In the world, there are places to be certain times of the year. New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro bring to mind Mardi Gras. Germany has Octoberfest, Black Rock City has Burning Man, Pamplona as Running of the Bulls, Wilmington Delaware has the Halloween Loop.
Wilmington Delaware doesn't play second to any city on Halloween. Each year downtown Wilmington becomes party central for the over 21 crowd. Never to be missed, this is a life experience you can't just show up to, you must participate or experience the embarrassment of being the only person on the planet to show up without a costume. What happens on Loop Night? Starting at 8pm the conservative stuffy banking town of Wilmington is born again. Buses drive in a loop around Wilmington's preeminent bars. You pay for a wristband at any bar and from there you get all night access to the buses and bars they hit.
No one would have ever believed me. You most likely won't believe me now. That's OK. I've often thought of this and I think I knew the secret to the common cold all my life.
Here is the theory. Do ever remember the kid standing at the bus stop shivering in the cold fall morning because he didn't want to carry a coat around at school? That was me. Well, that odd behavior resulted in a theory of mine over the years.
The body slowly builds up a tolerance to the cold. Here my theory went nowhere. I mean, why? There are no viruses floating around in the cold air. They can't survive. Now remember how your mother would scold you, "Don't forget to wear a coat, you'll catch a death of cold!" How do the two go together? If a virus can't survive the cold, but you catch a cold in the cold... what is the link?
The answer is you would both be right. You mother was right you'll catch a cold in the cold, and you are right the virus doesn't come from the cold. Now for the answer. Scientist have a new theory as the answer to the common cold. It's one I agree with as I've lived by it for years.
Here are the two theories and you'll see they converge. Mine has been that you slowly build up an immunity to the cold airs affects on your body. Note that I didn't say cold air, I said it's effects. Cold air can freeze you that is obvious. What happens is your body already harbors the common cold, a virus that you never really get over. Your bodies own antivirus antibodies contain the virus. But when you go out in the cold for the first ... more»
This is Spiller (Cristiano Spiller) with Groove Jet (If This Ain't Love) featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor. A retro dance tune for the early twenty first century. ;)
It's just a dance tune, but a damn good one with a good hook. Enjoy.
This is Spiller (Cristiano Spiller) with Groove Jet (If This Ain't Love) featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor. A retro dance tune for the early twenty first century. ;)
It's just a dance tune, but a damn good one with a good hook. Enjoy.
P>
Holding you closer It's time that I told you Everything's going to be fine Know that you're leaving And try to belive it Take me one step at a time
If this ain't love Why does it feel so good? If this ain't love Why does it feel so good?
Think of tomorrow We beg, steal or borrow To make all we can in the sun While we are moving The music is soothing Troubles we all have begun
If this ain't love Why does it feel so good? If this ain't love Why does it feel so good?
Will you remember me boy? Remember me Boy will ya?
Just for this lifetime You can be my past time Here are the rules of our play In it together Till I know you better Darling, Darling What do you say?
If this ain't love Why does it feel so good? If this ain't love Why does it feel so good? If this ain't love Why does it feel so good?
Holding you closer It's time that I told you Everything's going to be fine Know that you're leaving And try to belive it Take me one step at a time
If this ain't love Why does it feel so good? If this ain't love Why does it feel so good?
Think of tomorrow We beg, steal or borrow To make all we can in the sun While we are moving The music is soothing Troubles we all have begun
If this ain't love Why does it feel so good? If this ain't love Why does it feel so good?
Will you remember me boy? Remember me Boy will ya?
Just for this lifetime You can be my past time Here are the rules of our play In it together Till I know you better Darling, Darling What do you say?
If this ain't love Why does it feel so good? If this ain't love Why does it feel so good? If this ain't love Why does it feel so good?
Very few 80's tunes match the quality of this one in the new wave genre. And like all truly great tunes... hardly anyone heard it back then either...
See me I feel! See me I live!
Heaven is closer now today The sound is in my ears I can't believe the things you say They echo what I fear Twisting the bones until they snap I scream but no one knows You say I'm familiar cold to touch And then you turn and go
Feels like heaven...
