Just the other day....

I mentioned something that happened to me that was earth shattering. It has born fruit in the creation of another blog. I am quite disgusted with myself, to tell you the truth.You can find it under my links, MY OTHER ACTIVE BLOG. The inactive blog is NickedatNite.

A VANESSA MAE A DAY, KEEPS THE BLUES AWAY #1

Wow, can this girl ever play. I thought it was fitting, after the Buffalo Sabres rallied from three goals down to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins last night, that I begin with the Sabre dance. Enjoy!

ADS I SHOULD HAVE RESPONDED TO

Click on these pictures - they pump up really big!

AN AWAKENING

I had an awakening of sorts today about something really bothering me in my life. When these things happen I have to sit back and ascertain if it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me, or just a thought that popped into my head. Of course, the thought that popped into my head may have been God's prodding. I don't even know if I am up to much socializing until I get a handle on this situation. It was that earth shattering.

SMILING FACES - THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH

I immediately thought of this song yesterday during Christmas dinner. It was mentioned that a former "friend" of mine had said to one of my children, "Hey, be sure to say hi to your Dad." I get this a lot from people. I wonder why they can't just pick up the phone themselves and call me. I also have a cousin who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. She also always drops the "Hey, be sure to say hi to your Dad for me." Well, if you can chat online or talk on the phone with one of my kids,then it can be just as easy to give me a call. "Tell her she can look me up,I'm not that hard to find." I had a good Christmas except for near the end. My parents always try to stir up trouble and pit my wife and I against our daughters. I'm so tired of it, I wish I could just fly away sometimes and never come back to this town. I momentarily lost my composure last night, and briefly this afternoon, emotionally wise, but constantly reminded myself that my God is bigger than these problems, and I have to take the high road and keep my cool.Anyhow, The Temptations did a cover of this song, but the original is by the Undisputed Truth, and this goes out to all you two-faced, smiling trouble makers out there. You know who you are.

WORST CHRISTMAS ALBUMS

These just might be the worst Christmas albums I have ever heard of.

CHRISTMAS IN THE 50'S

MY BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER

My best present probably wasn't the most expensive one or the most valuable one I ever received. But it was a present that blew away all the kids in the neighborhood and made them the most jealous. I was probably around 10 years old or so, and at the time, a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I was even a proud card-carrying member of the Eddie Shack fan club. Well, when the Sears Christmas catalogue came to our mailbox in September, I was practically salivating over the white "away" Maple Leaf jersey that was for sale. Up until that time, only blue "home" jerseys were up for sale. The other big thing about Christmas was waiting for the big box of gifts that came from my beloved Oma and Opa in Holland. We got neat candies and Dutch games that were lots of fun. I even got a chocolate record, that you would play once and then eat. The one I got was of an organ grinder playing some kind of waltz or polka. Anyhow, the big day arrived and I got the sweater. I was so happy. The next day Carl Shepler and his brothers Billy, Darby and Terry and Gary Snyder and I went through a field to our little skating pond. I tried to get out to that pond a few years ago but it was impossible with all the brush that has now grown in. When I took my coat off no one could believe it when they saw my new Leaf sweater. However, my joy was short-lived when Owen Held came by, took off his coat and he was sporting a white Montreal Canadiens jersey. He then proceeded to punch the living crap out of me. It wasn't good, I kid you not. I wonder if Owen remembers that. He is now a plumber/preacher. I guess I have to forgive him. Merry Christmas, everyone.

THE WOMEN ARE SMARTER IN EVERY WAY

Sorry guys, I love this song, also covered by the Grateful Dead. This is a calypso style by the afore mentioned Robert Mitchum. I like to listen to warm weather songs on cold days.

DON'T HATE NOTHING AT ALL EXCEPT HATRED #4

The Cranberries. Not the kind we'll be enjoying in a few days at Christmas dinner, but the Irish rock band. This song has great imagery and has a strong anti-war message.

EDNA LOUISE - CAN YOU FIND THIS FOR ME? #1

If Edna Louise can't find this record for me, nobody can. Oh, btw, I got this neat little program that hooks an LP turntable up to a PC computer, and it rips the tracks onto a hard drive in an mp3 format. So now I am out shopping for some hard to find rarities. I also want to tell Edna Louise if she ever sees a record that interests her, I'll convert it to a CD, au gratis!

CHRIS TRAPPER - KEG ON MY COFFIN

I saw this man perform a while ago at the Tralf in Buffalo. The only other time I had been there was to see a jazz man by the name of Jimmy McGriff. The Tralf is sort of a hard place to find. I knew it was by Shea's and the Buffalo Christian Center but we drove by it becasue they isn't even any signs for it. I went around the block and a couple of damsels came to me in my distress, and told us where to park and where the entrance was. It was really a good concert, opened up by the Corrections, and if you ever get a chance to see either, go for it. Trapper is very talented, and writes very clever songs. I'm going to get more into his stuff this winter, when there is nothing to do but sit around the fire and get lazy.

