How I Relax

This is how I relax folks while I'm on my computer. I put on a good "Music For Shops" DJ. I love the continuous beat that blends one song into another. 

My subscription of YouTube is perhaps one of my best investments. I can access DJ's like Dj Ricardo Morro, and play their latest playlist on my iMac with my old (twelve years) Bose speakers with a floor subwoofer. 

At this time of my life I need to relax. My blood pressure is still high (154 over 80 this morning) so I need something to help me relax. Trump is in office the next four years so that horrendous fact is enough alone to keep my blood pressure high. There isn't much I can do about that other than keep a low profile and hope I outlive the son of a bitch. I would love to have a cat but having a pet at my age is just impractical. First of all, the pet will outlive me. Secondly I'm just one fall away from taking up residence in a hospital....again. Who would take care of my pet? No one, that's who. Another problem with having a pet is that I sleep a lot these days in my old age dotage, and having a pet would constantly disrupt those long periods of sleep which I so enjoy. I just got up from my daily one to two hour afternoon nap.

I've always like a music with a "good beat."  Remember the old "American Bandstand" days (from the Fifties in Philadelphia folks) with Dick Clark. I used to watch that show every day when I came home from school at 3:30 PM. I think the show ran for two hours daily until Dick Clark sold out and took "American Bandstand" to Hollywood. I stopped watching the show then. I was even on the show once in 1958. I along with about eight other teenagers won a one hundred word essay contest with the subject "Why I Would Like To Be On American Bandstand to Celebrate the Downingtown BiCentennial." Yep, I won for real. What I remember about American Bandstand was how small the studio in West Philly was and the long line of local teenagers waiting to get in. We (me and my fellow winners) of course got in ahead of that riff raff. The day I was there Dick Clark wasn't there. I don't know where he was but his substitute was Julius LaRosa, the old Arthur Godfrey alumnus. The guest singing group that day was The Royal Teens who sand "Who Wears Short Shorts." I don't know what I was thinking but I never thought to take a camera with me. Here's something that gets me. The people who organized the trip should have taken a group picture of us. Of course they didn't. That also reminds me of the time I won a trip to New York City when I was a paper boy.

One of two pictures I still have of that trip to New York City in 1958. I think I had eight black and white photos on my Kodak Brownie camera, these are the only two I could find. 

I did make it to the top of the Empire State Building of which this is not a photo of but I was impressed with the General Motors building back then which shows you how easily I was impressed back then.

There were about a dozen of us paperboys who won the trip, our chaperone of course didn't take a group picture. I took some scenery pictures which are almost totally useless these days. I'll look for one to include in this post. I never thought to take a picture of myself or my fellow twelve year old paperboys. 

Twelve year old me with my trusty paper boy bike which I used to brake by riding the pedals backwards. Believe it or not I never once fell off that bike even after using it for five years to deliver newspapers daily after school. And no, I never folded my newspapers and threw them either at the door of my customers or the lawn. I always put the newspapers in side their storm door or under their mat. No one told me to do this but I thought it was a good idea. I was born with empathy folks, unlike our current president and many of our fellow human beings these days. Some might look at this as a curse (having empathy) but to me it was the only way I could live even though at times in my life that empathy was taken advantage of as a weakness and others thought to exploit it. Something I didn't realize until late in life but that's why we are here folks to learn. And believe me I have learned. 

Boy, did I stray off the subject here or what? Not really because while I'm typing this nostalgia I'm listening to Dj Ricardo Morro! 

Maybe in my next life I'm come back as one of the escorts of trips. Today I just finished sending out the rest of my personalized desk calendars that I make every year. I use photos from my previous year when I make the calendars. I think I was a photographer in my Previous Life. I know I LOVE taking pictures for posterity. Gives me a great deal of pleasure. Most of my friends often complain that this habit of taking photos and now short videos annoys them but I just ignore their complaints. Not only do I like to take photos and videos I like to receive them too. Rarely does that happen even though I often ask for them. Just this past week I asked a former classmate of mine to take a group photo of our class of 1959 Annual Christmas luncheon. 

