Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Concerts in St Louis and Kansas City.
The Kansas City concert was by far the better of the two. And, since it was my last for the year, I had a great time as well. My next effort will be a review of 12 songs.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
This from the St Louis "Riverfront Times"
Saddle up for an accounting of the St Louis experience.
It will start with my debacle at the hotel where I hve yet to get plced in n acceptble room for my mom and I.
My moring travels included too noteworthy coffee shops, one with a "hotspot" (free internet access) and another with this rticle from "Riverfront Times"
"When No One Else would Come" by Shilo
Tons of so-called fans on the "Friends of Neil Diamond Web Site (www.neildiamond-homepage.com) have been talking mad smack about what has come to be known as the Shilo Debacle of '68. I'm here to set the record straight. You see, I'm Shilo. Yes, that Shilo - the imaginary friend childhood friend Neil named the song after. When Neil was a young boy growing up in Brooklyn, his Yiddish heritage forbade him from joining either of the protestant street gangs in his neighborhood, the Cobras or the cougars. So young Neil was forced to turn to "the only friend he could find" (me) there in his mind.
We had such special times. When Neilwould call my name, I came. And we would play. I would make him smile and feel like he could fly, and when it cme time for him to chase his dream of becoming the most mazingly popular craftsman of song the world has ever known, I understood. He left me with an air kiss and a promise that he would write a ssong about our special times.
When he did, it almost deriled his carreer. The executives at Bng Records thought our song was a weak follow-up to "Cherry Cherry" and "Solitary Man" which rightfully cast Neil as a dark sexual panther with a musky scent. This hurt, but Neil was there to console me. He took me in his arms and would stroke my imaginry hair, whispering tenderly. "Don't worry little Shilo, Papa's gonna make the big bad men go bye-bye." And when Neil up and defected to UNI (a part of MCA), it was okay.
Admittedly, Neil and I have drifted apartsince the Shilo Debacle of '68. Some of this had to do with my jealousy over his shacking up with tramps like Rosie, Holly, Soolaimon and that whore from Kentucky. But the other night, Neil phoned me up from the aqua jet in aboard his touring bus. And I came.
Kudos to this author. But she should have included the more recent tramps as well like Desire', Louise, and oh, MARY!
Had late dinner with Linda and Joanne. Looking forward to a great concert. For the record, if anyone who had Neil's ear is reading this and wants to know if fans think he should add anything to his show tonight and in KC, I have two words...
"HELL YEAH !!!"
It will start with my debacle at the hotel where I hve yet to get plced in n acceptble room for my mom and I.
My moring travels included too noteworthy coffee shops, one with a "hotspot" (free internet access) and another with this rticle from "Riverfront Times"
"When No One Else would Come" by Shilo
Tons of so-called fans on the "Friends of Neil Diamond Web Site (www.neildiamond-homepage.com) have been talking mad smack about what has come to be known as the Shilo Debacle of '68. I'm here to set the record straight. You see, I'm Shilo. Yes, that Shilo - the imaginary friend childhood friend Neil named the song after. When Neil was a young boy growing up in Brooklyn, his Yiddish heritage forbade him from joining either of the protestant street gangs in his neighborhood, the Cobras or the cougars. So young Neil was forced to turn to "the only friend he could find" (me) there in his mind.
We had such special times. When Neilwould call my name, I came. And we would play. I would make him smile and feel like he could fly, and when it cme time for him to chase his dream of becoming the most mazingly popular craftsman of song the world has ever known, I understood. He left me with an air kiss and a promise that he would write a ssong about our special times.
When he did, it almost deriled his carreer. The executives at Bng Records thought our song was a weak follow-up to "Cherry Cherry" and "Solitary Man" which rightfully cast Neil as a dark sexual panther with a musky scent. This hurt, but Neil was there to console me. He took me in his arms and would stroke my imaginry hair, whispering tenderly. "Don't worry little Shilo, Papa's gonna make the big bad men go bye-bye." And when Neil up and defected to UNI (a part of MCA), it was okay.
Admittedly, Neil and I have drifted apartsince the Shilo Debacle of '68. Some of this had to do with my jealousy over his shacking up with tramps like Rosie, Holly, Soolaimon and that whore from Kentucky. But the other night, Neil phoned me up from the aqua jet in aboard his touring bus. And I came.
Kudos to this author. But she should have included the more recent tramps as well like Desire', Louise, and oh, MARY!
Had late dinner with Linda and Joanne. Looking forward to a great concert. For the record, if anyone who had Neil's ear is reading this and wants to know if fans think he should add anything to his show tonight and in KC, I have two words...
"HELL YEAH !!!"
Thursday, December 01, 2005
This is what I want for Christmas Thank you!!!
Neil begins the new leg of his tour on Dec 3. I recommend the following changes:
This was Neil's last setlist:
1. Crunchy Granola Suite
2. Desiree
3. Remember Me
4. Beautiful Noise
5. You Got to Me
6. Kentucky Woman
7. Cherry Cherry
8. Play Me
9. Love on the Rocks
10. America
11. Thank the Lord for the Night Time
12. Forever in Blue Jeans
13. You Don't Bring Me Flowers (w/ Linda Press)
14. Wake Up the Band
15. Be
16. Lonely Looking Sky
17. Skybird
18. Holly Holy
19. Sweet Caroline
20. I'm a Believer
21. Glory Road
22. And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind
23. Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)
24. Shilo
25. Red Red Wine
26. Soolaimon
27. I Am...I Said
28. Cracklin' Rosie
29. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
I predict some changes and am only guessing as to which new songs. Admittedly, some of this is wishful thinking. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. This is mine:
"Lordy" intro- Seriously Neil, You know the words- rock the house for the first song.
2 Crunchy Granola Suite
3 Walk on Water
4. Play Me
5. Beautiful Noise
6. Jungle time
7. Cherry Cherry
8 delerious love
9 We
10. Thank the Lord for the Nighttime
11. You don't bring me Flowers ( non-duet)
12. solitary man
13. forever in Blue Jeans
14 song sung blue/sweet caroline
15. Band intro (acapulco)
16. songs of life
17 America
18. Holly Holy
19. I'm a Believer
20. You Got to Me
21. Glory Road
22. And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind
23. And the singer sings his songs
24. Red Red Wine
25. Soolaimon
26. I Am...I Said
27. Brotherlove
( I need to add here that anyone who saw the second minneapolis show would agree that we learned accidentally that a fresh approach to this song would be welcome. A sound problem created one of the best versions of this I have ever seen live. The strangeness of the situation had Neil singing the beginning more closely to the way it was originally done. Very fresh.)
28. Cracklin' Rosie
29 Hell Yeah
St Louis will be my tenth concert this year. Diamondville has about ten days to revise the setlist, if its not too much to ask!
This was Neil's last setlist:
1. Crunchy Granola Suite
2. Desiree
3. Remember Me
4. Beautiful Noise
5. You Got to Me
6. Kentucky Woman
7. Cherry Cherry
8. Play Me
9. Love on the Rocks
10. America
11. Thank the Lord for the Night Time
12. Forever in Blue Jeans
13. You Don't Bring Me Flowers (w/ Linda Press)
14. Wake Up the Band
15. Be
16. Lonely Looking Sky
17. Skybird
18. Holly Holy
19. Sweet Caroline
20. I'm a Believer
21. Glory Road
22. And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind
23. Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)
24. Shilo
25. Red Red Wine
26. Soolaimon
27. I Am...I Said
28. Cracklin' Rosie
29. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
I predict some changes and am only guessing as to which new songs. Admittedly, some of this is wishful thinking. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. This is mine:
"Lordy" intro- Seriously Neil, You know the words- rock the house for the first song.
2 Crunchy Granola Suite
3 Walk on Water
4. Play Me
5. Beautiful Noise
6. Jungle time
7. Cherry Cherry
8 delerious love
9 We
10. Thank the Lord for the Nighttime
11. You don't bring me Flowers ( non-duet)
12. solitary man
13. forever in Blue Jeans
14 song sung blue/sweet caroline
15. Band intro (acapulco)
16. songs of life
17 America
18. Holly Holy
19. I'm a Believer
20. You Got to Me
21. Glory Road
22. And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind
23. And the singer sings his songs
24. Red Red Wine
25. Soolaimon
26. I Am...I Said
27. Brotherlove
( I need to add here that anyone who saw the second minneapolis show would agree that we learned accidentally that a fresh approach to this song would be welcome. A sound problem created one of the best versions of this I have ever seen live. The strangeness of the situation had Neil singing the beginning more closely to the way it was originally done. Very fresh.)