SONGS - JOHNNY CASH - "RUSTY CAGE"

A cover of a song by Soundgarden. Johnny was like all of us eventually - a young man trapped in an old, decaying body. Well, don't ever pin us old-timers up against the wall, we ain't dead and useless yet. There's a guy at church I just love - George is his name. Just turned 96. Fought a number of years in WW2, chasing Rommell if I am not mistaken. Or maybe he was in Italy. Doesn't matter, he served his country well. This morning when I saw him the twinkle in his eye and the smile on his face tells me that George is young at heart. This one is for you, Happy Birthday!

DON'T HATE NOTHING AT ALL EXCEPT HATRED #3

This song is by Garland Jeffreys. Great songwriter and performer - I wonder why he never made it big. I have followed his career for years and hope to see him sometime. This song talks about pure ignorance. Ignorance that compels small people to use racial slurs and it makes me sick. Last year, before the Presidential election, I was delivering mail and thought I would try to catch up with a former customer, on another route, who's wife had passed away. I drove my postal truck by his house and he was out front raking leaves. I stopped and asked how he was doing, expressing my condolences, just small talk, then he got all red in the face and asked me what I thought of the election. Before I could even answer the question he said, "There is no way America will ever elect a nigger president. They'll shoot that black bastard before he ever gets into the White House." Well, I got out of there asap. And what makes this even sadder, if that is possible at all, is that if you don't know I am Canadian, so why would a Canadian get so worked up and hateful over another country's election. Just goes to show you, racism is based on stupidity, lack of reason, and pure hatred from the depths of hell. This song is called "Don't Call Me Buckwheat". There are very few videos avaiable of Garland Jeffreys.

SONGS - JOHNNY CASH - "DRIVE ON"

Whenever I get unsettled inside, whenever I feel like things I strive for are unravelling, whenever I feel like I am going backwards instead of forwards, I do 2 things. I read the Bible, it connects quickly to my spirit and I settle down. And I turn to music. Music is my language, music has made me who I am today, for the good and bad. One man I turn to often is Johnny Cash, especially his latter work released by American Recordings. This song, Drive On, is a tribute to the men and women who fought, who fought courageously, in Vietnam. A friend of mine lost a brother in Vietnam. I looked him up, online on the wall in washington, and I cried when I saw my friend's brother on there. I had another friend who fought in Vietnam with the Americal Division. Billy survived that, never talked too much about it, and died a few months after he got home when his car hit some black ice and smashed into a tree. It was Christmas Eve, 1971. Almost 40 years later, and I still get a lump in my throat and my eyes get watery when I think of Billy. It's funny how I remember the Mohawk haircut he had, and how he loved Terry Sawchuck, the hockey goalie. Though this song is of Vietnam, it reminds me of spiritual battles that we are all in. Drive On.

RIP Gary Wade

A friend of mine passed away a couple of days ago. His name was Gary Wade.He worked for over 40 years at Fleet Industries in Fort Erie. He was an avid fisherman and in my books was a real straight shooter. Most people you can't ever get a handle on. You just never know if they are being straight or playing you for a fool. He told you, sometimes very bluntly, what was on his mind and you grow to appreciate that in a person, though sometimes a little more tact would be nice! We went on a fishing trip once and I was to bring the beer. Someone mentioned that I should try Brava, which is similiar to Corona, but made in Canada. So I bought a couple 24's and Gary let me know after a sampling what he thought of the "no good simulated Mexican beer." His wife Brenda, whenever I see her, always asks me, "Hey, are you still drinking that cheap simulated Mexican beer?" Gary was also very tight-fisted with the almighty dollar. His sister told me a story today that was all Gary. He had a bottom feeder fish that died, and the warranty had expired by 2 days. So he stuck the fish in a freezer bag and froze it. He went to the store and bought another fish, waited a few days, thawed out the dead one and went back to the store for a refund. This is a picture in happier times, I think in a motel room in Orillia, before he tasted the Brava. Gary, may you rest in peace.

DON'T HATE NOTHING AT ALL EXCEPT HATRED #2

I had two opportunities to see Bob Marley way back when. The first time was in the early 70's and my friend Richard was bugging me to see Marley at Buff State. I hadn't heard too much of Marley at the time, and was too wrapped up in Dylan and Zappa (how is that for a combination) to bother exploring Marley. The other time was in the latter 70s, and I had purchased tickets for Bob Marley at Maple Leaf Gardens, but the show was cancelled due to his illness, and I never was able to get a refund. Their are two versions of this song I enjoy the most - this live one by Marley and the other was by Sinead O'Connor. That was at the BobFest concert where everyone booed the snot out of her (for saying the Pope was the real enemy on SNL) and she retaliated by singing War.I thought that was pretty ballsy.

DON'T HATE NOTHING AT ALL EXCEPT HATRED #1

There are many videos asociated with this song, but I think this captures the spirit best of Happy Xmas (War is Over).