A Christmas Luncheon December 20, 2005 of me and my boss and co-workers at First Financial Bank. I asked the waitress to take this picture. It works!

In past years I took all the photos of our class reunions. I can't do that now because I don't travel like I used to. I also asked my former classmate to include himself in the photo. The last time when he remembered to take a photo he took it himself and didn't included himself in the photo. I gave him a tip "Ask the waitress to take the photo." So what happened this time? Of course he forgot. 

This is what it looks like when I take the picture myself. From December 20, 2005, twenty years ago!!

I guess some people just don't have the same priorities that I do. Even Pat, who I love, even mocks me for taking so many photos. I've learned over the years to brush off those complaints because many a time I go back and look at those photos and videos and relive those wonderful experiences. I especially love looking at these photo and videos now at my age, now that I'm coming to an end in this life and about to either embark on a couple hundred years in the spirit world or maybe be reborn immediately, in which in my next life I'll have my latest iPhone and I can take a ton of photos and videos! By the way, wouldn't it be wonderful to have photos and videos of your past lives? I hear that when you die you get to see a replay of all those scenarios. That's something else I'm looking forward to when I rejoin Bill in the spirit world, at review of my past life this time around.

Did anyone spend anytime listening to this DJ? Or is it just weird me? To think that back in the eighties (1980 to be precise) I used to go to the after hours gay clubs and position myself next to one of those four foot speakers and totally absorb the beat of whatever playlist the in house DJ was providing all us drunken gay guys looking for Mr. Perfect in All The Wrong Places. Ironic for me because here I had Mr. Perfect the whole time at home, Bill.

Music For Shopping In Upscale Clothing Stores

A few years ago, in my Previous Life, when Pat and I used to go on our quarterly trips, I encountered this type of music.

The place was at a very upscale clothing store (whose name I do not remember) at The Grove Mall in West Hollywood. I couldn't afford any of the clothing in that store but what cool music they had playing in the background. That music put me in the mood to part with all my money and buy some of those cool very expensive clothes that were draped in the shadows of that ever so cool clothing emporium. Listening to the throbbing beat of this music, the feeling was sensual. How clever of Them to create the Whole Experience while shopping in that rarefied atmosphere of which I could never afford in one hundred lifetimes. 

This music leaves my previous favorite 70's disco music in the dust. If I ever had a memorial service when I pass away, play this music......please.

Now if  you're of a mind for some grand relaxation, play this music with some good speakers with a sub woofer (I use Bose) and go about your daily routine. I have a feeling your spirits will be uplifted as mine is. 

The 45s Demo

Hey guys, if you ever need a nice laid back band that plays great Sixties hits, it's the 45's! Of course I have a vested interest, my friend Pat is the bass player. 

Take a listen and a look. Aren't they great? 

Joe Cocker - Cry Me A River (LIVE in Dortmund) HD

Another go to for me to lighten my spirits in these times of COVID and winter snow storms is to bring me up a little Joe Cocker. 

This video of Joe Cocker singing "Cry Me A River" is a great example of how he takes a classic song and makes it his own. 

"Cry Me A River" is one of my all-time favorite songs but I've never heard an upbeat version like this before and I like it!

Another thing about a Joe Cocker concert, he doesn't need all the flashy pyrotechnics and sequin flashy outfits, although I have no problem with those flashy Elvis/Elton John concerts. With Joe Cocker you have a stout, older man dressed usually in black and just a great band behind him. And notice Joe let's his musicians take the stage and solo their talents. 

Joe Cocker, truly one of the great entertainers of our time. So any good ones, gone now. 

You can have your Barry Manilows and Celine Dions, I'll take a Joe Cocker anytime.