28. Cracklin' Rosie
29 Hell Yeah
St Louis will be my tenth concert this year. Diamondville has about ten days to revise the setlist, if its not too much to ask!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
2000 + and counting...
Read this article. Very sobering. Remember at just over 200 "Mission Accomplished!".
I am always surprised by some music critics.
The current Neil Diamond tour has been getting mostly high marks and the press anticipation for his new Album "12 songs" ( a collaboration with Rick Rubin) has been very exciting (if not overly optimistic). So the following review surprises me a bit.
It's not exactly negative, just a bit snarky.
Singer-songwriter brings both substance and glitter to Monday's performance.
By JEFF VRABEL, The Times-Union
The two sides of Neil Diamond -- the fantastic Tin Pan Alley songwriter and the glitter-dripping Vegas bush elephant -- coexist in a state of uneasy peace, like Simon and Garfunkel, or Leno and Letterman, or Cartman and Butters.
They're cool at the dinner table, but you get the sense that the minute no one's looking, they're thinking about how totally great it would be to stab the other with a salad fork.
Before we go any further, full disclosure: I'm 30 years old, younger than many of the songs Diamond uncorked to the nearly full house at the arena on Monday night, and my allegiances lie with that first Neil. Sweet Caroline Neil. Cracklin' Rosie Neil. Anything-That-Doesn't-Involve-Love-On-Any-Rocks Neil.
So when you're writing your hate mail in about five minutes, I urge you to begin with a snarky gag involving my age (and please, stick with e-mail. If you leave me a voice mail, no one will hear it. Not even my chair).
Because to an observer who wasn't around for those Solitary Man days, what's so fascinating is how the seemingly counterintuitive chapters of Diamond's past assimilate into a whole that, at a fantastic-looking 64, can produce a show at the near-mathematical midpoint between pure magnificence and hideous terror.
For example, Cherry Cherry and Forever in Blue Jeans came off as near-perfect pop timelessness, while I spent a medley of songs involving a seagull dreaming up ways to kill myself with my shoelaces.
Diamond sticks to the lower register these days, his band doesn't have much punch in it and he doesn't prowl the stage so much as saunter around it as if looking for his reading glasses. But the man's a showbiz cyborg -- "I go where the noise is," he challenged the crowd early on, in just one display of old-school stage-patter genius -- and a consummate-to-the-point-of-being-kinda-weird professional.
And he served up two precise hours of what can best be described as a musical comfort cheese tray, and one of America's most enduring at that.Few could argue that Diamond's at his best when he cedes the spotlight to his melodies, as he did on the one-two punch of I'm A Believer and Sweet Caroline, or the expertly soaring Holly Holy, or a schticky but potent Red Red Wine that gave a backhanded high-five to the UB40 version.
And when he pulls out the lonely stool for I Am I Said, or puts on his acting face for You Don't Bring Me Flowers -- which, like every song performed on Monday, was brought to closure by a sweeping hand gesture that one might perform were one to release a baby white dove into the wild -- a wave of viscous liquid cheese pours off the stage and down into the crowd, threatening to destroy everything in its path. Introducing that suite from Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Diamond said, "It is a journey painted on the canvas of the soul."
Uh . . . right. Who needs a beer?
None of this is to suggest that Diamond is no longer bringing it -- he is certainly in good, if no longer top, form. He wielded the acoustic guitar for You Got to Me and Kentucky Woman. He did Thank the Lord for the Night Time with the energy of a man half his age. And then he dug into America, which, after all the years, remains overwrought and obvious enough that it's a wonder Meat Loaf didn't think of it first, and Love on the Rocks, garnished with a series of facial grimaces that you might expect from a man who's passing a live squirrel through his colon.
Anywhere else, repeated exposure to such stylistic turbulence could cause a permanent shifting of one's posture, but at the Neil show, it's just the way the world spins.
It's that ragged back-and-forth that keeps Diamond from enjoying the level of songwriting acclaim he deserves, and ends up giving him a lot of acclaim he doesn't. And since everyone is quite happy with the arrangement, that's the way it'll be for the forseeable future, until Neil's battery runs out. Meantime, pass the cheese, please.
jeff.vrabeljacksonville.com, (904) 359-4288
To be fair, I wish I would have thought of that "passing a squirrel through his colon" line. It is funny. A friend suggested that she wished his shoe laces had been longer to which I responded that this poor guy can't be very happy. What is it they say about guys with small feet?
It's not exactly negative, just a bit snarky.
Singer-songwriter brings both substance and glitter to Monday's performance.
By JEFF VRABEL, The Times-Union
The two sides of Neil Diamond -- the fantastic Tin Pan Alley songwriter and the glitter-dripping Vegas bush elephant -- coexist in a state of uneasy peace, like Simon and Garfunkel, or Leno and Letterman, or Cartman and Butters.
They're cool at the dinner table, but you get the sense that the minute no one's looking, they're thinking about how totally great it would be to stab the other with a salad fork.
Before we go any further, full disclosure: I'm 30 years old, younger than many of the songs Diamond uncorked to the nearly full house at the arena on Monday night, and my allegiances lie with that first Neil. Sweet Caroline Neil. Cracklin' Rosie Neil. Anything-That-Doesn't-Involve-Love-On-Any-Rocks Neil.
So when you're writing your hate mail in about five minutes, I urge you to begin with a snarky gag involving my age (and please, stick with e-mail. If you leave me a voice mail, no one will hear it. Not even my chair).
Because to an observer who wasn't around for those Solitary Man days, what's so fascinating is how the seemingly counterintuitive chapters of Diamond's past assimilate into a whole that, at a fantastic-looking 64, can produce a show at the near-mathematical midpoint between pure magnificence and hideous terror.
For example, Cherry Cherry and Forever in Blue Jeans came off as near-perfect pop timelessness, while I spent a medley of songs involving a seagull dreaming up ways to kill myself with my shoelaces.
Diamond sticks to the lower register these days, his band doesn't have much punch in it and he doesn't prowl the stage so much as saunter around it as if looking for his reading glasses. But the man's a showbiz cyborg -- "I go where the noise is," he challenged the crowd early on, in just one display of old-school stage-patter genius -- and a consummate-to-the-point-of-being-kinda-weird professional.
And he served up two precise hours of what can best be described as a musical comfort cheese tray, and one of America's most enduring at that.Few could argue that Diamond's at his best when he cedes the spotlight to his melodies, as he did on the one-two punch of I'm A Believer and Sweet Caroline, or the expertly soaring Holly Holy, or a schticky but potent Red Red Wine that gave a backhanded high-five to the UB40 version.
And when he pulls out the lonely stool for I Am I Said, or puts on his acting face for You Don't Bring Me Flowers -- which, like every song performed on Monday, was brought to closure by a sweeping hand gesture that one might perform were one to release a baby white dove into the wild -- a wave of viscous liquid cheese pours off the stage and down into the crowd, threatening to destroy everything in its path. Introducing that suite from Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Diamond said, "It is a journey painted on the canvas of the soul."
Uh . . . right. Who needs a beer?
None of this is to suggest that Diamond is no longer bringing it -- he is certainly in good, if no longer top, form. He wielded the acoustic guitar for You Got to Me and Kentucky Woman. He did Thank the Lord for the Night Time with the energy of a man half his age. And then he dug into America, which, after all the years, remains overwrought and obvious enough that it's a wonder Meat Loaf didn't think of it first, and Love on the Rocks, garnished with a series of facial grimaces that you might expect from a man who's passing a live squirrel through his colon.
Anywhere else, repeated exposure to such stylistic turbulence could cause a permanent shifting of one's posture, but at the Neil show, it's just the way the world spins.
It's that ragged back-and-forth that keeps Diamond from enjoying the level of songwriting acclaim he deserves, and ends up giving him a lot of acclaim he doesn't. And since everyone is quite happy with the arrangement, that's the way it'll be for the forseeable future, until Neil's battery runs out. Meantime, pass the cheese, please.
jeff.vrabeljacksonville.com, (904) 359-4288
To be fair, I wish I would have thought of that "passing a squirrel through his colon" line. It is funny. A friend suggested that she wished his shoe laces had been longer to which I responded that this poor guy can't be very happy. What is it they say about guys with small feet?