WORKING CLASS HERO

JOHN LENNON

The day after John was murdered, a friend of mine left a note for me on his mailbox while I delivered his mail."The Dream is Over". As a Christian I can't say that I am extremely pleased about the lyrics of "Imagine" and "God". But I cannot deny that the music of John Lennon has made a personal impact on my life. The Plastic Ono album is unlike any piece of music I have ever heard before. The song "Mother" evokes a lot of emotion in me - a hurt, an anger, a frustration and indignation over my own personal situation. "Hold On" - I had no relationship back then to sustain me, but I longed for one. "I Found Out" - shortly after this album came out I did find out about the evils of society, the danger and wickedness potentially lurking behind every corner. I live my life very carefully. "Working Class Hero" - the education I received in Ontario was useless to me. Only as an adult have I found a hunger and thirst for knowledge. My career as a postal worker was a total waste of time, with stupid management making stupid rules, forever entrapped in this cat and mouse game. How humiliating. This song seems to go on forever with the recent cover by Green Day."Isolation" - alone with no one to blame, because they are victims too. "Remember" - sort of like what the Apostle Paul said in our living for today and forgetting about what hurts and failures lurk in the past. "Love" - the need to love and to be recepients of love. The song sung in such a beautiful melody, I often think of the opening piano notes. It slowly builds up until it washes over all me. "Well, Well. Well" is a song talking about the sheer lust and lunacy and togetherness that a couple experiences in their relationship. The joy of 2 becoming 1. "Look at Me' to me is a song about how the world looks at us, and what they see may not be reality, only we and our Creator know the real "me". "God" certainly impacted me as a song that triggered a spirtual search. Some faiths just seemed ridiculous to me, I always said I didn't become rastafari because I would look terrible in dreadlocks. But even as an unbeliever at the time, I would cringe when John would sing "I don't believe in Jesus." I can almost recall the times throughout my life when I used the name of Jesus in vain, sometimes before I came to Him, and even sometimes after. Whenever I have, I feel miserable for days and continually pray for forgiveness. How could I curse someone who loves me so? "My Mummy's Dead" - The intermingling of bitter/sweet and wondering how it could have all gone so freaking wrong?

PEARL HARBOR DAY - DECEMBER 7, 1941 "A DAY OF INFAMY"

The surprise attack resulted in 2402 American deaths and 1282 wounded. I would be insulting their memory if I wrote of the loss of ships.

ZHANG ZIYI - GOTTA LOVE HER!

I COULD NEVER DRINK FROM THIS FOUNTAIN

I don't care what anyone says, that sucker is a converted urinal!

PEOPLE I'D LIKE TO MEET AT A PARTY (AND WHY) #3

Richard George Manuel (April 3, 1943 – March 4, 1986) was a Canadian composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his contributions and membership in The Band. Richard Manuel was born in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. His father Ed was a mechanic employed by Chrysler, and his mother was a schoolteacher. He was raised with his three brothers, and the four sang in the church choir. Manuel took piano lessons beginning when he was nine, and enjoyed playing piano and rehearsing with his friends at his home. Some of his childhood influences were Ray Charles, Bobby Bland, Jimmy Reed and Otis Rush. He was given the nickname "The Beak" by his friends because of his prominent nose. (wikipedia) The Band was unique for many reasons, one of which having 3 “lead” singers – Richard, Rick Danko and Levon Helm. Though the others were very capable in their own right, none were the equal of Richard. "Richard Manuel was a whole show unto himself. He was hot. He was about the best singer I'd ever heard; most people said he reminded them of Ray Charles. He'd do those ballads, and the ladies would swoon. To me that became the highlight of our show." --Levon Helm "I was madly in love with Richard... At the time, [1975] we had the same troubles. I felt insecure and he was clearly insecure, and yet he was so incredibly gifted....For me he [Richard] was the true light of the Band. The other guys were fantastic talents, of course, but there was something of the holy madman about Richard. He was raw. When he sang in that high falsetto the hair on my neck would stand on end. Not many people can do that." --Eric Clapton When the Band broke up and went their separate ways, life was very difficult for Richard. It was said that he was drinking up to 12 bottles of Grand Marnier a day. After I read that I cracked open a bottle of that stuff I have laying around and it is very strong, I felt like it was almost syrupy and could hardly even manage a double, or was it a triple? All the members of The Band were having financial troubles, with the exception of Robbie Robertson. (We’ll save that story for another time). So The Band had to hit the road again, minus Robertson, and whereas before they were performing in large stadiums and arenas, now it was seedy night clubs and bars. Sort of like starting over again. The Band’s website tells the story of Richard’s suicide. “Richard Manuel’s jumping-off point for out yonder turned out to be a motel room in a sleepy Florida town called Winter Park, a suburb of Orlando. That night--it was March 3, 1986--a truncated version of The Band had played the Cheek to Cheek Lounge, a humbling comedown from the heated days when they toured with Bob Dylan and played festivals like the Isle of Wight. Early the next morning, after a night of booze and drugs, he got out of the bed where he lay with his wife, went into the bathroom and hanged himself. He was a month short of forty-three, a man victimized by the promises and betrayals of rock and roll. Ten years later, his friends and family still aren't sure why he did it, if they can accept that he did it at all.” Levon Helm, in his book, This Wheel’s on Fire, never did understand it. He and Richard had spent that last evening together sharing a few drinks, laughs and just reminiscing. What transpired in Richard’s mind from the time he left Levon’s suite and returned to his own, is a mystery to this day. The first person I ever knew who committed suicide was a casual acquaintance. Tom D. was probably 18 or so when he asphyxiated himself in a running car. He never gave us any inclination that he was going through tough times. I even remember spending an afternoon in his parent’s house listening to Cheech and Chong records. I also had a pastor who preached one Sunday on suicide. He said that suicide is the one sin no one can repent of and that person will end up in hell. I don’t know, I’m far from being a theologian. I like to think Jesus is very compassionate and knows how tough life is, and how fragile we can be from time to time. So if I met Richard at a party I’d ask him, “Why?”