The 45's 60's Band of Toronto Canada

Yesterday I was talking to my former boss and long time friend Bill P. on the phone.  Bill lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania now.  For many years in the late 60's, 70's and 80's we worked together at Girard Bank (now Mellon bank) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bill is a longtime fan of doc-wop music from the Fifties.  He's also a classic (50's) car fan.  I mentioned to him that my new friend Pat (you all know "Pat" from Toronto, Canada, my Travel Buddy and soul brother) plays part-time in a band called "The 45's". See HERE. They play music from the 60's.

Pat's been playing his whole life.  Here is an early band album cover of Pat and his band.

Pat, in the foreground on the right holding the CD and his band

After I told Bill about Pat (who I hope I can introduce to each other some day, I love to have friends from different parts of my life intersect), Bill had asked if he could see on You Tube Pat's band.  Bill's son also plays in a band of "old guys."  

At the beginning of this blog post is what I found on You Tube this morning.  First time I've seen it!  

I had a little difficulty finding a video of "The 45's" because, apparently there is more than one group called "The 45's".  Somebody didn't copyright the name (fellas).  Maybe they should have called their band "Five Naked Ladies."  But wait, there is already a band by that name isn't there?  And actually that is a Canadian band too, isn't it?

So folks, for your listening pleasure here is my friend Pat's band, The 45's.

The Beats

I've always felt that I have lived before.  My earliest memory was when I was about three or four years old.  I know that because it was before I started elementary school (1st grade) when I was five years old.  My memory was "Here I go again, a fresh start."  Really, that is a memory imbedded in my brain storage bank.

All my life I have been attracted to music with a steady beat.  

When I was in school I played the Sousaphone, which is a bass instrument.  Of course I wanted to play the bass drum but my best friend (Bill B.) played that big drum. We traveled together on the band bus, the last to load our instruments in the bottom of the band bus we took to the away football games.

During the Seventies I loved disco music.  Mainly because of that steady beat.  I used to go to the after hours dance clubs and position myself next to the four foot tall speakers and dance (the "Elaine Dance") to the rhythm.  I frequently took my "sticks" to accompany the beat.

A couple of weeks ago I brought a Bose Wave radio.  I subscribed to the Internet radio station called "Antique Beats."  When I am at my computer now I listen to that station on my new Bose Wave radio, legs shaking to the beat.  In fact Pat has questioned "Why are you shaking?" when I talk to him on FaceTime and I have the radio on at the same time.  Hey man, I am ONE with THE BEAT.  

Well, this morning I found my absolute perfect selection  It is called "Rama" by Earthwise Sound System.  Folks, I can literally listen this music all day.  I am transported.  

Me, Halloween 1980

I listen and I am totally relaxed.  Not for me drug highs are overeating to bring solace to my soul.  All I have to do is listen to music like "Rama" and I am reminded that perhaps, just maybe, I was a . . . . something in a Previous Life.  I don't know, but this music seems awfully familiar.  

Do you think it would be asking too much to request this be played at my funeral?  This feels so right.

New Bose Wave Radio

Hey folks!  I just treated myself to a wonderful Christmas present - a new Bose Wave radio.

For years I've seen the ads for the Bose Wave radio in the back of my magazines.  I've always been intrigued but after reading the small print of how much the monthly payments were, I wasn't too keen on paying over $1,000 for a RADIO, no matter how good the sound.  What?  Do I want to listen to commercials in fantastic sound? That's the reason I don't listen to radio .  . . the commercials. 

But still, in my wanderings I have occasionally encountered a Bose radio and I have to tell you folks, I love the sound that comes out of that little box.  So, it's always been in the back of my mind to one day take the plunge and buy one.

Well, that time came two days ago.  While returning from a birthday lunch with my neighbor Barbara, I asked her to stop by the Bose store at the Tanger Outlet Center in Rehoboth Beach.  Well folks, I found exactly what I was looking for.  A fantastic piece of equipment that not only plays my CD's but has an app that I can hook up to Internet radio.  