See how we planned for saddened eyes And tears to pave the way I fought the fever as I knew My hair returned to grey Study your face and fade the frame Too close for comfort now We can recall the harmony That lingered but turned sour
Feels like heaven...
You wanted all I had to give See me I feel, see me I live
Not knowing how to love is a source of contempt and resentment. A person may want to love, but wanting is not enough. It seems everyone in America that wants to drive a car, is allowed, but not everyone should get a license.
I wrote a song once with a verse:
You don't have a license to lie I won't believe you, why even try
It was about this type of logic. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Think about it. People say cruel things in the context of honesty quite often. I had someone in my life once that spoke to me in this manner. They would always attempt to justify their cruelty (contempt) by saying, "...But it's true." I could have in return blurted out a list of true yet hurtful words and did not. Should I have? Should I have been so called, "honest" and said, "No one has ever been as boring in bed as you."
And while I wasn't accused of that fault or flaw myself, I had been exposed to a litany of cruel attacks.
Let's break it down further. Just because you can say something mean, does it mean you should? Only if you feel contempt or have no respect for the person you are with.
If you have a friend or lover like this, you are destined for a life of needless ridicule.
Don't get me wrong, being told about things wrong with you isn't a bad thing. You just need to come to that person with respect when doing so. You can be direct too without being hurtful. "Hey Joe, if this were me, I'd want someone to tell me, and you should know. You may need to floss or something because your breath stinks." Or, "Kelly, we are really ... more»
Today's video of the day is very appropriate. There is an old saying, "Be careful what you ask for, you may get it." Well, I believe in the self-fulfilling prophecy... I give to you an obscure 80's song by a band called the Rainmakers. What makes this song kinda special to me today is that in life, history repeats. Hell, this article is a practical case of it! I spoke on this very subject back in April of 08: Ode to the wisdom of youth.
When I was young, I had a young love. You know, one of those, "I'll always love her" type love affairs. I was one damn hard headed romantic. But for as much as I wanted 'romantic' love, I was also smart about it.
I knew that women could be prideful creatures. They would rather eat glass than say they were wrong or be with a man they loved if they had made the mistake of leaving him. Women are great for fixing mistakes in life and admitting they are wrong on many things. When it comes to love, a woman will deny love for money, social standing or fame.
Along comes this song. I heard it and thought... This is how it will go for us.
"Then she grew up, and I grew up, so much for love, so much for love."
Small Circles
She reached out and twist my hand And made me dance to some local band But the beat was slow so there we stand As we move in small circles
We cut out before the night was through Start my car and we drove the Loop Talked about the things we were going through As we move in small circles We move in small circles
She said she didn't know the ways of love I said neither do I, I thought you'd show me some We dilly-dallied like that for six or eight months As we move in small circles
A couple of times she stayed with me And we worked it out on a single sheet I can hear every painful squeak As we move in small circles We move in small circles
Then she grew up and I grew up And she got tough and I got tough So much for love, so much for love As we move in small circles
Now we make money and we're all right And we drive cars and wield our might We make love to people that we don't even like As we move in small circles
At Minute 1:36 this takes off. The stage show from Panic At the Disco is well worth the night out to see them. Believe me, I know. I also love the dance step which is a swing variation. Believe me, I know. ;)
Oh... I couldn't have said these words better. ;)
I'm new cancer-- never looked better and YOU can't stand it.Because you said so under your breath. Your reading lips, "Where did he get all confident?"
I especially like that he repeats it for emphasis...
Haven't you heard I'm the new cancer? I've never looked better and you can't stand it!
And I know I know it just doesn't seem like a night out with someone sizing you up.
That last line is the punch line. The tables turned and she's no longer the center of attention. Life can be so fair.
Please, leave all overcoats, canes and top hats with the doorman. From that moment you'll be out of place and underdressed. I'm wrecking this evening already and loving every minute of it. Ruining this banquet for the mildly inspiring and...
Please, leave all overcoats, canes and top hats with the doorman. From that moment you'll be out of place and underdressed. I'm wrecking this evening already and loving every minute of it. Ruining this banquet for the mildly inspiring and...
When you're in black slacks with accentuating, off-white, pinstripes Whoa, everything goes according to plan.
