips
I suppose that is enough for a Sunday night. I need to shave and I think I ate too much spaghetti. Food is so good though.
Today's clips and lyrics are from Ben Harper including When She Believes and Diamonds On The Inside, its clip is below.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fEheWHVgffM
john.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
"All I can do is read a book to stay awake and it rips my life away but it's a great escape..."
I am tired today. A couple friends and I went out for a few drinks. We ended up going to Molly's which is still my favourite bar here but I hadn't been in a couple months. It seems when we do go out, it is usually elsewhere. It wasn't overly busy for a Friday night but it was busy enough. I think all of us had a good time. I ended up sleeping in a strange house, on a couch, in a room that felt like a sauna. They definitely need a fan, it is summer after all. Needless to say I left pretty early and made my way home. There was a slight rain this morning and it has been overcast much of the day. I spent the afternoon watching the Jays game, which they won 9-5. It has been a very lazy day. Prior to the bar we were drinking at a friends on the balcony. A balcony with a screen door, a screen door which when closed is supposed to be opened prior to walking through its threshold. A certain person, and it wasn't me, walked right into it. This moment was instantly funny as there was an evident footprint in the screening and bruising on the unfortunate person. Sure alcohol played a factor but it his defense it was dark, nah, it was just one of those embarrassing moments. Though now our friend has to explain to his girlfriend, how dumb and stupid his friends are. This seems to be a constant for guys, I think if we aren't apologizing for our actions, we are apologizing for those of our friends.
"I don't feel the sun coming out today, it's staying in, it's gonna find another way............"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=g4H5vsQM7z8
After finishing reading Life Of Pi I have gone back to reading Snow by Orhan Pamuk. I haven't really been able to get into the book but it will do until I make another trip to the bookstore. The passage below is from the book, it caught my eye because it is a commentary on Muslim women and why they wear veils. This subject is in the news from time to time and last year there was a 16 year old girl in Toronto killed by her family for refusing to wear one. There is a link to the story below, along with comments. Personally I think it should be an individual girl's decision to make, once she is old enough. I would like to be able to see a woman's face and don't think they should have to hide it because of religion.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourview/2007/12/teen_dead_after_alleged_attack.html
"The veil saves women from the animal instincts of men in the street. It saves them the ordeal of entering beauty contests to compete with other women. They don't have to live like sex objects, they don't have to wear makeup all day. As the American Black Muslim professor Marvin King has already noted, if the celebrated film star Elizabeth Taylor had spent the last twenty years covered, she would not have had to worry so much about being fat. She would not have ended up in a mental hospital. She might have known some happiness."
I wrote the following poem Thursday on the balcony surrounded by night.
Everyone Should Have A Partner
The night breeze is cool on my tanned skin
Multicoloured lights shaped like snow globes glow
They are either blue, green, yellow, red or purple
Their colour changes every second like human emotions
Happiness is too closely followed by anger or sadness
We are all walking a tightrope across a pool of sharks
Their glistening white teeth waiting to devour us
Our blood is always seconds away from spilling
This is what makes life precious and unique
The thin line between it and infinite death
Even for the believers who have never seen
All they know are a few words in a few books
Above me singular stars practice their solo dances
Everyone should have a partner in this life
A friend who is more than a friend
They offer stability to our instability
Brightness when we want to live in darkness
Not everyone is lucky to find this person
Some of us are not as suited to company
We shutter at the idea of being vulnerable
Not realizing how much more we are when alone
Everyone relies on us and our actions
There is no safety net but only sharks
Even the rope is tethered and worn
The way everything does over time
I am slightly chilled now as night expands
There is no symphony of stars singing
The moon cannot be found among the clouds
Colour remains in the globes without snow
How wrong their creation looks to my eyes
Much like my impression on anybody’s heart.
06/26/08
Today's clips and lyrics are from Blind Melon. The title lyrics and clip below are from their hit song No Rain. The lyrics in the middle of the entry are from their equally brilliant song Change and the clip is from an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. Adding to the poignancy of the song is the fact that the body of Kurt Cobain, a major influence on the band was found earlier in the day. It is too bad lead singer Shannon Hoon was unable to change his own life and less than 2 years later died of a cocaine overdose. Their deaths left a huge musical void for many teenagers like I was then, and I don't think it has ever really been filled.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=C3Y-6JaDY24
You can change, the sun will come out most days and it will rain some days.
john.
"I don't feel the sun coming out today, it's staying in, it's gonna find another way............"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=g4H5vsQM7z8
After finishing reading Life Of Pi I have gone back to reading Snow by Orhan Pamuk. I haven't really been able to get into the book but it will do until I make another trip to the bookstore. The passage below is from the book, it caught my eye because it is a commentary on Muslim women and why they wear veils. This subject is in the news from time to time and last year there was a 16 year old girl in Toronto killed by her family for refusing to wear one. There is a link to the story below, along with comments. Personally I think it should be an individual girl's decision to make, once she is old enough. I would like to be able to see a woman's face and don't think they should have to hide it because of religion.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourview/2007/12/teen_dead_after_alleged_attack.html
"The veil saves women from the animal instincts of men in the street. It saves them the ordeal of entering beauty contests to compete with other women. They don't have to live like sex objects, they don't have to wear makeup all day. As the American Black Muslim professor Marvin King has already noted, if the celebrated film star Elizabeth Taylor had spent the last twenty years covered, she would not have had to worry so much about being fat. She would not have ended up in a mental hospital. She might have known some happiness."
I wrote the following poem Thursday on the balcony surrounded by night.