Upon immediately entering the Bose store, I was greeted with a friendly and knowledgeable salesman (cute too, which always helps) who listened to me (oh how often to you get a salesperson who actually listens to you?) and found exactly what I was looking for.  And all for only $599.00.  And of course NO TAX because I am, after all, shopping in tax free Delaware. None of that 14% Toronto sales tax or even that 8% Philadelphia tax.  And of course none of the attitude that I usually encounter when dealing with other salespeople.  No pressure here folks, "Jim" just listened to what I was looking for and found it.  He even offered to take the box out to my car.  I was tempted (oh how I do like to be waited on my a nice looking man) but I told him I could manage. 

When I got home I was a little leary about setting up the app on my iPhone but folks, no problem.  I find lately companies are making it much easier to set up things digitally. Maybe they're taking their clue from the late Steve Jobs.  Whatever, I am one happy customer. 

Now I can play my Scrabble boards, check my e-mail and update my blog with fantastic musical accompaniment which makes for one Happy Ron. Frank is pretty happy too!

Frank's cousin "Jimmy" wants one too!

These Boots Are Made For Walking

Nancy "Natural Blonde" Sinatra (right)

"These Boots Are Made For Walking."  Who didn't like that little ditty?  I did.  Oh sure, it was probably only a hit for Nancy Sinatra because she got to the head of the line because she was Old Blue Eye's daughter.  But still, cute song.  I always liked it.  

No more.

This past August I visited my friend Pat in Toronto.  I stayed at his minimalist digs.  Quite nice although VERY minimal (you should have seen me trying to take a shower - like a flamingo standing on one leg - nothing to grab onto but I digress).  

Most evenings during my two week stay (yes, I overdid it but we won't go there now), we played Scrabble.  Pat has the Sonos music system in his house.  Music played softly through the walls.  That was fine until he decided to share his obsession with Nancy "These Boots Are Made For Walking" Sinatra with me.  

The first hour or two, I didn't take too much notice.  But as Nancy droned on into the third hour, I began to develop a rash and a heavy feeling at the base of my skull.  

"OMG" I thought.  "I can't take any more of her buzz saw like droning of music!"  To me Ms. Sinatra sings everything flat.  That's fine with a novelty song like "These Boots Are Made For Walking" but when she sings a serious song like "MacArthur - I left my cake in the rain - park", I'm thinking "All right!  I give up!  I'll tell you anything you want to know!"

Talk about cruel and unusual punishment.  Want to make a captured terrorist talk? Strap him down on a gurney and play "MacArthur Park" sung by Ms. Sinatra over and over and OVER.  

Folks, I can't stand to hear Nancy Sinatra now.  Just the sound of her D flat, drone causes my heart to slow down, the base of my skull becomes very heavy and I start experiencing sickening waves of nausea over my brain mass. 

Sorry beautiful - your singing just does work for me anymore

Reminds me of the story my brother Isaac told me when he took Army Basic Training.  During one of his mess hall dinners, there was left over hot dogs.  The sergeant asked the recruits "Anyone want these left over hot dogs?" Isaac, a strapping 18 year old at that time and never one to pass up an opportunity for extra food shot his hand up.  The sergeant saw his hand and said "Get your Ass Come up here recruit!"  Then he lifted the pan that contained the remaining hot dogs floating in cloudy hot water and told Isaac to help himself.  Isaac took one.  After he ate it, the sergeant told him to take another.  Isaac at that one too and the sergeant told him to take another.  What Isaac didn't know that the sergeant was playing one of the many old sadistic Army routines that are frequently played on new recruits. I had it done to me with left over strawberries for strawberry short cake. 

The Army doesn't like to waste food and the Army, during basic training likes to make examples of raw recruits to the other recruits for purposes of discipline.  The sergeant made my brother Isaac eat EVERY HOT DOG IN THAT PAN.  There were about seventeen hot dogs.  To this day, Isaac cannot even stand the sight of hot dogs. 