I'm the new cancer, never looked better, you can't stand it. Because you say so under your breath. You're reading lips "When did he get all confident?"
Haven't you heard that I'm the new cancer? Never looked better, and you can't stand it
Next is a trip to the, the ladies room in vain, and I bet you ... more»
I dedicate this song to someone that keeps telling my son all my songs are from the 80's. Duh I like 80's music. What cracks me up is that I'm exposed to more modern music than most people have any clue of. I spend a great deal of time reviewing new bands with advanced CD's videos sent on screener discs and more.
As for why I post 80's videos here.... Well, there is always a reason. Think about that.
But at least I know that some people spend more time wasting time living in the past.
Now... onto Panic At The Disco... This is a band I like. Let me leave you with some Panic wisdom... the song about the Groom about to get married and he over hears people say... "It's better to face these things with poise and rationality..."
Then there is this song... Nine in the Afternoon... It's not exactly a break from the sound of their past album. But it is upbeat and inspiring. Oh... and it's also from 2008, not to be confused with 1980. LOL
In a UK Sun article today Madonna managed to get my sympathy.
Why? Let's just say divorce brings out the vulnerability in all of us. I myself am divorced. The experience had me come to terms with many aspects of life and mortality. I have friends now divorcing. They too are navigating a mine field of emotions. There is so much you learn and accept in this experience.
So as I read this article linked above I had pity for Madonna. I mean, in the past I've blasted her. Mostly because I was first in awe of her as a young man. She was a few years older than me in high-school but she was a product of my time. Stunning sexy, cunning and smart. She seemed the total package. Then I saw her Truth or Dare movie and realized her a fraud. That was rough. I mean she was an icon to me with her marketing expertise up to that point. Then I realized she was really just damn lucky for playing the sex card. She didn't have a master plan, it was all just "Look at me, Look at me!" The shock of her sex play was really all she had. She just knew one thing, up the ante each time. Eventually she took it as far as it could go. So if you watch Truth or Dare you can see her for the actual vacant bubblehead she is. I mean her no disrespect. Believe it, I never wanted to realize this truth about her.
Then she married. OK, no big deal. At least she married a rugged man, one with fire in his veins. For such a domineering woman, it would take a man like him to handle and accept her. I think I really understand ... more»
Ever wonder how people never notice the "real" you. Ever wonder why you are alone or simple unable to connect with others? Have you actually resorted to thinking, "Nobody likes me." Here are the cold hard facts. In today's politically correct society, no one is going to open their mouth and warn you of your faults, inadequacies or otherwise. (Actually some people will insult you to your face). So I've developed this list of things you need to come to terms with. Things that may be true about you. Things that people won't tell you for the reasons I outlined above, e.g. they don't have the guts to say it to your face. LOL
-You are fat, people won't say it to your face, they'll just avoid you. Wake up.
-You have bad breath. When you have bad breath, it's impossible to notice. Ask someone.
-You have no hair. Look in the mirror. Do what you can, shave yourself bald but do something.
-You are too shallow. You're more shallow than the people living by this list. No hope here.
-You are rude or speak selfishly. You are hopeless on this one. Enjoy being right and alone.
-You are trying to hang out with people not like you. Self explanatory. Get real.
-You have a bad habit. You could grind your teeth, snap gum, shake your leg. Consider it.
-You lack people skills. Can't help you here either.
-You don't' keep promises. People want someone they can count on. Respect that others value that.
-You smoke. It's true, people will just stay away from you. It is hated more than you know.
-Your family or family's lifestyle is offensive. Keep your friends from your family.
-You have no money. Get a job or get two. It's not your friends' job to ... more»
We American's have all heard the stories about how France wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the Allies in World War II. We have heard plenty of stories about how the French have no backbone and let others do their fighting. More importantly we hear about how the French dodge important issues and don't stand up for themselves or what is right.
The culture of European nations is much more obvious in its discussion AND tolerance and intolerance of racism, nationalism and sexism. You could call it complaints based on acceptance. Yet for France to take exception to their anthem sets the stage for all Frenchmen to subject themselves to world criticism over national pride. And should the world condemn them, France's indignation will ultimately gain them respect. They can't lose on this decision in this writers opinion. They have in fact taken the high road in this bold decision.