PEOPLE I'D LIKE TO MEET AT A PARTY (AND WHY) #2

Carmen Miranda (1909-1955) was a Portuguese-born Brazilian samba singer and actress popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Miranda was a Broadway star and by some accounts the highest-earning woman in the United States. She achieved stardom in motion pictures, cast in musical roles. Her iconic visual identity is a fruit hat based on costumes she wore in The Gang's All Here. She was highly criticized in Brazil because she was considered too Americanized, and didn’t give a true portrayal of what life was really like in Brazil.

She suffered a mild heart attack while filming a segment of the Jimmy Durante show. She finished taping and died later on that evening after another attack. She was but 46 years old.

Now why on earth would I want to to meet her at a party? What does a person like myself have in common with a lady such as this? It’s very simple to explain this. I figure that if a woman wears a heavy fruit basket on her head all the time I can assume she has a strong neck and back. After 35 years of delivering mail, the first 27 on the beat, my neck is shot. It stiffens up, cracks if I turn sharply, and sometimes I get really sharp pains. I feel sorry for anyone sitting behind me at church or in the theatre because I am continually swivelling my neck from here to there to get comfortable. So Carmen must have some tips for someone with a sore neck. I won’t even mention my aching and weak back. That will be for our second get together.

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY FOR A BOB DYLAN CHRISTMAS

MUST BE SANTA!

ADAM LAMBERT - TIME FOR MIRACLES 2012

This video was making me feel a little queasy. I don't know if I can take it on the big screen!

PEOPLE I'D LIKE TO MEET AT A PARTY (AND WHY) #1

A number of years ago I was pretty tight with a friend named Richard. Richard introduced me to a lot of things. For example, the day before a major high school examination I thought I would shoot some baskets at Richard's house. I was really sweating this one out because I hated school, but I hated summer school even more. I had gone to summer school after my first year in high school, and vowed to never go through that experience again. There was a few other guys at Richard's that afternoon and they seemed to be having a really good time, and shared some brownies with me. Soon, I was having a very good time as well. Richard also introduced me to various recording artists, such as King Crimson, Renaissance, Frank Zappa, Bob Marley, Genesis and others. We used to go with a bunch to McVans in the blackrock section of Buffalo and there was an excellent Genesis cover band playing there by the name, I believe, of Tarsus. Anyhow, one day Richard dropped off a record for me to isten to by a weird looking bunch calling themselves the B52s. I wasn't overly impressed at first, probably because I was such a Dylan freak at the time. But their music has had a lasting appeal. I love the weird noises the girls make during Rock Lobster, and also when she screams "Why won't you dance with me?" on another song. I was, however, a prude when the radio played "Love Shack" and my kids were in the car. One time "Love Shack" was playing in our local Salvation Army thrift store. I do love the unbridled enthusiasm and energy in their music, and would love to meet them and ask them for directions to Planet Clare. If they can't help me, I'll have to buy one of those GPS things.

THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN

I was really pulling for this guy - a decent man, a real football man, but not a good head coach. Before we feel too sorry for Dick,he does have two seasons left on his contract at 3 million per. The new 6 million dollar man. My prediction for the next head coach is Jim Haslett. Hopefully he'll bring his old buddy Fred Smerlas along for the ride.

GOOD MORNING

IT'S A GOOD DAY Peggy Lee
Yes, it's a good day for singin' a song, And it's a good day for movin' along; Yes, it's a good day, how could anything go wrong, A good day from mornin' till night.

Yes, it's a good day for shinin' your shoes,
And it's a good day for losin' the blues; Ev'rything to gain and nothin' to lose, 'Cause it's a good day from mornin' till night.

I said to the sun, "good mornin', sun. Rise and shine, today" You know you've gotta get goin' If you're gonna make a showin' And you know you've got the right of way

'Cause it's a good day for payin' your bills; And it's a good day for curin' your ills, So take a deep breath and throw away your pills; 'Cause it's a good day from mornin' till night.

PEGGY LEE "MAANA"

Sometimes I know I missed my calling in life. I would have been a great disk jockey, I kid you not. We seem to neglect some of the greats from the past, and I just listened to a rare CD by Peggy Lee. This is a video of one of my favorite songs. Come back tomorrow morning, and I'll have another by Peggy to help you start your day right.