"GAG"

These must be a name for this condition when one gets an overload of something (help us out her Dr. Spo).  

All I know now is that whenever I even see a picture of Nancy Sinatra strains of her version of MacArthur Park start to invade my mind and I feel like I'm falling down a deep, dark hole.  

Nancy, stick with "These Boots Are Made For Walking."  You may be Ole Blue Eyes daughter but you're not Richard Harris.  

Bang bang.

Ja Vidi

"Ja Vidi"?  What does it mean?  I don't know.  But what I do know is that his song (and video) by Christopher Goze captured my attention this afternoon while I was at my computer. Often, when I'm at my computer I had Pandora radio on as background music to put me in the mood.  Well folks, this music definitely put me "in the mood."

First of all, don't be alarmed by the "Arabs" in the video and all those sharp scimitars.  Relax folks, it's only a video.  I know we're in the age where we're all supposed to be freaked out by anything "Arabic" (end of times don't you know) but the Middle Eastern culture is one of the world's oldest.  The Middle East was civilized several centuries before the Germanic hordes of Europe in the first thousand years after the birth of Christ.  Unfortunately, some of the more extreme religious in the Middle East are stuck in the 10th century and want to go back there by way of creating a modern day caliphate.  Ain't going to happen, especially with Western cultures foothold in the world and drones but one does have to admit they have a culture that should be respected.  After all that's were we have derived our writing and number system from, among many other contributions to civilized culture in this world.  

Me - Halloween - Venture Inn - Philadelphia, PA - 1980

Remember the old "American Bandstand" show that emanated from Philadelphia in the Fifties?  That was my time folks.  I used to rush home from school so I cold catch the show, which broadcast live every day from three to five in the afternoon.  One of my favorite segments of the show was where Dick Clark would gather some of the teens around a piano and play new music which they could then rate.  Almost invariably, the mostly inarticulate teens would begin their review "It's got a good beat."  Hey folks, "Ja Vida" has a good beat.  

So folks, I'm not taking sides in the current world conflict between Muslin religious extremists and the Christian nations but I am saying, take a listen.  Is this music (and video) cool or what?  Sure does beat those that old American Bandstand music. 




By the way, I don't get the symbolism of the upside down umbrellas at the end of the video.  If anyone does, leave a comment an explain please.

And another "by the way", after listening to the old kinescope recording of American Bandstand and the Ja Vidi video - have we come a long way or not folks?  

Viva la vida!

Blurred Lines

Okay folks, you all know me, Stuck in the Seventies. Disco and all that, stuck.  One of those "Old Disco Guys."

Then a few weeks ago, riding home from work at the hotel I was looking for a new channel on my Sirius satellite radio in my car and I heard "Blurred Lines."  I didn't know who was singing it, didn't even know the title but was immediately hooked on the "beat" as they used to say on "American Bandstand."

I HAD TO FIND OUT THE NAME OF THIS SONG.  I couldn't get it out of my mind.  A couple days later I heard it again somewhere; coming from someone's car in the Walmart parking lot?  I HAD TO FIND WHO SINGS THIS SONG.

Then tonight while I was watching a show on my favorite cable channel, MSNBC, they played a clip of Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel dancing to THIS SONG!

Now I had to do some serious research because this song is definitely a candidate for the sound track of my next iMovie.  

So I look it up and find that Alan Thicke's son Robin Thicke sings it.  I go to YouTube and find this video!

Check this video out.  Isn't this one of the most lame videos you've ever seen?  LOVE THE MUSIC but the video?  And do I detect a little foot fetish going on?  And what's this about Robin Thicke's Big Dick?  Oh my, how times have changed from "American Bandstand." I don't think Dick Clark would approve.  Nice beat though, you can dance to it as Rahm did.

Und Gut!

Something fun to watch and listen to, Oktoberfest.

Enjoy!