Good for them. Like others, I've had my issues with French opinion and moral global positions. This is one that earns my respect. Even if they change their mind (and may buckle), the fact they stood their ground on this issue in the first place is a welcome sight.
The other day I was involved in some political banter online with a fellow journalist (I use that term lightly). I was impressed at how they reacted emotionally to dissension.
I began to think about it. I argue points in writing with little to no emotional involvement. I will try to strike a nerve to expose core beliefs in others but I don't try to hurt anyone's feelings per say.
Again, the banter of my online argument (I use THAT term in its figurative sense) made me think. People sure can take things more serious than the point of discussion deserves. I mean, people argue over sports, politics, the quality of coffee, and you name it.
When you think about it. Why? To what end does your arguing serve? Do many of us really think we can change anothers' mind by our words? Most people argue to no avail. Most of us argue in conversations we damn well know we never can win (term used loosely).
I think this is how I managed to stay married for so long. Sometimes it helps just to know you are right and keep your mouth shut. Sometimes it helps to know your opinion will only make others more contemptuous or angry over what? The key is knowing that other people react with emotion. The only time an argument is worthwhile is if you know you are talking to a reasonable person that doesn't react, but responds.
It's like the point I made the other day regarding my son. When I told him we all learn from each other, I meant it. The way we learn is by having an open mind when others speak. When we feel we "know it all" we are really just closing out mind to the input of others. ... more»
From time-to-time I get e-mails from readers. I make friends with some (pen pals), and others just want to say something kind.
It means a lot to me that I've had a "positive" impression on people. I told my son this weekend, "We learn from each other. That is how we become smarter. When we don't listen to advice of others, we stop learning."
I think in some way people have made them self a bit smarter in reading some of my writings. My thoughts on that may seem peculiar. My thoughts are, "Thank you."
Just today a comment was left by someone, and I've responded to that comment too. You can read them in the RECENT COMMENTS links at right. When someone tells me they've been reading my blog for a while, I'm honored. Thank you. I do register that thought, and I must thank you.
I am NOT a perfect man. I do think I'm one of the few that count. We all need someone to believe in. I like to share that we have no one better to believe in than ourselves. I try hard to impress on everyone, including ...especially my children that the mind moves towards what it sees; that believing in yourself is your most powerful asset. I rant about it here. I wax poetic from time-to-time on the subject.
Most of all, I just want to share that happiness is a state of mind. You can't get it from drugs, alcohol, or even people ...OK maybe people.. LOL But that puts a lot of pressure on someone else to fulfill your happiness. Being happy with yourself and whatever you have is something we as humans have lost. At least in this modern era. Burdening others with the reason for our happiness is ... more»
The video side of this is hardly meaningful; the song is one of my top twenty lifetime favorites.
When I hear it I am taken back to the days when I worked on a cruise line and my port of call was Old San Juan Puerto Rico. I recall walking down the cobblestone streets around the battery of armaments and centuries old buildings. It was almost as if I was stepping back in time. I had my Walkman on and listened to Working In A Goldmine by Aztec Camera. Eventually my walks would lead me back to my ship. It was time well spent alone.
Not only do I remember walking and singing this song softly to myself, I also really love the song. The lyrics make me remember when I thought of love romantically. How hard a woman could make you work for something you both wanted equally. The torture a woman can put you through, it's funny. :) I mean that. I mean it in a good way. Read the lyrics below, they are really great words of love. Good love you reminisce. I especially love the verse about how the thought of that good love is "automatically sunshine". When you have someone good in your life, the very thought of them brings you happiness.
Our love's the sound Of broken skies Too blind to see What lies inside We love what shines Before our eyes Why can't we learn What hides?
Waiting on the last train Flicking through the highlights Livin' in a suitcase Positively uptight Kissing in the full moon Drowning in the sunshine Walking on a tightrope And everything is gonna be just fine 'Cos I believe in your heart of gold Automatically sunshine Yeah, glitter, glitter everywhere Like working in a goldmine And we believe that ... more»
To friends, family and associates. Currently my e-mail is down. It's been down since this AM early. If you need to reach me, call. If you don't have my number then wait for service to return. Don't assume I am getting mail if you send it.