MAANA (Is Soon Enough For Me)
Peggy Lee

The faucet she is dripping and the fence she's fallin' down
My pocket needs some money, so I can't go into town
My brother isn't working and my sister doesn't care
The car she needs a motor so I can't go anywhere
(maana, maana, maana is soon enough for me)

My mother's always working, she's working very hard
But every time she looks for me I'm sleeping in the yard
My mother thinks I'm lazy and maybe she is right
I'll go to work maana but I gotta sleep tonight
(maana, maana, maana is soon enough for me)

Oh, once I had some money but I gave it to my friend
He said he'd pay me double, it was only for a lend
But he said a little later that the horse she was so slow
Why he give the horse my money is something I don't know
(maana, maana, maana is soon enough for me)

------ guitar solo ------

(maana, maana, maana is soon enough for me)

My brother took a suitcase and he went away to school
My father said he only learned to be a silly fool
My father said that I should learn to make a chile pot
But then I burned the house down, the chile was too hot
(maana, maana, maana is soon enough for me)

The window she is broken and the rain is comin' in
If someone doesn't fix it I'll be soaking to my skin
But if we wait a day or two the rain may go away
And we don't need a window on such a sunny day
(maana, maana, maana is soon enough for me) Oba! Oba!
(maana, maana, maana is soon enough for me) Oba! Oba!

A REAL GENTLEMAN

Last night I heard reports of the 86 year old owner, Bud Adams, of the Tennessee Titans giving the Buffalo Bills a salute following the Titans 41-17 victory. I'm not a prude, I realize that boys will be boys.However,when I look at players getting fined thousands of dollars for celebrating a touchdown, I wonder how high the penalty will be for this old man? I hate to think what Adams would have done if he lost the game.Here's the video evidence.

ROXY MUSIC "DANCE AWAY" A SONG FOR THE JILTED GUYS

Yesterday, when it seemed so cool, When I walked you home, kiss goodnight, I said "it's love", you said "alright". Its funny how, I could never cry, Until tonight, when you pass by, Hand-in-Hand with another guy, You're dressed to kill, and guess whos dying...

Dance away the heartache, Dance away, tears. Dance away the heartache, Dance away, fears. Dance away...

Loneliness, is a crowded room, Full of open hearts, turned to stone. All together, all alone. All at once, my whole world had changed. Now I'm in the dark, off the wall, Lit the strobe light up the wall. I close my eyes, and dance til dawn.

Dance away the heartache, Dance away, tears. Dance away the heartache, Dance away, fears. Dance away... Dance away... Dance away...

Now I know, I must walk the line Until i find an open door, Off the street or onto the floor. There was I, many times a fool, I hoped and prayed, but not too much, Out of reach is out of touch, All the way is far enough.

Dance away the heartache, Dance away, tears. Dance away the heartache, Dance away, fears. Dance away the heartache, Dance away, tears. Dance away the heartache, Dance away, fears. (fade)

NOTHING LIKE RIPPING A GUYS HEART OUT #2

NOTHING LIKE RIPPING A GUY'S HEART OUT #1

Relax

The next Friday the 13th isn't until June 13, 2014. I am pleased to say I have never watched one of these garbage movies. You know, people complain about the waste of money spent on athletes, but I'm sure this crap costs a lot to produce. And while I got your attention, this has been a strange week - I've been in a pretty good mood and haven't posted any rants and raves. Donovan "They call him mellow yellow". Hopefully, not for long, there is to much "broken" out there.

DAILY DOSE OF ROGOVIN

“Buffalo Lower West Side Revisited (Mrs. Lopez - 6 confirmation girls),” 1974;

DAILY DOSE OF ROGOVIN

''Buffalo Lower West Side 1960(woman on couch)''

A CHALLENGER TO BOB DYLAN

I thought Bob Dylan was a lock for turning out the most unique Christmas album this season. I may have been premature in my viewpoint. Tori Amos, a very beautiful, articulate, and talented artist has just released her own Christmas album, Midwinter Graces.

HURRAH FOR DISNEY!

I don't know how significant this is, or how it fits into the greater scheme of things,but let me introduce Princess Tiana. She is being heralded as Disney's "First Black Princess". She makes her debut in theatres November 25th, starring in "The Princess and the Frog."

THE WORKOUT

Imagine with me a man who has been given a gift—a lifetime membership to a big, beautiful Health Club. It's the sort of place with all of the latest exercise equipment and facilities, literally anything you could possibly want to help you build up your body. A full-time nutritionist counsels members on what they should be eating to reach their goals. A full-time masseur helps work out those kinked up, sore muscles. Several full-time trainers are available to teach members both one-on-one and in groups how to use the equipment and get the most out of their membership. There are two aerobics instructors, and special aerobics sessions scheduled for every conceivable level of health and fitness.