Monday, October 24, 2005
In November I wrote...
it's all about tomorrow
Time for a fresh outlook. Time to think about the future. Time to stand together for what we believe and to work to make a genuine difference.Now that the election is over I have a few thoughts.I have been an "Anybody but Bush" person. I think the reasons are clear. But now that the election is over I have changed my mind. Cheney would be worse.In 1973, Agnew was forced out of office for reasons having to do with tax fraud - the details are foggy, I was only 12. That opened the door for Ford before Nixon was forced out.We need to hope that Haliburton brings down Cheney before the secrecy, lies and cover-ups of this administration bring down "W".So, Who shoud replace Cheney? We haven't much time really. to stick to the time-frame of 1973 it must happen this spring.Your thoughts?
Sadly, my words may have been prophetic. It seems now that the investigation that has been swirling around Rove and Libby may have encircled Cheney as well.
I cannot begin to imagine how "W" would survive without these three at his side.
Time for a fresh outlook. Time to think about the future. Time to stand together for what we believe and to work to make a genuine difference.Now that the election is over I have a few thoughts.I have been an "Anybody but Bush" person. I think the reasons are clear. But now that the election is over I have changed my mind. Cheney would be worse.In 1973, Agnew was forced out of office for reasons having to do with tax fraud - the details are foggy, I was only 12. That opened the door for Ford before Nixon was forced out.We need to hope that Haliburton brings down Cheney before the secrecy, lies and cover-ups of this administration bring down "W".So, Who shoud replace Cheney? We haven't much time really. to stick to the time-frame of 1973 it must happen this spring.Your thoughts?
Sadly, my words may have been prophetic. It seems now that the investigation that has been swirling around Rove and Libby may have encircled Cheney as well.
I cannot begin to imagine how "W" would survive without these three at his side.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
"Hello Again"
The 25th aniversary edition of "The Jazz Singer" was released on October 18 in DVD format. I am delighted by this but unfortunately it brings out all the snarky critic types who find more need to criticize than to enjoy.
Take the movie for what it is: not much of a plot, credible but stiff acting on the part of just about everyone (save Lucy Arnaz), great music and overall a fun time.
This movie came out the same year I graduated from high school. A few things struck me. First, Bubba asks Molly if she has any Charlie Parker "albums". Remember what parties were like back then, having to change the vinyl disk every 15 minutes or so?
Molly ambushes the producer "Eddie" and puts a cassette into his car stereo. That's right, there was a time that cassettes were considered top of the line.
I have read a few reviews that say the black-face scene is offensive. What in the hell are these people thinking? This is an obvious and amusing nod to Al Jolsen. To see it as anything more or less than that is just stupid. Some reviews point out, rightly, that Neil was to old for the role (39 at the time). But, these too I think miss the point.
I have a dvd of this movie from some years back. The quality on this new production is far superior. Add to that my LCD widescreeen flat tv and a dvd player that upgrades standard dvd to hd quality and the experience of watching this movie is like visiting with an old friend.
No, Neil probably didn't deserve any acting kudos but the fact that the music from this film was ignored by his peers is a disgrace.
My recomendation is to buy or rent this DVD, grab yourself a glass or bottle of red red wine and enjoy the evening.
Take the movie for what it is: not much of a plot, credible but stiff acting on the part of just about everyone (save Lucy Arnaz), great music and overall a fun time.
This movie came out the same year I graduated from high school. A few things struck me. First, Bubba asks Molly if she has any Charlie Parker "albums". Remember what parties were like back then, having to change the vinyl disk every 15 minutes or so?
Molly ambushes the producer "Eddie" and puts a cassette into his car stereo. That's right, there was a time that cassettes were considered top of the line.
I have read a few reviews that say the black-face scene is offensive. What in the hell are these people thinking? This is an obvious and amusing nod to Al Jolsen. To see it as anything more or less than that is just stupid. Some reviews point out, rightly, that Neil was to old for the role (39 at the time). But, these too I think miss the point.
I have a dvd of this movie from some years back. The quality on this new production is far superior. Add to that my LCD widescreeen flat tv and a dvd player that upgrades standard dvd to hd quality and the experience of watching this movie is like visiting with an old friend.
No, Neil probably didn't deserve any acting kudos but the fact that the music from this film was ignored by his peers is a disgrace.
My recomendation is to buy or rent this DVD, grab yourself a glass or bottle of red red wine and enjoy the evening.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
A few thoughts on Katrina
Given that the calendar is fast approaching 9/11, I can't help but think that in that tragedy there were candles burning, calls for prayer, unifying voices wanting to give the "new" president the benefit of the doubt.
Granted that was a senseless attack and there was a requisit call to arms with the necessary psuedo patriotism. But why now, when many more were killed, do we find ourselves less inclined toward the spirit of unity and prayer that overtook us at that time.
Don't get me wrong. The response for help is overwhelming from my perspective. But my guess is that if our current leaders could point the blame at some foreign enemy and use that as an excuse to go to war against them, they, along with the media, would have us all racing off to Walmart to buy our Chinese made, plastic US flags for our cars.
Still, having a strong religious bent myself, I wonder: Where are all the candle vigils?
Granted that was a senseless attack and there was a requisit call to arms with the necessary psuedo patriotism. But why now, when many more were killed, do we find ourselves less inclined toward the spirit of unity and prayer that overtook us at that time.
Don't get me wrong. The response for help is overwhelming from my perspective. But my guess is that if our current leaders could point the blame at some foreign enemy and use that as an excuse to go to war against them, they, along with the media, would have us all racing off to Walmart to buy our Chinese made, plastic US flags for our cars.
Still, having a strong religious bent myself, I wonder: Where are all the candle vigils?
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
So Good, So Good, So Good...
July 25 and 26 Neil will be in Omaha. I hope to see folks there and will update with reviews of the shows.
Paragraph labeled "S" for secret from classified memo
found to be source of information about CIA agent outed by Rove. We all know "W" doesn't read but I doubt Rove will be able to claim stupidity. Doubtful too that the expert in covert political operation could claim he didn't know what the word meant.
"W" and Karl had better hope that another Justice or two retires otherwise they won't be able to keep this from the mainstream media much longer. The debate will turn into what the meaning of theword "S" is.
Stay loyal to your friend "W". We love ya for it.
"W" and Karl had better hope that another Justice or two retires otherwise they won't be able to keep this from the mainstream media much longer. The debate will turn into what the meaning of theword "S" is.
Stay loyal to your friend "W". We love ya for it.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Some are asking:
"Should Rove resign or should he be fired?"
I don't care. If he were muslimand accused of treason (with credible evidence no less) he would be arrested and detained without the benefit of counsel. That sounds like a great place to start to me. The fired or resign thing can be figured out later. I also think it would be harder for W to stand by his man if his man is in prison. But please, not abu grab - ain't no way I want to see this guy naked.
I don't care. If he were muslimand accused of treason (with credible evidence no less) he would be arrested and detained without the benefit of counsel. That sounds like a great place to start to me. The fired or resign thing can be figured out later. I also think it would be harder for W to stand by his man if his man is in prison. But please, not abu grab - ain't no way I want to see this guy naked.
Friday, July 08, 2005
One Year Ago... Humble beginnings
Welcome to "A Page that Aches..."
This title comes from the words of Neil Diamond's song "Be" from the soundtrack for the movie "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" based on the book of the same name by Richard Bach.
Lost
on a painted sky,
where the clouds are hung
for the poet's eye.
You may find him
if you may find him.
There
on a distant shore,
by the wings of dreams,
through an open door.
You may know him
if you may.
Be
as a page that aches for a word
which speaks on a theme
that is timeless,
while the sun God will make for your day.
Sing
as a song in search of a voice
that is silent
and the one God
will make for your way.
And we dance
to a whispered voice,
overheard by the soul,
undertook by the heart.
And you may know it
if you may know it.
While the sand
would become the stone
which begat the spark
turned to living bone.
Holy, Holy
Sanctus, Sanctus
Be
as a page that aches
for a word which speaks on a theme
that is timeless
while the sun God will make for your day.