Everyone Should Have A Partner
The night breeze is cool on my tanned skin
Multicoloured lights shaped like snow globes glow
They are either blue, green, yellow, red or purple
Their colour changes every second like human emotions
Happiness is too closely followed by anger or sadness
We are all walking a tightrope across a pool of sharks
Their glistening white teeth waiting to devour us
Our blood is always seconds away from spilling
This is what makes life precious and unique
The thin line between it and infinite death
Even for the believers who have never seen
All they know are a few words in a few books
Above me singular stars practice their solo dances
Everyone should have a partner in this life
A friend who is more than a friend
They offer stability to our instability
Brightness when we want to live in darkness
Not everyone is lucky to find this person
Some of us are not as suited to company
We shutter at the idea of being vulnerable
Not realizing how much more we are when alone
Everyone relies on us and our actions
There is no safety net but only sharks
Even the rope is tethered and worn
The way everything does over time
I am slightly chilled now as night expands
There is no symphony of stars singing
The moon cannot be found among the clouds
Colour remains in the globes without snow
How wrong their creation looks to my eyes
Much like my impression on anybody’s heart.
06/26/08
Today's clips and lyrics are from Blind Melon. The title lyrics and clip below are from their hit song No Rain. The lyrics in the middle of the entry are from their equally brilliant song Change and the clip is from an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. Adding to the poignancy of the song is the fact that the body of Kurt Cobain, a major influence on the band was found earlier in the day. It is too bad lead singer Shannon Hoon was unable to change his own life and less than 2 years later died of a cocaine overdose. Their deaths left a huge musical void for many teenagers like I was then, and I don't think it has ever really been filled.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=C3Y-6JaDY24
You can change, the sun will come out most days and it will rain some days.
john.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
"I've been searching for a simple place, don't know if it exists...."
I was planning on using songs from Amos Lee's new CD, The Last Days At The Lodge, but couldn't find any of the lyrics on the Internet. I have been listening to the CD much of week since I downloaded it. Mr. Lee has once again proven his superior song writing skills in this collection of bluesy southern rock songs. Instead of the newer stuff, you get the older stuff.
Today we had another one of our common Southern Ontario summer thunderstorms. The type we expect when it is hot and humid like it was today. The storm lasted basically from 5-6 and produced a downpour of rain.
Earlier in the day I finished reading Life Of Pi by Yann Martel, it is a good story of survival and imagination. The following is from it. "It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse."
"Now, most days, I spend like a child who's afraid of ghosts in my mind. I know, there ain't nothing out there. I'm still afraid to turn on the lights..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=w5hPVqPMywc
I was trying to do some writing as it was thundering and rain, the storm influenced results are below.
A Summer Thunderstorm
Thunder roared like a Bengal tiger
Lightning conducted water like a symphony
Rain tapped like keys on a piano
The storm lasted no long than an hour
Our warm June afternoon became dark
Electricity quickly zapped off as expected
Candles were lit to provide our illumination
Their light strangely danced in her eyes
I could not focus on anything but them
She had been lost to me until this moment
Something changed in the blowing wind
We moved closer like passengers on a bus
Feet dwarfed into inches and limbs extended
Their extension grabbing for skin and orifices
Abundant wetness soaked eagerly penetrating fingers
Moist lips sucked softness to hardness abandoning air
Gasps of pleasure accompanying gasps for life
Internal storms striking and mirroring external forces
Instead of feeling trapped we were freed
Peacefulness returned upon our mutual climax
Electricity sparked to life and rain sputtered
Before stopping completely as Orbison returned
A love should always be beautiful and lasting
Though it never is or could ever be
The rarity and spontaneity is all we have
Until there is a next time or a last time.
06/26/06
Well not the clips and lyrics I intended to use in today's blog but such is life. The clips and lyrics are Arms Of A Woman and Night Train by Amos Lee.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aJKQrgUfURk
The end of one novel makes room for the continuation of others and the search for new stories.
jr.
Today we had another one of our common Southern Ontario summer thunderstorms. The type we expect when it is hot and humid like it was today. The storm lasted basically from 5-6 and produced a downpour of rain.
Earlier in the day I finished reading Life Of Pi by Yann Martel, it is a good story of survival and imagination. The following is from it. "It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse."
"Now, most days, I spend like a child who's afraid of ghosts in my mind. I know, there ain't nothing out there. I'm still afraid to turn on the lights..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=w5hPVqPMywc
I was trying to do some writing as it was thundering and rain, the storm influenced results are below.
A Summer Thunderstorm
Thunder roared like a Bengal tiger
Lightning conducted water like a symphony
Rain tapped like keys on a piano
The storm lasted no long than an hour
Our warm June afternoon became dark
Electricity quickly zapped off as expected
Candles were lit to provide our illumination
Their light strangely danced in her eyes
I could not focus on anything but them
She had been lost to me until this moment
Something changed in the blowing wind
We moved closer like passengers on a bus
Feet dwarfed into inches and limbs extended
Their extension grabbing for skin and orifices
Abundant wetness soaked eagerly penetrating fingers
Moist lips sucked softness to hardness abandoning air
Gasps of pleasure accompanying gasps for life
Internal storms striking and mirroring external forces
Instead of feeling trapped we were freed
Peacefulness returned upon our mutual climax
Electricity sparked to life and rain sputtered
Before stopping completely as Orbison returned
A love should always be beautiful and lasting
Though it never is or could ever be
The rarity and spontaneity is all we have
Until there is a next time or a last time.
06/26/06
Well not the clips and lyrics I intended to use in today's blog but such is life. The clips and lyrics are Arms Of A Woman and Night Train by Amos Lee.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aJKQrgUfURk
The end of one novel makes room for the continuation of others and the search for new stories.
jr.
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