Our guy visits the health club on a weekly basis. First, he stops by the aerobics studio, and watches an aerobics class doing their workout. Next, he goes to the room with all of the state-of-the-art exercise machines. The other members greet him as he walks in, and one of the trainers asks if he has any needs, questions, or requires help in any way. Our guy politely declines the offer, and then proceeds to pull up a chair and watch as people are working out. He's actually only one of several onlookers, watching carefully as the people step up to the various machines and begin working their different muscle groups. He observes the coaches and trainers working with different members, encouraging, challenging, and helping them stretch their limits just a little bit farther. When someone reaches a new goal, our guy even joins onlookers in clapping and cheering in celebration.

The hour has past, and our man makes his way to the door. On the way out, the club's manager greets him, shaking his hand and asking how his workout was. Our member compliments the manager on his fine facility and the great workout session, then moves on to the next item on the day's agenda.

Months pass. Our member has been going to the club every week, and following much the same routine. He's not seeing much difference in his life, but all it really costs him is an hour of his time each week, so he keeps going to the club almost every week. One day, a trainer encourages him to get out of his seat and actually work out on the machines, but our man declines the invitation—and then sits among the onlookers and grumbles about those pushy trainers. He theorizes that the trainer is just trying to get him to spend money on something—these trainers are probably on commission.

As the hour ends, our member makes his way to the parking lot, asking himself why he even bothers wasting his time coming to this health club. After all, he's been coming here for months, and he's not one single bit stronger or healthier. The people aren't all that friendly—they keep wanting to talk about working out, and they keep trying to get him into that stupid aerobics class, or on an exercise bike. And they call that stuff food? They don't even have donuts at the health food bar! No ding-dongs, no Twinkies, not even a candy bar—and he can't stand those awful tasting "power" bars and drinks they sell all the time. He knows that some of these people come to the health club 2 or 3 times a week, and they talk about working out at home, too—how can they stand it?

Does it seem really silly to you that this guy sits around at the health club watching other people work out, but never does anything but watch and complain? Does it seem ludicrous for him to complain about not seeing any results from his membership, when all he does is sit and watch? Yes it does, without a doubt—but, our churches have lots of folks just like our guy, who sit back, watch, and complain—but never participate. If folks try to get them involved, they complain because folks are pushy; if they don't try to get them involved, they complain because the folks are unfriendly. And, they really like their spiritual donuts and junk food.

Like a health club, the church is not meant to be a place for spectators. It's a place to train, equip, and build spiritual muscles—and to put those muscles to work, coaching and training others.

When you're at church, are you working out—or watching?

Written by Dan Case - http://www.case-studies.com/index.html

DAILY DOSE OF ROGOVIN

I would call this one "You better wash up before dinner."

MIGHTY TO SAVE

I used to be able to sing this song but then I lost my singing voice. If anyone sees a singing voice laying around, it might be mine. I am offering a reward.

SHE SHOULD BE A HOCKEY PLAYER

CHIMP FUNERAL

The chimp in the wheelbarrow is Dorothy, who died of natural causes (heart failure) in her late 40s on September 22, 2008. The photo above was taken at her burial, where all the chimpanzees at the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center gathered in silence at the burial, watching their friend and loved one be placed to rest.

DAILY DOSE OF ROGOVIN

WOMAN PLAYING A WASHBOARD AT A BUFFALO, NY CHURCH - MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE!

PICTURE MAN - THE POETRY OF PHOTOGRAPHER MILTON ROGOVIN

Half a century ago, one year after a vicious attack by the House of Un-American Activities Committee had devastated his optometry practice and silenced his voice, Milton Rogovin picked up a camera for the first time. He was 48 years old. “My voice was essentially silenced,” says Rogovin," So I decided to speak out through photograghs."

Miton Rogovin (born in 1909) is one of the nation’s most accomplished social documentary photographers, although until now he has remained virtually unknown outside of his hometown of Buffalo, New York.

He began shooting photographs of storefront African American churches with the help his wife, Anne Rogovin. He continued to shoot working people in Buffalo and around the world with his wife’s financial support. In 1972, he shot his most significant work ,just a few blocks away from his optometric office. They consisted of portraits of the Lower West Side, one of Buffalo’s poorest communities.

At the age of 83, after overcoming heart surgery and prostate cancer he continued to shoot the streets of the Lower West Side. In 1997, Rogovin developed cataracts in both eyes. In 1999, he restored his eyesight through surgery and continued to take pictures. (Democracy Now)

NEXT CD I'M GOING TO BUY

A FINNISH BLUES PLAYER? Certain musicians possess the ability to move your soul and make you smile all at the same time. Erja Lyytinen happens to be one of them. Recently ranked among the top five guitar players in Finland, this rising young talent has established herself internationally with three highly regarded releases in the past three years. She's a blues artist who doesn't limit herself to the blues, a songwriter and storyteller who transcends the genre's clichés. The blues, in Erja's hands, sounds honest, fresh and hip.