Sing
as a song in search of a voice
that is silent.
And the one God
will make for your way.
Words by Neil Diamond
These words create an atmosphere that I hope we can live up to. respect for persons with diverse opinions will be expected. Whether weighty or whimsical, I hope the topics found herein will be interesting enough to provoke an occassional response.
posted by Jonathan at 7:10 AM
Sept12, 2001
How many recall the remarkable outpouring of human spirit extended from around the world after the tragic events of 9/11/2001?
One very impressive and memorable event for me was the solidarity shown us by the people of London where the US flag was flown and a vigil was held where many songs were sung including our national anthem.
How many in the US have even given a thought to flying the flag of Great Britain? I would guess not many.
Before anyone dare respond that the 40 odd lives don't compare to the magnitude of 9/11 I would simply add that we need to remember that we are all in this together.
I would further add my disappointment in Tony Blair and GW Bush for their thoughtless comments on the day of this tragedy. To say that we won't change our behaviors, attitudes and "ideals" (s0-called) or that we will not yeild to "these people" even before we know who "these people" are is the height of arrogance.
My heart goes out to our brothers and sisters in London and to all who feel vulnerable as they go about their daily routines. For me this event causes me to reflect on the presence and nature of sin in all its forms.
The choice before all of us, of course, is to evaluate our own lives and make personal decisions based on how they effect the world around us. I think particularly this is true when making decisions as a consumer.
One very impressive and memorable event for me was the solidarity shown us by the people of London where the US flag was flown and a vigil was held where many songs were sung including our national anthem.
How many in the US have even given a thought to flying the flag of Great Britain? I would guess not many.
Before anyone dare respond that the 40 odd lives don't compare to the magnitude of 9/11 I would simply add that we need to remember that we are all in this together.
I would further add my disappointment in Tony Blair and GW Bush for their thoughtless comments on the day of this tragedy. To say that we won't change our behaviors, attitudes and "ideals" (s0-called) or that we will not yeild to "these people" even before we know who "these people" are is the height of arrogance.
My heart goes out to our brothers and sisters in London and to all who feel vulnerable as they go about their daily routines. For me this event causes me to reflect on the presence and nature of sin in all its forms.
The choice before all of us, of course, is to evaluate our own lives and make personal decisions based on how they effect the world around us. I think particularly this is true when making decisions as a consumer.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Click here for Neil Diamond fun !!
These clips for "Sweet Caroline" and "I'm a Believer" are from the current tour on it's way to a venue near you. Buy tickets and save me a seat.
Friday, June 10, 2005
This article should make you think.
Despite Rhetoric, GOP demonstrates clearly that the whole political game is about keeping and using power. All the lofty precepts about smaller government and personal responsibility fall away when held up in the light of the reality or four plus years where all branches of our federal government are controlled by one party.
Just maybe we will learn that the two-party system has indeed fianlly failed. I just hope these clowns don't succeed in securing a stronghold that completely shuts out the dissenting voice. It would help, however if the dissenting voice would do more than whine about lack of fairness and begin to speak out on behalf of the real minority- the poor, the voiceless, the powerless.
Just maybe we will learn that the two-party system has indeed fianlly failed. I just hope these clowns don't succeed in securing a stronghold that completely shuts out the dissenting voice. It would help, however if the dissenting voice would do more than whine about lack of fairness and begin to speak out on behalf of the real minority- the poor, the voiceless, the powerless.
Okay, It's been a long time, Is anybody out there?
I am feeling terrible about neglecting this site. Frankly, after my trip it felt more like labor than love. But before I get worked up and start adding posts I am curious about whether or not anyone is looking. Let me know.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Here's a salute to travelers of all kinds
I have met many on my journey: Chris, Brad, the one I wrote about that in my mind I have come to call Billy, Jennifer and Ian, who I have not written about, but whose journeys crossed with mine over the past two weeks.
Neil's words from this song have something to say to all of us. Whether the answers to our seeking and questioning are large or small, The journey, the process, the question is in itself an experience.
Wearin; my high boots, got all my worldlies
here in a sack.
Looking for something, knowing that it ain't
here where I'm at.
Ain't lookin' back.
I'm comin'.
Ride by thumbin'.
Get by bummin'.
I'm on my way,
Friend, have you seen glory road?
Say, friend, I got a heavy load,
and I know glory road's waiting for me.
Caught me a pickup down from Seattle
through to L.A.
Seems like those folks go chasin' a new star every day.
Ain't gonna stay.
Nevada,
through Wyomin',
Colorado.
I'm on my way,
friend, have you seen glory road?
Say, friend, I got a heavy load,
and I know glory road's waiting for me.
Met so many others.
Wanted to know
which way to go.
Louisiana,
New York City.
They wanted the answer.
They'd ask of me,
friend, have you seen glory road?
Say, friend, I got a heavy load,
and I know glory road's waiting for me.
Rest my load,
now I know glory road
won't set me free.
Glory Roads, words and music by Neil Diamond
Neil's words from this song have something to say to all of us. Whether the answers to our seeking and questioning are large or small, The journey, the process, the question is in itself an experience.
Wearin; my high boots, got all my worldlies
here in a sack.
Looking for something, knowing that it ain't
here where I'm at.
Ain't lookin' back.
I'm comin'.
Ride by thumbin'.
Get by bummin'.
I'm on my way,
Friend, have you seen glory road?
Say, friend, I got a heavy load,
and I know glory road's waiting for me.
Caught me a pickup down from Seattle
through to L.A.
Seems like those folks go chasin' a new star every day.
Ain't gonna stay.
Nevada,
through Wyomin',
Colorado.
I'm on my way,
friend, have you seen glory road?
Say, friend, I got a heavy load,
and I know glory road's waiting for me.
Met so many others.
Wanted to know
which way to go.
Louisiana,
New York City.
They wanted the answer.
They'd ask of me,
friend, have you seen glory road?
Say, friend, I got a heavy load,
and I know glory road's waiting for me.
Rest my load,
now I know glory road
won't set me free.
Glory Roads, words and music by Neil Diamond
Monday, March 14, 2005
Tuesday Morning 7 AM, or Monday Noon or 2 PM
Back on home soil and quickly out of time to post. More later. Great to be back on my home ground.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Sunday Morning, 9 AM
In order for the reader to fully appreciate the frustration I am feeling right now you need to have a better idea of where I am staying while in Sydney.
My hotel is in an area called Kings Cross. It is the red light district for Sydney and has been, so I am told, since the second world war. Mostly live-and let-live stuff, pretty seedy, but nothing that would make the average Joe feel unsafe (truth be told, there are streets within blocks of where I live where I wouldn't go at night but I get no feeling like that around here).
I have discovered that, if one is walking, the easiest and often most direct way to get to where you are going is to walk down Darlinghurst Rd from KC to Oxford Avenue (the predominantly gay area).
At the corner of Darlinghurst and Oxford is an old Catholic Church. A rather simple structure and pleasant but not well maintained. It is exactly what you would expect to find in the heart of the city including seemingly inviting steps that lead from the front door right down to the sidewalk and street.
During the day you will find, again as one might expect, skateboarding males who range in age from about 13 to 24. At night you will find some of these same young males trying to sell themselves in order to pay for shelter and food.
Walking back from the concert last night I heard many of these calling out- "Need some company mate. Take me home, mate. Worth your while, mate" or "let me take care of you mate" or "do anything for ya, mate." In many ways it was all the same, and altogether too sad.
Being an observer of the human condition, I watched this parade go on for a bit last night. I considered how it is that these, roughly the same age as Chris and Brad from before, could have ended up resorting to such behavior. If I had more time- this would be a story worth pursuing I think.
By contrast, the Cathedral of St. Mary, a bit further from my hotel, is the jewel of the city. Very attractive on all sides and picturesque inside. There is a book and gift store inside that is open at all hours and I understand it is quite difficult to book weddings there (I thought it odd that the curator of the gift store would see fit to share that piece of trivia).
Based on my experiences of both of these places I was more interested in seeing how Jesus resides in the less flashy part of town.
As I entered St James I was greeted by large black partitions (think of office cubicle walls). They were covered with large bold set printing which I determined to be copies of a letter the Parish Council had forwarded to their bishop. It appears there is some dispute about the use of the campus of a dying inner-city parish for development of a local Catholic University.