To restore mail, any mail sent in the past 24 hours may all be purged in the fix. Do NOT assume I have received e-mail.
I dedicated this song today to my children as I can't help but think of them when I hear it. ;)
When the sky is falling from above you And the wind is raging from the coast And you want someone who truly loves you I will be the one who loves you the most
When the masquerades in burlesque balls Become too ordinary to boast You complain about the parades and curtain calls I will be the one who loves you the most I will be the one who loves you the most
When the women with their stolen graces Don't invite you to play host To their daughters with fake faces I will be the one who loves you the most
When all the debutants desert you All the doorways are all closed And all the harlequins have hurt you I will be the one who loves you the most I will be the one who loves you the most
When your suitors sneer and swank beside you And leave you hollow like a ghost And you just want somebody to confide to I will be the one who loves you the most I will be the one who loves you the most
When you forgive your imperfections And you've auctioned all your clothes And you look to see your true reflection You will be the one who loves you the most You will be the one who loves you the most You will be the one who loves you the most
I once heard the words, "A person is not dead until you forget them." I've taken those words with me for life. When my brother passed, I vowed never to forget him so in my heart he would never die. Out of blue comes green.
I've lead a happy life taking the memories and lesson of my brothers death with me. And although everything couldn't be perfect and happy at every turn he is in my heart. Few things sadden me. He never met my sons. He wasn't there for my wedding day, and never met my wife. Despite these things, I remember him with fondness. The thought that some one is never truly gone until you forget them taught me many things. The meaning of it became a keepsake.
Then there are keepsakes we think of when we are in the moment. Such as when you go to a beach that you may never return to, you pick up some sand or a seashell.
There are photos you take with friends to prove you were there. Those photos become your way of keeping the moment forever. As long as you can pick up that picture and see you or you and that friend or friends in that place or moment, you will always be there. They say your mind can play tricks on you, we often want our mind to be tricked. Our keepsakes are our means to and end.
You sometimes see people in news coverage sifting through debris after a tornado or hurricane. What do they want to find? They don't care about the plasma TV or toaster. They want their keepsakes. They want their memories. Good memories. Their house is gone, but they want those memories. In the end, they are left only to reach into their own ... more»
From the moment I decided to screen this film I knew my emotions were going to be overwhelmed. And there is good reason this film has won almost twenty-awards to date.
War Dance is about three children in war displacement camp in Africa (Patongo). Over 60,000 people live in this camp, and it is under constant military protection from rebels. This true documentary takes a look into the escape that a dance competition offers these children in the face of a hopeless future.
The pace is slow at first, soaking in the understanding that without war, this world they live in would be beautiful. We learn the brutal truth of how they live with the loss of their parents by rebel soldiers. Unlike children here in America where 7 times out of 10 some glimpse of hope exist for a child, these children live in silent prisons of trauma knowing the parents and world they had before the war will never return. On this note alone you understand their despair and how a dance competition is something they eagerly embrace and believe in because they will appreciate even a moment of solace from the reality they live in; a camp with thousands of people that don't know them and on a whole shows no signs of ever ending.
The first story told was not only gruesome, it was one that made you doubt humanity.
I wrote an article the other day that apparently did not publish properly. Half way it came off as half in love and half in hate.
That could not be farther from the truth.
The second half the article is lost. You were left to what appeared dark words. I'm busy as hell this weekend, but will try and find time to re-write it.
I can only say this, stay positive. I do. Out of blue comes green and knowing who you are always triumphs over adversity of any kind. ;)
This site has been around a few years and has grown considerably.
It's not really the site that has grown. It's the organization.
It's a great place to meet people LIKE YOU of the opposite sex, and the same sex. Great friends can and will be made here. Oh... and of course you get to excercise those muscles and work those bones.
A song about people that don't see the forest for the trees. It's about living your life without goals or a plan. While I am an admirer of their music, I'm not a great Beatles fan. Yet this one song seems as relevant today as it was when it was written. It's a remind to all of us to live with purpose.
Those are words said by The Good in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. They came to mind tonight when not one but two girls I was semi-involved with snapped at me with what seems an almost rampant case of "angry independent" woman syndrome. I laugh at the fact someone tips their hand warning me of what I could have been in for had I been involved with them.