DAILY DOSE OF ROGOVIN

Joseph Kemp, Hanna Furnace, Buffalo, NY

SNAKE HANDLER FAITH

Grasshopper Valley, Tenn -- Lewis Ford is shown as he drapes a rattlesnake about the neck of a fellow member of his congregation at the Dolly Pond Church of God (1945

DAILY DOSE OF ROGOVIN

Mother and children, Sunday Communion, 1972

AS THE RUIN FALLS (C.S.LEWIS)

All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you.
I never had a selfless thought since I was born.
I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through:
I want God, you, all friends, merely to serve my turn.

Peace, re-assurance, pleasure, are the goals I seek,
I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin:
I talk of love --a scholar's parrot may talk Greek--
But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin.

Only that now you have taught me (but how late) my lack.
I see the chasm. And everything you are was making
My heart into a bridge by which I might get back
From exile, and grow man. And now the bridge is breaking.

For this I bless you as the ruin falls. The pains
You give me are more precious than all other gains

MILTON ROGOVIN

I had never heard of this man before this afternoon. His website proclaims him to be a social documentary photographer. Much of his work is focused on the East and West side of Buffalo, NY IN THE 1950S. I'm going to be writing more about this man over the next little while, but for now, here is a sample of his work from "Milton Rogovin: The Forgotten Ones."

LUCINDA WILLIAMS "WORLD W/O TEARS" TRIBUTE FOR NOOR FALEH ALMALEKI

BULLS VS BOWLING GREEN TONIGHT. GO BULLS!

HERSHEY AIN'T CHOCOLATE

HERSHEY’S AIN’T CHOCOLATE

Sorry ladies, and any other chocolate lovers out there, but the title is true, Hershey’s ain’t chocolate!

This story was originally covered by the Smart Set, an online magazine of Drexel University. The article claims that Hershey’s chocolates, for the most part, aren’t really chocolate. They’re “the terrible bastard children of chocolate and corporate frugality,” according to Meg Favreau, writing for The Smart Set.

It seems that Hershey’s, and other industrial chocolate makers, mix their real coco butter with other vegetable oils. This process makes production cheaper, but it also makes something that is not chocolate. For now, the FDA requires Hershey’s to call its industrial byproducts “chocolate flavored” instead of real chocolate. However, according to Favreau, the website refers to the candies as “chocolate bars” and “milk chocolate.” That may change, however, as industry groups lobby the FDA to relax its definition of “chocolate” to include other vegetable oils.

So much for thinking that if it looks like chocolate and tastes like chocolate it must be chocolate!

It reminds me of a time when one of my children came home sporting a $10 G.A.P. hoodie, instead of a GAP hoodie!

As I think of this deception by Hershey’s my mind turns to a Bible verse found in Matthew 24. It was also a foot stomping gospel song by Johnny Cash – “Matthew 24 is Knockin’ at the Door!” The verse I am referring to is the 24th verse in Matthew; 24 "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

I wonder a lot about the many “Christ’s” we have in our world today. There is the “Christ” of slick, multi millionaire TV preachers who will tell you that Jesus wants you to be rich and free of illness. There is the “Christ” presented by others who want us to live lives of perpetual suffering and misery. There is the “Christ” worshipped by cults who believe that Jesus was just an angel, or a brother of Satan, or just one of many roads that lead to God. There is Green Day’s “Jesus of Suburbia”.

So what do we do? We don’t have an agency like the FDA to tell us if we are following the real Christ or not.

We could learn something from FBI agents trained to discern the difference between real and counterfeit money. You may be surprised to know that these agents don’t spend countless hours studying counterfeit bills, but study the real money instead. This way, when something phony is placed before them, they can identity it as such immediately.

Stay tuned for future postings as I examine the real Jesus, and in doing so, help us all to beware of the false Christ’s spoken of in Matthew 24:24.

UPDATE ON NOV 1 POST "SUNDAY MORNING"

(CNN) -- A 20-year-old woman from Iraq has died in an Arizona hospital, nearly two weeks after her father, police say, ran her over with a car because she had become "too Westernized."
Noor Faleh Almaleki died Monday of injuries suffered when she was run over October 20 in a parking lot in the Phoenix suburb of Peoria, Arizona, police there said. Authorities said they expect to change the aggravated assault charge against her father, Faleh Hassan Almaleki, 48, to more severe counts after meetings with prosecutors, Peoria
police announced.
Peoria police said Faleh Hassan Almaleki believed his daughter had become "too Westernized" and had abandoned "traditional" Iraqi values. Peoria police spokesman Mike Tellef told CNN the family moved to the Phoenix area in the mid-1990s, and Almaleki was unhappy with his daughter's style of dress and her resistance to his rules.
After the incident, Almaleki's father drove to Mexico, abandoning his vehicle in Nogales, Peoria police said. He then made his way to Mexico City and boarded a plane to Britain, where authorities denied him entry into the country and put him on a plane back to the United States, police said.
A friend of the daughter, Amal Edan Khalaf, 43, also suffered serious injuries in the attack, police said. Almaleki faces a separate aggravated assault charge in connection with her injuries.
He is currently held in Phoenix, with bail has been set at $5 million, Tellef said.