I might have been more interested as the woman greeter proceded to give me the details but it quickly started to sound like the whininess that can be all to prevalent in church people. There was no talk of what they could be doing with the space, simply that they did not want the college with all "those kids" and the parking concerns. She was really upset that the worship space would be reduced to about half the space that existed now.
Just perhaps, the bishop who they were trying to rally against had visited them on a Sunday and observed what I did. And just maybe, having observed, decided that Jesus had moved on (or at least was on vacation).
The church itself seats about 400 people. Pews on either side seat ten people and they extend back 20 rows. Half-way back there is a cross aisle for traffic from the side doors. It is in this area where the music ministers stood.
At the back of the church ( the area inside the front door) there was a statue of the Blessed Mother with votive candles surrounding at her feet. Most Catholics know that these prayer candles are there to light for your particular needs. They become a visible reminder to others that there exist people in the world who need our prayers and those faithful in turn can offer prayers on your behalf, even with no awareness of what your particular need is. There is almost always a cash box for freewill donations to offset the cost of the candles.
I sat in front of the cross aisle on the right hand side. This happened to be in front also of the overly ampliphied music leaders.
I must confess that as the Mass was about to begin I wondered if there would be music at all since the music ministers were no where to be found. At about 9 AM a nun dressed in white with a brown veil, possibly a benedictine (the order of hospitality) which makes the rest of this story more ironic.
There were 46 of us present for the Mass. We were spread throughout the large church (about 1/10 of the capacity). The nun, after lighting the candles on the altar (six of them, purple in color) moved to the music area and introduced our opening song (Hosea).
Come back to me
with all youir heart.
Don't let fear, keep us apart...
The amplification of the thrill canary-esque voices of this nun and the guitar accompanist was deafening (this from a guy who was in third row at a Neil Diaomnd concert the night before).
The presider, probably a decent enough sort, processed in from the side of the sanctuary. He gave a few opening comments about next Sunday being "Palm" or "Passion Sunday" and proceeded with the opening prayers of Mass.
As father moved forward to read the gospel I noticed a young man entering the side of the church to my left quietly so as not to draw attention to himself. He was carrying a skateboard and looked pretty rugged.
He genuflected and worked his way to the back of the church to the statue of Mary and the candles. At the same time, the nun who was leading music moved from her spot and walked toward the back of the church as well. Anyone who has had the privilege of Catholic education can imagine vividly the demeanor she took on during this time. Sister Mary Nazi was on the prowl.
It is important to note that the Gospel Reading taking place at this time was the story of the raising of Lazerus. This particular story, in the context of Lent and in preparation for the remembrance of the passion next weekend has two of the most profound statements of faith that exist in the whole of the Gospel. There is Thomas the Apostle's "let us also go to die with him." and Martha's "Lord I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Holy One of God."
So as the 40 some of us are having the Gospel opened for us the nun found her way to the young man, who after lighting his candles took a spot in one of the back pews kneeling in prayer. She said something to him that was audible (halfway across the church) but not understandable to my ear.
He tried to slide down the pew from her and continue his prayer. I had since changed my posture because I wanted to observe this spectacle better. She followed after him now and was asking him to empty his pockets and in the background at this exact moment I could hear the priest recalling the words of Jesus to Martha "your brother shall rise again".
He took two of the votives out of his pocket and started to cry as she called him a thief and told him that people pay for those candles that he used and tried now to steal. She pointed to the front door and he left. His sobs were so strong that his chest was heaving.
The rugged hard shell that exists when one is forced into selling their own body was gone. This woman used the capacity that God gives us all to reach within another human being and instead of showing him the face of Christ, or better still letting the face of Christ come forth from him, she shamed him and made him feel like a defenseless weeping little boy.
"The Gospel of The Lord" could be heard in its overampliphied tones along with the response "thanks be to God".
I decided that the mood for worship was gone for me and departed from the church. I am not sure if I will be able to find another opportunity this Sunday but couldn't stay after having witnessed this debacle.
As I went out the front steps of the church I noticed that this young man was the same one that had called out the night before, "Need some company, mate. Take me home, mate. Worth your while, mate"
He was crying on the front steps of the same church where he had been the night before. I asked if he was okay and he offered this sponteneous confession of sorts.
" I got nothing, mate. I am worthless and homeless. I wanted to pray. I needed to go to church. I stole candles to try to get some food. I've been selling my bum trying to get some money for food and a roof." "I got no where to go." He said between sobs.
I gave him the $10 intended for the collection basket. And while I have no doubt this boy will be out on the streets again tonight I still felt it was better used then it would have been by this particular church. I also have no doubt that the nun who seemed a bit too satisfied with herself will be telling a whole different account of this story.
Would this parish in one of the seediest parts of town be struggling for its life if the people represented by the woman who greeted me, the nun and the over ampliphied self-important musician actually put into practice the messages of the lenten gospels?
I am not surprised that places like the Cathedral of St Mary exist. In fact, you can pretty much count on it in every city in the world, whatever the religion. But when the church of our Lord exists in an area where his love is clearly needed we all-to-often blunder at letting him work in us.
Whatever your faith, look for the opportunity to offer God's love to others. Even if they don't see it in themselves, each and every one is worthy of God's goodness- reach out and say to the most desperate ones you can find - rise, see, believe, live.
My hotel is in an area called Kings Cross. It is the red light district for Sydney and has been, so I am told, since the second world war. Mostly live-and let-live stuff, pretty seedy, but nothing that would make the average Joe feel unsafe (truth be told, there are streets within blocks of where I live where I wouldn't go at night but I get no feeling like that around here).
I have discovered that, if one is walking, the easiest and often most direct way to get to where you are going is to walk down Darlinghurst Rd from KC to Oxford Avenue (the predominantly gay area).
At the corner of Darlinghurst and Oxford is an old Catholic Church. A rather simple structure and pleasant but not well maintained. It is exactly what you would expect to find in the heart of the city including seemingly inviting steps that lead from the front door right down to the sidewalk and street.
During the day you will find, again as one might expect, skateboarding males who range in age from about 13 to 24. At night you will find some of these same young males trying to sell themselves in order to pay for shelter and food.
Walking back from the concert last night I heard many of these calling out- "Need some company mate. Take me home, mate. Worth your while, mate" or "let me take care of you mate" or "do anything for ya, mate." In many ways it was all the same, and altogether too sad.
Being an observer of the human condition, I watched this parade go on for a bit last night. I considered how it is that these, roughly the same age as Chris and Brad from before, could have ended up resorting to such behavior. If I had more time- this would be a story worth pursuing I think.
By contrast, the Cathedral of St. Mary, a bit further from my hotel, is the jewel of the city. Very attractive on all sides and picturesque inside. There is a book and gift store inside that is open at all hours and I understand it is quite difficult to book weddings there (I thought it odd that the curator of the gift store would see fit to share that piece of trivia).
Based on my experiences of both of these places I was more interested in seeing how Jesus resides in the less flashy part of town.
As I entered St James I was greeted by large black partitions (think of office cubicle walls). They were covered with large bold set printing which I determined to be copies of a letter the Parish Council had forwarded to their bishop. It appears there is some dispute about the use of the campus of a dying inner-city parish for development of a local Catholic University.
I might have been more interested as the woman greeter proceded to give me the details but it quickly started to sound like the whininess that can be all to prevalent in church people. There was no talk of what they could be doing with the space, simply that they did not want the college with all "those kids" and the parking concerns. She was really upset that the worship space would be reduced to about half the space that existed now.
Just perhaps, the bishop who they were trying to rally against had visited them on a Sunday and observed what I did. And just maybe, having observed, decided that Jesus had moved on (or at least was on vacation).
The church itself seats about 400 people. Pews on either side seat ten people and they extend back 20 rows. Half-way back there is a cross aisle for traffic from the side doors. It is in this area where the music ministers stood.
At the back of the church ( the area inside the front door) there was a statue of the Blessed Mother with votive candles surrounding at her feet. Most Catholics know that these prayer candles are there to light for your particular needs. They become a visible reminder to others that there exist people in the world who need our prayers and those faithful in turn can offer prayers on your behalf, even with no awareness of what your particular need is. There is almost always a cash box for freewill donations to offset the cost of the candles.
I sat in front of the cross aisle on the right hand side. This happened to be in front also of the overly ampliphied music leaders.