You see, I think I'm getting far too tough for love. Not that I am looking for it, or need it in my life right now.
But you see, I don't need a woman per se'. I've got children. I've been married. I'm single and able to do anything my heart desires without answering to anyone. I laugh as I type this because I say this tongue-in-cheek. The reality is only true in the first sentence of this paragraph. I don't need a woman. I don't. Yeah... the guys want to play basketball on short notice... No problem. They guys need another player for a tournament, no problem. No problem, no problem, no problem.
While I would welcome love and kindness, I don't hold my hand on my ass expecting or desiring it.
So the most dangerous of men on earth are the ones that you can't mesmerize with attributes. Here is a hint ladies. Looks gain a man's attention. Personality keeps it. Sex is nothing. Nada, neinte, neit.
Personality. Want a man's heart? Have personality. Have one he can't live without.
When you want a man to feel as if he has something to lose in you, it has to be your company. Not your body, not your stories of how you eat up other men and spit out the bones etc... A ... more»
In keeping with my learning ballroom dances the staff has me lined up tomorrow to interview Tony Dovolani from Dancing with the stars. I'll may or may not be posting that interview here but thought I'd share with my loyal readers. ;) more»
One of my absolute favorite songs. It's one of those regret and wishful thinking songs of what could have been. As a young boy I didn't understand the regret part. I only ever considered the wishful thinking. Ah... the naivety of youth. Alas we all lose that innocence one day.
It may seem silly but I remember a romantic young boy laying on his bed on summer days listening to these words... Back in my room I wonder, then I Sit on the bed, look at the sky Up in the sky Clouds rearrange Like the talk of the town.
Such a drag to want something sometime One thing leads to another I know Was a time wanted you for mine Nobody knew You arrived like a day And passed like a cloud I made a wish, I said it out loud Out loud in a crowd Everybody heard twas the talk of the town
It's not my place to know what you feel I'd like to know but why should I? Who were you then, who are you now? Common labourer by night, by day highbrow Back in my room I wonder, then I Sit on the bed, look at the sky Up in the sky Clouds rearrange Like the talk of the town
Maybe tomorrow, maybe someday Maybe tomorrow, maybe someday You've changed your place in this world You've changed your place in this world
Oh but its hard to live by the rules I never could and still never do The rules and such never bothered you You call the shots and they follow I watch you still from a distance then go Back to my room, you never know I want you, I want you but now Who's the talk of the town?
In my job I have to do a hell of a lot of reading, not just writing. I came across this news item today about our new Citizenship Test. Aside from my ex-wife being able to pass it, how many of us could pass this test?
I took the short sample test and nailed it. Thank God! :)
I missed ONE question out of ten.
Ready to take the test? Open notepad or write down your answers. Check my answers and the actual answers with the MORE link below... Good luck!
1. What does the Constitution do? 2. What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution? 3. Name one branch or part of the government. 4. We elect a U.S. representative for how many years? 5. How many justices are on the Supreme Court? 6. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President? 7. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms? 8. There were 13 original states. Name three. 9. Who was president during World War I? 10. Name one U.S. territory.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lars Hindsley is a self-employed single full time father, a writer, a non conservative Republican, a reformed idealist (a compromisationalist), ex-musician, God fearing cynic that could more easily be described in two words as a "Rugged Intellectual".
Lars writings range from "how to" articles to commentaries and advice. You'll find movie reviews and video picks of the day side by side with serious writings.
Lars offers perspective from an Anglo-Christian moral position while never lording over anyone unlike himself. Lars is of the opinion that if you are going to complain, you should offer a solution. His perspective on the world is that many of us fight societal evolution to frustrating ends without a genuine understanding of what it is we are all up against.
Reading his articles should provide you with positive energy towards living out your day. You may not be able to change the world but you can navigate it to live a rich and rewarding life. Enjoy Lars’ works, there are years of writings to choose from.
In the world, there are places to be certain times of the year. New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro bring to mind Mardi Gras. Germany has Octoberfest, Black Rock City has Burning Man, Pamplona as Running of the Bulls, Wilmington Delaware has the Halloween Loop.