"Almost no one wore black to Jack Joseph Jabbour’s memorial service. Instead, the rows of New Hope Church on Friday were filled with family and friends — some smiling, some weeping — wearing bright colors... — Read on http://www.postindependent.com/news/before-i-say-ta-ta-for-now-new-castle-honors-jack-jabbour-with-a-celebration-of-life/ Front page, above the foldSo that's my brother Jack. We (the family) had a second service … Continue reading Jack’s Service
Category: Music
Smile
Smile. "When you smile the whole world smiles with you." Ha! Sometimes. A smile is contagious. As is laughter. It's how we're wired. Try it. The question is: What about faking it? Here is a favorite jingle of my father: It is easy enough to be pleasant When life rolls along like a song, But … Continue reading Smile
Jack’s Eulogy
My brother Jack was sweet, gentle, and kind. He was two years older than me--born at the close of summer in 1947 at Bolling Air Field in the District of Columbia. Which is not to say he didn't get angry - he did. However, I think, that he thought it was a sin to show … Continue reading Jack’s Eulogy
Yellowstone Fantasy
The Yellowstone Fantasy is a world evoked by dreams of a time, place, and people that never existed, in the real world. Yellowstone is a TV series (yes, I came late to) about a man, John Dutton, his family, and cattle ranch in Montana in contemporary America. (They have cell phones, etc.) The show is the most … Continue reading Yellowstone Fantasy
Cortez the Killer: smash or pass
Recently I saw a classical musician's reaction to Neil Young's Cortez the Killer. Water filled my eyes. The song has always been one of my all time favorites. Young broke it out on his 1975 album Zuma. It is about Cortez, Moetezuma II, war and peace. In the 16th Century! Seems relevant given the state of … Continue reading Cortez the Killer: smash or pass
Winter Dreams
This is the time for Winter Dreams. Okay, maybe they are phantasies; but I do think they began as dreams during the night, in the deep recesses of my mind. I was burrowed under the blankets of my bed. Warm. There were three. Let's get into it. Dream One I walk away. Out the door … Continue reading Winter Dreams
It’s Way Worse Than You Think
It's way worse than you think was inspired by several recent posts on X and other platforms. Foremost of which was: What the hell is causing the current mental health crisis? Furthermore was: What the hell is causing the loneliness epidemic? Additionally: Has the sexual revolution failed? Last, and maybe the key is: Is this the … Continue reading It’s Way Worse Than You Think
Spotify Wrapped: Spot On
Spotify Wrapped was spot on with regard to my personality. Who needs therapy? As followers of GREAT DEBATE know, I've posited that music - what you listen to - can be insight into who you are. Along with what you read and watch. Spotify, the streaming music platform/service just sent out their year-end review of … Continue reading Spotify Wrapped: Spot On
Thanksgiving 1984
Thanksgiving 1984, thirty-nine years ago, was special for me. And, it's all on tape. However, at the time, how remarkable it was was lost on me. We all were just having a good time. My then wife was what is now known as an "early adapter". Because she was always buying and trying the latest … Continue reading Thanksgiving 1984
Best Playlist Ever: 100 years
Best play list ever is, I decided, my 2020 Drinking Songs. Because, well, let's get into it and you tell me. The Early Years 1919 How you gonna keep'em down on the farm. Andrew Bird 1927 Alabama song (whisky bar). The Doors 1936 Rye Whiskey. Tex Ritter 1949 I'm so lonesome I could cry. Hank Williams … Continue reading Best Playlist Ever: 100 years