I must confess that as the Mass was about to begin I wondered if there would be music at all since the music ministers were no where to be found. At about 9 AM a nun dressed in white with a brown veil, possibly a benedictine (the order of hospitality) which makes the rest of this story more ironic.
There were 46 of us present for the Mass. We were spread throughout the large church (about 1/10 of the capacity). The nun, after lighting the candles on the altar (six of them, purple in color) moved to the music area and introduced our opening song (Hosea).
Come back to me
with all youir heart.
Don't let fear, keep us apart...
The amplification of the thrill canary-esque voices of this nun and the guitar accompanist was deafening (this from a guy who was in third row at a Neil Diaomnd concert the night before).
The presider, probably a decent enough sort, processed in from the side of the sanctuary. He gave a few opening comments about next Sunday being "Palm" or "Passion Sunday" and proceeded with the opening prayers of Mass.
As father moved forward to read the gospel I noticed a young man entering the side of the church to my left quietly so as not to draw attention to himself. He was carrying a skateboard and looked pretty rugged.
He genuflected and worked his way to the back of the church to the statue of Mary and the candles. At the same time, the nun who was leading music moved from her spot and walked toward the back of the church as well. Anyone who has had the privilege of Catholic education can imagine vividly the demeanor she took on during this time. Sister Mary Nazi was on the prowl.
It is important to note that the Gospel Reading taking place at this time was the story of the raising of Lazerus. This particular story, in the context of Lent and in preparation for the remembrance of the passion next weekend has two of the most profound statements of faith that exist in the whole of the Gospel. There is Thomas the Apostle's "let us also go to die with him." and Martha's "Lord I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Holy One of God."
So as the 40 some of us are having the Gospel opened for us the nun found her way to the young man, who after lighting his candles took a spot in one of the back pews kneeling in prayer. She said something to him that was audible (halfway across the church) but not understandable to my ear.
He tried to slide down the pew from her and continue his prayer. I had since changed my posture because I wanted to observe this spectacle better. She followed after him now and was asking him to empty his pockets and in the background at this exact moment I could hear the priest recalling the words of Jesus to Martha "your brother shall rise again".
He took two of the votives out of his pocket and started to cry as she called him a thief and told him that people pay for those candles that he used and tried now to steal. She pointed to the front door and he left. His sobs were so strong that his chest was heaving.
The rugged hard shell that exists when one is forced into selling their own body was gone. This woman used the capacity that God gives us all to reach within another human being and instead of showing him the face of Christ, or better still letting the face of Christ come forth from him, she shamed him and made him feel like a defenseless weeping little boy.
"The Gospel of The Lord" could be heard in its overampliphied tones along with the response "thanks be to God".
I decided that the mood for worship was gone for me and departed from the church. I am not sure if I will be able to find another opportunity this Sunday but couldn't stay after having witnessed this debacle.
As I went out the front steps of the church I noticed that this young man was the same one that had called out the night before, "Need some company, mate. Take me home, mate. Worth your while, mate"
He was crying on the front steps of the same church where he had been the night before. I asked if he was okay and he offered this sponteneous confession of sorts.
" I got nothing, mate. I am worthless and homeless. I wanted to pray. I needed to go to church. I stole candles to try to get some food. I've been selling my bum trying to get some money for food and a roof." "I got no where to go." He said between sobs.
I gave him the $10 intended for the collection basket. And while I have no doubt this boy will be out on the streets again tonight I still felt it was better used then it would have been by this particular church. I also have no doubt that the nun who seemed a bit too satisfied with herself will be telling a whole different account of this story.
Would this parish in one of the seediest parts of town be struggling for its life if the people represented by the woman who greeted me, the nun and the over ampliphied self-important musician actually put into practice the messages of the lenten gospels?
I am not surprised that places like the Cathedral of St Mary exist. In fact, you can pretty much count on it in every city in the world, whatever the religion. But when the church of our Lord exists in an area where his love is clearly needed we all-to-often blunder at letting him work in us.
Whatever your faith, look for the opportunity to offer God's love to others. Even if they don't see it in themselves, each and every one is worthy of God's goodness- reach out and say to the most desperate ones you can find - rise, see, believe, live.
Friday, March 11, 2005
From Sydney
I suppose it would be possible, if one had enough time, to walk everywhere in Sydney. I am having a great time just hanging out and people watching.
Olympic Park is a bit of a distance however and it would be unreasonable to try to take on that travel on foot at night.
The concert last night was great. The people in Sydney are every bit as reserved as their NZ counterparts but I overcame that obstacle with an aisle seat, stage right row 14. The area behind be was a walk-though between sections so there was no one behind to complain.
There were times during the show when it was obvious that Neil was performing just for me -"Skybird" and "Beautiful Noise" he actually pointed right at me and at the beginning of Red Red Wine he laughed at me.
Lots have been asking , here on the blog and through email for links to Chris' travelblog. I will attempt that when I get home and have my one computer in front of me again.
I am also working on a book that I picked up in a coffee house here in Sydney. There is a volunteer organization to promote world-wide literacy bookcrossings.org . The idea is you leave books around in public places for others to read and share and follow the books travel story. Think how fascinated the woman who purchased this bookm will be when it ends up at a coffee shop in Minneapolis.
Welcome to new readers - Gotta run.
What an interesting world we live in
Olympic Park is a bit of a distance however and it would be unreasonable to try to take on that travel on foot at night.
The concert last night was great. The people in Sydney are every bit as reserved as their NZ counterparts but I overcame that obstacle with an aisle seat, stage right row 14. The area behind be was a walk-though between sections so there was no one behind to complain.
There were times during the show when it was obvious that Neil was performing just for me -"Skybird" and "Beautiful Noise" he actually pointed right at me and at the beginning of Red Red Wine he laughed at me.
Lots have been asking , here on the blog and through email for links to Chris' travelblog. I will attempt that when I get home and have my one computer in front of me again.
I am also working on a book that I picked up in a coffee house here in Sydney. There is a volunteer organization to promote world-wide literacy bookcrossings.org . The idea is you leave books around in public places for others to read and share and follow the books travel story. Think how fascinated the woman who purchased this bookm will be when it ends up at a coffee shop in Minneapolis.
Welcome to new readers - Gotta run.
What an interesting world we live in
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
I thought Chris was interesting
because the concept of doing what he did and is doing was so foreign to me. Then today I met brad, from Florida. He is roughly the same age and his story is pretty much the same (except that he started in Europe and Asia and is continuing now through Australia and New Zealand before heading home in May.
Is there anyone who has information of similar people? this is apparently more common than I thought.
Is there anyone who has information of similar people? this is apparently more common than I thought.
I had the coolest time today.
On the flight to Sydney I had the privilege of meeting an interesting young man named Chris.
The first person to coin the phrase, " Youth is wasted on the wrong people." was not talking about Chris.
Chris sat next to me on the flight over to Sydney. I recognized the US accent, which at this point I am beginning to miss more than I thought I would.
In the next several hours I came to discover that Chris has taken the opportunity to travel around the world, with no particular destinations in mind and no particular time-frame. He is spending the night in Sydney before going on to Singapore.
How many of us wish we had the carefree spirit it would take to make such a huge leap of faith?
Anyone who has ever traveled with me before knows that I am the sort who keeps to my own business and really don't much want to know about the person sitting next to me- save that they have bathed within the past week. But Chris has an infectious and friendly demeanor that led me to actually want to hear what he had to say. I found myself greatly admiring-as I said to him -the sense of adventure it would take to leave a relatively secure position in order to see the world and travel unencumbered. We ended up sharing a shuttle into town and continuing our conversation into dinner (a late dinner by my standard). I hope the conversation was half as exciting for him.
The point of my even mentioning Chris is that meeting this interesting sort of person demonstrates exactly the kind of thing that can happen on any journey- no matter how brief.
Chris shared his travel blog information with me. I hope to follow him for a bit and see where his adventures take him.
I hope his story - even as briefly shared as it is in this spot- encourages others to take the risk and live life to the full.
The first person to coin the phrase, " Youth is wasted on the wrong people." was not talking about Chris.
Chris sat next to me on the flight over to Sydney. I recognized the US accent, which at this point I am beginning to miss more than I thought I would.