ANY ONE FOR GOLF?

THINK TWICE BEFORE SHOPPING!

FOOTBALL BLOOPER TACKLE

HALLOWEEN JESUS DRESSUP

My first online experiences were with WebTV. It wasn’t a bad product, though it had severe limitations. You could email and surf, create personal web pages, play games and join a community of fellow users in various newsgroups. The search engines of choice back then were Yahoo Answers and Ask Jeeves. There is a new challenger to Google, one that I have used on occasion and find it to be very competitive, and this is Bing. People probably won’t use it because it is a Microsoft product.

Every once in a while I “Google” myself. I find that in the past I entered some information about a Frank Zappa concert I attended in Buffalo during the early ‘70s. I also made a comment on an article in Ship of Fools. My name is also found in a genealogy that traces itself back to Russia in the 1600s, where I am remotely related to the Krushev family! I am also to be found in the website of the church I attend.

This morning I “Googled” the name Jesus. I am a Christian, and am helping out in an outreach Bible study which is exploring different aspects of the life of Jesus, so I was curious what opinions are about Jesus on the internet.

The first article was from Wikipedia. The second site listed was “Halloween Jesus Dressup.” I should have known better but curiosity and impulsiveness won its way and I entered this website.

I was appalled.

There was a picture of Jesus on the cross, and the rest of the page was filled with all sorts of costumes that you could drag over and place on Jesus. That was far from the worst of it. There were also options for “Star Wars Jesus” and “Xmas Jesus” and “Wizard of Oz Jesus” and “BDSM Jesus”.

Further investigation disclosed that this site has been created by an atheist. There is a flashing sign in the upper right corner of the page that proclaims “Your Prayers Did Nothing”.

Such brazen hostility and hatred towards Jesus always catches me by surprise. I suppose I am naïve.

I quickly turned to my Wordsearch Bible and rejoiced in the words found in the first chapter of Colossians.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.
17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
19 For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,
20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,
22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— Colossians 1:15-22 (NASB)

How can they live without Jesus? How can they live without God’s love?

Can't Wait 'til Morning

What they really wanted for Halloween

Time for a Smoke Break?

Sunday Morning

This is not my typical Sunday morning. I have been ill since last Wednesday, and though I am on the mend, I think it is prudent that I stay at home. People are a little uptight about the H1N1 virus, with reason, and health authorities encourage sick people, such as myself, to stay home until feeling better. I said it's not my typical Sunday morning for the simple reason that usually we are in a rush to get to church on time. My wife and I don't attend church in our home town, but actually cross the Niagara River and attend a small church in North Buffalo. Today would have been especially harried because our local football heroes, the Buffalo Bills, are at home and about 10,000-12,000 fans will be crossing our local bridges to get to the game in Orchard Park. This generally means we have to leave at least a half and hour earlier, to stay ahead of all the drunks on buses stopping at the Duty Free to get more booze!
So, instead of worshipping at church I'll spend a half and hour or so reading the Bible (I am currently during a read through with the NASB) and am almost finished Numbers. I'll also spend a little time in prayer which is not something I am very faithful at.

This is one guy I will be praying for. His name is Faleh Hassan Almaleki and he just might make Keith Olbermann's "Worst Person in the World" list. Here is the news story: (KFYI) Peoria police are looking for a Glendale man who allegedly ran over his 20-year-old daughter and another woman in the Department of Economic Security parking lot Tuesday. Faleh Hassan Almaleki, 48, was reportedly angry at his daughter, Noor Faleh Almaleki, for becoming ‘too westernized’ and not living according to their traditional Iraqi values.

Both women have been hospitalized. The daughter of the suspect had life-threatening injuries.The other victim, Amal Edan Khalaf, had less serious injuries. Khalaf is the mother of Almaleki’s boyfriend.

This of course begs the question : If you don’t want your daughters (or wives) to become Westernized, why come to live in the West?  I do not mention "sons" because I have yet to see punishment or honor killings inflicted upon males for any "western" sins. My suggestion would be to imprison this man on attempted murder charges and upon his release to deport his sorry butt back to Iraq.

On second thought, maybe I'll spend time praying for his daughter, that she will heal from her physical and emotional wounds, and that she would become westernized, and realize that in our society women have a choice. A choice to naturally fall in love instead of having a husband picked out for her. A choice to exercise freedom in choosing a place of worship. A choice to live life without suppression and evil male domination. This is a picture of  Noor Faleh Almaleki. Join with me in praying for her.

The Apple Suckling Tree

Under that apple suckling tree

Oh yeah!

Under that apple suckling tree

Oh yeah!

Underneath that tree

There's just gonna be you and me

Underneath that apple suckling tree

Oh yeah!

Where do I begin? This world is becoming too complicated, too impersonal, too stark : like cold, blue steel. When you get right down to it, when all is said and done, it's all gonna be just you and me. Bear with me, my daily thoughts, my daily ruminations, my daily rants and raves, the occasional silliness. I haven't painted my masterpiece yet. Perhaps I shall some day.