In the next several hours I came to discover that Chris has taken the opportunity to travel around the world, with no particular destinations in mind and no particular time-frame. He is spending the night in Sydney before going on to Singapore.
How many of us wish we had the carefree spirit it would take to make such a huge leap of faith?
Anyone who has ever traveled with me before knows that I am the sort who keeps to my own business and really don't much want to know about the person sitting next to me- save that they have bathed within the past week. But Chris has an infectious and friendly demeanor that led me to actually want to hear what he had to say. I found myself greatly admiring-as I said to him -the sense of adventure it would take to leave a relatively secure position in order to see the world and travel unencumbered. We ended up sharing a shuttle into town and continuing our conversation into dinner (a late dinner by my standard). I hope the conversation was half as exciting for him.
The point of my even mentioning Chris is that meeting this interesting sort of person demonstrates exactly the kind of thing that can happen on any journey- no matter how brief.
Chris shared his travel blog information with me. I hope to follow him for a bit and see where his adventures take him.
I hope his story - even as briefly shared as it is in this spot- encourages others to take the risk and live life to the full.
A review from the second concert in Christchurch New Zealand
March 8th Review,
Okay, after last night’s concert I understand a bit better why Christchurch folks are so reserved.
There was a guy behind me who looked about 25 or so. Married to a girl, he says who “hates Neil” so he was there with his dad. They both were very stoic in their appreciation (arms crossed and all that) but seemed to get a huge kick out of me. As the show progressed I noticed the older of the two was singing and clapping along with every song . At “America” I stood and my whole group was right with me. I would later learn that the commentary before the song would perhaps not be well received by many there given the political climate. The group standing for this song was again a small minority.
I got the first hint of what can happen when a kiwi let’s his guard down (probably because someone around them is being more foolish than they could ever look themselves) during “Forever In Bluejeans”. The stoic, macho father/son pair behind me, my whole row, and eventually the whole stadium (save about 6 really stubborn kiwis in the first raised row just to the left of my seats) were on their feet and quite unwilling to sit at the end of the song. Loud sing-along from a group in my section during You Don’t Bring Me Flowers was a surprise even to me. I don’t think I have ever seen that before.
Now when kiwis cut loose, and they did, a reasonable person might fear, just a bit for his life.
How many of you have ever been the person in the center of a row during Sweet Caroline when the half to your right is swaying to- and- fro and the half to your left is swaying fro- and- to? I was getting seriously squished ( the son from the father/son team behind me found that very amusing, btw). I even tried without success to get the two groups to come together but ultimately decided that my best move was to duck and cover. At this point the whole crowd was pretty well into the show. They stayed on their feet through “I’m a Believer” and seemed quite reluctant to sit as “Glory Road” began.
The crowd, once they came to life were quite lively indeed. They stood (every one) from the end of IAIS until the band left the stage. Other than the fact that I am a bit black and blue - this could well be one of the best concert experiences I have ever had (perhaps a top-10). Neil was rock solid tonight. His voice was rich and his timing is really coming together.
As I sit here in the airport at Christchurch, there is much more to reflect on regarding my experience here. I learned that the further south you go in NZ, the more culturally conservative the people are (remember folks, no pink shirts on guys south of Aukland). I also learned that you should be careful what you ask for when trying to get people to come out of their shell. There is usually a party animal locked somewhere deep inside. In groups this can be quite dangerous.
I also benefited from conversations with the natives which helped me to understand relations between our nations and a bit about the Kiwi economy. Given their liberal politics and conservative lifestyles, any mid-westerner from the US would feel quite at home here. I recommend NZ for anyone whether you are coming to see Neil or take in the sites and possible a rugby game.
In the Band intro, Neil promises, “we’re gonna rock this town.” He delivered big time.
A few doses of pain killer and a good couple of nights sleep and I will be ready for Sydney.
Okay, after last night’s concert I understand a bit better why Christchurch folks are so reserved.
There was a guy behind me who looked about 25 or so. Married to a girl, he says who “hates Neil” so he was there with his dad. They both were very stoic in their appreciation (arms crossed and all that) but seemed to get a huge kick out of me. As the show progressed I noticed the older of the two was singing and clapping along with every song . At “America” I stood and my whole group was right with me. I would later learn that the commentary before the song would perhaps not be well received by many there given the political climate. The group standing for this song was again a small minority.
I got the first hint of what can happen when a kiwi let’s his guard down (probably because someone around them is being more foolish than they could ever look themselves) during “Forever In Bluejeans”. The stoic, macho father/son pair behind me, my whole row, and eventually the whole stadium (save about 6 really stubborn kiwis in the first raised row just to the left of my seats) were on their feet and quite unwilling to sit at the end of the song. Loud sing-along from a group in my section during You Don’t Bring Me Flowers was a surprise even to me. I don’t think I have ever seen that before.
Now when kiwis cut loose, and they did, a reasonable person might fear, just a bit for his life.
How many of you have ever been the person in the center of a row during Sweet Caroline when the half to your right is swaying to- and- fro and the half to your left is swaying fro- and- to? I was getting seriously squished ( the son from the father/son team behind me found that very amusing, btw). I even tried without success to get the two groups to come together but ultimately decided that my best move was to duck and cover. At this point the whole crowd was pretty well into the show. They stayed on their feet through “I’m a Believer” and seemed quite reluctant to sit as “Glory Road” began.
The crowd, once they came to life were quite lively indeed. They stood (every one) from the end of IAIS until the band left the stage. Other than the fact that I am a bit black and blue - this could well be one of the best concert experiences I have ever had (perhaps a top-10). Neil was rock solid tonight. His voice was rich and his timing is really coming together.
As I sit here in the airport at Christchurch, there is much more to reflect on regarding my experience here. I learned that the further south you go in NZ, the more culturally conservative the people are (remember folks, no pink shirts on guys south of Aukland). I also learned that you should be careful what you ask for when trying to get people to come out of their shell. There is usually a party animal locked somewhere deep inside. In groups this can be quite dangerous.
I also benefited from conversations with the natives which helped me to understand relations between our nations and a bit about the Kiwi economy. Given their liberal politics and conservative lifestyles, any mid-westerner from the US would feel quite at home here. I recommend NZ for anyone whether you are coming to see Neil or take in the sites and possible a rugby game.
In the Band intro, Neil promises, “we’re gonna rock this town.” He delivered big time.
A few doses of pain killer and a good couple of nights sleep and I will be ready for Sydney.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
bland sausage and runny milkshakes, bad news
all this leading up to the big moment when neil takes the stage three hours from now.
The news here had an interesting piece about the italian killed by US troops. I am curious if US media covered it at all. Please Share!!!
The news here had an interesting piece about the italian killed by US troops. I am curious if US media covered it at all. Please Share!!!
Saturday, March 05, 2005
The New Zealand Star-Times had this with an excellent Photo
Neil Diamond Electrified a capacity - if elderly- crowd of 32,000 at Wellington's Westpac Stadium last night. The 64 year old, who made his sequinned body suits famous, (why don't they let it go already?)will play two further sold out concerts in Christchurch tomorrow and Tuesday. He has insisted ticket prices for his tour remain under $100 because he wants as many people as possible to see his shows.
I don't see any sequins on his shirt, which is black and has a tight flowered embroidery over the shoulders and front. I tried to work out a way to email the photo but am still having tech problems.
Just under two days before I see for myself.
I don't see any sequins on his shirt, which is black and has a tight flowered embroidery over the shoulders and front. I tried to work out a way to email the photo but am still having tech problems.
Just under two days before I see for myself.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Arrived in Christchurch
There was a car that drove by blairing Neil Diamond out his windows. That was cool. It is obvious why that guy is here. Met a woman today who didn't know Neil is in town. She was on a flight out and was understandably bummed. More later.
jon
jon
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
The next 11 days
Join me as I embark on a journey down under to follow one of my truest passions. Neil Diamond will be touring in New Zaland and in Autralia. I will be at the concerts in Christchurch and in Sydney.
I will do what I can to give periodic updates from new Zealand and Australia focussed on the concerts (March 7,8, 11,12,13) and the sites as I take them in. If you don't see updates, assume I am an idiot and unable to handle the technology.
Peace.
I will do what I can to give periodic updates from new Zealand and Australia focussed on the concerts (March 7,8, 11,12,13) and the sites as I take them in. If you don't see updates, assume I am an idiot and unable to handle the technology.
Peace.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
As Reported on Air America Radio...
Al Franken, after giving due consideration to the possibilities, and after dragging out the announcement for the whole of his three-hour program (broadcast today from Washington DC), has decided that he will not run for the Minnesota US senate seat being vacated by Dayton in 2006.
What this will ultimately mean for Minnesota has yet to be determined. I have not been very warm to the idea of Franken actually running except that I wanted to see him give Norm Coleman a whapping in public ( a race that would take place in '08). I have always thought Franken is a bright man but he has spent his carreer making people laugh. The big question that remains for him is whether or not people will now take him seriously.
The field for 2006 remains wide open and the pundits for local and national radio are focussing only on the right-wing side of things. Perhaps Al Franken has a heart-felt desire also to take it to Norm Coleman publicly. The 2008 race gives Al a chance to develop his viability.
His recent work as a talk show host puts him in good company as far as Minnesota politics is concerned. Our current fluffy junior senator, Norm Coleman, worked for the local right-wing hack station (KSTP AM) as did our former Governor Jesse Ventura. Former Senator Rod Grams also had experience as a small-time TV news anchor.
His candidacy would certainly make any race much more interesting. The legacy of Hubert H Humphrey, Walter Mondale and Paul Wellstone, as it would be lvied out in Al Franken, will have to wait a bit longer.
I wonder what Paul's older son is doing in 2006.
What this will ultimately mean for Minnesota has yet to be determined. I have not been very warm to the idea of Franken actually running except that I wanted to see him give Norm Coleman a whapping in public ( a race that would take place in '08). I have always thought Franken is a bright man but he has spent his carreer making people laugh. The big question that remains for him is whether or not people will now take him seriously.
The field for 2006 remains wide open and the pundits for local and national radio are focussing only on the right-wing side of things. Perhaps Al Franken has a heart-felt desire also to take it to Norm Coleman publicly. The 2008 race gives Al a chance to develop his viability.
His recent work as a talk show host puts him in good company as far as Minnesota politics is concerned. Our current fluffy junior senator, Norm Coleman, worked for the local right-wing hack station (KSTP AM) as did our former Governor Jesse Ventura. Former Senator Rod Grams also had experience as a small-time TV news anchor.
His candidacy would certainly make any race much more interesting. The legacy of Hubert H Humphrey, Walter Mondale and Paul Wellstone, as it would be lvied out in Al Franken, will have to wait a bit longer.
I wonder what Paul's older son is doing in 2006.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Dayton decides not to Run!!!
Mark Dayton, Democrat, Senior Senator for Minnesota, announces today that he will not seek a secon term. I am befuddled. This is a man who has been trying to be a senator for as long as I can remember.
In the past Month Dayton seemed to have found his voice and his seat was marked as one of the top 'must have" seats for Republicans in the next cycle. So why, just when he seems to be growing a pair, does Dayton decide to step aside? If you figure it out let me know. I always thought this guy was a hack. In his own words - he isn't the strongest candidate the dems have to offer. This from the incumbent senior senator.
Does Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybek have what it takes to be the next Wellstone? Will Patty Wetterling dust her self off from her miserable congressional run last fall and claim the mantle for herself? And what about Al Franken?
I know we are two years out on this thing but expect an interesting and active few weeks in Minnesota politics.
In the past Month Dayton seemed to have found his voice and his seat was marked as one of the top 'must have" seats for Republicans in the next cycle. So why, just when he seems to be growing a pair, does Dayton decide to step aside? If you figure it out let me know. I always thought this guy was a hack. In his own words - he isn't the strongest candidate the dems have to offer. This from the incumbent senior senator.
Does Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybek have what it takes to be the next Wellstone? Will Patty Wetterling dust her self off from her miserable congressional run last fall and claim the mantle for herself? And what about Al Franken?
I know we are two years out on this thing but expect an interesting and active few weeks in Minnesota politics.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
And a Word about the State of The Union
GW must have been very grateful to Joe Leiberman. And I doubt no one was more shocked than Joe Leiberman when GW grabbed the back of his head and planted a big wet one on his cheek.
I watched for a bit and did not see the Prez kiss any other members of congress, even from his own party - for better or worse, those odd times when Joe was the only member in the whole chamber to applaud paid off (albeit in a very odd way).
I watched for a bit and did not see the Prez kiss any other members of congress, even from his own party - for better or worse, those odd times when Joe was the only member in the whole chamber to applaud paid off (albeit in a very odd way).
Bush's proposed SYGA
Second of two articles about Social Security.
This is a final indicator that we are in a new "Me Decade".
This is a final indicator that we are in a new "Me Decade".
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Give 'Em the Finger.!..
Kudos to the Iraqi people. They turned out, by all reports, in high numbers, especially when compared to the pathetic turnout reported in the US. They should be proud of themselves.
I resist my natural cynicism in order to celebrate this historic moment and will wait until more information is given to us about what exactly they have voted for.
I love the purple index finger idea. It would seem that this idea, along with others implemented in Iraq to increase voter turnout and accurately discern who has voted (presumably to avoid voter fraud) could have easily been used in the US last November.
Some of these ideas, if slightly modified, could have served us well last November. The purple finger, for instance, needs only minor modification- move one digit toward the center (isn't the center the way of today's politics after all). We could then all exit the polls and extend an instant message to the pollsters, pundits and media in general while at the same time renew the sense of defiance that an informed vote should express.
Secondly, all parties and political leaders should do whatever they can in their power to make sure that every citizen has easy access to the polls. I have heard no reports of guns or snipers last November but anyone who follows the news is well aware that efforts were made to squelch the voting of particular groups in particular areas of the country. And to be clear, I am not pointing "a finger" at the right or the left in this regard.
Again, let's celebrate with and for the Iraqi people, but let's hope they did better for themselves than we have done of late.
I resist my natural cynicism in order to celebrate this historic moment and will wait until more information is given to us about what exactly they have voted for.
I love the purple index finger idea. It would seem that this idea, along with others implemented in Iraq to increase voter turnout and accurately discern who has voted (presumably to avoid voter fraud) could have easily been used in the US last November.
Some of these ideas, if slightly modified, could have served us well last November. The purple finger, for instance, needs only minor modification- move one digit toward the center (isn't the center the way of today's politics after all). We could then all exit the polls and extend an instant message to the pollsters, pundits and media in general while at the same time renew the sense of defiance that an informed vote should express.
Secondly, all parties and political leaders should do whatever they can in their power to make sure that every citizen has easy access to the polls. I have heard no reports of guns or snipers last November but anyone who follows the news is well aware that efforts were made to squelch the voting of particular groups in particular areas of the country. And to be clear, I am not pointing "a finger" at the right or the left in this regard.
Again, let's celebrate with and for the Iraqi people, but let's hope they did better for themselves than we have done of late.
Something New
A busy life of moving and trying to reorganize has kept me away for a while. Look for renewed activity in the later part of next week (around Feb 10 or so). Until then, I invite comment as to what you might be looking for in this blog space.
It woud be good to stir up some rousing conversations.
Until then, Peace.
It woud be good to stir up some rousing conversations.
Until then, Peace.
Monday, January 17, 2005
What is you new name?
Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name: a = poopsie b = lumpy c = buttercup d = gadget e = crusty f = greasy g = fluffy h = cheeseball i = chim-chim j = stinky k = flunky l = bootie m = pinky n = zippy o = goober p = doofus q = slimy r = loopy s = snotty t = tootie u = dorkey v = squeezit w = oprah x = skipper y = dinky z = zsa-zsa Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name: a = apple b = toilet c = giggle d = burger e = girdle f = barf g = lizard h = waffle i = cootie j = monkey k = potty l = liver m = banana n = rhino o = bubble p = hamster q = toad r = gizzard s = pizza t = gerbil u = chicken v = pickle w = chuckle x = tofu y = gorilla z = stinker Use the fourth letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name: a = head b = mouth c = face d = nose e = tush f = breath g = pants h = shorts i = lips j = honker k = butt l = brain m = tushie n = biscuits o = hiney p = chunks q = toes r = buns s = fanny t = sniffer u = sprinkles v = kisser w = squirt x = humperdinck y = brains z = juice
Just call me Zippy Wafflebrain
Just call me Zippy Wafflebrain
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